bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ІНТЕГРОВАНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО РОЗВИТКУ АГРОПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВА
Authors: Пелех Катерина
Published: December 2023

У статті досліджується концепція "розвитку агропідприємництва" з акцентом на стимулюванні та удосконаленні діяльності агрокомпаній для досягнення підвищення ефективності, конкурентоспроможності та стійкості. Основний фокус робиться на використанні передових технологій, освіті та консультаціях. Використання сучасних технологій в агропідприємництві розглядає прецизійне землеробство, генетично модифіковані організми, машинне навчання та автоматизація. Підкреслюється їхній внесок у покращення продуктивності, ефективності та стійкості сільськогосподарської сфери. Надається важливість освіти та консультацій для працівників агросфери та підприємців, зазначаючи приклади організацій, які надають навчання та консультації для адаптації до новітніх технологій. Фінансова підтримка та сталість розвитку підкреслює роль банків та фінансових установ у забезпеченні росту агрокомпаній. Наводяться приклади таких установ, як Rabobank, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, Ощадбанк та Український Аграрний Фонд. Досліджується розширення ринків збуту як стратегічний аспект розвитку, висвітлюючи різні підходи, такі як дослідження ринків, маркетинг та брендування, диверсифікація продукції, розвиток регіональних ринків, електронна комерція та цифровий маркетинг, співпраця та партнерство, стандарти якості та сертифікація. Аргументується важливість сталого розвитку в агропідприємництві та необхідність використання екологічно безпечних практик. Підкреслюється потреба у балансі між потребами сучасності та збереженням природних ресурсів для майбутніх поколінь. Узагальнюючи, пропонується комплексний підхід до розвитку агропідприємництва, що враховує технологічні інновації, освіту та стратегії для сталого розвитку галузі.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ КАЛЬКУЛЯЦІЙ НОРМАТИВНИХ ВИТРАТ ПРОВЕДЕННЯ КВАЛІФІКАЦІЙНОЇ ЕКСПЕРТИЗИ СОРТІВ РОСЛИН В УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ ІНСТИТУТІ ЕКСПЕРТИЗИ СОРТІВ РОСЛИН
Authors: Попова Оксана , Коцюбинська Людмила , Дубова Ірина
Published: December 2023

У статті досліджено калькуляції нормативних витрат проведення кваліфікаційної експертизи сортів рослин в Українському інституті експертизи сортів рослин. Висвітлено особливості технологічної карти для проведення науково-технічної експертизи, зокрема експертизи на придатність сортів для поширення в Україні та експертизи на відмінність, однорідність і стабільність сортів рослин. Визначено операційну структуру та обсяг виробництва, систему машин і обладнання, структуру та загальну суму експлуатаційних витрат по блокам технологічної карти (вихідні дані, технологічна, технічна, економічна та заключна частини). Розглянуто норми виробітку для спостережень та обліків при проведенні кваліфікаційної експертизи на придатність для поширення сортів рослин та експертизи на відмінність однорідність і стабільність сортів рослин. Визначено норми виробітку та витрати палива, на механізованих польових роботах у типових технологічних картах при збиранні сортодослідів; структуру нормо-змін, витрат праці та фонду оплати праці; розміри годинних тарифних ставок та коефіцієнти міжрозрядових співвідношень. Проаналізовано структуру нормативних витрат з проведення кваліфікаційної експертизи сортів рослин, визначено потребу в паливно-енергетичних ресурсах, добривах, засобах захисту рослин. Встановлено нормативну собівартість одного сортодосліду у розрізі основних сільськогосподарських культур для проведення кваліфікаційної експертизи сортів рослин.
РОЗВИТОК РЕГІОНУ В УМОВАХ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІКИ ЗНАНЬ
Authors: Благун Іван , Івасишин Михайло , Коляда Андрій
Published: December 2023

Стаття присвячена дослідженню розвитку регіону в умовах становлення економіки знань. Авторами представлено суть поняття, виокремлено характерні риси економіки знань, проаналізовано перешкоди, які сповільнювали розвиток економіки знань в Україні, досліджено етапи розвитку регіонів України в умовах становлення економіки знань, зазначено умови, від яких залежить успішний процес становлення та розвитку економіки знань, виокреслено головні особливості економіки знань на рівні національного господарства, наведено основні особливості розвитку регіонів в умовах становлення економіки знань, запропоновано методи запровадження економіки знань у діяльність регіону, представлено можливі перспективи від розвитку економіки знань. Останні роки в Україні є активною фазою у розвитку інноваційно-технологічного забезпечення, яке впливає на розвиток регіонів та дає змогу досягнути певних позитивних результатів та перспектив у них.
Unravelling the Complexity of Flood Hazards: A Comprehensive Review of Characteristics and Risk Assessment
Authors: Jafar Adi , Sakke Nordin , Mapa Mohammad Tahir , Dollah Ramli , Beddu Asis Abdul Khair , Jaafar Mokhtar , Marcus Ata Frankie , Abas Azlan
Published: December 2023

