bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Reduced Training Frequencies after 12 Weeks of Concurrent Resistance and Aerobic Training on Muscle Strength and Morphology
Authors: Mpampoulis Thomas , Stasinaki Angeliki N. , Methenitis Spyridon , Zaras Nikolaos , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Terzis Gerasimos
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of two long-term reduced concurrent training modalities, in which participants performed one training session every either 7 or 14 days, after 12 weeks of systematic concurrent resistance and aerobic training, on lower extremities’ muscle strength, power, and morphology in young females. After the 12-week training period, participants were assigned into three groups and performed either one training session every 7 days (G7) or once every 14 days (G14), or detraining (GD), for 12 weeks, followed by 12 additional weeks of detraining. The following were measured before, after the systematic training period, after the end of the reduced training frequency period, and after the end of complete detraining: body composition, leg press 1-RM, countermovement jump, quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), vastus lateralis muscle architecture, and maximum aerobic power. Performance and muscle mass increased after the initial 12-week training period. Thereafter, leg press 1-RM, quadriceps CSA, and aerobic power remained unchanged in the G7 group, but decreased in G14 (−4.4 ± 3.5%; −5.9 ± 1.8%; −9.0 ± 7.8%, respectively, p < 0.05), maintaining 95.6 ± 3.5%, 94.1 ± 1.8%, and 91.0 ± 7.8% of the initial training adaptations, respectively. In conclusion, performing one training session every 2 weeks for 3 months may preserve 90 to 95% of the muscle mass/strength and aerobic power adaptations achieved with systematic concurrent training.
Bibliometric Analysis of Remote Sensing over Marine Areas for Sustainable Development: Global Trends and Worldwide Collaboration
Authors: Vrdoljak Ljerka , Racetin Ivana , Zrinjski Mladen
Published: July 2024

More than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans and yet only a small portion of these oceans has been directly explored in detail, highlighting the need for powerful tools like remote sensing (RS) technology to bridge this gap. International frameworks, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Ocean Decade point out the significance of marine areas for achieving sustainable growth. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of RS over marine areas for sustainable development to identify key contributors, collaboration networks, and evolving research themes from the beginning of the 21st century until last year. Using the Web of Science Core Collection database, 499 relevant articles published between 2000 and 2023 were identified. The bibliometric analysis showed a significant increase in scientific productivity related to the field. On an international level, China emerges as the most productive country, but international collaboration has played a crucial role, with 36.87% of articles resulting from international co-authorship, pointing to the global nature of research in this field. RS technology has continuously evolved from airborne sensors to the augmentation of Earth Observation missions. Our findings reveal a shift towards automated analysis and processing of RS data using machine learning techniques to integrate large datasets and develop robust scientific solutions.
When Heritage and Landscape Values Are Confronted by Planned Infrastructures: A Glance at ‘Public Debate’ (‘Dibattito Pubblico’) Procedures in Italy
Authors: Wacogne Remi
Published: July 2024

Public debate procedures (“dibattito pubblico”, DP) have been recently introduced in Italy to provide an additional platform for public participation into infrastructure-related decision-making processes. Inspired by their French equivalent (“débat public”), these procedures sensibly differ from EIAs as they occur at a very early stage, i.e., before projects’ final drafting. Another significant difference, specific to the Italian context, is a provision dedicated to heritage sites and protected areas foreseeing a wider application of DPs in those contexts. This paper aims to further explore the different relationships between actors at play within DP procedures on the one hand, and heritage sites and landscapes on the other hand, through the analysis of dedicated reports and other documents. Heritage- and landscape-related values are commonly mobilized in relation to all infrastructural projects considered, although in various ways and sometimes with conflicting aims. The article highlights that environmental conflicts are likely to affect and mobilize heritage and landscape values, and calls for a closer dialogue between infrastructure planning, heritage and landscape planning, and political ecology.
Carbon Capture and Utilization Projects Run by Oil and Gas Companies: A Case Study from Russia
Authors: Cherepovitsyna Alina , Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Popov Aleksandr , Skobelev Dmitry
Published: July 2024

As oil and gas companies are one of the major greenhouse gas emitters, they face increasing responsibility to address climate challenges. This highlights the necessity of integrating decarbonization options into their operations to meet global climate objectives. While progress in technologies for capturing, utilizing, and storing CO2 (CCUS technologies) is often attributed to oil and gas companies, CCUS projects in the sector predominantly focus on carbon storage, namely CO2 injection for enhanced oil recovery, which presents limited possibilities. Meanwhile, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies offer a promising avenue for producing valuable products from CO2, a potential that has been underexplored in theory and practice within the oil and gas sector. This study analyzes the development of the full CCU cycle by oil and gas companies, assessing the economic viability of such projects. It includes a content analysis of research materials on CCU deployment and a case study modeling the economic viability of producing methanol from CO2 in Russia. The findings indicate that the estimated minimum price for CO2-based methanol to achieve project payback is USD 1128 per ton, compared to approximately USD 400 per ton for traditional methanol. This price gap underscores the need to foster the development of low-carbon technologies, markets, and measures to support these projects. In the domain of CCU projects, cost-reduction measures could be more applicable, while regulatory measures, such as carbon taxes, currently have a limited impact on the economic viability of these projects.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Ecological Environment Quality Based on High-Quality Time-Series Data Reconstruction: A Case Study in the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve of China
Authors: Xiao Xingzhu , Chen Yanxi , Zhang Yongle , Huang Min , Li Hao
Published: July 2024

The Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve of China (SNRC) is recognized as one of the most fragile and sensitive terrestrial ecosystems in China, posing challenges for obtaining reliable and complete Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro Radiometer (MODIS) data for ecological environment quality (EEQ) monitoring due to adverse factors like clouds and snow. In this study, a complete high-quality framework for MODIS time-series data reconstruction was constructed utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. The reconstructed images were used to compute the Remote Sensing based Ecological Index (RSEI) on a monthly scale in the SNRC from 2001 to 2020. The results were as follows: The EEQ of the study area exhibited a “first fluctuating decline, then significant improvement” trend, with the RSEI values increasing at a rate of 0.84%/a. The spatial pattern of the EEQ displayed significant spatial heterogeneity, characterized by a “low in the west and high in the east” distribution. The spatial distribution pattern of the RSEI exhibited significant clustering characteristics. From 2001 to 2020, the proportion of “high–high” clustering areas exceeded 35%, and the proportion of “low–low” clustering areas exceeded 30%. Poor ecological conditions are mainly associated with population agglomerations, cultivated land, unutilized land, and bare ground, while grasslands and forests have higher RSEI values. The result of the trend analysis revealed a significant trend in RSEI change, with 62.96% of the area significantly improved and 6.31% significantly degraded. The Hurst Index (HI) results indicated that the future trend of the RSEI is predominantly anti-persistence. The proportion of areas where the EEQ is expected to continue improving in the future is 33.74%, whereas 21.21% of the area is forecasted to transition from improvement to degradation. The results showed that the high-quality framework for MODIS time-series data reconstruction enables the effective continuous monitoring of EEQ over long periods and large areas, providing robust scientific support for long time-series data reconstruction research.
Revealing the Nexus between Fertilizer Composition and the Performance of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes in the Himalayan Heartland of India
Authors: Vemulakonda Amani Lakshmi , Saad Ahmad Abdullah , Kumar Shamal Shasang , Wani Owais Ali , Singh Lal , Babu Subhash , Khan Inayat Mustafa , Wani Fahim Jeelani , Jan Shaheen Kauser , Elhindi Khalid M. , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: July 2024

Gaining insight into the interplay between crucial fertilizers and their impact on crop characteristics is crucial for enhancing the agricultural output and promoting sustainable crop administration. The objective of this study was to assess the growth, productivity, and nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) of common bean genotypes with varying levels of NPK. In the RCBD field study, three genotypes of common bean were cultivated—SKUA-WB-5000/1446 (V1), SKUA-WB-5002/185 (V2), and SKUA-WB-5003/1492 (V3)—together with six combinations of NPK (N2:P2O5:K2O kg ha−1). The findings indicated that the height of the plants had a positive correlation with elevated NPK levels subsequent to the maximum point in NPK 10-20-10. The V1 genotype exhibited superior growth and productive traits, particularly with regard to its higher seed index and much greater quantity of pods plant−1. This indicates that the V1 genotype may be a suitable choice for cultivating common beans and highlights the importance of adjusting nutrient levels to ensure sustainable crop management. This study suggests applying 30-60-30 NPK kg ha−1 of fertilizer for genotypes V1 and V3, while genotype V2 should receive 40-80-40 NPK kg ha−1 under rainfed circumstances.
P2P Optimization Operation Strategy for Photovoltaic Virtual Power Plant Based on Asymmetric Nash Negotiation
Authors: Gong Xiyao , Huang Wentao , Li Jiaxuan , He Jun , Zhang Bohan
Published: July 2024

Under the guidance of the “dual-carbon” target, the utilization of and demand for renewable energy have been growing rapidly. In order to achieve the complementary advantages of renewable energy in virtual power plants with different load characteristics and improve the rate of consumption, an interactive operation strategy for virtual power plants based on asymmetric Nash negotiation is proposed. Firstly, the photovoltaic virtual power plant is proposed to establish the optimal scheduling model for the operation of the virtual power plant, and then the asymmetric Nash negotiation method is adopted to achieve the fair distribution of benefits. Finally, the ADMM distribution is used to solve the proposed model in the solution algorithm. The simulation results show that the revenue enhancement rates are 28.27%, 1.09%, and 12.37%, respectively. The participating subjects’ revenues are effectively enhanced through P2P power sharing. Each subject can obtain a fair distribution of benefits according to the size of its power contribution, which effectively improves the enthusiasm of the PV virtual power plant to participate in P2P interactions and thus promotes the development and consumption of renewable energy.
Environmental Knowledge and Green Purchase Intention and Behavior in China: The Mediating Role of Moral Obligation
Authors: Cui Manfei , Li Yong , Wang Shan
Published: July 2024

