bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Pyrolysis Technologies and the Effect of Process Parameters on Biocarbon Properties
Authors: Pahnila Mika , Koskela Aki , Sulasalmi Petri , Fabritius Timo
Published: October 2023

Biomass-based solutions have been discussed as having the potential to replace fossil-based solutions in the iron and steel industry. To produce the biocarbon required in these processes, thermochemical treatment, pyrolysis, typically takes place. There are various ways to produce biocarbon, alongside other products, which are called pyrolysis oil and pyrolysis gas. These conversion methods can be divided into conventional and non-conventional methods. In this paper, those techniques and technologies to produce biocarbon are summarized and reviewed. Additionally, the effect of different process parameters and their effect on biocarbon yield and properties are summarized. The process parameters considered were final pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, reaction atmosphere, pressure, catalyst, use of binders, and particle size. Finally, the effect of different reactor configurations is discussed. Understanding the combination of these methods, technology parameters, and reactor configurations will help to produce biocarbon with the desired quality and highest yield possible.
Biocatalyzed Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil for Biodiesel Production Using Lipase from the Amazonian Fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica
Authors: Rodrigues Juliana Gisele Corrêa , Cardoso Fernanda Veras , Santos Celine Campos dos , Matias Rosiane Rodrigues , Machado Nélio Teixeira , Duvoisin Junior Sergio , Albuquerque Patrícia Melchionna
Published: October 2023

The demand for biodiesel worldwide is skyrocketing as the need to replace fossil diesel with renewable energy sources becomes increasingly pressing. In this context, biocatalysis is emerging as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient alternative to chemical catalysis. When combined with the utilization of waste materials, it has the potential to make the process of biodiesel production sustainable. In the study, the potential of an extract rich in lipase produced by an Amazonian endophytic fungus as a biocatalyst in the transesterification of waste cooking oil for biodiesel production has been systematically investigated. The fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica exhibited an enzyme production of 11,262 U/mL after 120 h of cultivation. The lipolytic extract demonstrated its highest catalytic activity at 40 °C and a pH of 5.5. Using soybean oil and frying residue as raw materials, biodiesel was produced through biocatalytic transesterification, and yields of 91% and 89% (wt.), respectively, were achieved. By evaluating the process parameters, a maximum biodiesel yield of 90% was achieved using ethanol at a ratio of 3:1 ratio within 120 min. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of applying a fungal enzymatic extract as a biocatalyst in the production of ethyl esters using waste cooking oil as a raw material.
Research on Terrain Mobility of UGV with Hydrostatic Wheel Drive and Slip Control Systems
Authors: Łopatka Marian Janusz , Cieślik Karol , Krogul Piotr , Muszyński Tomasz , Przybysz Mirosław , Rubiec Arkadiusz , Spadło Kacper
Published: October 2023

The article explored the potential for enhancing the off-road mobility of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) equipped with a hydrostatic drive system. The analysis showed that effectively overcoming rough or soft terrain demands a slip limitation. In the UGVs with hydrostatic drives, flow dividers are used for this purpose. Unfortunately, they have certain drawbacks, such as reduced efficiency due to pressure losses. In order to minimize this phenomenon, an external braking system was used as a new slip control system. Therefore, simulation studies were carried out to assess the new slip control system while overcoming terrain obstacles due to the reduction of energy consumption and improving the mobility of the UGV.
Optimization of Live Prey Enrichment Media for Rearing Juvenile Short-Snouted Seahorse, Hippocampus hippocampus
Authors: Palma Jorge , Lima Ricardo , Andrade José Pedro , Lança Maria João
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to determine a nutritionally adequate feeding protocol for Hippocampus hippocampus juveniles. In the experimental trial, seahorses were fed copepods from 0–7 days post-parturition (DPP) and, from 8–28 DPP, four different dietary treatments: (copepods (control diet) (Cop); microalgae-enriched Artemia with a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio of 2:1 (ArtDHA/EPA); microalgae-enriched Artemia with a DHA/EPA ratio of 2:1 along with 5% copepods (ArtDHA/EPA5%); and with 10% copepods (ArtDHA/EPA10%)). At the end of the trial, juvenile seahorses fed Cop grew significantly more (p < 0.05) (5.1 mg d−1) than those on fish-fed diets ArtDHA/EPA5% or ArtDHA/EPA10% (3.09 and 3.07 mg d−1, respectively), or those on the fish-fed ArtDHA/EPA (1.83 mg d−1) diet, all of which performed poorly. Data suggest that feeding copepods during the first 7 DPP promotes maturation of the digestive tract of juvenile seahorses, and the addition of a limited amount of copepods to the diet improves H. hippocampus juvenile growth performance when compared with the use of Artemia as a single diet due to the improvement of the essential fatty acid profile in the diets.
MCSNet+: Enhanced Convolutional Neural Network for Detection and Classification of Tribolium and Sitophilus Sibling Species in Actual Wheat Storage Environments
Authors: Yang Haiying , Li Yanyu , Xin Liyong , Teng Shyh Wei , Pang Shaoning , Zhao Huiyi , Cao Yang , Zhou Xiaoguang
Published: October 2023

