bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorical Data Clustering: A Bibliometric Analysis and Taxonomy
Authors: Cendana Maya , Kuo Ren-Jieh
Published: May 2024

Numerous real-world applications apply categorical data clustering to find hidden patterns in the data. The K-modes-based algorithm is a popular algorithm for solving common issues in categorical data, from outlier and noise sensitivity to local optima, utilizing metaheuristic methods. Many studies have focused on increasing clustering performance, with new methods now outperforming the traditional K-modes algorithm. It is important to investigate this evolution to help scholars understand how the existing algorithms overcome the common issues of categorical data. Using a research-area-based bibliometric analysis, this study retrieved articles from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection published between 2014 and 2023. This study presents a deep analysis of 64 articles to develop a new taxonomy of categorical data clustering algorithms. This study also discusses the potential challenges and opportunities in possible alternative solutions to categorical data clustering.
Eigenvalue Distributions in Random Confusion Matrices: Applications to Machine Learning Evaluation
Authors: Olaniran Oyebayo Ridwan , Alzahrani Ali Rashash R. , Alzahrani Mohammed R.
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the distribution of eigenvalues for a 2×2 random confusion matrix used in machine learning evaluation. We also analyze the distributions of the matrix’s trace and the difference between the traces of random confusion matrices. Furthermore, we demonstrate how these distributions can be applied to calculate the superiority probability of machine learning models. By way of example, we use the superiority probability to compare the accuracy of four disease outcomes machine learning prediction tasks.
A Green Supply Chain with Sales Effort under a Cost-Sharing Contract
Authors: Shen Jiayu
Published: May 2024

Due to social and psychological factors, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted international trade, dampened consumption globally, and resulted in conservative investment and spending. To stimulate economic recovery while promoting the establishment of a positive consumption awareness among people, enterprises endeavor to enhance competitiveness and expand market share through various means, such as advertising and discounting. With more attention paid to environmentally friendly products, there are greater challenges encountered by green supply chain management. In this study, a green supply chain network problem is analyzed, involving a manufacturer and a retailer. In addition to the construction of centralized and decentralized decision models, two cost-sharing contracts are adopted to reduce promotion costs for the retailer and improve the level of greenery in products. With the help of game theory, equilibrium decisions can be made by solving the models. According to the results of numerical experiment, cost-sharing contracts can effectively improve the level of greenery in products and the profitability of the supply chain, despite the inability to achieve a win–win situation.
Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of Fibropoiesis in Chronic Interstitial Pneumonitis
Authors: Gonçalves Frederico C. , Pereira Ramon de Alencar , Alves Adriano Francisco , Junio Aldair Pinto Woyames , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Mosser David M. , Andrade Helida Monteiro , Cassali Geovanni D. , Ferreira Enio , Tafuri Wagner Luiz
Published: May 2024

We studied some fibrotic aspects of chronic interstitial pneumonitis in the lungs of dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. The lungs of eleven naturally infected dogs, twelve experimentally infected with two distinct strains of L. infantum (BH401 and BH46), and six uninfected (controls) dogs, were analyzed by histological, parasitological, and immunohistochemical studies. Conventional histology (HE), collagen deposition (Gomori’s silver staining for reticulin collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry for myofibroblast characterization were carried out based on the cellular expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, cytokeratin, E-cadherin, snail antigen homologue 1 (SNAI1) (Snail), and the cytokine expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Parasitological screening was carried out using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the immunohistochemical reaction of streptavidin–peroxidase for visualizing Leishmania amastigotes. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum and experimentally infected with L. infantum BH401 strains showed intense interstitial pneumonitis characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa as a consequence of an intense diffuse and focal (plaques) chronic exudate of mononuclear cells associated with fibrogenesis. The expression of alpha-actin, vimentin, and TGF-β was higher in the lung interstitium of all infected dogs than in the other two groups (BH46 strain and controls). Moreover, in both the naturally and experimentally infected dog (BH401 strain) groups, the expression of Snail was moderate to intense in contrast to the other groups. Based on these immunohistochemical results, we concluded that mesenchymal cells are active in promoting changes in the extracellular matrix in the lungs of dogs naturally and experimentally infected with L. infantum, but it depends on the virulence of the parasite.
Establishment of an ELISA Based on a Recombinant Antigenic Protein Containing Multiple Prominent Epitopes for Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies
Authors: Afayibo Dossêh Jean Apôtre , Zhang Zhonghui , Sun Hualin , Fu Jingsheng , Zhao Yaru , Amuda Tharheer Oluwashola , Wu Mengli , Du Junzheng , Guan Guiquan , Niu Qingli , Yang Jifei , Yin Hong
Published: May 2024

