bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of the SPSTL SB RAS in the Study of Open Tools to Support Scientific Research
Authors: Schevchenko Ludmila
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to study online tools to support open science research processes, as a result of which a system of open tools to support scientific research (OIPSR) was built at the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the online platform “Library for Open Science”.
To create a system, an analysis of existing open tools to support research processes was carried out. Online tools have been identified from a number of different sources. The tools were evaluated in terms of openness, freeness and accessibility under restrictions. The final list of open research support tools contains 137 tools. As a result, a system was created based on the stages of the entire cycle of scientific research – planning, searching, analyzing, writing, publishing, disseminating, evaluating. The found and selected tools were grouped according to research activities for all stages of scientific research.
The developed system will allow scientific researchers to increase the efficiency of their scientific work, reduce the time to search for the necessary publications and data, make research workflows more open and reliable, which will contribute to the promotion of open science practices in our country.
State Scientific and Technical Policy of the USSR: Historical and Legal Aspect. Review of the Book “The Legal Policy of the Soviet State in the Sphere of the Development of Science”
Authors: Fil' Marina
Published: September 2023

The review is a presentation of a collective monograph “The legal policy of the Soviet state in the development of science”. The monograph examines the legal and organizational measures of the Soviet state aimed at organizing and regulating scientific and technical activities in our country from post-revolutionary period to the end of the 1990s. In particular, the process of formation of Soviet science management bodies is shown, the issues of interaction between the state and the Communist Party with the Academy of Sciences are highlighted, the activities of the state in some priority areas of development of science are considered, and the activities of the authorities for state control in the scientific and technical system are shown. The book is based on a large number of regulatory legal acts, adopted in the RSFSR in 1917–1922 and in the USSR in 1923–1980s, relating to the regulation of activities in the field of science, scientific and technological progress. The work is of great value due to the abundantly cited archival documents, for the introduction of which the authors deserve special praise.
Optimization and Rationalization of Applications for Grant and Program-targets Financing in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Bisenbaev Adylbek
Published: September 2023

In connection with the development of the new Law “On Science and Technology Policy” of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the issues of scientific expertise are being updated, especially in the field of commercialization of scientific and technical projects as a result of scientific activity. To improve the quality and effectiveness of scientific research, the transition of the system of expert assessments from the “form and content” paradigm to the “content” paradigm is proposed and justified. A new transformation model is proposed for implementation in the grant system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Which is interpreted through the primary expertise of NTSGTNE (National Center for State Scientific and Technical Expertise) and the secondary expertise of NNS (National Scientific Councils). The need to move from the formal qualitative and quantitative excessive detailing of the project to only a qualitative (semantic, conceptual, methodological) representation is due to the limited scaling of the resources of the NTSGNTE / NNS and a number of other factors. The TRL/MRL/CRL (technology readiness level) scaling methodology has been adapted to R&D and R&D through the creation of a new SRL (scientific readiness levels) methodology. The SRL scale for fundamental (FRL), applied (ARL) and innovative projects (IRL) has been compiled.
A magyarországi régiók népességének előreszámítása 2050-ig
Authors: Obádovics Csilla , Tóth G. Csaba
Published: September 2023

Hazánk népessége 2001 óta több mint félmillió fővel lett kisebb. A népességcsökkenés összetevőinek, a születések, halálozások számának, a be- és elvándorlás mértékének alakulása formálta a múltbeli tendenciákat és meghatározza a jövőbeli népességszámot. Tanulmányunkban először az elmúlt harminc év demográfiai folyamatait tekintjük át, majd az egyes tényezőkre tett hipotézisek alapján négy lehetséges forgatókönyv szerint kiszámítjuk a várható népességszámot. A korábbi népesség-előreszámításoktól eltérően az ország egésze helyett régiókra vonatkozóan számolunk. Az alapforgatókönyv mellett egy konvergáló vándorlású, egy magas termékenységű és egy nemzetközi vándorlás nélküli forgatókönyvet állítottunk össze. A konvergáló vándorlás azt jelenti, hogy azonos országos vándorlási egyenleg mellett csökken a régiók közötti különbség. A magas termékenységű változatban a magasabb várható termékenységi arány mellett szintén a régiók közötti különbség csökkenését feltételezzük. A nemzetközi vándorlás nélküli forgatókönyv az alapforgatókönyv módosított változata, amelyben a nemzetközi vándorlással egyáltalán nem számolunk. A halálozásra vonatkozó hipotézist a Lee–Miller-modell alapján számítottuk ki. Mindegyik forgatókönyvhöz a születéskor várható élettartamnak ugyanazt az értékét alkalmaztuk, ami a régiók közötti enyhe divergenciát vetíti előre. A régiókra vonatkozó népesség-előreszámítás kohorsz-komponens módszerrel készült. Az országos népesség adata a régiós népességszámok összegzésével keletkezett. Az alapforgatókönyv szerint 2050-re a jelenlegi 9,7 millióról 8,5 millió főre csökken hazánk népessége. A magas termékenységű változat esetén 8,8 millió, a migráció nélküli változatban 8,2 millió fő él majd Magyarországon. Népességnövekedés csak Pest régióban várható, Nyugat-Dunántúlon és Közép-Dunántúlon alig változik, illetve kismértékben csökken, minden más régióban jelentősen, akár 20%-ot is meghaladóan csökken majd a népességszám.
A portfóliódöntések és a nulla kamatláb környezet összefüggései az euróövezet országaiban
Authors: Novák Zsuzsanna , Tatay Tibor
Published: September 2023

