bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of superhydrophilic membranes for oil-water separation: A life cycle assessment study
Authors: Bhalani Dixit V , Zhang Qian , Yang Yi , Jewrajka Suresh Kumar , Shen Junjie
Published: September 2024

Membrane-based technologies are widely used in oily wastewater treatment. This study selects two superhydrophilic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (denoted M1 and M2) for oil-in-water emulsion separation and evaluates the environmental impact of membrane fabrication using life cycle assessment (LCA). Although the two membranes have similar separation performance, M1 exhibits ~40% lower environmental impacts than M2 in almost every category owing to its fewer modification steps, lower electricity use, and less solvent consumption. Electricity consumption, reactive-copolymer synthesis, and toxic-solvent use are identified as environmental hotspots in membrane fabrication. A sensitivity analysis of different energy sources reveals that coal-based electricity has the greatest environmental impact, while photovoltaic energy reduces the impact by up to 71%. Considering solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) shows a slightly lower environmental impact than N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
Copper-Photoredox-Catalyzed Divergent Strategy for the Site-selective Arylation and Alkylation of Glycines and peptides
Authors: Meher Prahallad , Prasad M. Siva , Thombare Karan Ramdas , Murarka Sandip
Published: September 2024

There is a scarcity of general strategies for the site-selective α-Csp3-H arylation of glycine derivatives to synthesize non-proteinogenic α-arylglycines that occur frequently in commercial drugs and bioactive molecules. We disclose a copper-photoredox catalyzed site-selective α-Csp3-H arylation of glycine derivatives using diaryliodonium reagents (DAIRs) as aryl transfer agents. This strategy harnesses the underexplored ability of copper catalysts to generate aryl radicals from DAIRs under sustainable conditions. The method applies to the glycine-selective C-H arylation of peptides with electronically and structurally diverse DAIRs. Moreover, we demonstrate that the photoinduced copper-catalyzed single electron transfer (SET) strategy can be coupled with the halogen atom transfer (XAT) process in the presence of alkyl iodides to accomplish site-selective α-Csp3-H alkylation of glycines and peptides. In this synergistic SET/XAT approach, phenyl radicals generated from diphenyl iodonium triflate mediate the XAT process to generate alkyl radicals from alkyl iodides. Both these methods operate under mild and sustainable conditions and exhibit broad scope with appreciable functional group tolerance. Overall, the presented divergent toolbox strategies facilitate access to various alkylated and arylated glycines and peptides and enable bioconjugation between peptides and drug molecules.
Ligand Many-Body Expansion as a General Approach for Accelerating Transition Metal Complex Discovery
Authors: Chu Daniel , Gonzalez-Narvaez David , Meyer Ralf , Nandy Aditya , Kulik Heather
Published: September 2024

Methods that accelerate the evaluation of molecular properties are essential for chemical discovery. While some degree of ligand additivity has been established for transition metal complexes, it is underutilized in asymmetric complexes, such as the square pyramidal coordination geometries highly relevant to catalysis. To develop predictive methods beyond simple additivity, we apply a many-body expansion to octahedral and square pyramidal complexes and introduce a correction based on adjacent ligands (i.e., the cis interaction model, or cis model). We first test the cis model on adiabatic spin-splitting energies of octahedral Fe(II) complexes, predicting DFT-calculated values of unseen binary complexes to within an average of 1.4 kcal/mol. We next show that the cis model infers both DFT- and CCSD(T)-calculated model catalytic reaction energies to within 1 kcal/mol on average. The cis model predicts low-symmetry complexes with reaction energies outside the range of binary complex reaction energies. We observe that trans interactions are unnecessary for most monodentate systems but can be important for some combinations of ligands, such as complexes containing a mixture of bidentate and monodentate ligands. Finally, we demonstrate that the cis model may be combined with -learning to predict CCSD(T) reaction energies from exhaustively calculated DFT reaction energies and the same fraction of CCSD(T) reaction energies needed for the cis model, achieving around 30% of the error from using the CCSD(T) reaction energies in the cis model alone.
Structure-selection dynamics of cobalt nanoparticles from solution synthesis and their impact on the catalytic functionality
Authors: Triana Carlos , Patzke Greta , Keller Florian , Iannuzzi Marcella , Reith Lukas , Marshall Kenneth , van Beek Wouter
Published: September 2024

