bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomograms for Predicting the Risk of Acute Heart Failure in ICU Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wu Ziyang , Qiao Yong , Yan Gaoliang , Qin Yuhan , Tang Huihong , Liu Shiqi , Wang Dong , Tang Chengchun
Published: December 2023

Background
This study developed two nomograms to predict the incidence of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients of atrial fibrillation (AF) and evaluated the predictive value of the nomograms.
Methods
18179 patients of AF from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database were randomly divided into two groups in a seven-to-three ratio to form a training cohort (n = 12725) and a validation cohort (n = 5454). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to identify associated risk variables. Two nomograms were established. The new models were assessed in terms of the concordance index (C-index), the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis identified seven potential predictors of acute heart failure in nomogram 1 and three potential predictors in nomogram 2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these predictors and create final models. The concordance index values were 0.768 and 0.696, respectively. The areas under the curves for the training and validation sets in nomogram 1 were 0.768 and 0.763, respectively. The areas under the curves for the training and validation sets in nomogram 2 were 0.696 and 0.692, respectively.
Conclusion
Seven variables were identified as predictors in nomogram 1 and three variables were identified in nomogram 2. Our nomograms are reliable convenient approaches for predicting acute heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Inversion of shallow water depth from GF-6 multispectral remote sensing image
Authors: Zhang Yunling , Hou Yun , Cui Yuping , Xu Yibin , Chen Muyin , Wang Jiaqi , Shen Wei
Published: December 2023

Aiming at the shallow water depth which is difficult to be measured by traditional ship-borne acoustics, this paper establishes four machine learning models, namely Random forest (RF) model, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree(GBDT) model, extreme gradient boos(XGBoost) model and Support Vector Regression(SVR) model, by using the domestic GaoFen-6 hyperspectral remote sensing image and the measured water depth, carries out the water depth inversion research in the experimental area, and compares and analyzes the inversion accuracy. The experimental results show that the stochastic forest water depth inversion model has the highest accuracy and efficiency, which is superior to the other three models. In this paper, the ability of shallow water depth detection by multi-spectral data of domestic GaoFen-6 satellite is demonstrated, and its research methods, ideas, inversion models and other results have important reference significance for other multi-spectral image water depth inversion research.
Molecular Inspection of Avian Influenza HA1 Gene through Protein Homology Modeling and Prediction of Antibody-Binding Epitopes
Authors: Ali Norhan M . , Elsayed Eman , Fawzy Mohamed , Mohamed Maarouf , Eltarabilli Mokhtar
Published: December 2023

