bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential of the Use of a Judicial Penalty (Astreinte) as Support of Discharge of the Obligation to Submit Evidence Being Called for in a Civil Procedure
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Legal Disciplines of the Faculty of Contemporary Law of the Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations, Vlasenko Vladislav A.
Published: January 2024

The presentation of evidence in civil proceedings is a subjective right of the persons involved in the case, however, the court is entitled (in civil proceedings — should be entitled) to demand evidence under threat of penalties. The subjects of punitive liability are both the persons involved in the case and other subjects who own the required evidence. However, a court fine as a measure of responsibility for failure to provide evidence is not always effective, which gives rise to a rare application of this measure in judicial practice. Requests for evidence are often not executed by the persons to whom they are addressed. The author proposes to establish a judicial penalty (astrent) as a measure of responsibility for failure to provide evidence, which is currently established for the case of non-execution of only the final judicial act. It is proved that the penalty, which is increasingly increasing as the procedural obligation is not fulfilled, will serve as a more effective incentive for the presentation of evidence. The proposed measure performs three functions: when it is established in case of possible non–presentation of the requested evidence, it has a preventive function; when it is applied for the fact of non–presentation of evidence, it has a liability measure function and a security function.
Institutions of Loss Recovery and Compensation Payment in View of Security for a Claim in the Russian Civil and Arbitration Proceedings (a Comparative Legal Analysis)
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Judicial Proceedings and Criminal Law Systems of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Chief Specialist of the Analytical Unit of the Legal and Corporate Department of Rosatom State Corporation, Goryunov Kirill M.
Published: January 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the problematic aspects related to the legal regulation of the institutions of recovery of damages and compensation due to interim measures in russian commercial and civil proceedings. A comparative legal analysis of the legislative regulation of the above means of judicial protection is carried out. A special attention is given to the evaluation of efficiency of the institute of compensation due to interim measures which is provided only in commercial proceedings. Measures for elimination of the drawbacks revealed in article 98 of the Commercial Procedural Code of the Russian Federation and article 146 of the Civil Procedural Code of the Russian Federation are offered.
On the Meaning of Procedural Economy as a Principle
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Private Law of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Honored Member of the Moscow Bar Association, PhD (Law), Bardin Lev N.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of some norms of legislation, judicial practice and scientific publications related to procedural economy as a principle. An opinion is expressed regarding the need to legislate the principle of procedural economy, as well as to ensure the proportionality of the application of procedural economy without prejudice to the right to judicial protection.
Laws on Protection of Consumer Rights
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Civil Procedure Law of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Nikitin Nikita V.
Published: January 2024

The paper considers the issues of consideration and restoration of violated consumer rights, as well as other features of this branch of modern legislation, which are characterized by individual features and unique problems.
A Review on 1,2,3 - Triazole & Piperazine Derivatives with Various Biological Activities
Authors:   Research scholar, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, VISTAS, Pallavaram, Chennai, 600043, Loganathan C Geethapriya , Krishnan Karthickeyan , Vachala S D , Urolagin Deeparani , Vijayakumar J
Published: January 2024

The largest family of organic molecules in organic chemistry are heterocyclic compounds. A heterocyclic compound is created when an oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, or atom of a similar element is included in place of a carbon atom. Heterocyclic compounds play a crucial role in daily living. It has a wide scope of uses in agrochemicals and medicinal chemistry. One of a pair of chemical compounds known as triazoles and Piperazine, with the molecular formula C2H3N3 and C5H5N. A fundamental aromatic heterocyclic scaffold is 1,2,3-triazole and piperazine. Because of its structural characteristics, these moiety’s are valuable in material science and due to its extensive application in chemistry, these can also be synthesized from readily available compounds. This literature review sheds light on the fact that 1,2,3-triazole and piperazine of hetero compounds are profoundly receptive and are known to possess potent diverse activities like, analgesic, anti-HIV, antimalarial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, and so forth. In conclusion numerous biological actions of the Piperazine and 1,2,3-Triazole derivatives of heterocyclic compounds were detailed and reviewed in this review. Keywords: 1,2,3 - Triazole; Biological activities; Piperazine; Anticancer Activity
Characterization of Khaya Senegalensis Gum: Effects of Drying Methods on the Physicochemical Properties
Authors:   Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, Sa’adiya Mahmud Halima , Oyi Rukayat Avosuahi , Ibrahim Yakubu KoKori E
Published: January 2024

