bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLOW DIVERTING AGENTS FOR WELL TREATMENT IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Authors: Zakirov R. A. , Fakhretdinov F. R. , Yarkeeva N. R. , Drozhzhin A. A.
Published: July 2023

Within well life, well treatments are carried out to increase productivity by stimulating initially unproductive zones. These measures include hydraulic fracturing, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, matrix acid treatment, acid fracturing, etc. These processing methods allow existing wells to support hydrocarbon production without drilling new wells. During these treatments, certain specialized particles or technical devices are used for isolating an already existing perforation or for liquid flow diverting. These particles or devices are usually called flow diverters, which can prevent the use of a drilling rig to create temporary physical barriers, reducing the overhaul cost. Recent improvements in flow deflection technology allow the use of various decomposable particles that act as a temporary bridge either at the perforation entrance or inside an existing crack. The basic principles of the injected compounds flow deflection are to create filtration resistance to the advance of the acid composition in the highly permeable part of the collector and the coating of untreated cracks. This article discusses rejecting agents, their origin, types, applications, and some case studies in which the use of rejecting agents has proven to be the most effective.
Registros fósiles del género Notiomastodon cf. platensis (Mammalia: Proboscidea) en el sur occidente colombiano, depositados en el Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad del Cauca, Popayán.
Authors: Rengifo Sánchez Camilo , Muñoz Nates Charles , Mothé Dimila
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo se enfoca en la descripción de muestras fósiles pertenecientes a proboscídeos del Cuaternario de América del Sur, depositados en el Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad del Cauca (Popayán, Colombia). Se sintetiza la información recabada a partir de las piezas de dicho grupo, utilizando la anatomía comparada con ejemplares de otros institutos y referencial bibliográficas adicionales. Se realiza una comparación de las medidas tomadas (en milímetros) de las muestras analizadas para obtener aproximaciones de su identificación taxonómica, edad y biomasa, esta última aplicada específicamente a los elementos postcraneales. Las muestras se componen de dientes M2, M3, bunodontes, trilofodontes y pentalofodontes (carentes de defensas) encontradas en cercanías al desierto de la Tatacoa (Huila) y un molar M1 bunodonte fragmentado, encontrado en Mercaderes (Cauca), además de elementos postcraneales (una patela y una vértebra) encontrados en una tumba indígena en el Valle de Atríz (Nariño). A partir de las características morfológicas identificadas en este trabajo, los registros de las tres localidades se clasifican como Notiomastodon cf. platensis. El reporte de esta información contribuye significativamente a reforzar los estudios paleobiológicos sobre la presencia de Notiomastodon como componente destacado de la megafauna del Cuaternario en el sur occidente de Colombia.
Rescate, traslado, reubicación y monitoreo de epífitas vasculares (Araceae, Bromeliaceae y Orchidaceae) en la región del Guavio (Cordillera Oriental colombiana)
Authors: Sierra Giraldo Julio Andrés , Giraldo Pamplona Wilson , Cuartas Luisa Fernanda
Published: July 2023

Las epífitas son un componente importante en los bosques tropicales, donde, debido a la disminución de sus poblaciones naturales, algunas familias vasculares (Orchidaceae y Bromeliaceae) y en general todas las epífitas no vasculares presentan veda en Colombia. Ahora, como estrategia para mitigar la pérdida de biodiversidad, se ha implementado su rescate y reubicación como medida de manejo ambiental. En este trabajo se presentan los métodos utilizados durante las actividades de rescate, reubicación y monitoreo de epífitas vasculares en la región del Guavio (Cundinamarca, Colombia), actividades realizadas durante la construcción de la línea de transmisión eléctrica a 230 kV Guavio – Nueva Esperanza. Se trasladaron 1477 individuos entre Araceae (19 individuos/1 especie), Bromeliaceae (383/12) y Orchidaceae (1075/46), los cuales fueron dispuestos en tres áreas de reubicación final o epifitarios. Se realizaron monitoreos fenológicos reproductivos y fitosanitarios durante dos años. La supervivencia en general para los tres epifitarios fue de 66,7% (985 individuos) y una mortalidad del 33,3% (492 individuos). Durante los dos años en los tres epifitarios predominó el estado fenológico reproductivo sin flor (SF) y el estado fitosanitario bueno (B). Se asocian algunos picos de inicio de floración (IF), floración (FL) y de fructificación (FR) con temporadas lluviosas. Este estudio es base para posteriores actividades de rescate, reubicación y monitoreo de epífitas vasculares en Colombia, en donde se deben considerar nuevas variables como la presencia de raíces nuevas, interacciones con animales, presencia de frutos dehiscentes y medición de variables abióticas.
Physicochemical and Biological Structure as Indicators of the Environmental Quality of Surface Water Streams
Authors: Pérez Johan Hernán , Rocha Gil Zulma Edelmira , Cifuentes Osorio Gabriel Ricardo , Pérez Rubiano Claudia Constanza , Parrales Ramírez Dumar Ariel
Published: July 2023