The study analyzed avian influenza in seven bird species including wild and Domestic birds: Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Teal, Common Moorhen, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck, domestic duck and domestic chickens - by collecting tissue samples from dead birds, and nasal and cloaca swabs from some living birds ducks and local domestic chickens. This comprehensive approach respected the birds' well-being while providing valuable insights into the virus's prevalence. Highly contagious avian influenza virus (AIV) threatens Egypt's poultry industry, prompting a deep dive into its molecular and epidemiological landscape. Focusing on H5 and H9 subtypes in both domestic and wild birds across five provinces, researchers uncovered a diverse array of circulating strains. H5N8 AIV detected in 4 flocks, mixed H5N1 AIV and NDV infections in 3, and H9N2 AIV in 22. One flock harbored both H9N2 and H5N1, raising concerns about co-circulation and reassortment. Vaccine mismatch, Genetic analysis revealed significant divergence between circulating strains and commercially used vaccines, particularly for H5N8 and H9N2, suggesting potential ineffectiveness. Predicted antibody-binding epitopes further corroborated this, showing higher similarity to a specific older vaccinal strain than currently used ones. A critical gap exists between vaccines and circulating AIV strains in Egypt. Updated vaccines based on prevalent viruses are urgently needed. This study highlights the importance of integrating molecular and epidemiological approaches for developing informed vaccine strategies and improving avian influenza control.
Quantifying stress corrosion cracking performance of additively manufactured aluminum alloys via micro digital image correlation
Authors: Raghavan Seetha , Esteves Remelisa , Ghosh Ranajay
Published: December 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) has the capability to efficiently produce complex parts while saving manufacturing time and costs in industry. However, the AM process can also introduce defects within printed parts, which negatively impacts their performance during service life. Defects can reduce corrosion resistance in AM alloys. AlSi10Mg is a commercially available material for automotive and aerospace applications that is produced via powder bed fusion (PBF). While its mechanical behavior and characteristics have been studied extensively, there are contradictory conclusions on how the PBF process affects its corrosion perfor- mance. Consequently, its behavior under stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is not well understood. It was demonstrated in this work that AlSi10Mg had better SCC performance than its counterpart standard manufactured alloy, AA6061-T6. It was found that PBF AlSi10Mg experienced crack initiation 126 minutes later and withstood failure 18 minutes beyond its counterpart AA6061-T6. At failure, PBF AlSi10Mg experienced three times less strain. This work presents a unique capa- bility of correlating SCC performance in AM alloys to SCC initiation captured via micro digital image correlation (DIC). The results provide useful informa- tion on how AM alloys behave under SCC as a function of time and strain. This information can aid in improving or developing new AM processes for producing reliable and corrosion-resistant alloys.
Classification of Sugar Content of Kiwi Fruit Based on Deep Learning and Near Infrared Spectrum
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zuliang Wang , Ting Zhang , Bingwan Shang , Wenshun Tang , Fengkang Qiao , Yanan Xue , Zhipeng Li , Liu Feifan
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the kiwifruit industry has undergone rapid development. The quality of kiwifruit significantly impacts its market price. The current manual grading system for kiwifruit is inefficient and lacks accuracy. Therefore, the application of intelligent methods for the rapid classification of kiwifruit has become a prominent topic in kiwifruit research. Sugar content is a critical factor in evaluating kiwifruit quality. This study establishes a non-destructive detection and classification model for sugar content using near-infrared spectroscopy and deep learning techniques. Initially, near-infrared spectra and sugar content values of kiwifruit were gathered. Following the classification of kiwifruit samples based on sugar content standards, two preprocessing methods – MSC and SNV – along with four deep learning network structures – LeNet, AlexNet, VGG, and ResNet – were utilized to construct classification models for the spectra and sugar content. Through comparison of training set accuracy, test set accuracy, and confusion matrix of the test set, the combination of MSC preprocessing and the ResNet classification model was identified as the optimal approach, achieving a test set accuracy of 100%. These findings indicate that the classification model established using near-infrared spectrum and deep learning effectively promotes kiwifruit classification based on sugar content.
Rice PALE GREEN LEAVES, encoding a DYW-type pentatricopeptide repeat protein, is involved in chloroplast RNA editing and splicing, and regulate chloroplast development
Authors: Xu Min , Zhang Xinying , Cao Jinzhe , Liu Jiali , He Yiyuan , Guan Qingjie , Tian Xiaojie , Tang Jiaqi , Li Xiufeng , Ren Deyong , Bu Qingyun , Wang Zhenyu
Published: December 2023

The chloroplast serves as the primary site of photosynthesis, and its development plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and morphogenesis. The PentatricopeptideRepeat Sequence (PPR) proteins constitute a vast protein family that function in the post modification of RNA within plant organelles. In this study, we characterized a rice pale green leaves (pgl3) mutant. The chlorophyll content of pgl3 at the seedling stage was significantly reduced compared to the wild type (WT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the pgl3 exhibited aberrant chloroplast development compared to the wild type (WT), accompanied by significant alterations in gene expression levels associated with chloroplast development and photosynthesis. The Mutmap analysis revealed that single base deletion occurred in the coding region of Os03g0136700 in pgl3. By employing CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing, two homozygous cr-pgl3 mutant were generated and exhibited similar phenotype to pgl3, thereby confirming that Os03g0136700was responsible for pgl3 and subsequently designating it as PGL3. PGL3belong to the DYW-type PPR protein family and is localized in chloroplasts. Moreover, we showed that RNA editing efficiency of rps8-182 and rpoC2-4106, and splicing of ycf3-1 are significantly decreased in pgl3 mutants compared to WT. Collectively, these result indicate that PGL3 plays a crucial role in the process of chloroplast development via regulating the editing and splicing of chloroplast genes in rice.
Unraveling the Impact of Virtual Social Comparisons on Psychological Burnout among An-Najah National University Students: A mixed method study
Authors: Jabali Oqab , Saeedi Munther , Sleem Heba , Alawneh Yousef
Published: December 2023

