bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Potential of Biosurfactants for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Ceresa Chiara , Fracchia Letizia , Sansotera Andrea Chiara , De Rienzo Mayri Alejandra Díaz , Banat Ibrahim M.
Published: August 2023

Biosurfactants (BSs) are microbial compounds that have emerged as potential alternatives to chemical surfactants due to their multifunctional properties, sustainability and biodegradability. Owing to their amphipathic nature and distinctive structural arrangement, biosurfactants exhibit a range of physicochemical properties, including excellent surface activity, efficient critical micelle concentration, humectant properties, foaming and cleaning abilities and the capacity to form microemulsions. Furthermore, numerous biosurfactants display additional biological characteristics, such as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects, and antioxidant, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have explored their potential applications, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents, wound healing, anticancer treatments, immune system modulators and drug/gene carriers. These applications are particularly important in addressing challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formations in clinical, hygiene and therapeutic settings. They can also serve as coating agents for surfaces, enabling antiadhesive, suppression, or eradication strategies. Not least importantly, biosurfactants have shown compatibility with various drug formulations, including nanoparticles, liposomes, micro- and nanoemulsions and hydrogels, improving drug solubility, stability and bioavailability, and enabling a targeted and controlled drug release. These qualities make biosurfactants promising candidates for the development of next-generation antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anticancer, wound-healing, immunomodulating, drug or gene delivery agents, as well as adjuvants to other antibiotics. Analysing the most recent literature, this review aims to update the present understanding, highlight emerging trends, and identify promising directions and advancements in the utilization of biosurfactants within the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.
Polyamidoamine Dendrimers Functionalized Water-Stable Metal–Organic Frameworks for Sensitive Fluorescent Detection of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Guo Dandan , Muhammad Nadeem , Yu Shuxin , Wang Jinhui , Huang Shaohua , Zhu Yan
Published: August 2023

In this work, polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-functionalized water-stable Al-based metal–organic frameworks (MIL-53(Al)-NH2) were proposed with enhanced fluorescence intensity, and used for the sensitive detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. The size and morphology of MIL-53(Al)-NH2 were effectively optimized by regulating the component of the reaction solvents. PAMAM dendrimers were subsequently grafted onto the surface with glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. It was found that the size and morphology of MIL-53(Al)-NH2 have great influence on their fluorescence properties, and PAMAM grafting could distinctly further improve their fluorescence intensity. With higher fluorescence intensity, the PAMAM-grafted MIL-53(Al)-NH2 showed good linearity (R2 = 0.9925–0.9990) and satisfactory sensitivity (LOD = 1.1–8.6 μmol) in heavy metal ions determination. Fluorescence enhancement and heavy metal ions detection mechanisms were discussed following the experimental results. Furthermore, analogous water-stable Materials of Institute Lavoisier (MIL) metal–organic frameworks such as MIL-53(Fe)-NH2 were also proved to have similar fluorescence enhancement performance after PAMAM modification, which demonstrates the universality of the method and the great application prospects in the design of PAMAM-functionalized high-sensitivity fluorescence sensors.
Effect of Fluorosilicone Rubber on Mechanical Properties, Dielectric Breakdown Strength and Hydrophobicity of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Lin Yankai , Li Zhanxu , Yang Yumeng , Lin Jun , He Shaojian
Published: August 2023

Silicone rubber (SIR) is used in high-voltage insulators because of its insulation, and excellent hydrophobicity is very important in harsh outdoor environments. To enhance the hydrophobicity and low-temperature resistance of silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber (FSIR) blend composites with different ratios were prepared. The samples were characterized and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis and static contact angle testing. The results showed that after blending, SIR and FSIR were well compatible. FSIR had higher elastic modulus and reduced the tensile strength to some extent in SIR/FSIR composites. The addition of a small amount of FSIR made its crystallization temperature decrease from −30 to −45 °C, meaning that the low-temperature resistance was significantly improved. The breakdown strength of SIR/FSIR composites can still be maintained at a high level when a small amount of FSIR is added. The contact angle of the composites increased from 108.9 to 115.8° with the increase in FSIR content, indicating the enhanced hydrophobicity. When the samples were immersed in water for 96 h, the hydrophobicity migration phenomenon occurred. The static contact angle of the samples with less FSIR content had a weaker decreasing trend, which illustrated that the hydrophobicity was maintained at a high level.
Optimal Layout Methods for Deep Chamber to Separate Coal and Gangue Based on the Weak Stratum Horizon
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Yuan Yong , Sun Hanqing , Chen Zhongshun , Wang Wenmiao
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the optimal layout of a deep chamber for coal–gangue separation (DCCS) based on the weak stratum horizon, an in-depth study was carried out by combining field investigations, model tests, and numerical simulations. Firstly, the main structural characteristics of DCCS were summarized. Then, the deformation and failure law for rocks surrounding DCCS were revealed under different horizons in the weak stratum. Finally, the optimal layout methods of DCCS based on the thickness and horizon in the weak stratum were determined in different in situ stresses, using the proposed comprehensive evaluation method for surrounding-rock stability. The results show that if the thickness of the weak stratum was small, the side near the roof of DCCS should be arranged along the weak stratum when the lateral pressure coefficient was λ < 0.6 or λ > 1. The side near the floor of DCCS was arranged along the weak stratum when 0.6 ≤ λ ≤ 1 and the surrounding-rock stability was the best. If the thickness of the weak stratum was large, the side of DCCS should be arranged along the weak stratum when λ < 0.6 or λ > 1. The floor of DCCS was arranged along the weak stratum when 0.6 ≤ λ ≤ 1, which was most favorable for the surrounding-rock control. The research results have important guiding significance for the spatial layout and support design of DCCS.
Mapping of Ecological Environment Based on Google Earth Engine Cloud Computing Platform and Landsat Long-Term Data: A Case Study of the Zhoushan Archipelago
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Liyan , Yang Gang , Sun Weiwei , Song Yongze
Published: August 2023