Insect pests like Tribolium and Sitophilus siblings are major threats to grain storage and processing, causing quality and quantity losses that endanger food security. These closely related species, having very similar morphological and biological characteristics, often exhibit variations in biology and pesticide resistance, complicating control efforts. Accurate pest species identification is essential for effective control, but workplace safety in the grain bin associated with grain deterioration, clumping, fumigator hazards, and air quality create challenges. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an online automated detection system. In this work, we enriched the stored-grain pest sibling image dataset, which includes 25,032 annotated Tribolium samples of two species and five geographical strains from real warehouse and another 1774 from the lab. As previously demonstrated on the Sitophilus family, Convolutional Neural Networks demonstrate distinct advantages over other model architectures in detecting Tribolium. Our CNN model, MCSNet+, integrates Soft-NMS for better recall in dense object detection, a Position-Sensitive Prediction Model to handle translation issues, and anchor parameter fine-tuning for improved matching and speed. This approach significantly enhances mean Average Precision (mAP) for Sitophilus and Tribolium, reaching a minimum of 92.67 ± 1.74% and 94.27 ± 1.02%, respectively. Moreover, MCSNet+ exhibits significant improvements in prediction speed, advancing from 0.055 s/img to 0.133 s/img, and elevates the recognition rates of moving insect sibling species in real wheat storage and visible light, rising from 2.32% to 2.53%. The detection performance of the model on laboratory-captured images surpasses that of real storage facilities, with better results for Tribolium compared to Sitophilus. Although inter-strain variances are less pronounced, the model achieves acceptable detection results across different Tribolium geographical strains, with a minimum recognition rate of 82.64 ± 1.27%. In real-time monitoring videos of grain storage facilities with wheat backgrounds, the enhanced deep learning model based on Convolutional Neural Networks successfully detects and identifies closely related stored-grain pest images. This achievement provides a viable solution for establishing an online pest management system in real storage facilities.
Recovery of Polyphenols from Rosehip Seed Waste Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Ultrasonic Waves Simultaneously
Authors: Gavarić Aleksandra , Pastor Kristian , Nastić Nataša , Vidović Senka , Živanović Nemanja , Simin Nataša , Duarte Ana Rita C. , Vladić Jelena
Published: October 2023

Rosehips are processed and consumed in numerous forms, such as juice, wine, herbal tea, yogurt, preserved fruit, and canned products. The seeds share in fruit is 30–35% and they have recently been recognized as an important source of oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. However, after defatting, seed waste may still contain some polar polyphenolic compounds, which have been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of the defatted seed waste as a source of polyphenols. For the defatting process, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction at 300 bar and 40 °C was applied. The capacity of eight different natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the recovery of phenolics from defatted rosehip seed powder (dRSP) was examined. In the extracts obtained with ultrasound-assisted NADES extraction, twenty-one phenolic compounds were identified with LC-MS/MS, among which the most abundant were quinic acid (22.43 × 103 µg/g dRSP) and catechin (571.93 µg/g dRSP). Ternary NADES formulations based on lactic acid proved to be superior. Potential correlations between identified chemical compounds, solvent polarity and viscosity, as well as the compound distributions across studied solvent combinations in PCA hyperspace, were also investigated. PCA demonstrated that more polar NADES mixtures showed improved extraction potential. The established environmentally friendly process represents an approach of transforming rosehip seed waste into value-added products with the potential to be applied in the food industry and to contribute to sustainable production.
Learning Experiences of Future Healthcare Support Workers Enrolled in a Dual Mode Vocational Training Programme
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Gámez-Vargas Iván , Ventura-Miranda María Isabel , Dobarrio-Sanz Iria , Jiménez-Lasserrotte María del Mar , Ortega-Galán Ángela María
Published: October 2023

Background: With life expectancy increasing, there is a growing need to train healthcare support workers who provide care for dependent people in healthcare centres and at home. This qualitative study, based on Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy, aimed to understand the learning experiences of future healthcare support workers currently enrolled in an intermediate, dual modality vocational training programme with regard to caring for dependent people. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants, who were all students enrolled in an intermediate level vocational training programme in care for dependent people. Fourteen in-depth interviews and one focus group session were conducted with the students. Atlas.ti 8.0 software was used to analyse the participants’ accounts. Results: The students highlighted the vocational nature of their studies and the need to feel competent and useful as a healthcare support worker for dependent people. Practice-based learning and the need for training in core competences are complementary and essential elements of the training process. Conclusions:The participants’ previous experiences were key in determining their academic trajectory and reflect their motivation and interest to learn. However, they feel vulnerable, unprotected, and lack training in psychosocial skills. Educational institutions should focus training programmes on the practice and development of psychosocial skills that motivate students to acquire transversal competences.
Health Access, Health Promotion, and Health Self-Management: Barriers When Building Comprehensive Ageing Communities
Authors: Pérez-Saiz Leticia , Ferri Sanz Mireia , Ferrando Maite , Salido Mirian Fernández , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Ferrer Jorge Garcés , Dix Rachael
Published: October 2023

