bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationships between turnover intention and job satisfaction, workplace violence and perceived overqualification among general practitioners in Chongqing, China, during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Zhou Xingyun , Chen Mo , Wang Yi , Li Qiaoya , Huang Xintao , Deng Huisheng
Published: January 2024

Background The shortage and turnover of general practitioners (GPs) have become significant global public health issues. The increased workload and psychological pressure experienced by GPs during the COVID-19 period may exacerbate their turnover intention. This study aimed to investigate the current status of turnover intention among GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with job satisfaction, workplace violence, and perceived overqualification. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among GPs in Chongqing from March to April 2022. A total of 1885 GPs completed a questionnaire that covered demographic characteristics, turnover intention, job satisfaction, workplace violence, and perceived overqualification. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS 25.0. Results Overall, 80.9% of the GPs had a medium or high level of turnover intention. Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed several significant predictors of turnover intention, including negative predictors such as job satisfaction (β = -0.537), female sex (β = -0.043), age (β = -0.257), and within-staff status (permanent employment status) (β = -0.108). Positive predictors included workplace violence (β = 0.085), possession of a bachelor's degree (β = 0.073), middle (β = 0.068), senior professional title (β = 0.104), part-time management role (β = 0.061), and long working hours per week (β = 0.066). Perceived overqualification did not significantly predict turnover intention. Conclusion During the period of COVID-19 normalization, GPs in Chongqing demonstrated a significant tendency toward turnover. Mighting pressure, enhancing job satisfaction, and fostering a secure working environment can effectively reduce GPs' intention to leave. Health administrators should formulate corresponding policies to improve GP retention.
Perception of amplitude, pulse intervals, and location of electrocutaneous stimulation
Authors: Dölker Eva-Maria , Lau Stephan , Bernhard Maria Anne , Haueisen Jens
Published: January 2024

Our long-term goal is the development of a wearable warning system that uses electrocutaneous stimulation. Here, we investigated how stimulation pulse amplitude, pulse intervals, and location were perceived in order to select which of these three parameters are practical for designing a warning signal. The upper right arm was stimulated in 81 healthy volunteers with biphasic rectangular current pulses with a pulse width of 150 µs. Eight electrode pairs were placed around the upper right arm. Nine varying amplitudes 1 to 9, equally spaced between the individual perception and intolerance thresholds were presented to the participant in a pseudo-random order (equal for each participant). After a training phase, the participant was asked to rate the presented stimulation amplitude between 1 and 9. Further, five consecutive stimulation pulses with varying intervals (pauses) from 200 ms down to 0.5 ms were presented to the participant. The participant was asked to rate the perceived stimulation regarding the perception as ’Individual pulses’, ’Pulsating’, ’Vibrating’, or ’Continuous’. Next, five consecutive stimulation pulses were presented in a pseudo-random order at the 8 electrode pair positions. After a training phase, the participant was asked to report the stimulated electrode pair. The median reported amplitudes [25%-75%-percentile] for presented amplitudes 1 to 9 are: 1[1-1], 2[2-3], 3[2-4], 3[3-4], 4[3-5], 5[4-6], 6[4-7], 7 [5-8] and 7.5 [6-8]. It shows an underestimation of the perceived amplitude for the presented amplitudes ≥ 4. We conclude that a fine grained variation of the stimulation amplitude is not primarily practical for the design of a warning signal. Participants perceived electrocutaneous pulses as ’Individual pulses’ for median intervals above 74 ms, as ’Pulsating’ between 44 ms and 74 ms, as ’Vibrating’ between 12 ms and 44 ms, and as ’Continuous’ below 12 ms. The majority of the electrode pairs were reported correctly or at the two neighboring electrode pairs. The determined intervals in combination with the small location error offer the basis for the design of a spatio-temporal warning pattern. Our investigations provide the basis for appropriate warning signals for electric warning wearables.
Therapeutic effect of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia patients with epigenetic modifier gene mutations
Authors: Fang Shu , Huang Sai , Wang Mengzhen , Qian Kun , Gu Zhenyang , Yang Jingjing , Wen Yanan , Wang Hao , Jiao Yifan , Wei Yan , Gao Chunji , Dou Liping
Published: January 2024