2008 és 2020 között a vezető központi bankok általános gyakorlata volt, hogy az irányadó kamatlábat 0%-on vagy akörüli értéken tartották. A várható makrogazdasági következmények mellett – amelyeket részben a likviditásicsapda-elméletek és a gazdaságpolitika hatékonyságát a nulla alsó határon (ZLB) vizsgáló strukturális makrogazdasági modellek írnak le – a mérsékelt kamatlábak jelentősen befolyásolják a gazdasági szereplők portfólióoptimalizálási döntéseit is. A tanulmány arra törekszik, hogy feltárja a vagyonhatást a ZLB-nél. Először összehasonlítja, hogyan változtak a különböző monetáris aggregátumok és ágazati portfóliók az USA-ban és az euróövezetben 2000 és 2020 között, szembeállítva az empirikus tényeket az elméleti feltételezésekkel és Japán „elveszett évtizedének” tapasztalataival. Másodszor azt vizsgálja, hogy zéró kamatlábnál a közös monetáris politika milyen hatással van az euróövezet egyes országaiban az egyes szektorok portfóliószerkezetére. Az adatok feldolgozásához hierarchikus klaszterelemzést alkalmaztunk, az Eurostat ágazati pénzügyieszköz-statisztikáinak felhasználásával, a 2005 és 2019 közötti időszakra vonatkozóan. Az ágazati pénzügyieszköz-állományok klaszterképzés szempontjából legalkalmasabb eszköz/GDP-változóinak kiválasztása után az országokat négyzetes euklideszi távolság alapján különböző klaszterekbe soroltuk, és a változókat a z-értékeket kiszámítva standardizáltuk. Az elemzés kimutatja, hogy az alacsony kamatlábak jelentős portfólióátrendeződéseket okoznak az euróövezet egészében. Emellett az egyes tagállamok között eredetileg sokkal nagyobb eltérések mutatkoznak, mint amilyen mértékű változásokat a monetáris politika a gazdasági ágazatok portfólió-összetételében előidézett. Mindemellett némi konvergencia is megfigyelhető a mag és a periféria országai között.
A editoração científica como artesanato intelectual
Authors: Pismel Adriana Cattai , Sacramento Jonatan Jackson , Tresoldi Maria Caroline Marmerolli
Published: September 2023

O texto descreve a experiência editorial de reestruturação da Temáticas entre 2016-2022, quando um grupo de editores/as assumiu o comitê e desenhou um projeto de médio prazo para a revista, em consonância com as mudanças mais amplas que ocorreram na pós-graduação brasileira e nos periódicos científicos nos últimos anos. Mais especificamente, compartilhamos as dificuldades desse processo e discutimos o papel formativo da revista para editores/as, autores/as e avaliadores/as, com vistas a contribuir com discussões em curso sobre os desafios e as possibilidades da editoração científica no país. Sugerimos aqui que a editoração praticada por estudantes no âmbito das Ciências Sociais pode ser pensada como uma forma de artesanato intelectual que se faz coletivamente.
Does independent commissioner have a role in the relationship between sustainability disclosure, debt policy, and tax avoidance?
Authors: Rahma Riska Aditya , Firmansyah Amrie
Published: September 2023

