bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREDICTIVE STATISTICAL MODELS OF SURFACE MELT WATER RUNOFF ON A SLOPE IN THE AZOV ZONE ROSTOV REGION
Authors:   Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Centre, Rassvet, Russian Federation, Batishchev Ivan V. , Ilyinskaya Isida N. ,   Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Centre, Rassvet, Russian Federation, Ignatev Victor M. ,   Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Centre, Rassvet, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Purpose: to conduct a statistical analysis of the relationship between a number of natural factors and snow evaporation, melt water surface runoff during the snowmelt period on a slope with ordinary chernozem in Rostov region for various agricultural backgrounds (winter wheat and fallow) for the period 2008–2022.
Materials and methods. Methodological recommendations for accounting for surface runoff were used. Statistical data analysis was performed using the MathCAD and Statistica packages. The significance of regression equations was determined using the Fisher criterion.
Results. The use of statistical analysis to process the results of multifactorial studies made it possible to identify the influence of individual natural and anthropogenic factors on erosion processes and their interaction. It has been determined that the value of surface runoff on winter wheat crops depends most of all on the amount of precipitation (correlation coefficient r = 0.72...0.80), more with moldboard tillage, and on stubble plowing – on water reserves in snow (r = 0.40...0.45), also more with moldboard tillage.
Conclusions. The equations of the relationship between factorial and resultant indicators of various types are presented, allowing to increase the accuracy of forecasting the surface melt water runoff value in crop rotations depending on the influencing factors with different methods of primary soil tillage, within the limits of the obtained experimental data use, which makes it possible to use methods for regulating negative erosion processes timely. The obtained regularities, reflecting the influence of soil cultivation methods and agricultural background on the value of water balance elements during snowmelt, can be used to predict the melt water surface runoff value and application of anti-erosion agrotechnical measures.
ASSESSMENT OF NEW EARLY-MATURING MAIZE HYBRIDS SELECTED BY THE VNIIOZ – BRANCH OF THE FEDERAL STATE BUDGETARY INSTITUTION “A. N. KOSTYAKOV FEDERAL RESEARCH CENTER VNIIGIM” UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE NORTH-WEST OF VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Chugunova Elena V. , Derunova Svetlana N. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Naboichenko Konstantin V. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Purpose: to study the productive potential of new early-maturing maize hybrids of FAO 150–160, selected by All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture, under the boghara conditions, in the north-west of Volgograd region.
Materials and methods. Selection was carried out on boghar experimental field of the experimental station Povolzhskaya in Volgograd region, Uryupinsky district in 2021–2023. The agricultural technique of field experience is generally accepted for row crops. The experiments were carried out in competitive variety testing nurseries. The registered area of the plot is 10 sq. m, the repetition is threefold. The placement of plots is randomized. The material for the study was taken from trilinear hybrids of the early-maturing FAO 150–160 group, of their own selection, created on the basis of the method of interlinear hybridization using heterosis in the first generation.
Results and conclusions. 45 early-maturing maize hybrids were studied in the research work carried out. In different humidification years, hybrids were evaluated according to a set of economically valuable characteristics (productivity, humidity, breeding index). The stress resistance and genetic flexibility of corn genotypes have been determined. In the competitive variety testing nursery in 2021–2023, five promising maize hybrids Po 150, Po 151, Po 152, Po 153, Po 154, having stress resistance, high productivity compared to the standard (+6,9–26,0 % compared to the standard), rapid grain moisture yield during maturation (humidity 0.4–1.2 % lower compared to the standard) were identified. These hybrids are being prepared for transfer to the State Variety Testing.
METHODS OF ACCELERATED PROPAGATION OF VALUABLE INTRODUCED GRAPE VARIETIES IN THE CONTINENTAL CLIMATE OF THE LOWER VOLGA REGION
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Semenenko Sergey Ya. , Gurenko Vladimir M. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Lytov Mikhail N. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Purpose: to develop methods for accelerated propagation of promising alien grape varieties in natural conditions of the Lower Volga viticulture and winemaking zone.
Materials and methods. The working hypothesis of the research is the assumption of the possibility of significant acceleration of the promising introduced grape varieties reproduction through the use of shortened, single-bud cuttings with complex regulation of the soil water regime and microclimate to maintain a physiologically optimal level of plant moisture in the nursery. The study is based on the results of a field experiment laid out according to a two-factor scheme: A – soil water regime, B – microclimate regulation.
Results. Research has shown that the use of shortened, single-bud cuttings for growing own-rooted grape seedlings in the dry, sharply continental climate of the Lower Volga region with drip irrigation is justified, since it ensures a survival rate of at least 60–66 % and a yield of standard seedlings of at least 49–51 %. Reducing the depth of soil wetting during the rooting period, before the start of active vine growth, to 0.3 m has a beneficial effect on the formation of the soil water regime and ensures an increase in the number of rooted grape cuttings by 11–13 %, and the yield of standard seedlings by 12–14 %, compared to the previously adopted technology of drip irrigation of the nursery with moistening of a constant 0.6 m layer. The application of mist sprinkling irrigation allows increasing the proportion of rooted seedlings by 8–13 %, and the yield of standard seedlings by 8–11 %. The combined use of the techniques under consideration allows increasing the survival rate of cuttings to 79–85 %, and the yield of standard seedlings to 69–73 %.
Conclusions: shortened cuttings in the dry climate of the Lower Volga region can be used for accelerated propagation of promising grape varieties with complex regulation of soil water regime and microclimate in the nursery.
ECM Insights into Domestic Savings, Investment and Economic Growth Dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmefun Rebecca Oluwaseun
Published: November 2024