The increasing global focus on environmental sustainability has led to a growing emphasis on green purchase behavior. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the classical theories used to understand individual green purchase behavior from the perspective of psychology. Data are collected through an online survey, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method is employed for analysis. The research findings demonstrate that consumers’ green purchase intention and environmental knowledge significantly and positively influence green purchase behavior. Moreover, moral obligation plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between green purchase intention and green purchase behavior, as well as in the relationship between environmental knowledge and green purchase behavior. By incorporating moral obligation and environmental knowledge into the TPB framework, this study advances the theoretical understanding of the drivers of green purchase behavior. Furthermore, this study reveals that green purchase intention, compared to environmental knowledge, exerts a greater influence on promoting consumers’ green purchase behavior. This finding underscores the crucial role of consumers’ internal motivation in driving sustainable choice. This study offers valuable implications for the design of green marketing strategies and have the potential to promote environmentally sustainable consumption behavior, thereby contributing to the global sustainability efforts.
Fiscal Policy and Economic Resilience: The Impact of Government Consumption Alongside Oil and Non-Oil Revenues on Saudi Arabia’s GDP during Crises (1969–2022)
Authors: Abdelkawy Nagwa Amin , Al Shammre Abdullah Sultan
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of Government Consumption (GC) on Saudi Arabia’s GDP during major economic crises from 1969 to 2022, focusing on periods marked by fluctuations in oil and non-oil revenues. By integrating these revenue streams, the research provides a more comprehensive analysis of fiscal policy effectiveness during economic downturns. Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study reveals the complex role of Government Consumption (GC) in stabilizing and stimulating the Saudi economy amidst revenue volatility. Key findings indicate that while GC does not significantly influence GDP in the short term, its long-term effectiveness varies across different crises. Specifically, GC has acted as a buffer against immediate economic shocks during certain crises while providing a stimulus for economic recovery in others. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, timely fiscal measures significantly boosted GDP, underscoring the importance of adaptive and proactive fiscal policies. Conversely, the 2014–2016 oil price collapse demonstrated that GC alone was insufficient to counteract economic downturns, emphasizing the need for diversified revenue strategies. These findings underscore the dual role of GC in economic stabilization and recovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GC played a crucial role in both mitigating negative economic impacts and supporting recovery efforts, showcasing its effectiveness in times of global disruptions. This demonstrates GC’s capability as an immediate buffer against economic shocks and a stimulus for economic recovery. In contrast, during the 2014–2016 oil price collapse, GC was less effective, indicating the limitations of relying solely on government spending without broader economic diversification. This highlights the necessity of diversified revenue strategies to complement fiscal measures for long-term economic resilience. The robustness of the findings was ensured through various diagnostic tests, including checks for autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, and stationarity of residuals. The absence of significant autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity, along with the stationarity of differenced variables, confirms the validity of the econometric models used. The study contributes to the discourse on fiscal policy in oil-dependent economies by illustrating the critical role of diversified revenue strategies and adaptive fiscal measures in enhancing economic resilience. Recommendations are offered for policymakers to optimize fiscal strategies, ensuring robust economic recovery and long-term stability in volatile markets. This research highlights the necessity for Saudi Arabia to refine its fiscal policies towards greater economic diversification and stability.
Enhancing Inventory Management through Safety-Stock Strategies—A Case Study
Authors: Demiray Kırmızı Sema , Ceylan Zeynep , Bulkan Serol
Published: July 2024

Efficient inventory management, including optimal safety-stock levels, is crucial for operational continuity and cost-effectiveness in various industries. This study seeks the optimal inventory management strategy to minimize costs and determine ideal safety-stock levels. It compares five approaches: the company’s (STAR) current “number of days” method, two alternative models from the literature (the theory of constraints (TOC) replenishment model and the service-level approach), and two newly developed hybrid methodologies (the TOC replenishment model with ABC–XYZ classification and the service-level approach with ABC–XYZ classification). The analysis focused on financial performance, considering inventory holding and shortage costs. Monthly production plans were established and fixed as constant based on predetermined optimum month-end inventory levels derived from each method. Through simulation, actual month-end inventory levels were assessed, comparing total inventory costs (TICs). While unit holding costs (UHCs) were documented in financial records in the company, unit shortage costs (USCs) were not; thus, USCs were examined in three scenarios. The results show that the second proposed hybrid model consistently outperformed the other four methods, including the company’s current approach, significantly reducing TIC. The analysis emphasizes the importance of demand variation in setting safety stocks and demonstrates the second hybrid methodology’s effectiveness in optimizing safety-stock strategies and improving overall inventory management efficiency.
Optimizing Maintenance Resource Scheduling and Site Selection for Urban Metro Systems: A Multi-Objective Approach to Enhance System Resilience
Authors: Tang Lingyi , Chen Shiqi , Li Qiming
Published: July 2024