This study examines the effect of sustainability disclosure and debt policy on tax avoidance. It includes an independent commissioner as a moderating variable. This study employed a quantitative method and secondary data obtained from financial reports and annual reports of companies in the consumer goods sector in Indonesia which are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Data were obtained from www.idx.co.id, www.idnfinancials.com and the company's official website. The research sample comprised 52 companies which were observed through 220 observations between 2017 and 2020. The hypothesis testing in this study was conducted by using multiple linear regression analysis for panel data. The results of this study suggest that sustainability disclosure and debt policy are negatively related to tax avoidance. Furthermore, independent commissioner does not have a moderating role in the relationship between sustainability disclosure and tax avoidance. Meanwhile, independent commissioner strengthens the negative relationship between debt policy and tax avoidance. This study indicates that the Indonesia Financial Services Authority needs to improve policies in selecting independent commissioners from listed companies in Indonesia to improve corporate governance implementation.
The effect of CSR disclosure on tax avoidance through earnings management: Indonesian evidence
Authors: Azahra Rahma Maulida Wanda , Handayani Sri
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explain the effect of CSR disclosure on tax avoidance and analyze that effect through earnings management. Companies use CSR expenditure as an earning management strategy. CSR expenditure is assessed as a deductible expense to obtain low taxes. This strategy, called earnings management, is the first step of tax avoidance. The population was taken from companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the Consumer Non-Cyclicals sector from 2018-2020. Sampling uses a purposive sampling technique with 25 companies. The analysis used is multiple linear regression with the intervening variable testing using the Sobel test. The results of this study explain that CSR disclosure has a negative effect on tax avoidance. Wide CSR disclosure means the company is far from tax avoidance practices. Testing using the intervening variable results in earnings management being unable to mediate the effect of CSR disclosure on tax avoidance.
Determinants of quality of the financial statements of Gunung Kidul Regency Government
Authors: Marfuah Marfuah , Istiqomah Eliza Nur , Ayuntari Chivalrind Ghanevi , Prasetyo Priyono Puji
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the effects of human resource competence, internal control system, application of government accounting standards, utilization of information technology, and regional financial supervision on the quality of local government financial reports of Gunung Kidul Regency. The population of this study is the Regional Work Units in Gunung Kidul Regency. The sampling method used was purposive sampling where 86 respondents were selected as the research samples. The results of this study indicate that the competence of human resources, internal control system, application of government accounting standards, use of information technology, and regional financial control have proven to have significant and positive effects on the quality of local government financial reports of Gunung Kidul Regency. This result contributes to improving the quality of financial reports of Gunung Kidul Regency Government by upgrading the competence of its employees in accounting and finance, establishing effective internal control system, applying the government accounting standards, maximizing the use of information technology, and performing regional financial supervision.
The effect of profitability, liquidity, and capital structure toward stock returns: A study on plantation companies listed in IDX
Authors: Silver Yoel , Setyorini Christina Tri , Pratiwi Umi
Published: September 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of profitability, liquidity, and capital structure on stock returns. This study uses signaling theory as a research basis. This study uses a quantitative approach with a regression method, whose population data are plantation sub-sector companies listed on the IDX for the 2016-2021 period. The sample selection was carried out using purposive sampling and obtained as many as 90 samples from 15 companies. Based on the results using EViews 12, its indicate that profitability had a significant positive effect on stock return, liquidity did not have a significant effect on stock return, and capital structure did not have a significant effect on stock return. The implication of this study is that investors must pay close attention to the profitability ratio, as a high profitability ratio correlates to a higher rate of return. In the meantime, businesses must evaluate their use of capital in order to avoid going bankrupt, as well as assess their debt. The originality of this research is that it was undertaken in the plantation sub-sector, where few previous researchers had focused.
Caffeine Quantification Via High-Precision Coulometric Titration
Authors: Shimolin A. Yu.
Published: September 2023

Caffeine has traditionally been used to assess and control the metrological characteristics of liquid chromatographs. In recent years, with increasing requirements for the traceability of measurement results, the use of caffeine as a reagent for verification, calibration, and type approval tests has started to contradict the effective regulations governing measurement uniformity. This study aims to develop and test a procedure of caffeine quantification in caffeine via primary coulometric titration for the metrological support of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an accuracy of no more than 1 % abs. In the course of work, a detailed analysis of methods for determining caffeine content in various matrices was carried out; in addition, a procedure for determining caffeine mass fraction in caffeine via coulometric titration was developed and tested. A comparison of the obtained results with caffeine mass fraction measurements performed using HPLC confirmed the commutativity of coulometric titration and HPLC. The developed procedure of caffeine quantification in caffeine via primary coulometric titration employing GET 176 can be used to develop a caffeine composition reference material and to provide metrological traceability of HPLC measurements on its basis to state primary standards reproducing the «mass fraction of components» and to SI units (Systeme international d’unites, SI).
Study of Certified Reference Materials for Temperature and Specific Enthalpy of Phase Transitions of Metals and Metal Salts
Authors: Nepomiluev A. M. , Shipitsyn A. P. , Tyurnina A. E.
Published: September 2023

The development of calibration procedures, as well as the certification of readily available reference materials (RMs) and the improvement of their metrological characteristics, are topical issues for thermal analysis methods. In the course of the work, the necessity of conducting a study in order to expand the range of CRMs for temperature and enthalpy of phase transitions is substantiated. The substantiation of the choice of the measurement procedure and starting materials is given. The conditions for conducting experiments are described in detail, and the choice of these conditions is justified. The developed CRMs passed the metrological examination and were included in the Register of approved types of reference materials FIF EUM as a set of certified reference materials for temperature and specific enthalpy of phase transitions (set SOTSF-2) GSO 11890–2022/GSO 11896–2022. The practical significance of the obtained results is as follows: certified reference materials allow expanding the possibility of establishing and monitoring the stability of the calibration characteristics of thermal analysis installations and measuring instruments; certification of measurement procedures (methods) and accuracy control of the measurement results of the phase transition temperature of metals, metal salts, metal oxides, and polymeric materials, organic and inorganic substances.
Satellite data geoprocessing to estimate PM2.5 over the Megalopolis of Central Mexico
Authors: Mora-Ramírez Marco Antonio , Martínez-Luna Edgar , Cruz-Núñez Xochitl
Published: September 2023

