bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreground Segmentation-Based Density Grading Networks for Crowd Counting
Authors: Liu Zelong , Zhou Xin , Zhou Tao , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: October 2023

Estimating object counts within a single image or video frame represents a challenging yet pivotal task in the field of computer vision. Its increasing significance arises from its versatile applications across various domains, including public safety and urban planning. Among the various object counting tasks, crowd counting is particularly notable for its critical role in social security and urban planning. However, intricate backgrounds in images often lead to misidentifications, wherein the complex background is mistaken as the foreground, thereby inflating forecasting errors. Additionally, the uneven distribution of crowd density within the foreground further exacerbates predictive errors of the network. This paper introduces a novel architecture with a three-branch structure aimed at synergistically incorporating hierarchical foreground information and global scale information into density map estimation, thereby achieving more precise counting results. Hierarchical foreground information guides the network to perform distinct operations on regions with varying densities, while global scale information evaluates the overall density level of the image and adjusts the model’s global predictions accordingly. We also systematically investigate and compare three potential locations for integrating hierarchical foreground information into the density estimation network, ultimately determining the most effective placement.Through extensive comparative experiments across three datasets, we demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed method.
Urea-Self Powered Biosensors: A Predictive Evolutionary Model for Human Energy Harvesting
Authors: Mohebbi Najm Abad Javad , Farahbakhsh Afshin , Mir Massoud , Alizadeh Rasool , Hekmatmanesh Amin
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to create a reliable predictive model for the electrochemical performance of self-powered biosensors that rely on urea-based biological energy sources. Specifically, this model focuses on the development of a human energy harvesting model based on the utilization of urea found in sweat, which will enable the development of self-powered biosensors. In the process, the potential of urea hydrolysis in the presence of a urease enzyme is employed as a bioreaction for self-powered biosensors. The enzymatic reaction yields a positive potential difference that can be harnessed to power biofuel cells (BFCs) and act as an energy source for biosensors. This process provides the energy required for self-powered biosensors as biofuel cells (BFCs). To this end, initially, the platinum electrodes are modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes to increase their conductivity. After stabilizing the urease enzyme on the surface of the platinum electrode, the amount of electrical current produced in the process is measured. The optimal design of the experiments is performed based on the Taguchi method to investigate the effect of urea concentration, buffer concentration, and pH on the generated electrical current. A general equation is employed as a prediction model and its coefficients calculated using an evolutionary strategy. Also, the evaluation of effective parameters is performed based on error rates. The obtained results show that the established model predicts the electrical current in terms of urea concentration, buffer concentration, and pH with high accuracy.
Development of Adaptive Point-Spread Function Estimation Method in Various Scintillation Detector Thickness for X-ray Imaging
Authors: Cha Bo Kyung , Lee Youngjin , Kim Kyuseok
Published: October 2023

An indirect conversion X-ray detector uses a scintillator that utilizes the proportionality of the intensity of incident radiation to the amount of visible light emitted. A thicker scintillator reduces the patient’s dose while decreasing the sharpness. A thin scintillator has an advantage in terms of sharpness; however, its noise component increases. Thus, the proposed method converts the spatial resolution of radiographic images acquired from a normal-thickness scintillation detector into a thin-thickness scintillation detector. Note that noise amplification and artifacts were minimized as much as possible after non-blind deconvolution. To accomplish this, the proposed algorithm estimates the optimal point-spread function (PSF) when the structural similarity index (SSIM) and feature similarity index (FSIM) are the most similar between thick and thin scintillator images. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the viability of the proposed method. Moreover, the deconvolution images obtained using the proposed scheme show an effective image restoration method in terms of the human visible system compared to that of the traditional PSF measurement technique. Consequently, the proposed method is useful for restoring degraded images using the adaptive PSF while preventing noise amplification and artifacts and is effective in improving the image quality in the present X-ray imaging system.
An Improved Active Damping Method for Enhancing Robustness of LCL-Type, Grid-Tied Inverters under Weak Grid Conditions
Authors: Ke Shanwen , Li Yuren
Published: October 2023

The conventional proportional-gain-feedback link can only obtain the smallest effective damping region (EDR) due to the control delay among all the active damping methods regarding the capacitor current feedback. The digitally controlled system tends to be unstable when the system resonant frequency reaches the critical frequency caused by the grid impedance variation. To weaken the adverse effect on the system caused by the control delay, phase-lead feedback links are applied along the feedback path to provide phase compensation. By taking the simplicity and reliability of the feedback links into account, this paper proposes an alternative to an ideal differentiator, which consists of the Tustin discrete form of ‘s’ and a digital low-pass filter. This proposed method has an identical phase frequency characteristic as an ideal differentiator but a better magnitude frequency characteristic, and its EDR can reach [0, fs/3]. The system stability analysis is conducted under different resonant frequencies, and under the condition of a weak grid, the co-design approach of the active damper and digital controller is presented. Finally, the experimental results are shown to verify the proposed method.
A Transfer-Based Convolutional Neural Network Model with Multi-Signal Fusion and Hyperparameter Optimization for Pump Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Tang Aimin , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2023