Resolving the three-dimensional structure of transition metal oxide nanoparticles (TMO-NPs), upon self-restructuring from solution is crucial for tuning their structure-functionality. Yet, this remains challenging as this process entails complex struc-ture fluctuations, which are difficult to track experimentally, and hence, hinder the knowledge-driven optimization of TMO-NPs. Herein, we combine high-energy synchrotron X-ray absorption/scattering data with atomistic multiscale simulations to investigate the self-restructuring of self-assembled Co-NPs from solution under dark or photocatalytic water oxidation condi-tions at distinct reaction times and atomic length-scales. Using the atomic range order as a descriptor, we reveal that dissolu-tion of a Co-salt in borate buffer leads to a self-optimization route forming disordered oxyborite Co3BOx-NPs unveiling a high oxygen yield due to the formation of surface oxo/hydroxo adsorbates. Those NPs further self-restructure into distorted Co3O4-NPs, and lastly, into CoOOH-NPs through a rate-limiting step integrating Co3+-states during the course of a representative photocatalytic assay. Self-restructuring does not proceed from amorphous-to-ordered states, but through stochastic fluctua-tions of atomic nanoclusters of 10 Å domain size. Our key insight into the structure-selection dynamics of TMO-NPs from solution offers new routes for tunning their structure-function relationships.
Single-Molecule Sensitivity in Hot Microcavities in the Unstable Regime
Authors: Saavedra Salazar Carlos A. , Sole-Barber Daniel , Asgari Nasrin , Cullinane Brendan , Needham Lisa-Maria , Rasch Julia , Reitz Michael , Wan Sushu , Yuen-Zhou Joel , Goldsmith Randall
Published: September 2024

Fiber Fabry-Perot microcavities (FFPCs) enhance light-matter interactions by localizing light in time and space. A new detection scheme exploiting photothermal non-linearities and Pound-Drever-Hall frequency locking enabled label-free detection of solution-phase single biomolecules with unprecedented sensitivity. Here, we deploy a combination of experiment and simulation to provide a quantitative mechanism for the observed single-molecule sensitivity and achieve quantitative agreement with experiment. Key elements of the mechanism include maintaining the FFPC in an unstable regime, allowing it to rapidly shift to hot and cold pho-tothermal equilibria upon perturbation. We show how Brownian molecular trajectories introducing resonance fluctuations less than one thousandth of a linewidth can produce selective and highly amplified responses as long as the perturbations exist in a specific and tunable frequency window termed the molecular velocity filter window. The model’s predictive capacity suggest it will be an im-portant tool to identify new regimes of single-molecule hydrodynamic profiling.
Opowieści kobiet o przemocy lekarskiej i położniczej – wstępne ustalenia na podstawie analizy wypowiedzi respondentek badania „Głos Matek” z lat 2020-2021"
Authors: Nowakowska-Kutra Aleksandra , Jeran Agnieszka
Published: September 2024

Celem artykułu jest prezentacja wyników jakościowej analizy treści wybranych opowieści, którymi podzieliły się kobiety wypełniające w latach 2020–2021 kwestionariusz ankiety „Głos Matek”. Badanie jest realizowane w sposób ciągły od 2000 roku przez Fundację Rodzić po Ludzku. W kwestionariuszu obok pytań zamkniętych znajdują się pytania otwarte, które stały się przestrzenią do opowiedzenia przez kobiety własnych historii porodowych. Wiele z tych wypowiedzi to wstrząsające opowieści o przemocy, jakiej doznały kobiety rodzące w Polsce. Wykorzystując najważniejsze ustalenia na temat prawidłowego przebiegu porodu oraz przepisy dotyczące praw pacjentek, dokonano analizy przejawów przemocy lekarskiej i położniczej, tworząc propozycję jej typów.
NOUVELLES TENSIONS ENTRE TRAJECTOIRES SPATIALES ET ECONOMIQUES DANS LA DYNAMIQUE D’UNE GRANDE METROPOLE, SÃO PAULO
Authors: HENRY Etienne
Published: September 2024

Em vinte anos, as favelas de São Paulo passaram de 1,5% a 19% da população de uma cidade de dez milhões de citadinos e o desemprego subiu de 1% para 18% da população ativa dos 18 milhões de habitantes da aglomeração metropolitana. Coincidência? As relações entre os modos do habitat e as dinâmicas econômicas têm lugar em uma metrópole marcada tanto pela restruturação produtiva, que desestabiliza e flexibiliza os mercados de trabalho industrial e terciário, quanto pelas recomposições espaciais em que se acentuam a policentralidade, a densificação, a verticalização e a segregação. A análise exploratória das trajetórias profissionais permite depreender dos âmbitos e dos modos de acesso ao espaço e ao habitat na sua dependência em relação aos modos de acesso às diferentes formas de trabalho e à evolução de seu mercado e vice-versa: as condições sócio econômicas e residenciais condicionam o acesso ao emprego, face às novas formas de instabilidade, circunstancialidade e precariedade.
REFLECTÂNCIA ESPECTRAL DE CULTURAS AGRÍCOLAS (II): MODELAGEM
Authors: De Morisson Valeriano Márcio
Published: September 2024

Apresenta-se uma revisão do histórico de desenvolvimento dos modelos de reflectância baseados na transferência radiativa em meios túrbidos. São abordados os desdobramentos e modificações desses modelos, desde a adaptação da teoria K-M a massa vegetais, passando às equações de Duntley, ao modelo AGR e, enfim, aos conhecidos modelos Suits e depois SAIL. Os modelos Suits e SAIL, consagrados em experimentos, calculam a reflectância da vegetação a partir de variáveis biofísicas e espectrais do dossel e de parâmetros relativos à geometria de iluminação/observação. A descrição dos dosséis vegetais é feita através dos índices de área de seus componentes, sobretudo área foliar, juntamente com a arquitetura da planta. Os dados espectrais dos componentes de dossel foram considerados fundamentais como base quantitativa para estudos sobre as relações espectro-agronômicas.
MISTURA ESPECTRAL: (II) CLASSIFICADORES ESPECTRAIS PARA IDENTIFICAÇÃO
Authors: Abílio de Carvalho Júnior Osmar , Ferreira de Carvalho Ana Paula , Fontes Guimarães Renato , Meneses Paulo Roberto , Shimabukuro Yosio Edemir
Published: September 2024