In recent years, with the rapid advancement of China’s urbanization, the contradiction between urban development and the ecological environment has become increasingly prominent, and the urban ecological system now faces severe challenges. In this study, we proposed an ecological index-based approach to monitor and evaluate the ecological environment using a Google Earth Engine cloud-based platform and Landsat time series. Firstly, a long-term series of Landsat images was obtained to construct and calculate the remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI). Then, the Theil–Sen median estimation and the Mann–Kendall test were used to evaluate the trend and significance of the RSEI time series and combined with the Hurst index to predict the future development trend of the ecological environment in the study area. Finally, the coefficient of variation method was used to determine the temporal stability of the ecological environment. Taking Zhoushan Archipelago, China, as the study area, we mapped the distribution of the ecological environment using a spatial resolution of 30 m and evaluated the ecological environment from 1985 to 2020. The results show that (1) from 1985 to 2020, the average RSEI in the Zhoushan Archipelago decreased from 0.7719 to 0.5817, increasing at a rate of −24.64%. (2) The changes in the areas of each level of ecological environmental quality show that the ecological environment in the Zhoushan Archipelago generally exhibited a decreasing trend. During the study period, the proportion of the areas with excellent ecological environmental quality decreased by 38.83%, while the proportion of areas with poor and relatively poor ecological environmental quality increased by 20.03%. (3) Based on the overall change trend, the degradation in the ecological environment in the Zhoushan Archipelago was greater than the improvement, with the degradation area accounting for 84.35% of the total area, the improvement area accounting for 12.61% of the total area, and the stable area accounting for 3.05% of the total area. (4) From the perspective of the sustainability of the changes, in 86.61% of the study area, the RSEI exhibited positive sustainability, indicating that the sustainability of the RSEI was relatively strong. (5) The coefficient of variation in the RSEI was concentrated in the range of 0–0.40, having an average value of 0.1627 and a standard deviation of 0.1467, indicating that the RSEI values in the Zhoushan Archipelago during the study period were concentrated, the interannual fluctuations of the data were small, and the time series was relatively stable. The results of this study provide theoretical methods and a decision-making basis for the dynamic monitoring and regional governance of the ecological environment in island areas.
DOA Estimation of Multiple Coherent Targets Using Weight Vector Orthogonal Decomposition in TDM-MIMO HF-Radar
Authors: Liu Yifan , Zhang Xin , Yang Qiang
Published: August 2023

In recent years, MIMO high-frequency surface wave radar (MIMO-HFSWR) plays an increasingly important role in sea surveillance because of its wide-area surveillance capabilities. In signal processing, the coherent targets with the same distance and speed can only be distinguished in the angle dimension. However, HF radar’s angular resolution is poor because of the restrictions of the aperture, which causes aliasing of targets on the range–angle (RA) spectrum. Traditional super-resolution algorithms, such as MUSIC, are also inapplicable because of the targets’ coherence. Therefore, the spatial smoothing algorithm is usually used to realize the decoherence of echo at the cost of array aperture. The loss of array aperture makes the algorithm fail when there are too many targets in the echo. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes an iterative calculation method (iterative calculation via weight vector orthogonal decomposition, IC-WORD) to estimate the angle of multiple coherent targets. Through the verification of simulation, it is proved that IC-WORD has better performance than the traditional spatial smoothing algorithm. More specifically, IC-WORD can correct spectral peak shift, improve angle measurement accuracy, and still operate stably under the condition of multiple coherent targets. This paper also uses the measured data from one of the most advanced HFSWR stations in China to validate the algorithm, which makes the paper have strong practical significance.
Dim and Small Target Detection with a Combined New Norm and Self-Attention Mechanism of Low-Rank Sparse Inversion
Authors: Min Lei , Wu Anqing , Fan Xiangsuo , Li Feng , Li Juliu
Published: August 2023