The lower basin of the Cusiana River is an area affected by various socioeconomic activities. This study aims to establish the physicochemical and biological structure of areas influenced by agriculture, livestock, and wastewater discharges from urban areas. Sampling was conducted at two locations, the municipality of Aguazul and the municipality of Maní in the Casanare department, Colombia. Four monitoring surveys were carried out considering seasonal differences in rainfall and drought. The variables analyzed were: temperature, alkalinity, conductivity, turbidity, BOD, COD, total hardness, total phosphorus, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, pH, suspended solids and sampling of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. To assess water quality in the sampled periods, physicochemical indicators ICA NSF were estimated, considering the intended uses of the water resource, and reporting average quality. A total of 1491 individuals were reported, distributed across seven orders and 20 families. The BMWP/Col index was calculated for the two monitoring stations. The Aguazul station showed doubtful water, categorized as slightly polluted waters, which decreased significantly to moderately polluted waters. The Maní Station transitioned from dubious to critical condition and from moderately polluted to very polluted waters. Studies of this nature allow entities to make informed decisions regarding the proper using and management of the region’s water systems.
Respuesta olfativa de Trigonospila unicaldasi (Díptera: Tachinidae) a volátiles de plantas de cítricos atacadas por Compsus viridivittatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) y asperjadas con polisulfuro de calcio
Authors: Soto Giraldo Alberto
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del polisulfuro de calcio en la respuesta olfativa de Trigonospila unicaldasi a olores de plantas de cítricos no atacadas y atacadas por Compsus viridivittatus. Alcance: El polisulfuro de calcio en dosis subletales no afecta la respuesta olfativa de T. unicaldasi. Metodología: Se evaluó a través de experimentos de olfatometría los efectos subletales del polisulfuro de calcio sobre la capacidad de T. unicaldasi en detectar volátiles de plantas de cítricos infestadas con C. viridivittatus. Principales resultados: El parasitoide T. unicaldasi puede diferenciar entre olores de plantas de cítricos no atacadas y plantas de cítricos atacadas por C. viridivittatus y asperjadas con polisulfuro de calcio. Conclusiones: El polisulfuro de calcio en la concentración de 1,75% no interfirió en la respuesta olfativa de T. unicaldasi alimentada de presas asperjadas.
Registro del ciclo de vida de Parides sesostris sesostris (Cramer, 1779) Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) en la reserva natural Paway-Mocoa, Putumayo
Authors: Tamayo Vélez Yulli , Ortiz Mildred
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Describir los diferentes aspectos biológicos que ocurren durante la transformación, planta hospedera y duración de cada estadio como larva, prepupa y pupa de Parides sesostris sesostris (Cramer, 1779) registrados en Aristolochia constricta L (Aristolochiaceae) en condiciones de cautiverio del zoocriadero de la Reserva Natural Paway, Mocoa, Putumayo. Metodología: Los caracteres morfológicos se ilustran y describen para divulgar su ciclo de vida o metamorfosis. Alcance: Las observaciones se realizaron durante los meses de marzo a septiembre de 2018. Resultados y conclusiones: Los estadios inmaduros son los típicos pertenecientes al género de Papilionidos Parides Hübner presente en la América tropical.
The regional regulation of child labour laws through harmonisation within COMESA, the EAC and SADC
Authors: Bernard Rowena B
Published: July 2023

Child labour results in children working under dangerous and hazardous conditions, which affects their growth and development, as well as their health and safety. It also results in the abuse (physical and mental) and violation of the rights of a child. It is important to note that not all forms of work undertaken by a child are considered child labour. The highest incidence of child labour in the world is in Africa and, therefore, this requires better regulation and monitoring. It is argued that the banning of child labour in Africa currently is not achievable given the socio-economic factors, cultural perspectives and beliefs about childhood and the role of the child. This article looks at child labour in the African context and argues for the harmonisation of child labour laws, in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the East African Community and Southern African Development Community through regional integration. There are several benefits to the legal harmonisation of child labour laws: uniformity and certainty in the law, which facilitates better regulation; consistency in the interpretation and application of the law; and sharing of resources and capacity development, to highlight a few. The article concludes that the subregional integration of child labour laws through legal harmonisation currently is a viable option for these regions.
A human rights critique of Ghana's Anti-LGBTIQ+ Bill of 2021
Authors: Coleman Theophilus E , Ako Ernest Yaw , Kyeremateng Joshua G
Published: July 2023