Background: This study investigates the nuanced effects of virtual social comparisons on students at An-Najah National University. Guided by the Social Comparison Theory, the research aims to understand how cultural resilience, gender dynamics, communal support structures, living conditions, and developmental stressors collectively shape the impact of virtual social comparisons on university students.
Methods: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing 401 surveys and conducting 18 interviews to comprehensively explore the subject. Various demographic variables, including gender, place of residence, type of faculty, and academic level, are rigorously examined to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing the impact of virtual social comparisons.
Results: The findings reveal an overall minimal impact of virtual social comparisons on students, as indicated by an average score of 2.28 with a standard deviation of 0.77. However, significant gender-based differences are observed, favoring male students. Notably, the absence of differences based on faculty type underscores shared cultural resilience among students. Place of residence emerges as a crucial factor, with students in camps experiencing heightened effects, attributed to socio-political and economic factors. Variations across academic levels correspond with developmental stressors, highlighting a dynamic relationship between academic advancement and the impact of virtual social comparisons.
Conclusions: This research contributes nuanced insights for future studies and interventions, recognizing the multifaceted influence of cultural variables on students' experiences in the digital age. By exploring diverse demographic factors and employing a comprehensive methodology, the study enhances our understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding virtual social comparisons among university students. The observed gender disparities, shared cultural resilience, and differential impacts based on place of residence and academic level underscore the importance of considering these factors in addressing the effects of virtual social comparisons on student well-being and academic experiences.
Steel Surface Defect Detection Based on Multi-Layer Fusion Networks
Authors: Li Hanlin , Liu Ming , Yin Yanfang , Sun Weiliang
Published: December 2023

Detecting defects on steel surfaces is crucial for ensuring product quality and production safety in industrial settings. Object detection using deep learning, particularly the YOLOv5 model, has become a widely adopted method for this purpose. However, the complex shapes of current steel surface defects pose challenges for precise detection, especially when using low-cost recognition devices with small resolution images.
To address these challenges, we integrated the RepBi-PAN fusion network into YOLOv5, enhancing the detection capability for large targets in complex backgrounds. To mitigate issues related to the premature introduction of shallow features and decrease in Precision, we optimized the model structure by incorporating the DenseNet structure into the backbone for improved feature extraction. Additionally, we introduced the Normalized Attention Module (NAM) to enhance the detection capability for small targets.
Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the enhanced model, showing a 4.1% increase in mean average precision (mAP), a 3.2% improvement in precision, and a 2.4% enhancement in recall. The improved algorithm outperforms the original in complex backgrounds and recognizing small targets, addressing limitations of the Rep-Bi network. Compared to other YOLO algorithms, our approach achieves optimal values for recall and mAP while maintaining a smaller model size. In comparison with YOLOv8, the improved model surpasses all V8 models, being only 0.5% below the precision of the largest YOLOv8x model. Simultaneously, the improved model is smaller and has fewer parameters compared to all models in the YOLOv8 series, with slightly higher GFLOPs than the smaller v8 models.
Spatial distribution, sources, and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments from industrial areas in the Kuye River Basin in Shenmu, China
Authors: Wang Zhu , Liu Yongjun , Wei Chun Xiao , Yang Lu , Liu Xingshe , Yang Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Aining , Li Zhihua
Published: December 2023

Metal pollution of river sediments in industrial areas has attracted widespread attention. In this study, 11 metal ions (including Fe, Al, Mn, Ag, Cd, Cr, As, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni) were determined and analyzed in river sediments of typical industrial areas in the Kuye River Basin, a first-level tributary of the Yellow River. The geological accumulation index, enrichment factor, and pollution load index indicated that the metal ions in this area were enriched and polluted to different degrees. The spatial distribution of the 8 kinds of heavy metals showed that the content in the upstream and downstream was higher, and the middle reaches were lower. The heavy metals mainly came from local industrial activities, coal mining and transportation, and soil weathering, Human activities were the main reasons for the dramatic spatial changes and high levels of heavy metals. Mass inventories of metal ions in sediments should not be ignored. The results of the combined potential ecological risk index and sediment quality guidelines showed that the ecological risk downstream of the area was high, and Ni and Pb have caused adverse biological reactions. The human carcinogenic risk assessment result showed that the non-carcinogenic hazard quotient of metal ions in the study area was at an acceptable level, but the carcinogenic risk level of Ni and Cr was higher than 10− 4, which was an unacceptable level and must be got enough recognition. The results of this study can provide theoretical support for the pollution control and environmental restoration of rivers in energy-enriched areas.
MRHCNet: Multi Resolution Hybrid Convolution based U-Net for Crack Detection with Mix Dilated Linear Pooling and Laplacian Pyramid Mix Module
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Huang Haifeng
Published: December 2023