Methods for detecting small infrared targets in complex scenes are widely utilized across various domains. Traditional methods have drawbacks such as a poor clutter suppression ability and a high number of edge residuals in the detection results in complex scenes. To address these issues, we propose a method based on a joint new norm and self-attention mechanism of low-rank sparse inversion. Firstly, we propose a new tensor nuclear norm based on linear transformation, which globally constrains the low-rank characteristics of the image background and makes full use of the structural information among tensor slices to better approximate the rank of the non-convex tensor, thus achieving effective background suppression. Secondly, we construct a self-attention mechanism in order to constrain the sparse characteristics of the target, which further eliminates any edge residuals in the detection results by transforming the local feature information into a weight matrix to further constrain the target component. Finally, we use the alternating direction multiplier method to decompose the newly reconstructed objective function and introduce a reweighted strategy to accelerate the convergence speed of the model. The average values of the three evaluation metrics, SSIM, BSF, and SNR, for the algorithm proposed in this paper are 0.9997, 467.23, and 11.72, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed detection method obtains a higher detection rate compared with other algorithms under the same false alarm rate.
Highly Coupled Seven-Core Fiber for Ratiometric Anti-Phase Sensing
Authors: Cuando-Espitia Natanael , Camarillo-Avilés Andrés , May-Arrioja Daniel A. , Hernández-Romano Iván , Torres-Cisneros Miguel
Published: August 2023

A ratiometric fiber optic temperature sensor based on a highly coupled seven-core fiber (SCF) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A theoretical analysis of the SCF’s sinusoidal spectral response in transmission configuration is presented. The proposed sensor comprises two SCF devices exhibiting anti-phase transmission spectra. Simple fabrication of the devices is shown by just splicing a segment of a 2 cm long SCF between two single-mode fibers (SMFs). The sensor proved to be robust against light source fluctuations, as a standard deviation of 0.2% was registered in the ratiometric measurements when the light source varied by 12%. Its low-cost detection system (two photodetectors) and the range of temperature detection (25 °C to 400 °C) make it a very attractive and promising device for real industrial applications.
Challenges and Solutions for Engineering Applications on Smartphones
Authors: Khoury Anthony , Kaddaha Mohamad Abbas , Saade Maya , Younes Rafic , Outbib Rachid , Lafon Pascal
Published: August 2023

This paper starts by presenting the concept of a mobile application. A literature review is conducted, which shows that there is still a certain lack with regard to smartphone applications in the domain of engineering as independent simulation applications and not only as extensions of smartphone tools. The challenges behind this lack are then discussed. Subsequently, three case studies of engineering applications for both smartphones and the internet are presented, alongside their solutions to the challenges presented. The first case study concerns an engineering application for systems control. The second case study focuses on an engineering application for composite materials. The third case study focuses on the finite element method and structure generation. The solutions to the presented challenges are then described through their implementation in the applications. The three case studies show a new system of thought concerning the development of engineering smartphone applications.
Sustainable Intelligent Energy Management System for Microgrid Using Multi-Agent Systems: A Case Study
Authors: Hamidi Meryem , Raihani Abdelhadi , Bouattane Omar
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a sustainable, intelligent energy management system for a microgrid based on a multi-agent system (MAS) is studied. The system is designed to address the challenges posed by the intermittence of renewable energy sources. Also, the system optimizes the use of available AC–DC renewable energy sources by utilizing load flexibility and the complementarity of renewable sources. To evaluate the effectiveness of this proposed multi-agent framework, a co-simulation using MATLAB and JADE platforms is conducted for a microgrid connected to the main grid. The results show that the proposed energy sharing system achieved over 82.34% of energy savings. This innovative solution has the potential to reduce the need for energy storage and improve energy efficiency while also reducing CO2 emissions. It offers a promising sustainable development solution for managing and controlling MG. The proposed system contributes to the development of sustainable energy systems based on artificial intelligence to meet the global goals.
The Path to Green Development: The Impact of a Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme on Enterprises’ Environmental Protection Investments
Authors: Lv Shigong , Lv Yanying , Gao Da , Liu Lulu
Published: August 2023

The Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme (CETS) is an important part of China’s environmental reform agenda, which aims to facilitate the green development of enterprises. Using data from listed companies from 2008 to 2020, this study adopts the CETS as a quasi-natural experiment. This study empirically examines the impact of CETS implementation on corporate environmental protection investment (EPI) and explores the underlying mechanisms using the difference-in-difference (DID) method. The results show that: (1) The implementation of CETS significantly promotes firms’ EPI. A series of robustness tests confirms the findings. (2) This study further analyses the impact mechanism of the CETS in promoting the enterprises’ EPI, which is mainly manifested in an increase in emission costs and enforcement rigidity. (3) The heterogeneity test results show that the CETS has a more significant positive effect on the environmental investment of state-owned, large, and heavily polluting enterprises. The conclusions of this study provide both theoretical support and empirical evidence for the implementation of carbon emissions trading policies.
Heat Transfer Model and Thermal Insulation Characteristics of Surrounding Rock of Thermal Insulation Roadway in a High-Temperature Mine
Authors: Gao Jianan , Li Shugang , Wu Fengliang , Ma Li
Published: August 2023

The thermal insulation method is one of the effective methods for controlling the thermal environment of a high-temperature mine. In order to explore the thermal insulation mechanism and characteristics of thermal insulation roadways in high-temperature mines, a heat transfer model for the surrounding rock of the thermal insulation roadway was established based on the steady heat transfer theory. The temperature field of the surrounding rock of the thermal insulation roadway was studied, and the effects and sensitivities of thermal insulation layer thickness and thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer coefficient between roadway wall and airflow, and roadway radius on the thermal insulation performance of thermal insulation roadway were discussed. The results suggest the following: (1) The temperature gradient inside the thermal insulation layer is greater than that inside the surrounding rock. The thermal insulation roadway reduces the temperature difference between the original rock and the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, thereby reducing the heat dissipation of the surrounding rock. (2) As the thermal insulation layer thickness increases, the thermal insulation capacity gradually increases, but its enhancement rate gradually weakens; as the thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation layer or the roadway radius increases, the thermal insulation capacity gradually decreases and its decline rate gradually weakens; and the convective heat transfer coefficient between the roadway wall and airflow has almost no effect on the thermal insulation capacity. (3) The thermal insulation performance of the thermal insulation roadway is highly sensitive or above the thickness and thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation layer, as well as the roadway radius. The sensitivity of thickness and thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation layer is greater than that of roadway radius. Therefore, the research results have guiding significance for the application of thermal insulation methods in the prevention and control of thermal hazards in mines.
Exploring Urban (Living) Labs: A Model Tailored for Central and Eastern Europe’s Context
Authors: Piziak Bartosz , Bień Magdalena , Jarczewski Wojciech , Ner Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

The article attempts to synthesise existing knowledge and research related to the functioning of urban (living) labs and to analyse the particular experiences of their dozens of representatives from all over the world in order to develop a definition and model of an urban lab adapted to the conditions of Central and Eastern European countries. The lack of a systematised definition concerning functioning urban labs has influenced the development of a single, possibly precise definition of an urban lab, adapted to the socio-economic conditions of CEE countries. On the basis of a systematic review of the literature on the subject and a questionnaire survey of 24 urban labs from different countries of the world regarding their functioning, an attempt was made to develop an integrated model of an urban lab, taking into account elements such as stakeholder groups, thematic areas of activities, or stages of the design process, among others. The various definitions and typologies of urban (living) labs presented in this article, as well as the different approaches to their operation in many countries, indicate what an elaborate and heterogeneous tool they are. Despite the noticeable differences, their overarching goal of operation is invariably to improve the quality of life of city dwellers, taking into account the interests of different audiences. The growing interest in urban labs is reflected in the increasing number of publications on the subject of their functioning and the rising number of ”urban lab” initiatives, which influences the larger number of cities considering their implementation. So far, this tool has not been used in Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, which led the authors of this study to develop the concept of an urban lab (2018/2019), based on which a pilot project was implemented in two Polish cities between 2019 and 2021.
Intrusion Detection in Healthcare 4.0 Internet of Things Systems via Metaheuristics Optimized Machine Learning
Authors: Savanović Nikola , Toskovic Ana , Petrovic Aleksandar , Zivkovic Miodrag , Damaševičius Robertas , Jovanovic Luka , Bacanin Nebojsa , Nikolic Bosko
Published: August 2023

Rapid developments in Internet of Things (IoT) systems have led to a wide integration of such systems into everyday life. Systems for active real-time monitoring are especially useful in areas where rapid action can have a significant impact on outcomes such as healthcare. However, a major challenge persists within IoT that limit wider integration. Sustainable healthcare supported by the IoT must provide organized healthcare to the population, without compromising the environment. Security plays a major role in the sustainability of IoT systems, therefore detecting and taking timely action is one step in overcoming the sustainability challenges. This work tackles security challenges head-on through the use of machine learning algorithms optimized via a modified Firefly algorithm for detecting security issues in IoT devices used for Healthcare 4.0. Metaheuristic solutions have contributed to sustainability in various areas as they can solve nondeterministic polynomial time-hard problem (NP-hard) problems in realistic time and with accuracy which are paramount for sustainable systems in any sector and especially in healthcare. Experiments on a synthetic dataset generated by an advanced configuration tool for IoT structures are performed. Also, multiple well-known machine learning models were used and optimized by introducing modified firefly metaheuristics. The best models have been subjected to SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to determine the factors that contribute to occurring issues. Conclusions from all the performed testing and comparisons indicate significant improvements in the formulated problem.
Vulnerability Analysis of Bus Network Based on Land-Use Type of Bus Stops: The Case of Xi’an, China
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Xu Hongke , Lu Qing-Chang , Lin Shan , Song Jiacheng
Published: August 2023

