bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Redox Status, Blood Haematology, and Piglet Mortality in Primiparous Sows
Authors: Papatsiros Vasileios G. , Papakonstantinou Georgios I. , Katsogiannou Eleni , Gougoulis Dimitrios A. , Voulgarakis Nikolaos , Petrotos Konstantinos , Braimaki Sofia , Galamatis Dimitrios A. , El-Sayed Amr , Athanasiou Labrini V.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a polyphenolic phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on plant extracts, such as Embelia officinalis, Ocimum sanctum and nut fibre, on the redox status, haematological parameters, and piglet mortality in sows. A total of 64 primiparous sows were divided into two groups: T1-control group: regular gestation (GF) and lactation feed (LF), T2 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with a PFA (10 g daily) for 14 days before and 7 days after the farrowing. Blood samples were collected 0–3 h after farrowing. Haematological parameters (Packed Cell Volume/PCV, White Blood Cells/WBC, Platelets/PLTs) were counted in blood smears. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (CARBS) levels were determined in sow plasma. The performance and reproductive parameters of sows at farrowing and weaning days were recorded. The mean numbers of PCV and PLT counts in the T2 group were higher in comparison to the T1 group (p = 0.041, p = 0.033, respectively). In contrast, the mean numbers of WBC and neutrophils were almost significantly higher in the T2 group (p = 0.051). The mean number of stillborn piglets was significantly higher in the T1 group (2.12) compared to the T2 group (1.03). The mean number of alive piglets 24 h after farrowing and the mean number of the weaned piglets were significantly higher in group T2 (13.9 vs. 15.4 and 12.6 vs. 14.3). Sows in group T2 had significantly more backfat at weaning than the sows in group T1 (13.3 vs. 12.7). The mean levels of CARBS (nmol/mL) and TBARS (μmol/L) in group T1 (24.8 and 18.7) were significantly higher in comparison to group T2 (18.3 and 14.9). In conclusion, the use of a polyphenolic PFA in sows has beneficial effects on their welfare and performance due to its antioxidative effects. Furthermore, PFAs appear to exert antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects on PLTs, WBCs, and RBCs, respectively.
Does Investor Sentiment Drive Corporate Green Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Dong Li , Zhang Xin , Chen Jinlong
Published: April 2024

Green innovation plays an increasingly significant role in sustainable development. We use the data of Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2019 to investigate the impact of investor sentiment on corporate green innovation. The result indicates that optimistic investor sentiment significantly promotes corporate green innovation. Mechanism analysis shows that the higher the financial constraints, institutional ownership ratio, and analyst coverage of a firm, the stronger the impact of investor sentiment on green innovation, indicating that optimistic investor sentiment promotes green innovation through external financing and managerial catering channels. In addition, the impact of investor sentiment on corporate green innovation is more pronounced for state-owned firms. The study sheds light on a novel determinant of corporate green innovation and offers policy recommendations to advance green innovation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Reverse Logistics Practices: A Dilemma to Gain Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing Industries of Pakistan with Organization Performance as a Mediator
Authors: Khan Khawar Ahmed , Ma Fei , Akbar Muhammad Ali , Islam Mohammad Shariful , Ali Maryam , Noor Shaif
Published: April 2024

Reverse logistics is a known supply chain practice and has been proven effective in recent decades. In developing countries, these practices are already employed and considered beneficial for the business or firms. The reverse logistics concept creates value for customers and firms. Considering this, this study intends to highlight reverse logistics practices in Pakistan and examine the reverse logistics impacts on competitive advantage with the mediating role of the firm’s organizational performance in Pakistan’s manufacturing industries. In this study, plastic bottle manufacturing firms working in Pakistan were selected to collect the data. Hence, to collect the data from these firms, a survey technique was sought to determine the impact of reverse logistic practices on competitive advantage with the mediating role of organizational performance. A structured and adapted questionnaire was used in this regard. Organizational performance was assumed as the operational and financial performance of these firms. Data were collected using a convenience sampling technique, and the targeted population was the middle-level employees of bottle manufacturing firms. The statistical tool was adopted as the study was quantitative, and results were extracted numerically. IBM SPSS and AMOS version 24 were used as supporting statistical analysis and interpretation tools. Data analysis demonstrated that out of 219 respondents, 68 were supervisors, and others were middle managers. Statistics show that most females were supervisors, and most males were middle managers. “Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)” was performed to examine the fit of the three-factor model, showing good fit indices (Chi-square/df = 2.71, CFI = 0.902, TLI = 0.896, RMSEA = 0.081), which indicates that the model fits the data well. According to the study’s findings, a significant impact was examined between reverse logistics and competitive advantage, and a mediating role was confirmed between those variables. This study poses unique strengths in theoretical and practical ways and helped enrich the available literature and findings.
Combining Soil Immobilization and Dressing Techniques for Sustaining the Health of Metal-Contaminated Arable Soils
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hwan , Lee Chan-Gyu , Park Byung-Jun , Jeong Seok Soon , Lee Young Don , Kirkham Mary Beth , Kim Kwon-Rae , Yang Jae E. , Park Yong-Ha , Kim Sung Chul , Kim Hyuck Soo
Published: April 2024