It is impossible to overstate the importance of investments and savings for the overall
growth of an economy. The study examined Nigeria's dynamics of domestic savings,
investment and economic growth through the Error correction mechanism (ECM).
With the use of time series data from 1990 to 2021, the study seeks to discover the
interplay between foreign direct investment, interest rates, capital formation, and
domestic savings within the Nigerian economy. The study found that foreign direct
investment coupled with a relatively stable interest rate played a critical role in
enhancing domestic savings and fostering economic growth. Additionally, the
analysis showed that capital formation and foreign direct investment positively and
significantly impacted domestic savings. The error correction model shows that any
short-term deviations from long-term equilibriums between savings, investment and
growth are corrected over time, reinforcing the importance of policy consistency.
A key recommendation is that the government implement policies that encourage
saving and maintaining macroeconomic stability, creating a stable environment with
investment opportunities and attractive interest rates that will strengthen savings,
foster capital formation, and drive long-term economic growth. The paper shows the
need for a strategic approach to managing both domestic and foreign investments to
ensure sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
Financial Implications of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Economic Indicators: Global Insights from Nigeria
Authors: Azeez Olaoye Ayoola
Published: November 2024

Nigeria's economic stability is intricately connected to its transportation sector and
fuel pricing. This study aims to investigate the financial implications of fuel subsidy
removal on fuel prices, transportation costs, and broader economic indicators by
examining Nigeria's public and private sectors. The study employs secondary data
from the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria and financial reports from selected
firms. Statistical methods include panel regression models (random effects),
descriptive statistics, and diagnostic tests such as the Hausman test. The study reveals
a substantial negative impact of fuel subsidy removal on petrol prices and
transportation costs. Post-subsidy removal, fuel prices and transportation costs
significantly increased. Additionally, removing subsidies has led to a noticeable rise
in inflation, highlighting broader economic consequences. The findings suggest that
removing fuel subsidies has adverse financial effects on fuel prices, transportation
costs, and overall economic metrics in Nigeria. The study recommends that
policymakers implement targeted social safety nets, including cash transfer programs
and subsidies for essential goods, and consider a gradual approach to subsidy reform
to mitigate economic shocks and foster sustainable growth. Economically, the removal
of fuel subsidies has led to increased fuel prices and transportation costs, contributing
to inflation and economic instability. Socially, it disproportionately affects low-income
households, exacerbating income inequality and social unrest. Policymakers need to
consider the trade-offs of subsidy removal and implement measures to protect
vulnerable populations, monitor inflation, and adjust monetary policy for sustainable
economic growth.
The Role of GHRM Practices Towards Organizational Commitment: A Mediation Analysis of Green Health and Safety Management
Authors: Massoudie Jowhar , Afghan Hamidullah , Zamani Muhibullah , Samadi Maiwand , Gul Saed
Published: November 2024