African swine fever virus (ASFV) poses a significant threat to the global pig industry, necessitating accurate and efficient diagnostic methods for its infection. Previous studies have often focused on a limited number of epitopes from a few proteins for detecting antibodies against ASFV. Therefore, the current study aimed to use multiple B-cell epitopes in developing an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for enhanced detection of ASFV antibodies. For the expression of recombinant protein, k3 derived from 27 multiple peptides of 11 ASFV proteins, such as p72, pA104R, pB602L, p12, p14.5, p49, pE248R, p30, p54, pp62, and pp220, was used. To confirm the expression of the recombinant protein, we used the Western blotting analysis. The purified recombinant K3 protein served as the antigen in our study, and we employed the indirect ELISA technique to detect anti-ASFV antibodies. The present finding showed that there was no cross-reactivity with antibodies targeting Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Moreover, the current finding was sensitive enough to find anti-ASFV in serum samples that had been diluted up to 32 times. The test (k3-iELISA) showed diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 98.41% and 97.40%, respectively. Moreover, during the present investigation, we compared the Ingenasa kit and the k3-iELISA to test clinical pig serum, and the results revealed that there was 99.00% agreement between the two tests, showing good detection capability of the k3-iELISA method. Hence, the current finding showed that the ELISA kit we developed can be used for the rapid detection of ASFV antibodies and used as an alternative during serological investigation of ASF in endemic areas.
DFT-D3 and TD-DFT Studies of the Adsorption and Sensing Behavior of Mn-Phthalocyanine toward NH3, PH3, and AsH3 Molecules
Authors: Badran Heba Mohamed , Eid Khaled Mahmoud , Al-Nadary Hatim Omar , Ammar Hussein Youssef
Published: May 2024

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+g(d,p) level to investigate the interaction of XH3 gases (X = N, P, As) with the Mn-phthalocyanine molecule (MnPc). Grimme’s D3 dispersion correction is applied to consider long-range interactions. The adsorption behavior is explored under the influence of an external static electric field (EF) ranging from −0.514 to 0.514 V/Å. Chemical adsorption of XH3 molecules onto the MnPc molecule is confirmed. The adsorption results in a significant decrease in the energy gap (Eg) of MnPc, indicating the potential alteration of its optical properties. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis reveals partially covalent bonds between XH3 and MnPc, and the charge density differenc (Δρ) calculations suggest a charge donation-back donation mechanism. The UV-vis spectrum of MnPc experiences a blue shift upon XH3 adsorption, highlighting MnPc’s potential as a naked-eye sensor for XH3 molecules. Thermodynamic calculations indicate exothermic interactions, with NH3/MnPc being the most stable complex. The stability of NH3/MnPc decreases with increasing temperature. The direction and magnitude of the applied electric field (EF) play a crucial role in determining the adsorption energy (Eads) for XH3/MnPc complexes. The Eg values decrease with an increasing negative EF, which suggests that the electrical conductivity (σ) and the electrical sensitivity (ΔEg) of the XH3/MnPc complexes are influenced by the magnitude and direction of the applied EF. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the suggested promising prospects for the utilization of MnPc in sensing applications of XH3 gases.
A Comprehensive Study to Determine the Residual Elimination Pattern of Major Metabolites of Amoxicillin–Sulbactam Hybrid Molecules in Rats by UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Zhao Feike , Sun Xueyan , Li Jian , Du Junyuan , Wu Zhiyi , Liu Shujuan , Chen Liangzhu , Fang Binghu
Published: May 2024

Amoxicillin and sulbactam are widely used in animal food compounding. Amoxicillin–sulbactam hybrid molecules are bicester compounds made by linking amoxicillin and sulbactam with methylene groups and have good application prospects. However, the residual elimination pattern of these hybrid molecules in animals needs to be explored. In the present study, the amoxicillin–sulbactam hybrid molecule (AS group) and a mixture of amoxicillin and sulbactam (mixture group) were administered to rats by gavage, and the levels of the major metabolites of amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, amoxicillin diketopiperazine, and sulbactam were determined by UPLC–MS/MS. The residue elimination patterns of the major metabolites in the liver, kidney, urine, and feces of rats in the AS group and the mixture group were compared. The results showed that the total amount of amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, amoxicillin diketopiperazine, and the highest concentration of sulbactam in the liver and kidney samples of the AS group and the mixture group appeared at 1 h after drug withdrawal. Between 1 h and 12 h post discontinuation, the total amount of amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, and amoxicillin diketopiperazine in the two tissues decreased rapidly, and the elimination half-life of the AS group was significantly higher than that in the mixture group (p < 0.05); the residual amount of sulbactam also decreased rapidly, and the elimination half-life was not significantly different (p > 0.05). In 72 h urine samples, the total excretion rates were 60.61 ± 2.13% and 62.62 ± 1.73% in the AS group and mixture group, respectively. The total excretion rates of fecal samples (at 72 h) for the AS group and mixture group were 9.54 ± 0.26% and 10.60 ± 0.24%, respectively. These results showed that the total quantity of amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, and amoxicillin diketopiperazine was eliminated more slowly in the liver and kidney of the AS group than those of the mixture group and that the excretion rate through urine and feces was essentially the same for both groups. The residual elimination pattern of the hybrid molecule in rats determined in this study provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth development and application of hybrid molecules, as well as guidelines for the development of similar drugs.
Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes of Peptide Fragments of Tau Protein
Authors: Kastal Zsuzsa , Balabán Adrienn , Vida Szilvia , Kállay Csilla , Nagy Lajos , Várnagy Katalin , Sóvágó Imre
Published: May 2024

Copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes of various peptide fragments of tau protein were studied by potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques. All peptides contained one histidyl residue and represented the sequences of tau(91–97) (Ac-AQPHTEI-NH2), tau(385–390) (Ac-KTDHGA-NH2) and tau(404–409) (Ac-SPRHLS-NH2). Imidazole-N donors of histidine were the primary metal binding sites for all peptides and all metal ions, but in the case of copper(II) and nickel(II), the deprotonated amide groups were also involved in metal binding by increasing pH. The most stable complexes were formed with copper(II) ions, but the presence of prolyl residues resulted in significant changes in the thermodynamic stability and speciation of the systems. It was also demonstrated that nickel(II) and especially zinc(II) complexes have relatively low thermodynamic stability with these peptides. The copper(II)-catalyzed oxidation of the peptides was also studied. In the presence of H2O2, the fragmentation of peptides was detected in all cases. In the simultaneous presence of H2O2 and ascorbic acid, the fragmentation of the peptide is less preferred, and the formation of 2-oxo-histidine also occurs.
The Peculiar H-Bonding Network of 4-Methylcatechol: A Coupled Diffraction and In Silico Study
Authors: Lopresti Mattia , Palin Luca , Calegari Giovanni , Milanesio Marco
Published: May 2024

The crystal structure of 4-methylcatechol (4MEC) has, to date, never been solved, despite its very simple chemical formula C7O2H8 and the many possible applications envisaged for this molecule. In this work, this gap is filled and the structure of 4MEC is obtained by combining X-ray powder diffraction and first principle calculations to carefully locate hydrogen atoms. Two molecules are present in the asymmetric unit. Hirshfeld analysis confirmed the reliability of the solved structure, since the two molecules show rather different environments and H-bond interactions of different directionality and strength. The packing is characterised by a peculiar hydrogen bond network with hydroxyl nests formed by two adjacent octagonal frameworks. It is noteworthy that the observed short contacts suggest strong inter-molecular interactions, further confirmed by strong inter-crystalline aggregation observed by microscopic images, indicating the growth, in many crystallization attempts, of single aggregates taller than half a centimetre and, often, with spherical shapes. These peculiarities are induced by the presence of methyl group in 4MEC, since the parent compound catechol, despite its chemical similarity, shows a standard layered packing alternating hydrophobic and polar layers. Finally, the complexity and peculiarity of the packing and crystal growth features explain why a single crystal could not be obtained for a standard structural analysis.
α-Amido Trifluoromethyl Xanthates: A New Class of RAFT/MADIX Agents
Authors: Destarac Mathias , Ruchmann-Sternchuss Juliette , Van Gramberen Eric , Vila Xavier , Zard Samir Z.
Published: May 2024

Xanthates have long been described as poor RAFT/MADIX agents for styrene polymerization. Through the determination of chain transfer constants to xanthates, this work demonstrated beneficial capto-dative substituent effects for the leaving group of a new series of α-amido trifluoromethyl xanthates, with the best effect observed with trifluoroacetyl group. The previously observed Z-group activation with a O-trifluoroethyl group compared to the O-ethyl counterpart was quantitatively established with Cex = 2.7 (3–4 fold increase) using the SEC peak resolution method. This study further confirmed the advantageous incorporation of trifluoromethyl substituents to activate xanthates in radical chain transfer processes and contributed to identify the most reactive xanthate reported to date for RAFT/MADIX polymerization of styrene.
Lignin Degradation by Klebsiella aerogenes TL3 under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Tu Zhuowei , Geng Alei , Xiang Yuhua , Zayas-Garriga Anaiza , Guo Hao , Zhu Daochen , Xie Rongrong , Sun Jianzhong
Published: May 2024

Lignin, the largest non-carbohydrate component of lignocellulosic biomass, is also a recalcitrant component of the plant cell wall. While the aerobic degradation mechanism of lignin has been well-documented, the anaerobic degradation mechanism is still largely elusive. In this work, a versatile facultative anaerobic lignin-degrading bacterium, Klebsiella aerogenes TL3, was isolated from a termite gut, and was found to metabolize a variety of carbon sources and produce a single kind or multiple kinds of acids. The percent degradation of alkali lignin reached 14.8% under anaerobic conditions, and could reach 17.4% in the presence of glucose within 72 h. Based on the results of infrared spectroscopy and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, it can be inferred that the anaerobic degradation of lignin may undergo the cleavage of the C-O bond (β-O-4), as well as the C-C bond (β-5 and β-β), and involve the oxidation of the side chain, demethylation, and the destruction of the aromatic ring skeleton. Although the anaerobic degradation of lignin by TL3 was slightly weaker than that under aerobic conditions, it could be further enhanced by adding glucose as an electron donor. These results may shed new light on the mechanisms of anaerobic lignin degradation.
Using Sandwiched Silicon/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites with Dual Hybridization for Their Stable Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Yang Yuying , Zhang Rui , Zhang Qiang , Feng Liu , Wen Guangwu , Qin Lu-Chang , Wang Dong
Published: May 2024