The combination of lime immobilization of metals and soil dressing has been a prevalent practice in Korea for remediating metal-contaminated arable soils. However, there have been limited reports on whether this method effectively sustains soil health after remediation, particularly in arable soils. This study undertook a comparative assessment of the soil health index (SHI) across metal-contaminated arable lands, arable soils remediated with lime immobilization and soil dressing, and uncontaminated soils. A total 389 soil samples were collected from these sites and analyzed for nineteen indicators encompassing physical, chemical, and biological properties. To assess soil health, these indicators were screened using principal component analysis, yielding five minimum data set (MDS) indicators: total nitrogen, clay content, dehydrogenase activity, bacterial colony-forming units, and available phosphorus. Among these MDS indicators, total nitrogen exhibited the highest value as the principal component contributing to soil health assessment. Scores of the MDS indicators exhibited significant correlation with those of total data set indicators, affirming the appropriateness of the soil health assessment adopted in this study. The SHI of the remediated arable soils (0.48) surpassed those of the contaminated soils (0.47) and were statistically comparable to those of the uncontaminated forest (0.51) and upland (0.51) soils. The health of the contaminated soils demonstrated a high dependence on soil properties rather than metal concentrations. These findings underscore the robustness of the combined immobilization and soil dressing method for sustaining the health of contaminated arable soils post-remediation.
Work and Environmental Factors on Job Burnout: A Cross-Sectional Study for Sustainable Work
Authors: Malta Ginevra , Plescia Fulvio , Zerbo Stefania , Verso Maria Gabriella , Matera Serena , Skerjanc Alenka , Cannizzaro Emanuele
Published: April 2024

In the context of sustainable development, the occupational sphere must be integrally considered within health promotion frameworks, ensuring an equitable work–life balance while recognizing and amplifying the capabilities of every employee. Concurrently, there is a notable trend of physicians transitioning from public to private healthcare sectors, with burnout frequently cited in scholarly discourse as a primary catalyst for this shift. The objective of our study was to examine the vulnerability of medical staff to burnout. To achieve this, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 1084 physicians from various specialties, employed in urban hospital settings. This research was executed via the distribution of an anonymous questionnaire, utilizing the Google Forms platform during work hours. The questionnaire was based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale, specifically adapted for medical professionals, requiring respondents to provide insights into their experiences. Analysis of the collected data from a total of 614 respondents indicated a moderate predisposition towards burnout among the sample. These findings underscore the necessity for interventions targeting organizational flexibility and, notably, the restructuring of remuneration practices. Salaries often do not reflect the terms of employment contracts across numerous EU jurisdictions, necessitating urgent reforms. In conclusion, the reinforcement of interpersonal dynamics within medical teams and between healthcare institutions and their practitioners emerges as a critical strategy. Enhancing these relationships is essential for revitalizing the healthcare delivery system, ensuring that medical professionals are adequately compensated in alignment with the principles of sustainable employment.
The Impact of E-Government on the New Generation Productive Capacities: Evidence from Cross-Country Data
Authors: Chen Yuehua , Li Qinghong
Published: April 2024