Background Epigenetic modifier gene mutations (EMM) have been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Whether allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can improve outcomes in this patients remains unknown.Material/Methods: This study retrospectively collected clinical information of 353 AML patients with gene mutations detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analyzed the therapeutic effect of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia patients with epigenetic modifier gene mutations.Results EMM-positive patients tended to have inferior OS compared with EMM-negative patients (p = 0.065, HR = 1.343, 95%CI: 0.981–1.838), EMM-positive patients had inferior LFS (p = 0.031, HR = 1.385, 95%CI: 1.030–1.863). In EMM-positive patients, multivariate analysis showed that patients who received allo-HSCT had a superior OS (yes vs. no, p < 0.001, HR = 0.213, 95%CI: 0.134–0.339, Table 3) and LFS (yes vs. no, p < 0.001, HR = 0.303, 95%CI: 0.199–0.461, Table 3) compared with patients who did not receive allo-HSCT. A total of 220 patients received allo-HSCT in all patients. Univariate analysis in patients undergoing allo-HSCT showed that EMM was not a risk factor for OS (EMM-positive vs. EMM-negative, p = 0.470, HR = 1.192, 95%CI: 0.740–1.920) and LFS (EMM-positive vs. EMM-negative, p = 0.323, HR = 1.235, 95%CI: 0.813–1.876).Conclusion EMM tended to be a poor risk factor for OS and was a poor risk factor for LFS in our cohort. Allo-HSCT might improve the OS and LFS of EMM-positive patients.
Comparing the forecast skills of four S2S models to predict Iran's southwest and central south precipitation and capturing the signals of ENSO, MJO, and atmospheric flows over the Middle East
Authors: Ghaedamini Habib Allah , Nazemosadat Mohammad Jafar , Morid Saeed , Mehravar Sedighe
Published: January 2024

To improve the forecast skills of Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) models in predicting Iran's southwest precipitation from 1 to 4 weeks ahead, the characteristics of observed precipitation and atmospheric variables were compared with the corresponding hindcasts generated by the CMA, UKMO, ECWMF, and Meteo France models. This comparison was performed by utilizing several deterministic and probabilistic metrics. Precipitation data at 176 rain gauge stations and the NOAA-based data of atmospheric flows for Dec-April 1995–2014 constructed our observed datasets. While almost all models underestimated wet events over the southern and eastern districts, these events were overestimated in the western and northern regions. Moreover, all models overforecasted the frequency of wet events in all leads. Except for Meteo-France, the over-forecasting was usually more pronounced in eastern drylands than in western wet areas. The correlation scores were high during the first week and decreased with the increase in lead times. The ECMWF yielded the highest correlation scores in all regions and provided the more significant deterministic and probabilistic forecast skills in all leads over western districts. As a most conservative representative of other models, the UKMO efficiently captured signals of the El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the study area and the Middle East. Also, this model competently predicted the characteristics of the near-surface (mid-atmosphere) moisture transport (air vertical velocity) over these areas, particularly during the MJO's rainy phases. Our findings, presented for the first time, enhance the quality of operational S2S precipitation forecasts in Iran and the Middle East.
Industrial land dependence and industrial land-use efficiency: Land resources curse hypothesis and test
Authors: Yang Xinmei , Zhou Ruihui
Published: January 2024

Historically, local governments have relied on their monopoly position in the land market to consistently provide abundant industrial land at low prices, resulting in the adverse “resource curse” effect, whereby dependence on industrial land undermines high-quality industrial development. Avoiding the negative impact of industrial land dependence on land resources is an inherent requirement and the sole path towards establishing China's modern economic system based on high-quality industrial development. This study examines the impact, transmission mechanism, and heterogeneous effects of industrial land dependence on industrial land use efficiency using panel data from 286 cities at the prefecture level and above in China from 2003 to 2019. The findings indicate that: (1) industrial land dependence diminishes the efficiency of industrial land utilization. (2) Concerning the transmission mechanism, industrial land dependence exacerbates the misallocation of resources, hampers innovation, and leads to increased pollution emissions, thereby reducing industrial land utilization efficiency and compromising industrial development quality. (3) The study also examines the heterogeneity effect across varied regions, resource-rich cities, city sizes, and land supply reduction policies, demonstrating the pervasive nature of industrial land dependence at the national level. This study offers empirical evidence and policy implications from the perspective of the industrial land resource curse, aiming to facilitate the systematic withdrawal of current industrial land and foster high-quality industrial development.
JEL: Q24; Q32
Application of Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Infrared Sensors in Simulation of Athlete Balance Ability
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yao Lingzi
Published: January 2024

Balance ability is crucial for athletes both in competitions and during training, and there are currently many groups that require specialized balance ability testing and training. Vision has a direct impact on an individual's balance ability, and using image enhancement algorithms and related technologies can assist in testing and training balance ability in different visual scenes. Therefore, this article takes the image enhancement algorithm based on infrared sensors as the research background and further designs a simulation detection system for athlete balance ability. After in-depth analysis of infrared sensor technology, this article summarizes the operating principle and characteristics of the sensor, with the aim of detecting the balance ability level of athletes. Based on the histogram distribution of low light images, this paper proposes a segmentation method that uses the distribution range as the standard proportion to maintain image contrast within a reasonable range and effectively improve its brightness. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, it was found that the algorithm proposed in this article has significant advantages and performs well in enhancing low light images of different types. Therefore, this article utilizes an image enhancement algorithm based on infrared sensor technology to design a simulation testing system for athlete balance ability, and verifies the effectiveness of the system.
Advanced Elasticity and Biodegradability of Poly(butanediol- hexanediol-isosorbitol-itaconate-sebacate) Copolyester Elastomer via the Decrystallization Effect of Isosorbide
Authors: Tang Lisheng , Jin Yuanyuan , He Xiaoyan , Huang Ran
Published: January 2024