This study developed an optimization model for the strategic location of maintenance resource supply sites and the scheduling of multiple resources following failures in urban metro systems, with the objective of enhancing system resilience. The model employs a multi-objective optimization framework, focusing primarily on minimizing resource scheduling time and reducing costs. It incorporates critical factors such as spatial location, network topology, station size, and passenger flow. A hybrid method, combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, is used to solve the model, with its effectiveness confirmed through a case study of the Nanjing Metro system. The simulation results yielded an optimal number of 21 maintenance resource supply stations and provided their placement. In the event of large-scale failures, the optimal resource scheduling strategy ensures demand satisfaction rates exceed 90% at critical stations, maintaining an overall rate of 87.09%, therefore significantly improving resource scheduling efficiency and the system’s emergency response capabilities and enhancing the physical resilience and recovery capabilities of the urban metro system. Moreover, the model accounts for economic factors, striving to balance emergency response capabilities with production continuity and cost efficiency through effective maintenance strategies and resource utilization. This approach provides a systematic framework for urban metro systems to manage sudden failures, ensuring rapid recovery to normal operations and minimizing operational disruptions in scenarios of limited resources.
Integrated Optimization of Route and Frequency for Rail Transit Feeder Buses under the Influence of Shared Motorcycles
Authors: Cai Jing , Li Zhuoqi , Long Sihui
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we develop a multi-objective integrated optimization method for feeder buses of rail transit based on realistic considerations. We propose a bus stop selection method that considers the influence of shared motorcycles, which can score the importance of alternative bus stops and select those with the highest scores as objectives. The objective of the model in this paper is to minimize both the travel costs of passengers and the operating costs of the bus company. This is achieved by optimizing feeder bus routes, the frequency of departures, and interchange discounts to enhance the connectivity between feeder buses and rail transit. In addition, to ensure the feasibility of generated routes in the real road network, a genetic algorithm encoded with priority is used to solve this model. We use the Xingyao Road subway station in Kunming as an example, and the results show that the optimization method is effective.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study in the Context of Chemical Hazards in Coffee
Authors: Guadalupe Grobert A. , Grandez-Yoplac Dorila E. , García Ligia , Doménech Eva
Published: July 2024

The research aimed to carefully review the chemical hazards linked to the coffee production chain to analyse the risks and opportunities for consumers and the environment, as well as identify potential knowledge gaps. The Scopus database was consulted from 1949 to April 2024 to conduct a bibliometric analysis. As a result, 680 articles were analysed. Results indicated a significant increase in research activity since 2015. China, Brazil, and the USA were the leading countries in scientific production and collaborations. The most prolific journals in this field were Chemosphere, Science of the Total Environment, Food Chemistry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Journal of Environmental Management, all of which are in the first quartile. The word analysis revealed two main themes: the first focuses on the chemical hazards of coffee and their impact on health, while the second explores the waste generated during coffee production and its potential for reuse. The topics covered in the research include the composition of coffee, associated chemical hazards, possible health risks, and ways to reuse waste for environmental protection. Future research should concentrate on optimising techniques and processes to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability.
Urea Level and Depression in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Levassort Hélène , Boucquemont Julie , Lambert Oriane , Liabeuf Sophie , Laville Solene M. , Teillet Laurent , Tabcheh Abdel-Hay , Frimat Luc , Combe Christian , Fouque Denis , Laville Maurice , Jacquelinet Christian , Helmer Catherine , Alencar de Pinho Natalia , Pépin Marion , Massy Ziad A. ,   on behalf of CKD-REIN Study Collaborators
Published: July 2024

Depression is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experimental studies suggest the role of urea toxicity in depression. We assessed both the incidence of antidepressant prescriptions and depressive symptoms (measured by CESD (Center for Epidemiologic Depression) scale) in 2505 patients with CKD (Stage 3–4) followed up over 5 years in the Chronic Kidney Disease Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (CKD-REIN) cohort. We used a joint model to assess the association between the serum urea level and incident antidepressant prescriptions, and mixed models for the association between the baseline serum urea level and CESD score over the 5-year follow-up. Among the 2505 patients, 2331 were not taking antidepressants at baseline. Of the latter, 87 started taking one during a median follow-up of 4.6 years. After adjustment for confounding factors, the hazard ratio for incident antidepressant prescription associated with the serum urea level (1.28 [95%CI, 0.94,1.73] per 5 mmol/L increment) was not significant. After adjustment, the serum urea level was associated with the mean change in the CESD score (β = 0.26, [95%CI, 0.11,0.41] per 5 mmol/L increment). Depressive symptoms burden was associated with serum urea level unlike depression events. Further studies are needed to draw firm conclusions and better understand the mechanisms of depression in CKD.
HIV-1 Intasomes Assembled with Excess Integrase C-Terminal Domain Protein Facilitate Structural Studies by Cryo-EM and Reveal the Role of the Integrase C-Terminal Tail in HIV-1 Integration
Authors: Li Min , Li Zhen , Chen Xuemin , Cui Yanxiang , Engelman Alan N. , Craigie Robert
Published: July 2024