The Ghanaian Parliament is currently considering the passage of a law to re-criminalise consensual same-sex conduct between adults in private. If passed into law, the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will usher in a 'second wave' of criminalisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer (LGBTIQ+) conduct and related activity. Section 104(1) (b) of the Criminal Offences Act of Ghana already criminalises 'unnatural carnal knowledge', which targets sexual conduct between persons of the same sex. The proponents of the Bill, a group of parliamentarians, argue that homosexuals do not have rights that can be protected by law. They also argue that homosexuality is against the culture and religion of most Ghanaians and, therefore, should be criminalised. The proposed law seeks to uphold the sanctity of a so-called Ghanaian family and cultural values by criminalising the right to free speech, including academic freedom; freedom of movement and association; and imposes an obligation on every Ghanaian to promote the contents of the Bill, including reporting homosexuals and homosexual activity to the police. This article argues that the foundational argument on which the Bill hinges is flawed, misconceived, and a total mischaracterisation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. In addition, viewed from a socio-legal, historical and anthropological perspective, the Bill is an unnecessary and misconceived exercise which, if successful, would derail the democratic gains Ghana has made over the years. Overall, the central arguments in support of the Bill fall short of the minimum threshold to limit the constitutional rights of persons in Ghana.
Cardiac POCUS: Another Tool In The Armory
Authors: Vasudeva Rhythm , Challa Abhiram , Chaaban Nourhan , Shah Hamna , Brumfield Elisha , Duran Brent , Vindhyal Mohinder
Published: July 2023

Introduction.This study assessed the educational impact of hybrid cardiac Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) training in a community-based academic setting.

Methods.Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics residents across all post-graduate years (PGY) at a midwestern medical school undertook a structured hybrid (online and hands-on teaching) model of POCUS training. Anonymous surveys with Likert-type scale responses were administered before and after the curriculum. Questions were categorized into domains to assess the residents’ interest in learning POCUS, their understanding of fundamental cardiac ultrasound (US) concepts, and their confidence in its application. The authors used Fisher’s Exact and t-test, and estimated odds ratios to gauge the impact of the training to achieve net scores above 0 on each domain.

Results. A total of 27 and 26 residents completed the pre-and post-training surveys, respectively. Experience with previous cardiac US use showed a positive skew. The training resulted in a significant increase in both, the understanding of the principles, and the residents’ confidence in its application. These findings were most significant amongst PGY 2 and 3 residents. Post-training mean scores were similar across all domains for subgroups of PGY level and previous ultrasound experience.

Conclusions.Residents displayed greater understanding of the fundamental cardiac ultrasound concepts with improved confidence levels after implementing a structured hybrid teaching model for POCUS. Future studies with objective assessment tools are needed to gauge the clinical impact of POCUS and its adoption rate in clinical practice to guide a recommendation for its incorporation into the residency curriculum.
Análisis cualitativo del discurso de docentes y uso del videojuego 2342 para ecología
Authors: González-Meléndez Alberto , Costillo Borrego Emilio , Hernández del Barco Miriam Andrea , Marcos Merino José María , Regodón Mateos José Antonio
Published: July 2023

En este artículo se presenta una investigación cualitativa realizada con cinco docentes de Educación Secundaria, los cuales han sido entrevistados tras la implementación de una actividad de gamificación sobre ecología, en los cursos de 1.º y 4.º de eso. Dicha intervención se basa en el videojuego 2342, de elaboración propia, cuyas características y potencialidades educativas se describen en esta contribución. Los discursos de los docentes participantes se analizan mediante el software de análisis cualitativo webQDA con el objetivo de determinar sus creencias y valoraciones sobre la enseñanza de ecología en esta etapa educativa —considerando tanto su experiencia previa como su experiencia con la metodología de gamificación—. Los resultados muestran que la enseñanza de la ecología sufre de varias dificultades, entre ellas, déficits en la formación previa de los docentes, falta de actitud de los alumnos hacia los problemas ambientales y problemas de comprensión debido al nivel madurativo de los estudiantes (en 1.º de eso). Respecto al videojuego 2342, los docentes participantes le otorgan potencial motivador pero no consideran que sea una metodología efectiva a nivel cognitivo. Esto sugiere que las dificultades a las que se enfrenta la enseñanza de la ecología solo pueden ser parcialmente afrontadas con la implementación de recursos de gamificación.
Investigating the relationship between market value added (MVA) and economic value-added momentum (EVAM): empirical evidence from Turkiye
Authors: Demirgunes Kartal
Published: July 2023

Purpose- This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between market value added (MVA) and economic value-added momentum (EVAM). Besides, any possible linkage between leverage (in terms of the degree of combined leverage) and market value added is also tested.
Methodology- This study conducts a time series analysis to the quarterly data of manufacturing industry, comprising Borsa Istanbul (BIST) listed manufacturing firms for the period of 2001.q2-2022.q4 to test MVA-EVAM relationship. It employs autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, developed firstly by Pesaran and Shin (1999) and further revised by Pesaran, Smith and Shin (2001). The stationarity of the series is tested by the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips and Perron (PP) unit root tests.
Findings- Empirical findings from ARDL bounds testing approach refers the existence of long-run relationships between market value added and economic value added momentum; and market value added and degree of total leverage. The coefficients of the long-run form of ARDL model reveal that both economic value-added momentum and degree of combined leverage have statistically significant and negative effects on market value added. The estimated short-run coefficients indicate that economic value added momentum has significantly negative effect on market value added created as similar to the long-run finding. Another finding is that though leverage has significantly positive effect on market value added in the short-run, this positive effect turns out to be negative in lag one period.
Conclusion- This study contributes to the literature on MVA-EVA relationship by employing autoregressive ARDL bounds testing approach to manufacturing industry comprising Borsa Istanbul (BIST) listed manufacturing firms of Turkey as an emerging market. Besides, the research model includes EVAM -as an independent variable- that is so rarely considered in existing literature.