The stability to against hydrolysis while maintaining excellent elasticity is a constant challenge in the development of biodegradable and environmental-friendly polyester elastomer. While monomers of longer chain can provide higher stability, the high crystallinity and rigidity impair their application in fabricating elastomer. This work reported a star-crosslinked Poly(butanediol-hexanediol-isosorbitol-itaconate-sebacate) (PBHIIS) elastomer synthesized by esterification and thermal curing. With the decrystallization effect of isosorbide as a large and rigid monomer, the original rigid Poly(butanediol-hexanediol-itaconate-sebacate) successfully transformed to be elastomer with lower Tm and Tg, much higher Elongation at break, and smaller tensile modulus, and biodegradability is also improved. The strategy is demonstrated to be efficient and may serve as a potential technique in the future development of biodegradable elastomers.
Effect of RE2O3 addition on the microstructure and thermal stability of continuous alumina fibers
Authors: Chen Yutong , Liu Wensheng , Ma Yunzhu , Yao Shuwei , Wang Juan
Published: January 2024

Continuous alumina fibers with excellent thermal stability are essential in high-temperature applications. In this study, 0~1 wt% RE2O3 (RE = Y, Er, Yb, and Ho) were added to the alumina fibers to enhance thermal stability. The impact of RE2O3 addition on alumina fibers’ transformation and microstructure evolution of during the sintering process was systematically studied. The influence of single- and two-step sintering processes on the fiber microstructures was elucidated. The results suggested that adding RE2O3 impeded fiber densification, inhibited alumina grain growth, and enhanced the thermal stability of fibers. Using a two-step sintering process facilitated the achievement of fully dense alumina fibers with fine grains. The alumina fibers added with 1.0 wt% RE2O3 exhibited a remarkable strength retention rate of up to 93% after exposure to 1200 °C for 10 h. The TEM analysis revealed that RE elements segregation at α-Al2O3 grain boundaries due to their larger radius than the Al element contributed to stabilizing the microstructures of α-Al2O3 fibers at high service temperature.
Image segmentation algorithm based on optical topology sensors in athlete training video simulation
Authors: Yang Baoqiang
Published: January 2024

If an athlete's body movements are not standardized or make mistakes during the training process, it will greatly affect their training effectiveness. Therefore, professional guidance is necessary when conducting action training. The development of optical technology has promoted the widespread application of human bone key point detection technology in multiple fields, such as human-computer interaction and motion analysis. Based on this, this article takes the image segmentation algorithm of optical topology sensors as the prototype and conducts research and development on the training video simulation system for athletes. After studying the operating principle of optical topological sensors, this article applies topological photonic crystals to the development of sensors and conducts a series of sensing performance analysis. The results show that the edge states in topological photonic crystals play an indispensable role in sensors. Then, this article studied the image segmentation algorithm, which is a key technology in the field of image analysis and detection. The quality of the corresponding segmentation results has a very direct impact on the information feature extraction and recognition of subsequent images. Therefore, this article made relevant improvements to it after the research. Finally, this article successfully developed an athlete training video simulation system, which achieved automatic analysis of training videos. Through various tests, it was proven that the system has good performance and runs stably.
In-Vehicle Full-window Augmented Reality System (FARS) for Passengers: Effects on Spatial Knowledge and User Experience
Authors: Kim Hyunjeong , Lee In-Kwon
Published: January 2024

In recent years, automobiles have introduced various infotainment systems for drivers and passengers, providing a high-tech interactive space. While the focus has been on head-up display (HUD)-oriented services for the driver, advances in autonomous driving technology are increasingly driving research into improving the experience for non-driver passengers. However, HUD systems for passengers are limited, and few studies have empirically evaluated their effectiveness or preferences. In this paper, we propose a novel infotainment system for passengers in moving vehicles, the Full-window Augmented Reality System (FARS), and empirically verify its impact on passengers’ spatial perception and riding experience. The FARS is implemented in a real vehicle using a short-throw projector and a transparent AR film to create an AR display on the entire right window of the passenger seat. To explore the impact of FARS on users’ spatial knowledge and preferences, we further conducted a user study comparing the difference between FARS and the Seat Back Display (SBD), commonly used in passenger mobility services. The results suggest that the FARS is a valuable infotainment system for passengers and has advantages in memorizing the features or locations of specific environments outside the vehicle while enhancing the user’s travel experience.
Does the quality of institutions in sub-Saharan Africa depend on extractive FDI?
Authors: ENGUENE André Arnaud , WEPAGUIEWE Armel Romaric , ONDOA Henri ATANGANA
Published: January 2024