O presente trabalho possui como objetivo apresentar uma revisão sobre os métodos desenvolvidos para classificação espectral. Os classificadores espectrais que visam à identificação realizam uma comparação do espectro da imagem (EI) com um espectro de referência (ER), proveniente de bibliotecas espectrais ou de membros finais das imagens. As principais diferenças entre os métodos são basicamente duas: (a) opção do emprego da remoção do contínuo e (b) o critério de similaridade a partir do ajuste linear. A remoção do contínuo tem como propósito enfatizar as feições de absorção a partir da retirada do background utilizando uma função matemática, geralmente, o spline cúbico. Os critérios de similaridade são oriundos da regressão linear e do ajuste por mínimos quadrados sendo assim utilizadas formulações do coeficiente de correlação e do erro padrão. Serão descritos os algoritmos dos principais métodos existentes: Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), Spectral Feature Fitting (SFF), Spectral Correlation Mapper (SCM) e o coeficiente de determinação utilizado pelo Tricorder e Tetracorder
APLICAÇÃO DE ROCHAS SILICÁTICAS COMO FONTES ALTERNATIVAS DE POTÁSSIO PARA A CULTURA DO ARROZ DE TERRAS ALTAS
Authors: Pereira Barbosa Filho Morel , Kumar Fageria Nand , Ferreira Santos Dionísio , Alves Couto Poliana
Published: September 2024

Conduziram-se três experimentos em casa de vegetação, sendo um de incubação sem plantas e dois com plantas. No primeiro, o objetivo foi avaliar a capacidade de liberação de K trocável para o solo de cinco fontes de rochas silicáticas de diferentes frações granulométrias e seus efeitos no pH do solo. O método empregado foi o de incubação da mistura de 600g de terra + o correspondente a cinco t ha-1 de cada material de rocha. No segundo, o objetivo foi avaliar a resposta do arroz, em termos de produtividade de grãos a doses de K2 O na forma de rochas silicáticas (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 kg ha-1), baseadas no teor total de cada material de rocha (brecha alcalina, ultramáfica alcalina e flogopitito). O terceiro teve por objetivo avaliar a influência de proporções de misturas dessas rochas silicáticas com o KCl na produtividade do arroz cv. Curinga. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com três, quatro e seis repetições no primeiro, segundo e terceiro experimento, respectivamente. A granulometria dos materiais foi padronizada em partículas <0,03mm. Como referência foram utilizados o KCl e uma testemunha sem K. A capacidade das fontes de rochas silicáticas de liberar K para o solo variou conforme a rocha silicática utilizada e o tempo de incubação, As frações de 45 e 60 meshes foram as que mais disponibilizaram o K trocável. As rochas ultramáfica alcalina e brecha alcalina mostraram-se mais eficientes em liberar K para o solo para todas as frações e tempo de incubação, sendo que a liberação máxima ocorreu aos 90 dias de incubação. O arroz de terras altas respondeu significativamente (P<0,05) e positivamente à aplicação de K na forma de rocha silicática quanto à produtividade de grãos, produção de massa de matéria seca e número de panículas/planta, porém a magnitude de resposta variou com a fonte de rocha silicática. A ultramáfica alcalina mostrou-se superior à brecha alcalina, não se diferenciando do KCl comercial como fonte de K. As produtividades de grãos e de massa da matéria seca tiveram aumentos significativos na medida em que aumentava a quantidade de KCl na mistura com as rochas silicáticas.
AMPLIANDO A ESCALA DE CONSERVAÇÃO: AVALIAÇÃO DE ÁREAS POTENCIAIS E PROPOSTA DE AMPLIAÇÃO DO PARQUE NACIONAL DA SERRA DOS ÓRGÃOS, RJ
Authors: Bastos Viveiros de Castro Ernesto , Henriques Coutinho Bruno , Crisóstomo Oswaldo Cruz João , Souza Brasil Nunes Flavio , Esteves de Freitas Leonardo , Meier Georg
Published: September 2024

Este trabalho apresenta os estudos desenvolvidos no projeto “Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos: ampliando a escala de conservação” cujo objetivo foi realizar estudos para subsidiar uma proposta de ampliação do parque. O artigo discute metodologias utilizadas para a identificação e avaliação de áreas potenciais para ampliação, o processo de consulta pública e os resultados alcançados. A intenção é contribuir para o debate sobre a necessidade de conservação da Mata Atlântica e a efetividade da criação e ampliação de Unidades de Conservação como estratégia para conter a degradação ambiental causada pela expansão das atividades humanas. O estudo concluiu que existem áreas relevantes para ampliação (8.991,07 ha, ou 84,7% em relação à área original de 10.619,13 ha) e que a população consultada é favorável a esta proposta.
ANÁLISE MULTITEMPORAL DA DISPONIBILIDADE HÍDRICA NA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO ERNESTO - PITANGA/PR
Authors: Lange Filho Gerson , Redin Vestena Leandro
Published: September 2024