Using silicon/reduced graphene oxide (Si/rGO) composites as lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes can effectively buffer the volumetric expansion and shrinkage of Si. Herein, we designed and prepared Si/rGO-b with a sandwiched structure, formed by a duple combination of ammonia-modified silicon (m-Si) nanoparticles (NP) with graphene oxide (GO). In the first composite process of m-Si and GO, a core–shell structure of primal Si/rGO-b (p-Si/rGO-b) was formed. The amino groups on the m-Si surface can not only hybridize with the GO surface to fix the Si particles, but also form covalent chemical bonds with the remaining carboxyl groups of rGO to enhance the stability of the composite. During the electrochemical reaction, the oxygen on the m-Si surface reacts with lithium ions (Li+) to form Li2O, which is a component of the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) and is beneficial to buffering the volume expansion of Si. Then, the p-Si/rGO-b recombines with GO again to finally form a sandwiched structure of Si/rGO-b. Covalent chemical bonds are formed between the rGO layers to tightly fix the p-Si/rGO-b, and the conductive network formed by the reintroduced rGO improves the conductivity of the Si/rGO-b composite. When used as an electrode, the Si/rGO-b composite exhibits excellent cycling performance (operated stably for more than 800 cycles at a high-capacity retention rate of 82.4%) and a superior rate capability (300 mA h/g at 5 A/g). After cycling, tiny cracks formed in some areas of the electrode surface, with an expansion rate of only 27.4%. The duple combination of rGO and the unique sandwiched structure presented here demonstrate great effectiveness in improving the electrochemical performance of alloy-type anodes.
Preparation and Application of CO2-Resistant Latex in Shale Reservoir Cementing
Authors: Jiang Chunyuan , Zheng Xuecheng , Zhu Yuanqiang , Tang Lei , Liu Yuhao , Zhao Zhijun , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2024

With the application of CO2 fracturing, CO2 huff and puff, CO2 flooding, and other stimulation technologies in shale reservoirs, a large amount of CO2 remained in the formation, which also lead to the serious corrosion problem of CO2 in shale reservoirs. In order to solve the harm caused by CO2 corrosion, it is necessary to curb CO2 corrosion from the cementing cement ring to ensure the long-term stable exploitation of shale oil. Therefore, a new latex was created using liquid polybutadiene, styrene, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and maleic anhydride to increase the cement ring’s resistance to CO2 corrosion. The latex’s structure and characteristics were then confirmed using infrared, particle size analyzer, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The major size distribution of latex is between 160 and 220 nm, with a solid content of 32.2% and an apparent viscosity of 36.8 mPa·s. And it had good physical properties and stability. Latex can effectively improve the properties of cement slurry and cement composite. When the amount of latex was 8%, the fluidity index of cement slurry was 0.76, the consistency index was 0.5363, the free liquid content was only 0.1%, and the water loss was reduced to 108 mL. At the same time, latex has a certain retarding ability. With 8% latex, the cement slurry has a specific retarding ability, is 0.76 and 0.5363, has a free liquid content of just 0.1%, and reduces water loss to 108 mL. Moreover, latex had certain retarding properties. The compressive strength and flexural strength of the latex cement composite were increased by 13.47% and 33.64% compared with the blank cement composite. A long-term CO2 corrosion experiment also showed that latex significantly increased the cement composite’s resilience to corrosion, lowering the blank cement composite’s growth rate of permeability from 46.88% to 19.41% and its compressive strength drop rate from 27.39% to 11.74%. Through the use of XRD and SEM, the latex’s anti-corrosion mechanism, hydration products, and microstructure were examined. In addition to forming a continuous network structure with the hydrated calcium silicate and other gels, the latex can form a latex film to attach and fill the hydration products. This slows down the rate of CO2 corrosion of the hydration products, enhancing the cement composite’s resistance to corrosion. CO2-resistant toughened latex can effectively solve the CO2 corrosion problem of the cementing cement ring in shale reservoirs.
Catalytic Conversion of Oil Shale over Fe or Ni Catalysts under Sub-Critical Water
Authors: Che Chang , Wu Junwen , Shen Zhibing , Ning Haolong , Tang Ruiyuan , Liang Shengrong , Zhang Juntao , Jiang Haiyan , Yuan Shibao
Published: May 2024