Keywords: Market value-added, economic value-added momentum, leverage, time series analysis, ARDL bounds testing approach.
JEL Codes: G32, C32, C58
Are critical success factors for cybersecurity just technical issues Cybersecurity management and the human factor
Authors: Bilen Cenk Aksoy
Published: July 2023

Purpose- With the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies, businesses are facing growing security risks. The prevalence, intensity, and complexity of cyber attacks worsen these vulnerabilities, leading to a rising focus on cybersecurity. Enterprises exposed to such cyberattacks might not only face considerable financial losses but also experience data breaches, operational interruptions, harm to their reputation, regulatory penalties, legal expenses, reduced competitive standing, and increased insurance premiums. In this concept study discusses the importance of human factors in cybersecurity management. While organizations spend billions on information technology systems and software to detect and prevent cyber threats, individuals play a critical role in managing these risks.
Methodology- Through a review of literature and statistical data, study examines the factors contributing to cybersecurity breaches, the allocation of resources to address them, and proposes potential solutions.
Findings- In the workplace, most research on cybersecurity focuses on employees as the most important source of vulnerability. In the literature review, it is understood that an employee’s carelessness and lack of awareness pose the greatest risk to cybersecurity. However, businesses often fail to show sufficient attention to human behavior in their efforts to keep organizational data secure and to plan security strategies. It is important to note that effective cybersecurity management requires not only technical controls but also the management of human factors. Meanwhile, security expenditures in enterprises are often disproportionately allocated to technology investments, with 97% being spent on technology investments, despite the fact that over 85% of breaches are attributable to human factors.
Conclusion- In the literature review, it is understood that cybersecurity management is not only related to technical controls, but also the management of human factors is of critical importance. The management of individuals is also an essential cybersecurity responsibility. It is important to adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity management includes both technical and human perspectives. Cybersecurity awareness has significant benefits for businesses to effectively manage cybersecurity which can be achieved by developing appropriate training programs and foster a cybersecurity culture.

Keywords: Cybersecurity, cybersecurity management, cybersecurity awareness, technology investments, human factor
JEL Codes: M12, M15, L86
Prácticas cotidianas y formación del espacio barrial
Authors: Piñeros Pinto Gerardo Estiven
Published: July 2023

Las investigaciones acerca del fenómeno urbano y más precisamente de los entornos barriales, ha requerido configurar distintas herramientas teóricas y metodológicas que permitan comprender los entornos de ciudad, por lo que, hacer una aproximación a esto requiere realizar un inventario y calibrar tanto las unidades de análisis como las dimensiones que estas requieren, para hacer un adecuado abordaje de las problemáticas. En la actualidad, la preocupación por las escalas “micro” sociales están configurando una apuesta interpretativa de la realidad, al otorgar una mirada macroscópica desde los entornos barriales a dinámicas territoriales de ciudad. El siguiente texto abordará la problemática de lo barrial, a partir del universo de la cotidianidad como configuradora del sentido del espacio habitado y vivido, planteando una postura interpretativa de las prácticas sociales como instrumento ordenador de las interacciones entre los individuos en sus dimensiones diacrónicas y sincrónicas. Posteriormente se revisará las potencialidades de los enfoques etnográficos y de archivos para reconstruir la cotidianidad en los barrios, satisfaciendo las distintas perspectivas que exige la revisión desde las prácticas sociales.
El arte: por la senda de la crítica hacia la utopía
Authors: Pineda Canabal Anibal , Buhlmann Pierre
Published: July 2023

Presentación No 68 (Estética y teoría crítica)
Effects of ivermectin on cytokine and immunoglobulin levels in sheep
Authors: Canbar Rahmi , Dik Irmak , Uslu Muhittin , Ider Merve , Arslan Mustafa-Sedat , Yazar Enver
Published: July 2023

