bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Study on the Influence of Different Molten Steel Temperatures on Inclusion Distribution under Dual-Channel Induction-Heating Conditions
Authors: Yi Bing , Zhang Guifang , Jiang Qi , Yan Peng , Feng Zhenhua , Tian Nan
Published: December 2023

Impurity elimination in tundishes is an essential metallurgical function in continuous casting. If inclusions in a tundish cannot be effectively removed, their presence will have a serious impact on the quality of the bloom. As a result, this research investigates the locations of inclusion particles in a six-strand induction-heating tundish in depth, combining the flow, temperature, and inclusion trajectories of molten steel under electromagnetic fields. The results show that a pinch effect occurred in the induction-heating tundish, and a rotating magnetic field formed in the channel, with a maximum value of 0.158 T. The electromagnetic force was directed toward the center of the axis, and its numerical distribution corresponds to the magnetic flux density distribution, with a maximum value of 2.11 × 105 N/m3. The inclusion particles’ movement speed accelerated as the molten steel’s temperature rose, and their distribution in the channel was identical to the rotating flow field distribution. When the steel’s temperature rose from 1750 K to 1850 K, the removal percentage of inclusion particles in the discharge chamber rose by 9.20%, the removal rate at the outlet decreased from 8.00% to 3.00%, and the adhesion percentage of inclusion particles in the channel decreased from 48.40% to 44.40%.
Cholesterol Exacerbates the Pathophysiology of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Upregulating Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 and Modulating Microcirculatory Dysfunction
Authors: Pereira Evelyn Nunes Goulart da Silva , Araujo Beatriz Peres de , Rodrigues Karine Lino , Silvares Raquel Rangel , Guimarães Fernanda Verdini , Martins Carolina Souza Machado , Flores Edgar Eduardo Ilaquita , Silva Patrícia Machado Rodrigues e , Daliry Anissa
Published: December 2023

Cholesterol is a pivotal lipotoxic molecule that contributes to the progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis NASH). Additionally, microcirculatory changes are critical components of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the role of cholesterol as an insult that modulates microcirculatory damage in NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms. The experimental model was established in male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet for 39 weeks. Between weeks 31–39, 2% cholesterol was added to the HFHC diet in a subgroup of mice. Leukocyte recruitment and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation in microcirculation were assessed using intravital microscopy. The hepatic microvascular blood flow (HMBF) was measured using laser speckle flowmetry. High cholesterol levels exacerbated hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and leukocyte recruitment compared to the HFHC group. In addition, cholesterol decreased the HMBF—cholesterol-induced activation of HSC and increased HIF1A expression in the liver. Furthermore, cholesterol promoted a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile with a Th1-type immune response (IFN-γ/IL-4). These findings suggest cholesterol exacerbates NAFLD progression through microcirculatory dysfunction and HIF1A upregulation through hypoxia and inflammation. This study highlights the importance of cholesterol-induced lipotoxicity, which causes microcirculatory dysfunction associated with NAFLD pathology, thus reinforcing the potential of lipotoxicity and microcirculation as therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
New Paradigms in the Diet and Microbiome Relationship
Authors: González Sonia
Published: December 2023

Decades of extensive scientific research have led to a consensus on the modulatory effect of diet in shaping the composition and activity of the gut microbiota [...]
Association between Neck Circumference and Chronic Kidney Disease in Korean Adults in the 2019–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Yoon Youngmin , Kim Yoo-min , Lee Somin , Shin Byung-Chul , Kim Hyun-Lee , Chung Jong-Hoon , Son Minkook
Published: December 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and death. Early recognition and management of CKD risk factors are necessary to prevent its onset and progression. Neck circumference (NC) is a non-invasive and easily accessible anthropometric measure associated with central obesity and subcutaneous fat accumulation in the upper body. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between NC and the prevalence of CKD using data from the nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021). We analyzed data from 10,219 subjects (age > 19 years, no missing values). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Logistic regression analysis was performed, which revealed a significant association between NC and CKD prevalence even after adjusting for confounding factors, both when NC was considered a continuous variable (OR [95% CI], 1.11 [1.03–1.19]) and in quartiles (Q1 as reference; Q2 OR [95% CI], 1.23 [0.91–1.67]; Q3 OR [95% CI], 1.59 [1.16–2.18]; Q4 OR [95% CI], 1.70 [1.16–2.50]). Our findings suggest that NC could be a simple and effective anthropometric measurement for identifying individuals at risk for CKD.
Oral Motor Impairments Contribute to Weight Status of Adults with Severe Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Lyster Aslak Emil , Hansen Solvejg Lis , Andersen Christina Therese , Nielsen Jens Bo , Westerterp Klaas , Wouters Loek , Kiens Bente , Ritterband-Rosenbaum Anina
Published: December 2023