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar a disponibilidade hídrica, por meio da análise da variabilidade pluviométrica e do emprego do método do balanço hídrico climatológico, na bacia hidrográfica do Ernesto, localizada no município de Pitanga, PR. A variabilidade pluviométrica mensal e anual foi avaliada por meio de análise da variabilidade e a disponibilidade hídrica pelo método do balanço hídrico climatológico proposto por Thornthwaite e Mather (1955). A tipologia proposta por Monteiro (1971) foi aplicada para a classificação dos anos-padrão, a partir da variabilidade pluviométrica. Os resultados obtidos mostram que além da grande variação mensal de pluviosidade, a variação anual foi mais significativa nos anos de 1998 e 2006. Na análise do balanço hídrico verificou-se que existem períodos de excedente hídrico, bem como de déficit hídrico, estando estes períodos vinculados à regularidade e não á quantidade pluviométrica.
A REGIÃO DA BAIXADA LITORÂNEA DO RIO DE JANEIRO: INTERAÇÕES ENTRE O TURISMO E URBANIZAÇÃO
Authors: Ferreira Mori Pinto Roberta Mariana , Fernandes Cassemiro Rafael , Juliane Vaz Alexssandra , De Carvalho Cardoso Suellem Priscila
Published: September 2024

A partir de 1970, com a construção da ponte Rio - Niterói, a região conhecida como Baixada Litorânea, localizada no estado do Rio de Janeiro, tem passado por um crescente e contínuo processo de urbanização fomentado principalmente pelo aumento do número de casas de veraneio e pela atividade turística. Atrelado a este processo, observa-se, a criação de espaços de contradições, tendo em vista, a valorização de determinadas áreas em detrimento de outras. A população de maior poder econômico ocupa as áreas que possuem melhor infra-estrutura urbana, enquanto, as classes menos abastadas acabam por ocupar áreas periféricas, muitas vezes insalubres e irregulares. A ocupação desordenada de áreas costeiras e alagadiças culmina em processos de degradação ambiental que contribuem para a modificação da paisagem na região. Desta forma, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a trajetória espaço-temporal da Baixada Litorânea, desde seu processo inicial de ocupação até a fase atual, na qual o turismo e o veraneio são os grandes responsáveis pelas transformações sócio-espaciais em curso na região.
ESPAÇO TURÍSTICO: ENTRE A IMERSÃO E A CENARIZAÇÃO
Authors: Bittencourt Andrade Adriano
Published: September 2024

Esse artigo apresenta uma série de reflexões acerca da produção do espaço. Parte do pressuposto que o chamado espaço turístico é uma redução explicativa da totalidade que é o espaço geográfico, reflexo e condicionante das relações sociais. Na nossa contemporaneidade algumas variáveis levaram a uma contínua massificação do turismo que, para além dos interesses individuais do cidadão turista, ganhou uma dimensão econômica fundamental para cidades, regiões e países. A turistificação de espaços em busca desses fluxos massificados de turistas clientes/consumidores maquia espaços transformando-os em simulacros do real a partir de mitificações e cenarizações que atendem aos interesses dos agentes de produção hegemônicos na estruturação desses territórios do turismo. Em contra partida, esse artigo traz como forma alternativa de se fazer turismo, uma atividade de imersão cultural. Muda-se a relação com o espaço e, consequentemente, o significado da vivência a partir de uma experiência mais autêntica com o desconhecido.
A CIDADE MUNDIAL DOS PAÍSES EM DESENVOLVIMENTO ACIRRA A DIFERENCIAÇÃO DE LUGARES URBANOS NO PROCESSO DE GLOBALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Pereira Santos Marcio
Published: September 2024

O advento da globalização, dominado pelo fenômeno da internacionalização do capital, vem influenciando as relações de produção entre sociedade urbana e espaço desde o final do século XX. Neste artigo, discutimos a diferenciação estrutural e social dos lugares urbanos na cidade mundial dos países em desenvolvimento utilizando como exemplo a cidade de São Paulo. Refletimos sobre como os lugares são diferenciados identificando algumas variáveis do processo de valorização do solo urbano e de produção de espaço, como a difusão da tecnologia, da ciência, da informação, novos formas de governança, administração e gerenciamento produtivo - que buscam facilitar o processo de acumulação e circulação de capital.
The Satisfiability Problem in Linear Multi-agent Knowledge Logic Based on N
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Protsenko N. A. , Rybakov V. V. ,   Siberian Federal University
Published: September 2024

In this paper we explore the linear logic of multi-agent knowledge using multivalued models. The logic of the language contains the unary operators $K_{j}$ --- $j$ --- the agent knows, $ULK_{G}$ --- unstable local knowledge, $E_{G}$ --- stable local knowledge in the group, and the binary logical operator $AP_{G}$ - the majority opinion. We will show some examples that demonstrate the diversity of this language and its capabilities. Technically we prove decidability of satisfiability problem in the resulting models for our multi-agent logic, develop verification technique and provide some examples.
Optimization in the Model of Control over a Socio-economic System in Conditions of a Mass Disease
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State University, Lutoshkin I. V. , Rybina M. S. ,   Ulyanovsk State University
Published: September 2024