Green HRM refers to an organization's acknowledgement of environmental issues
while also focusing on enhancing the company's and its employees' social and
economic well-being. The aim is to develop a green workforce that understands, values,
and actively engages in sustainable environmental practices. Environmental social
responsibility plays a crucial role in Afghanistan's construction sector, which is why
this study aims to explore the effect of green human resource management on
organizational commitment. This research uses green health and safety management
as a mediating variable that influences the relationship between green human
resources management and organizational commitment. Data was collected using a
questionnaire, and respondents were selected through random sampling. The data
analysis involved regression and structural equation modelling. The findings were in
line with existing theories and conceptual frameworks, indicating that GHRM
practices have a positive impact on organizational commitment. Additionally, it is
recommended that green human resource management programs be implemented at
all organizational levels if managers are concerned with promoting the well-being of
their employees.
The estimation of desulphurization property of boron-containing slags of the reduction period of the AOD process
Authors: Babenko А. А. , Upolovnikova А. G. , Kel’ I. N. , Shartdinov R. R.
Published: November 2024

Now the main industrial method for producing stainless steel is smelting in an argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) furnace, therefore the paper presents the results of thermodynamic modeling of the desulfurization process of low-carbon semi-finished stainless steel during the reduction period of AOD process by treating it with boron-containing slags. The use of boron oxide as a fluxing material instead of fluorspar reduces the environmental harm and decrease the viscosity of the formed slags. Using the simplex lattice method of experiment planning, a matrix was constructed containing 16 compositions of the oxide system СаО–SiO2–(3-6%)В2О3–12%Cr2O3–3%Al2O3–8%MgO with variable basicity of 1.0–2.5. Based on the generalization of the thermodynamic modeling results, approximating mathematical models in the form of a reduced third-degree polynomial were constructed. The adequacy of the models is verified by three control points not included in the experimental design matrix using the t-criterion at a significance level of 0.01. The results of mathematical modeling are presented graphically in the form of diagrams of the dependence of the equilibrium sulfur distribution on the slag composition at temperatures of 1600 and 1700°C. The constructed diagrams made it possible to quantitatively estimate the effect of temperature, basicity and boron oxide content on the equilibrium interphase distribution coefficient of sulfur. It is found that an increase in slag basicity from 1.0 to 2.5 in the considered range of boron oxide content (3.0–6.0%) improves the metal desulfurization process, ensuring an increase in the equilibrium interphase distribution coefficient of sulfur from 0.1 to 5.0–7.0 at temperatures of 1700 and 1600°C. It’s shown that the process of metal desulfurization in slags with low basicity of 1.05–1.15 is accompanied by a slight decrease in the sulfur content in the metal. At the same time, the concentration of boron oxide has virtually no negative effect on the process of metal desulfurization. Slags with increased basicity up to 2.0–2.5 have more favorable refining properties. The sulfur concentration in the metal during their formation decreases from 0.015 to 0.007–0.008%.
Effect of boron oxide and basicity on viscosity and crystallization onset temperature of СаО–SiO2–B2O3–12%Cr2O3–3%Аl2O3–8%МgO slag system
Authors: Babenko А. А. , Shartdinov R. R. , Upolovnikova А. G. , Smetannikov А. N.
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth of demand for stainless steel and, accordingly, its production, which occurred in the second half of the 20th century and continues till today, makes it necessary to conduct studies of the properties of oxide systems that will contribute to the improvement of metallurgical production technologies for such steel. Therefore, in this paper, using the method of simplex grids for experimental planning and vibration viscometry, a study was conducted of the effect of basicity and boron oxide content on the viscosity and crystallization onset temperature of slags of the СаО–SiO2–B2O3–12%Cr2O3–3%Аl2O3–8%МgO oxide system formed during the reduction period of the production of low-carbon stainless steel by the argon-oxygen decarbonization (AOD) process, which is currently the main method for producing corrosion-resistant steel. The introduction of boron oxide into AOD-slags is a possible solution to the problem of instability of the physical properties of slags during smelting, caused by the volatility of fluorspar fluorides, traditionally used as a flux, and compliance with increasingly stringent environmental requirements by eliminating the formation of toxic fluorine compounds. Based on the results of experimental studies of the viscosity of slags of the studied oxide system depending on the chemical composition and temperature, approximating mathematical models in the form of a reduced third-degree polynomial are constructed. Graphically, the results of mathematical modeling are presented in the form of “composition – property” diagrams, which allow quantitatively determining the effect of temperature and chemical composition of the slags under study on viscosity and their composition on the crystallization onset temperature. It is noted that at 1600 and 1650°C, an increase in the boron oxide content in the slag from 3.0 to 6.0% has a favorable effect on the fluidity of the formed slags in the basicity range of 1.0-2.5. For example, an increase in the boron oxide concentration from 3.0 to 6.0% ensures a decrease in the viscosity of the slags from 2.0 to 0.5 Pa s at a temperature of 1600°C and from 0.4 to 0.3 Pa s at a temperature of 1650°C in the region of increased basicity up to 2.0-2.5.
ITER and TRT—Technological Platforms for Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion
Authors: Krasilnikov A. V.
Published: November 2024