The New Generation Productive Capacity Index (PCI) and the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) are increasingly used in various economies. Therefore, can e-government contribute to the continuous development of the new generation of productive capacity? Focusing on this important issue, this paper systematically examines the mechanism of the impact of e-government on the new generation of productive capacity and tests it using relevant data from major global economies. Firstly, this paper conducts regression analysis using the panel fixed-effects model, and the results show that e-government has a positive facilitating effect on the new generation of productive capacity. Secondly, the development of e-government will directly reduce the time, procedural, and monetary costs for enterprises and individuals to obtain government services, thereby promoting the development of production capacity. Finally, the specific changes in the structure of social expenditures are that government education expenditures and general expenditures will increase, but total government expenditures and household expenditures will not be affected by the construction of e-government. The research contribution of this paper is mainly reflected in the following three aspects: first, in terms of research perspectives, this paper extends the research on e-government’s ability to improve the efficiency of governments and organizations in handling affairs and its impact on the productive capacity of a society. Second, it contributes to the theory on the topic of e-government. This paper proposes a general equilibrium model to reveal the impact of e-government construction on a government and the public, and to more comprehensively reveal the impact mechanism of e-government construction in the whole economy. Third, this paper contributes empirical evidence. This paper utilizes the data of the major economies around the world to reveal the mutual influence between the construction of e-government and the new generation of productive capacity, and then effectively proves the specific impact of e-government on governments, enterprises, and individuals through the test of cost mechanism and financial mechanism. Different from the existing literature, this paper focuses on the impact of e-government on the new generation of productive capacity, revealing that e-government construction does not increase the financial burden on governments but reduces the burden on firms and individuals, thus providing new insights into the productivity effects of e-government development.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Job Shop Scheduling in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Pu Yu , Li Fang , Rahimifard Shahin
Published: April 2024

In response to the challenges of dynamic adaptability, real-time interactivity, and dynamic optimization posed by the application of existing deep reinforcement learning algorithms in solving complex scheduling problems, this study proposes a novel approach using graph neural networks and deep reinforcement learning to complete the task of job shop scheduling. A distributed multi-agent scheduling architecture (DMASA) is constructed to maximize global rewards, modeling the intelligent manufacturing job shop scheduling problem as a sequential decision problem represented by graphs and using a Graph Embedding–Heterogeneous Graph Neural Network (GE-HetGNN) to encode state nodes and map them to the optimal scheduling strategy, including machine matching and process selection strategies. Finally, an actor–critic architecture-based multi-agent proximal policy optimization algorithm is employed to train the network and optimize the decision-making process. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework exhibits generalizability, outperforms commonly used scheduling rules and RL-based scheduling methods on benchmarks, shows better stability than single-agent scheduling architectures, and breaks through the instance-size constraint, making it suitable for large-scale problems. We verified the feasibility of our proposed method in a specific experimental environment. The experimental results demonstrate that our research can achieve formal modeling and mapping with specific physical processing workshops, which aligns more closely with real-world green scheduling issues and makes it easier for subsequent researchers to integrate algorithms with actual environments.
The Spillover Effect of ESG Performance on Green Innovation—Evidence from Listed Companies in China A-Shares
Authors: Zhu Hui-Lin , Yang Ke-Zhi
Published: April 2024

This research paper examines the spillover effect of ESG performance on green innovation behavior in companies within the same industry. The study specifically focuses on listed companies on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange between 2011 and 2020. The results indicate that peer firms with superior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance have a notable and beneficial impact on the green innovation activities, quantities, and qualities of their counterparts. Significantly, this phenomenon is especially evident for the ecological (E) and societal (S) aspects of ESG performance when considering companies within the same industry. Additionally, according to our analysis, the association between peer firms’ improved ESG performance and subsequent gains in green innovation activities is mediated by higher R&D expenditure and increased green consciousness. The robustness of these findings persists even after resolving issues of endogeneity through thorough testing. In addition, this paper finds that the spillover effects are more significant for non-state-owned firms, small-sized firms, firms with more analyst attention, firms in non-highly polluting industries, and when external environmental regulations are stronger.
Evaluation of Ecosystem Services in Ruoergai National Park, China
Authors: Li Hongfu , Wang Yuelin , Chen Wende , Li Hongyu , Tian Yue , Chen Ruojing
Published: April 2024

This study utilizes ArcGIS10.8 and ENVI5.3 software and the InVEST model to analyze and operate field survey data and remote sensing image data from Ruoergai National Park. The work simulates the soil retention, carbon storage, water supply, and habitat quality of the park to evaluate and analyze its four major ecosystem services. Subsequently, important areas of ecosystem services are zoned based on the results, aiming to provide decision-makers with a theoretical and scientific basis for formulating ecological environment restoration, protection, and management measures in Ruoergai National Park. The results showed the following: (1) In the study area, the land use types, ranked from largest to smallest, are grassland, unused land, forest, water area, and construction land. (2) Soil retention and water supply show an increasing trend, while carbon storage shows a decreasing trend. Habitat quality remains relatively stable, with most areas maintaining a high level of quality. (3) The importance zoning of ecosystem services in the study area exhibited a trend of “four increases and one decrease”. Specifically, the areas classified as moderately important, highly important, and extremely important all increased, while the area designated as generally important decreased. The findings indicate that climate change, land use type changes, and human activities are the primary factors influencing changes in ESs. It is crucial to prioritize highly important and extremely important areas for protection and utilization within Ruoergai National Park. Moving forward, it will be essential to minimize human activities that disrupt the ecosystem, while also focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of forest and grassland.
An Economic Cost/Benefit Tool to Assess Bee Pollinator Conservation, Pollination Strategies, and Sustainable Policies: A Lowbush Blueberry Case Study
Authors: Drummond Francis A. , Hoshide Aaron Kinyu
Published: April 2024