This article considers further development of the mathematical model that allows predicting the socio-economic situation and choosing the optimal management strategy in conditions of a mass disease. The model is a dynamic optimal control problem with a delay in phase variables. It takes into account social, biological and economic factors. The proposed modification of the model consists in simultaneous use of several quality criteria for evaluating management strategies, for which two approaches are proposed. The first approach is based on the reduction of criteria to same unit of measurement, which is the value of a statistical life. The second one consists of normalization of the criteria. Computational experiments were carried out using both modifications of the model; in particular, for the second approach, a series of calculations with different combinations of criteria significance was performed. The experiments used the values of the model parameters estimated on the basis of statistical data on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Russian Federation and the Ulyanovsk region. A modification of the numerical parameterization method developed by the authors was used to find a solution. The optimal solutions obtained for the Russian Federation and the Ulyanovsk region do not coincide when using the same objective functional. Such a result may indicate that it is desirable to choose a specific management strategy for each region.
Multimodal metaphtonymy in internet memes: A response to Donald Trump’s mug shot on X (formerly twitter) as a case study
Authors: Meleshchenko Olga
Published: September 2024

This study examines multimodal metaphtonymy in memes responding to Trump’s 2023 mugshot post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, @realDonaldTrump. The author employs the methodological tools of the conceptual (multimodal) metaphor and metonymy theory to identify patterns of interaction between metaphor and metonymy in these memes. The results reveal three types of multimodal metaphtonymy: metaphtonymy with a metonymy incorporated into either the metaphoric source or target, metaphtonymy with a metonymy incorporated into both the metaphoric source and target, and metaphtonymy with a metonymic chain structuring the metaphoric source. The metaphoric target domain of these metaphtonymies is identified as TRUMP-US PRESIDENT, reflecting Trump’s status as the 45th US President, a political leader, and a candidate for the 2024 US presidency within X platform. The study provides an in-depth analysis of each identified type of multimodal metaphtonymy instantiated by metaphorical portrayals of Trump as A CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATH, A TODDLER HAVING A TANTRUM, and A LIAR. The source domains of these metaphors map exclusively negative characteristics onto the TRUMP-US PRESIDENT target domain, with some features shared across several metaphoric source domains. The recurrent negative portrayals in memes create powerful and enduring images that shape public perception, contributing to a lasting tarnished image of Trump. These portrayals highlight the incongruity between Trump’s constructed image and the expectations of a US political leader, leading viewers to question his fitness for the presidency. The continuous negative portrayal undermines Trump’s credibility and reinforces the perception of his unfitness for leadership.
Multimodal text-image synergy in representing interpersonal relations in picture books
Authors: Yefymenko Victoria
Published: September 2024

Picture books as multimodal narratives contain rich data for analysis of multimodal meaning-making. Verbal and visual modes offer various choices for representing different interpersonal relations. In this paper, I focus on the following research question: how visual and verbal resources are used to construct interactive meanings between the reader and characters and between the characters of picture books.

In my analysis, I follow Halliday’s social semiotic approach to language within systemic-functional linguistics, according to which every semiotic system operates at three levels corresponding to ideational, interpersonal and textual metafunctions. I focus on the interpersonal level, using methodology and typologies from Kress and van Leeuwen’s (2006) visual grammar, further developed by Painter, Martin, and Unsworth (2012) for the analysis of picture books. Visual resources used for representing interpersonal relations are connected with the categories of contact, social distance, attitude, pathos, affect, ambience, and graduation. Verbal means of realizing interpersonal relations include, among others, mood structures and attitudinal lexis. Martin and White’s (2005) appraisal theory is applied to classify appraisal resources according to three systems: attitude, engagement and graduation.

I have analysed interpersonal text-image relationship in two picture books: The Paper Bag Princess by Munsch (2005) and Snow White in New York by French (1989). The analysis of visual resources at the interpersonal level has demonstrated a predominance of long shots, direct eye contact with a reader is rare with the exception of several close-ups. Front-on images situate characters in an equal position with readers, creating a sense of involvement. Overall, the interactions between the visual and verbal components create a synergetic effect in representing interpersonal relations in picture books.
Lingulid brachiopods with probably preserved original shell colouration from the Kamensk Formation (Moscovian, Middle Pennsylvanian) of the Donets Basin, Ukraine
Authors: Dernov Vitaly
Published: September 2024

Problems Statement and Purpose. The colouration (when pigment is distributed more or less uniformly within skeletal substance) and colour patterns (when pigment is concentrated or arranged in bands, lines, spots, patches, etc.) of fossil brachiopod shells is poorly understood, since its preservation in the fossil record requires the coincidence of several, sometimes random, taphonomic factors. However, the study of the original colouration of fossil invertebrates is of great palaeoecological and taphonomic importance (e.g., to study of the evolution of vision, the development of predator-prey relationships). Records of Palaeozoic brachiopod shells with preserved colouration are quite rare and the shell colouration and colour patterns are currently known for only 15 genera.