The Megalopolis of Central Mexico experiences high levels above the Official Mexican Standard (NOM) of PM2.5, leading to various respiratory diseases ranging from acute symptoms to chronic illnesses such as asthma and lung cancer. It is crucial to measure PM2.5 levels accurately to warn the public about the risks of exposure to particulate matter. Unfortunately, the Megalopolis of Central Mexico has a shortage of monitoring sites, limiting data availability. This study addresses this issue using satellite data to develop a multiple linear regression model. Our model uses aerosol optical depth (AOD), relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as independent variables to estimate PM2.5 concentrations in the region under study. The relationship between AOD and PM2.5 concentrations was found to be strongly influenced by RH and T. However, this effect is compensated for by a low PBLH (< 400 m), which enables AOD and PM2.5 measurements to be similar in magnitude. Our findings have important implications for estimating PM2.5 concentrations using satellite data. This study could help improve air quality monitoring in the Megalopolis of Central Mexico by providing more spatial and temporal data on particle concentrations in the atmosphere.
Research on Wavelet Transform Modulus Maxima and OTSU in Edge Detection
Authors: You Ning , Han Libo , Liu Yuming , Zhu Daming , Zuo Xiaoqing , Song Weiwei
Published: September 2023

During routine bridge maintenance, edge detection allows the partial condition of the bridge to be viewed. However, many edge detection methods often have unsatisfactory performances when dealing with images with complex backgrounds. Moreover, the processing often involves the manual selection of thresholds, which can result in repeated testing and comparisons. To address these problems in this paper, the wavelet transform modulus maxima method is used to detect the target image, and then the threshold value of the image can be determined automatically according to the OTSU method to remove the pseudo-edges. Thus, the real image edges can be detected. The results show that the information entropy and SSIM of the detection results are the highest when compared with the commonly used Canny and Laplace algorithms, which means that the detection quality is optimal. To more fully illustrate the advantages of the algorithms, images with more complex backgrounds were detected and the processing results of the algorithms in this paper are still optimal. In addition, the automatic selection of thresholds saves the operator’s effort and improves the detection efficiency. Thanks to the combined use of the above two methods, detection quality and efficiency are significantly improved, which has a good application in engineering practice.
Sixteen Pairs of 4-Component Spinors for SL(4,C) and Four Types of Transformations with a Conjugate Space Which Has No Counterpart in SL(2,C)
Authors: Kuntman Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2023

We define a spinor-Minkowski metric for SL(4,C). It is not a trivial generalization of the SL(2,C) metric and it involves the Minkowskian one. We define 4x4 version of the Pauli matrices and eight 4-component associated generalized eigenvectors that can be regarded as undotted covariant spinors. The 4-component spinors can be grouped into four categories. Each category transforms in its own way. The outer products of pairwise combinations of 4-component spinors can be associated with 4-vectors. Including the dotted covariant, undotted and dotted contravariant forms totally we have sixteen pairs of spinors. Eight of them live in the conjugate space which has no countepart in SL(2,C).
Overview of Membrane Protein Sample Preparation for Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis
Authors: Vénien-Bryan Catherine , Fernandes Carlos A. H.
Published: September 2023

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM SPA) has recently emerged as an exceptionally well-suited technique for determining the structure of membrane proteins (MPs). Indeed, in the last years, it was observed a huge increase in the number of MPs solved by cryo-EM SPA at a resolution better than 3.0 Å in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). However, sample preparation remains a significant challenge in the field. Here, we evaluated in the MPs solved by cryo-EM SPA deposited in the PDB in the last two years at a resolution below 3.0 Å the most critical parameters for sample preparation: i) the surfactant used for protein extraction from the membrane, ii) the surfactant, amphiphiles, nanodiscs or other molecules present in the vitrification step, iii) the vitrification method employed, and iv) the type of grids used. The aim is not to provide a definitive answer on the optimal sample conditions for cryo-EM SPA of MPs, but rather assess the current trends in the MP structural biology community towards obtaining high-resolution cryo-EM structures.
Attention and Self-Control Dimensions of Impulsivity Predict the Quality of Life among Male Patients Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder: The Mediating Role of Anxiety and Severity of Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Dayal Prabhoo , Kaloiya Gauri S. , Verma Rohit , Kumar Nand
Published: September 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and relapsing biopsychosocial condition that leads to a wide range of medical, psychological, social, economic, and personal issues. The study investigated the predictors of quality of life (QoL) among male patients seeking treatment for AUD based on attention, cognitive instability, motor impulsiveness, perseverance, and self-control dimensions of trait impulsivity. The study also investigated the potential mediating effect of anxiety and alcohol use severity in this relationship. After an initial assessment, participants underwent comprehensive evaluations, including sociodemographic data, clinical history, and QoL domains. Evaluations also covered AUD severity, impulsivity dimensions, cognitive functions, craving intensity, depression, anxiety and self-efficacy. Multiple linear regressions were employed to identify associations between independent variables and QoL. Attention dimension of impulsivity and anxiety symptoms significantly predicted physical health QoL. Self-control dimension and severity of alcohol use disorder predicted psychological QoL. Indirect effect of attention dimension on physical health was significant [effect =-1.082,95% CI (-2.008, -0.3598)].The significance of impulsivity in influencing QoL for individuals with AUD has profound clinical implications. These findings underscore the importance of addressing anxiety and impulsivity in managing AUD, given their considerable impact, particularly on QoL, ultimately shaping treatment outcomes.
Integrated Smart Gas Tracking Device with Artificially Tailored Selectivity for Real-Time Monitoring Food Freshness
Authors: Xu Yuli , Liu Zicheng , Lin Jingren , Zhao Jintao , Hoa Nguyen Duc , Hieu Nguyen Van , Ganeev Alexander A. , Chuchina Victoria , Jouyban Abolghasem , Cui Daxiang , Wang Ying , Jin Han
Published: September 2023