The study was aimed to assess the effect of drying methods on physicochemical properties of Khaya senegalensis gum. Gum exudates obtained from the bark of Khaya senegalensis plant was extracted and subjected to freeze drying and vacuum oven drying. Gel permeation chromatography, Elemental analysis, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transforms Infra red spectroscopy were used to characterize the gum. The effect of drying methods on the gum samples were assessed based on Differential scanning calorimetry, Scanning electron microscopy, Dynamic vapour sorption, particle size analysis via laser diffraction techniques, colour and density measurements. An average molecular weight of 60 KDa expressed as the Dextran equivalent and a polydispersity of 2.17 with a retention time of 18,485 min was recorded for the vacuum dried gum. The vacuum dried gum occurred as irregular discreet coarse particles, containing both amorphous and crystalline portions due to a glass transition of 65◦ and melting temperature of 182.35◦C. It also displayed excellent flow and compressibility properties whereas the freeze-dried gum appeared flaky, porous with large surface area. The mechanism of water sorption was found to be initial surface adsorption and subsequently bulk absorption for both freeze dried and vacuum dried gum samples. The coarseness, water sorption and retention ability of the vacuum dried gum provides a potential for its use as a disintegrant in solid dosage formulations whereas the freeze-dried gum will be suitable for use as a binding agent due to its smaller particle sizes that enhanced solubility. Furthermore, the presence of nitrogen in Khaya senegalensis gum structure explains its partial solubility and the azo aromatic group suggests biodegradability and candidature for drug delivery to the colon. Keywords: Khaya senegalensis Gum; Average Molecular Weight; Amorphous; Crystalline; Direct Compression Excipient; Disintegrant 2 Freeze and vacuum dried Khaya senegalensis gum characterization
Aging in place and elderly mobility habits: Evidence from Italian national surveys
Authors: Rossi Federica
Published: January 2024

The aim of the paper is to provide an empirical framework of the ageing process in Italy, with a focus on aging in place and mobility behaviour of the elderly, as emerging from two national surveys: the “Aspects of Daily Life” survey by ISTAT and the ISFORT mobility survey. Results show that the Italian cities and towns are sufficiently age-friendly, with some improvement opportunities to be implemented. Loneliness and isolation represent a warning sign, hindering the aging in place. Finally, the study confirms that the Italian older adults use public transport only a few times, in favour of private cars.
Spatial planning needs towards Copernicus Land Monitoring Services: Case studies from Poland and Norway
Authors: Cysek-Pawlak Monika , Misiak Jakub , Hościło Agata , Strand Geir-Harald , Eiter Sebastian
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the needs related to geospatial LC, LU, and LCLUC information for spatial planning in Poland and Norway, and examine the usefulness of CLMS products in the context of these planning systems. The research has conducted based on a comparative analysis of two planning systems, to indicate areas where CLMS can improve or supplement national spatial data. The study shows that CLMS can provide information on up-to-date spatial data showing actual LC/LU/LCLUC, but that the degree of detail and the accuracy may be insufficient. CLMS data is harmonised across Europe and thus meets the need expressed by international organisations, for data that are consistent at a continental level. This is not a requirement in national planning systems in Poland and Norway, where the needs are regulated by national legislation. The thematic and geometric accuracy of national data sources are usually better than the data provided by CLMS, but CLMS might fill gaps when specific topics are missing in national mapping programs.
USE AND TEACHING OF SEO, VOICE AND TONE GUIEDLIENES:
Authors: Кавгић Александар Петар
Published: January 2024

This qualitative, case-study research analyses workplace English (WE) to determine how the interplay of voice and tone guidelines and search engine optimizations (SEO) guidelines shapes the use of English in marketing content of an IT companies, as well as how much English teaching at the IT company caters to the needs of WE users in that respect. The research is based on two main resources: 1) a corpus of approximately 40 blogs and 100 website news articles which were compiled into a corpus in their draft, reviewed and post-SEO versions and 2) learning materials used in English classes for, allegedly, improving WE, including voice, style and SEO skills. The research was conducted in two phases. First, the revisions and edits in the corpus were identified and mapped to voice, tone, style and SEO guidelines, in order to see if edits do indeed target these aspects of WE use. Secondly, the teaching materials were analyzed to identify how they were crafted to address the main issues identified in the use of WE in respect of tone, voice and, in particular, SEO. This approach is based on the rules of qualitative research in public relations and marketing communication (Daymon & Holloway, 2010). The research shows that, in addition to struggling with voice and tone guidelines, employees also have trouble meeting the SEO guidelines, which may all be due to suboptimal WE teaching and learning materials which put too much emphasis on fine details of English usage, but not on the specialized requirements of IT companies in terms of voice, tone, style and SEO. The research also provides guidelines for improving WE teaching practice in terms of style, voice and, crucially, SEO requirements.
Humanitarian training at technical universities: Problems of achieving quality in current conditions
Authors:   Bryansk State Technical University, Lobeeva Vera M.
Published: January 2024