To solve the main problems of designing a thermonuclear tokamak reactor, such as the experimental demonstration of quasi-stationary thermonuclear burning, generation of non-inductive quasi-stationary current; development of plasma technologies and materials of the first wall and divertor, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER is being designed, projects of DEMO demonstration reactors are being developed, and a Tokamak with Reactor Technologies TRT is being developed in Russia. The main components of the ITER (superconducting electromagnetic system (EMS) made of Nb3Sn and NbTi, the first wall of W coated with a low-Z material, systems for additional plasma heating, experimental modules of a breeder blanket, plasma control systems, etc.) and TRT (EMS of high-temperature superconductors, first wall options of W with B4C coating, TiB2–AlN composite and liquid metal lithium, additional heating and quasi-stationary non-inductive current drive systems, innovative divertor, experimental breeder and hybrid blanket modules, reactor-compatible diagnostics and remote plasma control systems, etc.) technology platforms are presented. The technological platforms of the ITER being under construction and the TRT being designed contain an almost complete, according to modern understanding, set of technologies for the future thermonuclear reactor.
Concept of the Doppler Backscattering Diagnostic on TRT
Authors: Yashin A. Y. , Ponomarenko A. M. , Solokha V. V. , Rozhkov S. S. , Kharchevskii A. A.
Published: November 2024

The paper discusses the possibility of using the Doppler backscattering (DBS) diagnostic to aid the Tokamak with Reactor Technologies (TRT) with its mission, and also offers ways of installing it in TRT, including the possible technical characteristics of the system. One of the most important advantages of DBS implementation is the ability to investigate various areas of plasma. This requires selecting an appropriate range of probing frequencies to match the scenarios and density profiles expected in TRT. Aspects and advantages of different ways of implementing DBS in the tokamak are discussed. Possible hardware, design and arrangement of the antenna system are presented. There are also system limitations that need to be considered specifically for TRT. The propositions for DBS on TRT are supported by calculations of ray tracing and diagnostic resolution. The wave number values of plasma fluctuations that the system could detect are also estimated.
COOPERABILITY IN TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS: SPECIFICATION OF SCENARIOS	USING OPEN NETS
Authors: Padberg J. , Jansen L. , Ehrig H. , Schnieder E. , Heckel R.
Published: November 2024

We consider the area of train control systems like the European Train Control Systems (ETCS) where several different scenarios are considered and related software components must cooper-ate effectively in order to achieve the desired system behavior. In order to specify operational behavior of ETCS high-level Petri net techniques have been identified as one of the most ade-quate formal specification techniques according to the state of the art. Petri nets can be used to describe scenarios that represent the required operational behavior of the controlled system. Unfortunately, Petri nets in the usual sense are not fully adequate to model such scenarios and to achieve cooperability. This is caused by the lack of Petri nets to interact with the environment. Thus Petri nets fail to provide a suitable notion for cooperability between different components of a system. The new notion of open nets, developed within the research group Petri Net Tech-nology, is most promising as a conceptual and formal technique for these kinds of problems. In this paper we study a simplified version of a railway level crossing control system. There are a few number of basic scenarios represented by interaction diagrams, which are modeled by open nets, called scenario nets. The cooperability of system components is ensured by suit-able integration and composition techniques for open nets. These techniques provide a basis for cooperability in train control systems in general, especially for problems in the area of ETCS.
DESCRIBING A CONTINUOUS COLLABORATIVE SPECIFICATION PROCESS OF	HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION BY GRAPH REWRITING
Authors: Enders-Sucrow B.
Published: November 2024