The urban public transport network is closely related to urban construction and is susceptible to external influences, especially the bus network (BN). The measurement of the changes in the performance of BN under disruptions plays an important role in the development of bus systems. This paper takes the land-use type around each bus stop to modify the standard coverage range and then combines the attractive service area of the stop and the passenger flow as the opportunity coefficient to propose an improved accessibility model. Finally, the vulnerability of the BN based on the improved accessibility model in different time periods under four disruptions is analyzed. Taking BN in the central area of Xi’an as a case study, the results show that the BN is less vulnerable when stops are associated with high land-use type attractiveness, and regions with a single land-use type have high vulnerability levels. In addition, the land-use disruption causes larger-scale network vulnerability than topological disruptions. An interesting result, opposed to common sense, is found in stops within the top 10% of topological disruption failure probabilities, i.e., the BN is the most vulnerable during the off-peak night period. This study supplements the coordinated development of public transport and land use in future planning.
Hierarchical Spatially Varying Coefficient Process Regression for Modeling Net Anthropogenic Nitrogen Inputs (NANI) from the Watershed of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Liu Heng , Huang Caizhu , Lian Heng , Cui Xia
Published: August 2023

The increasing discharge of nitrogen nutrients into watersheds calls for assessing and predicting nitrogen inputs, as an important basis for formulating management strategies. The traditional net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) budgeting model relies on 45 predictor variables, for which data are sourced from local or national statistical yearbooks. The large number of predictor variables involved makes NANI accounting difficult, and the missingness of data reduces its accuracy. This study aimed to build a prediction model for NANI based on as few predictor variables as possible. We built a prediction model based on the last 30 years of NANI data from the watershed of the Yangtze River in China, with readily available and complete socio-economic predictor variables (per gross domestic product, population density) through a hierarchical spatially varying coefficient process model (HSVC), which exploits underlying spatial associations within 11 sub-basins and the spatially varying impacts of predictor variables to improve the accuracy of NANI prediction. The results showed that the hierarchical spatially varying coefficient model performed better than the Gaussian process model (GP) and the spatio-temporal dynamic linear model (DLM). The predicted NANIs within the entire catchment of the Yangtze River in 2025 and in 2030 were 11,522.87 kg N km−2 to 12,760.65 kg N km−2, respectively, showing an obvious increasing trend. Nitrogen fertilizer application was predicted to be 5755.1 kg N km−2 in 2025, which was the most significant source of NANI. In addition, the point prediction and 95% interval prediction of NANI in the watershed of the Yangtze River for 2025 and 2030 were also provided. Our approach provides a simple and easy-to-use method for NANI prediction.
Spatio-Temporal Experience of Tour Routes in the Humble Administrator’s Garden Based on Isovist Analysis
Authors: Chen Huishu , Yang Li
Published: August 2023

Chinese classical gardens (CCGs), as a distinct spatial category within architectural, historical research, are renowned for creating intricate and ever-changing spatial experiences within confined areas. Despite the existing literature and theories that attempt to explain these rich experiential qualities, many of these explanations need concrete empirical evidence due to the complex nature of gardens, where visual characteristics transform with the movement of people. This study employs a computational analysis method known as isovist to measure the evolving visual features of visitors along four representative pathways within a large-scale garden, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. By analyzing and comparing the changing visual attributes of these four routes, the aim is to validate the relationship between the garden’s pathway system and its spatial structure and assess the influence of pathway selection on the overall garden spatial experience.
Exploring the Relationship between Touristification and Commercial Gentrification from the Perspective of Tourist Flow Networks: A Case Study of Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Authors: Wen Xin , Fu Dongxue , Diao You , Wang Binyan , Gao Xiaofeng , Jiang Min
Published: August 2023