Retroviral integration is mediated by intasome nucleoprotein complexes wherein a pair of viral DNA ends are bridged together by a multimer of integrase (IN). Atomic-resolution structures of HIV-1 intasomes provide detailed insights into the mechanism of integration and inhibition by clinical IN inhibitors. However, previously described HIV-1 intasomes are highly heterogeneous and have the tendency to form stacks, which is a limiting factor in determining high-resolution cryo-EM maps. We have assembled HIV-1 intasomes in the presence of excess IN C-terminal domain protein, which was readily incorporated into the intasomes. The purified intasomes were largely homogeneous and exhibited minimal stacking tendencies. The cryo-EM map resolution was further improved to 2.01 Å, which will greatly facilitate structural studies of IN inhibitor action and drug resistance mechanisms. The C-terminal 18 residues of HIV-1 IN, which are critical for virus replication and integration in vitro, have not been well resolved in previous intasome structures, and its function remains unclear. We show that the C-terminal tail participates in intasome assembly, resides within the intasome core, and forms a small alpha helix (residues 271–276). Mutations that disrupt alpha helix integrity impede IN activity in vitro and disrupt HIV-1 infection at the step of viral DNA integration.
Specific and Sensitive Visual Proviral DNA Detection of Major Pathogenic Avian Leukosis Virus Subgroups Using CRISPR-Associated Nuclease Cas13a
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Zhang Yaoyao , Sadigh Yashar , Tang Na , Chai Jiaqian , Cheng Ziqiang , Gao Yulong , Qin Aijian , Shen Zhiqiang , Yao Yongxiu , Nair Venugopal
Published: July 2024

Avian leukosis viruses (ALVs) include a group of avian retroviruses primarily associated with neoplastic diseases in poultry, commonly referred to as avian leukosis. Belonging to different subgroups based on their envelope properties, ALV subgroups A, B, and J (ALV-A, ALV-B, and ALV-J) are the most widespread in poultry populations. Early identification and removal of virus-shedding birds from infected flocks are essential for the ALVs’ eradication. Therefore, the development of rapid, accurate, simple-to-use, and cost effective on-site diagnostic methods for the detection of ALV subgroups is very important. Cas13a, an RNA-guided RNA endonuclease that cleaves target single-stranded RNA, also exhibits non-specific endonuclease activity on any bystander RNA in close proximity. The distinct trans-cleavage activity of Cas13 has been exploited in the molecular diagnosis of multiple pathogens including several viruses. Here, we describe the development and application of a highly sensitive Cas13a-based molecular test for the specific detection of proviral DNA of ALV-A, B, and J subgroups. Prokaryotically expressed LwaCas13a, purified through ion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography, was combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and T7 transcription to establish the SHERLOCK (specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking) molecular detection system for the detection of proviral DNA of ALV-A/B/J subgroups. This novel method that needs less sample input with a short turnaround time is based on isothermal detection at 37 °C with a color-based lateral flow readout. The detection limit of the assay for ALV-A/B/J subgroups was 50 copies with no cross reactivity with ALV-C/D/E subgroups and other avian oncogenic viruses such as reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) and Marek’s disease virus (MDV). The development and evaluation of a highly sensitive and specific visual method of detection of ALV-A/B/J nucleic acids using CRISPR-Cas13a described here will help in ALV detection in eradication programs.
Hydro–Solar Hybrid Plant Operation in a Hydropower Plant Cascade: Optimizing Local and Bulk System Benefits
Authors: Balan Mateus Henrique , Camargo Luiz Armando Steinle , Ramos Dorel Soares , Castro Roberto , Leonel Lais Domingues , Pulcherio Eduardo Soares , Melendez Joaquin
Published: July 2024

A hydro–solar hybrid system is an important solution for expanding renewable generation capacity under the percepts of the energy transition. This type of association allows for the coordinated dispatch of solar and hydropower plants, resulting in operational benefits in terms of energy generation and reservoir management, that is, the better use of available water and energy resources. As in this case, the operation of the hydropower plant is associated with the cascade in which it operates, when it is hybridized (for example, by associating with a solar power plant), in addition to local changes, there are impacts on the operating conditions of the other hydropower plants in the same cascade. From such a perspective, this study presents an energy system management model for hybrid power plants composed of hydro and solar sources, aiming to optimize the joint operation and measure the operational consequences at the local level and in the cascade. The results from a case study of a hydro–solar power plant hybridization in the Tietê River (Brazil) revealed increased energy production and improvement in the operating conditions of the cascade’s reservoirs, while the grid capacity was found to be an important constraint that limits the capture of synergies resulting from the generation sources complementarity and thus on the benefits to the cascade.
Study on the Driving Mechanism of Ecohydrological Regime in the Wandering Section of the Lower Yellow River
Authors: Xie Yan , Yin Qing , Jiang Siqi , An Wenzhuo , Liao Jingyi , Liu Yanhui , Fu Yicheng
Published: July 2024

