bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkish EFL Teachers’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Daldal Değer , Tuyan Seden
Published: March 2024

The study aims to portray how Turkish EFL instructors perceive social and emotional learning in their own contexts. This research study was primarily based on a mixed-methods research design. In total, 238 Turkish EFL teachers were involved in the study. The study relied mainly on two distinct sources of data, including a Likert-style questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Our data analysis procedure was separated into three stages. First, the quantitative phase of the investigation was analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses on SPSS. As for the second stage, the inferential analysis was carried out using MANOVA. Finally, the focus of the third stage of our data analysis process was centered on qualitative data analysis, which was conducted through content analysis. According to descriptive findings, teachers’ views about their self-efficacy were observed to be moderate, teachers’ views about their desire at a high level and teachers’ views about school culture at a moderate level. According to MANOVA results, there existed statistically significant differences in how teachers perceive SEL among all other independent variables except age. Lastly, two different major categories emerged from qualitative data analysis. These include teachers’ views about the importance of SEL and factors that prevent teachers from integrating SEL instruction into their curriculum.
Decision support method for optimal modernization of residential buildings
Authors: Bucoń Robert , Czarnigowska Agnieszka
Published: March 2024

Decision-making for the refurbishment of multi-family residential buildings is a complex and computationally difficult task. Therefore, the authors have developed a model that supports modernization planning in a long-term and comprehensive manner, i.e. from assessing the building to indicating the optimal scope of modernization. The comprehensive scope of the model includes the acquisition and provision of relevant knowledge to the model. The original methods proposed for its acquisition are derived from common expert knowledge based on linguistic terms. The methods adopted are not mandatory and may be replaced by others that provide more reliable knowledge. The fundamental aim of the proposed approach, however, is to select the optimal modernization option and allocate it over the planned modernization time horizon. An innovative optimisation approach based on decision matrices is used, allowing the selection of possible scenarios of repair options at each stage. These matrices are a set of constraints written in binary variables allowing the optimisation calculus to maintain a fixed sequence of repairs. In addition, the solutions used in the optimisation modules make it possible to take into account assumptions regarding the assumed assessment of the building’s condition and financial constraints. The developed model provides a practical and versatile tool that can be used by managers at the maintenance stage of residential buildings.
Importance of sign conventions on analytical solutions to the wave-induced cyclic response of a poro-elastic seabed
Authors: Magda Waldemar
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the influence of different sign conventions for strains and stresses, i.e. the solid mechanics sign convention and the soil mechanics sign convention, on the form of governing partial differential equations (the static equilibrium equations and the continuity equation) used to describe the wave-induced cyclic response of a poro-elastic seabed due to propagation of a sinusoidal surface water-wave. Some selected analytical solutions, obtained by different authors and published in specialist literature in the form of complex functions describing the wave-induced pore-fluid pressure, effective normal stress and shear stress oscillations in the seabed, have been analysed and compared with each other mainly with respect to different sign conventions for stains and stresses and also with regard to different orientations of the positive vertical axis of the two-dimensional coordinate system and different directions of surface water-wave propagation. The performed analyses of the analytical solutions has indicated many inaccuracies, or even evident errors and exemplary mistakes of wrong-signed values of basic wave-induced response parameters (the shear stress in particular), thereby disqualifying these solutions and their final equations from practical engineering applications. Most of the mistakes found in the literature must be linked to authors’ lack of understanding and consistency in an uniform application of a certain sign convention for strains and stresses in the soil matrix at both stages of mathematical formulation of the governing problem and correct interpretation of equations of the final analytical solution. The present paper, based mostly on a thorough literature review, ought to draw attention and arouse interest among coastal scientists and engineers in proper identification and use of the existing analytical solutions to the wave-induced cyclic seabed response – solutions which differ very often in the applied sign convention for stresses in the soil matrix.
Dynamical behavior of a new jerk system inspired from chaotic memory oscillators
Authors: Al-Azzawi Saad Fawzi
Published: March 2024

This paper constructs a six-term new simple 3D jerk system modeled by chaotic model memory oscillators with four parameters that control the behavior. The suitable choice of one of these parameters helps the system describe behavior and attractors. This means that the choice is a parameter of the associated behavior (dissipative or conservative) and attractors (self-excited or hidden). Some features of the equilibrium are observed that are related to the dependence on these parameters, such as saddle-foci, non-hyperbolic, and node-foci. This system is rich in dynamic features including chaotic, quasi-periodic (2-torus), and periodic via the utilization of bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov spectrum. Finally, a new image encryption algorithm is introduced that utilizes the jerk system. The algorithm is assessed through statistical performance analysis, according to the results of the experiments and security tests, it has been verified that the suggested image encryption algorithm is highly secure and could be a viable option for real-world applications.
Research on Security Risk Prediction Technology of Electric Power Monitoring System under OT and IT Convergence
Authors: Wei Zhongfeng , Wei Yifeng
Published: March 2024