Adults with severe cerebral palsy (CP) are susceptible to malnutrition and metabolic disorders due to limited daily physical activity and challenges related to eating. We hypothesized that the condition of being underweight arises from inadequate energy intake due to difficulties in eating, rather than heightened total energy expenditure or an elevated resting metabolic rate. The present study encompassed 17 adults with severe CP (classified as GMFSC III–V). Energy intake, utilization, and expenditure were gauged via thorough dietary recordings and double-labeled water (DLW) analyses. Resting metabolic rates were assessed through indirect calorimetry, and metabolic health was investigated via blood samples. Oral motor function, eating assessment during meals, and weight fluctuations throughout the experimental period were also evaluated. We found significant correlations between weight, oral impairments (p < 0.01), and eating difficulties (p < 0.05). While total energy expenditure and daily consumption were similar between underweight (UW) and overweight (OW) individuals, significant variability in both expenditure and intake was evident within the UW group. Particularly, those with lower BMIs experienced heightened mealtime impairments and complications. Our present findings indicate that eating difficulties are the central concern for UW status in this population.
Effect of pH on the Mechanical Properties of Single-Biopolymer Mucilage (Opuntia ficus-indica), Pectin and Alginate Films: Development and Mechanical Characterisation
Authors: Van Rooyen Brandon , De Wit Maryna , Osthoff Gernot , Van Niekerk Johan , Hugo Arno
Published: December 2023

Pectin and alginate are well-established biopolymers used in natural film development. Single-polymer mucilage films were developed from freeze-dried native mucilage powder of two cultivars, ‘Algerian’ and ‘Morado’, and the films’ mechanical properties were compared to single-polymer pectin and alginate films developed from commercially available pectin and alginate powders. The casting method prepared films forming solutions at 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% (w/w) for each polymer. Considerable variations were observed in the films’ strength and elasticity between the various films at different polymer concentrations. Although mucilage films could be produced at 5% (w/w), both cultivars could not produce films with a tensile strength (TS) greater than 1 MPa. Mucilage films, however, displayed > 20% elongation at break (%E) values, being noticeably more elastic than the pectin and alginate films. The mechanical properties of the various films were further modified by varying the pH of the film-forming solution. The various films showed increased TS and puncture force (PF) values, although these increases were more noticeable for pectin and alginate than mucilage films. Although single-polymer mucilage films exhibit the potential to be used in developing natural packaging, pectin and alginate films possess more suitable mechanical attributes.
Preparation and Compression Resistance of Lightweight Concrete Filled with Lightweight Calcium Carbonate Reinforced Expanded Polystyrene Foam
Authors: Wang Erke , Xiang Lixue , Tang Bo , Dai Xuming , Cao Zheng , Jiang Tao , Wang Ying , Chen Xiaowen , Li Wenge , Zhao Yuantao , Yang Ke , Wu Xinfeng
Published: December 2023

Lightweight concrete is widely used in the construction industry due to its low density and high strength. In this paper, lightweight concrete was prepared by a simple two-step method. Firstly, the light calcium carbonate reinforced epoxy macrospheres (LCR-EMS) material was obtained by adhering calcium lighter carbonate powder to the expanded polystyrene foam spheres (EPS) material using the “balling method”. In the second step, the LCR-EMS was mixed with water, cement, and the hollow glass microspheres (HGMS) material using the “molding method” to obtain lightweight concrete. The combination of macroscopic photographs and microscopic morphology shows that the LCR-EMS material itself is uniformly encapsulated and well bonded to the matrix. Test results show that the density of the lightweight concrete decreases with an increase in the volume fraction of stacked LCR-EMS, the diameter, and the proportion of HGMS in the matrix, but it decreases with a decrease in the number of layers of LCR-EMS. The compressive strength of lightweight concrete exhibits a completely opposite trend. When three layers of LCR-EMS were used as filler material, the density and compressive strength of the concrete were 1.246 g/cm3 and 8.19 MPa, respectively. The density and maximum compressive strength of lightweight concrete were 1.146 g/cm3 and 6.37 Mpa, respectively, when filled with 8–9 mm-2L-90 svol% of LCR-EMS and 40 wt% of HGMS in the matrix. Compared with lightweight concrete filled with 90% EPS, the density increased by 20% while the compressive strength increased by 300%.
Preparation of Lignin-Based Nanoparticles with Excellent Acidic Tolerance as Stabilizer for Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Wang Lina , Kang Yue , Zhang Weilu , Yang Jiahao , Li Haiming , Niu Meihong , Guo Yanzhu , Wang Zhiwei
Published: December 2023