Climate change and human activities exert significant impacts on runoff generation and convergence mechanisms. Understanding the evolution mechanisms and driving forces of runoff is crucial for the sustainable development of water resources. This study is based on the runoff data of the Huayuankou (HYK), Jiahetan (JHT), and Gaocun (GC) stations in the lower reaches of the Yellow River from 1951 to 2019. The objectives are to identify and quantify the hydrological pattern and its driving mechanism of the three stations by the Mann–Kendall test, cumulative deviation method, wavelet analysis, the IHA-RVA method, SCRCO method, and the Budyko method. Our study revealed that the runoff disturbance points at all three stations occurred in 1985. During the two periods before and after the disturbance, the trends and periodicities within the year exhibited high consistency, showing an overall downward trend, with runoff increasing in October and decreasing in June and the primary cycles being 5 and 7 years. All three stations experienced high-degree changes in their hydrological situations, with the high-degree change occupying the largest proportion. At the HYK, JHT, and GC stations, human activities accounted for 66.05%, 71.94%, and 74.38% of runoff changes, respectively. Furthermore, we verified the attribution conclusion of runoff at HYK using the Budyko model, confirming that human activities are the primary factor influencing runoff. Finally, we explored the interactive relationships along the spatial trajectory of runoff at the three stations, analyzed 32 hydrological indicators, and detailed the land use changes in the Yellow River Basin. Our research findings complement the understanding of hydrological change mechanisms in the lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin and provide a scientific basis for future water resource management and flood prevention measures.
Changes in Runoff and Sediment Loads in the Tuhai River Basin and the Factors Influencing These Changes
Authors: Cao Qiqi , Zong Xianguo , Qi Chaozhen , Yu Chuanning , Guo Jianyao , Shen Jingxia , Wei Shoucai , Wang Dong , Zhang Jun , Xia Jiangbao
Published: July 2024

In this study, rainfall, runoff, and sediment load data were collected from the Tuhai River Basin from 1972 to 2021. The Mann–Kendall test, runoff–sediment curve, and double mass curve were used to identify the characteristics and factors influencing runoff and sediment loads in the Tuhai River Basin. The results showed that the average annual runoff and sediment loads in the river basin were 4.03 × 108 m3 and 3.52 × 108 kg, respectively; furthermore, the flood season (June–September) accounted for 79.9% and 99.4% of these values, respectively. There were no apparent runoff trends in the annual, flood, and non-flood (October–May) stages, and the annual and flood season sediment loads decreased significantly. The abrupt change points of annual and flood season runoff in the Tuhai River Basin mainly occurred from 2003 to 2004 and from 2013 to 2014. Moreover, the abrupt change points of annual and flood season sediment load only occurred from 1978 to 1979. The runoff–sediment curve showed a clear power function relationship between runoff and sediment loads. The runoff in the Tuhai River Basin from 2003 to 2013 was mainly affected by precipitation. Additionally, the contributions of human activities to runoff and sediment load reduction in the Tuhai River Basin were 57.7–88.9% and 63.1–86.0%, respectively. The increase in human water consumption was the main reason for the decrease in runoff in the Tuhai River Basin. Furthermore, the measures taken in soil and water conservation and reservoir construction were the main factors behind a reduction in sediment loads in the Tuhai River Basin.
Modelling the Fate of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate in Agricultural Soil Columns during Inflow of Surfactant Pulses from Domestic Wastewaters
Authors: Saquete María Dolores , Boluda-Botella Nuria , Cases Vicente , Egea Ester
Published: July 2024

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a widely used anionic surfactant, is present in wastewater and can be discharged, causing environmental damage. When biodegradation is negligible, adsorption and desorption reactions play an important role, depending on the media characteristics (organic matter and clays) and hydrodynamic parameters. Previously published laboratory column data are modelled with PHREEQC (version 2.18) in three scenarios of LAS input: spill (LAS pulse), continuous discharge (LAS adsorption step) and remediation (LAS desorption step). The distribution coefficients (0.1–4.9 × 10−3 L/g) in the sand columns are lower than those determined in this paper from batch tests and in columns of 25% and 50% agricultural soil mixtures (1–70 × 10−3 L/g). Considering the Freundlich constant parameters from the modelling, the results are similar to the distribution coefficients, but the linear isotherms are more consistent throughout. The mass transfer coefficient from the sand columns is lower than the agricultural soil columns (20–40 h−1), indicating longer elution times for the heavier homologues and a higher percentage of agricultural soil. For lighter homologues, fast migration could cause contamination of aquifers. The great persistence of LAS in the environment necessitates the development of mitigation strategies using reactive transport models, which predict longer times for the remediation of LAS homologues.
Single-Snapshot Direction of Arrival Estimation for Vehicle-Mounted Millimeter-Wave Radar via Fast Deterministic Maximum Likelihood Algorithm
Authors: Liu Hong , Xie Han , Wang Zhen , Wang Xianling , Chai Donghang
Published: July 2024

As one of the fundamental vehicular perception technologies, millimeter-wave radar’s accuracy in angle measurement affects the decision-making and control of vehicles. In order to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the Direction of Arrival (DoA) estimation of radar systems, a super-resolution angle measurement strategy based on the Fast Deterministic Maximum Likelihood (FDML) algorithm is proposed in this paper. This strategy sequentially uses Digital Beamforming (DBF) and Deterministic Maximum Likelihood (DML) in the Field of View (FoV) to perform a rough search and precise search, respectively. In a simulation with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB, FDML can accurately determine the target angle in just 16.8 ms, with a positioning error of less than 0.7010. DBF, the Iterative Adaptive Approach (IAA), DML, Fast Iterative Adaptive Approach (FIAA), and FDML are subjected to simulation with two targets, and their performance is compared in this paper. The results demonstrate that under the same angular resolution, FDML reduces computation time by 99.30% and angle measurement error by 87.17% compared with the angular measurement results of two targets. The FDML algorithm significantly improves computational efficiency while ensuring measurement performance. It provides more reliable technical support for autonomous vehicles and lays a solid foundation for the advancement of autonomous driving technology.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF PEPTIDE TOXINS, INHIBITORS OF CALCIUM AND SODIUM CHANNELS, UNDER ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION
Authors: Yurova Elena Valer'evna , Rastorgueva Evgeniya Vladimirovna , Beloborodov Evgeniy Alekseevich , Pogodina Evgeniya Sergeevna , Fomin Aleksandr Nikolaevich , Saenko Yuriy Vladimirovich
Published: July 2024

Ischemia contributes to many pathological conditions encountered in clinical practice. Besides, subsequent reperfusion may worsen tissue damage, exacerbating injuries caused by ischemia. Shifts in the balance of calcium and sodium ions play a major role in the development of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Inhibitors of calcium and sodium ion channels located on the membrane surface can help to avoid a sharp disturbance in the ion balance. Although such inhibitors reduce cell death, their mechanisms of action differ.
The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the mechanisms of action of peptide inhibitors of calcium and sodium channels on ischemia-reperfusion damage to epithelial cells.
Materials and Methods. Peptide synthesizer was used for toxin synthesis. Chromatography and mass spectrometry were used for quality control. Analysis of cell death, changes in calcium and sodium ion concentrations, and pH levels were performed using fluorescent dyes and a multimodal reader.
Results. It was found that peptide inhibitors of calcium and sodium channels reduce apoptosis and necrosis levels in CHO-K1 culture under simulated ischemia/reperfusion. The calcium channel inhibitor reduces cell death by lowering calcium and sodium ion concentrations and maintaining physiological pH levels throughout the reperfusion phase. The sodium channel inhibitor reduces death by lowering calcium and increasing sodium concentrations, and by maintaining an elevated pH throughout the reperfusion phase.
Conclusion. Although both calcium and sodium concentrations as well as their mutual influence play an important role in the development of ischemia-reperfusion injury, inhibition of certain channels has different effects on intracellular processes with the same result, namely reduced cell death.
IMPAIRED GAIT AND BALANCE DISORDERS AS RISK MARKERS FOR FALLS IN CHRONIC CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA
Authors: Geraskina Lyudmila Aleksandrovna , Galaeva Amina Ayupovna , Sheykhova Rabiyat Dzhalalutdinovna , Fonyakin Andrey Viktorovich , Maksimova Marina Yur'evna
Published: July 2024

The main clinical syndromes of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) are impaired gait and balance disorders, which increase risks for falls.
The objective of the study is to analyze correlation between impaired gait and postural instability to determine risk markers for falls in CCI patients.
Materials and Methods. We examined 104 CCI patients (15 men and 89 women, median age 70 (63; 76) years). The patients did not have significant functional limitations in daily life (modified Rankin scale, 0–2 points). Thirteen patients (13 %) had a history of acute cerebrovascular accidents, thirty-seven patients (36 %) had a history of falls. Moderate cognitive impairment was detected in 53 patients (51 %). Impaired gait and balance disorders were assessed according to Tinetti test, Berg balance scale, and stabilometric platform. Statistica 13.0, SPSS 22 was used for statistical data processing.
Results. According to the Tinetti test, impaired gait was detected in 101 patients (97 %), balance disorders were found in 32 patients (31 %). According to the Berg balance scale, most patients had a low risk for falls. Stabilometry showed a decrease in the limits of stability, mainly forward. Discriminant analysis revealed that significant predictors of falls in CCI patients are the “forward” limit of stability (<59 points), female gender, age (>67 y.o.), depression (>9 points, HADS), sway index (eyes closed) in the clinical test for sensory integration and balance (>0.855), balance score for the Tinetti test (<15 points), and a history of acute cerebrovascular accident.
Conclusion. Stabilometry along with clinical assessment can improve the effectiveness of determining the risk group for falls in CCI patients.
MODERN VIEW ON RADIOFREQUENCY DENERVATION OF RENAL ARTERIES
Authors: Galimov Rustam Ramisovich , Molchanov Andrey Nikolaevich , Gorgun Ales' Grigor'evich , Pavlov Prokhor Igorevich , Malkhas'yan Maksim Viktorovich
Published: July 2024

Today, arterial hypertension is one of the most important health problems. It is also the main cause of cardiovascular complications and death. Despite significant success of modern antihypertensive pharmacotherapy, 10 % of the entire patient population with high blood pressure have extremely low sensitivity to core drugs aimed at BP correction. According to large clinical studies, the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with resistant hypertension is several times higher than in patients with controlled blood pressure.
The purpose of this work is to analyze scientific literature on the history of development, effectiveness and safety of catheter radiofrequency denervation of renal arteries in patients with resistant arterial hypertension.
The authors used articles from Pubmed, eLIBRARY, etc. for their analysis.
The results of clinical studies show that patients with resistant arterial hypertension, in contrast to patients with controlled blood pressure, have more pronounced sympathetic activity. Hyperactivity of this part of the nervous system may be one of the main pathogenetic factors causing development of resistance to pharmacotherapy. Thus, radiofrequency renal denervation, modulating the tone of the sympathetic nervous system, is of particular interest.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FOLLICULAR FLUID MORPHOLOGY AND LEVELS OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-1 AND ITS INHIBITOR-1 IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIES IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Marinova Ol'ga Anatol'evna , Trubnikova Larisa Ignat'evna
Published: July 2024