Data and Methods. Studied isolated valves of the lingulid brachiopods Lingularia mytiloides from the lower Moscovian Kamensk Formation of Luhansk Region (Ukraine) show a preserved colour pattern on the outer surface, represented mainly by light concentric bands. Studied remains are represented by small, 8–10 mm long and 6–7 mm wide, moderately convex ventral thin-shelled valves with elongate elliptical outlines, a rounded anterior margin, subparallel lateral margins and a small, pointed umbo. Valve surface is covered with thin concentric growth lines and weakly developed rugae.

Results and Discussion. The studied specimens were divided into two groups based on shell colouration features, which may reflect some details of the colouration and colour patterns. However, these differences may be taphonomic artefacts. It is quite possible that the colour bands on the surface of the valves are evidence of sulphide oxidation, but even so, they likely still reflect the original colour patterns. Environmental conditions were important factors for the preservation of the colouration on the shells of the studied lingulid brachiopods. Among these conditions, the most important were slow sedimentation, absence of agents of mechanical and chemical destruction, such as high-energy water activity, encrustation by epibionts, etc., dysaerobic conditions, and rapid burial apparently accompanied by the activity of bacterial communities.

The studied colour patterns on the shells of Lingularia mytiloides are similar to those on other fossil lingulids. The adaptive significance of this colouration for the studied lingulids, which lived infaunally, remains unclear and cannot be resolved with the available material.
Factors that predict customer performance with special reference to castel Malawi in Nkhatabay district
Authors: Ian Banda , Muthuvel Laxmikanthan
Published: September 2024

This study is driven by a bid to generate a customer performance prediction model that may be of paramount importance to optimize sales for Castel Malawi within the Nkhatabay district, which has such erratic sales patterns. The research takes issue with the inconsistency of customer performance, making setting targets and overall strategic planning complicated for Castel Malawi. Guided by Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, the study explores a number of demographic, geographic, and behavioral factors that can affect customer performance. An analytical cross- sectional design with a sample size of 242 customers of Castel, determined by Yamane's formula, was used for this research in Nkhatabay. The participants for this study were chosen from urban and rural areas using stratified random sampling. In this study, the data collection tool was a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done with the help of SPSS; descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed in developing the prediction model. The results show that education level, house ownership, and ordering frequency have a significant influence on customer performance. Those customers with higher education levels, who owned houses, and frequently ordered exhibited superior performances. The customer performance classifying model-developed as good or poor customers-presents valuable insights into factors affecting customer behavior and sales performance. This predictive modeling is going to be applied to assist Castel Malawi in better forecasting market demand and thus adjust its sales accordingly. With the use of insights from this research, Castel Malawi is going to improve the consistency of sales, hit targets, and enhance strategic planning within Nkhatabay district. The research fills a void in localized predictive modeling for customer performance, and such findings help in practical tools for optimality in sales within a competitive market.
A study on mergers and acquisitions: Challenges and opportunities case of dairibord limited and lilongwe dairy (2001) limited, Malawi, Southern Africa
Authors: James Mbota , Arokia Doss R.
Published: September 2024

Mergers have become a common phenomenon in Malawi over the recent past. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a common occurrence in the business world, as companies seek strategic partnerships and opportunities for growth. These transactions involve the combining of two or more companies, either through a merger (where two companies join to form a new entity) or an acquisition (where one company purchases another). While M&A activities primarily aim to enhance operational efficiency, expand market presence, and generate economies of scale, they also have a significant impact on consumer buying behavior. This study aims to examine A Study on Mergers and Acquisitions: Challenges and Opportunities Case of Dairibord Limited and Limited, Malawi, Southern Africa. The main objective of the study was to assess the specific challenges and opportunities faced during the acquisition of Dairibord Limited. The respondents are selected in the organisation as the research is in within the organisation. The primary data was collected from 15 respondents and the results of the study shows that there were opportunities like increased market share, cost reduction, market expansion, and access to new technology whilst the challenges mainly revolve around operational integration, regulatory compliance, cultural differences, and employee resistance. This study used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to have the themes (main findings) and the tables of the collected data.
Beneficios de la agricultura regenerativa en la salud del suelo
Authors: Armas Vega Fernando Vinicio
Published: September 2024

La agricultura regenerativa es un enfoque de producción de alimentos que busca restaurar y mejorar la salud de los suelos, la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas. A diferencia de la agricultura convencional, que a menudo agota los suelos y degrada el medio ambiente, la agricultura regenerativa se basa en principios que promueven la regeneración de los ecosistemas. La metodología de revisión bibliográfica sobre los beneficios de la agricultura regenerativa en la salud del suelo consistió en la recopilación y análisis de estudios científicos y artículos publicados hasta el año 2023. Se llevaron a cabo búsquedas en bases de datos académicas como Google Scholar, Scopus y Web of Science, utilizando palabras clave como "agricultura regenerativa", "salud del suelo" y "beneficios ecológicos”. La agricultura regenerativa representa una solución sostenible y a largo plazo para mejorar la salud de los suelos, aumentar la productividad agrícola y mitigar los efectos del cambio climático. Al adoptar estas prácticas, los agricultores no solo benefician sus propios cultivos, sino que también contribuyen a la salud de los ecosistemas y al bienestar de las futuras generaciones. La agricultura regenerativa es una inversión en el futuro de nuestro planeta y en la producción de alimentos saludables y nutritivos.
Morphological and anatomical adaptations of leaves of the Kuban - 86 clonal rootstock in the conditions of Dagestan
Authors:   Timirâzevskaâ selʹskohozâjstvennaâ akademiâ, Asadulaev Z.M.
Published: September 2024