Sub-critical water is an environment-friendly solvent. It is widely used for the extraction of various organic compounds. It can be used to dissolve and transport organic matter in oil shale. In this study, the conversion of oil shale was synergistically catalyzed by the addition of Fe or Ni to the Fe inherent in samples under sub-critical water conditions. Oil shale can be converted to gas, oil and residues of oil. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis results presented that the weight loss of raw oil shale was up to 15.85%. After sub-critical water extraction, the weight loss rate of the residues was reduced to 8.41%. With the application of a metal catalyst, Fe or Ni, the weight loss of residues was further reduced to 7.43% and 6.57%, respectively. According to DTG curves, it was found that there were two weight-loss rate peaks. The decomposition process of kerogen in oil shale could be divided into two cracking processes. One is decomposed at a high velocity at around 420 °C, and another is decomposed at a low velocity at around 515 °C. Gas chromatography (GC) results of gas products indicated that Fe or Ni could contribute to producing normal alkanes, such as methane, ethane, propane, etc., which are produced by the hydrogenation of alkenes via hydrogen transfer during the conversion process of kerogen. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was conducted to analyze the components of the liquid products. The results showed that n-alkanes, iso-alkane, oxygenated hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds were the major components of the kerogen cracking products. When Ni was introduced as a catalyst, the contents of aromatic compounds and oxygenated hydrocarbons in the liquid products were increased from 19.55% and 6.87% to 22.38% and 13.77%, respectively. This is due to the synergistic effect of the addition of Ni with the inherent Fe in oil shale under sub-critical water which ensures kerogen is more easily cracked to produce aromatic compounds and oxygenated hydrocarbons.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Recurrence with Bing–Neel Syndrome Presentation
Authors: Capasso Raffaella , Buonincontro Miriam , Caranci Ferdinando , Pinto Antonio
Published: May 2024

Bing–Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare condition that may occur in patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and is caused by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration into the central nervous system. BNS is an extramedullary manifestation of WM which may present with various neurological signs and symptoms that make the diagnosis difficult to achieve. We present a case of BNS in a 60-year-old patient diagnosed 6 years after recovering from Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. We observed the patient for a secondary generalized focal motor seizure. Unenhanced brain CT revealed slight hyperdensity of left parietal subarachnoid spaces. The MRI of the brain and spinal cord showed leptomeningeal enhancement in both parietal lobes. The presence of monoclonal bands (light chain k and IgM) was found in cerebrospinal fluid, leading to the diagnosis of BNS. The patient started treatment with ibrutinib and remains clinically stable during a 1-year follow-up. However, the MRI showed the appearance of a new subcortical left parietal lesion. BNS is an extremely rare presentation of WM that should be recognized and considered early in the presence of unexplained neurological symptoms in patients with a history of WM, even if the patient appears to have recovered.
Efficient Separation of Re (VII) and Mo (VI) by Extraction Using E-1006–Ammonium Sulfate Aqueous Two-Phase System
Authors: Fan Linlin , Li Wenhui , Dai Zilong , Zhou Min , Qiu Yunren
Published: May 2024

Aqueous two-phase extraction (APTE) stands out as an environmentally friendly technique for the separation of metal ions. The separation of Re (VII) and Mo (VI) in an aqueous solution was investigated using a novel aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) consisting of isodecanol polyoxyethylene ether (E-1006), ammonium sulfate, and water. A phase diagram of this system was developed, and the effects of pH, temperature, extraction time, the concentrations of E-1006 and (NH4)2SO4, and metal ions on the separation of Re (VII) and Mo (VI) were examined. The results show that at pH 7.0, Mo (VI) had almost transformed into the (NH4)2SO4-rich phase, while Re (VI) was extracted into the E-1006-rich phase. The increase in temperature induces a transition of Mo (VI) to the salt-rich phase, which is unfavorable for the extraction of Re (VII). The increase in the concentrations of E-1006 and (NH4)2SO4 has a positive effect on the separation of rhenium and molybdenum. Overall, the ATPS consisting of 200 g/L of E-1006, 200 g/L of (NH4)2SO4, and water yields an extraction efficiency of 97.2% for Re and a high separation factor of 2700 for Re (VII) and Mo (VI) from a mixture of 0.1 g/L of Re (VII) and 5 g/L of Mo (VI) at pH 7.0 and 323.15 K. Separation studies of the simulated leaching solution show that the extraction efficiency for Re (VI) is 99.1% and the separation factor of Re (VII) and Mo (VI) is 5100.
Degradation of Levofloxacin by Electroactivated Sodium Persulfate on Carbon Cloth Cathode Modified with Cerium-Based Metal Organic Frameworks (Ce-MOF) Derivatives
Authors: Mao Xinbiao , Ou Mingyu , Zhao Wenjun , Yu Shuangting , Xu Hao
Published: May 2024