Existing research has noted a clear interaction between touristification and commercial gentrification; however, the differences between these two coexisting but distinct phenomena require further research. This study uses online big data and quantitative methods to explore the relationship between touristification and commercial gentrification. Taking Yuzhong District in Chongqing as an example, this study constructs an inter-attraction network based on 1306 itineraries extracted from online travel diaries, develops a method to evaluate community tourism centrality based on network analysis, and examines the correlation between community tourism centrality, touristification, and commercial gentrification. The results suggest that attractions with historical value, unique local landscapes, and mixed functions show greater tourism centrality in the tourist flow network. Attractions with similar themes are more likely to be included in one travel route, and the influence of distance is insignificant at the district level. Communities with higher tourism centrality are clustered in old city areas with a rich historic heritage and have experienced profound commercialisation. Although similar, touristification is primarily a bottom-up process, while commercial gentrification tends to be more involved with the top-down urban planning process. This study contributes to the methodological development of network analysis in tourism research and advances the understanding of the different mechanisms of touristification and commercial gentrification.
Predictive Analytics for Enterprise Innovation of Retail Energy Market Modeling of Integrated Demand Response and Energy Hubs
Authors: Zhong Xiangdong , Wang Yongjie , Khorramnia Reza
Published: August 2023

Many combined heat and power (CHP) energy hubs work within the following heat load mode in the wintertime to supply the request for heat, and renewable energy has been often restricted in the unified energy network (UEN) markets. The power Internet of Things (PIoTs) has enabled UEN to transmit data increasingly frequently. As a result of flexible connections among various UEN networks, renewable energy increases its accommodation capacity considerably. Thus, the purpose of the study is to optimize UEN within the backdrop of PIoTs. According to the impact of PIoTs on UEN, this paper develops the combined demand response (DR) process and the layout of the important parts of UEN. Afterward, this study develops a bi-level economic dispatching process based on the cyber-physical systems of PIoTs and UEN. In the dispatching process, the higher level optimizes the total UEN function; the lower level optimizes the demand-side equipment output and combined DR. Then, the gray wolf optimization scheme is used to solve the bi-level dispatch. Lastly, the standard UEN and the practical network have been used to verify the efficiency of the suggested process.
Continuous Flow Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Using Palladium@Mesoporous TiO2 Core@Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Yilleng Moses T. , Artioli Nancy , Rooney David , Manyar Haresh
Published: August 2023

Palladium@mesoporous titania core@shell nanoparticles with uniform and narrow particle size distribution were synthesised using a four component ‘‘water in oil’’ microemulsion system. The prepared materials were well characterised using N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, temperature program oxidation, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES, DRS UV-Vis, PL, TGA and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The core@shell nanoparticles showed very good absorption in both the UV and visible regions and a low bandgap, indicating that the prepared materials are visible-light-active, unlike the pristine TiO2 P25. The activity of the prepared materials was evaluated in the photodegradation of phenol using both UV and visible light, in batch and continuous flow trickle-bed and Taylor flow photoreactors. The prepared 2%Pd@mTiO2 core@shell nanoparticles showed better photocatalytic performance for phenol degradation in visible light in comparison to pristine TiO2 P25 and conventional 0.5%Pd/TiO2 P25 catalysts. The TiO2 P25 and conventional 0.5%Pd/TiO2 P25 catalysts showed gradual catalyst deactivation due to photocorrosion, the deposition of intermediates and Pd metal leaching. In comparison, the 2%Pd@mTiO2 catalyst showed higher catalyst stability and reusability. The 2%Pd@mTiO2 catalysts showed very high and stable phenol degradation (97% conversion) in continuous flow over 52 h. The results showed the feasibility of utilising the developed continuous Taylor flow photoreactor for phenol degradation or as a wastewater treatment plant.
The Reason for the Rise in Critical Shear Stress on Sloping Beds
Authors: Zanke Ulrich , Roland Aron , Wurpts Andreas
Published: August 2023

In sediment mechanics, the conditions for the onset of sediment movement are of particular importance. However, despite decades of research, questions remain unanswered. Thus, physical logic suggests that sediments move more easily on beds inclined in the direction of flow than on horizontal beds and that transport rates are correspondingly increased. However, numerous studies have shown that sediments require increased rather than decreased shear stress to move on sloping beds and that transport rates are lower instead of increased. Since an early publication on this issue by Ashida and Michiue in 1973, many possible effects have been suggested for this apparent contradiction. The literature almost consistently concludes that high relative roughness (d/h), i.e., low water cover (h/d), is mainly responsible for this contradictory effect. This is true for current-induced sediment transport and for the initiation of debris flow. In this paper, an analytical solution for the effect of small water coverage on the transport process is developed. Effects of low coverage also occur on beaches during wave runup and runoff and thus control the formation of steep or less steep beaches. The present paper shows that the effect of turbulence damping occurring under low water coverage plays a decisive role here.
Unveiling the Effects of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed Essential Oil as a Diet Supplement on the Biochemical Parameters and Reproductive Function in Female Common Carps (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Ahmadniaye Motlagh Hamidreza , Horie Yoshifumi , Rashid Hediye , Banaee Mahdi , Multisanti Cristiana Roberta , Faggio Caterina
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil on the health of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 120 healthy fish were provided with feed containing 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of F. vulgare oil for 60 days. Findings revealed that the oral administration of 200 mg/kg of F. vulgare oil significantly increased final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Plasma biochemical enzyme levels remained unchanged in 200 and 400 mg/kg treatments, whereas they were found to be significantly increased in treatments with 600 mg/kg. Although no significant alterations in glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were observed, the treated groups exhibited significant increases in total protein, albumin, globulin, and creatinine levels. Results also indicated significantly decreasing levels of glutathione peroxidase, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased. The gonadosomatic index showed notable improvement in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of estradiol and testosterone were significantly affected by doses of 400 and 200 mg/kg. Findings suggest that, following the administration of F. vulgare extract, the reproductive and general health of the fish appears to be improved. Nevertheless, it is recommended to supplement fish diets with up to 200 mg/kg of F. vulgare extract to improve their reproductive and general health. Concentrations above this limit can potentially cause harm.
Establishing Experimental Conditions to Produce Lignin-Degrading Enzymes on Wheat Bran by Trametes versicolor CM13 Using Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Baker Paul W. , Charlton Adam
Published: August 2023