A new intervention model for promoting healthy ageing grounded on integrated value-based care was developed and tested in the city of Valencia (Spain). Its implementation raised relevant barriers for older adults in their access to health, health promotion, and health self-management linked with their health and digital literacy. This new intervention model included several aspects. On the one hand, researchers together with older adults and their informal caregivers participating in the study, designed personalized care plans, based on older adults’ specific needs, to be implemented with the support of a digital solution. On the other hand, researchers and health and social professionals implemented a series of workshops in different locations of the city to encourage a sense of community among participants, reinforcing their trust in the new care model and increasing their adherence. Social activities were at the core of the workshops to understand older people’s interaction with the health and social services provided in the neighborhood. Qualitative and quantitative methods were combined to extract information from older participants on how to engage them as active actors of their health and understand their values and preferences. In the present manuscript, we focus on the qualitative results, which show that after a post-pandemic situation, they were more concerned about social isolation and desired face-to-face contact with their professional care team; however, feelings of loneliness and/or sadness were not considered among the reasons to visit health professionals. Some of the conclusions revealed that the use of technology as a supportive tool is well received but with a stress on its role as “supportive”, and not replacing the close contact with healthcare professionals. Professionals recognized the benefits of this new approach but required more time and incentives to dedicate the effort needed. The main aim of this study was to present these barriers related to health access, health promotion, and health self-management, as well as the actions developed to face them.
Research Progress on the Preparation and Function of Antioxidant Peptides from Walnuts
Authors: Hu Yuxi , Ni Ce , Wang Yingying , Yu Xun , Wu Hao , Tu Jia , Li Changzhu , Xiao Zhihong , Wen Li
Published: October 2023

Food-derived peptides have good antioxidant activity and are highly safe for humans; consequently, there has been continuous growth in research on antioxidants, with potential applications in food, medicine, cosmetics, and other fields. Among food-derived peptides, walnut-derived peptides have attracted increasing attention as food-derived peptides rich in eight essential amino acids. This review summarizes the progress made in the development and identification of antioxidant peptides in walnut proteins. This article mainly describes the interaction between reactive oxygen species and cellular antioxidant products, modulation of enzyme content and activity, and regulation of the redox signaling pathways and analyzes the mechanisms of reduction in oxidative stress. Finally, the complex structure–activity relationships of walnut-derived peptides are analyzed based on their amino acid composition and secondary structure of the polypeptides. This review provides a theoretical basis for the production of walnut-derived antioxidant peptides and could help promote the development of the walnut industry.
Novel Sulfone 2-Aminobenzimidazole Derivatives and Their Coordination Compounds: Contribution of the Ethyl and Phenyl Substituents on Non-Covalent Molecular Interactions; Biological Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Colorado-Solís David , Castro-Ramírez Rodrigo , Sánchez-Bartéz Francisco , Gracia-Mora Isabel , Barba-Behrens Norah
Published: October 2023

New sulfone 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II) compounds were obtained and fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis was performed in order to study the relevant intra and inter non-covalent interactions, mainly H···π, lone pair···π, and π···π, highlighting the difference between the terminal ethyl and phenyl groups in such interactions. Dimeric and trimeric supramolecular syntons were found for some of these compounds. Additionally, their antiproliferative activity was investigated, finding that the copper(II) compounds with the sulfone phenyl derivative were the most active.
Mitral Regurgitation Severity Assessment after Transcutaneous Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair: Recommended Integration versus Volumetric Assessment Guidelines
Authors: Shekel Efrat , Shuvy Mony , Danenberg Haim , Planer David , Gilon Dan , Leibowitz David , Beeri Ronen
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This article aims to evaluate the accuracy of the color-Doppler-based technique to evaluate residual mitral regurgitation post TEER. Background: The evaluation of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) post-mitral transcutaneous edge-to-edge repair (mitral TEER) is a critical determinant in patients’ outcomes. The common methods used today, based on the integration of color flow Doppler parameters, may be misleading because of the multiple jets and high velocities created by the TEER devices. Methods: Patients undergoing TEER at Hadassah hospital were recruited between 2015 and 2019. Post-procedural MR was evaluated using the integrated qualitative approach as recommended by the guidelines. In addition, the MR volume for each patient was calculated by subtracting the forward stroke volume (calculated by multiplying the LVOT area with the velocity time integral of the LVOT systolic flow) from the total stroke volume (calculated by the biplane Simpson method of discs). We compared the two methods for concordance. Results: Overall, 112 cases were enrolled. In 55.4% of cases, the volumetric residual MR was milder than the MR severity assessed by the guidelines’ recommended method. In 25.1%, the MR severity was similar in both methods. In 16.2%, the MR severity was worse when calculated using the volumetric method (pValue < 0.001, Kappameasure of agreement = 0.053). The lower residual MR degree using the volumetric approach was mostly observed in patients classified as “moderate” by the integrated approach. Conclusions: MR severity after TEER is often overestimated by the guideline-recommended integrative method when compared with a volumetric method. Alternative methods should be considered to assess the MR severity after mitral TEER.
PFA-Nipals: An Unsupervised Principal Feature Selection Based on Nonlinear Estimation by Iterative Partial Least Squares
Authors: Castillo-Ibarra Emilio , Alsina Marco A. , Astudillo Cesar A. , Fuenzalida-Henríquez Ignacio
Published: October 2023