Understanding the characteristics of flood hazards is crucial since it is one of the basic indicators for determining the risk of loss level. The elements of a hazard are often interpreted with varying connotations, especially flood hazards. In fact, the characteristics and scales that measure a flood hazard level also vary from one study to another. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to understand the characteristics of flood hazards and their influence on the risk of loss level by reviewing previous research. Generally, the flood hazard level can be determined according to certain characteristics, such as depth, velocity, duration, amount of discharge, flood flow force, flood intensity and energy head. Based on these characteristics, the flood hazard level can be classified into three or four levels: low, medium, high; or low, medium, high and extreme. From the aspect of depth, for example, floods with a height less than 0.5 meters and more than 1.5 meters are categorised as low and high hazard levels, respectively. In terms of frequency, floods that occur less than 6 times a year are considered as low hazard level, while those that occur more than 11 times a year are classified as extremely hazardous. The higher the flood hazard level in an area, the greater the risk of loss. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of a flood hazard will aid in determining or assessing the risk of loss in any particular area.
HUKUKA VEYA AHLAKA AYKIRI KARŞI EDİM BEKLENTİSİNİN DOLANDIRICILIK SUÇUNA ETKİSİ
Authors: KILIÇ Ahmet
Published: December 2023

Hukuka veya ahlaka aykırı bir edim elde etmek amacıyla bir sözleşmenin tarafı olan kişi, karşı tarafın hileli hareketleri sonucunda malvarlığı bakımından zarara uğrayabilir. Çalışmamızın konusunu oluşturan bu hallerde dolandırıcılık suçunun oluşup oluşmadığına ilişkin farklı görüşler ileri sürülmüştür. Bu görüşlerden bazıları için özel hukuk düzenlemeleri belirleyici olmuştur. Ayrıca Alman hukukunda, söz konusu meseleye ilişkin daha geniş kapsamlı değerlendirmeler yapılmaktadır ve bunların bazıları Türk hukuku için yol gösterici olabilecek niteliktedir. Bu nedenle çalışmamızda, ilk olarak söz konusu duruma özel hukukta bağlanan sonuçlar ele alınmıştır. Ardından, bu hallerde dolandırıcılık suçunun oluşup oluşmadığına ilişkin Türk ve Alman ceza hukukundaki görüşlere yer verilerek görüşümüz ifade edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak ise karşı edimin ifa edilmesi ve/veya kabul edilmesinin suç teşkil ettiği hallerde dolandırıcılık suçunun oluşmadığı savunulmuştur.
In Search of Local People and Rituals in Late Antiquity
Authors: Kahlos Maijastina
Published: December 2023

In Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, ecclesiastical leaders often defined as pagan, superstitious and even magical those rituals and beliefs that they disliked. Augustine of Hippo, for instance, depicted a number of practices as pagan elements that recent converts could not abandon and therefore carried with them into the Church after Constantine’s conversion. Augustine and other church leaders were influential in setting out the course of interpreting local popular forms of religiosity as magic (‘magical survivals’) or leftovers of paganism (‘pagan survivals’). In this chapter, I illustrate local and popular forms of late antique religiosity with a few examples taken from the writings of Zeno of Verona, Maximus of Turin and Augustine of Hippo as well as later Latin writers such as Caesarius of Arles and Martin of Braga. I wish to break away from traditional dichotomies such as pagan/Christian, religion/magic and religion/superstition and to observe religious practices in the late antique and early medieval world on their own terms. We may call that religious world the third paganism, popular Christianity or whatever, but choosing the term is not relevant here. Instead of taking local forms of religiosity simply as ‘magical survivals’, ‘pagan survivals’ or ‘Christian superstition’, we should analyse local religious worlds in their different socio-political contexts.
The Arabesque, a special form of Islamic ornamental art, as a type of document
Authors: Babaeva S. R.
Published: December 2023

The world museums and libraries hold extensive collections of old manuscripts, books, works of applied arts, in the design of which the oriental ornament called the arabesque is used. In this article, the arabesque is examined as a material object that has a symbolic designation and an informational component, that is a document. The author reviews the historical origins of the arabesque, describes its elements, artistic techniques and techniques of the geometric construction from the point of view of the syntactive component. The author focuses on the Arabic calligraphy used in the ornaments, as a significant part of Islamic culture; the development of Arabic writing and various types of handwriting is discussed. The calligraphic inscriptions in the arabesque are considered as a phenomenon of even the higher significance than the image. The author explains the origins of complicated unreadable and abbreviated inscriptions in the ornaments. In total, the classification and document classification criteria developed by G. N. Shvetsova-Vodka were applied to seven diverse ornaments.The study proves that this classification works efficiently and is easy to use: the considered detailed features confirm the correspondence of the arabesque to the term “document”. The article may be of interest to specialists in the field of library science, historians, art historians, religious scholars, artists and designers.
LNK/SH2B3 as a novel driver in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Wintering Astrid , Hecht Anna , Meyer Julia , Wong Eric B. , Hübner Juwita , Abelson Sydney , Feldman Kira , Kennedy Vanessa E. , Peretz Cheryl A.C. , French Deborah L. , Maguire Jean Ann , Jobaliya Chintan , Vasquez Marta Rojas , Desai Sunil , Dulman Robin , Nemecek Eneida , Haines Hilary , Hammad Mahmoud , El Haddad Alaa , Kogan Scott C. , Abdullaev Zied , Chehab Farid F. , Tasian Sarah K. , Smith Catherine C. , Loh Mignon L. , Stieglitz Elliot
Published: December 2023