Valorisation of wheat bran can be achieved by solid state fermentation (SSF), through application of this material as a growth substrate for a natural white rot fungal isolate, Trametes versicolor CM13, to produce lignin-degrading enzymes. One of the main challenges in optimising and upscaling (SSF) processes is the accurate adjustment and maintenance of moisture conditions. This factor was assessed in the scale up of microcosms and was evaluated over 28 days, under two slightly different moisture contents, reflecting minor differences in experimental conditions during set up and operation of the SSF process. In addition, the microcosms were processed differently from the initial trial using homogenisation of whole microcosms to create a homogeneous mixture prior to sampling. This appeared to result in less variation among the collected samples from the microcosms. Variation of measured parameters as a percentage of actual values measured ranged from 1.33% to 144% in the unmixed microcosms and from 0.77% to 36.0% in the pre-mixed microcosms. Decomposition in the more saturated microcosms progressed more quickly as hemicellulose content decreased and reached a steady state after 14 days, whereas hemicellulose content continued to decrease until 21 days in the less saturated microcosms. Lignin-degrading enzyme activities were not significantly different between either sets of experiments except for laccase on day 7. Laccase and manganese peroxidase activities were highest on day 21 and were similar in both sets of experiments. Enzyme activities on day 21 in the microcosms at moisture content of 42.9% and at 54.6% for laccase activities were 750 ± 30.5 and 820 ± 30.8 units, and for manganese peroxidase, activities were 23.3 ± 6.45 and 21.4 ± 21.4 units, respectively. These results revealed different decomposition rates during the early stage of solid-state fermentation as a function of the initial moisture content, whereas final enzyme activities and fibre content during the later stage were similar in microcosms having different moisture contents at the start.
Ensuring the Energy Security of the Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors:   Eurasian Economic Commission, Zakrevskiy Vadim A.
Published: August 2023

This article is devoted to ensuring the energy security of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the EAEU). Certain issues of ensuring energy security are considered; It is noted that the key goal of ensuring the energy security of the Union should be, first of all, the maintenance of the energy resource base of the Union. The acts of the EAEU bodies and the Member States devoted to ensuring energy security were considered. It is noted that the term "energy security" is used in many international legal acts, but there is no monotonous content of this definition in international law. The author proposed to develop a number of documents aimed at improving the energy security system.
Victim Semantics
Authors:   State Academic University for the Humanities, Kolesova Larisa A.
Published: August 2023

The paper focuses on understanding the place of the phenomena of a victim and sacrifice in the history of world culture and in sociocultural practices from its inception to the present state. The main socio-cultural pat terns of a victim and their links with other cultural universals — the game, myth, rites of passage, ethnic mentalit y are studied. The author analyses socio-cultural functions of the phenomena of a victim in the processes of changing technological structure in the Modern and Contemporary times and in the modern network societ y. It is concluded that the combination of sacrifice, game, myth and heroic principle is a universal regulating, synthesizing and promoting transitional factor. This factor in the anthroposphere triggers the process of emergence inside it of a special structure of self-maintenance and selfdevelopment, in other words, a socio-cultural matrix (invariant, homeoresis), the most impor tant element of stability in the conditions of any crisis and any transition.
Prospects for Russian-Turkmen Cooperation at the Current Stage
Authors:   Institute of Economic of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kachelin Alexander S.
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes historical development of the Russian-Turkmenistan relations. Multi-vector nature and flexibility in the development of a strategic partnership with Turkmenistan is substantiated. The author concludes that Russian- Turkmenistan relations should not be limited only to cooperation in the gas sector, but should develop dynamically towards formation of transport and logistics corridors, development of the tourist industry and communications modernization.
Hybrid Wars in the Macroeconomic Supersystem of the XXI Century
Authors:   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Bakhtizin Albert R. , Makarov Valery L. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Loginov Evgenii L. ,   Institute for Economic Strategies, Khabriev Bulat R. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Jie Wu ,   Guangzhou Milestone Software Co., Ltd., Zili Wu ,   Guangzhou Milestone Software Co., Ltd.
Published: August 2023