Deep learning based methods have achieved the state-of-art results in crack detection. However, these models have some drawbacks. Firstly, these models often use down-sampling operation to reduce the resolution of features, which would cause feature information loss. Secondly, square filtering windows are used to extract strip crack features, which would merge unrelated feature information. Thirdly, these models are limited to learn detailed feature information and edge features of cracks, which would cause detail and edge feature information loss. To solve these problems, a Multi Resolution Hybrid Convolutional Module (MRHCM) is designed to avoid feature information loss caused by down-sampling. Additionally, a Mix Dilated Linear Pooling (MDLP) is proposed to capture the strip feature information of cracks. Furthermore, a Laplacian Pyramid Mix Module (LPMM) is designed to learn detailed feature information of cracks. Also, a Sobel Mix Cross Pooling (SMCP) is used to enhance the network?s ability of learning edge features. Finally, a Multi Resolution Hybrid Convolution based U-Net (MRHCNet) with MDLP, LPMM and SMCP is proposed by us. Experimental results show that our MRHCNet could achieve the accuracy of 0.931, 0.825 and 0.989 on the Cracktree200, CRACK500 and CFD datasets respectively, which is higher than that of the traditional models.
Immunogenic cell death related genes predict prognosis and tumor microenvironment characteristics in patients with renal papillary carcinoma
Authors: Li Huiming , Liu Jun , Jiang Yuhuan , Chen Anjun , Wang Ling , Huang Hongxiang
Published: December 2023

Objective To explore the predictive value of genes related to immunogenic cell death (ICD) for the prognosis and tumor microenvironment characteristics of patients with renal papillary carcinoma(RCC). Methods Transcriptome data of RCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. We identified differentially expressed ICDs between RCC tissues and normal tissues with R software.We analyzed gene expression data from 291 patients with RCC, combined with clinical pathological data, and used statistical methods to evaluate the prognostic value of genes related to ICD. In addition, we also studied the relationship between these genes and the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment.Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to validate the expression levels of the key genes from the signature set. Results Distinct expression patterns of ICD-associated genes in RCC were identified, and a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was mapped. Consistency clustering analysis classified patients into high and low ICD expression groups, with the high expression group exhibiting favorable clinical outcomes. Signaling pathways enriched in immune-related activities were associated with high ICD expression. Somatic mutation profiling revealed common mutations, and immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated distinct immunological characteristics in the high ICD expression group. We identified 14 differentially expressed ICDs associated with the prognosis, 8 (CALR, EIF2AK3, IFNB1, IFNG, IL1R1, IL6, LY96, PDIA3) of which were selected to construct a ICDs signature.The relative expression levels of ICD genes were significantly higher in RCC tumor samples than paracancerous tissue. The prognostic risk model exhibited predictive performance and consistency in both training and validation datasets. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the risk score as an independent prognostic factor. A nomogram incorporating clinical features and risk score accurately predicted patient survival rates. Conclusion This study identifies ICD-related genes as potential prognostic markers in RCC, offering insights into the immunological characteristics associated with distinct ICD expression profiles. The constructed risk model and nomogram provide valuable tools for predicting survival outcomes and guiding personalized therapeutic interventions in RCC patients.
A novel microfluidic-based fluorescence detection method reveals heavy atom effects on photophysics of fluorophores with high triplet quantum yield: A numerical simulation study
Authors: Demirbay Barış
Published: December 2023

Long lived, dark transient states of fluorescent probes are sensitive to changes in their microenvironment, such as variations in pH, polarity, local oxygen concentration and viscosity. This sensitivity can serve as a biosensing tool allowing researchers to probe and monitor subtle alterations in cellular environments and artificial physiological conditions. The intricate interplay between these states results in transitions that delay fluorescence emission, offering a gateway to phosphorescence-based imaging, particularly for fluorophores with high triplet quantum yields where traditional single molecule detection methods still face major limitations. In the present article, we introduce an idea on a novel fluorescence-based imaging technique combined with a microfluidic platform that enables a precise control of dark transient state populations of fluorescent probes flowing over a uniform, top-flat supergaussian excitation field with a constant flow rate. To demonstrate the imaging capability of the proposed detection method, numerical simulations have been performed by considering laser, microscope and flow parameters of experimental setup together with photophysical model and electronic transition rates of fluorescent dyes. In return, as an output data to be assessed, fluorescence image data is numerically simulated for carboxyfluorescein and its brominated derivative eosin-Y where they both have high triplet and photo-oxidation states with longer lifetime in contrast to rhodamine-based fluorophores. Based on the magnitudes of excitation irradiances and flow rates which can be manually controlled by user during experiments, the presence of dark state populations arising from these emitters can appear as signal broadening, shifts and decays due to pile-up effect in normalized fluorescence intensity signals that are computed from simulated fluorescence images. As such effects become more pronounced for the signals of eosin-Y molecule that contains four heavy bromine atoms, it is elicited that heavy atom effect can be resolved very well by properly tuning excitation power and flow rates. Our proposed imaging modality integrated with microfluidics platform has potential to open up new perspectives in biomedical research where blinking properties of fluorophores can be exploited as a sensor that reflects changes in local environment at the molecular level.
GEN-RWD Sandbox: Bridging the Gap Between Hospital Data Privacy and External Research Insights with Distributed Analytics
Authors: Gottardelli Benedetta , Gatta Roberto , Nucciarelli Leonardo , Tudor Andrada Mihaela , Tavazzi Erica , Orini Stefania , Vallati Mauro , Giorgi Nicoletta Di , Damiani Andrea
Published: December 2023