In this work, novel lignin-based nanoparticles (LβNPs) with high acidic tolerance were successfully prepared via electrostatic interaction between β-alanine and lignin nanoparticles. The effects of the mass ratio of lignin nanoparticles to β-alanine and pH value on the morphology and particle sizes of LβNPs were investigated with the aim of obtaining the ideal nanoparticles. The optimized LβNPs were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 41.1 ± 14.5 nm and exhibited outstanding structure stability under high acidic conditions (pH < 4). Subsequently, Pickering emulsions stabilized by LβNPs were prepared using olive oil as the oil phase. Additionally, the effects of pH value, droplet size, morphology, and storage stability on Pickering emulsions were also analyzed. The emulsions displayed excellent stability, and were stable against strongly acidic conditions (pH < 4) after 30 days of storage. The study presented a promising approach to preparing lignin-based nanoparticles with high acidic tolerance (an ideal type of stabilizer to prepare emulsions), and exhibited extremely high potential application values in the fields of drug delivery, food additives, and oily wastewater treatment.
Research Progress of Self-Healing Polymer for Ultraviolet-Curing Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Sun Zhe , Ren Hao , Wen Xiaomu , Wang Wei , Zhang Tianfu , Xiao Lei , Zhang Guangpu
Published: December 2023

Ultraviolet (UV)-curing technology as a photopolymerization technology has received widespread attention due to its advantages of high efficiency, wide adaptability, and environmental friendliness. Ultraviolet-based 3D printing technology has been widely used in the printing of thermosetting materials, but the permanent covalent cross-linked networks of thermosetting materials which are used in this method make it hard to recover the damage caused by the printing process through reprocessing, which reduces the service life of the material. Therefore, introducing dynamic bonds into UV-curable polymer materials might be a brilliant choice which can enable the material to conduct self-healing, and thus meet the needs of practical applications. The present review first introduces photosensitive resins utilizing dynamic bonds, followed by a summary of various types of dynamic bonds approaches. We also analyze the advantages/disadvantages of diverse UV-curable self-healing polymers with different polymeric structures, and outline future development trends in this field.
Effects of Phenolics on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Collagen Hydrogel
Authors: Munir Sadia , Yue Wei , Li Jinling , Yu Xiaoyue , Ying Tianhao , Liu Ru , You Juan , Xiong Shanbai , Hu Yang
Published: December 2023

In the current era, the treatment of collagen hydrogels with natural phenolics for the improvement in physicochemical properties has been the subject of considerable attention. The present research aimed to fabricate collagen hydrogels cross-linked with gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA) at different concentrations depending on the collagen dry weight. The structural, enzymatic, thermal, morphological, and physical properties of the native collagen hydrogels were compared with those of the GA/EA cross-linked hydrogels. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic analyses confirmed the structural stability and reliability of the collagen after treatment with either GA or EA. The cross-linking also significantly contributed to the improvement in the storage modulus, of 435 Pa for 100% GA cross-linked hydrogels. The thermal stability was improved, as the highest residual weight of 43.8% was obtained for the hydrogels cross-linked with 50% GA in comparison with all the other hydrogels. The hydrogels immersed in 30%, 50%, and 100% concentrations of GA also showed improved swelling behavior and porosity, and the highest resistance to type 1 collagenase (76.56%), was obtained for 50% GA cross-linked collagen hydrogels. Moreover, GA 100% and EA 100% obtained the highest denaturation temperatures (Td) of 74.96 °C and 75.78 °C, respectively. In addition, SEM analysis was also carried out to check the surface morphology of the pristine collagen hydrogels and the cross-linked collagen hydrogels. The result showed that the hydrogels cross-linked with GA/EA were denser and more compact. However, the improved physicochemical properties were probably due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the phenolic hydroxyl groups of GA and EA and the nitrogen atoms of the collagen backbone. The presence of inter- and intramolecular cross-links between collagen and GA or EA components and an increased density of intermolecular bonds suggest potential hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interactions. Overall, the present study paves the way for further investigations in the field by providing valuable insights into the GA/EA interaction with collagen molecules.
Improving Predictions of Tibetan Plateau Summer Precipitation Using a Sea Surface Temperature Analog-Based Correction Method
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Hong-Li , Xu Xiangde , Gao Li , Chen Bin , Li Jian , Che Huizheng , Wang Yaqiang , Zhang Xiaoye
Published: December 2023

Boreal summer precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is difficult to predict in current climate models and has become a challenging issue. To address this issue, a new analog-based correction method has been developed. Our analysis reveals a substantial correlation between the prediction errors of TP summer precipitation (TPSP) and previous February anomalies of sea surface temperature (SST) in the key regions of tropical oceans. Consequently, these SST anomalies can be selected as effective predictors for correcting prediction errors. With remote-sensing-based and observational datasets employed as benchmarks, the new method was validated using the rolling-independent validation method for the period 1992–2018. The results clearly demonstrate that the new SST analog-based correction method of dynamical models can evidently improve prediction skills of summer precipitation in most TP regions. In comparison to the original model predictions, the method exhibits higher skills in terms of temporal and spatial skill scores. This study offers a valuable tool for effectively improving the TPSP prediction in dynamical models.
Real-Time Synchronous Acquisition and Processing of Signal in Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar Using FPGA
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhu Wenyue , Jin Xiaomei , Qing Chun
Published: December 2023