In the quest for more secure power grids, this paper delves into the vital role of power monitoring systems and the burgeoning field of safety risk prediction. Traditional prediction methodologies falter due to slow computation and lackluster accuracy. Enter the XGBoost algorithm, hailed for its stellar performance in various prediction scenarios, yet still ripe for improvement within complex power system data. By marrying Operational Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT), we elevate the predictive prowess of the XGBoost model. Our investigation, grounded in the analysis of 900 sample datasets, unveils a model with enhanced precision in security risk evaluation. This refined model not only surpasses traditional XGBoost in accuracy—with increased instances of near-perfect predictions—but also excels in vital statistical measures: reducing Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), lowering Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and boosting both prediction stability and sensitivity. The introduction of the WOA-XGBoost algorithm marks a significant leap forward in fortifying power monitoring systems’ security and predictive alertness.
Application and Research on Measurement and Control Technology and Intelligentization of Agricultural Machinery in the Information Age
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Li Wenfei
Published: March 2024

The shift from traditional agricultural mechanization to intelligent systems represents a cornerstone of modern agriculture, spurred by the IT revolution. This study investigates how cutting-edge measurement and control technologies can elevate the efficiency and intelligence of agricultural machinery. By employing advanced algorithms like particle filtering and SO-CDKF, alongside multi-feature fusion technology, we significantly enhance the precision and responsiveness of these systems. Our findings show a 15% improvement in measurement accuracy and a 20% reduction in response times for intelligent applications, with further efficiency gains from optimizing the fusion process. This research underscores the potential of intelligent technologies to transform agriculture, offering vital insights for its future development.
Research on System Development of Spatial Clustering in Tourism Recommendation
Authors: Li Cuixia , Cui Jianfeng , Li Yun
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the application of exploring spatial clustering techniques in travel recommendation systems to improve recommendation accuracy and user satisfaction. A system that can provide personalized travel information has been designed by analyzing the spatial data and behavioral patterns of travelers. With this approach, the travel experience can be optimized by considering geographic location, user preferences, and tourist attraction characteristics. User data and attraction characteristics are analyzed in this paper to obtain accurate travel recommendations. Combining the traveler’s interest matrix and the attraction area heat algorithm is used to optimize the recommendation process. This recommender system reduces the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) by 0.487% and 21-60%, respectively, compared with the traditional algorithm in the travel recommendation error analysis, and improves the accuracy rate to 96.33%, with a significant increase in the recall rate. The spatial clustering cluster analysis demonstrates that the chosen number of clusters can effectively enhance the clustering quality and maximize the recommendation results. By effectively utilizing spatial data of users and attractions, the system can provide personalized travel recommendations and improve user experience with high accuracy and recall, demonstrating better recommendation performance than traditional methods.
Corpus-Oriented Affective Expressions in Spoken English
Authors: Cai Xu
Published: March 2024

This research delves into the impact of affective expressions in spoken English, aiming to enhance spoken language teaching through corpus analysis. Recognizing English’s status as a global lingua franca, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of emotion in communication. By constructing a comprehensive spoken corpus, we uncover patterns in affective expressions to inform teaching strategies, thereby boosting oral competencies. Our methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, analyzing 56,253.86 minutes of speech to create a diverse and systematic dataset. Results reveal a strong link between affective expression use and improved speaking skills, with users showing a notable accuracy increase in tests. Furthermore, implementing a multimodal teaching approach significantly alleviated speaking anxiety among learners. These findings underscore the importance of emotional expressions in enhancing communicative effectiveness and reducing language-related anxiety, offering significant implications for English education.
Changing the Attitude of Pakistani Females toward Mobile Phones’ Perceived Innovation
Authors: Fatima Tayyba , Kamran Muhammad , Awan Tahir Mumtaz , Szostak Michał , Sarfraz Mudassira
Published: March 2024

Objective

Perceived innovation is considered a significant predictor of purchase intention. This study explores the influence of perceived innovation on purchasing intention and the mediating role of perceived quality, especially for female consumers. The impact of four dimensions of perceived innovation on purchase intention is studied separately.

Methodology

A survey of 227 female respondents revealed that female attitudes toward innovation have changed. The hypothesized relations were tested with a sample of 227 respondents by applying different statistical tests. Mediation analysis was conducted by using process macro.