The design of complex interactive systems can be successfully supported by the collaboration of several teams. Each of these teams considers a specific part of the system under design specifying it continuously through a series of specification stages between the requirements and the design stages. Highly important for achieving a precise and continuous specification process between the requirements and the design stages is, however, a suitable strategy for refining abstract specifications into more concrete ones correctly and consistently. Beyond the possibility of continuous refinements the most challenging point is whether all parts of a specification treated by various respective teams are able to interact with each other in the right way thus leading to a collaborative specification process. This concerns the requirement that the interoperability of the involved parts is always given in the intended manner. In this paper human-computer interaction is modelled using the concept of information resources and is formally specified by the notation of graph grammars. In order to refine abstract graph grammar specifications of human-computer interaction wrt important requirements correctly and consistently graph rewrite rules at a meta level will be used. The formalism of graph grammars and especially the graph grammar concepts of sequential independence, parallelism, amalgamation and distribution are valuable means for showing how collaboration of teams and interoperability of the respective arising specification parts of a system can be realized. The advantage of such a continuous collaborative specification process is that local as well as global views onto the specification are possible whenever desired. In such specification processes the existence of consistency can be shown and arising inconsistencies can be man-aged in a suitable and flexible way at every specification stage.
TRUST-BY-CONTRACT: MODELLING, ANALYSING AND PREDICTING BEHAVIOUR	OF SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURES
Authors: Schmidt Heinz , Poernomo Iman , Reussner Ralf
Published: November 2024

Architecture description languages (ADLs) are used to specify high-level, compositional views of a software application. ADL research focuses on software composed of prefabricated parts, so-called software components. ADLs usually come equipped with rigorous state-transition style semantics, facilitating verification and analysis of specifications. Consequently, ADLs are well suited to configuring distributed and event-based systems. However, additional expressive power is required for the description of enterprise software architectures in particular, those built upon newer middleware, such as implementations of Javas EJB specification, or Microsofts COM+/.NET. The enterprise requires distributed software solutions that are scalable, business-oriented and mission-critical. We can make progress toward attaining these qualities at various stages of the software development process. In particular, progress at the architectural level can be leveraged through use of an ADL that incorporates trust and dependability analysis. Also, current industry approaches to enterprise development do not address several important architectural design issues. The TrustME ADL is designed to meet these requirements, through combining approaches to software architecture specification with rigorous design-by-contract ideas. In this paper, we focus on several aspects of TrustME that facilitate specification and analysis of middleware-based architectures for trusted enterprise computing systems.
Stability Investigation About the Italian “Terribile”
Authors: Fasano E. , Begovic E. , Rosano G.
Published: November 2024

In the 1861, the frigate “Terribile” was the first ironclad of the emerging Italian Navy and her history is interesting for both technical point of view and historical events. In fact, as the industrial revolution unfolded in the 19th century, the age of wooden hulled sailing ships gave way to that of steam powered iron ships. Moreover, due to the development of armament and armour, many changes took place in nearly every aspect of warship: design, operation and tactics. At the same time, in 1850 was just introduced the concept of dynamic stability, whereas up until the date the ship stability was essentially based upon Archimedes and Bouguer theories. Today, the availability of bibliography and the original lines plan of “Terribile” has enabled both the reconstruction of the ship design developments and the evaluation of the main ship characteristics, adopting the computational tools available nowadays. The obtained results are compared with original data, together with a prediction of the ship statical stability.
History of Visual Communication in the Nautical Field
Authors: Noel Daniela
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to investigate the history of visual communication and graphic materials linked to pleasure boats, from the first steps that advertising took in this sector, from the first posters, to magazines, up to how today’s social media tell about these extraordinary boats and the shipyards that produce them. During this analysis it will also be essential to talk about the main trade fair events that, around the world, allow us to admire these products and some of the most interesting installations created for some events. Many examples will be shown here in which multiple disciplines come together to tell us about these boats, therefore through an interdisciplinary approach that makes this product art, entertainment and so we become spectators. One of the objective of this research is therefore to understand what the historical evolution of the representation of these means has been, what has already been said and what the unmet needs are to lead us to new scenarios and, thus, in the direction of increasingly rich and intersectional visual communication. An experimental phase will be added as the purpose of the above: the design of a survey to be filled in to those attending a boat show, to question visitors about the visual communication related to the boating world; it will be a qualitative research that could investigate what are the opinions of those who experience this world as observers and what could be improved in its representation.
Feasibility Assessment for the Application of Carbon Capture Systems Onboard Cargo Ships in Response to the EU ETS Regulation
Authors: Bortuzzo Valentina , Bertagna Serena , Marino’ Alberto , Bucci Vittorio
Published: November 2024