Coherent Doppler wind lidar has become a primary remote sensing technique for measuring atmospheric wind fields in recent years. However, the high bandwidth of the time domain echo signal has limited real-time data acquisition and processing. In this work, we propose a real-time data acquisition and preprocessing integrated solution. This approach is implemented using on-chip system field programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware while utilizing a 7-channel base-4 polyphase fast Fourier transform calculation module and a pipelined structure operation. Within a 1 s data collection time, the real-time rapid acquisition and spectral preprocessing of lidar echo signals at a range of 9.9 km can be achieved. We compare the observation data with the measurement data from Windcube100s and radiosondes, and the results indicate that the coherent wind lidar developed in this paper can detect heights above 4.0 km, with effective data acquisition rates of 82% and 61% in the height ranges of 1500–2000 m and 2000–2500 m, respectively. At the height range of 3.5 km, the correlations for horizontal wind speed and direction measured by the lidar were all above 0.99, with the wind speed and direction measurement deviations being better than 0.56 m/s and 8.40∘, respectively.
Comparison of the Heights of Sporadic E Layers and Vertical Ion Convergence Parameters
Authors: Yu Yan , Yu Tao , Qiu Lihui , Yan Xiangxiang , Wang Jin , Liang Yu , Liu Shuo , Qi Yifan
Published: December 2023

Sporadic E (Es) layers are thin layers of enhanced electron density that commonly appear at altitudes of 90–130 km, often impacting radio communications and navigation systems. The wind shear theory posits that the vertical ion drift, influenced by atmospheric neutral winds and the magnetic field, serves as a significant dynamic driver for the formation and movement of Es layers. In current studies, both the heights of ion vertical velocity null (IVN) and the maximum vertical ion convergence (VICmax) have been proposed as the potential height of Es layer occurrence. In this study, utilizing the neutral atmospheric wind data derived from the WACCM-X (The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension), we computed and compared these two parameters with the observed Es layer heights recorded by the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (FORMOsa SATellite-3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate) radio occultation (RO) observations. The comparative analysis suggests that IVN is a more likely node for Es layer occurrence than VICmax. Subsequently, we examined the height–time distributions of IVN and Es layers, as well as their respective descent rates at different latitudes. These results demonstrated a notable agreement in height variations between IVN and Es layers. The collective results presented in this paper provide strong support that the ion vertical velocity null plays a crucial role in determining the height of Es layers.
Visual Sensing and Depth Perception for Welding Robots and Their Industrial Applications
Authors: Wang Ji , Li Leijun , Xu Peiquan
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of vision sensing, artificial intelligence, and robotics technology, one of the challenges we face is installing more advanced vision sensors on welding robots to achieve intelligent welding manufacturing and obtain high-quality welding components. Depth perception is one of the bottlenecks in the development of welding sensors. This review provides an assessment of active and passive sensing methods for depth perception and classifies and elaborates on the depth perception mechanisms based on monocular vision, binocular vision, and multi-view vision. It explores the principles and means of using deep learning for depth perception in robotic welding processes. Further, the application of welding robot visual perception in different industrial scenarios is summarized. Finally, the problems and countermeasures of welding robot visual perception technology are analyzed, and developments for the future are proposed. This review has analyzed a total of 2662 articles and cited 152 as references. The potential future research topics are suggested to include deep learning for object detection and recognition, transfer deep learning for welding robot adaptation, developing multi-modal sensor fusion, integrating models and hardware, and performing a comprehensive requirement analysis and system evaluation in collaboration with welding experts to design a multi-modal sensor fusion architecture.
Sinkhole Attack Defense Strategy Integrating SPA and Jaya Algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Teng Zhijun , Li Mingzhe , Yu Libo , Gu Jinliang , Li Meng
Published: December 2023