The article identifies and analyzes the problems that currently seriously hinder the achievement of high-quality humanitarian training at technical universities. We recognize the following problems as the most significant: problems resulting from the digitalization of the educational and teaching-methodical process, problems associated with excessive formalization of the educational and teaching-methodical process, structural imbalances in the system of social and humanitarian disciplines taught at technical universities, educational and methodological overload of teachers of social and humanitarian disciplines, instability of the socio-professional status of teachers. We also prove the necessity of constructive interaction between teachers of social and humanitarian disciplines and administrative and managerial structures of universities, through which it is possible to overcome the existing problems and approach socially significant goals of humanitarian training at technical universities.
Discussion as a basis for the implementation of universal educational actions (Based on a foreign view of debating in educational activities)
Authors:   The A.I. Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University, Verminenko Yulia V. , Zverev Sergey E. ,   The Empress Catherine II Mining University
Published: January 2024

The Federal Educational Program of General Secondary Education mentions the use of discussion in the educational process occasionally. Communication is considered as a means of ensuring the formation of universal educational actions (UES). Communicative activity differs from communicative actions on the basis of a motive, which is based on the need for communication, which is more developed in modern youth than the cognitive need. The article substantiates the necessity of transferring the communicative activity of students to the classroom (classroom) and filling its content with educational information. This approach dictates the need for work based on discussion, in which the communicative activity of the participants reaches a maximum. Based on the concept of discourses of J. Lacan (Master’s discourse, university discourse, hysteric discourse, analyst’s discourse) and the practice of debating in modern American university culture, the possibilities of using different forms of discourse in various kinds of discussions and options for their use in the educational process are analyzed. The materials are accompanied by a brief retrospective of the use of discussion in state and military policy and the conclusion is made about the need for a wider introduction of discussion (debating) to form the ability to communicate within the framework of the UES.
Sociological support of activities Internal Affairs Bodies
Authors:   Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Lashchenov Mikhail S.
Published: January 2024

Modern realities of the information society actualize the problem of sociological support for the activities of Internal affairs bodies, since they oblige the latter to pay maximum attention to the issues of searching, analyzing and using various, including sociological, information, which today has turned from an auxiliary tool into the main component of the organization’s activities. As for representatives of other areas of government regulation, the objective field of activity of heads of internal affairs bodies includes a huge number of social aspects that require continuous study and analysis. Moreover, the specificity of the sphere of regulation of internal affairs is determined primarily by its social context, which requires, in most cases, sociological tools corresponding to it. Under these conditions, ignoring or reducing the importance of the role of sociological knowledge deprives the possibility of high-quality information and analytical support for management activities, which is the key to an effective solution to a huge range of emerging law enforcement problems. The article analyzes current trends in sociological support for the activities of internal affairs bodies and its current problematic state, mainly from the position of production in educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Interactive methods of teaching philosophy to students of “Management” training direction in the context of the mission of a modern (technical) university
Authors:   Ural State University of Railway Transport, Pyatiletova Lyudmila V.
Published: January 2024

Using the example of the introductory philosophy seminar for students of the Management training course, the application of the case study methodology is demonstrated as the most effective in the context of the implementation of the mission of a modern university, which has the generic properties of a university as a cultural phenomenon and, as a result, is aimed not only at the formation of a highly qualified specialist, but also sets itself a larger task the “production” of the personality of a professional who is able to fully solve both business problems and problems related to personal and social value-semantic, existential choice. It is shown how, through the use of mini-cases in the process of teaching philosophy, it is possible to create a genuine motivation to study the subject field of philosophy with prolonged educational goals: not only teaching philosophy as a discipline and gaining the skill of critical thinking, but also the study of philosophical problems, which will allow in the future to professionally solve managerial problems.
The image of state high-tech corporations as a factor in the professional choice of modern youth
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Zimova Natalia S. , Kalashnik Sofia M.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the image of Russian high-tech state corporations, which in modern conditions are faced with the problem of attracting and retaining young specialists. One of the factors influencing the professional choice of young specialists is the image of corporations among young people. Based on the theory of social construction of reality and on articles on the formation of a corporate image, the authors highlight the social image of state corporations, which is formed spontaneously in the minds of young people under the influence of historical, social, cultural factors, and the image constructed by the management of state corporations using management technologies. Using the example of the state corporation Roscosmos, the authors identified and compared the social image among young people and the constructed image. In-depth interviews with representatives of the relevant departments of the Roscosmos corporation made it possible to identify the desired image for the corporation as an innovative and high-tech corporation that maintains its leading position in space, which is promising for young professionals. A questionnaire survey of Moscow youth revealed the predominance of a negative image of the company, which is especially pronounced among graduates of specialized educational institutions and young specialists in the aerospace industry. The identified discrepancy between the constructed image and the real image of the state corporation Roscosmos has a negative impact on attracting young specialists. The authors propose a number of measures aimed at solving the problem of constructing a positive image of state-owned high-tech corporations among young people.
Influence of the accuracy of academic performance assessment on the effectiveness of education at University
Authors:   North-West State Medical University n.a. I.I. Mechnikov, Gelman Viktor Ya.
Published: January 2024