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how extractive FDI flows affect institutional quality in sub-Saharan Africa. We used a panel VAR model to estimate data from the World Bank's WDI and WGI databases between 1996 and 2021. Our analysis of the robustness of our results using impulse response functions based on Monte Carlo simulations revealed that FDI flows from the extractive industries have a negative and significant impact on the quality of institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is crucial for the authorities in these countries to establish robust and trustworthy institutions that can effectively oversee FDI inflows into sub-Saharan African economies.
Educational workshops for health care professionals on compassionate communication following adverse events in healthcare: a mixed methods evaluation
Authors: McQueen Jean , Gordon June , Berry Gillian , Cook Marcia
Published: January 2024

Background When things go wrong in healthcare patients and families want to be included, they want open honest compassionate communication; however, in practice,this does not always happen. This study evaluated the impact of compassionate communication skills training offered to 74 health care staff members across NHS Scotland. Training focused on ‘good’ patient family involvement during adverse event reviews using a person-centred approach.
Methods: The evaluation, informed by the Kirkpatrick model, was completed by two independent reviewers. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from 74 health care participants who completed the training. The analysis of feedback from course evaluation forms, and pre- and post measures of knowledge and confidence, together with thematic analysis from reflective practice assignments, are outlined and discussed.
Results The quantitative outcomes from the pre- and post-training polls indicated that participants were more confident including and communicating with patients and families. They felt better able to craft and deliver an apology to patients and families. They valued the delivery methods used which combined theory and practice. Qualitative analysis of participants' reflective practice logs suggested that the training-inspired improvement and empathic presence, as participants valued the models, tools presented and the interactive nature of the training delivery. This contributed to a drive among participants to embed more compassionate communication into their review process.
Conclusion After completing the compassionate communication skills, trained staff members felt more confident, and some participants reported skill enhancement and changes in practice through a more person-centric compassionate approach to patients and families involved in the adverse event review process.
Calculation of force parameters of workpiece machining process with end mill cutters
Authors: Lekveishvili M. A. , Lyukhter A. B. , Davydov N. N.
Published: January 2024

The aim is to develop and validate an operational methodology for calculating the force parameters and characteristics of the tool and the process of milling structural materials with end milling cutters. The structural schemes of machining and force models of oblique cutting processes in the modes of axial tool feed and continuous plastic deformation of the processed material were used when developing the method of preliminary calculation of the total axial force working on the cutting edge of end milling cutters. The rotating tool tests were conducted on a Hermle UWF 1202 H 3-axis machining center supplemented with a Kistler piezoelectric dynamometer (model 9272). Authors suggested, developed and tested the preliminary calculation method applied to the force characteristics of the machining process of workpieces by end milling cutters, considering how the energy power of ductile fracture of the machined material affects the process. Contact friction arising on the front and rear surfaces of the cutting tool does not reach the limiting value being subject to the Coulomb – Amonton law, that is, it is estimated by the dependence directly proportional to the normal pressure. After calculations, we defined the materials of the workpiece for milling, that is 45 steel (AISI 1045), and the end two-tooth cutter, uncoated T14K8 alloy, which was used to produce samples. The following milling modes were established: 4 mm boring depth; 50, 100 and 150 m/min cutting speeds; 0.05 and 0.1 mm/rev cutting tool feed. Deviation of the measured values of axial cutting force from the calculated values in the range of changing values of tool feed rate was found to be no more than 11%, and in the range of changing values of cutting speed no more than 15%. The developed calculation and analytical methodology for estimating force parameters of the machining process by end milling cutters provides an increase in the efficiency and reliability of the preliminary prognostic calculation of operating parameters and characteristics of cutting elements of end milling cutters.
Particle swarm optimization support vector machine-based coal and rock cutting tool load spectrum identification method
Authors: Liu Ruohan , Lyu Lan , Wang Sunbao , Chai Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