A sinkhole attack is characterized by low difficulty to launch, high destructive power, and difficulty to detect and defend. It is a common attack mode for wireless sensor networks. This paper proposes a sinkhole attack detection and defense strategy integrating SPA and Jaya algorithms in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Then, combined with the SPA trust model, the trust values of suspicious nodes were calculated, and the attack nodes were detected. The Jaya algorithm was adopted to avoid the attacked area so that nodes can find the route to communicate with the real Sink, and attack nodes are isolated in the network to improve the capabilities of network directional defense. The simulation results show that the improved detection algorithm can effectively detect malicious nodes in the network, and the defense strategy implemented in the attacked area can improve the packet delivery rate, reduce network delay and energy consumption, and improve the security and reliability of wireless sensor networks.
Application of Biofilm Water Conservation and Emission Reduction Technology in the Pond Culture of Largemouth Bass and Japanese Eel
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Wang Yilin , Jiang Xinglong
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the water-saving and emission-reduction effects of biofilm technology on the pond culture of largemouth bass (Micropterus pallidus) and Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) using a combination of biofilm water purification grids and a complex microbial preparation. The results show that during the 150-day largemouth bass aquaculture trial, the TN, TAN, TP, nitrite, and LP in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group by 26.2%, 74.7%, 53.9%, 30.7%, and 59.1% (p < 0.01), respectively. During the 145-day aquaculture trial of Japanese eel, the TN, TAN, and TP levels in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group by 30.1%, 68.6%, and 18.7% (p < 0.01), respectively. The nitrite and COD levels were also significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group by 18.3% and 16.0% (p < 0.05). In addition, largemouth bass and Japanese eel tailwater nitrogen and phosphorus discharges were significantly reduced and culture yields were significantly increased. This biofilm pond culture technology has advantages such as low cost, water saving and emission reduction, increased production, ease of operation, and a wide range of applications.
Examining the Roles of Technology in Sustaining Language Teaching and Learning
Authors: Huang Fang , Sun Li
Published: December 2023

The use of technology is currently pervasive in language teaching and learning, and technology adoption is especially important to sustain teaching and learning, which could be affected by unexpected events [...]
Green Marketing: A Bibliographic Perspective
Authors: Lievano Pulido Yineth Paola , Ramon-Jeronimo Maria Angeles
Published: December 2023

Interest in green marketing in both the academic and practitioner communities has undergone steady growth in recent years. With more than 150 papers published in 2022, the Web of Science (WOS) database confirms this premise. Although some bibliometric analyses on this topic exist, none has included a comprehensive review of the literature, authors, journals, theories, keywords, and future lines of research as does this study. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to consolidate a descriptive bibliometric analysis to identify the main themes studied, the most influential authors and journals, the most commonly used theories, the networks that exist between authors and topics, the most frequently used keywords, and their evolution over the years. It has been found that green marketing research has increased rapidly, especially since 2015. In total, 1741 research articles have been published in 828 journals. The top five authors, the top 10 cited publications, and the top five cited publications by the WOS classification are all analysed herein. Finally, based on keyword analysis, it is concluded that “sustainability”, “planned behaviour”, “performance”, and “trust” have attracted extensive attention over the past decade.
Exploring Cybersecurity Education and Training Techniques: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality Approaches
Authors: Alnajim Abdullah M. , Habib Shabana , Islam Muhammad , AlRawashdeh Hazim Saleh , Wasim Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Considering the alarming increase in cyberattacks and their potential financial implications, the importance of cybersecurity education and training cannot be overstated. This paper presents a systematic literature review that examines different cybersecurity education and training techniques with a focus on symmetry. It primarily focuses on traditional cybersecurity education techniques and emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), through the lens of symmetry. The main objective of this study is to explore the existing cybersecurity training techniques, identify the challenges involved, and assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity training based on VR and AR while emphasizing the concept of symmetry. Through careful selection criteria, 66 primary studies were selected from a total of 150 pertinent research studies. This article offers valuable insights into the pros and cons of conventional training approaches, explores the use of VR and AR in cybersecurity education concerning symmetry, and thoroughly discusses the challenges associated with these technologies. The findings of this review contribute significantly to the continuing efforts in cybersecurity education by offering recommendations for improving employees’ knowledge, engagement, and motivation in cybersecurity training programs while maintaining symmetry in the learning process.
Steady State Kinetics for Enzymes with Multiple Binding Sites Upstream of the Catalytic Site
Authors: Osorio Manuel I. , Petrache Mircea , Salinas Dino G. , Valenzuela-Ibaceta Felipe , González-Nilo Fernando , Tiznado William , Pérez-Donoso José M. , Bravo Denisse , Yáñez Osvaldo
Published: December 2023