Mutations in five canonical Ras pathway genes (NF1, NRAS, KRAS, PTPN11 and CBL) are detected in nearly 90% of patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a frequently fatal malignant neoplasm of early childhood. In this report, we describe seven patients diagnosed with SH2B3-mutated JMML, including five patients who were found to have initiating, loss of function mutations in the gene. SH2B3 encodes the adaptor protein LNK, a negative regulator of normal hematopoiesis upstream of the Ras pathway. These mutations were identified to be germline, somatic or a combination of both. Loss of function of LNK, which has been observed in other myeloid malignancies, results in abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic cells due to cytokine hypersensitivity and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. In vitro studies of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived JMML-like hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) also demonstrated sensitivity of SH2B3- mutated HPCs to JAK inhibition. Lastly, we describe two patients with JMML and SH2B3 mutations who were treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. This report expands the spectrum of initiating mutations in JMML and raises the possibility of targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in patients with SH2B3 mutations.
Karbonizirane žitarice iz udbinske Gradine te
pregled nalaza o uzgoju usjeva u srednjem i novom vijeku u Hrvatskoj
Authors: Šoštarić Renata , Kolak Tatjana
Published: December 2023

Udbina – Gradina je jedini lokalitet iz razdoblja kasnog srednjeg (15. stoljeće) – novog vijeka (16. – 17. stoljeće) s većom količinom arheobotaničkih ostataka do sada analiziran na području Hrvatske. Na lokalitetu je nađena veća količina krupnozrnih žitarica u čijem sastavu je najdominantnija nepljevičasta pšenica (Triticum aestivum grupa) te manja količina korovnih primjesa. Napravljen je pregled karpoloških rezultata do sada istraženih i objavljenih srednjo- i novovjekovnih lokaliteta na području Hrvatske te usporedba s novoistraženim lokalitetom udbinske Gradine.
Implicature on Trade Banner in Pekanbaru City
Authors: Andiana Perizga  , Suhardi
Published: December 2023

The background of this research is that there are many trade banners in Pekanbaru City that have implied meanings in them. Merchants use implicature in their banners to make the banners more different and interesting for the readers. However, the use of this implicature often violates the principle of maxim of cooperation, which is not conveyed by the implied message between the speaker and the speech partner in the speech on the trade banner. The trade banners have directive implicature functions that contain persuasion, invitation, order and request. This research focuses on the function of directive implicature in trade banners in Pekanbaru City. The purpose of this research is to identify and explain the function of the directive implicature found in banners in Pekanbaru City. This research was conducted in 12 sub-districts in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province. This research lasted for 3 months, starting from June-August 2022. This type of research is descriptive-qualitative research. This data was obtained by taking data using image capture. The data are in the form of sentences contained in banners that have implications. The techniques used in analyzing the data are, (1) Identifying, (2) Classifying, (3) Analysing Data, (4) Presenting, (5) Concluding. Based on the results of the research on implicature in trade banners in Pekanbaru city, there are directive implicature functions intended to instruct, intended to request, intended to persuade, and intended to instruct. The findings of this research are, the function of directive implicature means invitation is the most data, which is 30 data.
العادات التي تعكسها أفلام الاكشن الامريكية
Authors: عبود شهد حيدر , الكعبي رعد جاسم
Published: December 2023

يهدف البحث الى التعرف على أبرز العادات والسلوكيات التي تروج لها أفلام الأكشن الامريكية بموقع سينمانا المتخصص بعرض الأفلام والمسلسلات كونه الأكثر متابعة، ويوفر عروضًا لكل أنواع الأفلام وينزل أحدث إصدارات الأفلام وبشكل مجاني، وذلك باتباع أسلوب العينة العشوائية البسيطة عن طريق اختيار عشرين فيلمًا اكشنًا واخضاعها للدراسة، لذا سعت الباحثة إلى الاعتماد على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي؛ لأنه الأكثر ملائمة لتحقيق أهداف البحث؛ وذلك باستخدام أداة تحليل المضمون لتلك الأفلام. وتوصل البحث الى مجموعة من النتائج أبرزها: إن العادات السلوكية الخاصة بمشاهد العنف والتحطيم والتخريب والانتقام والتهديد جاءت بالمرتبة الأولى، كما اوضحت النتائج الخاصة بالعادات السلوكية كمشاهد القتل والتهديد حصولها على المراتب الأولى بالدراسة التحليلية، وبالتالي أصبح لها تأثير سلبي من خلال غرس تلك العادات وجعلها جزءًا من سلوك الفرد اليومي.
Prevalence of Gram-Positive Bacteria in Hospital Cafeteria Fast Foods in Dhaka, Bangladesh and Their Resistance to Current Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Ghosh Supriya , Anjume Humaira , Hossain M Anwar , Sultana Munawar , Alim Sharmin Rumi
Published: December 2023