Progress control is an essential component of the educational process in universities. Assessment influences students’ motivation and learning strategies, as well as curriculum development. Errors in assessment cause distortions in the feedback of the student-teacher system and lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of teaching. The paper examines the influence of the accuracy and reliability of academic performance assessment on the effectiveness of learning at the university. The methodological basis of the study was the methods of conceptual modeling, analysis of scientific publications and generalized practical experience. A conceptual model of the impact of grades on students’ learning has been proposed and researched. It is shown that with a positive systematic shift in the average teacher error, the quality of learning decreases. The impact of inaccurate assessments on students’ motivation is also considered. Ways to increase the objectivity of academic performance assessment are proposed: formalization of grading criteria, a grade-rating system, the use of standard test programs and collegiate assessment methods. It is anticipated that future research in this area will focus on innovative assessment methods, the impact of technology on assessment accuracy, and the role of collegiate and self-assessment in improving reliability.
Emotion and Affect in World Politics
Authors: Strezhneva M.
Published: January 2024

In the world (but not yet in Russia specifically) there is already an extensive and rapidly growing amount of literature on the role and place of emotions both in international relations (IR) and in the foreign policy of states. This gives grounds to talk about the “emotional turn” within the framework of IR as a research discipline. But it is also well known that emotions are studied not only by IR, but in psychology, in various areas of neuroscience and in sociology as well. This article deals with some ontological and epistemological issues, arising from the results of multidirectional efforts of many academics to conceptualize the international political role of emotions on the basis of the leading international relations theories. The immediate goal is the exploration in the chosen subject area of the methodological problem of the integration of social science knowledge with achievements from the field of natural sciences. It is proposed to pay particularly close attention in this sense to the paradigm of affective neuroscience. The phenomenon of emotion, in principle, does not fit well with categories, which until now the IR has been focused on. Methodological imperatives of objective research push for the exclusion of subjective emotional experience from the scope of consideration. Constructivists, in their turn, treat emotion as a cognitive belief rather than as a bodily state. But in the article, the emotion is represented as a phenomenon which is both mental and physical. This is a monist view, going back to Spinoza. The research leads to the conclusion that, although social constructivism has good potential for studying the emotions in IR, when intentionally ignoring the biological nature of emotions, social constructivists can weaken their own position in comparison with those academic opponents, who are committed to instrumental rationalism in their approach. Constructivists thus limit with no good reason their own agenda when studying emotions and hinder the development of a transdisciplinary approach to the study of emotions in IR in particular.
Conventional arms control in Europe: crisis and prospects for recovery
Authors: Bogdanov K. , Kobrinskaya I.
Published: January 2024

The post-Cold War conventional arms control system (CACE), based on the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty), has experienced a series of crises in 2000s early 2020s. The recent escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO merely finalized the process of disintegration of this system, resulting from a range of diverse factors. The CACE crisis was caused by long-term military-political, military-strategic, and military-technical shifts. Despite the complexity of the current military-political relations between Russia and NATO, the authors believe that it is already appropriate to begin searching for ways to restore the CACE regime, which would be optimal in terms of the evolving strategic landscape in the Euro-Atlantic region and would meet the security interests of the parties. The authors conclude that the starting point for creating a new CACE regime could be agreements on medium-range strike systems of various types of basing that do not distinguish between nuclear and conventional systems. Such a solution is achievable, primarily, in the mode of the Russia U.S. bilateral negotiations, which would simplify the task of reaching effective agreements and would also give an impetus for subsequent negotiations on nuclear weapons when the relations between the parties are normalized.
visão geral de quatro tradições sobre guerra e paz na história cristã
Authors: Randazzo Gomes André Ricardo
Published: January 2024