Lowbush blueberry is a mass-flowering plant species complex that grows in both unmanaged wild landscapes and managed agricultural fields in northeastern regions of both the USA and Canada. During pollination, more than 120 native bee species are associated with lowbush blueberry ecosystems in Maine, USA, in addition to three commercially managed bees. Over a 29-year period, we sampled 209 lowbush blueberry fields using quadrat and transect sampling, recording both native bee and honey bee densities, honey bee hive stocking density, and native bees as a proportion of total bees. These data were used to simulate economic uncertainty in pollination. We developed a novel algorithm, the Economic Pollinator Level (EPL), to estimate bee densities that economically warrant pollination investments such as rented hives and planting bee pastures. Statistical modeling indicated both native bee and honey bee activity density predicted proportion fruit set in fields. Honey bee activity density was well predicted by hive stocking density. Proportion fruit set adequately predicted yield. EPL was most sensitive to fruit set/m2/bee and less dependent on berry weight, rented hive stocking density, hive rental cost, lowbush blueberry price, and the annual cost of planting/maintaining pollinator pastures. EPL can be used to sustainably balance economical pollination investments/decisions with bee conservation in lowbush blueberry crops and potentially other pollinator-dependent crops.
Enhanced Model Predictions through Principal Components and Average Least Squares-Centered Penalized Regression
Authors: Lukman Adewale F. , Adewuyi Emmanuel T. , Alqasem Ohud A. , Arashi Mohammad , Ayinde Kayode
Published: April 2024

We address the estimation of regression parameters for the ill-conditioned predictive linear model in this study. Traditional least squares methods often encounter challenges in yielding reliable results when there is multicollinearity. Therefore, we employ a better shrinkage method, average least squares-centered penalized regression (ALPR), as it offers a more efficient approach for handling multicollinearity than ridge regression. Additionally, we integrate ALPR with the principal component (PC) dimension reduction method for enhanced performance. We compared the proposed PCALPR estimation technique with existing ones for ill-conditioned problems through comprehensive simulations and real-life data analyses using the mean squared error. This integration results in superior model performance compared to other methods, highlighting the potential of combining dimensionality reduction techniques with penalized regression for enhanced model predictions.
CSINet: Channel–Spatial Fusion Networks for Asymmetric Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Cheng Yan , Kong Defeng
Published: April 2024

Occlusion or posture change of the face in natural scenes has typical asymmetry; however, an asymmetric face plays a key part in the lack of information available for facial expression recognition. To solve the problem of low accuracy of asymmetric facial expression recognition, this paper proposes a fusion of channel global features and a spatial local information expression recognition network called the “Channel–Spatial Integration Network” (CSINet). First, to extract the underlying detail information and deepen the network, the attention residual module with a redundant information filtering function is designed, and the backbone feature-extraction network is constituted by module stacking. Second, considering the loss of information in the local key area of face occlusion, the channel–spatial fusion structure is constructed, and the channel features and spatial features are combined to enhance the accuracy of occluded facial recognition. Finally, before the full connection layer, more local spatial information is embedded into the global channel information to capture the relationship between different channel–spatial targets, which improves the accuracy of feature expression. Experimental results on the natural scene facial expression data sets RAF-DB and FERPlus show that the recognition accuracies of the modeling approach proposed in this paper are 89.67% and 90.83%, which are 13.24% and 11.52% higher than that of the baseline network ResNet50, respectively. Compared with the latest facial expression recognition methods such as CVT, PACVT, etc., the method in this paper obtains better evaluation results of masked facial expression recognition, which provides certain theoretical and technical references for daily facial emotion analysis and human–computer interaction applications.
Wood Extracts for Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics—Special View on Mordanting Procedures
Authors: Mai Thanh Hoa , Grethe Thomas , Mahltig Boris
Published: April 2024