The role of the maritime industry in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming is significant. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a specific target for the industry, but the challenge is to implement emission-reducing technologies at scale. The use of fossil fuels is still dominant in the shipping sector, also due to the significant barriers that hinder the full adoption of carbon-neutral alternative fuels. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents an opportunity for the industry to lead the way towards a sustainable innovation and demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental impact. In this context, Carbon Capture System (CCS) technologies have been identified as a promising solution, but their implementation on ships comes with its own set of challenges. In this paper, the authors aims at exploring the technical requirements and consequences of the installation of a CCS based on the use of Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) onboard a container ship. To validate their assumptions, the authors set up a simulation tool able to evaluate the potential reduction in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from the ship along a selected route. On the basis of the tool outcomes, the authors were able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed system’s costs and benefits, emphasizing the considerable savings that could be attained through the implementation of this technology on board cargo ships with a specific consideration to the future implementation of carbon emission taxes and a focus on the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) regulation. The findings of this research offer valuable perspectives on creating more effective and environmentally friendly approaches to mitigate GHG in the maritime sector.
Predicting Sailing Yacht Hull Resistance Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Gemelli Paolo , Pagani Laura , Zignego Mario Ivan
Published: November 2024

Hull resistance is a critical factor in determining a vessel’s performance, fuel consumption, and overall efficiency. Traditional methods for evaluating hull resistance involve time-consuming and expensive experiments or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Machine learning (ML) offers a promising alternative for predicting ship resistance, leveraging data-driven models to establish relationships between hull characteristics and resistance values. This study investigates the application of machine learning to evaluate a sailing yacht bare hull resistance using a machine learning Gaussian Process Regression model trained with the Delft systematic hull series. A dataset comprising 50 sailing yacht hull forms and corresponding resistance values evaluated for Froude numbers between 0.1 and 0.6 is used to train and validate various ML models. The models are evaluated based on RMSE, R-Squared and MSE values. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of ML Gaussian Process Regression models in predicting ship resistance and the can be integrated into the early stages of ship design, facilitating the optimization of hull forms for improved hydrodynamic performance. In conclusion, this research establishes machine learning as a powerful tool for evaluating sailing yacht resistance, offering generalizable predictions that significantly contribute to more efficient, cost-effective yacht and ship design optimization.
An Application of Smart-Microgrid in Slow-Speed Tourism
Authors: Padolecchia Donato , Bucci Vittorio
Published: November 2024

In the past few years, there has been a growing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, prompting remarkable advancements in eco-friendly technologies. One sector that has seen notable improvements is maritime transportation. An important innovation in this realm is the adoption of electric propulsion systems in boats, often referred to as “electrified boating.” This development has significant implications for promoting coastal sustainability, particularly in tourist destinations that offer exclusive experiences accessible solely by sea. By embracing electrified boating, these destinations not only enhance the visitor experience but also encourage low-impact environmental transportation methods. In particular, this study explores the possibility of using electric, autonomously guided boats made of high-density polyethylene in protected marine areas, such as the Grotta dello Smeraldo along the Amalfi Coast, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of tourism on these areas, also through the implementation of strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of micro - grids.
Disorders of the red blood cells rheological properties in diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Fabrichnova A.A. , Misnikova I.V. ,   M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kovaleva Yu.A. ,   M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Glazkov A.A. ,   M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Koshelev V.B. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Background: diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by an increased risk of developing chronic microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Blood flow through the microvascular bed is largely determined by the red blood cells (RBC) rheological properties. The
association and prognostic significance of impaired RBC rheological properties in the development of microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) were the object of this study.
Aim: to study the association and prognostic significance of impaired RBC rheological properties in patients with DM1 with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during the DN progression.
Materials and Methods: 52 patients with DM1 were included in the study. The DN was determined based on the GFR value, which was calculated using the GFR-EPI formula, ml/min/1.73 m2. The blood rheological properties (RBC ability to aggregate and deform) were studied
on venous blood samples of patients using a coaxial cylinder aggregometer-deformometer. Blood viscosity was determined using a capillary viscometer.
Results: in DM1, hyperagregation of RBC is observed already in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In GFR<90 ml/min/1.73 m2 versus GFR>90 ml/min/1.73 m2, there was a reduction in the time of the first aggregation stage of RBC (T1) to 7.6 [6.8; 9.1] and 6.9 [6; 8.4], respectively, (p=0.029) and an increase in the aggregation rate of kTb to 0.22 [0.18; 0.25] and 0.25 [0.19; 0.27], respectively (p=0.04). During an increase in albuminuria above 100 mg/day, there was an increase in the stability of RBC aggregates (I2,5) -22.4 [-24.7; -20.25] versus -20
[-21; -17] (p=0.02), and in albuminuria above 150 mg/day, there was a decrease in the RBC ability to deform ((.)begun) (s-1) 20.34 [14; 30] versus 37.7 [15.9; 97.2] (p=0.01).
Conclusion: indicators of RBC hyperaggregation (the first stage time and speed of RBC aggregation, stability of the largest RBC aggregates) in
DM1 are predictors of the early decrease in GFR and the development of grade 2–3a CKD.
KEYWORDS: type 1 diabetes mellitus, RBC rheological properties, diabetic nephropathy, RBC aggregation, RBC deformity, chronic kidney disease.
FOR CITATION: Fabrichnova A.A., Misnikova I.V., Kovaleva Yu.A., Glazkov A.A., Koshelev V.B. Disorders of the red blood cells rheological
properties in diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(9):513–517 (in Russ.).
DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-9-2
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study of the Effect of Metformin on Airway Glucose in COPD: The Metformin and Airway Glucose in COPD (MAGIC) Trial
Authors: Fiorenzo Eva , Tregoning John S. , Fahidi Isaac , Edwards Michael R. , Kebadze Tata , Mallia Patrick , Johnston Sebastian L. , Farne Hugo A.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with COPD have elevated levels of airway glucose. This may increase the risk of bacterial infection leading to exacerbation and disease progression. We aimed to test whether treating COPD patients with metformin, an oral hypoglycaemic used in diabetes, reduced airway glucose.

METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study, we assigned patients with COPD to two 3-month periods of treatment with 1g metformin or placebo twice daily, followed by the alternate treatment after a 2-week washout period. Patients were required to be free of infection, antibiotic or oral steroid treatment in the 8 weeks prior to enrolment. The following were collected at baseline and monthly thereafter: sputum (lower airways sample), nasal/upper airway lining fluid samples using synthetic absorptive matrix (SAM), spirometry, and St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores. The primary outcome was a change in sputum glucose following 3 months treatment with metformin compared to 3 months of placebo.

RESULTS: 14 patients were randomised of whom 3 completed the study, mainly due to withdrawals for exacerbations (8/11 withdrawals). In the n=4 patients who completed 3 months metformin treatment, there were no significant changes in sputum or nasal glucose compared to baseline. Metformin did not affect COPD symptom scores or spirometry.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with metformin in this underpowered pilot study did not significantly reduce airway glucose in COPD. Larger studies are required to definitively evaluate this.
Prey Attracted but Not Repelled by Predators Suggests an Asymmetric Investment in the Encounter-Avoid-Escape Sequence
Authors: Ferry Nicolas , Fiderer Christian , Peters Anne , Ballmann Axel , Heurich Marco
Published: November 2024

Understanding predator-prey interactions, particularly how species use space and time to influence encounter rates, is crucial in ecology. Camera traps, while not being able to directly measure encounters of large free-roaming species, can help estimating how species tolerate or avoid proximity with eachother. We used data from a one-year study in four German protected areas used 283 camera traps and applied recurrent event analysis to explore interactions among three prey species (red deer, roe deer, wild boar) and two predators (grey wolf, Eurasian lynx). Prey visitation rates were unaffected by predators, but wolves showed a strong attraction to prey, with visitation rates approximatively seven times higher right after prey occurrence. Insufficient data hindered robust pattern estimation regarding the Eurasian lynx. This suggests an asymmetry where predators need to succeed at every stage of the encounter sequence, while prey can disrupt the process at any stage to avoid being caught.
Colorectal Cancer and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Shukur Shubin Abdul , Jadhav Ashish Anantrao , Kotnis Ashwin
Published: November 2024