The goal of this research is to achieve safe and efficient excavation of coal and rock tunnels with complex geological structures, and to enhance the self-sensing ability of coal and rock cutting equipment and tools. Particle swarm optimization support vector machine is used to identify the cutting state of disc cutting tools. EDEM finite element analysis software is used to analyze cutting process characteristics of the disc cutting tool when used to cut through coal and rock with different compressive strengths. Empirical mode decomposition is used to decompose the load spectrum characteristics; for this purpose, the first-order and seventh-order intrinsic mode functions containing all the feature information of the original signal of the load spectrum are selected. The sample entropy is calculated as the feature input vector. The extracted feature vector is input into the trained support vector machine model and the particle swarm optimization support vector machine model. By extracting the sample entropy of the load spectrum of the disc cutter as the feature vector, the particle swarm optimization support vector model is used to identify the cutting state of the coal and rock. The recognition accuracy of the support vector machine model before and after the improvement is compared and analyzed. The results show that compared to the unoptimized support vector machine, the support vector machine optimized by particle swarm optimization can identify the load spectrum of the coal more quickly and accurately. The recognition accuracy is 96,82%, which verifies the effectiveness of the particle swarm optimization support vector machine model in identifying the load spectrum of the coal and rock disc cutter.
Automated assembly of products by a robot-manipulator with dynamometric control of screw joint tightening
Authors: Pikalov Ya. Yu. , Shtabel N. V. , Brungardt M. V. , Tkachev S. B.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we develop a conceptual scheme for a robotic complex to perform the installation of parts and their fastening using threaded joints by a robot manipulator. A test bench was created on the basis of a KUKA KR6 R900 industrial robot-manipulator. The robot control software was implemented using the KUKA Robot Language. The proposed actuators are the authors' original development. Two variants of the actuator with screw tightening control are proposed. The first actuating device uses the rotational motion of the robot hand flange to tighten the screws. The second actuating device is equipped, on one side, with a gripper for mounting parts on the product and, on the other side, with a drive tool with a predetermined tightening torque limit. It is shown that both actuating devices ensure a complete cycle of screwing a fastener into a workpiece, from engaging to tightening with the required torque. In the first device, the tightening force is controlled with a strain gauge, the signal from which is processed by an Arduino Mini microcontroller located in a rotating device. The signal is forwarded wirelessly to a stationary controller that sends a stop signal to the robot. It was experimentally established that, due to the presence of the wireless interface, some delay is observed between reaching the torque limit value and stopping the robot rotation during signal transmission. As a result, the value of the actually reached torque may exceed the set value by 60%. In the second device, where torque limitation is based on the current in the drive motor, the absolute error of the torque setting does not exceed 0.8 N·m in the range from 0 to 25 N·m or 3.03% (the error of standard torque wrenches is about 4%). In order to meet the requirements of state-of-the-art cyber-physical production systems, the proposed complex should be complemented with intelligent functions of controlling the process of tightening screw joints on the basis of machine learning methods.
Developing the method ensuring stable braking via advanced design of braking devices
Authors: Polyakov P. A.
Published: January 2024

The aim is to develop a method for ensuring the stability and efficiency of the braking process by differentiating the friction linings of brake pads of pad-type disc braking mechanisms. The research applied differentiation of the interaction time of friction pairs and their area, which provides the highest stability indicators of braking mechanisms. The non-standardized bench equipment developed by the author, as well as segmental braking mechanisms providing differentiation of friction pairs by area were used in the study. A method of designing the resultant braking torque was developed using the relationship between the transverse movement of the pads and the developed braking torque of the friction unit. As a result of bench tests, the stability and fluctuation coefficients of the braking torque of the developed pad-type disc brake mechanisms with six pressing elements increased by 12.2 and 34.9%. These values were obtained as compared to serial brake mechanisms equipped with a monopressing mechanism with a single brake pad. The discrepancies between the simulated and obtained data during the bench test on the stability criteria averaged 5.1 and 6.7% for the stability coefficients and braking torque fluctuations for the three brake mechanism variants under consideration, respectively. Differentiation of pressing elements and segmentation of brake pads has the effect of increasing the stability criteria and braking efficiency for pad-type disc brakes. With the analysis of the dependence of the transverse displacement and the developed braking torque, a guaranteed result on the stability criterion and braking torque fluctuations of pad-type disc brakes was modeled. Based on the conducted bench tests, the model developed for obtaining the resultant braking torque for the braking mechanism with segmental pads can be used for designing friction pairs with the set parameters.
Review of methods for modeling and control of cyber-physical systems in multi-energy microgrids
Authors: Tomin N. V. , Domyshev A. V. , Barakhtenko E. A. , Shakirov V. A. , Kozlov A. N. , Sosnovsky I. K. , Liu Fang , Sidorov D. N.
Published: January 2024

The article analyzes the development of methods for modeling and control of multi-energy microgrids through cyber-physical systems. We used the methods of literature review and meta-analysis based on publications from international databases Scopus and Web of Science, Russian database eLibrary, digital platform IEEEXplore et al. According to the analysis, Smart Grid implementation drives the development of cyber-physical systems. As summarized in this study, control interfaces, data transmission channels, and remote debugging ports are vulnerable parts of IoT devices that can possibly be attacked by intruders. A review of the recent publications in this field finds multi-agent technologies to be an effective approach not only for the operational control of multi-energy microgrid modes, but also for the construction of its reliable information network at the level of medium and low voltage systems. In the field of distributed energy systems, literature review of information technology indicates that the more capabilities are added to receive and process various kinds of information (transaction data, mode parameters, status of controllers, etc.) from external sources, the more vulnerable a multi-energy microgrid is to any cyber threats. Modern mathematical methods such as artificial intelligence, dynamic optimization, and multi-agent approaches should be used to effectively solve the problem of load distribution between different energy sources with cost minimization.
Low-temperature sintering of bauxite raw material with alkali as an alternative to the parallel Bayer sintering process
Authors: Loginova I. V. , Kyrchikov A. V. , Chaikin L. I. , Napolskikh Yu.  A.
Published: January 2024