Este ensaio examina quatro tradições sobre guerra e paz que se desenvolveram na história cristã. São elas: Pacifismo, Guerra Justa, Guerra Total, e Comunidade Mundial. O Pacifismo caracterizou os primeiros cristãos; a Guerra Justa apareceu no fim do quarto século e no quinto século; a Guerra Total, no século 11; e a Comunidade Mundial começou no século 16. Todas as quatro posições continuam hoje e são sustentadas por pessoas que sinceramente se chamam a si mesmas de cristãs.
Improving Estimation of Heart Rate and Heart Variability with Real-Time Palm Images Based on Independent Component Analysis and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Su Te-Jen , Cheng Jui-Chuan , Lin Wei-Hong , Yang Wen-Rong , Hung Ya-Chung , Wang Shih-Ming , Tseng Li-chin
Published: January 2024

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients infected with COVID-19 may experience abnormal heart rates, posing potential health risks. This study proposes a non-contact method for measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) to effectively reduce the risk of infection and assist healthcare professionals in more accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this study, except for the different image acquisition method, other research processes and methods are similar to the research methods in [15]. The image acquisition method is changed from forehead image to palm image. The new non-contact measurement performance of the proposed method can effectively not only avoid infection concerns but also obtain heart rate and HRV quickly and conveniently, providing higher accuracy for physiological parameters, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) compared to those in recently published papers.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Aviation Safety Culture
Authors: Kirwan Barry
Published: January 2024

Artificial Intelligence is developing at a rapid place, with examples of Machine Learning already utilized in aviation to improve efficiency. In the coming decade it is likely that Intelligent Assistants (IAs) or ‘Digital Colleagues’ will be developed and deployed to assist aviation personnel in the cockpit, the air traffic control centre and airports. This will be a game-changer and may herald the way forward for single pilot operations, AI-based management of Urban Mobility including fleets of drones and sky-taxis, and more carbon-efficient transport across global commercial transport networks. Yet in aviation there is a core underlying tenet that ‘people make safety’ and keep the skies and passengers safe, based on a robust industry-wide safety culture. The introduction of IAs into aviation could potentially undermine aviation’s hard-won track record in this area. This paper applies a scientifically validated safety culture tool to explore the potential impacts of the introduction of IAs into aviation. The results suggest that there are indeed potential negative outcomes, but also possible safety ‘affordances’ wherein AI could strengthen safety culture. Safeguards and mitigations are suggested for the key ‘risk owners’ in aviation organisations, to ensure safety remains a priority in the industry.
Mesencephalic Locomotor Region and Presynaptic Inhibition during Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Silva-Batista Carla , Lira Jumes , Coelho Daniel Boari , Lima-Pardini Andrea , Nucci Mariana , Mattos Eugenia , Magalhães Fernando Henrique , Barbosa Egberto , Teixeira Luis , Amaro Jr Edson , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Horak Fay B.
Published: January 2024

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG) have a loss of presynaptic inhibition (PSI) during anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) for step initiation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MRL) has connections to the reticulospinal tract that mediates inhibitory interneurons responsible for modulating PSI and APAs. Here, we hypothesized that MLR activity during step initiation would explain the loss of PSI during APAs for step initiation in freezers. Thirty-four freezers were assessed in the ON-medication state. During a functional magnetic resonance imaging protocol of simulated APA task, we assessed beta of blood oxygenation level-dependent signal change of areas known to initiate and pace gait (e.g., MLR), in addition to PSI of the soleus muscle during APA for step initiation, and clinical (e.g., disease duration) and behavioral (e.g., FOG severity and APAs amplitude for step initiation) variables. A linear multiple regression model showed that MLR activity (R2=0.32, P=0.0006) and APA amplitude (R2=0.13, P=0.0097) explained together 45% of the loss of PSI during step initiation in freezers. Decreased MLR activity during a simulated APA task is related to a higher loss of PSI during APA for step initiation. Deficits in central and spinal inhibitions during APA may be related to FOG pathophysiology.
The Analysis of Competition Impact on Liquidity Creation in the US Banking Industry
Authors: Suleymanov Elchin , Talishinskaya Samra
Published: January 2024

This analyses the impact of competition on liquidity creation in the banking industry of the United States. For the purposes of this paper panel data of US banks for the period of 1976-2000 is chosen as a sample. The plausible endogeneity issue is addressed by employing instrumental variables and then implementing two stages least squares method. Besides this, crisis period of 1990-1992 is also analyzed to compare effect with in “normal times”. The results show that decrease in the level of competition negatively affects the liquidity creation ability of banks in the US and this impact is even more negative during the crisis period.
Functionalization of Ordered Mesoporous Silica (MCM-48) with Task Specific Ionic Liquid for Enhanced Carbon Capture
Authors: Philip Firuz , Henni Amr
Published: January 2024