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer globally, accounts for 9.6% 0f all cancer diagnosed and 9.3% of all cancer deaths. Most cases of colorectal cancer, about 80% are sporadic in origin, and the remaining 20 % are hereditary. Colorectal cancer have  the risk factors like family history, diet, comorbities, smoking, alcohol, medication research also shows that there is alteration in the gut microbiota of colorectal cancer. Gold standard investigation for diagnosis of colorectal cancer is colonoscopy with biopsy for histopathology. Human gut microbiota is the colony of comprises more than 1014 microbes like bacteria, virus and fungi. The normal commensal microorganism present in the gut microbiota have symbiotic association with the intestine helps in digestion and absorbtion. Colorectal cancer as it involve chronic inflammatory response leads to decrease in the biodiversity of microorganism and presence of pathological microorganism and this is used as a biomarker for the colorectal cancer. Fecal sample metagenomic analysis shown increase in Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella, are part of the CRC microbiota. This is a promising noninvasive biomarker for colorectal cancer.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Gut microbiota, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis
Die Geltung des Erforderlichkeitsprinzips bei der Anordnung strafrechtlicher Zwangsmassnahmen
Authors: Stöcklin Fabia
Published: November 2024

Coercive measures may only be ordered in criminal law if the objectives pursued cannot be achieved
by milder means. The following article examines principle of necessity when ordering coercive
measures, which is explicitly enshrined in law but has received (too) little attention in both literature
and case law to date.
Schutz der Stadtbäume - Regelungen in Bern und Buenos Aires
Authors: Wanner Tamara Chantal
Published: November 2024

This article analyses and compares the protection of urban trees in the cities of Bern and Buenos
Aires. It discusses the type and the categories of protection, the consequences of protection and the
repercussions of an unlawful action. Finally, a recommendation is made for Bern.
The Role of Mindfulness and Spiritual Experiences in Resilience
Authors:   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Graduate Studies, Tehran Branch, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran., Mohammadifakhr Azam , Mehranfar Shirin ,   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Graduate Studies, Tehran Branch, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran., Usefynezhad Ahmad ,   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Graduate Studies, Tehran Branch, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran., Rezaian Deylami Ameneh ,   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Graduate Studies, Tehran Branch, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Improving people’s resilience is one of the most influential factors in dealing with the Corona crisis. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the role of mindfulness and spiritual experiences in predicting students’ resilience during COVID-19.
Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlation, and 269 male and female undergraduate students of Farhangian University of Qazvin Province, Iran, were selected by the convenience sampling method in the academic year of 2019-2020 and answered the questionnaire on mindfulness, spiritual experiences, and resilience. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test and multiple regressions via SPSS software, version 24.
Results: The results showed a significant relationship between mindfulness and spiritual experiences with resilience (P<0.01). And the components of mindfulness and spiritual experiences (58.5%) explain the variance of resilience.
Conclusion: The results showed that mindfulness and spiritual experiences can predict students’ resilience in the era of Corona, therefore, it is suggested that educational and counseling programs promote mindfulness and spiritual experiences to improve the resilience of fashion students—the opinion of those involved in the academic system.
Antecedents and Consequences of Grief in the Elderly: A Qualitative Study
Authors:   Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Marsa Roya , Bahmani Bahman ,   Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Ebadi Abbas ,   Nursing Care Research Center, Clinical Sciences institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Azkhosh Manoochehr ,   Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Delbari Ahmad ,   Research Center on Ageing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Old age is considered a period of facing great losses, and as a result, the experience of bereavement is more common than in the previous stages of people's lives. Understanding and recognizing the experiences of the elderly from its antecedents and consequences in old age is one of the requirements for the development of well-being these days. This research was done with the aim of understanding the experience of the elderly about the antecedents and consequences of grief.
Method: A qualitative study with the content analysis method with the participation of 16 elderly people aged 60 to 85 referring to day care centers and parks in Tehran, which continued with the purposeful sampling method until the condition of maximum diversity was met, were selected and participated in interviews with a semi-structured method. The data of this research was collected between March 1401 and September 1402 and Goba and Lincoln criteria were used to achieve the accuracy and reliability of the data.
Findings: Based on the experiences expressed by the participants, four categories of antecedents of bereavement include: the experience of losing loved ones, the experience of losing health, the experience of retirement, the regret of the unlived life; And the three consequences of bereavement, including reparability, health, and socio-economic consequences, were obtained.
Results: grief in the elderly is a multi-dimensional phenomenon with a unique experience and understanding. The results of this study can help the health team to better understand this concept, to better understand the experience of bereavement in the elderly, and to carry out investigations, interventions and evaluation of auxiliary measures. They help to improve the health of the elderly.