The aim is to develop an alternative technology of bauxite raw material processing based on low-temperature sintering of bauxite with caustic alkali, as well as to solve the issue of carbon footprint control at alumina refineries in the Urals. Laboratory tests were carried out by sintering artificial bemite and hematite with chemically pure caustic alkali at temperatures of 300, 500 and 700°C and their further leaching in weakly alkaline solutions. To study the phase, chemical, and particle size distribution of red muds after leaching, various physical and chemical methods of analysis were used, such as X-ray fluorescence, titration method, X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, magnetometry with a vibrating sample. The Brunauer – Emmett – Teller method was used to determine the specific surface area and porosity. The study of the kinetics of the solid-phase reaction of the bemite interaction with caustic alkali has shown the kinetic interaction in the temperature range under study. Moreover, sintering of hematite at temperatures of 300 and 500°C and further leaching of the sinter with water resulted in mineralogical changes in the sludge with the production of a new mineral, maghemite, which possesses magnetic properties. When studying the magnetic properties of red mud of lowtemperature sintering of bauxite, we determined that the magnetization was as high as 19–20 electromagnetic units per g (at a sample density of 2.38 g/cm3) at a magnetic field of 10 kE. The specific surface area of these samples was 54.97 and 51.77 m2/g. The performed studies confirm that the proposed technology can be adapted for bauxite to produce highiron red slimes, thus contributing to the integrated processing of bauxite raw materials. In addition, ways to reduce carbon emissions at alumina refineries by eliminating the sintering operation with soda and limestone, which is accompanied by CO2 emission during decomposition of these compounds, can be studied.
Reducing the environmental impact of aluminum production through the use of petroleum pitch
Authors: Nemchinova N. V. , Konovalov N. P. , Konovalov P. N. , Doshlov I. O.
Published: January 2024

This study is aimed at developing a technology for obtaining petroleum pitch as a binder for anode mass used in the electrolytic production of aluminum from fuel oils of catalytic liquid-phase oxidative oil cracking. A review of published data on the existing methods for obtaining petroleum pitch and its properties is carried out in order to define research directions. A method for producing petroleum pitch by catalytic liquid-phase oxidative cracking of crude oil using heterogeneous metal complex catalysts is proposed. The process of petroleum pitch production is shown to undergo several stages, including homogenization of fuel oil and modifying additives; oxidative cracking of fuel oil during heating of homogenized fuel oil in a furnace; catalytic liquid-phase oxidative cracking of fuel oil with removal of distillates; rectification of light fractions; condensation of distillates; collection of light oil products; oxidation of bottom residues by air and steam; removal of oxidation distillates and petroleum pitch; and pitch pelletizing. According to the conducted comparison of the as-obtained petroleum pitch with the B-1 coal tar pitch produced by the Altai Koks JSC, the proposed material meets the technological requirements of the Krasnoyarsk Aluminum Plant of the RUSAL company. In terms of sulfur content, the proposed petroleum pitch is superior to coal tar pitch. The experiments conducted at an aluminum plant showed the petroleum pitch to contain no harmful polyaromatic hydrocarbons, in particular, carcinogenic benz(a)pyrene.  Therefore, replacement of coal tar pitch with petroleum pitch could provide technological and environmental advantages for primary aluminum producers, as well as for enterprises producing various carbon materials.
Risk factors for dental caries: A case study in peatlands and non-peatlands of West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Rezki Sri , Sunardi Sunardi , Aripin Dudi , Khayan Khayan , Pawarti Pawarti , Noeriman Aisya Rezki
Published: January 2024

The prevalence of dental caries in peatlands and non-peatlands in West Kalimantan require preventive acts based on its natural conditions and the behavior of local communities. The objective was to analyse risk factors for dental caries in communities living in peatlands and non-peatlands in West Kalimantan. The research is a causal comparative study with cross-sectional approach. The samples were chosen by purposive sampling technique among adolescents aged 17–27 years, who were domiciled in Pontianak City (peatland) and Bengkayang (non-peatland) all their lives. The results showed that dental caries is significantly correlated with debris in peatlands (rs = 0.289). On non-peatlands, dental caries is correlated with drinking water phosphate (rs = 0.313) and calculus (rs = 0.034). In West Kalimantan, dental caries is significantly correlated with drinking water minerals (fluoride rs = −0.243; phosphate rs = 0.260), drinking water pH (rs = 0.235), behavior (rs = −0.327), and debris (rs = 0.240). The risk factors for dental caries in peatlands and non-peatlands in West Kalimantan are pH and drinking water minerals (fluoride and calcium), debris, calculus, and behavior.
Critical assessment of the significance of economic, social and cultural rights in protecting human rights
Authors: Matasek Barbara , Mielniczek Paweł
Published: January 2024