The Michaelis–Menten mechanism, which describes the binding of a substrate to an enzyme, is a simplification of the process on a molecular scale. A more detailed model should include the binding of the substrate to precatalytic binding sites (PCBSs) prior to the transition to the catalytic site. Our work shows that the incorporation of PCBSs, in steady-state conditions, generates a Michaelis–Menten-type expression, in which the kinetic parameters KM and Vmax adopt more complex expressions than in the model without PCBSs. The equations governing reaction kinetics can be seen as generalized symmetries, relative to time translation actions over the state space of the underlying chemical system. The study of their structure and defining parameters can be interpreted as looking for invariants associated with these time evolution actions. The expression of KM decreases as the number of PCBSs increases, while Vmax reaches a minimum when the first PCBSs are incorporated into the model. To evaluate the trend of the dynamic behavior of the system, numerical simulations were performed based on schemes with different numbers of PCBSs and six conditions of kinetic constants. From these simulations, with equal kinetic constants for the formation of the Substrate/PCBS complex, it is observed that KM and Vmax are lower than those obtained with the Michaelis–Menten model. For the model with PCBSs, the Vmax reaches a minimum at one PCBS and that value is maintained for all of the systems evaluated. Since KM decreases with the number of PCBSs, the catalytic efficiency increases for enzymes fitting this model. All of these observations are consistent with the general equation obtained. This study allows us to explain, on the basis of the PCBS to KM and Vmax ratios, the effect on enzyme parameters due to mutations far from the catalytic site, at sites involved in the first enzyme/substrate interaction. In addition, it incorporates a new mechanism of enzyme activity regulation that could be fundamental to search for new activity-modulating sites or for the design of mutants with modified enzyme parameters.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infections in a Large Belgian Cohort Using Next-Generation Sequencing of Full-Length Genomes
Authors: Christensen Kasper T. , Pierard Florian , Bonsall David , Bowden Rory , Barnes Eleanor , Florence Eric , Ansari M. Azim , Nguyen Dung , de Cesare Mariateresa , Nevens Frederik , Robaeys Geert , Schrooten Yoeri , Busschots Dana , Simmonds Peter , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Van Wijngaerden Eric , Dierckx Tim , Cuypers Lize , Van Laethem Kristel
Published: December 2023

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in Western countries is primarily perpetuated by the sub-populations of men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID). Understanding the dynamics of transmission in these communities is crucial for removing the remaining hurdles towards HCV elimination. We sequenced 269 annotated HCV plasma samples using probe enrichment and next-generation sequencing, obtaining 224 open reading frames of HCV (OR497849-OR498072). Maximum likelihood phylogenies were generated on the four most prevalent subtypes in this study (HCV1a, 1b, 3a, 4d) with a subsequent transmission cluster analysis. The highest rate of clustering was observed for HCV4d samples (13/17 (76.47%)). The second highest rate of clustering was observed in HCV1a samples (42/78 (53.85%)) with significant association with HIV-positive MSM. HCV1b and HCV3a had very low rates of clustering (2/83 (2.41%) and (0/29)). The spread of the prevalent subtype HCV1b appears to have been largely curtailed, and we demonstrate the onwards transmission of HCV1a and HCV4d in the HIV-positive MSM population across municipal borders. More systematic data collection and sequencing is needed to allow a better understanding of the HCV transmission among the community of PWID and overcome the remaining barriers for HCV elimination in Belgium.
Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural and Industrial Water Demands in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Using Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM)
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhong Yating , Chen Meijing , Duan Weili
Published: December 2023

As a politically and culturally important city cluster, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is the most prominent area in China where the imbalance between the supply and demand of water resources restricts the sustainable and healthy development of the regional social economy. In the context of global warming, research into water demand prediction that takes climate change into consideration would be more in line with the strategic goal of the low-carbon sustainable development of future cities. At the same time, the prediction of agricultural water demands against a background of climate change is urgently needed, while industrial water consumption is weakly correlated with climate change, an investigation of the statistical relationship between the two is needed. Thus, in this paper, future climate data from the BTH region under the scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were generated using a statistical downscaling model, and then coupled with agricultural and industrial water demand prediction models to simulate and analyze the impact of climate change on the agricultural and industrial water demands, respectively. The results show that during the forecast period (2020–2035), the reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) growth rates in the Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei areas under the RCP2.6 scenario are 1.438 mm·a−1, 1.393 mm·a−1 and 2.059 mm·a−1, respectively. Under the RCP4.5 scenario, they are 2.252 mm·a−1, 2.310 mm·a−1 and 2.827 mm·a−1, respectively. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, they are 3.123 mm·a−1, 2.310 mm·a−1 and 2.141 mm·a−1, respectively. Furthermore, under each climate scenario, the increase in evapotranspiration in the Hebei area is the largest, followed by that in the Tianjin area, and that in the Beijing area is the smallest. For water consumption per CNY 10,000 of industrial added value during the forecast period, under the three different climate scenarios, a downward trend is seen in the Beijing area, with rates of 0.158, 0.153 and 0.110, respectively, but in the Tianjin area, there is an upward trend, with an upward tendency in rates of 0.170, 0.087 and 0.071, and an upward trend in the Hebei area, with an upward tendency in rates of 0.254, 0.071 and 0.036, respectively. This study will help the BTH region to rationally allocate agricultural and industrial water against the background of future climate change, and strengthen the coordination and cooperation between the different regions to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the cities.
Shrinking Desert Channel Response to Increasing Human Interferences and Changing Natural Factors in the Upper Yellow River
Authors: Li Yongshan , Jia Xiaopeng , Wang Haibing , Wang Jian , Ma Qimin
Published: December 2023