The real-time monitoring of food freshness in refrigerators is of significant importance in detecting potential food spoiling and preventing serious health issues. One method that is commonly reported and has received substantial attention is the discrimination of food freshness by the tracking of volatile molecules. Nevertheless, the ambient environment of low temperature (normally below 4oC) and high humidity (90% R.H.) as well as poor selectivity in sensing gas species remain the challenge. In this research, an integrated smart gas-tracking device is designed and fabricated. By applying pump voltage on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) membrane, the oxygen concentration in the testing chamber can be manually tailored. Due to the working principle of the sensor following the mixed potential behavior, distinct differences in sensitivity and selectivity are observed for the sensor that operated at different oxygen concentrations. Typically, the sensor gives satisfactory selectivity to H2S, NH3, and C2H5OH at the oxygen concentrations of 10%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. In addition, an acceptable response/recovery rate (within 24 s) is also confirmed. Finally, a refrigerator prototype that includes the smart gas sensor is built, and satisfactory performance in discriminating food freshness status of fresh or semi-fresh is verified for the proposed refrigerator prototype. In conclusion, these aforementioned promising results suggest that the proposed integrated smart gas sensor could be a potential candidate for alarming food spoilage.
Functional Characterization of Novel MC4R Variants Identified in Two Unrelated Patients with Morbid Obesity in Qatar
Authors: Mohammed Idris , Selvaraj Senthil , Ahmed Wesam , Al-Barazenji Tara , Hammad Ayat , Dauleh Hajar , Saraiva Luis R. , Al-Shafai Mashael , Hussain Khalid
Published: September 2023

The leptin-melanocortin pathway is pivotal in appetite and energy homeostasis. Pathogenic variants in genes involved in this pathway lead to severe early-onset monogenic obesity (MO). The MC4R gene plays a central role in leptin-melanocortin signaling, and variants predominantly heterozygous in this gene are the most common cause of MO. We identified two novel heterozygous variants c,253A>G p.Ser85Gly and c.802T>C p.Tyr268His in the MC4R gene in two unrelated patients with morbid obesity and evaluated the functional impact of these variants. A targeted gene panel consisting of 52 obesity-related genes was undertaken. Variants were analyzed and filtered to identify potential disease-causing and validated using Sanger sequencing. The impact of the variants on the MC4R gene using in silico prediction tools and molecular dynamics simulation was assessed. To further study the pathogenicity of the identified variants, GT1-7 cells were transfected with plasmid DNA encoding either wild-type or mutant MC4R variants. The effects of allelic variations in MC4R gene on cAMP synthesis, MC4R protein level, and activation of ERB and CREB signaling pathways in both stimulated and unstimulated ɑ-MSH paradigms were determined for their functional implications. In-silico analysis suggested that the variants destabilized the MC4R structure and affect the overall dynamics of the MC4R protein, possibly leading to intracellular receptor retention. In-vitro analysis of the functional impact of these variants showed a significant reduction in cell surface receptor expression and impaired extracellular ligand binding activity, leading to reduced cAMP production. In-vitro analysis assays and in silico analysis revealed the pathogenicity of the two novel MC4R variants identified. Our analysis shows that the variants do not affect total protein expression; however, they are predicted to affect the post-translational localization of MC4R protein to the cell surface and impair downstream signaling cascades. This finding might help our patients to benefit from the novel therapeutic advances for monogenic forms of obesity.
Lab-on-fiber sensors with Ag/Au nanocap arrays based on the two deposits of Polystyrene nanospheres
Authors: Shi Meng , Gao Shi fang , Shang Liang , Ma Li nan , Wang Wei , Liu Guang qiang , Li Zong bao
Published: September 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can boost the pristine Raman signal by ~ 108 times that could be exploited for producing innovative sensing devices with advanced properties. However, the inherent complexity of SERS systems restricts their further applications in rapid detection, especially in situ detection in narrow aera. Here, we construct an efficient and flexible SERS-based LOP sensor by integrating Ag/Au nanocap arrays obtained by Ag/Au coating polystyrene nanospheres on the optical fiber face. We obtain rich “hotspots” at the nanogaps between neighboring nanocaps and further achieve the excellent SERS performance with the assistance of laser induced thermophoresis on the metal film that can achieve high efficiency aggregation of detected molecules. We achieve a high Raman enhancement with a low detection limitation of 10-7 mol/L for the most efficient samples based on the above sensor. This sensor also exhibits good repeatability and stability under multiple detections, revealing the potential application in situ detection based on the reflexivity of optical fiber.
Improving Autonomous Vehicle Reasoning with Non-Monotonic Logic: Advancing Safety and Performance in Complex Environments
Authors: Raiyn Jamal , Weidl Galia
Published: September 2023