We do care about what the foreseeable future will be… The recent period has clearly shown that expectations of W estern experts regarding the planned collapse of Russian and Chinese economies have not materialized. The ar ticle analyzes the main pressure tools and strategies of the main global politics actors on peripheral countries in order to solve the accumulated problems associated with increased debts and the need for fur ther trade expansion. Aggregated forecast scenarios for the situation development in relation to the GDP growth/fall of the leading countries of the world are structured . The authors’ calculations proved that, despite the risks and threats of fur ther sanctions escalation and other restrictions, the implemented macroeconomic policy of Russia and China ensures preser vation of their key socio-economic indicators, providing national sovereignty.
Time of Troubles and Management Science. New Twists in History
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Kuz’michev Andrei D.
Published: August 2023

The basic reasons for the onset of the Time of Troubles in Russia, associated with inability of the central government to perform their functions, are identified. An important role in instability was played by external organizations, including those that demonstrated a “friendly” attitude towards Russia. Withdrawal of the Fatherland from the Time of Troubles’ instability is connected with the emergence of organizations within it that are capable of realizing the idea of the country’s selfpreservation. The author concludes that the Time of Troubles in Russia came when the three main forces of organizations — owners, managers and the staff (in this case, the “orphan people”) lost their value orientations and did not act as a common front against the interventionists.
Formation of a Mechanism for Regulating Pricing in the Modern Economy
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kovalev Aleksandr V. ,   Law Office “Domkiny & Partners”
Published: August 2023

The author puts forward suggestions and recommendations on the formation of adaptive mechanisms for regulating pricing processes as an element of a single integrated system of economy state management and ensuring the balanced development of the RF regions. It is proposed to create a system for monitoring pricing processes, to form a price (tariff) fund based on the above system functioning, to modernize the structure of the pricing management elements and, as a legal basis for their implementation, to develop a draf t federal law on prices and pricing processes, which will consolidate the indicated directions for forming a regulation mechanism of pricing processes in the legal field.
On Some Observations of the Fundamental Laws of Nature
Authors:   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems, Saraev Victor N. , Fedorov Igor Yu. ,   RC Complex Systems
Published: August 2023

The article describes an observed natural phenomenon, consideration of which hypothetically improves the accuracy of natural processes modeling.
Economic Foundation of Victory: Strategic Forecast for the Russian Economy Stability in the Face of Sanctions
Authors:   MGIMO University, Ageev Aleksandr I. ,   MEPhI,   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems,   Institute for Economic Strategies, Bakhtizin Albert R. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Makarov Valery L. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Loginov Evgenii L. ,   Institute for Economic Strategies,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS, Khabriev Bulat R. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the RAS
Published: August 2023

Key parameters of attacks directions on the Russian economy and forecasts of the expected results, which previously have inspired confidence in Western states that political regime would inevitability fall, which stimulated the US and EU sanctions activity, were developed by a number of authoritative Western expert structures. Western strategies for collapsing the Russian economy in 2022–2023 with the help of sanctions, formed on the basis of these forecasts, did not bring the desired result. At the same time, alternative forecasts of a group of Russian scientists from the CEMI RAS and their Chinese colleagues on stability of the economies of Russia and China in the event of a friendly policy in the context of trade wars with the US and the EU, made in 2019, were fully confirmed. At the core of these forecasts there are analytical tools based on agent modeling.
Институциональные основы формирования стоимости современного бизнеса: категориальный аппарат исследования проблемного поля
Authors:   Финансовый университет при Правительстве Российской Федерации, Ерофеева Татьяна Анатольевна
Published: August 2023

В статье представлены исследовательские алгоритмы изучения институциональных основ процесса формирования стоимости современного бизнеса. Авторский подход основан на исследовательской программе нобелевского лауреата Д. Норта. Основной акцент сделан на институциональном оформлении процесса формирования стоимости бизнеса. Автор приходит к выводам. Неточность и неопределенность категориального аппарата исследуемого проблемного поля связаны с институциональными моментами. Наполнение категорий «стоимость», «ценность» экономическим содержанием зависит от традиций того или иного языка, а также традиций перевода слов на русский язык. Многие различия в понимании категории «стоимость» связаны не с содержательными моментами, а зависят от принятых норм перевода и норм использования того или иного слова. Стоимость, как и любая другая категория экономической теории, представляет собой мысль-образ, сформировавшийся в определенных институциональных условиях.