Findings

The study results show that four dimensions of perceived innovation positively influence purchase intention. Perceived quality significantly mediates all relationships. There exists partial mediation in all relationships.

Value Added

The study analyses a valuable part of the growing cell phone market in Pakistan, and the methodology can be used for broader research.

Recommendations

The study suggests that marketers can develop innovative marketing and service strategies to attract more females. Further, the focus should be placed on product innovation and technology innovation.
Using Machine Learning for Short-term Capital Investment in the Polish Stock Market
Authors: Trippner Paweł , Jóźwicki Rafał
Published: March 2024

Objective

The main purpose of this article is to assess the potential implications of machine learning in making investment decisions when investing capital in stock markets. The analysis carried out focuses on the so-called day-trading, i.e., investing for very short periods of time, covering only one stock market session. The hypothesis adopted by the authors is that the use of machine learning can, under certain conditions, effectively contribute to attractive rates of return for players making short-term investments.

Methodology

The study used Microsoft Machine Learning Studio’s Azure tool to enable machine learning-based computing. Thanks to this publicly available computing platform, any potential interested investor can create a model and test it. An important assumption of the described study is the adoption of a short investment horizon for the calculation. The calculations used data from five stock market sessions, so that the most recent data is taken into account.

Findings

Based on the calculations, the authors observed that the methodology adopted for applying machine learning to investment decision-making can be a valuable tool to help make short-term investment decisions.

Value Added

The research made can be used in a practical way by investors when they transact in the stock market.

Recommendations

It should be noted that the presented method requires updating the data on which the predictions are made every time. Further in-depth research is also needed to determine the impact of the number of financial instruments on the effectiveness of the learning process.
A Perspective on the Use of Advertising Tools in the Catholic Church in Poland
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz , Ignatowski Grzegorz , Seliga Robert , Trębska Joanna
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of the article is to explore the use of commercial advertising by the Catholic Church in Poland to attract the faithful and build her own brand.

Methodology

The use of advertising by religions provokes resistance due to skeptical attitudes toward marketing and criticism of advertising which employ ethically questionable strategies. The study applied quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics of a gender- and age-weighted sample, as well as parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.

Findings

More than 55% of the respondents believe that the Church should advertise her activities. Catholic advertising should focus on charitable and social goals. Nearly half of those surveyed think that the Church advertising can help improve her image; however, opinions prevail that advertising activities undertaken by the Catholic Church will not translate into an increase in the number of believers.

Value Added

The results of the research contained in the article may serve to develop new strategies for communication of the Catholic Church in Poland.

Recommendations

The literature recognizes considerable gaps associated with the possibilities of using advertising in the life of religious communities. Wishing to positively mark their presence in the life of society, churches should consider the possibilities of using advertising in their activities. A theological reflection is necessary in this regard, which would support the postulates derived from the marketing approach to the issue.
Publication Activity of Public Higher Education Institutions in Poland Corresponding to the Idea of Sustainable Energy Development – Results of a Cluster Analysis
Authors: Pietrzak Piotr , Kraciuk Jakub , Cieciora Małgorzata , Kacperska Elżbieta , Łukasiewicz Katarzyna , Dębski Maciej
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of the article is to present the involvement of public Higher Education Institutions in Poland in popularizing the idea of sustainable development within the framework of their publishing activities.

Methodology

In this study, agglomerative clustering approach, which is a representative of the hierarchical method, was used. The distance between selected public Higher Education Institutions in Poland was determined based on the Squared Euclidean Distance. In turn, to estimate the distance between clusters, the Ward method was used. The study used three parameters, constructed from data taken from SciVal: (1) total number of publications, (2) citation count, and (3) field-weighted citation impact.

Findings

Three groups of Polish public HEIs were distinguished as a result of the cluster analysis that was performed (based on: the total number of publications, the citation count, and the field-weighted citation impact). The most publication-productive were seven technical universities, i.e., Warsaw University of Technology, Gdansk University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Poznan University of Technology, and Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. The publications prepared by the employees of the universities of technology were also characterized by the highest number of citations.

Value Added

This article is one of the first to present (in quantitative terms) the involvement of universities in popularizing sustainable energy development concept. The methodology used in it can be applied to the other Sustainable Development Goals.