Pumps are one of the core components of drilling equipment, and their fault diagnosis is of great significance. The data-driven approach has made remarkable achievements in the field of pump fault diagnosis; however, most of them are easily affected by complex background conditions and usually suffer from data scarcity problems in real-industrial scenarios, which limit their application in practical engineering. To overcome the above shortcoming, a novel framework for a model named Hyperparameter Optimization Multiple-Signal Fusion Transfer Convolution Neural Network is proposed in this paper. A convolutional neural network model based on transfer learning is built to promote well-learned knowledge transfer over different background conditions, improve robustness, and generalize the model to cross-domain diagnosis tasks. The multi-signal fusion strategy is involved in capturing system state information for establishing the mapping relationship between the raw signal and fault pattern by integrating the multi-physical signal with the weight allocation protocol. The hyperparameter optimization method is explored in conjunction with the transfer-based model by integrating Grid Search with the Gradient Descent algorithm for further improvement of diagnosis performance. Results show that the proposed model can effectively realize the fault diagnosis of pumps under different background conditions, achieving 95% accuracy.
Structural Design and Verification of an Effective-Area Measurement Device Detection System
Authors: Chen Xiangzi , Yun Ziping , You Ting , Quan Xiangqian
Published: October 2023

The effective-area method is a new way to measure aperture area. It defines aperture area by directly using the beam-limiting effect of the aperture in radiometric measurement. Due to the special structure of the measurement device, it is necessary to find a suitable method to design the detection system. In this paper, the measurement system model is constructed in the TracePro program. The real circumstances of light propagation for the measurement beam are simulated, and the responses of the detector are given. It is proved that the relative change in the detector response is the lowest when the detector is at the position of 132°. And this is the best structure design of the detection system. The experimental results are designed to verify the feasibility of the structure design of the detection system.
AI-Enabled Traffic Control Prioritization in Software-Defined IoT Networks for Smart Agriculture
Authors: Masood Fahad , Khan Wajid Ullah , Jan Sana Ullah , Ahmad Jawad
Published: October 2023

Smart agricultural systems have received a great deal of interest in recent years because of their potential for improving the efficiency and productivity of farming practices. These systems gather and analyze environmental data such as temperature, soil moisture, humidity, etc., using sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This information can then be utilized to improve crop growth, identify plant illnesses, and minimize water usage. However, dealing with data complexity and dynamism can be difficult when using traditional processing methods. As a solution to this, we offer a novel framework that combines Machine Learning (ML) with a Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm to optimize traffic routing inside Software-Defined Networks (SDN) through traffic classifications. ML models such as Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), k-nearest Neighbours (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), and Decision Trees (DT) are used to categorize data traffic into emergency, normal, and on-demand. The basic version of RL, i.e., the Q-learning (QL) algorithm, is utilized alongside the SDN paradigm to optimize routing based on traffic classes. It is worth mentioning that RF and DT outperform the other ML models in terms of accuracy. Our results illustrate the importance of the suggested technique in optimizing traffic routing in SDN environments. Integrating ML-based data classification with the QL method improves resource allocation, reduces latency, and improves the delivery of emergency traffic. The versatility of SDN facilitates the adaption of routing algorithms depending on real-time changes in network circumstances and traffic characteristics.
A Deep-Learning-Based Secure Routing Protocol to Avoid Blackhole Attacks in VANETs
Authors: Amalia Amalia , Pramitarini Yushintia , Perdana Ridho Hendra Yoga , Shim Kyusung , An Beongku
Published: October 2023

Vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) are a vital part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), offering a variety of advantages from reduced traffic to increased road safety. Despite their benefits, VANETs remain vulnerable to various security threats, including severe blackhole attacks. In this paper, we propose a deep-learning-based secure routing (DLSR) protocol using a deep-learning-based clustering (DLC) protocol to establish a secure route against blackhole attacks. The main features and contributions of this paper are as follows. First, the DLSR protocol utilizes deep learning (DL) at each node to choose secure routing or normal routing while establishing secure routes. Additionally, we can identify the behavior of malicious nodes to determine the best possible next hop based on its fitness function value. Second, the DLC protocol is considered an underlying structure to enhance connectivity between nodes and reduce control overhead. Third, we design a deep neural network (DNN) model to optimize the fitness function in both DLSR and DLC protocols. The DLSR protocol considers parameters such as remaining energy, distance, and hop count, while the DLC protocol considers cosine similarity, cosine distance, and the node’s remaining energy. Finally, from the performance results, we evaluate the performance of the proposed routing and clustering protocol in the viewpoints of packet delivery ratio, routing delay, control overhead, packet loss ratio, and number of packet losses. Additionally, we also exploit the impact of the mobility model such as reference point group mobility (RPGM) and random waypoint (RWP) on the network metrics.
Artificial-Neural-Network-Driven Innovations in Time-Varying Process Diagnosis of Low-K Oxide Deposition
Authors: Lee Seunghwan , Park Yonggyun , Liu Pengzhan , Kim Muyoung , Kim Hyeong-U , Kim Taesung
Published: October 2023