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal tool in advancing contemporary personalised medicine, with the goal of tailoring treatments to individual patient conditions. This has heightened the demand for access to diverse data from clinical practice and daily life for research, posing challenges due to the sensitive nature of medical information, including genetics and health conditions. Regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe aim to strike a balance between data security, privacy, and the imperative for access.
Results: We present the Gemelli Generator - Real World Data (GEN-RWD) Sandbox, a modular multi-agent platform designed for distributed analytics in healthcare. Its primary objective is to empower external researchers to leverage hospital data while upholding privacy and ownership, obviating the need for direct data sharing. Docker compatibility adds an extra layer of flexibility, and scalability is assured through modular design, facilitating combinations of Proxy and Processor modules with various graphical interfaces. Security and reliability are reinforced through components like Identity and Access Management (IAM) agent, and a Blockchain-based notarisation module. Certification processes verify the identities of information senders and receivers.
Conclusions: The GEN-RWD Sandbox architecture achieves a good level of usability while ensuring a blend of flexibility, scalability, and security. Featuring a user-friendly graphical interface catering to diverse technical expertise, its external accessibility enables personnel outside the hospital to use the platform. Overall, the GEN-RWD Sandbox emerges as a comprehensive solution for healthcare distributed analytics, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between accessibility, scalability, and security.
Influence of adiabatic gravitational compression of atmospheric mass on the temperature of the troposphere
Authors: Michel THIZON
Published: December 2023

The temperature that the Earth's surface would have without the greenhouse effect, with an atmosphere completely transparent to infrared radiation, or even without an atmosphere at all, is generally estimated at -18°C. The greenhouse effect is estimated to induce a warming of 33°C to justify the surface temperature of +15°C. To explain this discrepancy, we examine, with the ideal gas law, to which the Earth's atmosphere obeys its normal conditions of pressure and temperature, the role that the adiabatic compression of the atmospheric mass subjected to gravity can play. The dimensional analysis of the ideal gas law demonstrates that compression of the atmosphere produces energy, which can be calculated in Joules. The temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface is influenced by both its invariable atmospheric mass, solar irradiation and the greenhouse effect. This calls into question the commonly established Earth's Energy Budgets which consider almost exclusively radiative effects, and which deduce a Back Radiation attributed to the greenhouse effect which is abnormally high.
THYROIDITIS AS A COMPLICATION OF COVID-19
Authors: Duzhyi Igor , Melekhovets Oksana , Klochko Anzhela
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The epidemiological situation around the world does not improve from year to year. Moreover, there is a tendency towards its deterioration. For example, one can take a better look at viral infections to see that 100 years ago, the Spanish influenza pandemic claimed 40 million lives on a global scale; in 2002–2004 – SARS-COV led to 10.9% mortality in patients; 10 years later MERS-COV presented with 34.3% mortality; while the Wuhan pandemic (COVID-19) was accompanied by a mortality rate of 6.5%, in people aged 70 years the rate reached 8%, in people > 80 years – more than 15%. Mortality, of course, is inherent in many complications, since viruses, particularly coronaviruses, have a tropism to the endothelium of vessels and the epithelium of various organs, so complications can affect different organs and systems. Peculiarities of their course and diagnosis substantiate the urgency of the problem.
Objective. To share the features of the clinical course and diagnosis of rare complications of COVID-19, primarily in the thyroid gland.
Materials and Methods. We observed 2 patients who, in addition to general clinical examinations, had ultrasound and thyroid panel tests performed.
Results and Discussion. In two patients (a female and a male), in addition to general clinical and respiratory syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders prevailed, namely, a complete loss of appetite and decreased body weight of more than 10 kg. After a complete examination, autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed.
Conclusions. The signs of intoxication, along with loss of body weight, should prompt a doctor to consider endocrine organs (primarily the thyroid gland) examination with ultrasound.
Harmonization of the agricultural policy of the Republic of Serbia with the the European Union acquis – environmental protection and impact on the position of farmers
Authors: Nikolić Popadić Sofija , Milenković Marko
Published: December 2023