Unsupervised feature selection (UFS) has received great interest in various areas of research that require dimensionality reduction, including machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis. However, UFS algorithms are known to perform poorly on datasets with missing data, exhibiting a significant computational load and learning bias. In this work, we propose a novel and robust UFS method, designated PFA-Nipals, that works with missing data without the need for deletion or imputation. This is achieved by considering an iterative nonlinear estimation of principal components by partial least squares, while the relevant features are selected through minibatch K-means clustering. The proposed method is successfully applied to select the relevant features of a robust health dataset with missing data, outperforming other UFS methods in terms of computational load and learning bias. Furthermore, the proposed method is capable of finding a consistent set of relevant features without biasing the explained variability, even under increasing missing data. Finally, it is expected that the proposed method could be used in several areas, such as machine learning and big data with applications in different areas of the medical and engineering sciences.
The Association of Toxoplasma gondii with the Combination of Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, or Chronic Liver Disease: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Babekir Amani , Mostafa Sayed , Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite widespread worldwide, with over 40 million individuals in the United States. It may infect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, resulting in chronic infections. The main objective of this study is to investigate the association of Toxoplasma infection with the combination of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic liver disease (CLD). The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2009–2010) data were used, and the association of infection with chronic disease was assessed with biomarkers and indexes using statistical modeling. The percentage of participants with a combination of CLD and CKD was higher among Toxoplasma positive participants compared to the negative participants (2.76 vs. 1.26). Furthermore, exposure to T. gondii may increase the odds of cardiovascular disease, CKD, or CLD, or vice versa.
Automatic Detection of Fiber Optic Gyroscope Intrinsic Frequency Based on Optimal Projection Approximation
Authors: Xu Jintao , Tian Ailing
Published: October 2023

To address the complexity and low detection accuracy issues in the intrinsic frequency detection process of fiber optic gyroscopes, a highly precise automatic measurement method based on optimal projection approximation is proposed. Building upon the digital closed-loop fiber optic gyroscope hardware circuit, this method generates a frequency-adjustable square wave with a 25% duty cycle through field-programmable gate array (FPGA) fractional division. Subsequently, it calculates the difference between the high and low levels of the sign bits of the modulated optical intensity signal sampled by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This yields an error signal related to the modulation frequency and intrinsic frequency. The modulation frequency is then approximated using the nearest projection of this error signal, thereby achieving automatic detection of the fiber optic gyroscope’s intrinsic frequency. The experimental results indicate that this method, requiring no external auxiliary equipment, enables rapid and highly accurate measurement of the intrinsic frequency of the fiber optic gyroscope. The measurement of intrinsic frequency takes approximately 300 milliseconds, achieving a measurement accuracy of up to 0.001 Hz.
Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneous Analysis of 22 Analytes of Oncheong-Eum, a Traditional Korean Herbal Formula
Authors: Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: October 2023

Oncheong-eum (OCE) is a traditional Korean herbal formula comprising eight medicinal herbs for treating skin disorders, including eczema and skin rashes. Here, we sought to simultaneously analyze 22 analytes of OCE using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). All analytes were separated on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) maintained at 45 °C by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid–acetonitrile. By applying a multiple reaction monitoring method, we rapidly determined the various analytes simultaneously. The coefficient of determination of the regression equation prepared in the tested concentration range of each authentic reference standard was ≥0.9950 and showed good linearity. The accuracy ranged from 84.23% to 115.47%, and the relative standard deviation values for intra- and interday precisions ranged from 0.84% to 9.57%, respectively. Analysis of OCE samples using this method showed that they contained up to 27.10 mg/g of active ingredients. The method can provide data to improve the consistency and, thus, the future quality of OCE preparations and other traditional herbal formulas.
Rhizosphere Bacterial Isolation from Indigenous Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Algerian Soils: Implications for Plant Growth Enhancement
Authors: Novello Giorgia , Bona Elisa , Toumatia Omrane , Vuolo Francesco , Bouras Noureddine , Titouah Houda , Zitouni Abdelghani , Gorrasi Susanna , Massa Nadia , Cesaro Patrizia , Todeschini Valeria , Lingua Guido , Gamalero Elisa
Published: October 2023

The Mediterranean area is one of the geographic zones most affected by land degradation and desertification and these conditions appear to be even more exacerbated by climate change. Based on this idea, this work aimed to isolate, identify, characterize, and select bacterial strains able to tolerate salinity and drought, which could possibly be used in agriculture as plant biofertilizers. The sampling of rhizosphere soil was performed in two Algerian regions, Ghardaïa and Djelfa (arid and semi-arid zones, respectively) in six provinces, targeting fourteen native plant species, known for their therapeutic use. A total of 288 bacterial strains were isolated, identified, and characterized for their growth at different temperatures and salt tolerance. Based on these capabilities, 95 isolates were selected. These strains underwent further evaluation for their plant-beneficial traits, including siderophore synthesis, auxin production, and phosphate solubilization. Additionally, we assessed their impact on tomato, cucumber, and sorghum seed germination. In a final screening step, nine bacterial strains were tested for their potential plant growth-promoting activity on tomato plants grown in semi-controlled conditions. Our results demonstrated that three strains (Bacillus simplex AH24, Microbacterium arborescens PU10, and Microbacterium paludicola AEA23) showed plant growth promotion activities on tomato.
A Simple Approach to Determine Single-Receiver Differential Code Bias Using Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Zhang Fenkai , Tang Long , Li Jiaxing , Du Xiangfeng
Published: October 2023

In this study, a precise single-receiver differential code bias (DCB) estimation method using the precise point positioning (PPP) model is presented. The first step is to extract the high-precision ionospheric observations, including DCBs, based on the PPP model. Then, the satellite DCBs are corrected using International GNSS Service (IGS) products. Lastly, the algorithm for the minimization of the standard deviation of vertical total electron content (VTECmstd) is employed to determine the value of receiver DCB. To check the method, GNSS data from more than 200 IGS stations around the globe on four days with various geomagnetic and solar activity circumstances are processed. The receiver DCBs are compared to those obtained using previous carried-to-code level (CCL) models. The experimental results show that, compared to the CCL model, the values of VTECmstd for most stations are significantly reduced, the mean number of stations with negative ionospheric measurements is reduced by 40% after correcting the receiver DCBs, and the mean error of estimated receiver DCBs is reduced by approximately 0.6 ns using the PPP model. These results suggest that this method can provide more high-precision receiver DCB estimation.
Adsorption of Lactose Using Anion Exchange Resin by Adding Boric Acid from Milk Whey
Authors: Maruyama Hideo , Seki Hideshi
Published: October 2023

The influence of adding boric acid (BA) on the adsorption behavior of lactose onto an anion exchange resin (IRA402) was investigated. By adding BA, the amount of lactose adsorbed onto IRA402 was increased ca. 20% compared to without adding BA. In the presence of BA, ca. 70% of the adsorbed lactose could desorb from IRA402, while the absorbed lactose hardly desorbed in the absence of BA. Lactose molecules were considered to bind to tertiary amine group on IRA402 by Maillard reaction. The optimum conditions of the dosage of BA and pH were found at the molar ratio of BA to lactose ranging from 1–2, and pH 7–9. The kinetics and equilibrium of lactose adsorption could be explained by the Langmuir adsorption model (best model). In the case of a real whey solution, phosphate strongly affected the adsorption behavior and could be removed as precipitation from the whey over pH 10. Whey proteins had little effect on lactose adsorption, which was ca. 30% less than that in the model system. Moreover, the different kinds of whey proteins and amino acids had little effect on the amount adsorbed. Minerals in the whey may also be considered to be responsible for the decreased adsorption in the whey.
Dendritic Cell Vaccines Impact the Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Population and Their Cytokine Generation in Mice
Authors: Chan Lily , Mehrani Yeganeh , Minott Jessica A. , Bridle Byram W. , Karimi Khalil
Published: October 2023

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines can stimulate the immune system to target cancer antigens, making them a promising therapy in immunotherapy. Clinical trials have shown limited effectiveness of DC vaccines, highlighting the need to enhance the immune responses they generate. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a diverse group of innate leukocytes that produce various cytokines and regulate the immune system. These cells have the potential to improve immunotherapies. There is not much research on how group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) communicate with DC vaccines. Therefore, examining the roles of DC vaccination in immune responses is crucial. Our research analyzed the effects of DC vaccination on the ILC2 populations and their cytokine production. By exploring the relationship between ILC2s and DCs, we aimed to understand how this could affect DC-based immunotherapies. The results showed an increase in the number of ILC2s in the local draining lymph node and spleen of tumor-free mice, as well as in the lungs of mice challenged with tumors in a pulmonary metastasis model. This suggests a complex interplay between DC-based vaccines and ILC2s, which is further influenced by the presence of tumors.
Sex Differences and Cytokine Profiles among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 and during Their Recovery: The Predominance of Adhesion Molecules in Females and Oxidative Stress in Males
Authors: Mitrović-Ajtić Olivera , Đikić Dragoslava , Subotički Tijana , Bižić-Radulović Sandra , Beleslin-Čokić Bojana , Dragojević Teodora , Živković Emilija , Miljatović Sanja , Vukotić Milica , Stanisavljević Dejana , Santibanez Juan , Čokić Vladan P.
Published: October 2023

The severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are greater in males than in females, though the infection rate is the same in the two sexes. We investigated sex hormone differences associated with the hyperinflammatory immune response to SARS-CoV-2 on the basis of patients’ cytokine profiles and vaccination statuses. Clinical and laboratory data of 117 patients with COVID-19 were collected to examine sex differences associated with oxidative stress markers, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and plasma cytokine levels up to 5 months from hospital admission. The testosterone and free testosterone levels were low in male patients with COVID-19 and returned to normal values after recovery from the disease. The dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were transiently reduced, while the sex hormone-binding globulin levels were decreased in post-COVID-19 male patients. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 appeared generally increased at diagnosis and decreased in post-COVID-19 patients. In females, the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was increased by four times at diagnosis. The levels of the coagulation markers intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin were consistently upregulated in post-COVID-19 female patients, in contrast to those of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin, and chemokine IL-8. DHT increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in the neutrophils of male patients, while estradiol decreased them in females. Markers for NET, such as circulating DNA and myeloperoxidase, were significantly more abundant in the patients’ plasma. Sex hormones have a potential protective role during SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is weakened by impaired testosterone synthesis in men.
Comparative commodity characteristics of citrus fruits
Authors:   Department of International Commerce, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Nikolaeva M.A. , Kartashova L.V. ,   FSEI "South-West", Moscow
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is a comparative analysis of the chemical composition, structure, and assessment of the quality and health value of citrus fruits of diff erent types. The article discusses different types of citrus fruits and indicates their numerous hybrids that have appeared recently. A comparative characteristic of the consumer and anatomical and morphological properties of citrus fruits of traditional types is given; their pomological and commercial varieties are indicated. The fundamental and specific indicators of the quality of citrus fruits of different types, envisioned in the modified interstate standards, have been identified. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of the useful properties of the fruits of this group. The features of packaging and storage of citrus fruits are considered.
Analysis of the labeling of foreign-made yoghurts in the domestic market
Authors:   Department of Customs and Goods Examination, FSBEI HE Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mykhailo Tugan-Baranovsky, Molokanova L.V. , Peshko T.A. ,   Department of Customs and Goods Examination, FSBEI HE Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mykhailo Tugan-Baranovsky
Published: October 2023

The article presents a brief overview of the yogurt market in the Russian Federation and the results of an analysis of the labeling of foreign-made yogurts.
Study of the possibility of characterizing food products by the glycemic index for quality control
Authors:   FSBEI HE Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH), Krasavin A.S. , Goryacheva E.D. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH), Moscow, Livinskiy A.A. ,   OOO “Semushka”, Moscow, Portnov N.M. ,   OOO "Agency KAPITAN", Moscow
Published: October 2023

The use of bread units in the development of diets for people with diabetes for almost a hundred years proved to be ineffective. The formation of a special diet for diabetics using a methodology based on the calculation of the "glycemic index" has shown that it is possible to characterize products in this way, and GI can be an identification indicator. The developed series of confectionery products has demonstrated that it is possible to control the quality of products by means of GI. GI values should be included on the label when labeling products as an identification indicator of the composition for nutrition quality management.
Implementing an energy management system: basic principles and barriers
Authors:   LLC Professional-consult. Institute of Modern Management, Russia, Moscow, Antomoshkin A.Yu.
Published: October 2023

An article by an expert on energy management systems discusses the main goals of implementing an energy management system (EnMS), such as saving energy resources and improving organizational culture, increasing employee motivation and reducing the negative impact on the environment. For the successful implementation of the EnMS at the enterprise, it is necessary to strictly follow not only the requirements of the 50001 group standards, but also change the attitude towards energy consumption at all levels of enterprise management.
Development of a building cable routing system in Model Studio CS OPS
Authors:   Department of Integrated Automation in Construction ", Shutova M.A. ,   SiSoft Development",   (CSoft Development)
Published: October 2023

One of the most important stages of designing sections of low-current systems is the creation of a system of cable routes for laying cables connected to devices. Often, the development of this stage on a 2D plan without the use of three-dimensional modeling does not provide the necessary detail and informativeness, especially on sections of turns, descents, ascents, junctions and ramifications of trails. However, the creation of a complex 3D model of cablecarrying systems allows the engineer to fully work through all sections and thereby avoid further errors and inconsistencies during installation and calculation of cable structures. For the design of cable routes of any complexity in a 3D model, the Model Studio CS OPS software product offers the functionality discussed in this article.
How are industrial enterprises today improving business processes in order to maintain operations and continue to produce products?
Authors:   LLC ", Dubrovskaya D.N. ,   LED-Effect",   , Russia, Moscow
Published: October 2023

All employees of the organization can influence the improvement of processes: from the worker to the head of the department or division. The material provides a six-step algorithm, according to which the procedure for improving the activities of the enterprise is recommended. The author also shares the experience of implementing an improvement project at an enterprise for the production of LED lamps, which brought economic results and allowed the staff to be involved in the business process improvement project.
Analysis of the problems of youth entrepreneurship development in Russia
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Law Faculty Russia, Moscow, Chernyshenko I.G.
Published: October 2023

In this article, the author examines the problems of the development of Russian youth entrepreneurship. The problems are identified depending on the variety of the sphere of legal relations, various doctrinal positions are given, revealing their specifics and the attitude of researchers and specialists. The author came to the conclusion that it is necessary to create a common strategy covering several aspects: social, financial, psychological and legal.
Lahanagiller Familyasına Ait Bazı Sebze Türlerinin Vejetatif Büyüme Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: KANDEMİR Dilek , PALA Kübra , ŞAHİN Güldane Tuğba , BALKAYA Ahmet
Published: October 2023

Lahanagil sebze türleri kışlık sebzeler içerisinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Olumsuz çevre koşulları bu sebze türlerinde büyüme ve gelişmeyi olumsuz düzeyde etkileyebilmekte ve verim unsurlarında önemli azalışlara neden olmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, bazı lahanagil türlerine ait çeşitlerde fide dikiminden itibaren belirli aralıklarla yapılan kantitatif analizlerle vejetatif büyüme özellikleri yönünden karşılaştırılması ve ortaya çıkan farklılıkların fizyolojik parametrelerle incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada, brokoli, karnabahar, Brüksel lahana, yaprak lahana, beyaz baş lahana ve kırmızı baş lahana türleri kullanılmıştır. Fide dikim tarihini takiben 45. güne kadar 15 gün aralıklı yapılan kantitatif analizlerde yaprak sayısı (adet/bitki), gövde çapı (mm), bitki boyu (cm), toprak üstü aksam yaş ve kuru ağırlığı (g), kök yaş ve kuru ağırlığı (g), bitki yaş ağırlık kuru ağırlığı (g) değerleri belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, oransal toprak üstü aksam ağırlığı ve oransal kök ağırlığı değerleri de incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda fide dikiminden itibaren 45. günde yapılan kantitatif analiz sonucunda lahanagil türlerinin vejetatif büyüme özellikleri yönünden önemli düzeyde farklılıklar gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Lahana grubu sebze türlerinde yaprak sayısı 11-14 adet/bitki arasında değişim göstermiş ve baş lahanaların yaprak sayısının diğer türlere oranla daha fazla olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bitki boyu değerleri 36 - 47 cm aralıklarında dağılım göstermiş ve en yüksek brokoli türünde ölçülmüştür. Toprak üstü aksamı kuru ağırlık değeri 7.31-10.31 g arasında değişim göstermiştir. Araştırmada kök kuru ağırlık değerleri 0.80-1.73 g değerleri arasında dağılış göstermiş ve en yüksek kök kuru ağırlık değerleri sırasıyla yaprak lahana ve Brüksel lahanasında tespit edilmiştir. Oransal kök ağırlığının 0.09-0.14 arasında değiştiği saptanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarının, simülasyon çalışmaları ile gelecekte diğer farklı kışlık çeşitlerde kullanımı ve üretim planlanmasında faydalı olacağı öngörülmektedir.
Expropriation of Rights, Dependent Capitalism and Transfer of Income: Reflections on the Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mauriel Ana Paula Ornellas
Published: October 2023

The text focuses on taking stock of income transfer programs in Brazil in order to bring subsidies to analyze these initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result of a bibliographical review and documentary research, the article points out that monetary aid was the main form of protection against pauperization in the capitalist periphery during the health crisis, but ensuring the maintenance of the neoliberal fiscal and economic austerity agenda. The conclusions show that income transfer programs in dependent countries, where the relationship between expropriation and overexploitation prevails, were enlarged with the COVID-19 pandemic, thus helping to ensure the expanded reproduction of dependency conditions by maintaining the stagnant relative overpopulation in informality and precarious work that increased during the health crisis.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO STUDYING THE CAUSES AND MECHANISM OF ACTIVATION OF THE OGORELICA LANDSLIDE IN THE TEOČAK MUNICIPALITY (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
Authors: Ferhatbegović Zijad
Published: October 2023

