bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile and Green Process to Synthesize a Three-Dimensional Network Few-Layer Graphene/Carbon Nanotube Composite for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Yeh Yu-Hong , Hsu Kuei-Ting , Huang Chia-Hung , Liu Wei-Ren
Published: May 2022

We propose an environmentally friendly liquid exfoliation approach and subsequent freeze-drying process for constructing a three-dimensional (3D) carbon-based network by using few-layer graphene (FLG) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Systematic characterizations—such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy—as well as Raman characterization and EMI shielding tests were performed. The results indicated that the as-synthesized 3D-FLG/CNT composite obtained through the freeze-drying process exhibited excellent electromagnetic interference shielding. The shielding effect of FLG could be improved from 15 to 22 dB by introducing CNTs. The CNTs inhibited restacking of FLG in the structure. We also compared two drying processes: oven drying and freeze-drying. The freeze-drying technique markedly improved the shielding effect of FLG/CNTs from 22 to 36 dB. The composition-optimized 3D-FLG/CNT composite could be a candidate material for use in EMI shielding.
An Ensemble Learning Based Classification Approach for the Prediction of Household Solid Waste Generation
Authors: Namoun Abdallah , Hussein Burhan Rashid , Tufail Ali , Alrehaili Ahmed , Syed Toqeer Ali , BenRhouma Oussama
Published: May 2022

With the increase in urbanization and smart cities initiatives, the management of waste generation has become a fundamental task. Recent studies have started applying machine learning techniques to prognosticate solid waste generation to assist authorities in the efficient planning of waste management processes, including collection, sorting, disposal, and recycling. However, identifying the best machine learning model to predict solid waste generation is a challenging endeavor, especially in view of the limited datasets and lack of important predictive features. In this research, we developed an ensemble learning technique that combines the advantages of (1) a hyperparameter optimization and (2) a meta regressor model to accurately predict the weekly waste generation of households within urban cities. The hyperparameter optimization of the models is achieved using the Optuna algorithm, while the outputs of the optimized single machine learning models are used to train the meta linear regressor. The ensemble model consists of an optimized mixture of machine learning models with different learning strategies. The proposed ensemble method achieved an R2 score of 0.8 and a mean percentage error of 0.26, outperforming the existing state-of-the-art approaches, including SARIMA, NARX, LightGBM, KNN, SVR, ETS, RF, XGBoosting, and ANN, in predicting future waste generation. Not only did our model outperform the optimized single machine learning models, but it also surpassed the average ensemble results of the machine learning models. Our findings suggest that using the proposed ensemble learning technique, even in the case of a feature-limited dataset, can significantly boost the model performance in predicting future household waste generation compared to individual learners. Moreover, the practical implications for the research community and respective city authorities are discussed.
Preliminary Study of Vibrotactile Feedback during Home-Based Balance and Coordination Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Jabri Safa , Bushart David D. , Kinnaird Catherine , Bao Tian , Bu Angel , Shakkottai Vikram G. , Sienko Kathleen H.
Published: May 2022

Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ten participants (five males, five females; 47  ±  12 years) with inherited forms of cerebellar ataxia were recruited to participate in a 12-week crossover study during which they completed two six-week blocks of balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA. Participants were instructed to perform balance and coordination exercises five times per week using smartphone balance trainers that provided written, graphic, and video guidance and measured trunk sway. The pre-, per-, and post-training performance were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), SARAposture&gait sub-scores, Dynamic Gait Index, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Timed Up and Go performed with and without a cup of water, and multiple kinematic measures of postural sway measured with a single inertial measurement unit placed on the participants’ trunks. To explore the effects of training with and without vibrotactile SA, we compared the changes in performance achieved after participants completed each six-week block of training. Among the seven participants who completed both blocks of training, the change in the SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores following training with vibrotactile SA was not significantly different from the change achieved following training without SA (p>0.05). However, a trend toward improved SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores was observed following training with vibrotactile SA; compared to their pre-vibrotacile SA training scores, participants significantly improved their SARA scores (mean=−1.21,  p=0.02) and SARAposture&gait sub-scores (mean=−1.00,  p=0.01). In contrast, no significant changes in SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores were observed following the six weeks of training without SA compared to their pre-training scores immediately preceding the training block without vibrotactile SA (p>0.05). No significant changes in trunk kinematic sway parameters were observed as a result of training (p>0.05). Based on the findings from this preliminary study, balance and coordination training improved the participants’ motor performance, as captured through the SARA. Vibrotactile SA may be a beneficial addition to training regimens for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the significance and generalizability of these findings.
Single-Phase Grounding Fault Types Identification Based on Multi-Feature Transformation and Fusion
Authors: Fan Min , Xia Jialu , Meng Xinyu , Zhang Ke
Published: May 2022