Agricultural policy is one of the key public policies and has a significant impact on farmers as well as on the population living in rural areas. The policy comprises various development goals and represent the starting point for the adoption of regulations that have a direct impact on agricultural producers and their lives. The paper first analyzes the current agricultural policy in Serbia. The second part of the paper is dedicated to the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, followed by an analysis of the level of harmonisation of the agricultural policy and regulations of the Republic of Serbia with the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. Bearing in mind that the Common Agricultural Policy is currently undergoing transformation and that the implementation of new measures is expected from 2023, it is analysed how this change will affect Serbia in the coming years, given that the new Agriculture Strategy is to be adopted as the current one expires in 2024. The paper specifically analyzes how measures for environmental protection and climate change will affect the lives of the rural population. Introduction and implementation of new and increasingly complex measures, such as new ways of agricultural production, soil cultivation, reduced use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, as well as greater representation of organic production bring significant benefits to the environment and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to climate change mitigation. Until now, farmers have been expected to change their former traditional approaches to agricultural production, among which the burning crop residues stands out as important for the environment, and in the future the greater demands will be placed on farmers, especially having in mind climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. As the paper concludes, the key role in this process must be played by the farmers themselves, who are expected to change, often traditional patterns of production and living in rural areas.
Creating a Place: Identities Shaped by the Material Traces of the Past. Case-study of the Old Town of Užice
Authors: Aleksić Čevrljaković Marija
Published: December 2023

The paper rests on the idea that the meanings and values of a place are flexible and changing, depending on the cultural and social values. The inhabitants of a certain place share the associations concerning it and its built elements. These shared associations or experiences create the perception of unity and shape a community. Various meanings were ascribed to the Old Town of Užice from the second half of the 14th century until 1863, when it was devastated. During the last four centuries of its existence, it presented a threat for the Christian inhabitants, so after its Turkish crew left, “the Serbs hastily destroyed the fort”. The survey conducted in 2013 showed that neither its position at the outskirts of the modern city, nor its special status gained by the administrative protection (granted in 1949) were sufficient to generate the positive attitude by the local population. By the beginning of the 21st century the Old Town was neglected and did not take part in the life of the modern settlement. With the dissolution of the former state and the abandonment of the traditions associated to the anti-Fascist struggle, Užice lost its esteem. The local authorities, dissatisfied by their position in the changed economic and political circumstances, decided to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Old Town in their strategy of the city regeneration. This meant the reconstruction of the Medieval fortress of Nikola Altomanović (14th cent.), and the Turkish period in the development of the Old Town was totally silenced. The official portals emphasize the Medieval past of the Old Town, in accordance with the modern Serbian identity, that was built and is still confirmed by the research and promotion of the Medieval history and its material traces. The narrative of the organic links between the modern nation and the Medieval heritage is fundamentally naturalized, indicating the Authorized Heritage Discourse in action, and the influence of the state and the experts on the relations a community creates towards the past. The processes that led to the reconstruction of the Old Town confirm that the relationship to spaces is not pre-defined by their physical characteristics, nor stable. The example of Užice vividly illustrates that a society always chooses which values should be emphasized, and which are the ones to be silenced or forgotten.
Encountering Tutankhamun: The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb and Tutmania through the Lens of Local Press (1922–1943)
Authors: Lekić Siniša
Published: December 2023

News of Carter’s discovery in the Valley of Kings was first transmitted by magazines and daily papers in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in late 1922, but the finds from Tutankhamun’s tomb continued to draw the public’s attention in the decades to come. A large number of newspaper articles from the time are dedicated to not only Tutankhamun, but also the different manifestations of Egyptomania and Tutmania, from the “curse of the pharaoh”, all the way to fashion inspired by Ancient Egypt. On the other hand, the interwar press reminds us of the efforts of local experts, such as Nikola Vulić and Luka Zrnić, to popularize and present modern archaeological research to the wider audience. This is why all of these diverse testimonies must be observed as a whole to better grasp the connection between science, the media and the public which, in the case of Tutankhamun’s tomb, lead to the creation of a public image within which scientific facts got inextricably mixed up with fantasy, thereby influencing not only the imagination of readers, but also numerous travelers and adventurers to set off for Egypt and directly encounter the legacy of Ancient Egypt.
Do Social Sciences and Humanities Speak the Language for Specific Purposes? A Look at Archaeological Texts
Authors: Mirić Milica
Published: December 2023