This work presents noble composites of AAILs@MCM-48 by functionalizing ordered mesopo-rous silicon MCM-48 with two amino acid-based ionic liquids (AAILs) ([Emim][Gly] and [Em-im][Ala]) to improve carbon capture and selectivity of CO2 over nitrogen. Thermogravimetric and XRD analyses of the composites show that the MCM-48 support's thermal and structural in-tegrity was preserved after the AAILs were encapsulated. An N2 adsorption-desorption study at 77 K also confirms AAIL encapsulation in the porous support. Under post-combustion flue gas conditions, both [Emim][Gly]@MCM-48 and [Emim][Ala]@MCM-48 demonstrated improved CO2 adsorption in comparison to unmodified MCM-48, with a CO2 partial pressure of around 0.15 bar. In terms of maximal CO₂ uptake, the 40wt%-[Emim][Gly] composite outperformed the others at 303K, with values of 0.74 and 0.82 mmol g-1, respectively, at 0.1 and 0.2 bar. These numbers show a 10x and 5x increase, respectively, as compared to the pure MCM-48 under iden-tical conditions. In addition, the selectivity of the composites was improved significantly, at 0.1 bar, the selectivity of composites containing 40wt% [Emim][Ala] increased to 17, compared to 2 for pristine MCM-48.
Squeezing Droplet Formation in a Flow-Focusing Micro Cross-Junction
Authors: Azzini Filippo , Pulvirenti Beatrice , Rossi Massimiliano , Morini Gian Luca
Published: January 2024

Motivated by the increasing need of optimised micro-devices for droplets production in medical and biological applications, this paper introduces an integrated approach for the study of the liquid-liquid droplet creation in flow-focusing micro cross-junctions. The micro-junction considered is characterised by a restriction of the channels cross-sections in the junction, which has the function of focusing the flow in the region of the droplet formation. The problem is studied numerically in OpenFOAM environment and validated by the comparison with experimental results obtained by high-speed camera images and micro-PIV measurements. The analysis of the forces acting on the dispersed phase during the droplet formation and the diameter of the droplets obtained numerically are considered for the development of a model of the droplet breakup under the squeezing regime. On the basis of energy balancing during the breakup, a relation between interfacial tension, the size of the cross-sections in the junction, and the time interval needed for droplet creation is obtained, which yields a novel correlation between the dimensionless length of the droplet and the dimensionless flow rate. This correlation is general and can be used to predict the droplet diameters produced by similar micro-junctions with different aspect ratios and extended to different geometries of flow-focusing micro-junctions.
Yield and Forage Characteristics of Winter Rye Cultivars for Use within the Upper Midwest
Authors: Cubins Julija A. , Eckberg James O. , Garcia y Garcia Axel , Johnson Gregg A. , Wiersma Jochum , Wells Samantha
Published: January 2024

Summer annual species are the most widely grown crops in the Upper Midwest, but reliance on a summer annual system has led to excessive soil and nutrient loss when crops are not present. Integrating winter rye (Secale cereale L.), known for its hardiness and environmental benefits, into the rotation can address these issues. However, there's limited understanding of the phenotypic diversity in winter rye during key growth stages that overlap with the typical planting dates for corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr], and late-planted crops like dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in biomass accumulation and quality of winter rye and triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) cultivars at three growth stages. Twenty cultivars were assessed over the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 growing seasons across three environments in Minnesota. Winter rye and triticale were harvested for biomass at the tillering, booting, and soft dough growth stages and rye biomass yield and quality [i.e., crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 48-hour digestibility (NDFD)] were determined following harvest. Overall, there was little variation in each parameter among the cultivars within a location and growth stage. NDFD had some variation at the soft dough stage where digestibility ranged from 273 to 324 g kg-1 at the Crookston site and 332 to 406 g kg-1 at the St. Paul site. The lack of difference between cultivars indicates a wide range of choice when selecting a winter rye cultivar.
In Vivo Biosynthesis of Au and Ag NPs Using Two Medicago sativa L. Genotypes
Authors: Jankovskis Lauris , Kokina Inese , Plaksenkova Ilona , Jermaļonoka Marija , Galek Renata
Published: January 2024