Recommendations

Given the increasing importance of the concept of sustainability in the functioning of universities, it seems necessary to create tools to measure the degree of their involvement in popularizing this idea. Among other things, universities are obliged to share their knowledge in this area. Bibliometric data provided by the SciVal system may be helpful in this regard. It is necessary to conduct research taking into account both domestic and foreign universities.
Blockchain-Enabled Transfer Learning for Vulnerability Detection and Mitigation in Maritime Logistics
Authors: Priya J Chandra , Rudzki Krzysztof , Nguyen Xuan Huong , Nguyen Hoang Phuong , Chotechuang Naruphun , Pham Nguyen Dang Khoa
Published: March 2024

With the increasing demand for efficient maritime logistic management, industries are striving to develop automation software. However, collecting data for analytics from diverse sources like shipping routes, weather conditions, historical incidents, and cargo specifications has become a challenging task in the distribution environment. This challenge gives rise to the possibility of faulty products and traditional testing techniques fall short of achieving optimal performance. To address this issue, we propose a novel decentralised software system based on Transfer Learning and blockchain technology named as BETL (Blockchain -Enabled Transfer Learning). Our proposed system aims to automatically detect and prevent vulnerabilities in maritime operational data by harnessing the power of transfer learning and smart contract-driven blockchain. The vulnerability detection process is automated and does not rely on manually written rules. We introduce a non-vulnerability score range map for the effective classification of operational factors. Additionally, to ensure efficient storage over the blockchain, we integrate an InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). To demonstrate the effectiveness of transfer learning and blockchain integration for secure logistic management, we conduct a testbed-based experiment. The results show that this approach can achieve high precision (98.00%), detection rate (98.98%), accuracy (97.90%), and F-score (98.98), which highlights its benefits in enhancing the safety and reliability of maritime logistics processes. Additionally, the computational time of BETL (the proposed approach) was improved by 18.9% compared to standard transfer learning.
Pottery Assemblages from Vodoba II Settlement in the Light of Ideas about the Early Iron Age in Lake Beloye Region
Authors:   “Kostromskaia Arkheologicheskaia Ekspeditsia” Ltd. Marshal Novikov Str., 10, Kostroma, 156013, Russian Federation, Novikov Alexander V.
Published: March 2024

The paper deals with the analysis of materials from the Vodoba II settlement that demonstrates a complicated process of development of Late Kargopol antiquities nearby Lake Beloye. The discovered pottery assemblages are syncretic. Several types of ceramics are distinguished: textile, brushed, smoothed with impressions of a comb stamp, ceramics of the Vyatka-Vetluga culture of the Ananyino cultural and historical area (ACHA) and hybrid. It is this combination in ceramic sets from ancient settlements that determines the specificity of Late Kargopol antiquities. Two major stages in the development of settlements in this region are identified: the first one corresponds to the first half of the I millennium BC, the second one is accompanied by the spread of the bearers of cultural traditions of the VyatkaVetluga culture ACHA and the development of hybrid shapes of pottery in the settlements (up to the 3rd century BC) in these areas in the middle of the I millennium BC. At the second stage Lake Beloye area settlements are included in a large "hybrid world" with ceramics of close types, having a certain originality in different regions, which is primarily associated with the traditions of pottery assemblages formation in the previous periods.
Z-Symbols in the Interpretation of the Semantics of the Configuration of S- and Г-Shaped Scythian Cheek-Pieces of the Eastern European Zone
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pushkin str., 11, Astana, 010008, Republic of Kazakhstan, Dobrovolskyi Liubomyr S. , Umitkaliev Ulan U. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pushkin str., 11, Astana, 010008, Republic of Kazakhstan
Published: March 2024

The work deals with the issue of the regional specificity of the formation and development of the Dionysian cult and Orphic teachings, common in the Northern Black Sea region during the Greek colonization of the 6th–5th centuries BC. On the extensive Scythian archaeological material of the Eastern European zone, the design of horse headbands decorated with cult symbols of Dionysus-Zagreus is being studied. S-shaped and Г-shaped Scythian cheekpieces serve as an object of study to determine whether their configuration corresponds to the inscriptions of the initial letter in the Greek name Zagreus on bone plates from Olbia, which are the first epigraphic evidence of the penetration of the Orphic teaching into the Northern Black Sea region. The results reveal the semantic content of the shape of the Scythian cheekpieces, imitating the inscription of the letter zeta, the initial letter in the name of Dionysus Zagreus, or serving as the designation of number seven, a magical number for adherents of the Dionysian cult and Orphism as a religious and philosophical doctrine. The symbols of the Dionysian cult and the Orphic teachings, used by the Scythians in the manufacture of decorative elements for horse equipment, performed an apothropeic and mystical function for those initiated or close to this cult, or served as a certain distinctive sign in society. Further study of Scythian artifacts for the presence of Dionysian symbolism will allow us to trace the extent of the spread of the cult of Dionysus, as well as make a comparative description with other areas of the Scythian-Siberian world and reveal the semantic load of animal images in connection with the shape of products decorated in the Scythian animal style.
Bustanaevo Burial Mound – a New Great Migration Era Monument in the North-West of Bashkortostan
Authors:   Federal State Institution of Science Institute of Ethnological Studies of R.G. Kuzeev. Karl Marx St., 6, Ufa, 450077, Russian Federation, Kolonskikh Alexander G. , Sattarov Ruzil R. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University. Kremlyovskaya St., 18, Kazan, 420000, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation; Institute of Archaeology named after A.Kh. Khalikov, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. Butlerov St., 30, Kazan, 420012, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, Sitdikov Airat G. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University. Kremlyovskaya St., 18, Kazan, 420000, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation; Institute of Archaeology named after A. Kh. Khalikov, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. Butlerov Str., 30, Kazan, 420012, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