The frequent occurrence of single-phase grounding faults affects the reliable operation of power systems. When a single-phase grounding fault occurs, it is difficult to accurately identify the fault type because of the weak characterization and subtle distinction between different fault types. Therefore, this paper proposes a single-phase grounding fault type identification method based on the multi-feature transformation and fusion. Firstly, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) was used to preprocess the fault recorded wave data to highlight the characteristics between different fault types. Secondly, the deep learning model ResNet18 and the long short-term memory (LSTM) are designed to extract the complex abstract features and time-series correlation features from the preprocessed data set separately. Finally, it designs a fusion model to combine the advantages of heterogeneous models to identify the type of single-phase grounding fault. Experiments validate that the method is good at fully mining the characteristics of the fault types contained in the fault recorded wave data, so it can identify multiple types of faults with strong robustness and provide a reliable basis for the subsequent formulation of targeted fault-handling measures.
An Evaluation of Sustainability Potential of Existing Septic Systems: A Fuzzy-Based Indexing Approach
Authors: Salvatory Siliacus , Machunda Revocatus L. , Mwamila Tulinave B.
Published: May 2022

In this study, a fuzzy-based indexing approach (FIA) is developed based on a conceptual framework regarding social, environmental, economic, and technical dimensions to evaluate the overall sustainability potential of existing septic systems (SSs) of around 200 Tanzanian residential buildings in Mwanza city. FIA required the following six steps: selecting, measuring, normalizing, weighting, and aggregating the sustainability indicators (SIs) or dimensions, as well as interpretation of the indices similarly to conventional sustainability indices to aggregate the four sustainability dimensions. In total, 18 SIs were selected based on a literature review. Input data obtained for each indicator were from the social survey and laboratory analysis. The results showed that the entire SSs in the city had a general sustainability index (GSI) of 0.42. The index fell on the verge of the “danger” category, indicating that corrective measures are needed. In conclusion, FIA is simple and transparent, it provides a both theoretical and practical basis for sustainability evaluation, does not require vast quantities of data, and does not demand an advanced computer software package. Moreover, FIA is a proper method to evaluate and improve SS sustainability in the city or provide the information to decision makers, designers, and researchers to scrutinize the decision possibilities in a multidimensional manner.
Application of Item Response Theory (IRT)-Graded Response Model (GRM) to Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Scale
Authors: Sethar Waqar Ahmed , Pitafi Adnan , Bhutto Arabella , Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Haffar Mohamed , Kamran Shah Muhammad
Published: May 2022

The scale of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) assesses the perceptions about entrepreneurial ecosystem domains, finances, capital finances, support, support professions, policies, markets, human resources, and culture. The scales are always error-prone—these scales must possess properties that enable them it to provide maximum information and validity reliability. Convenient sampling data from (n = 474) founders, co-founders, and entrepreneurs were collected. The IRT-GRM model is used to validate and test the instrument-based on polytomous scales. IRT yields discriminating power—the level of difficulty of the items of the scale. The scale consists of 48 items. The item Pol5 (4.13) was found to have the highest discriminating value (4.13), the item mar5 had the lowest discriminating value (1.57), and all items had discriminating values greater than the threshold value of 0.60. The EE Scale showed good reliability based on McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha (0.80 and 0.88). The parallel and factor analysis showed good agreement of the one-dimesnionality of the scale. The model goodness of fit statistics based on the comparative fit index (CFI) and the Tucker–Lewis index, (TLI) and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) showed a satisfactory level of fit; however, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSE) showed a poor fit. The item characteristic curves showed that the all item responses were properly ordered. The items of the scale showed a satisfactory level of discrimination power and level of difficulty, and it was found to have three levels of agreement about entrepreneurial ecosystem scale. It is concluded that the EE scale possesses good psychometric properties and that it is reliable and valid instrument to measure the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the given region.
Impact of Parent Companies and Multiple Large Shareholders on Audit Fees in Stakeholder-Oriented Corporate Governance
Authors: Yamada Akihiro , Fujita Kento
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impact of parent companies and other multiple large shareholders (MLSs) on the audit fees in Japanese firms, where stakeholder-oriented corporate governance is adopted. In such a firm, monitoring by many stakeholders can mitigate conflicts among shareholders. However, because the key stakeholders of these firms tend to resolve information asymmetry problems through insider communication, the level of audit effort is affected not only by the audit risk from principal–principal conflicts, but also by the demands of key stakeholders. Japanese parent companies tend to spin off their departments with high growth potential and provide incentives to lower subsidiaries’ cost of capital through information disclosure. Therefore, parent companies require greater audit efforts, and consequently, audit fees are expected to be higher. However, when MLSs are shareholders of the listed subsidiary, they can obtain relevant information via private communication. Thus, the need for quality accounting information will be smaller, the level of audit effort required will be smaller, and as a result, audit fees will be smaller. The results are consistent with these expectations. This paper contributes to the sustainable growth and economic development of firms and markets and has implications for the development of effective corporate governance mechanisms.
The Effect of Labor Protection on Firms’ Operational Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Labor Contract Law Implementation
Authors: Xue Mei , Zhou Yu , Liu Zhouhao
Published: May 2022

We explored the effect of labor protection on firms’ operational efficiency, based on empirical data from China. Taking China’s Labor Contract Law implementation in 2008 as a quasi-natural experiment, we constructed a difference-in-differences (DID) model to investigate the relationship between labor protection and firms’ operational efficiency. Based on a sample of Chinese listed companies in the non-financial sector from 2004–2021, the analysis results show that labor protection can significantly improve a firm’s operational efficiency. In addition, we found that the positive effect is more significant among state-owned enterprises and in regions with a higher legal governance degree. This study enriches the research that explores the effects of labor protection on firms’ performance by providing more empirical evidence from China, and reveals that labor protection can positively affect a firm’s operational performance in the long term.
CSR and Long-Term Corporate Performance: The Moderating Effects of Government Subsidies and Peer Firm’s CSR
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Ye Guangyu , Xu Guangyi , Liu Chong , Deng Dandan , Huang Ming
Published: May 2022

Effectively carrying out social responsibility is a critical strategy for the sustainable development of enterprises. Under the influence of institutional isomorphism, the relationship between corporate social responsibility and performance will be affected by the level of the peer firm’s social responsibility and government subsidies. Based on institutional theory, this paper discusses the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate performance, using relevant data from Chinese listed companies. The results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between social responsibility and corporate performance; the peer firm’s CSR and government subsidies weaken the inverted U-shaped relationship between CSR and corporate performance. The results provide useful theoretical insights for the performance of CSR.
The Global Quest for Green Growth: An Economic Policy Perspective
Authors: Lenaerts Klaas , Tagliapietra Simone , Wolff Guntram
Published: May 2022

Economic growth has historically been the main driver of rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve steep emission reductions, the world would have to either decouple global GHG emissions from gross domestic product (GDP) at an unprecedented pace or face deep cuts to GDP. The so-called ‘green growth’ literature is optimistic that suitable policies and technology can enable such fast decoupling, while ‘degrowth’ proponents dismiss this and argue that the global economy must be scaled down, and that systemic change and redistribution is necessary to accomplish this. We use the so-called Kaya identity to offer a simple quantitative assessment of the gap between the historic performance in reducing the emission intensity of GDP and what is required for green growth, i.e., the basis of ongoing disagreement. We then review the literature on both degrowth and green growth and discuss their most important arguments and proposals. Degrowth authors are right to point out the considerable gap between current climate mitigation efforts and what is needed, as well as the various technological uncertainties and risks such as rebound effects. However, the often radical degrowth proposals also suffer from many uncertainties and risks. Most importantly, it is very unlikely that alternative welfare conceptions can convince a critical mass of countries to go along with a degrowth agenda. Governments should therefore instead focus on mobilizing the necessary investments, pricing carbon emissions, and encouraging innovation and behavioral change.
Characterizing the Relationship between Growth and Development in the Context of Strategic Management via Systems Thinking: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pourahmadi Behnam , Kalkowska Joanna
Published: May 2022

The consequence of the complexity of contemporary challenges has a significant impact on the management sphere. Growth and development are two critical stages in the lifecycle of any organization, enterprise, or corporation as a system. The purpose of this study is to conduct an overview of strategic management discourse to characterize the relationship between growth and development processes with the aim of alleviating complexity. In this regard, we conduct a bibliographic analysis in the Web of Science database using a systematic literature review along with a systems thinking approach as a method to synthesize the findings and finally propose a conceptual framework. According to the findings of this study, a lack of attention to the importance of the relationship between growth and development processes is identified. This implies a gap in this research area, emphasizing the importance of more focus on these processes regardless of their attributes. The implications of the findings in this article will provide a holistic perspective for strategic management practitioners, allowing a better understanding of the importance of growth and development convergence. Consequently, this study may provide a path for future research to explore the implications of growth and development process in other disciplines of management.
An Integrated Method for Locating Logistic Centers in a Rural Area
Authors: Zhang Qianli , Mao Haijun
Published: May 2022

Transport has long been considered a concern for rural residents around the world. Rural express logistics, one of the transport topics, is associated with rural residents’ convenience as well as e-commerce development. As key nodes in the network, logistic centers need to be properly located to improve the delivery efficiency. This paper provides an integrated method for locating logistic centers which is of strong feasibility: on one hand, the proposed method seeks to maximize coverage of express service; on the other hand, considerations are given to operational profitability of the centers, ensuring overall viability for the plan. Specifically, the Holt–Winters model is used for demand prediction. Total predicted demand is then allocated to each town according to population, gross regional product, and some other indicators. A maximal covering model is applied to select logistic centers based on demand under different service radius and numbers of logistic centers. Revenue evaluation is then conducted for the selected logistic centers to evaluate their future operating conditions. The proposed method is applied in rural areas in Lhasa, China. Numerical analysis suggested that 12 of the selected 22 logistic centers could make a profit by 2025. Finally, policy recommendations are given for the development of rural logistic systems.
Towards a Sustainable Multidimensional Approach to English Proficiency Proof in the Post-Pandemic Era: Learning from the Legacy of COVID-19
Authors: Pan Mingwei , Tao Jian
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented impacts on higher education, particularly on the admission of international applicants required to submit English proficiency proof (EPP). To learn from the legacy of COVID-19, this study examines 77 top-ranking higher education institutions’ (HEI) changing practices regarding EPP across two application rounds in 2020 and 2021. Given that HEIs function as test users in the admission process, we adopted the construct of test utilisation to inform data analysis. Findings suggest a trend of HEIs embracing newly emerging at-home online tests and combining traditional standardised tests with other options, such as online interviews and/or inhouse placement or diagnostic tests; such approaches extended the enrolment timeline. Thus, the study demonstrates the enriched scope of test utilisation and proposes a sustainable multidimensional approach to EPP for higher-education admissions in the postpandemic era featuring digital and temporal elements. Practical implications for university admissions are also discussed.
What Are the Environmental Benefits and Costs of Reducing Food Waste? Bristol as a Case Study in the WASTE FEW Urban Living Lab Project
Authors: Eaton Eleanor , Hunt Alistair , Di Leo Anastasia , Black Daniel , Frost Gwen , Hargreaves Sarah
Published: May 2022

The city of Bristol currently generates around 48,000 tonnes of household food waste every year. This waste incurs loss of resources and environmental damage throughout the food cycle. In this paper we quantify and value the baseline socio-environmental impacts from household food waste in Bristol before examining the potential costs and benefits that may result from changes to food waste behaviour. In so doing, we look to better inform the choice of food waste reduction methods in public policy. The environmental impacts of two possible policy targets are explored: (1) a 20% increase in food waste recycling and (2) an overall decrease in food waste of 20%. Environmental impacts are estimated for 13 different hazards, including Global Warming Potential, Particulate Matter, Human Toxicity and Water Depletion. The societal consequences of these environmental changes are monetised using non-market values which allows us to directly compare the relative importance of different environmental impacts and the trade-offs between these impacts in each scenario. For example, we estimate that the Global Warming Potential of Bristol’s annual food waste equates to around 110,000 tonnes CO2, or 25,000 additional cars on the road every year. We find that a 20% improvement in recycling behaviour would lead to an annual reduction of 113 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, whilst a 20% reduction in food waste would result in an annual reduction of 15,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent. Findings suggest that the environmental impact of waste management is significantly overshadowed by the impact of resources used in food production and distribution before it becomes waste.
Deepfake Video Detection Based on MesoNet with Preprocessing Module
Authors: Xia Zhiming , Qiao Tong , Xu Ming , Wu Xiaoshuai , Han Li , Chen Yunzhi
Published: May 2022

With the development of computer hardware and deep learning, face manipulation videos represented by Deepfake have been widely spread on social media. From the perspective of symmetry, many forensics methods have been raised, while most detection performance might drop under compression attacks. To solve this robustness issue, this paper proposes a Deepfake video detection method based on MesoNet with preprocessing module. First, the preprocessing module is established to preprocess the cropped face images, which increases the discrimination among multi-color channels. Next, the preprocessed images are fed into the classic MesoNet. The detection performance of proposed method is verified on two datasets; the AUC on FaceForensics++ can reach 0.974, and it can reach 0.943 on Celeb-DF which is better than the current methods. More importantly, even in the case of heavy compression, the detection rate can still be more than 88%.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Division of Labor Games for Underwater Searching Tasks
Authors: Xiong Minglei , Xie Guangming
Published: May 2022

Division of labor in self-organized groups is a problem of both theoretical significance and application value. Many application problems in the real world require efficient task allocation. We propose a model combining bio-inspiration and evolutionary game theory. This research model theoretically analyzes the problem of target search in unknown areas for multi-robot systems. If the robot’s operating area is underwater, the problem becomes more complicated due to its information sharing restrictions. Additionally, it drives strategy updates and calculates the fixed probability of relevant strategies, using evolutionary game theory and the commonly used Fermi function. Our study estimates the fixed probability under arbitrary selection intensity and the fixed probability and time under weak selection for the two-player game model. In the multi-player game, we get these results for weak selection, which is conducive to the coexistence of the two strategies. Moreover, the conducted simulations confirm our analysis. These results help to understand and design effective mechanisms in which self-organizing collective dynamics appears in the form of maximizing the benefits of multi-agent systems in the case of the asymmetric game.
C57BL/6J Mice Are Not Suitable for Modeling Severe SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Gamma Variant Infection
Authors: Currey Joshua M. , Rabito Felix , Maness Nicholas J. , Blair Robert V. , Rappaport Jay , Qin Xuebin , Kolls Jay K. , Srivastava Akhilesh K.
Published: May 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants, have displayed increased transmissibility and, therefore, have been categorized as variants of concern (VOCs). The pervasiveness of VOCs suggests a high probability of future mutations that may lead to increased virulence. Prior reports have shown that VOC infection without expression of human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor (hACE2) in mice is possible. We sought to understand if the increased transmissibility of VOCs can infect C57BL/6 mice without expression of hACE2 receptor required for entry of SARS-CoV-2 normally. We examined the ability of infection with Beta and Gamma variants to infect and cause both pathological and clinical changes consistent with severe COVID-19, including body weight changes, survival, subgenomic viral titer, lung histology on Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, and viral protein expression as measured by immunohistochemistry staining of viral antigen (IHC). These methods were used to examine three groups of mice: C57BL6, Rag2-/-, and Ccr2-/- mice. We observed that these mice, infected with Beta and Gamma variants of SARS-CoV-2, did not show pathological changes as indicated by weight loss, altered survival, or significant lung pathology on H&E staining. Subgenomic qPCR and IHC staining for viral protein indicated that there was some evidence of infection but far below ACE2 transgenic mice, which showed clinical disease and pathologic changes consistent with ARDS. These data suggest that these variants replicate poorly even in the setting of profound immune deficiency.
Full Genome Sequencing of Three Sedoreoviridae Viruses Isolated from Culicoides spp. (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in China
Authors: Duan Yingliang , Yang Zhenxing , Bellis Glenn , Xie Jiarui , Li Le
Published: May 2022

Sedoreoviridae is a family of viruses belonging to the order Reovirales and comprises six genera, two of which, Orbivirus and Seadornavirus, contain arboviruses that cause disease in humans and livestock. Areas such as Yunnan Province in southwestern China, have high arboviral activity due in part to warm and wet summers, which support high populations of biting flies such as mosquitoes and Culicoides. Three viral isolates previously obtained from Culicoides collected at cattle farms in Shizong County of Yunnan Province, China, between 2019 and 2020 were completely sequenced and identified as Banna virus (BAV) genotype A of Seadornavirus and serotypes 1 and 7 of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) of Orbivirus. These results suggest that Culicoidestainanus and C. orientalis are potential vectors of BAV and EHDV, respectively, and represent the first association of a BAV with C. tainanus and of an arbovirus with C. orientalis. Analysis using VP9 generally agreed with the current groupings within this genus based on VP12, although the classification for some strains should be corrected. Furthermore, the placement of Kadipiro virus (KDV) and Liao ning virus (LNV) in Seadornavirus may need confirmation as phylogenetic analysis placed these viruses as sister to other species in the genus.
Novel Water Retention and Nutrient Management Technologies and Strategies Supporting Agricultural Water Management in Continental, Pannonian and Boreal Regions
Authors: Scholz Miklas
Published: May 2022

Urgent water and food security challenges, particularly in continental and boreal regions, need to be addressed by initiatives such as the Horizon 2020-funded project WATer retention and nutrient recycling in soils and streams for improved AGRIcultural production (WATERAGRI). A new methodological framework for the sustainable management of various solutions resilient to climate change has been developed. The results indicate that the effect of the climate scenario is significantly different for peatlands and constructed wetlands. The findings also highlight that remote-sensing-based yield prediction models developed from vegetation indices have the potential to provide quantitative and timely information on crops for large regions or even at the local farm scale. Verification of remotely sensed data is one of the prerequisites for the proper utilization and understanding of data. Research shows that current serious game applications fall short due to challenges such as not clarifying the decision problem, the lack of use of decision quality indicators and limited use of gaming. Overall, WATERAGRI solutions improve water and food security by adapting agriculture to climate change, recycling nutrients and providing educational tools to the farming community. Farmers in small agricultural catchments benefit directly from WATERAGRI, but over the long-term, the general public does as well.
ПОПУЛЯЦІЙНА СТРУКТУРА ANTHEMIS STERILIS STEVEN
Authors: Каліста М. С.
Published: May 2022

У статті наводяться результати досліджень 4-х локальних популяцій кримського ендемічного виду Anthemis sterilis у межах гірсько-вулканічного масиву Карадаг. Встановлено, що ці популяції приурочені до скель, осипищ та кам’янисто-щебенистих ґрунтів, для них властивий компактно-дифузний тип розміщення особин в межах популяційного поля, який варіює в залежності від характеру вікового спектру в певних скупченнях. Більшість популяції розташовані на петрофітних ділянках з проективним покриттям травостою 5–10% та щільністю 1–4 особини на 1 м2. Популяції A. sterilis розміщені на скелястих вершинах хребтів Карадагу на ділянках з ксерофітною рослинністю. Деякі частини популяцій приурочені до степантних ділянок, утворених Poa bulbosa L., Bromus japonicus Thunb., Stipa lessingiana Trin. et Rupr. з найбільшим ступенем щільності проективного покриття травостою. Базовий віковий спектр популяції правосторонній з максимумом на генеративних рослинах. Під час проходження онтоморфогенезу на ранніх вікових стадіях особини A. sterilis використовують весняні дощі та вологу,
яка утворилася при таненні снігу, для їхнього росту та розвитку у ювенільні та віргінільні рослини у перший вегетаційний період. Після цього, висока температура та посуха у літній період може викликати вимушений період спокою таких особин, після завершення якого віргінільні та генеративні рослини використовують пізньолітні або осінні дощі для формування осінніх розеткових пагонів. Значна різниця між кількістю імматурних та віргінільних рослин порівняно з генеративними свідчить про високий ступінь елімінації на ранніх стадіях розвитку особин. У популяціях також відмічено значну кількість генеративних особин, які мали уражені шкідниками кошики, що негативно впливає на їхню насінну продуктивність. Виявлено, що A. sterilis має низьку конкурентну здатність, розмножується лише насінням, проростання та подальший розвиток якого залежить від наявності весняних опадів, у зв’язку з чим його популяції є досить вразливими до зміни погодних умов. Таким чином, було встановлено, що популяції є досить вразливими і вони потребують подальших досліджень демографічної структури та еколого-ценотичних особливостей.
COCHLEARIA PYRENAICA DC. (BRASSICACEAE) В РОСЛИННИХ УГРУПОВАННЯХ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ «ПІВНІЧНЕ ПОДІЛЛЯ»
Authors: Yurechko R. Yu.
Published: May 2022

У статті представлено результати дослідження різноманіття рослинних угруповань з популяцією Cochlearia pyrenaica DC. (Brassicaceae) з використанням методу Браун-Бланке. Досліджено єдине в Україні місцезростання цього виду за межами основного ареалу, яке знаходиться у ландшафтному заказнику місцевого значення «Верхньобузький» поблизу с. Колтів (Львівська обл., Золочівський р-н). Наразі ця територія входить до складу національного природного парку «Північне Поділля». Протягом останніх років кількість особин на місцевості зменшувалася, ймовірно, популяція знаходиться під загрозою зникнення. Результати дослідження базуються на літературних даних, а також на польових дослідженнях, проведених у 2015-2018 роках. Угруповання місць існування Cochlearia pyrenaica пропонуємо відносити до 2 класів (Molinio-Arrhenatheretea R.Tx. 1937, Phragmitetea R. Tx. et Prsg 1942), 2 порядків (Molinietalia caeruleae W. Koch 1926, Phragmitetalia Koch 1926), 2 союзів (Calthion palustris R.Tx. 1936 em. Oberd. 1957, Magnocaricion Koch 1926) та 2 асоціацій (Deschampsietum caespitosae Horvatić 1930, Caricetum appropinquatae (Koch 1926) Soó 1938) рослинності. Також представлено детальні відомості про екотопи Cochlearia pyrenaica та вплив складу флори на її розвиток. До цих синтаксонів ми відносимо досліджені рослинні угруповання досить умовно. В останні роки було зафіксовано значні зміни у складі рослинності місць зростання Cochlearia pyrenaica. В асоціації Deschampsietum caespitosae Horvatić 1930 чисельність Cochlearia є значно менша, ніж у Caricetum appropinquatae (Koch 1926) Soó 1938. У підсумку, в місцях зростання Cochlearia виявлено 53 види рослин, з них 2 види – мохи, 4 – деревні рослини, 6 – чагарники, 41 – трав’янисті види. Встановлено, що флора угруповань з Cochlearia pyrenaica може відрізнятись, проте константами майжезавжди виступають Carex appropinquata Schumach., Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P.Beauv. На ділянці № 1 зафіксовано зростання 11 видів, на ділянці № 2 – 53 видів. Загалом спостерігається постмеліоративна трансформація рослинного покриву, через весняно-літню посуху в останні роки ці процеси стають інтенсивнішими. В результаті цього водно-болотні екосистеми незворотно деградують.
ГНІЗДУВАННЯ КРЯЧКА РІЧКОВОГО (STERNA HIRUNDO) НА МУЛОВИХ МАЙДА-НЧИКАХ ВОДООЧИСНИХ СПОРУД МІСТА ХАРКОВА У 2020-2021 РОКАХ
Authors: Мамедова Ю. П.
Published: May 2022

Досліджено гніздову біологію крячка річкового (Sterna hirundo L.) на мулових полях водоочисних споруд м. Харкова у квітні-серпні 2020-2021 років. Виявлено 228 особин птахів, описано особливості розміщення 135 гнізд та 172 пташенят. Крячки річкові заселяли три ділянки, одну із яких протягом двох років (від 10 до 90 пар). Перші яйця в кладках виявлені в ІІ декаді травня, при середньодобовій температурі +5±1,76°С вночі та +20±0,89°С вдень в 2020 році та при+14,9±3,08° вдень та +5±2,76°С вночі в 2021 році. Пік початку відкладання яєць в крячка річкового припав на кінець червня – початок липня у 2020 році та на кінець травня – початок липня у 2021 році. Різниця термінів початку розмноження крячка річкового, у порівнянні з мартином звичайним, становила в середньому 37 діб. Перші пташенята в гніздах зареєстровані в І декаді червня (5.06.2020;10.06.2021). Перші льотні пташенята: 2.07.2020 та 12.07.2021 рр. Перед міграцією молоді особини збираються в невеликі зграї по 10-15 особин. Встановлено 2 типи гнізд: типові – побудовані як поглиблення в мулі з рослинною підстилкою (51,5%; n=135) та гнізда, які мали у складі будівельного матеріалу різнокольорові трубочки, залишки поліетиленових пакетів (45,5 %); нетипові (3,0 %) – побудовані на целофановому пакеті. Середня величина кладки 2,77±0,43 (1-3)яєць, з коричневим і зеленувато-сірим відтінком у забарвленні основного фону шкаралупи. Виявлено окільцьованого крячка річкового з двома кільцями Israil Atlit Sait – Pans, 27.04.2020, координати 32°42'00” N 34°56'00” E.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РЕГУЛЯЦІЇ РЕПАРАТИВНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ УСКЛАДНЕНИХ РАН У ФАЗІ ПРОЛІФЕРАЦІЇ – ПЕРЕХОДУ ПРОЛІФЕРАЦІЇ В ФАЗУ РЕМОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ПРИ ВИКОРИСТАННІ ФОТОБІОМОДУЛЯЦІЙНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ
Authors: Бабенко Н. М.
Published: May 2022

В дослідженні було вивчено вплив фотобіомодуляційної (ФБМ) терапії на регуляцію репаративних процесів ускладнених ран у фазі проліферації – переходу проліферації в фазу ремоделювання. Експерименти проводили на 18 щурах лінії Wistar. Тварини були поділені на три групи – інтактну, контрольну та експериментальну (по 6 щурів у кожній). Для моделювання ускладнених ран використовували тварин контрольної та експериментальної груп. Застосовували ФБМ терапію щурам експериментальної групи. Для цього використовували лазерний пристрій «Ліка-терапевт» у безперервному режимі при довжині хвилі 660 нм, вихідній потужності 50 мВт та щільність енергії 1 Дж/см². Евтаназію тварин проводили на 14 день після індукції ран. Кров для дослідження брали методом відкритої серцевої пункції. Вивчали агрегацію тромбоцитів при концентраціях індуктора агрегації АДФ 5 мкмоль/л та 10 мкмоль/л. Визначали рівні активних форм кисню (АФК), гамма інтерферону (INF-γ) та основного фактору росту фібробластів (bFGF) в сироватці крові тварин методом імуноферментного аналізу. При вивченні впливу ФБМ терапії на функціональну активність тромбоцитів у щурів експериментальної групи спостерігалося достовірне підвищення часу досягнення максимальної швидкості агрегації. Ступінь агрегації та швидкість агрегації тромбоцитів не відрізнялися від відповідних показників тварин контрольної групи, ранові дефекти яких отримували фіктивну терапію. При застосуванні ФБМ терапії виявлено зміни експресії досліджуваних показників у сироватці крові тварин із ускладненими ранами: зниження рівнів АФК і INF-γ та підвищення концентрації bFGF при загоєнні ран у фазі проліферації – переходу проліферації в фазу ремоделювання. Результати дослідження демонструють здатність ФБMтерапії підвищувати ендогенні рівні bFGF, моделювати рівні INF-γ та АФК, а також впливати на агрегаційну активність тромбоцитів, тим самим сприяючи регуляції репаративних процесів ускладнених ран у фазі проліферації – переходу проліферації в фазу ремоделювання. Потрібні подальші дослідження з оптимізації параметрів, що застосовуються в ФБM терапії при загоєнні ран.
Estádio da Machava
Authors: Wane Marílio
Published: May 2022

Este ensaio aborda a notória baixa repercussão midiática de um fato histórico de grande relevância no debate público para os três países diretamente envolvidos: Moçambique, Portugal e Brasil. Trata-se da partida de futebol entre as seleções nacionais de Portugal e Brasil, disputada a 30 de junho de 1968 e que completou 50 anos em 2018, durante a Copa do Mundo da Rússia. Na tentativa de compreender as razões do desconhecimento generalizado em relação ao fato nos diferentes países, a reflexão aqui apresentada aborda os condicionalismos políticos e ideológicos da produção da memória nos diferentes contextos em questão. Para além das particularidades observáveis sobre o tema em cada um dos países, este ensaio procura entrever os pontos comuns de diálogo existentes nas diferentes construções discursivas das identidades nacionais, suas rupturas, continuidades, convergências e contradições.
Electrochemical Seebeck coefficient of Fe2+/Fe3+ in acetone–methanol mixed solution
Authors: Komatsu Toshiki , Inoue Dai , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: May 2022

The electrochemical Seebeck coefficient (α) of Fe2+/Fe3+ in acetone–methanol (MeOH) mixed solution was systematically investigated against the acetone molar ratio (n) and molar ratio of Fe3+ to Fe (n
Fe3+). At n
Fe3+ = 0.75, α monotonously increases with increase in n from 0.3 mV K−1 at n = 0.00 to 3.4 mV K−1 at n = 1.00. At n
Fe3+ = 0.50 and 0.25, we found anomalous dip structures in the n−α plot at n ≈ 0.9 and 0.4, respectively. Based on a spectroscopic investigation, we interpreted the observed dip structures in terms of the transition state between the FeCl4-active and FeL
6-active regions.
Analysis of relaxation time for nitrogen-containing species to enter steps on misoriented (0001) surfaces during homoepitaxial growth of 4H-SiC
Authors: Mochizuki Kazuhiro , Mishima Tomoyoshi
Published: May 2022

Reported experimental results on homoepitaxially grown nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC on (03

3

¯

8) and misoriented (0001) substrates under carbon-rich conditions in a SiH4–C3H8–N2–H2 system were analyzed according to surface diffusion theory dealing with step kinetics. On misoriented (0001) surfaces at 1723–1873 K, the relaxation time for a silicon adatom to enter a step was negligibly small. This finding, however, was not the case with the relaxation time for nitrogen-containing species (τ
k
N). The ratio of τ
k
N to the residence time of the nitrogen-containing species on the surfaces was estimated to be 0.1–0.2 at 1723–1823 K and 0.04 at 1873 K.
Relative viscosity evaluation of low-volume samples using capillary flow under differential pressure
Authors: Sakamoto Kenji , Okazaki Nobumitsu , Makino Koji , Osawa Yukihiro , Sanari Nobuyuki , Hachiya Yuriko , Ohno Koki
Published: May 2022

In this study, we newly considered the analysis of capillary flow under differential pressure, which extends the previous study and allows the independent measurement of relative viscosity and the product of relative surface tension and contact angle for low-volume samples. The theory of this method is explained, and it is demonstrated that relative viscosity and surface tension with contact angle can be obtained independently by measuring the capillary flow under differential pressure. We conducted capillary flow experiments with a small sample volume (less than 100 μl) using a measurement system comprising a flow measurement unit, capillary chip, and differential pressure mechanism. The relative viscosities of pure water and dilute ethanol solutions obtained in the experiment were in one-to-one correspondence with the values in the Chemical Handbook. This also shows that relative surface tension can be determined using these measurement results and the separately measured contact angle values.
Power scaling of diode-pumped Er:Y2O3 ceramic laser at 2.7 μm
Authors: Ding Manman , Li Xuanxi , Wang Fei , Shen Deyuan , Wang Jun , Tang Dingyuan , Zhu Heyuan
Published: May 2022

We report on the high-power and room temperature operation of an Er:Y2O3 ceramic laser at ∼2.7 μm based on home-developed high optical quality ceramic samples. Pumped directly into the upper laser level with a spectrally narrowed 976 nm laser diode beam shaped to have a 1D top-hat profile, the laser-generated 13.4 W of CW output power with a slope efficiency of 16.0% with respect to absorbed pump power. In a modified resonator design, a lasing slope efficiency of 23.7% has been demonstrated. To our knowledge, this represents the highest power at ∼2.7 μm spectral region from a room temperature sesquioxide laser.
PREVALENCE OF MICROORGANISMS IN GALL BLADDER ASPIRATE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC/OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR CHRONIC CALCULUS CHOLECYSTITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
Authors: Shrivastava Rishi Ranjan , Sengupta Pratip , Hajra Suniti Kumar , Chowdhury Debayan
Published: May 2022

Background: Gallstone disease remains one of the most common medical problems leading to surgical
intervention. The presence of gallstones within either the gallbladder or biliary tree is associated with the
bacterial colonization of the bile. In the vast majority of cases, infection is due to bacteria originating from the biliary tract. The
incidence and type of bacteria involved and their susceptibility to antibiotics can be accurately predicted by bacteriological
examination of the bile and a suitable antibiotic regimen can then be selected to minimize post-surgical infections. Therefore, it
is important to know the microbiological ora of the gallbladder before prophylactic antibiotics are given.
Materials and Methods: Study design: Study area: A descriptive study. Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Hospital,
Kolkata. from October 2017 to April 2019 (18 months). Sample size: 300 patients admitted in the Department of General Surgery
undergoing Laparoscopic/Open Cholecystectomy. Inclusion criteria: Patients diagnosed with Chronic Calculous
Cholecystitis belonging to any age or sex. Exclusion criteria: Patients with acute cholecystitis, empyema gallbladder,
mucocele of gallbladder, gallstones along with bile duct stones. Methodology: Intraoperatively, 2ml bile from gallbladder was
aspirated and sent for microbiological analysis. Each specimen was inoculated on two blood agar plates and one MacConkey
agar plate. Growth was conrmed from colony characteristics, by Gram's staining, biochemical reactions and any special tests
required conrming the particular bacterium. Antibiotic sensitivity was done by Kirby-Bauer method.
Results: Bile Culture was positive in 39(13%) patients, of which majority were Females(61.5%) and majority were in the 61-80
age group for both. The most common organism cultured in Bile was E.coli(59%), followed by Klebsiella (25.6%). Majority were
sensitive to Cefuroxime (28.2%), followed by Ciprooxacin (20.5%). Metronidazole was found sensitive in 12.8% cases
whereas, Levooxacin, Meropenem and Piperacillin-Tazobactam were sensitive in 10.3%, 12.8 and 5.1% cases. 3 cases (7.7%)
were found to contain microorganisms resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Conclusion: Biliary cultures were positive in 13% of cases with enterobacteria being the most frequent isolate.
World bibliography and international bibliographic cooperation
Authors: Senchenko Mykola
Published: May 2022

The article considers and compares the main trends in the development of world bibliographic activities, the work of the IFLA Bibliography Section, which regulates international and national bibliography. A brief historical background on the aspects of the origin of the international bibliography is given and the specifics of compiling the first bibliographic indexes, such as "General Library", "Sea of Books", "Common European Lexicon of Books" and others.
The formation of international bibliographic cooperation as one of the areas of bibliographic activity dates back to the second half of the XIX century, that was related to intensive development of publishing business and, as a result, increase of producing of the printed products, and also with creation in many countries of the world of bibliographic and library national society.
Emphasis is placed on the great importance for the development of bibliography and international bibliographic cooperation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
Attention is focused on the history of formation of the world bibliography, organizational and technological problems of bibliographic design of electronic network resources.