Levofloxacin (LFX), which is difficult to degrade effectively due to its molecular stability, has become an problem that needs to be solved urgently. The advanced oxidation technology of persulfate has received increasing attention from researchers. In this study, a Ce-MOF derivative (Ce-MOF-T) was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and calcination, which synergistically responded to electroactivation to generate sulfate radicals for the efficient degradation of LFX. It has been proven that electrical activation and the Ce-MOF derivatives work together to generate sulfate radicals and effectively degrade LFX. Ce-MOF-550-modified carbon cloth was used as the cathode and a platinum electrode as the anode, the concentration of LFX was 20 mg·L−1, the loading of Ce-MOF-550 was 15 mg, pH = 5, the concentration of sodium persulfate (PMS) was 0.3 g·L−1, the current density was 100 A·m−2, and the degradation rate was 82.05% after 1 h of reaction and 95% after 3 h of reaction. After five cycle tests, the degradation rate was still higher than 75.00%, indicating that the material had good stability. In addition, the degradation of LFX was consistent with a quasi-primary kinetic reaction with apparent rate constants of 2.26 × 10−2 min−1.
Irrigation Practices and Their Effects on Soil Quality and Soil Characteristics in Arid Lands: A Comprehensive Geomatic Analysis
Authors: Fadl Mohamed E. , Sayed Yasser A. , El-Desoky Ahmed I. , Shams Eltaher M. , Zekari Mohammedi , Abdelsamie Elsayed A. , Drosos Marios , Scopa Antonio
Published: May 2024

Comprehension of the long-term effects of irrigation on basic soil characteristics and quality is essential for sustainable land management and agricultural production, particularly in arid regions where water availability is limited. This study aimed to investigate long-term irrigation effects on soil quality, soil organic carbon (SOC), and nitrogen (N) stocks in the arid lands of Egypt. Seventy soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine various soil properties. A soil quality index (SQI), SOC, and N stocks were computed. ANOVA and PCA analyses were used to identify significant differences between alluvial soils in the southwest part of the investigated area and coastal marine soils in the northeast of the study area. The results demonstrated that most of the studied soil parameters had significantly greater values in alluvial compared to coastal marine soils. Long-term irrigation led to an 8.00% increase in SOC and 7.22% increase in N stocks compared to coastal marine soils production. Furthermore, a 39.53% increase was found in the SQI upon long-term irrigation practice. These results suggest that shifting from rain-fed in coastal marine areas to irrigated production systems in alluvial fields can improve soil quality, SOC, and N stocks. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the impact of additional factors, such as irrigation method and salinity status of sub-surface soil layers, to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable land use.
Investigating Post-Disaster Reconstruction since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake: A Study on the Ōtsuchi-chō, Iwate Prefecture through Timelines
Authors: Yang Daqian , Minami Masaaki , Sato Kosuke , Fahim Ashraf Uddin
Published: May 2024

Since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, 13 years have passed, and many areas have completed post-disaster reconstruction. Therefore, it is necessary to further summarise and analyse the experiences gained from this post-disaster reconstruction. This study conducted door-to-door interviews with residents of Ōtsuchi-chō, Iwate Prefecture, in the 13 years following the earthquake. It recorded the residents’ perspectives on post-disaster reconstruction and its shortcomings. By collecting locally published materials like newspapers, and local government records and integrating them with interview records, the first “Great East Japan Earthquake Timeline” for Ōtsuchi-chō was compiled. We primarily divided this timeline into the following three phases: the disaster and early reconstruction period (2011), the mid-reconstruction period (2012–2015), and the late reconstruction period (2016–Present). This timeline has yielded the following results: firstly, some issues have arisen during this prolonged reconstruction process. For example, continuous relocation hinders community rebuilding, especially in the context of an ageing society. Secondly, the “Ōtsuchi-chō Reconstruction Timeline” was created, which can be used for post-disaster reconstruction in contemporary Japanese villages facing severe ageing. This timeline provides a clear understanding of how disaster-affected areas can rebuild housing and infrastructure, and recover economically. It offers guidance for the reconstruction of Japanese villages after a disaster. Therefore, post-disaster reconstruction in the region should accelerate infrastructure development and continuously listen to residents’ voices, providing corresponding services to make reconstruction comprehensive and specific. At the same time, it also contributes to the post-disaster reconstruction of villages in other developed countries.
Molecular Identification and Survey of Trichomonad Species in Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Wang Zi-Rui , Fan Qing-Xin , Wang Jin-Long , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yu-Xuan , Zhang Ze-Dong , Gao Wen-Wei , Zhu Xing-Quan , Liu Qing
Published: May 2024

Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available regarding the prevalence of trichomonads in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this province were examined for Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, Tritrichomonas foetus, and Pentatrichomonas hominis using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence of T. buttreyi was 49.72%, and region and age were found to be significantly associated with T. buttreyi infection, respectively. Only one pig fecal sample from Qi County was found to be positive for T. foetus, and all samples were negative for P. hominis. Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that some T. buttreyi isolates showed complete genetic identity with those reported previously, and some T. buttreyi isolates and one T. foetus isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. This is the report of the molecular epidemiology of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. These findings not only enrich the knowledge on the distribution of these trichomonad species in pigs in China but also provide baseline information for planning future research and control strategies.
Tactile Speech Communication: Reception of Words and Two-Way Messages through a Phoneme-Based Display
Authors: Jung Jaehong , Reed Charlotte M. , Martinez Juan S. , Tan Hong Z.
Published: May 2024