The article publishes preliminary results of archaeological research on mound No. 45, the Bustanaevsky burial mound, located on the territory of the Buraevsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The monument was discovered in 2011, archaeological research began in 2015 under the leadership of A.G. Kolonskikh. Currently, excavations of the necropolis continue in the course of joint research by the Institute of Ethnological Research named after. R.G. Kuzeev and the Institute of Archaeology named after A. Kh. Khalikov Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. During excavations, one single burial was discovered under the mound. Along with the poorly preserved skeleton, the burial contained archaeological material represented by two vessels, arrowheads and elements of a belt set made in the heraldic style, horse bones and iron bits. The data obtained allow us to assume that the necropolis was left by the bearers of the Kushnarenkovo archaeological culture. The preliminary dating of the burial is the end of the 6th - beginning of the 7th century AD.
Current Issues and Prospects of Study the Karayakupovo Culture Hillforts
Authors:   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. October Av., 71, Ufa, 450054, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, Ovsyannikov Vladimir V. , Ruslanov Evgeny V. ,   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. October Av., 71, Ufa, 450054, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, Khurmaev Anvar A. ,   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. October Av., 71, Ufa, 450054, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation; Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the RAS, Lomonosov St. 4, Izhevsk, 426004, Udmurt Republic, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

Due to the increased interest in Magyar issues in the study of Ural-Volga antiquities, the interest of researchers in the issues of Karayakupovo-Kushnarenkovo materials has also awakened. Despite the almost half-century-long process of studying of the Karayakupovo culture sites, which began in the 60s of the XX century by G.I. Matveeva and was actively developed further in the works of V.F. Gening, N.A. Mazhitov, V.A. Ivanov, G.N. Garustovich and others, the authors can state that at the moment the Karayakupovo hillforts in general are poorly represented in the archaeological literature. The purpose of this work is to show the degree of study and introduction into scientific circulation of the materials of the Karayakupovo type hillforts and to replenish the source base with the material obtained during the latest research of the Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHLL UFRC RAS) at the Kara-Yakupovo and Kushnarenkovo hillforts. All the pottery obtained at the Kara-Yakupovo hillfort and most of the pottery from the Kushnarenkovo hillfort belongs to the Karayakupovo type. The authors conclude that at the present stage of studying the Karayakupovo sites, a more in-depth and systematic analysis of settlement materials should be carried out and researchers should pay special attention to issues related to their topographical features of placement, the system of mutual arrangement, internal structure and ways of life support.
New Results and Ideas of the Archaeological Research on Early Hungarian History in the Eurasian Context
Authors:   Research Centre for the Humanities. Tóth Kálmán St. 4, Budapest, 1097, Hungary, Türk Attila
Published: March 2024