Natural dyes offer a bio-based opportunity to support the attractive coloration of textile fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, and many other textile materials. They can be part of a strategy to realize fully bio-based textiles and clothing materials. In line with this statement, the following study investigates the use of wood extracts for dyeing cotton fabrics. Specifically, extract powders of logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum L.), brazilwood (Caesalpinia spp.), and quebracho wood (Schinopsis lorentzii) are used. The aim of the study is to evaluate which colorations can be obtained by the application of those wood extracts and what fastness properties are reached. For this, different modified process parameters and mordants are evaluated. The dyeing process is modified using different mordants based on iron and aluminum salts. These mordants are applied in pre-, meta-, or post-mordant procedures. The color and fastness properties of prepared textile samples are determined by spectroscopic measurements, color measurements, washing procedures, and a Xenotest for measuring the light fastness. Ultimately, it is shown that a broad range of colorations can be realized through different combinations of wood extracts and mordanting procedures. Notably, stronger color depths are reached with pre- and meta-mordanting compared to post-mordanting. Good wash fastness is obtained for some color shades. However, with post-mordanting, better wash fastness can be achieved. The light fastness of the realized samples is only moderate to low. In conclusion, it can be stated that dyes from wood extracts are excellent materials to dye natural fibers if they are combined with the right mordanting agent in pre- or meta-mordanting procedures. The present study is therefore a good proof-of-concept for the realization of fully bio-based colored textile materials.
Hemp: From Field to Fiber—A Review
Authors: Mariz João , Guise Catarina , Silva Teresa Luísa , Rodrigues Lúcia , Silva Carla Joana
Published: April 2024

Hemp fibers derived from Cannabis sativa L. have experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past few decades, establishing themselves as one of the most sought-after fibers. This article delves into the intricacies of the hemp production chain, offering a comprehensive understanding from field to fiber. Key aspects covered include the botany of hemp, cultivation requirements, the impact of various factors on plant growth, the harvesting process, different methods of fiber extraction, fibers properties, and suitable spinning processes. Recent studies of hemp’s Life Cycle Assessment are explored, shedding light on how it compares to other sustainable crops and providing insights into the true sustainability of hemp, substantiated by numerical data. The article also addresses challenges encountered throughout the hemp production chain and speculates on future directions that may unfold in the coming years. The overall goal of this study is to provide a knowledge base encompassing every facet of hemp fiber production. It elucidates how different technological approaches and the technical properties of fibers play pivotal roles in determining their ultimate applications. By offering a comprehensive overview, this article contributes to the broader understanding of hemp as a valuable and sustainable resource in the textile industry.
Minkowskian Approach to the Pseudorange Navigation Equations
Authors: Serrano Montesinos Ramón , Morales-Lladosa Juan Antonio
Published: April 2024