Emerging antibiotic resistance of Gram-positive bacteria leading to strikethrough infections are one of the major threats to global public health. This research aimed to determine different circulating Gram-positive bacterial species as well as their antibiotic resistance pattern along with their phylogenetic analysis. Fifty (50) Gram-positive isolates from different bacterial species were isolated from eight different hospital cafeteria fast foods of Dhaka, Bangladesh of which 58% of the isolates were from sandwiches and 42% of the isolates were from burger samples. The isolates were divided into six different groups based on different biochemical tests belonging to Bacillus spp. followed by Planococcus spp., Micrococus spp., Streptococcus spp., Clostridium spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Distribution of isolates varied greatly keeping the highest number of isolates from Bacillus spp. and lowest in Staphylococcus spp. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequenced isolates were Gram-positive bacteria under firmicutes and shared their identity with Chryseomicrobium spp., Sporosarcina psychrophila, Bacillus licheniformis. About 6% of the isolates were strong biofilm former whereas 4%, 24% and 66% of the isolates were moderate biofilm formers, weak biofilm formers and non-biofilm formers respectively. About 6% of the isolates showed β-hemolytic properties. About 72% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. Among the antibiotics, ampicillin and penicillin showed the highest level of resistance followed by cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, meropenem and no resistance to imipenem. A higher proportion of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-positive isolates were revealed from the hospital cafeteria fast foods demonstrating the risky situation regarding hospital associated infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1361-1370, 2024 (January)
Tác động của quản lý chuỗi cung ứng xanh đến hiệu quả hoạt động của doanh nghiệp xây dựng tại Việt Nam
Authors: Hoàng Thị Hồng Lê , Đỗ Thị Huyền , Phạm Thị Thanh Nhàn
Published: December 2023

Nghiên cứu này phân tích tác động của các yếu tố quản lý chuỗi cung ứng xanh đến hiệu quả hoạt động của doanh nghiệp xây dựng tại Việt Nam. Nghiên cứu sử dụng dữ liệu thu thập từ 138 doanh nghiệp xây dựng, phân tích dữ liệu theo mô hình cấu trúc tuyến tính với sự hỗ trợ của phần mềm SPSS và Amos. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy yếu tố mua hàng xanh, xây dựng xanh, tiếp thị xanh, logistics ngược của quản lý chuỗi cung ứng xanh tác động tích cực đến hiệu quả môi trường; yếu tố giáo dục môi trường không tác động đến hiệu quả môi trường; đồng thời hiệu quả môi trường có tác động tích cực đến hiệu quả xã hội; cả hiệu quả môi trường và hiệu quả xã hội có tác động tích cực đến hiệu quả kinh tế. Từ kết quả nghiên cứu, nhóm tác giả đề xuất một số khuyến nghị nhằm thúc đẩy thực hành quản lý chuỗi cung ứng xanh trong các doanh nghiệp xây dựng, góp phần nâng cao hiệu quả hoạt động của doanh nghiệp xây dựng theo hướng bền vững.
Barriers to Applying to Graduate School in the US : A Malagasy Student’s Perspective
Authors: Nirindrainy Avisoa
Published: December 2023

This essay describes the specific application requirements for U.S. graduate programs and highlights the difficulties Malagasy students encounter in meeting these criteria. These challenges include obtaining a bachelor's degree in a system with historical disparities—for example, given the current education completion rate statistics, only 2.2% of students will complete secondary education in Madagascar. Upon completion, they could apply to a University program, however the acceptance rate to public universities in Madagascar is about 38.34%. Assuming students do enroll and earn a degree from a university in Madagascar, they must overcome many things to actually submit an application for graduate study. They must take English language tests, deal with the complexities of obtaining and sending official transcripts, secure letters of recommendation, craft resumes despite lacking strong work experience, and compose personal statements—all just to apply for admission. Many of these components require the use of online bank accounts which many students do not have or simply the cost is beyond students’ financial means. The essay estimates that the cost for a student from Madagascar to apply to a single U.S. graduate program to be at least USD 771.00. The journey to U.S.-based graduate education for Malagasy students is not only a financial commitment but also a test of resilience and resourcefulness. Admission officers should recognize the formidable barriers faced by Malagasy students in the graduate application process and appreciate the remarkable display of adaptability, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by Malagasy students when submitting a complete application.
Experimental study on mechanical and acoustic emission characteristics of sedimentary sandstone under different loading rates
Authors: Li Nianchun , Feng Quanlin , Yue Weijia , Sun Shuhai , Li Yantao , Li Gaoyuan , Shi Wei
Published: December 2023