The paper analyzes the causes and mechanisms of landslide activation in the Ogorelica settlement, Teočak municipality. This was when there was a danger to the property and the lives of the people living there. To determine the main causes of landslide activation, detailed engineering geological research was conducted (exploratory drilling with ten exploratory wells, detailed geological and engineering geological mapping of the terrain, and slope stability analysis). Based on the obtained data, urgent remedial measures were implemented on the said landslide, which consisted of filling cracks with material from the excavation, removing labile parts and mitigating the angle of the natural slope, leveling (ironing) the terrain to prevent the penetration of atmospheric precipitation into the sliding surface, making drainage ditches above the face of the landslide to drain the surface water and pumping out water from the body of the landslide.
INTEGRATED APPROACH IN ROCKFALL RISK ANALYSES
Authors: Jovanovski Milorad , Peshevski Igor , Uzunov Danco
Published: October 2023

The paper presents some elements of intergated approach in rockfall risk analyses prepared for zone of Macedonian village Staro selo in Polog area. The wider zone of Polog is characterized with pronounced rockfall, landslide and flood hazards in general terms, where several critical locations exists. The results from rockfall simulation analyses, contemporary and innovative terrain surveying techniques used in detection of hazardous zones with LIDAR and INSAR methods and other data are presented. Analyses confirmed the possibility for detachment of rockfalls, which is observed in reality, and not only in the exact zone of the village. Integrating findings from rockfall simulations with benefit and cost analysis of suggested protection mesaures, some recomendations from the aspect of tolerable level of risks including possible trends suggested in new Eurocode 7 generation are presented. The main findings leads to the conclusion, that interaction and integration of technical, economic and social aspects and involving different perpectives is necesary in process of rockfall risk management.
THE TIMBER ROOF STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH CENTRAL NAVE IN NIKŠIĆ
Authors: Tekić Žikica , Kozarić Ljiljana , Vojnić Purčar Martina
Published: October 2023

The paper presents the solution of the timber roof structure of the central nave in the town of Nikšić in Montenegro. The central part of the roof is shaped like a regular pyramid over an octagonal base. The basic structural system consists of eight curved timber girders, which are supported in the corners of the octagon and are connected at one point at the top of the roof. Above these girders, in their plane, the secondary supporting structure was added, in order to form the pyramidal shape of the roof. Considering the curved shape of the girders of the basic structural system, the design of the structure foresees glued laminated timber for the basic elements of the roof structure. The solution includes a presentation of all elements of the roof construction, according to the hierarchy of load transfer, as well as a solution of steel connectors for the mutual connection of timber elements.
COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL MEASURES IN THE VERY LARGE TAKISAKA LANDSLIDE AREA IN JAPAN
Authors: Marui Hideaki , Sagara Wataru , Horiuchi Takashi
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the comprehensive control measures in the very large Takisaka landslide area in Japan. The Takisaka landslide area is one of the most representative large landslide areas in Japan. The location of the Takisaka landslide is extremely peculiar and this landslide could pose a great threat to the surrounding area. The landslide area is directly adjacent to the main channel of the Agano River, which has a length of 210 km and a catchment area of 7,710 km2 and flows from the eastern part of Fukushima Prefecture through Niigata Prefecture to the Sea of Japan. In the worst case, if the Takisaka landslide were to occur on a large scale, the sliding mass of soil could dam up the mainstream of the Agano River. In this case, a large reservoir would be created upstream and many residential areas would be flooded. In addition, if the reservoir were to burst, there would be flooding downstream. In order to avoid such a situation, the Takisaka landslide area must be managed extremely carefully, and comprehensive and drastic countermeasures must be taken. Originally, it is impossible to completely prevent such a large landslide by hard countermeasures using engineering structures alone. Therefore, for such a large landslide, it is necessary to monitor the amount of landslide movement in real-time continuously and to immediately issue an evacuation order to nearby residents when a critical amount of movement is measured. At the same time, however, it is also necessary to install hard measures using engineering structures to prevent the continuous movement of the landslide. This report first describes the characteristics of the Takisaka landslide. Then, comprehensive control measures, both soft measures and hard measures, are reported. The main part of the soft measures is the early warning system based on the comprehensive real-time monitoring system of this landslide. The main components of the hard measures are drainage works to collect and channel dangerous groundwater, such as drainage tunnels, drainage wells, and drainage boreholes. Finally, the effect of the drainage works already installed is illustrated three-dimensionally.
APPLICATION OF SWMM APPLICATION SOFTWARE FOR URBAN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Buhavac Biljana
Published: October 2023

The paper presents a hydrological-hydraulic analysis of the impact of LID elements (LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT) for urban stormwater management using the SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) application software created only for this type of research. A hydrological model was created with the application of LID elements in the form of green roofs. at the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering and related facilities (Institutes) in Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton. For which the results of the calculation and estimation of the amount of water in the analyzed area are given. A concrete example showed the positive impact of the application of LID elements, i.e. green elements in urban areas in the function of flood protection and environmental protection.