Assisted reproductive technologies in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an effective way to realize reproductive function with a global pregnancy rate of 25–30 %.
The purpose of the study is to establish the correlation between the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and its inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) with follicular fluid morphology in PCOS patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology.
Materials and Methods. The authors examined 26 PCOS patients aged 24–40. All patients were diagnosed with primary and secondary infertility lasting from 1 to 10 years. A comparative analysis of patients was carried out depending on the presence (n=12) or absence (n=14) of concomitant pathology, a history of endometrial hyperplasia. Clinical, anamnestic, instrumental and laboratory methods were used for analysis. Concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in follicular fluid was determined by quantitative solid-phase ELISA. Follicular fluid morphology was studied according to wedge-shaped dehydration method. Statistica 10.0 wasnused for statistical data processing.
Results. TIMP-1 level in PCOS patients was 2550±57.8 ng/ml, in PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia – 2694.4±87.8 ng/ml (p<0.01). At the same time, the average MMP-1 level was low – 1.5±0.1 ng/ml. In PCOS patients, the 3rd (reactive) type of facies and markers indicating impaired blood supply were detected in the follicular fluid. In PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia, the 4th (chaotic) type of facies and markers indicating impaired elasticity, vascular sclerosis, and vasospasm was observed. It was found that the higher the TIMP-1 level, the more markers indicating destructive changes in the vessels of ovarian tissue (r=0.7) and the lower the chances of getting pregnant in assisted reproducrtive technology programs.
Conclusions. In PCOS patients over 32 years of age, infertility duration of more than 4 years, having endometrial hyperplasia and surgical interventions in the past medical history (tubectomies for sactohydrosalpinx), TIMP-1 level significantly (p<0.05) increases (≥2694 ng/ml) in the follicular fluid. Moreover, markers indicating destructive changes (vascular sclerosis, vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction) are identified. Thus, the chances of getting pregnant in assisted reproducrtive technology programs become lower.
Srednjovjekovna rasprava o metafizici uma
Authors: Relja Hrvoje , Ivić Jure
Published: July 2024

U radu je iznesen povijesni prikaz metafizika uma od Aristotela do svetog Tome Akvinskog. Sve te metafizike uma predstavljaju, kako je nedvojbeno pokazano, razradu općih metafizičkih počela dotičnih autora primijenjenu na ljudsku dušu, a čija je bitna vlastitost sposobnost umnog spoznavanja koja ne može biti plod samo tjelesnih organa, kao što je Aristotel ustvrdio.Budući da u svih autora opća metafizička počela u bitnome izražavaju njihove svjetonazore, posljedično je i poimanje uma i duše ovisno o dotičnim svjetonazorima. Tako, filozofi antike čiji svjetonazor nije uključivao pojam stvaranja nisu uspjeli objasniti nastajanje i osobnu besmrtnost duše. Nadalje, filozofi islama čiji svjetonazor pripisuje svako djelovanje u kategorijalnom redu Bogu, nisu uspjeli objasniti kako je ljudsko umno shvaćanje vlastiti umni čin svakog pojedinog čovjeka, a što je nužno kako slijedi iz Aristotelovih argumenata. Konačno, kršćanski filozofi čiji je svjetonazor baštinio pojam stvaranja i priznavao relativnu autonomiju stvorenja, uspjeli su filozofski objasniti kako porijeklo i besmrtnost svake pojedinačne duše, tako i njeno individualno umno djelovanje.Dvije kršćanske metafizike trinaestog stoljeća, jedna metafizika bîti svetoga Bonaventure i druga metafizika bitka svetog Tome Akvinskog, posljedično su formirale i dvije kršćanske metafizike duše i uma: onu Serafskog naučitelja koja zbog univerzalnog hilemorfizma nije uspjela opisati nematerijalnost uma, koju je nužno potvrditi slijedom Aristotelovih argumenata, te onu Anđeoskog naučitelja, jedinu do početka četrnaestog stoljeća, koja je u skladu s Aristotelovim argumentima za nematerijalnost uma uspjela argumentirano opisati individualno porijeklo i nepropadljivost duše.
International Perspectives in Education and Communication
Authors: Kefalaki Margarita , Diamantidaki Fotini
Published: July 2024

Rapid technological development, the increasing need for sustainability standards and actions, combined with the constant rise of artificial intelligence (AI), impact all industries and workplaces, including the education sector (Tettamanzi et al., 2023). Our ‘new normal’, after the COVID-19 pandemic, precipitated educators to implement changes to their teaching in order to help them provide an effective educational learning experience (Tettamanzi et al., 2023), hence making it crucial to redefine our approaches, plan, innovate and readjust to all the novel needs. The four research papers of this issue discuss ways in which education professionals and beyond innovate and adapt to a ‘new normal’.