Our starting point is the covariant coordinate transformation equation of a relativistic positioning system in Minkowski space–time that maps the receiver’s emission coordinates (proper times broadcast by the emitters) to its coordinates in some inertial reference frame. Bancroft’s analytical (closed-form) solution to the basic pseudorange navigation equations with four emitters is recovered, and the subjacent elements are geometrically interpreted. The case of four static beacons is analysed as a clarifying situation.
High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Drug Resistance Mutations to Lamivudine among People with HIV/HBV Coinfection in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana
Authors: Phinius Bonolo B. , Anderson Motswedi , Gobe Irene , Mokomane Margaret , Choga Wonderful T. , Phakedi Basetsana , Ratsoma Tsholofelo , Mpebe Gorata , Makhema Joseph , Shapiro Roger , Lockman Shahin , Musonda Rosemary , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in people with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HBV/HIV) in Botswana. (2) Methods: We sequenced HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from participants with HBV/HIV from the Botswana Combination Prevention Project study (2013–2018) using the Oxford Nanopore GridION platform. Consensus sequences were analyzed for genotypic and mutational profiles. (3) Results: Overall, 98 HBV sequences had evaluable reverse transcriptase region coverage. The median participant age was 43 years (IQR: 37, 49) and 66/98 (67.4%) were female. Most participants, i.e., 86/98 (87.8%) had suppressed HIV viral load (VL). HBV RAMs were identified in 61/98 (62.2%) participants. Most RAMs were in positions 204 (60.3%), 180 (50.5%), and 173 (33.3%), mostly associated with lamivudine resistance. The triple mutations rtM204V/L180M/V173L were the most predominant (17/61 [27.9%]). Most participants (96.7%) with RAMs were on antiretroviral therapy for a median duration of 7.5 years (IQR: 4.8, 10.5). Approximately 27.9% (17/61) of participants with RAMs had undetectable HBV VL, 50.8% (31/61) had VL < 2000 IU/mL, and 13/61 (21.3%) had VL ≥ 2000 IU/mL. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of lamivudine RAMs discourages the use of ART regimens with 3TC as the only HBV-active drug in people with HIV/HBV.
Verification of Particle Tracking and In Situ Tracer Experiment for the Gravel and Cholan Formation Composite in Northwest Taiwan
Authors: Tong Cong-Zhang , Yeh Pin , Yu Yun-Chen , Chen Liang-Gu , Tseng Han-Hsiang
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the verification results of an experimental site that employed a particle tracking algorithm to assess the transport of tracers through the composite formation of gravel and Cholan in northwest Taiwan. A suitable hydrogeological conceptual model that describes the flow characteristics of the gravel formation and Cholan formation is essential to evaluate groundwater flow and management at this site. Continuous porous medium (CPM) can be easily applied in the gravel formation, while the Cholan formation, characterized by argillaceous sandstone, is commonly treated as a porous medium. However, this study obtains its fracture distribution through geological surveys, and the key fracture parameters are also collected, analyzed, and incorporated into the model. Four hydrogeological conceptual models, including CPM, discrete fracture network (DFN), equivalent continuous porous medium (ECPM), and hybrid DFN/ECPM, are generated for this complex formation. This study combines the conceptual models of the gravel and Cholan formation into four cases to describe the characteristics of the composite formation. The groundwater flow field of four cases is simulated, and the particle tracking method is employed to model the tracer transport. Simulation results from the four hybrid models all yielded a breakthrough curve (BTC) for the first 15 h, indicating that the tracer arrived at the designated outlet within this timeframe and primarily flowed through the gravel formation, while long-time particle tracking revealed a possible flow path through the Cholan formation after 15 h. The breakthrough curve of the four cases shows that the ECPM model is more suitable for representing the heterogeneity of the Cholan formation than the common CPM model. This study provides a suitable numerical algorithm of the conceptual model of the Cholan formation based on strong evidence by considering different models and comparing them with in situ tracer tests.
The Influence of Aqueous Iron on River Sand’s Arsenic Adsorption: Characteristics and Mechanisms
Authors: Li Zheying , Peng Sanxi , Shan Huimei , Liao Qian , Zhou Hai , Zhao Zhicheng
Published: April 2024

Iron-containing minerals are key factors controlling arsenic (As) transport in groundwater environments. However, few studies have observed the effect of aqueous Fe [Fe(aq)] on As behavior in a water environment. In this study, river sand in the riparian zone was collected for batch experiments to analyze the effect of Fe(aq) on the adsorption of As on river sand, utilizing characterization analyses to identify the reaction mechanism. The results showed that (1) as the concentration of Fe(aq) in the reaction system increased from 0.1 to 20 mg/L, the equilibrium adsorption capacity (Qe) of river sand for As(III) and As(V) gradually increased. For concentrations of Fe(aq) equal to or greater than 1 mg/L, the Qe for As(V) exceeds that for As(III), whereas at a Fe(aq) concentration of 0.1 mg/L, the Qe for As(III) is higher than that for As(V). (2) Compared to the reaction system without added Fe(aq), the adsorption of As(V) onto river sand was inhibited, while the adsorption of As(III) was enhanced under conditions with low concentrations (0.1, 1 mg/L) of Fe(aq). (3) At higher Fe(aq) concentrations (5, 20 mg/L), the adsorption of both As(V) and As(III) by river sand was more effective than in systems without Fe(aq). Characterization tests confirmed this, while Fe(II) reduced As(V), and Fe(aq) adhered to the surface of river sand to form Fe(OH)3 colloids, thereby facilitating the adsorption of As onto river sand.
Development of Pipeline Transient Mixed Flow Model with Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Based on Preissmann Slot Method
Authors: Yang Yixin , Yan Hexiang , Li Shixun , Song Wenke , Li Fei , Duan Huanfeng , Xin Kunlun , Tao Tao
Published: April 2024

The accurate modeling and understanding of complex transient mixed pipe flows is crucial for the optimal design and safe and efficient operation in pipeline systems such as urban drainage systems. Currently, the predominant approach for modeling free-surface-pressurized flows relies on grid-based numerical schemes, with comparatively limited capability for exploring its complex phenomena. This study proposed a novel one-dimensional numerical model that integrates the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method with the Preissmann slot method (PSM) to explore transient mixed flows in pipeline systems, with better potential capability for exploring more mixed flow phenomena. Empirical parameters of the proposed SPH-PSM model were optimized for improving the numerical accuracy and stability, and the applicable range for these empirical parameters was recommended. The performances of the proposed model were evaluated by different flow regimes, including one free surface case, one fully pressurized case, and two transient mixed-flow cases. The simulation results of different flow regimes demonstrated a high level of agreement with the reference data, indicating the good capability of the SPH-PSM model in simulating complex flow regimes in pipeline systems. Therefore, the proposed SPH-PSM model can be an alternative way for modeling, exploring, and understanding the complex transient mixed flows in pipeline systems.
A Review of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Their Application in Sustainable Solid Waste Management
Authors: Madonsela Benett Siyabonga , Semenya Khomotso , Shale Karabo
Published: April 2024