Kiedy mówimy o naruszeniach praw człowieka, najczęściej przywołujemy prawo do życia, zakaz tortur, wolność religii lub wolność wyrażania opinii. Dlaczego pomijamy prawa gospodarcze, społeczne i kulturalne, takie jak prawo do pracy, edukacji lub prawo do korzystania z dóbr nauki i kultury? Czy postrzegamy którekolwiek z nich jako nasze fundamentalne prawo? Wielu widzi je jako część polityki, poglądów politycznych czy nawet koncepcji państwa dobrobytu. W rzeczywistości prawa gospodarcze, społeczne i kulturalne są, przynajmniej w części, tak samo ważne jak prawa obywatelskie i polityczne. W tym artykule, dokonujemy dekonstrukcji pojęć i ilustrujemy, które z tych praw mogą podlegać drodze sądowej.
Kara śmierci a opinia społeczna – współczesne wyzwania prawne
Authors: Wojtan Angelika
Published: January 2024

Kara śmierci jest wciąż przedmiotem dyskusji we współczesnym świecie. Coraz więcej krajów decyduje się na zaprzestanie jej stosowania. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest opisanie kształtowania się regulacji prawnych polskich i międzynarodowych, które miały na celu zniesienie kary śmierci w Polsce. Ponadto w artykule opisano najważniejsze argumenty abolicjonistów i zwolenników kary śmierci.
Unijne regulacje prawne w zakresie odnawialnych źródeł energii (OZE) jako narzędzie transformacji energetycznej państw Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kołatek Radosław
Published: January 2024

Artykuł omawia rozwój regulacji prawnych Unii Europejskiej zakresie odnawialnych źródeł energii (OZE), jaki miał miejsce w ciągu ostatnich dwudziestu lat. Podjęte w tym okresie działania legislacyjne miały na celu ustanowienie wspólnych ram dla promowania energii ze źródeł odnawialnych oraz zwiększenie udziału OZE w końcowym zużyciu energii brutto w UE. Dzięki przyjętym regulacjom stworzono mechanizmy wsparcia finansowego dla produkcji energii ze źródeł odnawialnych dla szybszego jej wprowadzania na rynek. To z kolei przyczyniło się do przyspieszenia transformacji energetycznej w państwach członkowskich UE.
Prawne problemy wykorzystywania biomasy w ramach europejskiego systemu handlu uprawnieniami do emisji (eu ets)
Authors: Bukowska Joanna , Bator Agata , Borek Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Artykuł podejmuje problematykę wykorzystywania biomasy w instalacjach objętych zakresem przedmiotowym EU ETS z perspektywy rozwiązań prawnych, których głównym celem jest motywowanie podmiotów do stosowania biomasy jako paliwa, w celu ograniczenia wpływu prowadzonej przez nie działalności na zmiany klimatu. Autorki biorą pod uwagę rozwiązania przyjęte na gruncie dyrektywyParlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2018/2001 w sprawie promowania stosowania energii ze źródeł odnawialnych. W artykule przybliżono ogólne zasady funkcjonowania EU ETS, a także założenia kwalifikacji instalacji do uczestnictwa w systemie, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem instalacji wykorzystujących biomasę. Przedstawiono również zasady monitorowania emisji z biomasy z uwzględnieniem zmian, które zostały wprowadzone w ostatnim czasie. Przeanalizowano również zagadnienie opłat za emisję dwutlenku węgla ze spalania biomasy ponoszonych przez prowadzących instalacje objęte EU ETS na podstawie ustawy – Prawo ochrony środowiska.
Znaczenie umów epc dla popularyzacji OZE i efektywności energetycznej w polskim budownictwie mieszkaniowym
Authors: Roguska Zofia
Published: January 2024

Artykuł podejmuje tematykę rozwoju odnawialnych źródeł energii w sektorze budownictwa mieszkaniowego w kontekście realizacji celów klimatycznych UE. Jednym z dotychczas niedostatecznie wykorzystywanych sposobów odpowiedzi na to wyzwanie jest popularyzacja inwestycji w formule umowy z gwarancją oszczędności energii (ang. Energy Performance Contract, EPC) realizowanych przez przedsiębiorstwa usług energetycznych (ang. Energy Service Companies, ESCO), proponowana przez europejskiego prawodawcę. Celem artykułu jest określenie funkcji, jaką w polskim systemie prawnym pełnią – a jaką powinny pełnić – umowy EPC jako narzędzie realizacji celów z zakresu poprawy efektywności energetycznej, a także promocji wykorzystania odnawialnych źródeł energii.
Resveratrol Enhances Anticancer Effects of Silybin on HepG2 Cells and H22 Tumor-bearing Mice via Inducing G2/M Phase Arrest and Increasing Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio
Authors: Guo Ailing , Chang Yuexing , Lin Junjie , Guo Jia , He Yu , Wang Ce , Wu Zhihuan , Xing Yingru , Jin Feng , Deng Yun
Published: January 2024

Background:

Silybin, a major flavonoid extracted from the seeds of milk thistle, has a
strong hepatoprotective but weak anti-hepatoma activity. Screening another natural ingredient
and combining it with silybin is expected to improve the anti-hepatoma efficacy of silybin.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic anti-hepatoma effect of
resveratrol and silybin on HepG2 cells and H22 tumor-bearing mice in hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) in vitro and in vivo, respectively.