As Early Hungarian history is a resource-poor research area, archaeology, a field of science with rapidly increasing resource material, is of paramount importance. It is important to emphasize that in the case of archaeology, there is also a significant expansion in research methods, mainly thanks to the bioarchaeological studies that have started with great momentum. In recent years, the most significant archaeological results of Early Hungarian history were the explosive increase in the number of Subbotsi-type sites associated with Etelköz accommodations in the region of the Dniester River. There are now 10–12 sites along the central flow of the Dnieper River. The relations with the neighbouring areas, mainly with the northern, Slavic regions, and with the Byzantine culture in Crimea are well reflected here. In addition to the chronology of the material, its nature is also explicitly consistent with the image drawn by Muslim sources of the 9th-century ancestors of the Hungarians. Further to the east, the Volga elbow in Samara and the wider area of the Southern Urals remain the ones that show the most connections regarding Hungarian ethnic genesis. As a working hypothesis, we can say that the earliest archaeological traces of the ancestors of the Hungarians can be assumed east of the Ural Mountains, in the eastern neighbourhood of the Ural region of Chelyabinsk. A group of people here presumably set off westwards in the early 9th century. In a short time, this community appeared on the left bank of the Volga, and its accommodation area extended to the border of Volga Bulgaria. After that, part of it remained along the Kama River. The other group migrated westwards before the 830s, and settled in the northern foreland of the Black Sea.
Chronology of an Elite Mound of the Yamnaya Culture Boldyrevo IV Burial Ground in the Orenburg Region According to Stratigraphy, Burial Rite and Radiocarbon Dating
Authors:   Orenburg State Pedagogical University, Sovetskaya str., 19, Orenburg, 460014, Russian Federation, Morgunova Nina L. , Faizullin Airat A. ,   Orenburg State Pedagogical University, Sovetskaya str., 19, Orenburg, 460014, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to publish new radiocarbon dating data for three complexes stratified under one mound (mound No. 1 in the Boldyrevo IV burial ground in the Western Orenburg region), which are distinguished by the unusual nature of the burial in comparison with the known, reference necropolises of the Yamnaya culture. Kurgan 1, one of the largest in the Volga region and the Southern Urals, was investigated in 2019–2020. The early horizon was represented by two small mounds above the burials of children, surrounded by ditches consisting of separate pits. Later, between the mounds for children, a collective burial of five adults took place in a huge burial chamber with a complex design, over which a large mound was built, which also covered both children’s mounds. All the main burials under the early mounds and burial 5 under the large mound represent a single cultural and epochal complex and belong to the Yamnaya culture. According to archaeological and paleo-soil data, the construction of mound 1 occurred systematically over a time interval that is approximately 200 years. Radiocarbon dating showed that the construction of the mound occurred within the calibrated interval of 3200–2600 BC years. The site, apparently, before and during the creation of the mound, was the site of sacred ceremonies and public meetings of many clans of the Yamnaya culture. The induction burial of two women took place at the top of the mound at the end of the Bronze Age.
Sokolny VII – a New Site of the Early Neolite of the Republic of Mari El
Authors:   Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation, Kudashov Alexander S. , Andreev Konstantin M. ,   Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation, Vybornov Alexander A. ,   Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation, Aleshinskaya Anna S. ,   Institute of Archaeology, Russian Academy of Sciences. Dmitry Ulyanova St., 19, Moscow, 117036, Russian Federation, Vasilieva Irina N. ,   amara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation, Somov Anatoly V. ,   Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation, Panteleeva Tatyana Y. ,   Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

The article presents the results of a study of the Sokolny XVII camp-site (Republic of Mari El). The physical and geographical characteristics of the location of the site are given and a brief history of the study is given. Information about the stratigraphy and planographic distribution of finds is presented. The authors publish data on palynological analysis. A ceramic complex consisting of 52 vessels is characterized. A study of ceramics manufacturing technology was carried out based on a historical and cultural approach. An analysis of the elements and motifs of the ornament is carried out. The ceramic and flint complex of the Sokolny XVII site typologically and technologically finds the closest analogies in the materials of the Early Neolithic of the Mari Volga region. At the same time, the collection contains some local features. In ancient times, at the site of the site there were mixed broadleaved and coniferous forests with a predominance of pine; linden and oak also played an important role in the composition of the forests. Data on the technical and technological analysis of ceramics indicate the existence of several types of initial plastic raw materials with uniformity in the formulation of the molding mass. The obtained radiocarbon dates, as well as existing analogies, help determine the time of existence of the monument in the second half of the 6th millennium BC.
Two Cimmerian Steles from the North-West Black Sea Region
Authors:   Independent researcher. Odessa, Ukraine, Bruyako Igor V.
Published: March 2024

New finds of stone sculptures from the epoch of early nomads are quite rare. Therefore, the publication of such new sculptures of pre-Scythian times, besides, two more at once, should be of interest. Moreover, both steles were found in a very limited area of the North-Western Black Sea region and each of them has a unique iconography and a rather original repertoire of objects. The stele from Kairy village is a type of pillar-shaped sculpture. The most original image on it is a round shield with a very rich ornamental composition. The stele from Aleksandrovka belongs to the stele-slabs. This type of sculpture is possibly an intermediate link between purely phallomorphic (Cimmerian) and anthropomorphic (Scythian) sculptures. Since markers of relative chronology are columnar and slab steles – the first are early, the second – late, this may mean that in the upper reaches of the Tiligul estuary in a fairly limited area, the tradition of installing the Cimmerian sculptures persisted for quite a long time.
Peculiarities of Firing Vessels of the Beloyar and Kalinkina Cultures on the Barsova Gora in the Surgut Ob River Region (according to termal analysis)
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation, Selin Dmitry V. , Fedorova Zalia A. ,   Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS. Lavrentiev Ave., 5, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation, Chemyakin Yury P. ,   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin. Lenin Av., 51, Yekaterinburg, 620083, Russian Federation, Borzunov Victor A. ,   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin. Lenin Av., 51, Yekaterinburg, 620083, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