The article discusses the anatomical structure of the leaf blade and petiole of plants of the clonal rootstock of the apple tree Kuban‑86 (AP‑1) depending on their growth at different altitudes of mountainous Dagestan and under urban conditions. The paratypical nature of the occurrence in an ecological-genetic experiment with clonal plants within the reaction norm is substantiated. The relationship of adaptive changes with plant growth conditions and the location of leaf attachment in the crown (sunny or shady side) is analysed, and labile and stable characteristics are identified. As taxon-specific characteristics of the AP‑1 leaf the authors proposed the tortuosity of the epidermal cell walls, the types of simple and glandular trichomes, the anomocytic type of the stomatal complex, the deepening of the stomata in relation to the epidermis, the oval shape of the petiole crossection with crenate edges, containers with a lipophilic secretion in the phloem part and the presence of oxalate drusen in the cortex parenchyma. The variability of petiole characteristics is higher than that of blade characteristics and the informative value of indicators of sclerenchyma, xylem and collenchyma tissues. The possibilities of quantitative analysis of leaf and petiole anatomical characteristics and the prospects of petiole anatomy of the hybrid AP‑1 in assessing the plasticity of indicators under the influence of contrasting external conditions along an altitudinal gradient are considered. Within the crown, the specificity of changes in the anatomical structure of petiole tissues to illumination was revealed. Furthermore, the thickness of most mechanical tissues is greater in light leaves in mountainous areas and in shaded leaves in lowland areas. The latter is explained by the high light and thermal stress to which leaves on the southern side of the crown are exposed.
Analysis , isolation and identification of the microbiome from the ceca of the intestines of industrial pigs
Authors:   Timirâzevskaâ selʹskohozâjstvennaâ akademiâ, Lysenko Y.A.
Published: September 2024

The article presents data on the use of modern methods of analysis, isolation and identification of representatives of the microbiocenosis of the ceca of the intestines of industrial pigs raised using intensive technology. Bacterial metagenomic analysis was used to study the composition of microflora of various taxonomic groups in the chyme of industrial pigs. Classical microbiological research methods were used to isolate the dominant representatives of the genus Lactobacillus. Identification of the probiotically relevant microbial cultures was performed by mass spectrometric analysis using MALDI-TOF MS in a BactoSCREEN spectrometer, as well as by nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Full-genome sequencing of isolated dominant pure cultures of the genus Lactobacillus was carried out. As a result of the research, it was found that in the cecum of the intestines of suckling piglets, growing and fattening pigs there is a diversity of microbial communities, which changes in quantitative proportions with age. The results of mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of protein spectra of important representatives of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, among which two species, Lactobacillus amylovorus and Limosilactobacillus mucosae, were dominant, which were additionally confirmed by analyzing their nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene and by performing full-genome sequencing.
ON BARULIN
Authors:   The Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alpatov Vladimir M.
Published: September 2024

The topic of the article is the biography of Alexandre Barulin (1944– 2021), the prominent linguist and organizer of linguistic education in Russia.
“SEMOQUAKE” AND OTHER METAPHORS OF LINGUISTIC TURNS
Authors:   Institute of Linguistics RAS, Feshchenko Vladimir V.
Published: September 2024