To address the challenges in real-time process diagnosis within the semiconductor manufacturing industry, this paper presents a novel machine learning approach for analyzing the time-varying 10th harmonics during the deposition of low-k oxide (SiOF) on a 600 Å undoped silicate glass thin liner using a high-density plasma chemical vapor deposition system. The 10th harmonics, which are high-frequency components 10 times the fundamental frequency, are generated in the plasma sheath because of their nonlinear nature. An artificial neural network with a three-hidden-layer architecture was applied and optimized using k-fold cross-validation to analyze the harmonics generated in the plasma sheath during the deposition process. The model exhibited a binary cross-entropy loss of 0.1277 and achieved an accuracy of 0.9461. This approach enables the accurate prediction of process performance, resulting in significant cost reduction and enhancement of semiconductor manufacturing processes. This model has the potential to improve defect control and yield, thereby benefiting the semiconductor industry. Despite the limitations imposed by the limited dataset, the model demonstrated promising results, and further performance improvements are anticipated with the inclusion of additional data in future studies.
Influence of Choline Chloride on the Phase Equilibria and Partition Performance of Polymer/Polymer Aqueous Biphasic Systems
Authors: Alves Mariana B. N. , Lopes André M. , Santos Nathalia A. , Santos-Ebinuma Valéria C. , Vicente Filipa A. , Pereira Jorge F. B.
Published: October 2023

A series of polymeric aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) were determined using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPA) with choline chloride ([Ch]Cl) as an adjuvant. The effect of (i) PEG and NaPA molecular weights, (ii) PEG functionalization, (iii) [Ch]Cl addition (at different concentrations), and (iv) temperature (25, 37 and 50 °C) was evaluated through their ability to promote the two-phase separation. The results showed that the polymerization degree and functionalization of PEG polymers exhibit a large influence on the ABS formation, with high molecular weight PEG inducing an increase in the biphasic region. Furthermore, the addition of small amount (1–5 wt%) of [Ch]Cl also increased the liquid–liquid demixing. Temperature and the increase in the NaPA molecular weight did not influence the ABS formation ability. Finally, the partition performance of PEG/NaPA + [Ch]Cl ABS was evaluated using caffeine as a model compound. Unlike the ABS formation trend, NaPAs molecular weight significantly influenced the partitioning, which was strengthened when using NaPA-8000. Moreover, the incorporation of [Ch]Cl facilitated an inversion in the partitioning behavior of caffeine, thereby emphasizing the remarkable partitioning tailoring potential exhibited by these systems. Overall, all systems seem to be promising alternatives for the effective extraction, purification and/or concentration of different value-added biomolecules.
Comparative Analysis of Smart Grid Solar Integration in Urban and Rural Networks
Authors: Maghami Mohammad Reza , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh , Ling Chee Mei
Published: October 2023

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power, a highly promising renewable energy source, encounters challenges when integrated into smart grids. These challenges encompass voltage fluctuations, issues with voltage balance, and concerns related to power quality. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the implications of solar PV penetration in Malaysian power distribution networks predominantly found in urban and rural areas. To achieve this, we employed the OpenDSS 2022 and MATLAB 2022b software tools to conduct static power flow analyses, enabling us to assess the effects of solar PV integration over a wide area under two worst-case scenarios: peak-load and no-load periods. Our investigation considered voltage violations, power losses, and fault analysis relative to the power demand of each scenario, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of the impacts. The findings of our study revealed crucial insights. We determined that the maximum allowable power for both urban and rural networks during no-load and peak-load situations is approximately 0.5 MW and 0.125 MW, respectively. Moreover, as the percentage of PV penetration increases, notable reductions in power losses are observed, indicating the potential benefits of higher smart grid PV integration.
Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract on Neurobehavioral and Neurobiological Changes in Male Rats with Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy
Authors: Alrashdi Jawaher , Albasher Gadah , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Al-Qahtani Wedad Saeed , Alanezi Abdulkareem A. , Alasmari Fawaz
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (RO) extract on neurobehavioral and neurobiological changes in male rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy. Rats were assigned into five groups: (1) control rats, (2) RO-treated rats, (3) PTZ-treated rats, (4) PTZ + RO-treated rats, and (5) PTZ + valproic acid (VA)-treated rats. The PTZ-treated rats required a significantly longer time and distance to find the platform in the Morris water maze test than the control and RO-treated rats. Additionally, PTZ-treated rats showed a decrease in tendency to cross over the platform compared to PTZ group. PTZ + RO-treated rats showed decreased swimming time and distance to find the platform compared to PTZ group. PTZ + RO-treated rats showed a significant decrease in seizure score, a reduced number of myoclonic jerks, and an increased onset of the first myoclonic jerk compared to PTZ group. PTZ reduced the time required to enter the dark room in the passive avoidance learning test, which was reversed by RO treatment. Biochemical results revealed that PTZ-treated rats had higher levels of oxidative stress markers. RO significantly increased the antioxidant markers levels and maintained normal rat brain histology. This study revealed that RO can shield the brain and neural tissues from PTZ.
Lymnaea stagnalis and Ophryotrocha diadema as Model Organisms for Studying Genotoxicological and Physiological Effects of Benzophenone-3
Authors: Santovito Alfredo , Pappalardo Alessia , Nota Alessandro , Prearo Marino , Schleicherová Dáša
Published: October 2023

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is a lipophilic organic compound that occurs naturally in flower pigments. Since it adsorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVA and UVB regions, it is one of the most common UV filters found in sunscreen and cosmetic products. We explored by in vivo micronuclei (MNi) assay the genotoxic effects of BP-3 on hemocytes from the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. We also studied its possible toxic effects on life-history traits: body growth in L. stagnalis and egg production of both L. stagnalis and the marine polychaete worm Ophryotrocha diadema. Adult individuals were exposed to increasing concentrations of BP-3 (0.025, 0.050, 0.100, and 0.200 mg/L) once a week for 4 weeks. In L. stagnalis, exposure to BP-3 at concentrations of both 0.2 and 0.1 mg/L produced genotoxic effects on the micronuclei frequencies, but only concentrations of 0.2 mg/L affected the NBUDs frequencies. Similarly, negative effects on body growth were observed at the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.1 mg/L and a significant reduction of egg production at 0.2 mg/L. In O. diadema, a negative correlation between egg production and increasing BP-3 concentrations was observed. Our findings suggest the need for more stringent measures to reduce the presence of BP-3 in the environment.
Water Quality Degradation Due to Heavy Metal Contamination: Health Impacts and Eco-Friendly Approaches for Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yang Mingjie , Lan Jingjing , Huang Yan , Zhang Jinxi , Huang Shuangshuang , Yang Yashi , Ru Junjie
Published: October 2023

Water quality depends on its physicochemical and biological parameters. Changes in parameters such as pH, temperature, and essential and non-essential trace metals in water can render it unfit for human use. Moreover, the characteristics of the local environment, geological processes, geochemistry, and hydrological properties of water sources also affect water quality. Generally, groundwater is utilized for drinking purposes all over the globe. The surface is also utilized for human use and industrial purposes. There are several natural and anthropogenic activities responsible for the heavy metal contamination of water. Industrial sources, including coal washery, steel industry, food processing industry, plastic processing, metallic work, leather tanning, etc., are responsible for heavy metal contamination in water. Domestic and agricultural waste is also responsible for hazardous metallic contamination in water. Contaminated water with heavy metal ions like Cr (VI), Cd (II), Pb (II), As (V and III), Hg (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) is responsible for several health issues in humans, like liver failure, kidney damage, gastric and skin cancer, mental disorders and harmful effects on the reproductive system. Hence, the evaluation of heavy metal contamination in water and its removal is needed. There are several physicochemical methods that are available for the removal of heavy metals from water, but these methods are expensive and generate large amounts of secondary pollutants. Biological methods are considered cost-effective and eco-friendly methods for the remediation of metallic contaminants from water. In this review, we focused on water contamination with toxic heavy metals and their toxicity and eco-friendly bioremediation approaches.
Comparative Study on the Resistance of Beta-Cypermethrin Nanoemulsion and Conventional Emulsion in Blattella germanica
Authors: Shen Yan , Li Qiong , Fang Fujin , Yang Chuanli , Dong Yu , Li Xiaoqin , Luo Zhizhi , Shen Xiaobing
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aimed to compare the resistance rates of Blattella germanica to beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion and conventional emulsion and establish reference values via biochemical detection for conventional emulsion. Methods: We conducted experiments using subcultured Blattella germanica and applied the micro-drop method for treatment. Subsequently, the activity of metabolic enzymes was measured using spectrophotometry. Profile analysis was employed to study the resistance rates of beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion and beta-cypermethrin emulsion. Results: The regression equation for the relationship between generation and resistance factor in Blattella germanica treated with beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion was as follows: y1 = 0.091x1 + 0.991, with an r-value of 0.990 (F = 95.184, p = 0.01 < 0.05). Similarly, the regression equation for Blattella germanica treated with emulsion was y2 = 0.376x2 + 1.051, with an r-value of 0.993 (F = 141.094, p = 0.007 < 0.05). The comparison of slopes between these two regression equations yielded an F-value of 8.61, indicating a significant difference (p = 0.001 < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the resistance factor in Blattella germanica treated with beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion differs from that treated with beta-cypermethrin emulsion. Specifically, the resistance factor of beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion increased at a slower rate compared to beta-cypermethrin emulsion.
Probing the Elastic Scattering Differential Cross Section for Al + p at Backward Angles in a Low Energy Regime
Authors: Mas Ruiz Javier , Zayas-Bazán Karla Gutierrez , Zayas-Bazán Patricia G. , Huerta Arcadio , Sastré-Hernández Jorge , Marín-Lámbarri Daniel José , Acosta Luis , Andrade Eduardo , Solís Corina , Chávez Lomelí Efrain R.
Published: October 2023

We report on the absolute differential cross section for proton elastic scattering on aluminum in the energy range of 0.8 MeV to 2.1 MeV. In the literature we have found previously published data that follow similar trends but are not consistent with one another. The present measurements also fall within that range, moreover, covering angular regions where there were no reported data, improving databases such as IBANDL. Different methods for the optical model calculations are shown where angular distributions at backward angles are in good agreement, allowing one to fix the optical potential parameters. The calculation results, as well as their data fit, differ significantly as one would expect for the energy range covered in this work, where the nuclear part of the interaction contribution is almost zero. Our data, as well as previous reports, suggest an increase with higher energies for the value of the elastic cross section at backward angles. Further work is required from both experimental and theoretical fronts.
Grid-Sim: Simulating Electric Fleet Charging with Renewable Generation and Battery Storage
Authors: Giliomee Johannes Human , Booysen Marthinus Johannes
Published: October 2023

The inevitable electrification of the sub-Saharan African paratransit system poses substantial threats to an already crippled electricity supply network. The integration of any electric vehicle fleet in this region will require in-depth analyses and understanding of the grid impact due to charging. This allows informative decisions for sufficient planning to be made for the required network infrastructure or the implementation of applicable ‘load-shifting’ techniques. This paper presents Grid-Sim, a software tool that enables comprehensive analysis of the grid impact implications of electrifying vehicle fleets. Grid-Sim is applied to assess the load profiles, energy demand, load-shifting techniques, and associated emissions for two charging stations serving an electrified minibus taxi fleet of 202 vehicles in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is found that the current operation patterns result in a peak grid power draw of 12 kW/taxi, grid-drawn energy of 87.4 kWh/taxi/day, and, subsequently, 93 kg CO2/taxi/day of emissions. However, when using the built-in option of including external batteries and a solar charging station, the average peak power draw reduces by 66%, and both grid-drawn energy and emissions reduce by 58%.
Functional Model of an Automatic Vehicle Hold Based on an Electro-Hydraulic Braking System
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Huang Bo , Liu Jiahao , Zhou Tianjun
Published: October 2023

The algorithm function designed in this paper can make a car maintain stability during automatic vehicle hold through the model input of multi-level target fluid pressure combined with slope judgment modules of different levels after the automatic vehicle hold software works. At the same time, a complete parking function module is designed, which can monitor the whole parking process in real time. Through the design of this function, the functional diversity of the electro-hydraulic braking system can be increased. When judging that the driver intends to start, the automatic vehicle hold system will automatically release the fluid pressure according to the opening of the accelerator pedal pressed by the driver so that the vehicle does not happen to brake when the vehicle starts in the slippery slope condition. Finally, real vehicle verification proves that the function can effectively meet the parking requirements and start on the flat and on a ramp. Also, it can effectively control the vehicle according to the driver’s driving intention.
Lignocellulose-Based Optical Biofilter with High Near-Infrared Transmittance via Lignin Capturing–Fusing Approach
Authors: Yu Shixu , Zhou Yifang , Gan Meixue , Chen Lu , Xie Yimin , Zhong Yuning , Feng Qinghua , Chen Chaoji
Published: October 2023

Near-infrared (NIR) transparent optical filters show great promise in night vision and receiving windows. However, NIR optical filters are generally prepared by laborious, environmentally unfriendly processes that involve metal oxides or petroleum-based polymers. We propose a lignin capturing–fusing approach to manufacturing optical biofilters based on molecular collaboration between lignin and cellulose from waste agricultural biomass. In this process, lignin is captured via self-assembly in a cellulose network; then, the lignin is fused to fill gaps and hold the cellulose fibers tightly. The resulting optical biofilter featured a dense structure and smooth surface with NIR transmittance of ~90%, ultralow haze of close to 0%, strong ultraviolet-visible light blocking (~100% at 400 nm and 57.58% to 98.59% at 550 nm). Further, the optical biofilter has comprehensive stability, including water stability, solvent stability, thermal stability, and environmental stability. Because of its unique properties, the optical biofilter demonstrates potential applications in the NIR region, such as an NIR-transmitting window, NIR night vision, and privacy protection. These applications represent a promising route to produce NIR transparent optical filters starting from lignocellulose biomass waste.
Knowledge Management Evaluation Using Digital Capability Maturity Model in Higher Education Institution
Authors: Kusumawardani Nuril , Permatasari Dinda , Susanto Reynilda , Lee Chen Kang , Kurniawan Yohannes
Published: October 2023

In the higher education institutions, they recognize the value of knowledge management (KM) in enhancing organizational performance and productivity. However, the current KM system faces challenges in adapting to modern issues and suffers from inefficient utilization. This paper aims to address these shortcomings by identifying the maturity level of KM using a digital capability maturity model (DCMM). To achieve this objective, data were collected through interviews, questionnaire surveys, and observations, and a descriptive data analysis method was employed. The study utilized the model's eight Business Transformation Management (BTM) disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding and holistic analysis of digital transformation. The research findings revealed a defined maturity level (Level 3) of Effective Knowledge Worker Digital Capability. This suggests the need for strategic improvements to propel the institution towards a higher level of digital readiness. To elevate the KM maturity level, the paper recommends the development of a web-based Knowledge Management System (KMS) as a pilot project within the IT Operational department, before its potential company-wide implementation. The proposed KMS includes eight essential features, including document management, lessons learned, project management, announcements, schedules, FAQ page, and forum. This web based KMS promises to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and accessibility. Beyond the specific institution studied, the research offers valuable insights for other organizations seeking to evaluate and improve their KM performance. By adopting the digital capability maturity model and considering the suggested features in the KMS, institutions can drive innovation and better adapt to the evolving landscape of knowledge management. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of knowledge management theory and practice in higher education institutions, offering strategies to boost organizational agility and knowledge utilization. The findings can guide decision-makers in enhancing their KM strategies, ultimately leading to improved organizational outcomes and increased competitiveness in today's dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
Research of Mikhail Sholokhov’s creative work in China: tendencies, problems
Authors: Chen Wen
Published: October 2023

This article examines the study of Mikhail Sholokhov’s work in China, analyses the approaches and trends in the reception of Mikhail Sholokhov’s work in China since the 1930s to 2020s. As a result, it has been proven that approaches to the study of Mikhail Sholokhov’s work in China change depending on the nature of Soviet-Chinese relations. In the 1930s-40s, especially during the War of Chinese People’s Resistance against Japanese aggression, there was a noticeable increase in interest in Mikhail Sholokhov’s journalism and prose during the war. In the 1950s, under conditions of all-round cooperation between China and the USSR, the study of Mikhail Sholokhov’s work in China developed rapidly. In the 1960s-70s, in a situation of a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, Chinese literary critics criticised the works of Mikhail Sholokhov, however in the 1980s-90s, the researchers especially noted the patriotism, heroism and humanism reflected in the work of Mikhail Sholokhov; a number of conferences on the work of Mikhail Sholokhov were held at the largest universities in China; several monographs on the works of the writer were published. In the early 21st century, Chinese Sholokhov scholars continue the study of Mikhail Sholokhov’s work in the following areas – the spiritual and artistic world of Mikhail Sholokhov, linguistic and cultural features, female images in the works of Mikhail Sholokhov, reception and literary and art criticism of the works of Mikhail Sholokhov in China.
Implementation of communicative-pragmatic functions particle-discursives in English, Spanish and Russian artistic discourse
Authors: Kuptsov Alexandr Ye.
Published: October 2023

Discourse is a coherent monological or dialogical text, which is a semantically and grammatically related sequence of sentences-utterances in oral or written form, addressed to the listener/reader, reflecting an integral communicative-speech situation and taking into account all its participants as extralinguistic factors. In this paper, the problem of fictional discourse is considered, since it studies the particles-discourse markers in the composition of sentences-utterances of the discourse of English-, Spanish- and Russian-language works of fiction. Fictional discourse is the embodiment of a verbal message capable of conveying aesthetic, emotional, imaginative, as well as evaluative information, which is combined in the ideological and fictional content of the text. Particles-discourse markers in English, Spanish and Russian are able to focus the attention of the listener/reader (addressee) both on the individual components of the sentence-utterance, and on the entire sentence-utterance as a whole. In English-, Spanish- and Russian-language fictional discourse, these lexical units introduce various shades of additional meanings into the utterance, influencing the meaning of the utterance as a whole, thereby forming the pragmatic effect of the act of communication (discourse). The communicative and pragmatic function of particles-discourse markers in fictional discourse consists in their ability to focus the recipient/reader’s (addressee’s) attention on the subsequent new information in the utterance, to convey to the reader (addressee) the qualifying meanings of the utterance, to bring greater intensity into the utterance, to strengthen one or another meaning of the component (member) of the sentence-utterance they emphasize. Thus, particles-discourse markers enhance the expressiveness of speech and are able to influence the emotional and expressive coloring of the utterance.
Typology of euphemisms characterise specific classes and social groups (in French journalism)
Authors: Sleptsova Svetlana V. , Akinshina Inna B. , Svishchev Guennady V.
Published: October 2023

The article analyses the use of euphemisms in the language of modern French journalism. French newspapers aimed at a general readership were used as the primary materials for the study. The analysis identifies seven types of euphemisms that relate to specific classes and social groups in the population, based on indicators such as social standing, age, race and ethnicity, physical and mental deficiencies, legal problems, and individuals outside stable social structures. Each type of euphemism has its unique characteristics and is presented through lexical units, phrases with and without prepositions, phraseological turns, compound words, telescoped units, descriptive phrases, euphemisms related to age, euphemisms based on the adverb “mal” or phrases containing the words: “maladie” – “disease”, “malade” – “sick”, “mental” – “mental, spiritual, mental” or the adjective “handicap”, terms denoting diseases, and euphemisms united by “sans” meaning “without”. This study expands on existing knowledge of the use of euphemisms in the language of French mass media and their association with specific classes and social groups.
Problems of installation of an air-conditioning and ventilation system on a facade of the apartment house
Authors: Shmelev Konstantin V. , Moiseeva Olga V.
Published: October 2023

The article deals with the legal regulation of the order of installation of external unit of air conditioning and ventilation system on the façade of an apartment building. In connection with the absence of the necessity to obtain a special permit for installation of air-conditioning system in the federal legislation and the diverse judicial practice on this question there are problems of housing owners’ rights realisation for such improvement of dwelling premises. During the study it was found that these legal relations are currently regulated, including by regional legislation, but it does not define the issue of approval of the installation of an external air conditioning system unit with other owners of the common property of the apartment building. Relevant is also the question of the possibility of defining the technical conditions for the installation of air conditioning system in the management contract of the apartment building, the need to obtain permission for the installation from the managing organisation. As a result of the analysis of the current legislation and materials of the judicial practice the conclusion on necessity of establishment of requirements to coordination of installation of the external block of the air conditioning system with other owners of the general property of the apartment house is made.
Vladimir Grigor’yevich Kornilov (on the centenary of the birth)
Authors: Sekovanov Valeriy S.
Published: October 2023

The creative life of the outstanding writer Vladimir Grigor’yevich Kornilov is described in the article. The author’s reminiscences of Vladimir Kornilov, the former’s impressions of this person form the basis of the feature article; Vladimir Kornilov’s contribution to the formation and development of Kostroma writers’ organisation is noted as well as his attention and painstaking work with novice writers. Courage, realism and writing skills of Vladimir Kornilov are emphasised in particular. It is mentioned in the article about Vladimir Kornilov’s awards, about his achievements in the field of literature and social activities; warm memories of people who knew Vladimir Kornilov, are cited.
Civil status of celebrations in honour of the icon of Our Lady of Saint Theodore in the 19th–20th centuries in Kostroma
Authors: Kashin Dmitry Vitoldovich
Published: October 2023

The article deals with the aspect of veneration of the icon of Our Lady of Saint Theodore that did not attract the attention of researchers before – the establishment in the mid-19th century and at the early 20th century of non-attendant days (days off) in the city of Kostroma during the celebrations in honour of the Feodorovskaya Icon on March 14 and August 16 (according to the old style). Such a civil status of a church celebration was not unique to the Russian Empire of that time, but this happened only in a few regions, the list of which was published as a separate article until 1863 in the Charter on the Prevention and Suppression of Crimes, which was part of the Code of Laws of the Russian Empire (after 1863, the said list was replaced by a general indication of such celebrations). Fragments of firstly introduced into scientific discourse documents, related to the establishment of non-attendant days in Kostroma on March 14 (1852–1853) and August 16 (1899–1901) were published. It was noted that the relevant decisions were made at the highest level of state power of the Empire; however, in both cases, at the request of Kostroma residents – the proposal to establish a day off on March 14 was set forth by the performing position of Kostroma governor in the letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs, and Kostroma City Duma proposed to establish a day off in Kostroma on August 16.
Medals and decorations of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905: traditions and innovations
Authors: Sinegubov Stanislav N. , Galyautdinov Yaroslav R. , Zavorokhina Natalya S.
Published: October 2023

The military awards system of the Russian state, in particular, its medal and decorations component, has a profound and curious history. A special role in it is played by the events of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Despite the existing rather serious historiography of the issue, the authors, for various reasons, did not focus on ‟traditions and innovations” in the award practice connected with military operations. Briefly reviewing the main medals and decorations issued by the state and public structures of Russia in the country and abroad and the reasons for introducing them, the authors identified the “classic” and “unusual” moments in the promotional field. It can be attributed as quite a usual practice that the attention of the authorities to the heroic events was demonstrated in two ways – directly, immediately after the fact, literally a few months after the incident, and on some ‟anniversary occasions”. In any case, there was a desire “to capture” heroism in premium metal, even despite the outwardly losing situation on the battlefield. The ranking of decorations by degrees was reflected in the value of the material used, and the relatively large coverage of the awarded was customary as well. As for innovations, there were a lot of medals made by Russian public organisations abroad, particularly in France. This has never been done before. It testified to the resonance and significance of the reflected historical fact not only for Russia, but also for other countries.
Soviet ideology in the reception of Joseph Brodsky (in terms of the poem "Speech over Spilled Milk")
Authors: Fedotova Anna A.
Published: October 2023

The polemical problem of the Soviet discourse reception in the creative work of young Joseph Brodsky is analysed in this article. What acts as the material for analysis is the 1967 poem «Speech over Spilled Milk», which is not yet studied from this point of view. The traditional methods of the complex philological analysis of the text, as well as intertextual and receptive methods of researching the literary work are used in the article. The main motifs of the text, related to the actualisation of the Soviet ideology by the author, in particular, the reception of Karl Marx’s works by Joseph Brodsky, are revealed in the course of the work. We conclude that, by resorting to irony, Joseph Brodsky is polemicising with the central tenets of Soviet discourse. Joseph Brodsky understands «Sovietness» mainly as the triumph of collectivism over individualism, and the poet has no wish to be led by the impersonal majority, as long as he understands the notorious Soviet regime in this way. What emerges in the poem as an alternative to ochlocracy, the power of the mob, is the lyrical hero’s deeply personal God-seeking. Social gives way to metaphysical, and the poem ends with the hope of affirming the possibility of an individual dialogue with God, while the thesis of «loving neighbour» is not that important. It is proved in the article that the poem «Speech over Spilled Milk» by Joseph Brodsky is a complex semantic unity, built on the involvement and reinterpretation of several discursive systems, above all Soviet and Christian ones.
History through the prism of adamism: the poem “The Campaign of Alexander in India” by Mikhail Zenkevich
Authors: Chevtaev Arcadiy A.
Published: October 2023

The article considers the artistic reception of the historical person and her deeds in the poem “The Campaign of Alexander in India” by Mikhail Zenkevich (1909), which was included in the first book of poems of the poet “Wild Porphyry” and clearly demonstrates the specifics of the vision of the events of world history in Mikhail Zenkevich’s poetic picture of the world. The purpose of the study is to analyse the structural-semantic organisation of this text in the aspect of the conceptually realisation of adamism as the ideological basis of the poet’s creative work. The analysis of the poetics of the poem dedicated to the comprehension of the final achievements in the life of King Alexander the Great (the conquest campaign to India and its consequences) shows, that Mikhail Zenkevich conceptualises world history as realisation of anthropological comprehension of the natural origins of the world order. In the narrative structure of the poem, which consists of two plot parts, the deep mechanism of subordination of a human to the “dark” ontological foundations of the universe is revealed. In the 1st part of the text, which tells about the contact of Alexander the Great with the Indian lands he conquered, the approach to the border of the natural-mystical region of the world is explicated. The 2nd part represents the deep consequences of such contact – transformation of the external secrets of a foreign country into the internal “dark” secrets of the human “self”. The attempt to conquer India by King Alexander III of Macedon turns into enslavement (“poisoning”) his personality with primordial chaos and leads the hero to madness. It is concluded that in Mikhail Zenkevich’s “adamistic” mythopoetics the “historical” (royal) man invariably turns out to be “natural” Adam, who feels his “dark relatedness” with the chaos of primordial nature.
أثر معيار " ليس في كلام العرب" في أبنية الأسماء: مَنْفَعيل، وفِعْويل، وفُعْلاء
Authors: Al Hroob Baeth , Khalil Ibrahim , Dawoud Amani Suleiman
Published: October 2023

الأهداف: هدفت الدّراسة إلى التأكُّد من سلامة معيار (ليس في كلام العرب) في إخراج البناءين (مَنْفَعيل، وفِعْويل) من أبنية الأسماء العربيّة، وحَصْرِ بناء (فُعْلاء) في أمثلة محدَّدة، والتأكُّد من مدى مطابقة هذا المعيار للواقع اللغوي بعيدًا عن التأويل الذي اقتضاه فرْضُ هذا المعيار في محاولة حصْر أبنية الأسماء في العربيّة.
المنهجية: اتبعت الدِّراسةُ المنهج الوصفي التّحليلي، إذ كانت تعرِضُ لبعض أبنية الأسماء التي قرّر بعض علماء العربيّة أنها ليست في كلام العرب لقلة الأمثلة عليها أو انعدامها، وحاولوا ردَّ أمثلتها إلى بناء آخر شائع في العربيّة، ثمّ عَرضْ الأدلة والبراهين التي احتاجوا إليها في إثبات رأيهم، والردّ عليها اعتمادًا على الواقع اللغويّ.
النتائج: كشفتْ هذه الدّراسة عن وجود بعض الاختلالات فيما نتج عن هذا المعيار من أحكام تتعلق بأبنية الأسماء موضوع الدّراسة، وأنَّ ما بسطه النحويّون من براهينَ أيّدت رأيَهم في إخراج هذه الأبنية من كلام العرب أو حصرها في أمثلة محدَّدة يُمكنُ نقضها وردّها في وجهٍ من الوجوه، وكذلك توصّلتْ الدِّراسةُ إلى أنّ محاولة النحويين القُدامى حَمْل الأعجميّ عند تعريبه على الشّائع في أوزان العربيّة جعلتهم يرفضون بعضَ الأوزان فيه.
التّوصيات: إنّ معيار "ليسَ في كلام العرب" يحتاجُ إلى إعادة النّظر فيه، والتثبُّت من دقّته والتحقُّق من النتائج التي بُنيت عليه في المستويات الصوتية والصّرفية والنحويّة