The article presents the results of a of the features of firing hand-made pottery of the Beloyar and Kalinkinа cultures, collected during excavations from eight settlements of the first half of the Early Iron Age in the Barsova Gora tract near the western outskirts of the city of Surgut. In the course of production, the vessels of both cultures were subjected to heat treatment of a low degree of intensity. With the exception of a few containers, they were fired under approximately the same conditions. Among the Beloyar ceramics, the complex from the fortified settlement Barsov gorodok I/3 stands out. It presents three groups of pots and jars, differing in the degree of firing intensity: intensive, medium and least. It was established that the difference in the intensity of firing ceramics was due not to temperature fluctuations in the fires and hearths, but to differences in the skills of the craftsmen. These differences could manifest themselves in the temperature and / or duration of firing, the time spent by containers in fires and hearths, the design features of heat engineering devices, etc. In terms of the intensity of firing, a group of vessels from the settlement Barsova Gora III/20, made of highly sanded clays, stands out in the collection of dishes from the Kalinkina culture. On the clay component preservation diagram, the values for such samples are located closer to its center. This is especially characteristic of vessel 32, which was fired more intensively than all the other items of this group. The corresponding characteristics of the three vessels from the settlement Barsova Gora III/12 on the same diagram are at the maximum distance from the origin of coordinates. This also distinguishes them from the rest of the pottery from this site and testifies to less intense firing. It is not yet possible to reconstruct specific types and design features of devices for firing ceramics used by potters of the Beloyar and Kalinkina cultures. One can only assume that the dishes were fired in bonfires and hearths.
Relationship between sexual myth and sexual attitudes in Turkish women and associated factors: A correlational study
Authors: Gül Sıla , Şimşek Çetinkaya Şahika
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: Sexual myths are exaggerated, false, and unscientific beliefs and thoughts about sexuality. Sexual myths are generally more prevalent in conservative societies. Sexual myths can affect our attitude towards sexuality. This study was conducted to determine the relationship and related factors between sexual myths and sexual attitudes among women in Türkiye. MATERIAL and METHODS: This research is a relational and descriptive study. The study was conducted with 150 women who applied to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics in Türkiye between May and July 2022. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Sexual Myth Scale (SMS), and the Brief Sexual Attitude Scale (BSAS). The data were analyzed with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows program version 22. Numbers, percentages, minimum and maximum values, averages, standard deviations, and some statistical analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Participants scored 73.90±17.56 points on the SMS and 80.58±7.59 points on the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale. According to the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, the difference between the mean total scores of the SMS was statistically significant (p<0.05). Still, the difference between the mean total scores of the Hendrick Sexual Attitude Scale was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between the SMS and the Hendrick Sexual Attitude Scale (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Increasing women’s knowledge about sexuality and providing continuous education on this subject will help to reduce sexual myths. It is important to address sexual attitudes separately to develop positive sexual attitudes in women. Keywords: attitude, beliefs, sexuality, Türkiye, women
APROVEITAMENTO DAS SEMENTES DE GOIABA NA PRODUÇÃO DE COSMÉTICOS ESFOLIANTES
Authors: De Pina Santos Jéssica Cristina , Hikari Yonemura Camila , Munhoz Ingrid , Tescarollo Iara Lúcia
Published: March 2024

A goiaba (Psidium guajava L.) é uma planta natural das regiões tropicais e subtropicais, presente em todo território brasileiro. É composta por flavonoides, taninos, óleo essencial, produtos fenólicos, possuindo ação anti-inflamatória, antioxidante e antimicrobiana. Os resíduos da indústria da goiaba, sementes e cascas, podem ser úteis na formulação de cosméticos por causa da variedade de substâncias presentes. Foram desenvolvidos sabonetes em gel contendo 2% de pó de semente de goiaba como agente esfoliante disperso em diferentes polímeros formadores de gel. No teste de estabilidade preliminar foram avaliadas as características de aspecto, cor, odor, sensação tátil, pH, espalhabilidade e homogeneidade por centrifugação. As amostras também foram submetidas ao estudo microbiológico. Segundo resultados foi possível produzir sabonetes esfoliantes em gel com pó de sementes de goiaba.
Survival of Encapsulated Vs. Free Probiotics in Fruit Juices During Refrigerated Storage and In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors:   School of agriculture and food, Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the viability and resilience of free and encapsulated probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei) in commercial apple and tomato juices during refrigerated storage and simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Effect of Order of Reagents Addition on Optical and Structural Properties of CdS Quantum Dot Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition Technique
Authors: Nwabue F. I. , Oroke E. C. , Onah D. U. , Nworie F. S. , Ikele I. I.
Published: March 2024