Indigenous communities have always used their knowledge systems to improve their quality of life. For example, rural communities’ resort to indigenous cultural practices to manage their own waste when local administration lacks coordinated ways to manage waste. In the context of indigenous knowledge systems, the idea of waste is non-existent. As indigenous knowledge is believed to provide a holistic framework for an approach that effectively promotes sustainability. As such, the current study conducted a systematic review to evaluate the extent to which indigenous solid waste management practices contribute to sustainable waste disposal methods. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a literature search was carried out in the field of indigenous solid waste management practices. The results indicate a significant imbalance in the amount of conclusive evidence that has been produced to date that suggests the sustainability of indigenous solid waste management practices. It is for this reason that the current study has discovered a substantial literature gap in sustainable solid waste management associated with indigenous knowledge systems. This is an unprecedented trend, especially for a knowledge system that is supposed to promote sustainability practices. However, to improve the likelihood of incorporating indigenous solid waste disposal methods into modern practices, it is imperative to understand the foundational elements that contribute to the advancement of sustainability, lest the sustainability aspect associated with this knowledge system in the discipline of solid waste management remain a mere rhetoric.
Herniated disc of the cervical and lumbosacral spine
Authors:   Astrakhan State Medical University, Solh M. A. , Belopasov V. V. ,   Astrakhan State Medical University
Published: April 2024

Modern surgery is constantly developing and enhancing methods of preventing and curing hernias in various areas of the human body. The relevance of the work is based on the continuous improvement of techniques and surgical interventions for hernias of various etiologies. The scientific significance of the work consists in determining the main literature information and statistical data encountered in recent years, as well as identifying novel and effective methods of prophylaxis and cure of this pathology. Materials and methods. Various data and statistics of recent years were analyzed. It has been found out that postoperative inflammation and hernias account for a huge proportion of complications that occur af ter surgery.
Postulates of comorbidity and approaches to management of comorbid patients
Authors:   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Vertkin A. L. , Zayratyants O. V. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Shamuilova M. M. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Sedyakina Yu. V. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Knorring G. Yu. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Kurdzhieva S. S. ,   FSBEI HE Russian Universit y of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Abutalimova Kh. B. ,   FSBEI HE Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: April 2024

Comorbidity, i.e. the presence of two or more pathological processes in a patient, is one of the most discussed topics in medical forums in Russia and around the world. Meanwhile, the breadth of discussion of this issue carries the risk of losing the true meaning of comorbidity, set out by the ideologist of this problem A. R. Feinstein, namely: the combination of two and/or more pathogenetically interrelated chronic diseases in one patient. This article offers the reader a view of comorbidity in its original/true understanding, based on deep comprehension of the pathogenesis of diseases and pathomorphological analysis of completed cases of comorbidity.
Problems and prospects for the development of legal regulation of platform employment
Authors:   Department of Labor Law of the ATiSO Faculty of Law, Vered E.B. , Novradova-Vasiliadi S.M. ,   Department of Labor Law of the ATiSO Faculty of Law
Published: April 2024

In the article, the authors explore the problematic issues of platform employment. The concept of platform employment is analyzed and its characteristic features are distinguished. The authors analyze domestic and foreign judicial practice to establish the legal status of an employee and labor legal relations, for persons working through online platforms. There is an objective need for legal regulation of legal relations related to the use of digital platforms in the field of labor, taking into account national characteristics, the need to create new technological structures, mechanisms for regulating labor through digital platforms in order to ensure socio-economic security.
Employment of persons with disabilities: russian and foreign trends
Authors:   Department of Labor Law of the Higher Educational Institution of the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, Bemalyan T.G.
Published: April 2024

In modern conditions, the problem of employment of disabled people is relevant. Many people with disabilities have difficulty finding a job, and the trend in the labor market remains unchanged to reduce the number of working people with disabilities. The article presents data from the Federal State Statistics Service for 2023 on the number of disabled people, their employment and ways to find work in Russia. The foreign experience in promoting the employment of citizens with disabilities has been studied. The measures of the state policy to promote employment in the territory of the Russian Federation are outlined. The problems of employment of disabled people are indicated and ways of solving them are given, including by analogy with the experience of foreign countries.
Comparaison expérimentale de différents modes de réponses aux tests collectifs
Authors: Pelnard J.
Published: April 2024