The long-term goal of this research is the development of a stand-alone tactile device for the communication of speech for persons with profound sensory deficits as well as for applications for persons with intact hearing and vision. Studies were conducted with a phoneme-based tactile display of speech consisting of a 4-by-6 array of tactors worn on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the forearm. Unique tactile signals were assigned to the 39 English phonemes. Study I consisted of training and testing on the identification of 4-phoneme words. Performance on a trained set of 100 words averaged 87% across the three participants and generalized well to a novel set of words (77%). Study II consisted of two-way messaging between two users of TAPS (TActile Phonemic Sleeve) for 13 h over 45 days. The participants conversed with each other by inputting text that was translated into tactile phonemes sent over the device. Messages were identified with an accuracy of 73% correct in conjunction with 82% of the words. Although rates of communication were slow (roughly 1 message per minute), the results obtained with this ecologically valid procedure represent progress toward the goal of a stand-alone tactile device for speech communication.
Medical organizations as tax agent on personal income tax on copyright agreements
Authors:   Department of Economics and Management of the Institute of Economics, Management and Law Moscow City University, Shinkareva O.V. , Kormacheva S.A. ,   Department of Economics and Management of the Institute of Economics, Management and Law Moscow City University
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the obligations of a medical organization when concluding author’s order contracts. We considered situations when companies should conclude such agreements, analyze legislation, and identify cases when a medical firm becomes a tax agent for personal income tax in such operations. It is noted that the legislation to reduce the tax base provides for the use of a professional tax deduction if an individual — the future author of the work is a resident in personal income tax. Practical examples of calculating the amount of personal income tax are given both in the presence of confirmed expenses of the contractor under the author’s order agreement and without them. It is disclosed what expenses can be taken for tax deduction; conclusions are drawn from the results of the study.
Technologies of working with different ethnic groups: socio-psychological aspect
Authors:   Department of Social Psychology and Social Work, FSBEI HE Ryazan State University named after S.A. Yesenin, Sukhov A. N.
Published: May 2024

This article reveals the relevance of the study of various ethnic groups associated with the need to create a full-fledged theory based on a systematic approach that allows formulating their adequate definition, classification, and ultimately the structure and content of the main part of socio-psychological ethnology as a branch of social psychology. It also describes both positive and negative, including extremist and criminal,ethnic groups, as well as socio-psychological technologies used when working with those. The article considers a socio-psychological approach to working with ethnic groups, taking into account their belonging to a particular type.
Digital Distractions in the Workplace: Exploring Cyberloafing Impact on Employee Behaviour and Innovation
Authors: Divya  , Narwal Mahabir
Published: May 2024

Cyberloafing is a new phenomenon. As a result of extensive internet and technology use in the workplace throughout the digital era, the practice of cyberloafing has emerged. With the advent of communication technologies, there is a continuous usage of the internet, mobile devices, and computer devices at the workplace. The online activities have been increasing every day. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to gather information about cyberloafing and its effects on employee behaviour. The purpose of this study is to know in which type of cyberloafing activities employees are engaged and how these cyberloafing activities impact employee behavioural factors (such as recovery, development, addiction and deviance) and innovative work behaviour. For this purpose, data were collected from public sector employees and private sector employees from the educational as well as healthcare sectors residing in Haryana. The data were collected from 150 respondents through questionnaires and analysed by using structural equational modelling SEM-PLS. The study is based on the concept considering cyberloafing as a multidimensional construct that includes cyberloafing activities (social, informational, virtual and leisure) and cyberloafing behaviour (recovery, development, deviance and addiction). The findings of the study indicate that cyberloafing activities have a significant positive impact on employee innovative work behaviour. The present research findings are beneficial for organisations to be aware of cyberloafing activities in which employees are engaged and cyberloafing behaviour which companies are interested to know.
This study has important implications for organisations looking to adapt to new technologies and efficiently control cyberloafing behaviours in the digital world.
Effectiveness of Cloud Technologies in Social Media Marketing and its Impact on Customer Buying Behaviour
Authors: Subramaniyan Pratiksha , Muthuraman Kavitha
Published: May 2024

The study addresses the broad question of how cloud computing is reshaping data management and marketing practices. It aims to understand the transformative impact of cloud technology on social media marketing and its influence on customer behaviour and decision-making processes. Specifically, the research seeks to analyse the effectiveness of cloud-based strategies in enhancing customer perceptions and preferences. The study explores the scalability, efficiency, and global accessibility benefits of cloud computing in marketing, with the overarching goal of providing practical insights for businesses navigating the evolving digital landscape. The research sets hypotheses to investigate systematically the relationships between cloud-based social media marketing and various aspects of consumer engagement. Data is collected cross-sectionally in this quantitative study. A systematic consumer survey and secondary source analysis for cloud-based social media marketing context and trends are used. The core survey data is analysed using frequency distribution, ANOVA, and one-sample t-test to determine customer opinions and preferences for cloud-based social media marketing. The study reveals that cloud-based social media marketing significantly impacts customer buying behaviour, with the frequency of social media activity influencing its perceived effectiveness. Additionally, variations in effectiveness are observed based on demographic factors, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in this dynamic digital landscape. The study leads to the conclusion that cloud-based social media marketing has a substantial impact on the behaviour of customers, which in turn influences their decisions to make purchases. To maximize the efficiency of marketing efforts in a digital world that is always changing, it emphasises the significance of ongoing involvement and the development of individualized tactics.
Enhancing Process Stability and Quality Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Process Capability Indices
Authors: Kwilinski Aleksy , Kardas Maciej
Published: May 2024