Background: Ivermectin may affect the levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins in sheep, considering that avermectins have an effect on the immune system. Objective: To determine whether ivermectin has an effect on cytokines and immunoglobulins in sheep. Methods: After administration of ivermectin to 10 healthy sheep, sheep-specific interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin E levels were measured with an ELISA reader. Results: Significant (p<0.05) fluctuations were detected in interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 levels. Transient increases (p<0.05) were measured in tumor necrosis factor-α and immunoglobulin E levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ivermectin may affect immune system parameters in healthy sheep; however, the effects of ivermectin administration on infected sheep should be investigated.
Peer-Review post-mortem: análisis de obituarios académicos publicados en la Revista Estudos Feministas
Authors: Piumbato Innocentini Hayashi Maria Cristina , Maroldi Alexandre Masson , Massao Hayashi Carlos Roberto
Published: July 2023

Los obituarios académicos son géneros textuales poco explorados en el campo de las ciencias de la información. Esas publicaciones pueden considerarse una especie de evaluación post mortem de trayectorias académicas que realizan pares académicos. El propósito de este estudio es identificar y analizar cómo se caracterizan estas evaluaciones post mortem contenidas en los obituarios académicos publicados en la Revista Estudos Feministas. La revista fue elegida por su importancia en el campo de los estudios feministas y de género y por la experiencia de los autores en investigaciones sobre género y ciencia. El corpus de análisis estuvo compuesto por obituarios (n = 19) publicados entre 1996 y 2016 y el estudio se ancló en los marcos teóricos de la sociología de la ciencia y de la ciencia de información. La metodología adoptada utilizó un modelo de análisis de obituarios académicos compuesto por categorías teóricas e instrumentales basado en métodos de análisis bibliométrico y de contenido. Los resultados mostraron que las evaluaciones post mortem de trayectorias académicas están compuestas por el perfil de las obituariadas, obituaristas y obituarios y por un conjunto de valores y virtudes personales y académicas de las fallecidas. Estas evaluaciones post mortem también incluyen las contribuciones y los impactos personales y académicos generados por estas muertes.
Gestión del régimen jurídico y titularidad de las aguas del balneario de Alhama de Granada (España): un recurso territorial turístico a debate
Authors: Pinos-Navarrete Aida , Domingo-Jaramillo Cristina , Maroto-Martos Juan Carlos
Published: July 2023

El balneario de Alhama de Granada es un recurso territorial con un marcado uso histórico. Las propiedades de sus aguas mineromedicinales han despertado la curiosidad de muchos, por tanto a lo largo de los siglos las tierras de Alhama han acogido en su balneario a diferentes civilizaciones que buscaban la cura termal. Sin embargo, el uso de estas aguas salutíferas también ha estado marcado por la codicia y los litigios. En este documento se recogen en primer lugar el contexto geográfico y los usos históricos del agua del balneario de Alhama de Granada y, en segundo lugar, se describen las diferentes fases del régimen jurídico y titularidad de las aguas. De esta forma, el objetivo es hacer un análisis geohistórico del uso de las aguas mineromedicinales del balneario de Alhama y de su marco legislativo con el fin de establecer conclusiones relacionadas con la situación del recurso en la actualidad.
Análise de políticas públicas municipais de pagamento por serviços ambientais hídricos através do Índice de Avaliação de Políticas Públicas: o estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) como modelo de estudo
Authors: Dos Santos Ferreira Marcelo , Gomes de Siqueira João , De Paulo Santos de Oliveira Vicente , De Andrade Costa David
Published: July 2023

Neste trabalho propõe-se analisar as Políticas Públicas Municipais (PPMs) de Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) Hídrico do estado do Rio de Janeiro, com a aplicação do Índice de Avaliação de Políticas Públicas (IAPP). As PPMs foram levantadas através de buscas virtuais pelas extensões “rj.gov.br” e “rj.leg.br” com palavras-chave “Política Municipal de Pagamentos por Serviços Ambientais” e associadas, além da literatura científica. O IAPP possui 12 parâmetros organizados em dois elementos de análise: Gestão e Impacto, com pontuação máxima de 1,0 e classificação “Iniciante”, “Satisfatório”, “Superior” e “Avançado”. Foram encontradas 20 PPMs de PSA Hídrico. O município de Rio Claro/RJ-Brasil, conveniado com o Comitê de Bacia Hidrográfica (CBH) regional, obteve a melhor pontuação, 0,8, com classificação “Superior”. Mais de 50 % das PPMs são “Iniciantes”, indicando necessidade de desenvolvimento. A participação dos CBHs é opção relevante as PPMs estudadas.
Models of Toughening of Ceramic/Graphene Composites: a Brief Review
Authors:   Institute of Problems of Mechanical Engineering, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Sheinerman A.G.
Published: July 2023

We briefly review the analytical models that describe toughening and fracture toughness reduction in ceramic/graphene composites. We consider such mechanisms of toughening as crack deflection and crack bridging. We examine the effect of pores and fracture along ceramic/graphene interfaces on the fracture toughness reduction at a high graphene volume fraction. The effect of grain boundary sliding on the fracture toughness of ceramic/graphene composites is also considered.
A Brief Review on Theoretical Models of Deformation Twinning at Locally Distorted Grain Boundaries
Authors:   Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Skiba N.V.
Published: July 2023