The nano size, physical and chemical properties of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) allow them to be used in medicine or plant protection, but chemical solvents used during synthesis makes them toxic and pose a threat to the environment. Chemical NPs synthesis can be replaced by in vivo synthesis in which independently growing plants such as alfalfa take up and then split the precursor in their cells down to nano size using synthesis-promoting solvents–biomolecules, which can break down materials without free radicals and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, making NPs environmentally benign.
In this study, two-week-old seedlings of two Medicago sativa L. genotypes, ‘Kometa’ and ‘la Bella’, were exposed to two precursors (AgNO3, HAuCl4) for 24 and 48 h to determine whether in vivo synthesis is possible. Double-blazed and certain wavelength spectrophotometry and confocal microscopy confirmed, statistically significant (P<0.05) changes in light absorption and light fluorescence compared to the control. Confocal microscopy showed both precursors visible in the roots of both genotypes. Currently, NPs synthesis and visualisation methods require a complex, expensive and time-consuming sequence of methods. It is important to find an effective, environmentally friendly, and as cheap and simple as possible method for the biosynthesis of NPs.
Scattering over Varying Amplification Grating
Authors: Granot Er'el
Published: January 2024

The scattering pattern from a narrow absorbing/amplifying grating is investigated. A simple model of a narrow amplifying grating is solved exactly numerically and approximately analytically for the regime where the beam’s wavelength is much shorter than the grating’s wavelength. The main results are: The incident angle divides the scattering pattern into two regimes: below and above the incident angles. The former regime has a weak dependence on the incident angle but has a strong dependence on the scattering one. In this regime, a new grating formula is derived. The opposite occurs in the latter regime, which is very sensitive to the incident angle, but has only weak dependence on the scattering angle. Consequently, at certain incident angles, all the scattering is concentrated in the first regime, i.e., all scattering angles are lower than the incident angle.
Identification of an Open Polynomial Tricompartmental Catenary System of (α+ β) Order by a Linearization Method
Authors: Ayoub Kemari , Khelifa Salim , Rahmoune Abita
Published: January 2024

To identify the exchange coefficients of a nonlinear polynomial tricompartmental general system of α+β , we follow the procedure; firstly, the recommended solution is to introduce an adequate time t*>0 in a determinable manner. That is, after injecting quantity a into the main compartment, wait a moment for the exchange in the polynomial α+β order nonlinear general system to settle, and then compare this compartment to compartment 2 at t*. Secondly, applying the Taylor formula will linearize the system and identify the exchange coefficients. Finally, we will prove that the linearization method is stable.
Efficient Charging of Aerosol Nanoparticles by Corona-Needle Charger with Improved Design for Printing of Metallic Microstructures
Authors: Efimov Alexey , Patarashvili Anton , Kornyushin Denis , Ivanov Matthew , Lizunova Anna , Nouraldeen Messan , Labutov Dmitry , Davydov Vladislav , Maslennikov Dmitry , Zebreva Margarita , Ivanov Victor
Published: January 2024

Aerosol particle charging is widely used in various technical applications. A model of a needle-plate type charger for efficient charging of aerosol nanoparticles in a corona plasma discharge has been developed and investigated. The main difference from analogues is the modernization of the geometry of the hole in the grounded plate and the number of corona needles. This led to a significant increase in the efficiency of the charger by more than 25%. The effect of two types of discharge plates with cylindrical and conical inner holes on the external charging efficiency of aerosol particles is experimentally investigated. Metallic nanoparticles of Ag with sizes of 20–160 nm and number concentration of 106–108 cm−3 were used as a test aerosol. It is found that the maximum efficiency of particle charging is achieved by using a plate with a conical hole by reducing electrostatic losses from 37±3% to 20±2%. This is due to the redistribution of the electrostatic field strength lines when changing the cylindrical hole to a conical one. An additional effect of increasing the efficiency of particle charging was also achieved through the use of a multi-pointed needle, which provided lower electrostatic losses compared to a single needle at the same corona discharge current of 20 µA. It has been experimentally shown that the use of a conical hole of the plate and a multi-pointed needle increased the charging efficiency of particles from 47±3% to 59±4% in comparison with the standard design with a cylindrical hole and a single-pointed needle.
AI-Powered Innovation in Digital Transformation: Key Pillars and Industry Impact
Authors: Aldoseri Abdulaziz , Al-Khalifa Khalifa , Hamouda Abdel Magid
Published: January 2024

Digital transformation systems generate a substantial volume of data, creating opportunities for potential innovation, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence. This study focuses on the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and innovation as foundational elements in the digital transformation framework for sustained growth and operational excellence. This study provides a holistic perspective on the cultivation and pillars of AI-powered innovation, highlighting their pivotal role in revolutionizing industries, including healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. The work emphasizes the key pillars essential for fostering AI-powered innovation, including monitoring performance measurement to use the power of the present, continuous learning and innovation, data analytics and insights, predictive analytics, and innovative product development. This study investigates how these pillars serve as the foundation for groundbreaking advancements, driving efficiency, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering creativity within organizations. This study explores the significance of continuous learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships in nurturing a thriving AI-powered innovation ecosystem. By understanding and harnessing these fundamental elements, businesses can navigate the complexities of the digital age, fostering innovation that not only optimizes processes but also enhances the overall human experience, ushering in a new era of technological excellence and societal progress.
RTAIAED: a Real-Time Ambulance in an Emergency Detector with a Pyramidal Part-Based Model composed of MFCCs and YOLOv8
Authors: Mecocci Alessandro , Grassi Claudio
Published: January 2024