The article deals with some aspects of A.N. Barulin’s semiotic conception. The concept of “semoquake” introduced by him (which means significant periods of sharp and large-scale global changes in the evolution of sign systems, including language) is discussed here in a number of close metascientific terms of linguistic theory, such as “semiotic revolution”, “linguistic turn”, “language experiment”, and “language anomaly”. The study considers examples from linguistic practice, which, due to their anomalous nature, prompted linguists to new understandings of the essence of language. Over the last part of the 19th and the entire 20th century, linguistics conceptualized anomalies at the levels of semantics, syntactics and pragmatics, passing through three phases of a linguo-aesthetic turn along with literary experiments. The discussions of linguists about the role of correct and incorrect statements in the formation of language theories coincided both in time and content with an artistic language experiment, revealing common conceptual moves between science and art in the conditions that A.N. Barulin called “semoquake” (semotryasenie).
Technical Report on the need for re‐evaluation of the safety of hexane used as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients
Authors:   European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Comandella Daniele , Bignami Margherita , Fürst Peter , Grob Konrad , Mengelers Marcel , Cascio Claudia , Xiftou Kyriaki , Croera Cristina , Lambré Claude
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Hexane (called ‘technical hexane’ in this report) is authorised for use as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients under Directive 2009/32/EC. Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA assessed the need for a re‐evaluation of its safety, which was addressed by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1996. To this end, EFSA focused on the composition of technical hexane, its established and potential toxicological adverse effects and the potential exposure of consumers. Technical hexane is defined in the Directive as ‘a commercial product consisting essentially of acyclic saturated hydrocarbons containing six carbon atoms and distilling between 64°C and 70°C’. Specifications, including the identity and fraction of constituents, are not defined. n‐Hexane is reported to be the main constituent. Impurities may be of concern, as they may be transferred to the extracted food, depending on their physicochemical properties and the extraction procedure. An exposure assessment based on regulatory limits showed that the exposure of infants, toddlers and other children may be higher than that considered by the SCF. Regarding genotoxicity, EFSA reiterated the absence of concern. The information provided by the 90‐day study in rats considered by the SCF was no longer considered sufficient to adequately conclude on the safety of technical hexane. Moreover, as n‐hexane is absorbed in humans, additional toxicity studies exploring more end points may be needed. A scoping literature search showed that recent toxicological information on the safety of technical hexane is available, although its relevance was not appraised during this activity. EFSA concluded that there is a need for a re‐evaluation of the safety of the use of technical hexane as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients.
Positive masculinity programmes and sexual and reproductive health behaviours among boys and men in poor urban settlements in Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Rwanda
Authors: Odii Aloysius , Busgacalia Ilaria , Rutayisire Fidèle , Okpara Kelechi , Ngomenzey Christian , Atama Chiemezie , Emina Jacques , Ugwu Chidi , Onyishi Ike E. , Izugbara Chimaraoke
Published: September 2024

As Positive Masculinity (PM) Programmes continue to develop globally, it is important to examine their role in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) outcomes. This multi-country qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, beneficiaries and implementers of PM programmes. The findings show that PM programmes are designed using a gender lens to make boys and men more aware and conscious of harmful masculinity traits and their effect on SRHR. The beneficiaries of the interventions report imbibing positive SRHR behaviours by being sexually responsible – upholding sexual rights, taking precautions against sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) and learning proper communication with their partners. They also report acting as vanguards of positive gender norms to their families and peers. Although there are challenges in implementing PM programmes, the results of the study suggest that interventions targeting boys and men hold promise for improving boys' and men’s health behaviours and promoting gender equality in poor urban settings.
Multi-level predictors of young people’s attitudes towards gender biases concerning rape, sexual and domestic violence in intimate relationships among young people, Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Agu Ifunanya C. , Eze Irene I. , Agu Chibuike I. , Agu Ozioma , Mbachu Chinyere O. , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: September 2024

This study assessed multi-level factors that shape young people's attitudes towards gender biases about rape, sexual, and domestic violence in intimate relationships. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in three urban and three rural communities in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected from 1,020 young people using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA. Findings revealed that most(64%) young people agree that when a girl doesn’t physically fight back, you cannot really say it was rape. Many agreed that a girl who is raped is promiscuous or has a bad reputation (50%) and usually did something careless to put herself in that situation(45%). Young girls were approximately 2 times more likely to have positive attitudes towards sexual violence, rape, and domestic violence in intimate relationships than young boys (OR=1.5;P<0.01). Multi-level strategies to effectively address adverse gender norms and inequalities in intimate relationships are highly recommended.
Exploring the Relationship between Student Behavior and Academic Achievement: A comparative study between Asian and Arab Parents
Authors: Sunitha Kallai  , Prof. Harsh Purohit  , Dr. Vimlesh Tanwar
Published: September 2024

Based on a study conducted in 2012, reports indicate that over half of teachers expressed a strong inclination to decrease the amount of time they dedicated to disciplining students during the school day. One of the main motivations for selecting the teaching profession was to support the educational growth and progress of our students. According to the study, student behaviour was found to have a positive influence on academic achievement. In particular, Arab students demonstrate strong academic accomplishments. Contrary to popular belief, age does not have a substantial impact on students' academic performance. However, it is worth noting that there is a noticeable difference in academic achievement between males and females, with females tending to have lower scores. It is possible that the higher average academic achievement among males is a result of females being interviewed more frequently. Furthermore, there is a notable statistical significance at a 10% level indicating that students who are taught in English outperform those who are taught in Hindi in terms of academic achievement. One possible reason for this could be their ability to obtain books of excellent quality from the market. When it comes to academic performance, students in urban areas demonstrate a clear advantage over their rural counterparts.
Female Political Participation in India
Authors: Swechaa Siingh
Published: September 2024

Female political participation in India has seen significant evolution over the decades, with various measures introduced to promote gender equality in political spheres. Since India's independence in 1947, there has been a concerted effort to enhance women's roles in governance, particularly through legislative reforms and the establishment of local self-government institutions like the Panchayati Raj. These initiatives aimed to integrate women into political decision-making processes, offering a platform for their voices and leadership. This study employs a qualitative approach, including document analysis of relevant legislative amendments and interviews with female political leaders at different levels of government, to examine the landscape of female political participation. Although progress has been made, with increased female representation in local governance, the study uncovers ongoing challenges such as societal stereotypes, limited resources, and institutional biases that continue to affect women's full political engagement. The research underscores the need for continued reforms and supportive measures to address these challenges and advance gender equality in Indian politics.