A brief review of the theoretical models which describe mechanisms of deformation twinning in nanocrystalline and ultrafine-grained materials is presented. In the framework of the models, formation of nanoscale deformation twins occurs at locally distorted grain boundaries that contain fragments being rich with grain boundary dislocations due to preceding severe plastic deformation processes. Within the review, mechanisms of deformation twinning at locally distorted grain boundaries represent (a) the consequent emission of partial dislocation; (b) the cooperative emission of partial dislocations; and (c) the generation of multiplane nanoscale shear.
Titanium Dioxide for Hydrogen Economy: a Brief Review
Authors:   ITMO University, Russia, Chirkunova N.V. ,   Togliatti State University, Russia, Islavath N. ,   CSIR - Indian Institute of Petroleum, India, Dorogov M.V. ,   ITMO University, Russia
Published: July 2023

Our research is mainly focused on solving problems related to the production of hydrogen and its storage, as well as the creation of autonomous energy systems using renewable energy sources. Technological solutions for green energy depend on the development of new materials with desired properties that are able to reversibly accumulate hydrogen under appropriate environmental conditions (temperature, pressure) and on the technological processes allowing to obtain molecular hydrogen without significant energy consumption. The creation of materials with fundamentally new characteristics is inextricably linked with the production of nanoscale systems with properties that are controlled at the atomic and molecular level. The review considers the results of studies on the possibilities of using various nanostructures of titanium dioxide known for its catalytic properties and high stability in various applications of hydrogen energy. Much attention is paid to the promising direction of solid-state storage of hydrogen using hydride pastes and high-entropy alloys.
Transformation of the Digital Payment Ecosystem in India: A Case Study of Paytm
Authors: Bhatia-Kalluri Aditi , Caraway Brett R.
Published: July 2023

Paytm is a payment app in India providing e‐wallet services; it is also the most prominent mobile e‐commerce app in the world’s third‐largest economy. This article uses Paytm as a case study to better understand the global platform economy and its implications for social and economic inequities. We contextualize the emergence of Paytm by drawing attention to its relationship with India’s developing digital infrastructure and marginalized populations—many of whom are part of the platform’s user base. We use a political economy lens to investigate Paytm’s market structure, stakeholders, innovations, and beneficiaries. Our research is guided by the question: What resources, infrastructures, and policies have given rise to India’s digital payment ecosystem, and how have these contributed to economic and social inequities? Accordingly, we audited the international and Indian business press and Paytm’s corporate communications from 2016 to 2020. Our analysis points to the tensions between private and public interests in the larger platform ecosystem, dispelling notions of platforms as neutral arbiters of market transactions. We argue that Paytm is socially beneficial to the extent that it reduces transaction costs and makes digital payments more accessible for marginalized populations; it is detrimental to the time that it jeopardizes user data and privacy while suppressing competition in the platform economy.
Topical Issues of Legal Regulation of Tax Relations in the Context of the Use of artificial intelligence Technology
Authors: Lyutova O. I.
Published: July 2023

The paper discusses the current problems of the development of legal regulation of tax administration, as well as the transformation of taxpayers’ responsibilities in the context of intensification of the use of artificial intelligence. It is noted that, given the ambiguity of the normative and doctrinal understanding of the content of the term «artificial intelligence,» it is logical to consider the chatbot of the Federal Tax Service of Russia as a prerequisite for the creation of artificial intelligence for the interaction of tax authorities with taxpayers. The author highlights the value of artificial intelligence in the development of the institute of tax monitoring, consisting in the possibility of forecasting and evaluating tax risks. The paper emphasizes the necessity of developing tax structures on the way of active implementation of artificial intelligence systems. Special attention is paid to the possibility of unifying the register of Russian equipment and software to simplify the application of tax preferences for IT organizations.
The Elements of the Subject of Proof in Cases of Recognition of an Individual as Missing
Authors: Shakitko T. V.
Published: July 2023

The paper examines the composition of the elements of proof in one of the categories of cases of special proceedings, namely, in court cases of recognition of citizens as missing. The relevance of legal norms on missing people is determined by the increase in the number of armed conflicts, natural and technological catastrophes. The need to study this issue is explained by the fact that erroneous court decisions lead to legal uncertainty, affect civil turnover in a negative way, infringe property and other rights of citizens. The number of missing people is alarming, and search for them is not always effective. At the same time, as shown in the paper, there is an unsolved problem of forming a legally compliant composition of the subject of proof in cases of recognition of citizens as missing. In the conditions of modern mega-catastrophes, legislative filling of this gap through consolidating the general subject of proof in the Civil Procedure Code of the Russian Federation and detailing of the local subject of proof will serve timely and correct consideration of such cases.
Restoration of Criminal Cases (Article 158.1 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation): Anachronism or Necessity?
Authors: Gayvoronskaya L. V.
Published: July 2023

In the paper, the author touches upon the issues of the loss of a criminal case data or its individual materials. These include the problems of the lack of legal regulation of many aspects as to the restoration of materials of a criminal case, such as the terms of restoration, the limits of restoration, the procedure for the restoration of materials of a criminal case. In this regard, the author analyzes some practical difficulties related to this institution application. The author examines the moment of the emergence and development of this institution, the need for it in the light of today’s realities, analyzes, among other things, foreign experience in the use of digital document management and substantiates the anachronism of the entire procedure currently available for the restoration of a criminal case or its materials. Summing up the results of the scientific research, the author argues for the need to switch to electronic document management for the conduct of a criminal case, the use of modern technologies and processes in criminal proceedings. Important and interesting are the author’s proposals for improving the existing mechanisms.
Optimized calculator for a qualitative risk assessment of osteoporotic fractures for the population of Moscow
Authors: Artyukova Zlata R. , Kudryavtsev Nikita  D. , Ikryannikov Egor  O. , Titova Anna  V. , Balashov Maksim  K. , Petraikin Alexey  V.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: The FRAX tool (a 10-year fracture risk assessment) is recommended to diagnose osteoporosis and optimize the number of patients who need to undergo X-ray densitometry. Due to various circumstances, the integration of a full-fledged FRAX tool into the digital circuits of the Moscow City Health Department is problematic.
AIM: The study aimed to develop a calculator of the 10-year probability of osteoporotic fractures to optimize the routing of patients for examination.
METHODS: An optimized Half-FRAX calculator was created based on the FRAX tool from the University of Sheffield, which was developed using the results of population studies of the Russian Federation. All data used in the original FRAX algorithm, i.e. sex, age, height, weight, and T-criterion (if available) and other important parameters such as a history of fractures, parental hip fractures, smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid and alcohol intake were included in the risk assessment calculator. An algorithm for interaction with the FRAX website was developed and implemented to verify critical levels of patient stratification by multiple consecutive enumerations of different combinations of body mass index (BMI) measurements (0.1 discretization) and age (1-year discretization). Data from clinical guidelines were taken as thresholds.
RESULTS: When implementing the developed algorithm by modeling various combinations of BMI, T-criterion, and risk factors (RF), the absence of RFs and BMI 25 (upper limit of normal) in women was shown to guarantee the exclusion from the orange zone where densitometry should be performed. In men, BMI was not a RF. If a RF was present, a patient was recommended to consult a doctor. If no T-criterion was present, but a RF was detected, the patient was indicated for densitometry. Similar results were reported for women with the same indices. In the absence of the RF and with a T-criterion 2.5, low fracture risk factor was indicated for both men and women.
CONCLUSIONS: An optimized Half-FRAX calculator for the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures was developed, which may optimize the routing of patients for densitometry and reduce the burden on radiology departments in Moscow. This will allow patients to be timely referred to the clinical specialists for consultations. Half-FRAX is integrated into the Osteoporosis Digital Platform (https://telemedai.ru/cifrovaya-platforma-osteoporoz/half-frax).
Effect of extrapleural silicone filling on lung function in patients with bilateral destructive tuberculosis
Authors: Donchenko Daria V. , Chushkin Mikhail  I. , Krasnikova Elena  V. , Bagirov Mammad  A.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: Despite the success of the fight against tuberculosis, the proportion of patients with multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant pathogens continues to grow. According to the World Health Organization, the effectiveness of treating patients with multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) worldwide is 48% and 34%, respectively. The lack of efficiency of chemotherapy in this category of patients leads to complex surgical treatment of tuberculosis.
AIM: To investigate the effect of surgery on respiratory function of staged surgical treatment with extrapleural silicone filling (ESF) in patients with bilateral destructive pulmonary tuberculosis.
METHODS: From 2012 to 2022, extrapleural pneumolysis with silicone implant filling in combination with lung resection on the opposite side was performed in 14 patients with extensive bilateral destructive tuberculosis. The control group included 29 patients who underwent lung resection on both sides. The groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, form of the underlying disease, and spectrum of MBT drug sensitivity. External respiratory function was studied by forced spirometry on Master Screen Pneumon devices by Viasys Healthcare with determination of forced volume vital capacity (FVVC) and forced expiratory volume per 1 s (FEF1).
RESULTS: The dynamics of spirometric parameters after surgical treatment were as follows: FVVC was 1.050.47 and 1.740.76 liters (p 0.05), and SPH1 was 0.950.6 and 1.330.5 liters (p 0.05) in the ESF group and in the resection group, respectively. In the main group 10 (70%) patients showed diverse changes of the ventilatory function. Thus, 5/14 (35%) patients had worsening, whereas 5/14 (35%) patients had increased functional indices. In the main group, the decrease in respiratory indices was significantly lower compared with the control group, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Staged surgical treatment with both bilateral consecutive resections and the use of ESF in combination with resection on the opposite side was accompanied by a decrease in pulmonary ventilatory function. In the group of ESF patients, a moderate decrease in the indices was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: When choosing surgical treatment using extrapleural pneumolysis with silicone implant filling, ESF should be performed at the first stage to preserve the maximum ventilatory function of the lungs. The use of ESF in staged surgical treatment of patients with extensive destructive tuberculosis allows expanding the functional operability of patients with limited respiratory reserves.
Comparison of awareness and attitudes toward artificial intelligence among Russian- and English-speaking students at Orenburg State Medical University
Authors: Kalinina Mariia L. , Svitachev Aleksei  P. , Biswas Diganta , Vishnu Pandey
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is actively implemented in medicine. Since medical students are future physicians, an assessment of their awareness and attitudes toward AI is important.
AIM: To compare the degree of awareness and attitudes toward AI among Russian-speaking students of the Orenburg State Medical University (OrSMU) from the Russian Federation and English-speaking students from the Republic of India.
METHODS: From March 12 to 25, 2023, a voluntary anonymous survey (28 questions) was offered to OrSMU students using the Google Forms platform. An English-language version was prepared for foreign students. All responses were analyzed statistically (calculation of mean values using Likert scale, Students t-test, and Pearsons chi-square test).
RESULTS: A total of 331 students participated in the survey, including 214 Russian-speaking and 117 English-speaking participants (127 males, 202 females, and two did not indicate gender). All participants were divided into 2 subgroups: junior (13 years, 200 participants) and senior year (46 years, 131 participants) students. The vast majority of respondents (92.3%) knew what AI is, with a higher percentage (p0.001) among Russian-speaking students (95.8%) versus English-speaking students (84.6%). Only 34.1% of Russian-speaking and 46.2% of English-speaking students (p=0.032) were aware of the possibility of using AI in medicine. A total of 28.5% and 23.4% of Russian-speaking and 44.4% and 38.5% of English-speaking respondents, respectively, were aware of the use of AI in diagnostic radiology and pathological anatomy (p=0.004). Students expressed the greatest agreement with the statement that AI will play a significant role in the development and support of medicine in the future (mean Likert scale value of 4.23). Students were the least likely to agree with the statement that AIs diagnostic abilities are superior to the human physicians clinical experience (mean of 2.84). In the case of a disagreement between the AI and the physician, 76.7% of respondents would trust the latter to make the final decision. Most respondents considered diagnostic radiology, electrocardiogram analysis, and pathological anatomy to be promising areas for the use of AI (91.3%, 71.3%, and 70.4%, respectively). For the rest of the statements about attitudes toward AI, the average values ranged from 3.63 to 4.33. Among the disadvantages of using AI, the threat of data leakage was reported. The advantages were quick data analysis and assistance in diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS: English-speaking students were more aware of the use of AI in medicine, whereas students from Russia showed a more positive attitude toward AI. However, in the case of a disagreement between the physician and the AI, both groups of respondents would trust the physician to make the decision.
Artificial intelligence ethics code in healthcare. Sustainability of artificial intelligence systems: Why do we talk about their impact on the environment?
Authors: Mikhailova Anastasiia  A. , Sharova Daria  E.
Published: July 2023

Environmental problems have a tremendous impact on the entire world population, particularly on human health, which plays a leading role in individual well-being. Environmental pollution, according to some estimates, kills approximately 9 million people every year. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in many areas has enormous potential in reducing human impact on the environment; however, such systems have negative effects. The potential of AI systems to improve healthcare is inextricably linked to the ethical challenges posed by the complexity of these systems and their impact on the lives and health of communities, patients, and staff. In addition to aspects that relate directly to the algorithms, data, and clinical application of AI systems, long-term risks exist that are not obvious at first glance. One of these risks is the negative impact of AI systems on the environment, which may harm human health indirectly. AI systems are more than software, having physical components that are necessary for their functioning, such as processors, memory, and sensors. The manufacture and the energy consumption of the components has a profound effect on the environment. One study showed that when a single AI algorithm is trained, carbon emissions may reach values corresponding to the total carbon emissions from five cars lifetime.
This study analyzes existing literature linking the development of AI systems, especially in healthcare, to their effects on the environment. The study is intended to complement the emerging AI Ethics Code for healthcare, specifically the principles of sustainability that will be included in this code.
The study concludes that the environmental impact of AI systems should be considered when formulating ethical standards for AI in healthcare. These standards must be considered during the development, testing, and application phases of AI systems. All the people involved in the creation and use of AI systems (developers, physicians, and regulators) must monitor the environmental impact and minimize the environmental consequences of such systems at all stages of their existence. This principle calls for minimizing negative impacts, improving the energy efficiency, and disposing physical components in strict compliance with current legislation. Moreover, the rapid development of AI systems and the ethical dilemmas require that solutions be proposed jointly and ethical standards be developed in a manner that is consistent and sensitive to emerging technologies.