The software design of autonomous vehicles (AVs) incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) characteristics to enhance their safety and overall driving performance. Central to vehicle’s operation is the ability to reason effectively in complex and uncertain environments. However, traditional logical systems, such as monotonic logic, often struggle to handle the inherent uncertainties and exceptions encountered in real-world scenarios. This paper proposes the utilization of non-monotonic logic in order to enhance the reasoning capabilities of autonomous vehicles. By incorporating non-monotonic reasoning, vehicles can navigate intricate traffic scenarios, make plausible inferences, and adapt their decisions when faced with conflicting information. This research aims to provide a comprehensive review of non-monotonic logic's application in autonomous vehicles, highlighting its advantages over traditional logical systems and its potential impact on safety and performance. Additionally, through this research, we seek to contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving technology by enhancing the reasoning capabilities of vehicles in various scenarios, such as car- following related to critical safety events. The personalized cognitive agent is proposed in driving behavior to consider particularly in their assumptions of homogeneous drivers. The personalized cognitive agent is incorporating heterogeneous driving behaviors, based on individual user preferences, characteristics, and needs. Driving behavior is a complex interplay of various factors, encompassing both human and external elements. Human factors, including age, experience, and gender, contribute significantly to how individuals navigate the roads. These factors influence decisions, reactions, and risk-taking tendencies on the part of drivers. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions further compound this intricate dynamic, requiring drivers to adapt their behavior to the prevailing environment. The goal of a personalized cognitive agent is to provide tailored and customized experiences to cognitive vehicles, taking into account the unique requirements and individual preferences of occupants inside autonomous vehicles.
Diversity Phenomenon of the Danaceinae Malachite Beetle Subfamily (Coleoptera: Dasytidae) in Eocene Baltic Amber with New Description of an Extinct Genus and Species
Authors: Tshernyshev Sergei E. , Lyubarsky Georgy Yu. , Alekseev Vitalii , Bukejs Andris
Published: September 2023

A new malachite beetle, Baltamauroania mirabilicornis gen. et sp. nov., belonging to the tribe Am-auroniodini (Coleoptera: Dasytidae) embedded in Eocene Baltic amber is described and illustrated. The new genus differs from the congeners of the tribe Amauroniodini in possessing a black, elongate and subparallel body and a pronotum with scalloped lateral sides; long and 11-segmented antennae, with three apical antennomeres enlarged and forming a ‘club’, with cylindrical an-tennomere 1; tarsi shortened and compressed, 5-segmented, with tarsomeres 1 and 2 equal in length, and tarsomere 5 the longest in all legs; pubescence of the dorsal surface consisting of short strong brown semi-erect and fine adpressed hairs; punctation of dorsal surface irregular, elytra lacking grooves; pronotum almost equilateral, slightly elongate, with acute anterior and obtuse posterior angles, with wide margination of basal side and with scalloped and finely margined lateral sides; lateral edges of pronotum weakly rounded, with obtuse protuberance before middle. This is the second extinct genus and third record of the subfamily Danaceinae found in Eocene amber. The fossil records of the family Dasytidae are discussed. Three recent records of different Amauroniodini taxa from Eocene East European amber (Baltic and Rovno) shows there to have been a high Danaceinae biodiversity in both the southern coast of the Subparatethys (documented by Rovno amber) and in its northern coast (documented by Baltic amber). The phenomenon of Danaceinae diversity in the Eocene Epoch is discussed.
Differences in Movement Patterns Related to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Elite Judokas According to Sex: A Cross‐Sectional Clinical Approach Study
Authors: Prados-Barbero Francisco J , Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A. , Cuenca-Zaldívar Juan Nicolás , Selva-Sarzo Francisco
Published: September 2023