Cadmium sulfide quantum dots were synthesized and deposited on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique using cadmium sulfate and thiourea solutions in the presence of a 4,4’-(1,2-ethanediyldinitrilo)bis-(2-pentanone) (EDDBP) tetradentate ligand as a complexing agent. The order of reagents addition was varied to deposit films that were characterized for their surface morphological, optical, structural, and solid-state properties using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a UV-visible spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) analyses. The optimal condition for film deposition using the normal sequence of reagents addition was found at pH 8-12 and 298-353 ± 1K and gave films of 2.40-321.06 nm thickness, while the variation in the order of reagents addition gave improvements in the film properties. The optical properties and the observed direct band gaps (1.75-3.16 eV) of the films suggest usage in electroluminescent and solar cell devices since they have a first-order transition. The XRD patterns of the quantum dots indicated hexagonal wurzite structures, while the BET confirmed their mesoporous and nanonature.
Electron Scattering from Stable and Exotic Li Isotopes
Authors: Hameed Ameen , Ridha Arkan R.
Published: March 2024

The nuclear shell model was used to investigate the bulk properties of lithium isotopes (6,7,8,9,11Li), i.e., the ground state density distributions and C0 and C2 components of charge form factors. The theoretical treatment was based on supposing that the Harmonic-oscillator (HO) potential governs the core nucleons while the valence nucleon(s) move through Hulthen potential. Such assumptions were applied for both stable and exotic lithium isotopes. The HO size parameters (  and ), the core radii ( ) and the attenuation parameters (  and ) were fixed to recreate the available empirical size radii for lithium isotopes under study.
Preserving Genotype Privacy Using AES and Partially Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Yousif Hiba M. , Hameed Sarab M.
Published: March 2024

Increasingly, the availability of personal genomic data in cloud servers hosted by hospitals and research centers has incentivized researchers to turn to research that deals with analyzing genomic data. This is due to its importance in detecting diseases caused by genetic mutations, detecting genes that carry genetic diseases, and attempting to treat them in future generations.  Secure query execution on encrypted data is considered an active research area in which encryption is used to ensure the confidentiality of genomic data while restricting the ability to process such data without first decrypting it. To provide a secure framework and future insight into the potential contributions of homomorphic encryption to the field of genomic data, this paper proposes a framework for guaranteeing genomic data privacy using various partial homomorphic encryption techniques. By examining the characteristics of the three partial homomorphic encryptions based on different parameters. The framework has been online tested and compared based on different parameters. Three homomorphic encryption algorithms were adopted to ensure genomic data privacy by employing homomorphic operations in the query matching process. Experiments on real datasets, specifically MERS and SARSr-COV, showed that the proposed framework is efficient and improves query execution time by an average of 96% compared to existing work.
Detection of Uropathogenic Specific Protein Gene (usp) and Multidrug Resistant Bacteria (MDR) of Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Baghdad City
Authors: Khalaf Zainab Zamel , Flayyih May Talib
Published: March 2024

Escherichia coli is gram negative bacteria and represents a typical resident of the digestive systems of both humans and animals. The stability and equilibrium of the luminal microbial flora are significantly influenced by E. coli. The Escherichia coli uropathogenic-specific protein (Usp) represents type of genotoxins produced by uropathogenic E. coli rather than fecal E. coli isolates. In the current study E. coli was isolated from urine and stool and usp gene was detected in it.   Sensitivity test was evaluated by using different types of antibiotics and the usp gene was detected by PCR in all bacterial isolates. Antibiotics sensitivity test showed variable degrees of sensitivity and resistance. High percentage of sensitivity was achieved against amikacin (86%) and that for ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, gentamicin and tobramycin it was 80%. Whereas trimethoprim and aztreonam showed 64% and 60% sensitivity respectively. In this study, most isolates were resistant to amoxicillin 92%; while they showed different degrees of resistance against other types of antibiotics (from tetracycline 62% to amikacin 4%).  The frequency of multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria was about 64 % (32 isolates), 30 from urine and 2 from the stool. The results showed that usp gene was found in 26 bacterial isolates (52%), whereas other 24 (48%) isolates didn’t have this gene. It was concluded that source of bacterial isolates carry usp gene was urine, with the exception of one isolate from f stool, and E. coli recorded as multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR).