bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the invasion dynamics of the African citrus psyllid: The role of human-mediated dispersal and urban and peri-urban citrus trees
Authors: Nunes Pedro , Robinet Christelle , Branco Manuela , Franco José Carlos
Published: May 2023

The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera, Triozidae), is native to tropical Africa and invasive species in North America and Europe. The main host plants are citrus, displaying a preference for lemon trees. This psyllid was recently detected in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula, both in Spain and Portugal. Here, we used a model combining a reaction-diffusion model to a stochastic long-distance dispersal model to simulate the invasion dynamics of T. erytreae in Portugal. The psyllid spread in Portugal was simulated between 2015 and 2021 for different combinations of model parameters: two fecundity levels; spread with and without stochastic long-distance dispersal; single or two introductions of T. erytreae; and considering or not the urban and peri-urban citrus trees, besides citrus orchards, estimated using Google Street view imagery. The incorporation of long-distance human mediated dispersal significantly improved the F1-score in the model validation using the official reports as the observed data. Concomitantly, the dispersal rate of T. erytreae in Portugal was on average about 66 km/year, whereas removing long-distance dispersal events, the observed mean was 7.8 ± 0.3 km/year. The dispersal was mainly towards the south along the coastline, where human population is concentrated. The inclusion of the estimated citrus trees outside orchards areas significantly increased the F1-score in the model validation, revealing the importance these isolated host plants hold as stepping stones for the species current invasion and possibly for other species alike.
Tree diversity reduces co-infestation of Douglas fir by two exotic pests and pathogens
Authors: Stemmelen Alex , Castagneyrol Bastien , Ponette Quentin , Prospero Simone , San Martin Gilles , Schneider Salome , Jactel Hervé
Published: May 2023

The number of non-native invasive pests and pathogens has increased dramatically in recent years, with disastrous consequences for the health of forests worldwide. Multiple studies have shown that mixed forests may suffer less damage from insect pests than single species forest. This “associational resistance” can be notably explained by the fact that heterospecific neighbours make it more difficult for herbivores to locate and then exploit their host tree. However, the validity of these findings in the case of non-native, invasive pests and pathogens remains to be demonstrated. In this study, we monitored over two hundred Douglas firs in pure and mixed plots of a tree diversity experiment to assess the damage from the non-native gall midge Contarinia pseudotsugae and the non-native needle cast Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii. The probability of Swiss needle-cast infection was lower in Douglas fir trees surrounded by heterospecific neighbours. Gall midge damage was lower on Douglas firs surrounded by taller neighbours, consistent with the hypothesis of reduced host Apparency. Douglas fir trees that were more damaged by C. pseudotsugae were also more often infected by N. gaeumannii. Our study thus provides partial support of the associational resistance hypothesis of mixed forests against exotic pests and pathogens. Promoting forest species diversity at the stand level could, therefore, offer interesting prospects for reducing the impact of biological invasions, especially those involving both pests and pathogens.
Citizen science at school increases awareness of biological invasions and contributes to the detection of exotic ambrosia beetles
Authors: Colombari Fernanda , Battisti Andrea
Published: May 2023

The serious and growing threat posed by biological invasions to biodiversity and livelihoods means that public engagement in dealing with problems of invasive alien species is ever more urgent and necessary hence a citizen science experiment was carried out in north-eastern Italy. The study aimed i) to raise awareness of invasive alien species threatening trees and forests, and ii) to perform monitoring activities of a group of wood borers as an example, involving teachers and students (aged 11 to 18) of high schools. Students and teachers were given background knowledge and trained about the protocol for collecting data in schoolyards/grounds. Native (Anisandrus dispar (Fabricius, 1792), Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg, 1837)) and exotic ambrosia beetles (Anisandrus maiche Kurentsov, Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford), Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky, 1866), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894)) were used as the target species, as they could be easily detected through accessible and low-cost traps requiring limited effort. The traps were exposed for 24 hours weekly between March and June 2021. The experiment also aimed to strengthen public involvement, connecting environmental education and experiential outdoor learning. The mutual collaboration resulted in a wider knowledge of the potential impact of exotic species. It also led to new geographical citizen-science records of two alien ambrosia beetles considered to be quarantine pests by the European Union: C. mutilatus, new for the European part of the EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) region, and A. maiche, which was previously found only in Eastern European EPPO member countries.
Eradication programs against non-native pests and pathogens of woody plants in Europe: which factors influence their success or failure?
Authors: Branco Sofia , Douma Jacob C. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Gomez-Gallego Mireia , Marcais Benoit , Prospero Simone , Franco José Carlos , Jactel Hervé , Branco Manuela
Published: May 2023

When a non-native species succeeds in establishing in a new habitat, one of the possible responses is to attempt its eradication. In the present study, we analysed European eradication programmes against non-native pests and pathogens of woody plants (PPWP) from 1945 to date. Our main goal was to identify which factors affect the success of an eradication programme, reinforcing guidelines for future eradication of PPWP. Data on eradication campaigns were obtained from online databases, scientific and grey literature, and Plant Protection Organizations’ reports. Factors influencing eradication success for both arthropods and pathogens were analysed with LASSO regression and decision tree learning.

A total of 848 cases officially declared as eradication attempts were documented in our database (8-fold higher than previous reports). Both the number of programmes and their rate of success increased sharply over the last two decades. Only less than 10% of the non-native organisms affecting woody plants were targeted for attempted eradication despite the high economic and ecological impacts caused by some species for which no efforts were undertaken. Almost one-third of the officially declared cases of eradication concerned organisms that were still restricted to the material with which they were introduced. For these cases the success rate was 100%. The success rate of established species was only 50% for arthropods and 61% for pathogens. The spatial extent of the outbreak was the factor that most affected the outcome of eradication campaigns. The eradication success decreased abruptly above 100 ha for arthropods and 10 ha for pathogens. Additionally, other variables were shown to influence the outcome of eradication programmes, in particular the type of environment, with the highest eradication success rate found in nurseries and glasshouses, with successful outcomes increasing if quarantine measures were applied and when monitoring included asymptomatic plants. Particular species traits may reduce eradication success: parthenogenetic arthropods, saprotrophic pathogens, wind dispersal, the possibility to remain asymptomatic indefinitely, and the existence of resting spores or stages.

In conclusion, small affected areas, quick response, and efficient implementation of quarantine restrictions, together with particular species traits, may allow a high probability of eradication success. Preparedness at the country and European level would allow a larger number of target species to be included in future eradication programmes.
La France et l’islam, ou le degré zéro des Écritures
Authors: Hanne Olivier
Published: May 2023

Il est devenu impossible de parler d’islam en France, marquée par ce que Barthes appelait une « écriture policière » . Pourtant, les procès sur les attentats ont indiqué une approche dépassionnée de la religion.
Prediction of blast-induced air overpressure using a hybrid machine learning model and gene expression programming (GEP): A case study from an iron ore mine
Authors: Kazemi Mohammad Mirzehi Kalateh , Nabavi Zohreh , Khandelwal Manoj
Published: May 2023

Mine blasting can have a destructive effect on the environment. Among these effects, air overpressure (AOp) is a major concern. Therefore, a careful assessment of the AOp intensity should be conducted before any blasting operation in order to minimize the associated environmental detriment. Several empirical models have been established to predict and control AOp. However, the current empirical methods have many limitations, including low accuracy, poor generalizability, consideration only of linear relationships among influencing parameters, and investigation of only a few influencing parameters. Thus, the current research presents a hybrid model which combines an extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XGB) with grey wolf optimization (GWO) for accurately predicting AOp. Furthermore, an empirical model and gene expression programming (GEP) were used to assess the validity of the hybrid model (XGB-GWO). An analysis of 66 blastings with their corresponding AOp values and influential parameters was conducted to achieve the goals of this research. The efficiency of AOp prediction methods was evaluated in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the calculations, the XGB-GWO model has performed as well as the empirical and GEP models. Next, the most significant parameters for predicting AOp were determined using a sensitivity analysis. Based on the analysis results, stemming length and rock quality designation (RQD) were identified as two variables with the greatest influence. This study showed that the proposed XGB-GWO method was robust and applicable for predicting AOp driven by blasting operations.
Decay rate of the solutions to the Lord Shulman thermoelastic Timoshenko model
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Saad Sofian Abuelbacher Adam , Jan Rashid , Boulaaras Salah
Published: May 2023

In this work, we deal with a one-dimensional Cauchy problem in Timoshenko system with thermal effect and damping term. The heat conduction is given by the theory of Lord-Shulman. We prove that the dissipation induced by the coupling of the Timoshenko system with the heat conduction of Lord-Shulman's theory alone is strong enough to stabilize the system, but with slow decay rate. To show our result, we transform our system into a first order system and, applying the energy method in the Fourier space, we establish some pointwise estimates of the Fourier image of the solution. Using those pointwise estimates, we prove the decay estimates of the solution and show that those decay estimates are very slow.
Diversity of duckweed (Lemnaceae) associated yeasts and their plant growth promoting characteristics
Authors: Kajadpai Napapohn , Angchuan Jirameth , Khunnamwong Pannida , Srisuk Nantana
Published: May 2023

The diversity of duckweed (Lemnaceae) associated yeasts was studied using a culture-dependent method. A total of 252 yeast strains were isolated from 53 duckweed samples out of the 72 samples collected from 16 provinces in Thailand. Yeast identification was conducted based on the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis. It revealed that 55.2% and 44.8% yeast species were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota duckweed associated yeasts, respectively. Among all, Papiliotrema laurentii, a basidiomycetous yeast, was found as the most prevalent species showing a relative of frequency and frequency of occurrence of 21.8% and 25%, respectively. In this study, high diversity index values were shown, indicated by the Shannon-Wiener index (H′), Shannon equitability index (EH) and Simpson diversity index (1-D) values of 3.48, 0.86 and 0.96, respectively. The present results revealed that the yeast community on duckweed had increased species diversity, with evenness among species. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed no marked differences in yeast communities among duckweed genera. The species accumulation curve showed that the observed species richness was lower than expected. Investigation of the plant growth promoting traits of the isolated yeast on duckweed revealed that 178 yeast strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at levels ranging from 0.08–688.93 mg/L. Moreover, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization were also studied. One hundred and seventy-three yeast strains produced siderophores and exhibited siderophores that showed 0.94–2.55 activity units (AU). One hundred six yeast strains showed phosphate solubilization activity, expressed as solubilization efficiency (SE) units, in the range of 0.32–2.13 SE. This work indicates that duckweed associated yeast is a potential microbial resource that can be used for plant growth promotion.
Un printemps agité : la Finlande, la Suède et l’OTAN
Authors: Clerc Louis
Published: May 2023

Le conflit en Ukraine, résultant de la tentative d’invasion russe de cet État en février 2022, a eu des effets importants sur les équilibres géopolitiques européens. En Suède et en Finlande, deux pays nordiques ayant adopté à la fin des années 1990 des formes de non-alignement militaire, la guerre en Ukraine a relancé le débat sur une possible adhésion à l’OTAN. En quelques semaines, les deux États ont renoncé à leur non-alignement pour déposer ensemble une demande d’adhésion à l’alliance atlantique. L’article revient sur les débats concernant l’OTAN dans ces deux pays et expose la situation actuelle, marquée encore par les atermoiements hongrois et turcs pour ratifier les adhésions finlandaise et suédoise.
Le poème corona danois du tout début de la pandémie
Authors: Allouche Lea
Published: May 2023

Peu après que le gouvernement danois ait décidé de faire entrer en vigueur un confinement du pays, des poèmes sur la Covid-19 apparaissent dans la presse et sur les réseaux sociaux. Le journal Information invite les poètes danois Marianne Larsen, Pia Tafdrup, Klaus Høeck, Peter Laugesen, Thomas Boberg et Morten Søndergaard à écrire un « poème corona ». Le premier poème est publié le premier jour du confinement, et durant les semaines qui suivent cinq autres poèmes sont publiés dans ce même journal. Les six poèmes ont beaucoup en commun : ils s’orientent vers d’autres œuvres littéraires pour décrire l’expérience de vivre dans un monde qui soudainement est devenu trop réel ou irréel. Ils attestent d’une nouvelle sensibilité d’un « nous » d’individus isolés, ils retravaillent le langage de la Covid-19 pour chercher s’il garde en lui quelques vérités sur la pandémie, et ils explorent à quoi ressemble la matérialité de ce langage sur les pages du poème, sa sonorité et la prononciation des mots, qui sont dans toutes les bouches. Dans cet article, j’analyserai les six poèmes dans leur contexte en m’appuyant sur le travail de Jonathan Culler sur la poésie et la société au moment d’une crise. Ensuite, je me pencherai sur le travail de Jahan Ramazani sur la poésie et le journal pour étudier le rôle de l’actualité dans le poème où le journal n’est pas seulement un moyen matériel où sont publiés ces poèmes mais également et avant tout la source du langage particulier dans les poèmes. Pour conclure, prenant comme point de départ la conceptualisation sur les phases de la littérature de crise d’Unni Langås, je m’interrogerai sur le devenir de ces poèmes corona écrits au tout début de la pandémie : seront-ils lus ? Si oui, de quelle manière ?
Accounting Systems With Smart Contracts
Authors: Saraiva Helena I. B. , Vieira Paulo A. A.
Published: May 2023

The theme of accounting in blockchain environment has been referenced and theoretically discussed over the last few years in international publications, both of academic and professional nature. However, until today, there are no other known works that pursued a path in order to perform accounting records in blockchain. In the present work the authors go beyond this, as they will demonstrate, also proposing a practical solution for its implementation and use in a generalized way. The authors present two new proofs of concept, which are part of an ongoing work process to obtain the development of the Portuguese accounting system using blockchain. The most recent of the sequential steps was designing and developing the tokenization process and a Dapp that will be used to perform and consult accounting operations through any mobile device, by developing smart contracts. In a near future, this system will allow accounting operations to be carried out, in a simple way, on the blockchain, assuming implications for the way in which accountants, users of financial information, and software houses work.
Supply Chain Performance Measurement and Organizational Alignment in an Uncertain World
Authors: Vishwasrao Rohan
Published: May 2023

In an extremely volatile environment, traditional performance measurement approaches have proven ineffective. To prepare for disruptions, companies historically have utilized scenario planning capabilities to build redundancy, flexibility, and develop early detection capabilities. In this chapter, the authors provide guidance on selecting the right ‘causal linkages' between supply chain objectives and performance measures, relevant to the scenarios being evaluated. The authors describe how organizations can leverage the maturity model approach in conjunction with foundational concepts of perspective-based performance evaluation models, like the balanced scorecard (BSC), to define a comprehensive performance measurement framework. The authors propose using maturity models – which by design provide a roadmap to the next level of performance – as a structured way of identifying any supply chain's current capability or maturity level. A holistic framework for operational metric alignment and KPI governance, based on perspective-based modeling design principles is presented.
Autonomous Integrated Business Planning
Authors: Shaikh Salim
Published: May 2023

In the wake of the industrial revolution, the supply chain has been subjected to a linear evolution process over the course of the past four decades. However, companies today are operating in a new world, which presents new challenges. The digital revolution, which is characterized by innovations such social, news, events, and weather (SNEW) data, demand sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), amongst other things. Autonomous IBP involves a closed-loop continuous process, in which various internal and external stakeholders come together in a formal structured process to create an integrated company game plan. It has the ability to ingest real-time signals (from the digital edge via SNEW data and competitor promotions, as well as from physical assets like smartphones, sensors, radars, and satellites), provide predictive visibility to warn or sense a disruption before it happens, and then leverage prescriptive analytics to manage the unpredictable through risk mitigation plans.
Retail Procurement Strategies in Disruptive Environments
Authors: Gupta Varun
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this book chapter is to explore different strategies that retail procurement managers can exploit when there are disruptions in their supply chains. The initial research of the chapter is based on a review of supply chain disruption literature and specific case studies of procurement strategies that factor into disruption events. With globalization and increasingly complex supply chains, disruptions can devastate a business as its entire supply stream can be cut off. This chapter summarizes key concepts and best practices from the literature and industry case studies to understand disruption-related supply chain issues and discusses strategies that can give a competitive advantage to retail procurement managers.
Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Retail Industry and Its IoT Applications' Security Vulnerabilities
Authors: Pal Kamalendu
Published: May 2023

The global retail industry changed drastically over the recent years as online shopping, led by gigantic Amazon, harvests an ever-increasing large share of the total retail market with the coronavirus pandemic making the future uncertain for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Today's customers are increasingly expecting a tailored, personalized shopping experience. They expect to be able to shop anywhere, at any time, and from any location. In this context, information and communication technology (ICT) is ushering in a new dawn for retail customers. The internet of things (IoT) is the new generation of internet-connected ICT systems in a digital environment that plays an essential role in retail business process automation. However, security issues in IoT-based retail applications have caught significant attention in academia and industry. Therefore, there is a need to educate retail business operation managers about the potential security risks of IoT-based business information systems.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and IoT Architecture to Support Smart Governance
Authors: Samuel Prithi , Jayashree K.  , Babu R.  , Vijay K.
Published: May 2023

The usage of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that depend on massive volumes of data, which are frequently made available through IoT, is thus directly related to the creation of smart governments. In order to increase the effectiveness of governance and the standard of living for citizens, Internet - of - things enabled AI technologies can be used in several important areas of smart government. In order to provide fulfilled government functions, AI and its subdomain innovations have the opportunity to address a number of current organizational inadequacies. In this chapter the foundations, benefits, and challenges implementing these technologies in the public sector or government are discussed. Following that, the various AI, Ml technologies and IoT frameworks for smart governance are explored. Then the focus is on the applications and use cases of IoT, AI and machine learning for smart governance.
Recent Developments of Medical Image Processing Techniques and Challenges
Authors: Suriyan Kannadhasan , Nagarajan R.  , Manjushree Kumari J.  , Jisha Chandra C.
Published: May 2023

Medical image collaboration may be accomplished for medical practise and education by bringing the idea of CSCW to the medical imaging field. Medical pictures may be examined and diagnosed by groups of people, and individuals can talk about them on a chat system while exchanging visual image data on their terminals. The process of generating visible pictures of inside body structures for scientific and medicinal research and therapy, as well as a visible view of the function of internal tissues, is known as medical imaging. The goal of this procedure is to identify and treat disorders. This procedure generates a database of the organs' normal structure and function, making it simple to spot abnormalities. Organic and radiological imaging, using electromagnetic energy (X-rays and gamma), sonography, magnetic scopes, and thermal and isotope imaging are all part of this process.
Digital Relationship Marketing Strategies of Medical Tourism Entities
Authors: Bovsh Liudmyla A. , Hopkalo Larysa M. , Rasulova Alla M.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study was to develop a priori perspectives and practical experience of implementing digital marketing strategies of medical tourism subjects. At the same time, communication systems (channels, means, tools) were subject to analysis and digital systems and technologies for providing medical services (techniques, AI-based technologies, etc.) and facility management. The system of digital communications, the nodal channels of the medical product, which are informationally connected in the distribution system, are defined: B2B (medical and tourist companies), B2C (product implementation through other distribution channels), C2C (communication between consumers, in particular opinion leaders, people with successful medical results, etc.). The considered direct distribution channels (B2C) are key drivers of medical product strategy, which should become a priority in the development of state programs for the development of tourism and support for medicine and investment goals for the development and implementation of medical innovations.
The Way to Smart Healthcare
Authors: Kalender Zeynep Tuğçe , Vayvay Özalp
Published: May 2023

Digitalization of healthcare is not a new concept; however, nowadays the need for change has become obvious. The rapid increases in technological advancements in health and information technologies enable them to converge and develop in harmony with each other. Digital technologies are ubiquitous and aim to improve healthcare systems and allow new business models. From this point of view, selection and prioritization of them in order to keep up with the technological developments become vital. However, the allocation of resources to meet increasing demands is a multifaceted problem. In this framework, this study aims to analyze the way to smart healthcare. Therefore, initially, current technological implementations in health are reviewed. Afterward, the structure of health technology assessment models used in the selection of technology is detailed. Finally, the managerial strategies for administrative levels are presented in order to form the basis for further studies in this field.
Investigating the Effect of Drivers of Customer Equity on Continuance Use Intention of Branded Apps
Authors: Mirmehdi Seyed Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Customer equity, which is one of the key factors in modern marketing, has been recognized as an influential factor in customer loyalty and their behavioral intention. To better understand and manage customers' or users' behavioral intentions, it is necessary to find out the effect of customer equity on them. Customer equity includes the three main drivers of value equity, brand equity and relationship equity. The present research also seeks to investigate the effect of customer equity drivers on customer continuance use intention, as well as the mediating role of brand loyalty in this regard. The statistical population of the research was the users of Instagram app in a public university in Tehran. The results of the data analysis showed that the brand equity affects the brand loyalty, the relationship equity influences brand loyalty, value equity impacts customer behavioral intention, relationship equity affects customer behavioral intention and brand loyalty is effective on customer behavioral intention.
Intellectual Property Development Transformations in Chinese Societies
Authors: Zhang Shi (Jessee)
Published: May 2023

This article analyzes the current situation of China's intellectual property rights by analyzing the legislation and revision of China's intellectual property law; the development stages of China's intellectual property rights by analyzing the time of intellectual property law; and to take theoretical system of intellectual property rights with Chinese characteristics as development goal, set the statistical standards, and analyze Chinese intellectual property development deficiencies. The conclusion is that the directions of intellectual property transformation in China are ontology and culture.
Big Data-Driven Business Model Innovation (BMI) From the Perspective of Ambidexterity
Authors: Wang Lixia , Boasson Vigdis W. , Boasson Emil , Liu Yan , Chen Ying
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the dynamic path of business model innovation (BMI) driven by big data and builds a big data-driven BMI model based on ambidexterity perspective. Using the case study approach, this paper examines the ambidexterity theory and employs the structured-pragmatic-situational (SPS) research method to explore the BMI driven by big data. The findings are: 1) Companies could promote business innovation using big data from both exploratory and exploitative activities. 2) It is a dynamic process when the company promotes its BMI based on big data while balancing the ambidexterity activities. The paper illustrates the mechanism of ambidexterity for BMI driven by big data and sums up a theoretical model with general principles.
Adsorption of Nickel(II) Ions by Natural Zeolites Type
Authors: Filatova Elena G. , Pomazkina O.I.
Published: May 2023

The adsorption of nickel (II) ions by natural zeolites of the Sokirnitskoe (Transcar-pathia, Ukraine) and Kholinskoye (Eastern Transbaikalia, Russia) deposits has been studied. According to X-ray phase analysis data, the zeolite-containing sample of the Sokirnitskoe deposit contains at least 75 wt. % clinoptilolite and impurity rock - quartz SiO2. The sample of the Kholinskoye deposit consists of heulandite (not less than 75 wt. %), as well as an impurity rock - potassium spar KAlSi3O8. The assessment of the ad-sorption capacity of zeolites with respect to nickel (II) ions was carried out on the basis of the analysis of adsorption isotherms. The pH of the medium of the studied aqueous solutions was 5.5–5.8. The value of ad-sorption of nickel (II) ions by heulandite is twice that for clinoptilolite and amounts to 0.104 mmol/L. The adsorption of nickel (II) ions was investigated using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. On the basis of the Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption model, the values of the free energy of adsorption are determined. That indicates the physical nature of the interaction of the adsorptive and the adsorbent, in the case of the zeolite of the Sokirnitskoe deposit. It is shown that the adsorption of nickel (II) ions by the zeolite of the Kholinskoye deposit proceeds according to the ion-exchange mechanism. This explains the higher adsorption values of nickel (II) ions by this sample.
Selection of the Optimal Reagent for Low-Turbidity Water Treatment at High Permanganate Oxidability
Authors: Bykova P.G. , Dudanova I.P. , Palagin E.D.
Published: May 2023

The results of laboratory studies on selection of reagents and optimal dose during treatment of low-mast water of Saratov reservoir with high permanganate oxidability are presented. Laboratory studies of purification of low-yield water with high permanganate oxidability by POHA coagulants «Aqua-Aurat 30», aluminum sulfate and flocculants Praestol 650, PAA and Magnofloc LT-20 are presented, which can provide maximum degree of water clarification, with minimum content of residual aluminum in drinking water and permanganate oxidability value. The obtained results of experimental studies on the coagulation of low-flow waters of the Saratov reservoir with high permanganate oxidation in the flood period showed that the maximum decrease in permanganate oxidation concentration is achieved by settling at an optimal dose of coagulant «Aqua-Aurat 30» – 8.0 mg/dm3 by Al2O3 and a dose of flocculant Praestol 650 – 0.3 mg/dm3. The value of residual aluminium in purified water is 0.03 mg/dm3.
Accumulation of Microelements and Mineral Formation in Microbial Mats of Thermal Springs of Kamchatka (Far East, Russia)
Authors: Lebedeva E.G. , Kharitonova N.A. , Bragin I.V.
Published: May 2023

The chemical composition, distribution, and abundance of physiological groups of bacteria in thermal waters and microbial mats formed in the Nachikinsky, Malkinsky, and Verkhne-Paratunsky springs were studied. The degree of accumulation of microelements and formation of minerals by microbial mats of Kamchatka’s thermal springs was also analyzed. The study shows that the waters are characterized by different chemical composition, temperature, and pH content. The thermal waters under study show a low composition and numbers of functional groups of bacteria with the predominance of thionic bacteria. Prevalence of saprophytic, thionic, sulfate-reducing, manganese-oxidizing, ammonifying and nitrifying microorganisms in microbial mats was registered. The relevance of formed microbial mats in the concentration of many heavy metals, alkaline and alkaline earth elements was shown. Thus, cobalt, vanadium, arsenic (Nachikinsky), beryllium, cobalt (Malkinsky), cobalt and scandium (Verkhne-Paratunsky) were most concentrated in microbial mats of Kamchatka’s hydrotherms. All studied microbial communities show the lowest accumulation of Li (1.17-2.22), Sr (2.11-2.79), Rb (2.61-3.12), Cs (2.88-2.98) and As (1.98-2.58). The formation of minerals was found in algo-bacterial mats: quartz, plagioclase, anorthite, calcite, and magnetite.
An Improved Random Forest Magnesium Alloy Prediction Method Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wei Shi Cheng , Wang Bo , Li Lin Wei
Published: May 2023

With the development of the material databases’ construction, the use of machine learning methods to process data mining to discover new materials has gradually become a hot topic. The mechanical properties of Mg alloys are related to their components and processing technologies, therefore, it is possible to build prediction model between components, processing technologies and mechanical properties. In order to improve the design efficiency of Mg alloys, using machine learning methods to build a prediction model for the mechanical properties of Mg alloys is of vital importance. To achieve efficient material design, this paper proposed an improved random forest (RF) method based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, and built a Mg alloy performance prediction model. Experiments showed that the accuracy was greatly improved compared with the original RF model, and the prediction accuracy of mechanical properties can reach more than 90%.
Measuring the impact of pruritus on epidermolysis bullosa patients: evaluation using an itch-specific instrument
Authors: Alheggi Ashjan , Alnutaifi Raneem , Alkhonezan Manal , Almudawi Norah , Alsuhaibani Renad , Moons Philip , Aljuhani Turki
Published: May 2023

Pruritus is one of the most debilitating symptoms for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). This study aimed to assess the burden of itch and to address its dimensions across patients with EB. Forty-six patients with EB were recruited from the Saudi EB registry to participate. All participants completed the Leuven Itch Scale. The sample included 5 patients with EB simplex (EBS), 3 with junctional EB (JEB), 34 with dystrophic EB (DEB), and 4 patients had unknown type. Overall, 97.8% patients reported itch. In patients with itch, 73.3% reported that it was often or always present, longer than 2 h Itch episodes was reported by JEB (66.7%) and recessive DEB (RDEB) (3.2%). Itch, in all its dimensions, was worst in patients with JEB and DEB than EBS. Itch occurred mostly in a hot environment (80%), when sweating (71.1%), in healing wounds (40%), and during dressing change (35.6%) whereas cold environment resulted in itch in only (2.2%). The burden of pruritus increased with increasing age. This study highlights a challenging area in EB care with a need for specific treatments.
An Alternative Treatment for Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: High-intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Lee* Keen Whye , Lee Chyi-Long
Published: May 2023

Uterine fibroids and adenomyosis are benign tumors commonly seen in gynecology clinics, more than cancers of the cervix or uterine cancers. Surgical methods for adenomyosis are often unsatisfactory, difficult, and not reproducible. Ultrasound (US)-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (US-guided HIFU) adds another dimension to surgery for the treatment of fibroids and adenomyosis. It offers patients an alternative choice to be treated. US-guided HIFU revolutionizes the art of surgery and is a new disruption in the world of medicine.
Synthesis and characterization of inclusion complex of -cyclodextrin and triazole picrate
Authors: Hichri S. , Matoussi N. , Abderrahim R.
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Inclusion complex between 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole picrate and β-cyclodextrin was synthesized in order to increase the picrate solubility. The complex was obtained by co-precipitation method and its stoichiometry is 1:1 (guest–host). The structure of picrate and complex has been established by UV, X-ray diffractometry powder spectra, TGA, DSC, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The influence of the effect of pH on the complexation has been discussed. The value of apparent formation constant is 1.2 x 104.

 

KEY WORDS: Amino triazole, Picrate, Inclusion complex, pH

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 973-982.                                                         

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.13
Design, synthesis, and cytotoxic activity of some novel N-(substituted) benzamide derivatives bearing coumarin and 1-azocoumarin compounds
Authors: H. Al-Hazmi Ghaferah
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Among oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as coumarin and azacoumarin derivatives, the scaffold has become an important construction motif for developing new drugs. Coumarin and its derivatives possess many types of biological activities and have been reported to show significant cytotoxic activity. N-(6,8-disubstituted coumarin-3-yl)benzamides (8a-c) namely (3-N-(benzoyl) aminocoumarin-6-ylmethyl acetate (8a); N-[6-(1-acetylpyrazol-3-yldiazineyl) coumarin-3-yl] benzamide (8b); N-(8-methoxy-6-bromo-coumarin-3-yl) benzamide (8c), were synthesized via a cyclocondensation reaction of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), 5-(pyrazol-3-yl-diazineyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4), and 5-bromo-3-methoxy- 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5)  with N-benzoylglycine (7), in good yield. Treatment of compound 8c with ammonia in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate to yield N-(5-bromo-8-methoxy-1-azocoumarin-3-yl) benzamide (9). Compound (9) was acetylated with acetic anhydride to give N-(2-acetoxy-5-bromo-8-methoxyquinolin-3-yl) benzamide (10). N-(substituted coumarin and azacoumarin-3-yl) benzamides (8-10) were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against (HepG2) cell line. Furthermore, DNA flow cytometry investigation over HepG2 cells indicated that compound 8a demonstrated arrest at G1/S stages of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis by rising pre-G1 stage. Compound 8a displayed a significant tubulin polymerization inhibition.

 

KEY WORDS: Synthesis, Coumarin, Azacoumarin, Drugs, Cytotoxicity

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 1003-1019.                                                        

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.16
Synthesis and crystal structure of a mixed-ligand zinc(II) complex derived from ethyl (2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl) formate and 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Madanhire Tatenda , Van Brecht Bernardus , Abrahams Abubak’r
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. A mixed-ligand zinc(II) complex, [Zn(Hpma)(phen)Cl] (where Hpma– = N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)oxamate and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been prepared by the reaction of zinc chloride, ethyl (2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl)formate (Hdmp) and 1,10-phenanthroline under basic conditions in dimethylformamide. The structure of the complex was characterised by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis absorption and X-ray crystallography. The metal complex crystallises in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) and is composed of the five-coordinate zinc ion in a distorted spherical square pyramidal geometry. Stabilisation of single crystals occurs through hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions.

 

KEY WORDS: Zinc(II), N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)oxamate, 1,10-Phenanthroline, Crystal    structure, Hydrogen bonding, π-π Stacking, Mixed-ligand

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 891-900.                                                              

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.7
Analysis Of Training Needs Of Agricultural Extension Workers On Agroforestry In Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: E Ohara Eremi , C Eta Hilda , T Ohara Eremi , M Hichiegeri Evey
Published: May 2023

This study examined the training needs of agricultural extension workers on agroforestry in Cross River State. The study was specifically aimed at ascertaining the types of agroforestry systems practiced in the state, determining extension workers’ level of knowledge of the various agroforestry practices, determining the areas of training required by extension workers on agroforestry and ascertaining the challenges hampering extension workers’ active involvement in agroforestry activities. The area of the study was Cross River State, and the study sample consisted of 66 purposively selected extension workers in the state. Data were obtained using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, percentages and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that snail farming (ranked = 1st), shelter belt/windbreak (ranked = 2nd) and aquaforestry (ranked = 3rd) etc were some of the most popular agroforestry practices in the area. It was also observed that extension workers in the state were very conversant with taungya farming (66.7%), improved fallow/shifting cultivation (74.1%) and shelter belt/windbreak (70.4%) among other agroforestry practices, but not too conversant with alley cropping, aquaforestry and integrated taungya farming. The results further showed that extension workers needed training in various areas of agroforesy practices, including effective communication skills, technical knowledge/skills, ecosystem management, start-up procedures and processing operations, and policy formation etc. However, the study noted that extension workers faced funding, training, manpower shortages and lack of government support challenges among others in participating in agroforestry. The study recommended the provision of agroforesty training to extension workers, improved government funding of extension services and increase in monthly salaries and special allowances for extension workers among others.
School location and levels of teaching effectiveness of mathematics teachers in terms of knowledge of subject matter and effective classroom communication in calabar education zone of cross river state, nigeria
Authors: Bernard Diwa Otu , Maria Sunday Ofie , Richard Ayuh Ojini , Kingsley Bekom Abang , Caroline Iserom Ita
Published: May 2023

This study examined school location and the levels of teaching effectiveness of Mathematics teachers in terms of knowledge of subject matter and effective classroom communication in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Literature related to the variables under this study were reviewed accordingly. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The census sampling technique was adopted for the study. A sample of 201 teachers were randomly selected for the study. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. To test the hypotheses independent t-test and population t-test analysis statistical technique were adopted. The .05 level of significance was used for the statistical testing of the hypotheses. The result of the analysis revealed that, school location significantly influence teaching effectiveness of Mathematics teachers in terms of knowledge of subject matter and effective classroom communication. The result also revealed that the levels of teaching effectiveness of Mathematics teachers in terms of knowledge of subject matter and effective classroom communication in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State are significantly high. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers should use chalk that will give a sharp contrast and easy to the students’ view, the teacher should write boldly and legibly. The teacher should face the students while explaining steps involved in calculation in mathematics, teachers should avoid blocking the students’ view of the board while writing. Also, government should not relent in the effort in sustaining best school plant planning in schools.
Heteroscedasticity of unknown form: a comparison of five heteroscedasticity-consistent covariance matrix (hccm) estimators
Authors: C Nwangburuka , M A Ijomah , M T Nwakuya
Published: May 2023

Regression model applications frequently involve violations of the homoscedasticity assumption and the presence of high leverage points (HLPs). The Heteroscedasticity-Consistent Covariance Matrix (HCCM) estimator's impact in the presence of heteroscedasticity of an unknown form was investigated in this study. The effectiveness of five variations of HCCM namely White’s estimator (HC0), White-Hinkley (HC1), Mackinnon White (HC2), Davison –Mackinnon (HC3), and Cribari-Neto (HC4) were accessed to identify the optimal Heteroscedasticity-Consistent Covariance Matrix (HCCM) estimator. In the study a simulated dataset was analysed using the Econometric View Software Version 12. The Breush-Pagan Godfery’s test for heteroscedasticity was applied and p-value of 0.0123 was obtained indicating presence of heteroscedasticity in the model. Applying the HCCM estimators and comparing the Heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors estimates showed that HCO had 124.104, HC1 had 1189.222, HC2 had 1175.282, HC3 had 1106.94 and HC4 had 1140.707. These results reveal that HC3 and HC4 produced smaller errors compared to HC0, HC1 and HC2. The study hence comes to the conclusion that when doing inferential tests using OLS regression, the use of HCSE estimator increases the researcher's confidence in the accuracy and potency of those tests. This study therefore suggests that to ensure that findings are not affected by heteroscedasticity; researchers should use HCCM estimator but precisely HC3 and HC4, as the presented better results in comparison to others.
Application of inverse modelling for prediction of the surface water chemistry of the ekulu river in enugu, southeastern nigeria
Authors: Mary Ugwu Ifeoma
Published: May 2023

Surface water chemistry evolution of Ekulu River was conducted by inverse geochemical modelling using the PHREEQC computer program. In this study, samples were collected from the Ekulu river at 100m intervals, and were taken to the laboratory for major anions and cations, heavy metal and bacterial content analyses. Inverse geochemical modelling results reveal that the river evolved as a result of dissolution of siderite, quartz, gypsum, galena, sphalerite, pyrolusite and precipitation of goethite and pyrite. The Piper diagram indicates Calcium-Chloride water type, with high Ca2+ + Mg+ and Cl- + SO42 contents, which is typical of water originated from gypsum dissolution and mine drainage. The results of the analyses show that the water cannot be recommended for drinking because the E. coli and coliform contents are higher than the permissible limits. The water chemistry of Ekulu river is as a result of secondary minerals dissolution and mine drainage from Onyeama coal mine whereas the microbial content resulted from pollution from recent faeces.