Many rivers are tightly coupled and intersected with aeolian sand dunes, whose geomorphological evolution involves not only fluvial processes but also aeolian processes that pose a new challenge to fluvial geomorphological studies. However, due to few field studies, our overall understanding of the desert channel geomorphic process is limited. In this paper, we present an outstanding example of desert river channel evolution regulated by aeolian–fluvial interactions in the Ulan Buh Desert of the Yellow River, based on a long time series data set (1966–2019) of channel cross-sections. The results indicate that the lateral addition of aeolian sand, the water–sediment relationship and human interference have a significant role at different periods of channel evolution. Before 1986, higher discharge, lower sediment content and greater intensity of aeolian activity caused aeolian–fluvial interactions and a relative scouring and silting balance in the channel, with little human activity. From 1986 to 2000, an increase in large reservoir operation, vegetation coverage and floodplain farming, coupled with water–sediment relationship variation, caused rapid deposition and shrinkage of the river channel. From 2000 to 2014, the channel kept a slight scouring state. With Haibowan reservoir operation beginning in 2014, the talweg experienced rapid scouring and undercut rebound. However, an expanding and stable floodplain accelerated sedimentation on the floodplain and weakened river lateral erosion, indicating that the channel has shown a shrinkage trend. Meanwhile, wavelet analysis results indicate that human interferences and aeolian activities have no significant role in the periodical characteristics of the channel’s longitudinal erosion and deposition. Therefore, on the whole, increasing human interferences and decreasing wind dynamics have driven this desert wandering channel to be stable, and to gradually form a new balance between erosion and sedimentation.
THE PLOT STRUCTURE OF ROMANTIC FANTASY (BASED ON THE MATERIAL OF NOVELS ABOUT POPADANTS)
Authors:   Orel State University, FEDORCHUK M.A. , PRONINA M.S. ,   Orel State University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the specifics of the plot structure of the romfant’s works based on the material of three novels: “Trapped in the Academy of Dragons” by Lyubov Svadbina, “The Chosen One of the Storm” by Olga Pashnina and “Trapped with a Light” by Elena Schastina. Special attention is paid to the analysis of texts based on the structural and typological method developed by V.Y. Propp in his work “Morphology of a fairy tale”. The works are considered from the point of view of formality and modality, which to some extent correspond to the structure of a fairy tale and its main functions described by Propp.
THE SKILL OF V. PRAVDUKHIN-CRITIC IN THE MAGAZINE "SIBERIAN LIGHTS"
Authors:   Omsk State University named after F.M. Dostoyevsky, KHOMIAKOV V.I. , BUBNOV S.A. ,   Orel State University
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the critical works of V. Pravdukhin, published in the early 1920s on the pages of the journal «Siberian Lights». The critic’s views on the literary process of those years, the analysis of the works of Soviet writers allow us to conclude about the transformation and dynamics of literature of the 1920s, about the creation of a model of Soviet criticism. The work uses a complex of complementary research methods: cultural-historical, systemic, historical and literary.
PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT OF THE STUDENTS' ACADEMIC COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROCESS OF PROFESSIONALLY-ORIENTED FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING AT THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Authors:   Petrozavodsk State University, DMITRIEVA N.K.
Published: December 2023

In conditions of growing economic instability, the problem of academic competency development, as an integral personal quality in students studying at higher educational institutions, is becoming increasingly relevant. The dynamically developing economic needs of the modern society impose new requirements on the university graduates, the compliance with which is realized through acquisition of appropriate competencies. One of them is “academic competence”, which is considered to be an integral personal quality, developed in the educational environment and represented by a dynamic state of its interrelated components (1. value-oriented 2. cognitive-communicative, 3. operational, 4. evaluative and reflexive), contributing to the development of the whole set of universal, general professional and professional competencies. In the course of our research, the component structure of the studied quality was identified and substantiated, and the process of targeted pedagogical support aimed at the “academic competency” development in the process ofprofessionally-oriented foreign language teaching was described...
USING THE RESOURCES OF THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL CORPUS IN THE ANALYSIS OF COMPARATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS IN TEACHING RUSSIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations, IGUMENTSEVA T.YU.
Published: December 2023

The article considers the specifics of using the materials of the Russian National Corpus (RNC) in the preparation of assignments for the study of comparative constructions in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language. It is shown that the RNC has a significant potential in providing extensive and linguistically correctly verified material for the study of comparative constructions. The RNC texts can be taken as a basis of “passive” and “active” exercises on differentiating comparative constructions and syntactic constructs which are similar to comparative constructions in formal connectors and semantics, as well as on identifying special structural characteristics of comparison (object, standard and basis of comparison). The article presents a variety of based on the RNC materials exercises of different types on analyzing the structure of comparative constructions (mode of expression, means of arranging comparisons), their semantics and stylistic potential.
PREREQUISITES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPORT SUBSTITUTION OF SOFTWARE IN THE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN RUSSIAN UNIVERSITIES
Authors:   Central Russian Institute of Management - Branch of RANEPA, MUZALEVSKAYA A.A. , GAIDAMAKINA I.V. ,   Central Russian Institute of Management - Branch of RANEPA
Published: December 2023