In the field of rock engineering, complexity of stress environment is an important factor affecting its stability. Thus, in view of fracture mechanism of rock under different loading rates within the scope of quasi-static strain rate, four groups of uniaxial compression tests with different strain rates were carried out on sandstone specimens, and strength, deformation, failure modes and acoustic emission characteristics of specimens were compared and analyzed. Furthermore, the fracture mechanism was discussed from the perspective of fracture characteristics based on fractal dimension, crack propagation law inverted through acoustic emission b-value, and micro fracture morphology. The results showed that as the strain rate increased from 10 to 5 s−1 to 10−2 s−1, the fractal dimension of rock fragments increased, and the fractal dimension of rock fragments increased by 9.66%, 7.32%, and 3.77% successively for every 10 times increase in strain rate, which means that the equivalent size of fragments was getting smaller, and the fragmentation feature was becoming increasingly prominent. The crack propagation process based on acoustic emission b-value showed that with the increase of loading rate, the specimen entered the rapid crack propagation stage earlier, in order of 68%, 66%, 29%, and 22% of peak stress. Moreover, the microscopic fracture morphology showed that with the increase of loading rate, transgranular phenomenon was clear, and the fracture morphology changed from smooth to rough. That meant that the fracture of sandstone rock at high loading rates was mainly caused by the propagation of large cracks, which was different from the slow process of initiation, convergence and re-propagation of small cracks at low strain rates.
Experimental study on dynamic characteristics of saturated remolded soft clay with sand particles
Authors: Wang Sui , Cai Yuanqiang , Zhang Liyong , Pan Yongjian , Chen Bin , Zhao Peng
Published: December 2023

Long-term cyclic tests for different frequencies were carried out on remolded soft clay with different sand contents, investigating how the frequency impacted the stress–strain, the dynamic shear modulus, and the damping ratio of the remolded samples. Accordingly, when the sand content of the remolded specimen was 1.7%, the slope of the hysteresis curve of the remolded specimen tended to increase gradually with the increasing frequency, the hysteresis circle was slender, and the area of the hysteresis circle tended to decrease gradually; when the sand content of the remolded specimen was 20%, the cumulative deformation of the specimen presented a gradual increase with the loading frequency, and the slope of the hysteresis curve decreased gradually. The hysteresis curve shows a gradually decreasing slope, and the enclosed hysteresis circle area also tends to decrease. In addition, the higher the loading frequency, the stronger the deformation-resistant ability held by the specimen, particularly because the pore water pressure between soils’ internal particles is not discharged in time, which makes the contact between the internal particles of the soil close, and the closer the structure of the soil, the smaller the compressive deformation of the soil, and the more stable the soil.
The application of evidence-entropy weight gray incidence theory on the risk assessment of rockburst intensity in the Daxiangling tunnel
Authors: Zhang Xue-Jun , Gu Xin-Bao
Published: December 2023

The risk assessment of rockburst intensity is significant for tunnel construction safety. First, the depth of the rockburst (X1), the uniaxial compressive strength of the rocks (X2), the brittleness coefficient of the rocks (X3), the stress coefficients of the rocks (X4), and the elastic energy index (X5) are adopted as the evidence body, and their essential certainty and reliability is determined using the entropy-gray correlation theory. Second, the synthetic certainty reliability of other samples is calculated based on the evidence theory. Relatively to the traditional gray extension model, it can improve the predictive accuracy and determine the certainty and reliability of different evidence bodies. The difference of importance between other evidence bodies can be reflected; and an interval scale can be taken into consideration in the evaluation process, so the proposed theory can reasonably predict the grade criterion which is interval form. Conclusion demonstrated that the suggested approach is entirely consistent with the actual investigation. The proposed model not only considers the unreliability or reliability of the problem but also solves some degrees of uncertainty and ambiguity of the datum; it enhances the predictive efficiency and provides a new way and thought for future risk assessment of rockburst intensity.
Genetic testing and microstructure characterization of biological crusts on the rammed soil surface at the Shanhaiguan great wall in China
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhang Yun , Liu Jiefeng , Guo Lianjun , Zheng Lingling , Li Tianli , Cao Haiying
Published: December 2023

Protection of cultural relics and sites is of great significance. In this study, the new gray-green thin-layer biological crust on the rammed soil surface at the Shanhaiguan Great Wall in China was found. The emergence of this material has substantially improved the resistance of the rammed Earth Great Wall to rain erosion. 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the surface crusts of rammed Earth was performed. Results show the biological crusts were mainly algae-based composite crusts containing fungi. At the genus level, microalgae and Sphingomycetes were predominant. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), algae filaments dominated by filamentous algae overlapped and intertwined with each other. Furthermore, polysaccharide organic matter secreted by algae formed a covering film. The two formed a complex spatial network structure to envelop soil particles, which enhances erosion resistance. The conformable biological crusting is expected to be used as a new civil engineering material for the protection of rammed Earth sites in the future.
A method for estimating particulate organic carbon at the sea surface based on geodetector and machine learning
Authors: Wu Huisheng , Cui Long , Wang Lejie , Sun Ruixue , Zheng Zhi
Published: December 2023

Particulate organic carbon (POC) is an essential component of the carbon pump within marine organisms. Exploring estimation methods for POC holds substantial significance for understanding the marine carbon cycle. In this study, we investigated the spatial heterogeneity of 30 factors and POC concentrations using geodetector to account for nonlinearity, diversity, and complexity. Ultimately, 20 factors including sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, and chlorophyll-a were selected as modeling variables. Six machine learning models—backpropagation neural network, convolutional neural network, attention-based neural network, random forest (RF), adaptive boosting, and extreme gradient boosting were used to compare their performance. The results indicate that among the six machine learning algorithms, RF exhibits the strongest performance, with a root mean square error of 0.11 [log(mg/m3)] and an average percentage deviation of 2.73%. Global annual average sea surface POC concentrations were estimated for 2007 and compared to NASA’s POC product. The outcomes indicate that the RF model-based estimation method displays enhanced accuracy in estimating POC concentrations within intricate coastal environments, while the backpropagation neural network performed better in estimating POC concentrations in open ocean areas. Leveraging the RF model, global sea surface POC concentrations were estimated for the years 2007 through 2016, enabling a spatiotemporal analysis. The analysis unveils heightened POC concentrations in coastal regions and lower levels in open ocean areas. Furthermore, POC concentrations were greater in high-latitude regions compared to mid and low latitude counterparts. In conclusion, the global sea surface POC product in this study exhibits heightened spatial resolution and improved data completeness in contrast to other products. It enhances the accuracy of conventional POC estimation methods, particularly within coastal regions.
Vulnerability assessment of the fishery system in China’s coastal provinces since 2000
Authors: Wang Yebao , Du Peipei , Wang Jingyi , Liu Yalong , Xu Zhiyao , Chen Chuntao
Published: December 2023

Coastal fishery systems are vital for both the environment and the economy, and at present, they face heightened vulnerability due to global climate change and natural disasters. A clearer understanding of the challenges that the system presents can be obtained by examining the vulnerabilities of fishery systems. This study employed a vulnerability scoping diagram framework and a multi-indicator approach combined with the entropy weight method for assigning weights to systematically evaluate the vulnerabilities of fishery systems in China’s coastal provinces. The spatiotemporal variation characteristics of vulnerability were analyzed and characterized, and the primary obstacles that affect vulnerability are discussed. The findings suggest that China’s coastal provinces’ fishery systems display vulnerability in terms of both time and space. From a temporal perspective, Liaoning, Hebei, and Shandong provinces exhibited an increasing trend in vulnerability, while Tianjin, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan showed decreasing trends. From a spatial perspective, Hainan and Liaoning’s fishery systems exhibited extremely high vulnerability in most years. In contrast, Tianjin consistently experienced extremely low vulnerability in most years. From the perspective of obstacles, the main factor was the funding for the extension of aquaculture technology, and this remained the primary obstacle factor across all years. The findings are significant for enhancing our understanding of vulnerability in fishery systems and for strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation measures. The results provide robust support for the improvement of management and the protection of fishery systems.
Journeying to the past: time travel and mental time travel, how far apart?
Authors: Trakas Marina
Published: December 2023

Spatial models dominated memory research throughout much of the twentieth century, but in recent decades, the concept of memory as a form of mental time travel (MTT) to the past has gained prominence. Initially introduced as a metaphor, the MTT perspective shifted the focus from internal memory processes to the subjective conscious experience of remembering. Despite its significant impact on empirical and theoretical memory research, there has been limited discussion regarding the meaning and adequacy of the MTT metaphor in accounting for memory. While in previous work I have addressed the general limitations of the MTT metaphor in explaining memory, the objective of this article is more focused and modest: to gain a better understanding of what constitutes MTT to the past. To achieve this objective, a detailed analysis of the characteristics of MTT to the past is presented through a comparison with time travel (TT) to the past. Although acknowledging that TT does not refer to an existing physical phenomenon, it is an older concept extensively discussed in the philosophical literature and provides commonly accepted grounds, particularly within orthodox theories of time, that can offer insights into the nature of MTT. Six specific characteristics serve as points of comparison: (1) a destination distinct from the present, (2) the distinction between subjective time and objective time, (3) the subjective experience of the time traveler, (4) their differentiation from the past self, (5) the existence of the past, and (6) its unchangeability. Through this research, a detailed exploration of the phenomenal and metaphysical aspects of MTT to the past is undertaken, shedding light on the distinct features that mental time travel to the past acquires when it occurs within the realm of the mind rather than as a physical phenomenon. By examining these characteristics, a deeper understanding of the nature of mental time travel is achieved, offering insights into how it operates in relation to memory and the past.
Prevalence of tuberculosis among prisoners in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sisay Asgedom Yordanos , Ambaw Kassie Gizachew , Melaku Kebede Tsegaye
Published: December 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a key community health problem in numerous settings, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). TB is the second most lethal infectious disease worldwide. Around 1.6 million people died from TB in 2021. TB prevention and control strategies are difficult to implement in prison, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, owing to overcrowding and poor ventilation. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the estimated pooled prevalence of tuberculosis among prisoners in sub-Saharan Africa.

Materials and methods

Electronic biomedical databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Science Direct were used to systematically explore candidate studies published until December 2022. Data extraction was performed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The estimated pooled prevalence of tuberculosis was determined using a fixed-effects model. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistics were used to check heterogeneity statistically across different studies. Begg’s rank and Egger’s tests were performed to assess evidence of possible publication bias.

Results

A total of 40 articles involving 59,300 prisoners were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of tuberculosis was 4.02% (95% CI: 2.68–5.36). We found the highest prevalence using Gene X pert as a diagnostic method, which was 4.97 (95% CI: 2.22–7.73). There is no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

The outcome of this review revealed a high prevalence of tuberculosis among prisoners in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach the “End Tuberculosis strategy” by 2030, early identification of cases through screening on entry and periodical active case finding is important. Moreover, prevention and prompt treatment after diagnosis must be implemented to limit transmission to the general population.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#searchadvanced, identifier (CRD42023428933).
Model-Reference Reinforcement Learning for Safe Aerial Recovery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Bocheng , Huo Mingying , Yu Ze , Qi Naiming , Wang Jianfeng
Published: December 2023

In this study, we propose an aerial rendezvous method to facilitate the recovery of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using carrier aircrafts, which is an important capability for the future use of UAVs. The main contribution of this study is the development of a promising method for online generation of feasible rendezvous trajectories for UAVs. First, the wake vortex of a carrier aircraft is analyzed using the finite element method, and a method for establishing a safety constraint model is proposed. Subsequently, a model-reference reinforcementearning algorithm is proposed based on the potential function method, which can ensure the convergence and stability of training. A combined reward function is designed to solve the UAV trajectory generation problem under non-convex constraints. The simulation results show that, compared with the traditional artificial potential field method under different working conditions, the success rate of this method under non-convex constraints is close to 100%, with high accuracy, convergence, and stability, and has greater application potential in the aerial recovery scenario, providing a solution to the trajectory generation problem of UAVs under non-convex constraints.
Numerical Modeling of Chemical Kinetics, Spray Dynamics, and Turbulent Combustion towards Sustainable Aviation
Authors: Åkerblom Arvid , Passad Martin , Ercole Alessandro , Zettervall Niklas , Nilsson Elna J. K. , Fureby Christer
Published: December 2023

With growing interest in sustainable civil supersonic and hypersonic aviation, there is a need to model the combustion of alternative, sustainable jet fuels. This work presents numerical simulations of several related phenomena, including laminar flames, ignition, and spray flames. Two conventional jet fuels, Jet A and JP-5, and two alternative jet fuels, C1 and C5, are targeted. The laminar burning velocities of these fuels are predicted using skeletal and detailed reaction mechanisms. The ignition delay times are predicted in the context of dual-mode ramjet engines. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of spray combustion in an aeroengine are carried out to investigate how the different thermodynamic and chemical properties of alternative fuels lead to different emergent behavior. A novel set of thermodynamic correlations are developed for the spray model. The laminar burning velocity predictions are normalized by heat of combustion to reveal a more distinct fuel trend, with C1 burning slowest and C5 fastest. The ignition results highlight the contributions of the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) effect, equivalence ratio, and hydrogen enrichment in determining ignition time scales in dual-mode ramjet engines. The spray results reveal that the volatile alternative jet fuels have short penetration depths and that the flame of the most chemically divergent fuel (C1) stabilizes relatively close to the spray.
Impact of Sodium Silicate Supplemented, IR-Treated Panax Ginseng on Extraction Optimization for Enhanced Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Activity: A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Approach
Authors: Kabadayı Seda Nur , Sadiq Nooruddin Bin , Hamayun Muhammad , Park Nam-Il , Kim Ho-Youn
Published: December 2023

Ginseng has long been widely used for its therapeutic potential. In our current study, we investigated the impact of abiotic stress induced by infrared (IR) radiations and sodium silicate on the upregulation of antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase levels, as well as the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) variety Yeonpoong. The RSM-based design was used to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction time (1–3 h) and temperature (40–60 °C) for better anti-tyrosinase activity and improved antioxidant potential. The optimal extraction results were obtained with a one-hour extraction time, at a temperature of 40 °C, and with a 1.0 mM sodium silicate treatment. We recorded maximum anti-tyrosinase (53.69%) and antioxidant (40.39%) activities when RSM conditions were kept at 875.2 mg GAE/100 g TPC, and 3219.58 mg catechin/100 g. When 1.0 mM sodium silicate was added to the media and extracted at 40 °C for 1 h, the highest total ginsenoside content (368.09 mg/g) was recorded, with variations in individual ginsenosides. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and F2 were significantly affected by extraction temperature, while Rb2 and Rc were influenced by the sodium silicate concentration. Moreover, ginsenoside F2 increased with the sodium silicate treatment, while the Rg3-S content decreased. Interestingly, higher temperatures favored greater ginsenoside diversity while sodium silicate impacted PPD-type ginsenosides. It was observed that the actual experimental values closely matched the predicted values, and this agreement was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Our findings suggest that the application of IR irradiation in hydroponic systems can help to improve the quality of ginseng sprouts when supplemented with sodium silicate in hydroponic media. Optimized extraction conditions using ultrasonication can be helpful in improving antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity.
The ncRNAs Involved in the Regulation of Abiotic Stress-Induced Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Plants
Authors: Zhou Bo , Zheng Baojiang , Wu Weilin
Published: December 2023

Plants have evolved complicated defense and adaptive systems to grow in various abiotic stress environments such as drought, cold, and salinity. Anthocyanins belong to the secondary metabolites of flavonoids with strong antioxidant activity in response to various abiotic stress and enhance stress tolerance. Anthocyanin accumulation often accompanies the resistance to abiotic stress in plants to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent research evidence showed that many regulatory pathways such as osmoregulation, antioxidant response, plant hormone response, photosynthesis, and respiration regulation are involved in plant adaption to stress. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in relation to abiotic stress response have remained obscure. Here, we summarize the current research progress of specific regulators including small RNAs, and lncRNAs involved in the molecular regulation of abiotic stress-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. In addition, an integrated regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcription factors, and stress response factors is also discussed. Understanding molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis for ROS scavenging in various abiotic stress responses will benefit us for resistance breeding in crop plants.
Virtual Reality for the Rehabilitation of Acquired Cognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review
Authors: Catania Valentina , Rundo Francesco , Panerai Simonetta , Ferri Raffaele
Published: December 2023

This review article explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. The introduction highlights the challenges posed by cognitive impairments and the limitations of traditional rehabilitation methods. VR is presented as a transformative tool that immerses individuals in interactive environments, offering promising opportunities for enhancing cognitive functions and improving quality of life. This article covers the foundational principles of VR, its applications across different clinical conditions and cognitive domains, and evaluates empirical evidence supporting its efficacy. It also discusses the advantages, limitations, challenges, and ethical considerations in the use of VR for cognitive rehabilitation. This review concludes by exploring future developments, including advancements in VR technology, the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), and the importance of standardized assessment tools for the objective evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes.
Club Cells—A Guardian against Occupational Hazards
Authors: Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Oancea Corina , Reisz Daniela , Vaida Monica Adriana , Maftei Andreea , Popescu Florina Georgeta
Published: December 2023

Club cells have a distinct role in the epithelial repair and defense mechanisms of the lung. After exposure to environmental pollutants, during chronic exposure, the secretion of club cells secretory protein (CCSP) decreases. Exposure to occupational hazards certainly has a role in a large number of interstitial lung diseases. According to the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society, around 40% of the all interstitial lung disease is attributed to occupational hazards. Some of them are very well characterized (pneumoconiosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis), whereas others are consequences of acute exposure (e.g., paraquat) or persistent exposure (e.g., isocyanate). The category of vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) has been proven to produce subclinical modifications. The inflammation and altered repair process resulting from the exposure to occupational respiratory hazards create vicious loops of cooperation between epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, innate defense mechanisms, and immune cells. The secretions of club cells modulate the communication between macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts mitigating the inflammation and/or reducing the fibrotic process. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which club cells contribute to the development of interstitial lung diseases and the potential role for club cells as biomarkers for occupational-related fibrosis.
Differential Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins in Bladder Ischemia
Authors: Choi Han-Pil , Yang Jing-Hua , Azadzoi Kazem M.
Published: December 2023

Clinical and basic research suggests that bladder ischemia may be an independent variable in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We have reported that ischemic changes in the bladder involve differential expression and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the protein’s functional domains. In the present study, we performed in-depth analysis of a previously reported proteomic dataset to further characterize proteins PTMs in bladder ischemia. Our proteomic analysis of proteins in bladder ischemia detected differential formation of non-coded amino acids (ncAAs) that might have resulted from PTMs. In-depth analysis revealed that three groups of proteins in the bladder proteome, including contractile proteins and their associated proteins, stress response proteins, and cell signaling-related proteins, are conspicuously impacted by ischemia. Differential PTMs of proteins by ischemia seemed to affect important signaling pathways in the bladder and provoke critical changes in the post-translational structural integrity of the stress response, contractile, and cell signaling-related proteins. Our data suggest that differential PTMs of proteins may play a role in the development of cellular stress, sensitization of smooth muscle cells to contractile stimuli, and deferential cell signaling in bladder ischemia. These observations may provide the foundation for future research to validate and define clinical translation of the modified biomarkers for precise diagnosis of bladder dysfunction and the development of new therapeutic targets against LUTS.
Wessex Head Injury Matrix in Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness: A Reliability Study
Authors: Cortese Maria Daniela , Arcuri Francesco , Vatrano Martina , Pioggia Giovanni , Cerasa Antonio , Raso Maria Girolama , Tonin Paolo , Riganello Francesco
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM) was developed to assess patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) and was tested in terms of inter-rater reliability (IRR) and test–retest reliability (TRR) in the year 2000. The American Congress of Rehabilitation and Medicine reported that IRR and TRR were unproven. We aim to assess the reliability of the WHIM in prolonged DOC patients (PDOC). Methods: A total of 51 PDOC patients (32 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS/VS) and 19 minimally conscious state (MCS)) who were hosted in a dedicated unit for long-term brain injury care were enrolled. The time from injury ranged from 182 to 3325 days. Two raters administered the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and the WHIM to test the IRR and TRR. The TRR was administered two weeks after the first assessment. Results: For the CRS-R, the agreement in IRR and TRR was perfect between the two raters. The agreement for the WHIM ranged from substantial to almost perfect for IRR and from fair to substantial for the TRR. Conclusions: The WHIM showed a strong IRR when administered by expert raters and strongly correlated with the CRS-R. This study provides further evidence of the psychometric qualities of the WHIM and the importance of its use in PDOC patients.