The unbreakable bond between language and scientific thought has incarnated into a special way of using general language, which we call language for specific purposes. It is thanks to this language that articulation of observations, conceptual and semantic constitution of scientific fields and exchange of new knowledge are possible. Language for specific purposes is not a new system of signs, rather it uses all the linguistic resources contained within general language, from which it is inseparable. Its peculiarity lies in the frequency and the specific ways of using lexicon and morphosyntactic structures, especially the ones which help it approach the ideal of precision and brevity of expression. In the first part of the paper, in addition to the detailed definition of the concept of language for specific purposes, we analyze which language is necessary for scientific purposes, whether or not scientists understand one another and if there are any universal characteristics of language for specific purposes. The second part of the paper is devoted to a smaller study with the goal of questioning some general traits of the language of archeology, performed on a group of abstracts originally written in the Serbian language.
Varieties of spring and winter durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) by alleles of the Ppd-A1 gene
Authors: Fait V. I. , Balashova I. A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose. Identification and evaluation of the frequencies of dominant and recessive alleles of the Ppd-A1 gene in winter and spring durum wheat varieties of different geographical origins. Methods. DNA isolation, allele-specific PCR, electrophoresis in agarose and polyacrylamide gels and statistical analysis were used in the research. Results. Using diagnostic molecular markers, the genotypes of 81 spring and winter durum wheat varieties from different geographical origins were identified by alleles of the Ppd-A1 gene, which determines differences in photoperiodic sensitivity. Four alleles were found in spring varieties and three in winter varieties (the dominant allele Ppd-A1a.2 was absent). The recessive allele Ppd-A1_del303 was not found in any of the examined varieties. Conclusions. No significant differences were found between winter and spring genotypes in the frequency of one or the other allele. In winter and spring varieties, the recessive allele Ppd-A1_del2ex7 is the most frequent (68.5 and 47.9%, respectively). The recessive allele Ppd-A1b is significantly lower in winter varieties and almost identical in spring varieties. The frequencies of the dominant alleles Ppd-A1a.2 and Ppd-A1a.3 are lower than the two above and generally very low. The Ppd-A1a.2 allele was detected only in the Georgian variety ‘Merliuri’ (spring type); Ppd-A1a.3 – in the Ukrainian varieties ‘Luhanska 7’, ‘Metyska’ (spring) and ‘Koralovyi’ (winter). The possibility of using varieties carrying the dominant alleles Ppd-A1a.2 and Ppd-A1a.3 as donors in hard winter wheat bree­ding programmes is currently being discussed, in order to increase their adaptive potential in conditions of drought and high temperatures and to increase grain yield. The use of marker analysis will ensure the selection of breeding material with the optimal combination of alleles of the Ppd-A1a gene.
Regulatory Recognition of Commercial Space Flights
Authors: Bulgakova Daria
Published: December 2023

The author of the research article raises current legal issues regarding the regulatory challenges associated with the commercialization of outer space, with a particular focus on space tourism. The study aims to solve the legal dilemma of the lack of a legal framework that would define commercial spaceflight because this problem creates ambiguity in the understanding of the phenomenon of space tourism and raises concerns about the regulatory way of space exploration by private companies. The methods of analysis consist of the benefit of theoretical aspects of international space law for the designation of a mutual understanding between commercial interests and the principles of space exploration. The obtained results of the study lead to the conclusion that the main factor that inhibits the implementation of proper legal regulation of commercial space activity is uncertainty in the application of one or another law to regulate flights with space tourists, which, in the opinion of the author, should be eliminated employing regulatory direction on the proper legal regime, a clear definition of the boundary between outer space and air space, the weight of the norms of international law as opposed to the applications of states regarding the expediency of the norms of national law. The author's solution is the initiative for the governance of the unsettling areas through contractual arrangements. This idea is due to the results of the study about the predictability of the potential loss of relevance of international space law for the regulation of commercial space flights, therefore the auxiliary role of contract law is delivered. For its implementation, the author emphasizes the prospect of maintaining a regulatory course on (i) management of property rights, (ii) management of space resources in the direction of prohibition of appropriation and commercial colonization of celestial bodies; (iii) provisions for liability in the event of flight anomalies, safe rescue accidents, and the return of space tourists.
Mechanisms of Citizen Participation іn Public Administration: Experience of Foreign Countries
Authors: Muslimova Daria
Published: December 2023