The formation of digital competencies among students is a priority task of the vocational education system. The current system of training digital economy personnel in universities is focused on meeting the immediate needs of the economy and production. Educational institutions produce specialists who are used to working with foreign solutions in the field of software. This is due to the fact that for a long time, software from Western developers has been used (and continues to be used to this day) in all sectors of the economy and public administration. In the current situation, when the import substitution of information technologies has become an indispensable condition for the stability of the functioning of any Russian enterprise, it is necessary to immediately make adjustments to the content of training programs, which is reflected in the strategy of transition of educational institutions of higher education to the preferential use of domestic software.
THE USE OF AN INTERACTIVE MODEL IN THE STUDY OF THE DISCIPLINE "MATHEMATICS"
Authors:   Moscow Suvorov Military School of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, PAVLOVA T.A. , UVAROVA M.N. ,   Orel State Agrarian University Named After N.V. Parakhin
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the use of modern learning technologies in the educational process. The possibility of using interactive digital content to consolidate communication skills in the framework of research, classroom and extracurricular work with students is analyzed.
THE USE OF THE VECTOR-COORDINATE METHOD IN THE STUDY OF THE DISCIPLINES OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS
Authors:   Orel State Agrarian University Named After N.V. Parakhin, UVAROVA M.N. , GRISHINA S.YU. ,   Orel State Agrarian University Named After N.V. Parakhin
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the methodological features of using the vector-coordinate method, the formation of interdisciplinary knowledge among students. The authors analyzed the applied component in solving physical problems, fixing the studied mathematical concepts and symbols through the transition from geometric relationships to analytical data.
A SET OF METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONALISM IN A FUTURE PHILOLOGIST
Authors:   Orel State University, SHULDESHOVA N.V.
Published: December 2023

The interrelation of socio-economic changes and professional requirements for future philologists is investigated, the concept of «philologist» is revealed and the characteristic of his activity is given. The article presents methodological approaches in language teaching, their characteristics, as well as substantiates the means used in the learning process and reveals their relationship with methodologies.
THE FATE OF THE CLERGYMAN IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH IN THE 1930S. THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE REHABILITATION PROCESSES OF THE "KHRUSHCHEV THAW" (ON THE EXAMPLE OF ARCHPRIEST SERGIY ANDREEVICH SAKHAROV)
Authors:   Moscow Metropolis Russian Orthodox Church, GRISHIN A.A.
Published: December 2023

The article presents previously unpublished documents on the rehabilitation of Archpriest Sergiy Andreevich Sakharov in the 1950s-1960s. The purpose of the article is an attempt to analyze the sequence of the rehabilitation process at the turn of the 1950s-1960s, using the example of Archpriest Sergiy Sakharov (shot in 1937 at the Butovo polygon). and on the basis of the results obtained, try to identify the main causes of the tragic events of the 1930s. 20th century Having before one’s eyes a detailed picture of church-state relations of the 20th century, the life of an individual clergyman often remains outside the field of historical research. At the same time, it is precisely the consideration of the life path of a “typical” rural priest that makes it possible to fully imagine the fate of many of his compatriots who completed their journey at the Butovo training ground in 1937. Reconstructing, on the basis of previously unpublished documents from the State Archives of the Russian Federation, the main stages of the rehabilitation of a typical representative of the clergy - Archpriest Sergei Andreevich Sakharov, the author makes an attempt to identify the main mechanisms and causes of the anti-church policy pursued by Stalin.
"MEMORY OBLIGES!" THE LIFEWAY OF VALENTINA YAKOVLEVNA VOROBYEVA AND HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL MEMORY IN THE OREL REGION
Authors:   Orel State University, ZAKHAROV A.A. , ILYINA N.L. ,   Orel State University, POLYNKIN A.M. ,   Pokrovskaya Inter-Settlement Central District Library Named After S.N. Olovennikov, TATARENKOVA E.A. ,   Orel State University
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the stages of the life path of the с. of H.S., Professor, «Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation» Valentina Yakovlevna Vorobyova (1940-2019). Particular attention is paid to her contribution to the creation of the «Book of Memory» of the Oryol region and the work on the creation of the OSU Museum Complex.
ENIGMATIC DISCOURSE AS A MEANS OF ACTIVATION OF STUDENTS' COGNITIVE ACTIVITY
Authors:   Academy of the FSO of Russia, STRUKOVA T.V. , EREMENKO E.V. ,   Academy of the FSO of Russia
Published: December 2023

The article considers the distinctive features of enigmatic discourse, its functional specificity and interactive orientation. The possibility of using poetic and prose riddles, charades, metagrams, logogryphs in the classroom in Russian as a foreign language to enhance the cognitive activity of students is substantiated. The phenomenon of the language game, implemented in the enigmatic discourse, will give the learning process an innovative character, will diversify the system of tasks and exercises.