Process Capability Indices such as Process Capability Index (Cp) and Corrected Process Capability Index (Cpk), along with Process Performance Index (Pp) and Process Performance Corrected Index (Ppk), are most commonly used tools in quality management within manufacturing processes. They determine whether a process is capable of producing products within established tolerance limits, addressing both short-term and long-term variability. Despite widespread use, the analysis of Process Capability Indices often overlooks special variability within processes, which may lead to misleading interpretations of a process's capability, especially when the determination of tolerance limits is inadequately conducted. This article aims to verify the hypothesis that current analyses of Process Capability Indices fail to consider special variability, which could mislead the interpretation of a process's ability to meet its specifications. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Minitab software, based on dynamic viscosity measurements from the production process of solvent-based paint, to explore the implications of special variability on the interpretation of Process Capability Indices. The study revealed that while Process Capability Indices are useful for identifying quality management opportunities, their effectiveness is limited when special variability is present, often resulting in misinterpretations of a process's true capabilities. The findings highlight the need for methodologies that incorporate considerations of all forms of variability to ensure accurate process capability assessments. This gap in traditional analyses can affect the strategic decision-making in quality management, suggesting a critical area for further research and methodological development. The research confirms the need for a revised approach in analyzing Process Capability Indices, advocating for advanced methods that accurately reflect all forms of variability to improve quality management practices. Future research should focus on developing these methodologies to ensure more reliable and effective use of Process Capability Indices in quality management.
Análise de dados de atendimento pré-hospitalar das ambulâncias do corpo de bombeiros militar do estado do Paraná antes e durante a pandemia COVID-19 na cidade de Curitiba-PR
Authors: Busatto Rafael Commim , Mendes Christian Carlos Souza
Published: May 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma consolidação dos dados referentes aos atendimentos pré-hospitalares realizados pelos serviços de atendimento de trauma e emergência no município de Curitiba, entre os anos de 2019 e 2020. A capital do Estado do Paraná, assim como outras grandes metrópoles, tem um elevado número de ocorrências envolvendo o atendimento pré-hospitalar. Desta forma o Corpo de Bombeiros do Estado Paraná, representado pelo 1º, 6º e 7º Grupamentos, provem suporte e assistência para todo o município. Este estudo busca realizar o levantamento comparativo do perfil e quantidade de atendimentos ocorridos antes da pandemia do novo coronavirus (COVID-19) e durante seu enfrentamento, possibilitando a identificação de alguns dos principais indicadores como: quantidade de atendimento, regiões dos atendimentos, tipos de atendimentos e sua relação com o isolamento social vigente no município. O número de atendimentos realizados durante o ano de 2020 é algo a ser considerado, pois aproximadamente 36% da quantidade de atendimentos foi reduzida, mas tendo um aumento nos atendimentos relacionados as agressões e outros tipos vinculados a problemas domésticos. São disponibilizadas propostas para utilização dos dados gerados e ao final deste artigo são apresentadas as informações que poderão auxiliar a gestão pública em sua tomada de decisões, provendo a melhoria nas políticas públicas.
Stages and main tasks of the century-long control theory and system identification development. Part IV. Methods and problems of designing robust control systems
Authors: Romanenko Victor , Gubarev Vyacheslav
Published: May 2024

The article provides a review of the most important methods and problems in the design of robust discrete control systems. In this case, the main attention was focused on the problems of suppressing limited external disturbances, information about which is presented only in the form of a limitation on their maximum value. The use of invariant ellipsoids  is considered as the first mathematical apparatus for describing the characteristics of the influence of external disturbances on the trajectory of motion of dynamic systems. Theorems on the representation of invariant ellipsoids  in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMI) are formulated, which are further used to synthesize discrete state controllers that suppress external disturbances. The solution to a more general problem of robust suppression of limited disturbances based on the use of LMI in the presence of system uncertainties in the parameters of the mathematical model of the control object is considered. The use of H∞-control theory is considered as a second mathematical apparatus for suppressing external l2-limited external disturbances. In this case, the optimality criterion consists in minimizing the maximum ratio of the l2-norm of the vector of output stabilized coordinates to the l2-norm of the vector of input disturbances. The problem is solved by reducing it to the problem of robust control of a discrete dynamic system in space H∞ based on the Two-Ricatti approach. The standard H∞-optimization problem is also considered.