Considering Ukraine's aspiration to become a full member of the European Union and participate on equal terms with other European states in defining global policies and goals for the future, the effective functioning of public participation mechanisms in governance is not only a goal for Ukraine, but also a requirement of the EU. In this sense, it is appropriate to investigate the peculiarities of the functioning of the mechanisms of citizen participation in public administration in different states, evaluating their experience and taking into account the principles and ideas that can be useful in reforming the Ukrainian legal system in this direction. The purpose of the article. Analysis of foreign experience of regulatory and practical support for the functioning of mechanisms of citizen participation in public administration, determination of advantages and disadvantages of various models of setting up government-public communications, as well as an outline of prospects for the development of mechanisms of public participation in state administration in Ukraine. Methods of analysis. The research uses general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge. The purpose and tasks of the research include analysis and synthesis of information, comparison of foreign approaches to understanding public participation and its mechanisms, as well as formulation of the author's conclusions on specific issues, recommendations for theoretical and practical use. The results. The theoretical and practical aspects of ensuring the effectiveness of citizens' participation in public administration are analyzed. The standards in this area, the best foreign approaches and practices, and promising directions for the development of participatory democracy in Ukraine are outlined. Prospects for further research. The findings contained in this study can be applied during the improvement of national legislation and the implementation of regulatory provisions on effective public influence on public administration. In the future, it would be appropriate to pay attention to the peculiarities of ensuring the functioning of the mechanisms of citizen participation in the management of state affairs in other countries, in particular in Asian countries, Canada, the USA, etc.
Ensuring National Security in the Process of Implementing Forms of Direct Democracy at the Local Level
Authors: Lialiuk Oleksii , Derevianko Serhii , Mustafaieva Saida
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the work is determined by the existing threats to national security, which have been exacerbated by the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, as well as by the processes of European integration of Ukraine.

The authors set out to study the issues of ensuring Ukraine's national security in the process of implementing various forms of direct democracy at the local level. To achieve this goal, the article uses the analysis of written sources, logical analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and description.

The article examines the place of foreigners in public life at the local level in terms of the right to participate in local elections, local referendums, general meetings, as well as local initiatives and public hearings. The authors analyze the risks to national security in case of granting foreigners voting rights at the local level, as well as the right to participate in the referendum.

The article analyzes the legal regulation of foreigners' participation in direct forms of democracy not only under Ukrainian law, but also under the laws of the United States of America, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Slovakia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and the European Union acquis.

The authors formulate various options (methods) for ensuring national security in the process of realizing the right of foreigners to participate in various forms of direct democracy. Further research is promising and necessary for choosing the best option for legal regulation.
Problematic Issues of Definition of Digital Forensics
Authors: Tiapkin Anatolii , Lushchyk Ihor
Published: December 2023

In the scientific literature and mass media, the terms “digital criminalistics”, “digital criminology”, “digital forensic examination” are used without distinction and sometimes even interchangeably. As they have a similar orientation and are closely related to each other, the question arises of how to differentiate these concepts and clarify their meaning. Scientific and technical progress in the field of crime counteraction, as well as general digitization of all spheres of society, are closely linked to the development of a new field of forensic knowledge: digital forensics and the use of digital evidence in the process of proving.

An important direction in criminology is the integration of knowledge and the introduction of cutting-edge, innovative scientific advancements aimed at addressing the challenges of combating crime.

Digital criminalistics is developing rapidly in Ukraine. Its progress is fueled by new challenges arising from Russian Federation aggression and the necessity to develop new remote electronic tools for the search, collection, recording, and analysis of criminal evidence. The advancement of digital criminology takes place according to three primary directions: 1) the formation of a separate scientific field within criminology; 2) application of specific expertise in working with digital evidence; 3) conduct of forensic examinations, including computer-technical examinations.

The Article Purpose is to analyze the views of scholars regarding the conception of digital criminalistics and its subject, as well as to classify the main directions in ensuring legality and combating crimes in this field. The research methods employed encompass general scientific theoretical methods, including analysis (which facilitated the differentiation of such concepts as “digital criminalistics”, “digital criminology”, etc., allowing to study them separately), synthesis (in the process of integrating various forensic concepts into a unified whole), abstraction (during transition from specific concepts related to certain types of forensic examinations to abstract forensic categories), and generalization (which enabled the transition from the analysis of individual areas of digital criminalistics to the understanding of a holistic concept) and explanation of individual concepts related to the field of digital criminalistics, as well as application of systematic, functional, and comparative methods to determine similarities and differences among specific concepts related to the research topic, aiming to identify common and distinct. Additionally, a systemic approach is used to study the concept of “digital criminalistics” as a holistic set of elements within a framework of relationships and connections.