Methods:

Cell viability, scratch wound, clone formation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and western
blot analysis of HepG2 cells were used to investigate the synergistic effects in vitro of the combination
resveratrol with silybin. Growth rates, tumor weights, organ indexes, and histological
pathological examination in H22 tumor-bearing mice were used to investigate the synergistic effects
in vivo.

Results:

The combination of resveratrol (50 μg/mL) and silybin (100 μg/mL) significantly suppressed
cell viability, whose combination index (CI) was 1.63 (>1.15), indicating the best synergism.
The combination exhibited the synergistic effect in blocking the migration and proliferative
capacity of HepG2 cells in the measurement in vitro. In particular, resveratrol enhanced the
upregulation of Bcl-2 expression and the downregulation of Bax expression with a concurrent
increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The combination of resveratrol (50 mg/kg) and silybin (100
mg/kg) reduced the tumor weight, inhibited the growth rate, increased the organ indexes, and destroyed
the tumor tissue morphology in H22 tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusion:

Resveratrol was found to exhibit synergistic anti-cancer effects with silybin on
HepG2 cells and H22 tumor-bearing mice.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stem and Leaf Flavonoids Ameliorate the Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats Induced by Okadaic Acid
Authors: Ma Shuai , Xu Cong-Cong , Dong Yong-Cai , Li Cai-Xia , Shang Ya-Zhen
Published: January 2024

Aim:

The objective of this study is to explore the impact and underlying mechanism of
S. baicalensis Georgi stem and leaf flavonoids (SSFs) on cognitive impairment caused by
intracerebroventricular injection of okadaic acid (OA) in rats.

Methods:

An experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was induced in rats by intracerebroventricular
injection of OA, resulting in memory impairment. The Morris water maze test was employed to
confirm the successful establishment of the memory impairment model. The rats that exhibited significant
memory impairment were randomly divided into different groups, including a model group, three
SSFs dose groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), and a positive control group treated with Ginkgo biloba
tablets (GLT) at a dose of 200 mg/kg. To evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the rats, the
Morris water maze test was conducted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe any
morphological changes in neurons. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to measure the expression
of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) protein. Western blotting (WB) was utilized to assess the
phosphorylation levels of tau protein at Ser262 and Ser396. The activities of inducible nitric oxide
synthase (iNOS) and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) were quantified using ultraviolet spectrophotometry.
The levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis
factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were measured using ELISA.

Results:

In rats, the administration of OA via intracerebroventricular injection resulted in cognitive
impairment, neuropathological changes, and alterations in protein expression and activity
levels. Specifically, the protein expression of ChAT was significantly reduced (P<0.01), while
the phosphorylation levels of tau protein at Ser262 and Ser396 were significantly increased
(P<0.01). Moreover, iNOS activity in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex exhibited a significant
increase (P<0.01), whereas cNOS activity showed a decrease (P<0.05). Furthermore, the levels of
IL-1β and TNF-α in the cerebral cortex were elevated (P<0.01), while the level of IL-6 was decreased
(P<0.05). The administration of three doses of SSFs and GLT to rats exhibited varying
degrees of improvement in the aforementioned pathological alterations induced by OA.

Conclusion:

SSFs demonstrated the ability to enhance cognitive function and mitigate memory
deficits in rats following intracerebroventricular injection of OA. This beneficial effect may be
attributed to the modulation of ChAT protein expression, tau hyperphosphorylation, NOS activity,
and inflammatory cytokine levels by SSFs.
Novel Products as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Angiogenesis Inhibition
Authors: Sultana Shaheen , Sultana Shahnaz , Najib Ullah Shehla Nasar Mir , Zafar Ameeduzzafar
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing
vessels and occurs during development, wound healing, and tumor growth. In this review, we aimed
to present a comprehensive view of various factors contributing to angiogenesis during carcinogenesis.
Anti-angiogenesis agents prevent or slow down cancer growth by interrupting the nutrients and
blood supply to the tumor cells, and thus can prove beneficial for treatment.

Method:

The discovery of several novel angiogenic inhibitors has helped to reduce both morbidity
and mortality from several life-threatening diseases, such as carcinomas. There is an urgent need for
a new comprehensive treatment strategy combining novel anti-angiogenic agents for the control of
cancer. The article contains details of various angiogenic inhibitors that have been adopted by scientists
to formulate and optimize such systems in order to make them suitable for cancer.

Results:

The results of several researches have been summarized in the article and all of the data
support the claim that anti-angiogenic agent is beneficial for cancer treatment.

Conclusion:

This review focuses on novel antiangiogenic agents that play a crucial role in controlling
carcinogenesis.