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most serious injury in judo. Therefore, its prevention is of great importance. The main mechanism of injury is the collapse of the knee in valgus, which usually occurs when there are deficits of strength and neuromuscular control of the core, external rotators and hip abductors, as well as limitations of ankle and hip mobility. In most sports there is a difference in the prevalence of this injury between both sexes, being more common in women. Therefore, in the present study we observed this possible intersexual disparity in the difference of movement patterns among elite judokas according to their sex, in order to identify those athletes with a higher risk of ACL injury. In addition, it was not observed differences between sexes in the performance of the Single Leg Squat test (SLS test); There was worse neuromuscular control of the non-dominant leg in men and women; No differences were observed in in the range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion and hip external rotation between men and women, but there were differences in internal rotation, a movement whose restriction may be related to an increased risk of ACL injury.
Detection of Large-Scale Floods Using Google Earth Engine and Google Colab
Authors: Johary Rosa , Révillion Christophe , Catry Thibault , Alexandre Cyprien , Mouquet Pascal , Rakotoniaina Solofoarisoa , Pennober Gwenaëlle , Rakondraompiana Solofo
Published: September 2023

This paper presents an operational approach for detecting floods and establishing flood extent using Sentinel-1 radar imagery with Google Earth Engine. Flooded areas are identified using a change-detection method based on the normalized difference. The HAND algorithm is used to delineate zones for processing. The approach was tested and calibrated at small scale to identify optimal parameters for flood detection. It was then applied to the whole of the island of Madagascar after the cyclone Batsirai in 2022. The proposed method is enabled by the computing power and data availability of Google Earth Engine and Google Colab. The results show satisfactory accuracy in delineating flooded areas. The advantages of this approach are its rapidity, online availability and ability to detect floods over a wide area. The approach relying on Google tools thus offers an effective solution for generating a large-scale synoptic picture to inform hazard management decision-making. However, one of the method’s drawbacks is that it depends to a large extent on frequent radar imagery being available at the time of flood events and on free access to the platform. These drawbacks will need to be taken into account in an operational scenario.
Evaluation of the Relationship between CRP/Lymphocyte Ratio and Blood Sugar Regulation and Other Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sagdic Tugrul , Aktas Gulali
Published: September 2023

C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio (CLR) has been shown to be associated with diseases characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation. Since type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is also associated with inflammation, we aimed to study the association between CLR and T2DM. Patients with T2DM who presented to internal medicine outpatient clinics of our institution were divided into 2 groups according to their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels as well-controlled (HbA1c<7%) and poorly controlled (HbA1c≥7%) T2DM groups. Subjects assigned as healthy in routine check-up were included as control group. CLR values of the well and poorly controlled diabetics and control cases were compared. CLR of T2DM group (3.51 (0.03-21.78)) was significantly higher than that of the controls (0.65 (0.02-2.92)) (p<0.001). CLR was found to have a sensitivity of 63.2% and a specificity of 97.3% in predicting T2DM. The CLR value of patients with poor diabetic control was 4.76 (0.06-21.78), while the CLR value of patients with well controlled disease was 2.53 (0.03-12.07) (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the CLR in demonstrating poor diabetic control was 41.2% and the 86.1%, respectively. In conclusion, elevated CLR in T2DM patients and even more increased levels in poorly controlled diabetics suggest that CLR could be a useful additional diagnostic tool in treatment follow-up of the T2DM population.
An Unmanned Vehicle-Based Remote Raman System for Re-al-Time Trace Detection and Identification
Authors: Ren Wenzhen , Wang Bo , Xie Zhengmao , Wang Hui , Zhu Xiangping , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2023

Raman spectroscopy is a type of inelastic scattering that provides rich information about a sub-stance based on the coupling of the energy levels of their vibrational and rotational modes with incident light. It has been applied extensively in many fields. As there is an increasing need for remote detection of chemicals in planetary exploration and anti-terrorism, it is urgent to develop a compact and easily transportable fully automated remote Raman detection system for trace detection and identification of information with high-level confidence about the target’s compo-sition and conformation in real-time and for real field scenarios. Here, we present an unmanned vehicle-based remote Raman system, which includes a 266 nm air-cooling passive Q-switched nanosecond pulsed laser of high-repetition frequency, a gated ICMOS, and an unmanned vehicle. This system obtains good spectral signals from remote distances ranging from 3 m to 10 m for simulating realistic scenarios, such as aluminum plate, woodblock, paperboard, black cloth, and leaves, and even for detected amounts as low as 0.1 mg. Furthermore, a CNN-based algorithm is implemented and packaged into the recognition software to achieve fast and more accurate de-tection and identification. This prototype provides a proof-of-concept for an unmanned vehicle with accurate remote substance detection in real-time, which can be helpful for remote detection and identification of hazardous gas, explosives, their precursors, and so forth.
Early and Late Complications after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Uveitis
Authors: Bajraktari Gentian , Jukić Tomislav , Kalauz Miro , Oroz Martin , Radolović Bertetić Andrea , Vukojević Nenad
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Uveitis, a prevalent eye disorder characterized by inflammatory processes, often leads to cataract formation and significant visual impairment. This study aimed to evaluate preoperative conditions and postoperative outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital Center Rebro Zagreb, Croatia, involving uveitis patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2013 and 2022. Eligible patients had uveitic cataracts affecting visual acuity or posterior segment visualization in a "quiet eye" and were disease-inactive for at least three months. Patients with certain preexisting ocular conditions were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, uveitis type, preoperative therapy, preexisting lesions, and postoperative outcomes such as visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central macular thickness, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with complications. Results: The study included 105 patients. After cataract surgery, there was a significant improvement in visual acuity at various time points, with 90% of eyes showing improvement. Intraocular pressure decreased over time. Central macular thickness increased at three months post-surgery but remained stable thereafter. Early and late complications were observed in 52.4% and 63.8% of eyes, respectively. The most common complications were posterior capsular opacification, macular edema, and epiretinal membrane. Factors associated with complications varied between early and late stages but included age, age at onset of uveitis, and uveitis type. Conclusion: Cataract surgery in uveitis patients presents challenges but can lead to significant visual improvement. This study highlights the importance of careful patient selection, preoperative and postoperative inflammation management, and precise surgical techniques. Although complications were common, they were manageable, and most patients experienced improved vision, emphasizing the benefits of cataract surgery in this population. However, future investigations should address the study's limitations and further refine perioperative strategies.
Proteinuria and significant dehydration in a short-steep triathlon: Preliminary report
Authors: Rojas-Valverde Daniel , Castro Cindy , Bonilla Diego A. , Cardozo Luis A. , D. Gómez-Carmona Carlos
Published: September 2023