In emergency situations, every second counts for an ambulance navigating through traffic. Efficient use of traffic light systems can play a crucial role in minimizing response time. This paper introduces a novel automated Real-Time Ambulance in an Emergency Detector (RTAIAED). The proposed system uses special Lookout Stations (LS) suitably positioned at a certain distance from each involved traffic light (TL), to obtain timely and safe transitions to green lights as the Ambulance in an Emergency (AIAE) approaches. The RTAIAED is particularly pertinent on one-way roads, addressing the challenge of regulating the sequence of traffic-lights-signals so as to minimize the time needed to safely grant the green signal to the AIAE. The proposed solution leverages a part-based model made of elementary detectors for video analysis, specifically realized with a customized YOLOv8 model, and for audio analysis, thanks to an additional neural network based on Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs). This way, the RTAIAED ensures the accurate and robust identification of an AIAE heading towards a traffic light in time to ensure a green light thanks to the strategic positioning of the LS detectors. Extensive experiments demonstrate the robustness of the approach and its reliable application in real-world scenarios thanks to its predictions in real-time, showcasing the ability to detect AIAEs even in challenging conditions such as noisy environments, nighttime, or adverse weather conditions, provided a suitable-quality camera is appropriately positioned. The proposed system can also find application in traffic flow management.
Comparative Analysis of Uniportal and Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Early Learning Stage: Technical Considerations and Radiological Outcomes
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Hong Hyun Jin , Kim Hyeun Sung , Heo Dong Hwa , Choi Su Yong , Kim Kyoung Mo , Lee Dong Chan , Park Choon Keun
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of uniportal endoscopic and biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for lumbar degenerative disease during the early learning stage of the technique.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent uniportal endoscopic TLIF (n=15) and biportal endoscopic TLIF (n=19) between January and October 2021 during the first year of adoption of these techniques. Radiological parameters, including Bridewell fusion and subsidence grading, were evaluated by x-ray and computed tomography (CT) at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up visits. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Results: Uniportal endoscopic TLIF showed significantly higher frequencies of intraoperative endplate injuries (uniportal [20%] vs. biportal [0%], p=0.01) and 1-year cage subsidence (uniportal [60%] vs. biportal [26.3%], p=0.04) than biportal endoscopic TLIF. The 1-year fusion rates did not differ significantly between the 2 surgical groups (uniportal [93.3%] vs. biportal [89.5%], p=0.37). Neural complications such as postoperative dysesthesia and dural tears occurred in uniportal endoscopic TLIF. There were no significant differences in the VAS for back and leg pain or ODI.Conclusion: Complete endplate preparation under endoscopic guidance improved interbody fusion, and this procedure may be feasible in the early learning stage, regardless of the type of endoscope. Both endoscopic TLIF techniques achieved good clinical outcomes and fusion rates. However, unskilled use of the cage guide device caused endplate breakage and neural injury during uniportal endoscopic cage insertion. Uniportal endoscopic TLIF may require more experience for appropriate cage insertion.
Downregulation of RCN1 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Guo Haiyang , Shu Jinghao , Hu Guangbing , Liu Bingyang , Li Jie , Sun Jinhong , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Han , Xiong Shiyu , Tang Yong , Yin Yaolin , Wang Xianfei
Published: January 2024

Background:Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1) is a calcium-binding protein involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical value and biological role of RCN1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition, we investigated the effect of RCN1 on the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
Methods: The GSE53625 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to analyze the expression of RCN1mRNA and itsrelationship with clinical value and immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the expression of RCN1 and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. Subsequently, transwell and cell scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of ESCC cells. The expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot, while apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Additionally, qRT‒PCR was utilized to evaluate the role of RCN1 in macrophage polarization.
Results: RCN1 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and was closely associated with lymphatic metastasis and a poor prognosis, and was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC in patients. Knockdown of RCN1significantly inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of ESCC cells, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, RCN1 downregulation inhibited inhibited M2 polarization.
Conclusion: RCN1 is upregulated in ESCC patients and is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Knocking down RCN1 inhibits ESCC progression and M2 polarization. RCN1 can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator for ESCC, and targeting RCN1 is a very promising therapeutic strategy.