Endurance triathlons impose substantial physiological stress, yet effects of short-course formats remain relatively unexplored. In this preliminary study, we assessed proteinuria and hydration levels in 27 well-trained triathletes (41.9 [7.4] years) who completed a sprint triathlon consisting of a 1500-m swim, 26-km cycle, and 8-km run. Urine samples were collected before and after the race. The results showed an increase in cases of post-race proteinuria from four to nine (p=0.03). Also, one case of urobilinuria and ketoacidosis was observed after the race. Pre-race glucosuria, which was present in nine cases, decreased to three cases post-race. Although hematuria cases decreased from six to two (p=0.13), pre-race leukocyturia (found in two cases) resolved post-race. There was a significant increase in urine specific gravity (from 1.018 to 1.023, p=0.03), indicating dehydration. In conclusion, short-course triathlons were found to induce post-race proteinuria, urobilinuria, and dehydration without exacerbating pre-race glucosuria, hematuria, or leukocyturia. These preliminary findings contribute to our understanding of medical guidelines for sprint triathlons, an area of endurance sports that has received limited research attention. Further investigation, both mechanistic and longitudinal, is warranted in this regard.
Is Mulching a Cost-Effective System? Case Study of Pineapple Cropping Systems of the Donomadè Ecovillage in Yoto Prefecture in Togo, West Africa
Authors: Atakpama Wouyo , Pereki Hodabalo , Folega Fousseni , Novotny Ivan Potin , Diwediga Badabate , Attisso Agbéwanou , Frossard Emmanuel , Dray Anne , Claude Garcia A. , Batawila Komlan , Akpagana Koffi
Published: September 2023

One of the main constraints of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is the steady decline in the level of soil fertility resulting in a continuous decline in crop yields. This study assessed the impact of grass mulch on: the productivity, the income, the soil carbon, and the phytodiversity within three pineapple-based systems of the ecovillage of Donomade in Togo. They are: a model farm with mulch, adopters’ farms, and non-adopters. Production-related data (e.g., number of plants, the number of productive individuals, the mass of products harvested) was obtained by a sampling an area of 100 m². These measurements were coupled with a semi-structured individual’s interviews of producers on the history of the plots and production costs in order to assess their profitability. The fruit production was three times higher within the adopters’ plots (21240 ± 11890 kg/ha) than the non-adopters (7840 ± 7890 kg/ha) and the two thirds of the model farm (33838 ± 9460 kg/ha). Consequently, the net income was 8 to 11 times higher than the conventional pineapple cropping system. According to the cropping systems, the total soil carbon was higher within mulching plots including the model farm and the adopters’ plots and lower within the non-adopters’ plots.
An ESR Study Comparing Nanometer-Nanosecond Dynamics in Diblock Copolymers and Their PMMA Binary Blends
Authors: Andreozzi Laura , Martinelli Elisa
Published: September 2023

Block copolymers are a class of materials particularly interesting for their ability to self-assemble into ordered structures. In this context, the coupling between environment and dynamics is particularly relevant, given that movements at the molecular level influence various properties of macromolecules. Mixing the polymer with a second macromolecule appears to be an easy way to study these relationships. In this work, we studied a system based on two diblock copolymers of methyl methacrylate as first block and 3-methyl-4-[6-(methylacryloyloxy)-hexyloxy]-4’-pentyloxy azobenzene as second block and their blends with PMMA. The relaxational properties of these systems were investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy sensitive to nanometric length-scales. The results of the study on the blends were related to the dynamic behavior of the copolymer. The study evidenced the presence of fast and slow molecular sites for the molecular reorientation at nanoscale, modulated by the ability of block copolymer to form supramolecular structures. For blends, the heterogeneities at nanoscale are still detected. However it was found that the presence of the PMMA as the major component of the blends modified their dynamic behaviour.