L’auteur s'est proposé de comparer la valeur des notes attribuées à un même test présenté sous trois formes différentes : réponse donnée sur le test, réponse donnée sur une feuille, réponse donnée sur une carte mécanographique à graphiter. Deux épreuves ont été appliquées trois fois à un même groupe de sujets suivant un plan expérimental qui permettrait d’éliminer le facteur d’apprentissage. L’auteur a constaté que le nombre des omissions s’accroît dans la seconde moitié de l’épreuve lorsque les réponses sont portées sur la feuille ou sur la carte. Mais il existe aussi une concordance remarquable de pourcentage de bonnes réponses fournies à chaque item, indépendamment du mode, sans tenir compte évidemment des omissions. Une analyse de la variance a montré que les scores sont peu influencés par le mode de réponse.
Intérêts, orientation et réussite scolaire
Authors: Larcebeau Solange
Published: April 2024

L'objet de notre recherche était de préciser l'importance des intérêts d'élèves de 3e, estimés au moyen d'un questionnaire comportant des séries d'activités de loisirs variées, à l'égard de deux critères : réussite en français ou en mathématiques en classe de 3e et choix d’une orientation des études de second cycle conduisant à un certain baccalauréat.

Nous avons vérifié que l'influence du niveau des intérêts correspondants, sur la réussite dans une discipline donnée, était très faible. L'intelligence, mesurée par un test composite et les aptitudes, mesurées au moyen de tests de matériel homogène (verbal, numérique ou figuré), déterminent en grande partie la réussite scolaire pour la majorité des élèves. Cependant, lorsque les résultats dans une discipline ne sont pas ceux qu'on pouvait attendre d'après le niveau général d'aptitude des élèves, qu'ils soient inférieurs pour des élèves bien doués ou supérieurs pour des élèves peu doués, les intérêts paraissent être plus souvent à l'origine de ces décalages que les aptitudes spécifiques, pourtant relativement indépendantes de l'aptitude générale.

Mais le rôle essentiel des intérêts consiste à orienter l’activité de l’individu dans certaines directions. Nous avons pu mettre en évidence l'influence très nette de l'organisation particulière des intérêts d'un élève de 3e, sur le choix des études qu'il entreprendra et poursuivra dans le second cycle, et en conséquence sur sa carrière future. On comprend aisément qu’on puisse être attiré par un certain domaine d'étude ou d'activité sans posséder pour autant les aptitudes qui permettraient d'accéder dans ce domaine à un haut niveau de savoir ou de qualification, ce qui explique la faiblesse des liaisons entre intérêts et réussite scolaire ou professionnelle (exprimée en terme de classement ou de hiérarchie). Un même intérêt peut trouver satisfaction à des niveaux différents de la hiérarchie scolaire ou professionnelle — un exemple en est fourni par le parallélisme des profils d'intérêts des futurs techniciens et des futurs ingénieurs d'une même spécialité — . On peut en conclure que les critères à l'égard desquels les intérêts ont des chances d'être valides doivent être plutôt la satisfaction éprouvée dans le travail et la stabilité dans un même emploi ou la continuité dans une même carrière que le niveau hiérarchique auquel on parviendra.

Il est surtout intéressant de constater, d’après cette recherche, la valeur prédictive des intérêts inventoriés, puisqu’on effet l'organisation intra-individuelle des intérêts d'élèves examinés en classe de 3e est un indice des plus sûrs du type d'études qu’ils poursuivront et mèneront à bien trois ou quatre ans plus tard, et peut-être ultérieurement.
L’orientation à la fin du premier cycle de l’enseignement secondaire. L’apport du traitement informatique à l’analyse des données au plan académique
Authors: Vidamour Guy
Published: April 2024

La création, en mars 1970, au siège de chaque Rectorat d’un Service Académique d’information et d’Orientation, puis l’application, à partir de 1973-1974, des nouvelles procédures d’orientation dans l’enseignement secondaire, ont rendu nécessaires un élargissement du champ des investigations, un affinement des recherches et la définition de méthodes rapides de saisie et de traitement des informations afin de permettre la mise à disposition des responsables d’un «tableau de bord» opérationnel en matière d’orientation, de «macro-orientation », pourrait-on dire, au niveau d’une Académie.
L’affectation réelle d’une population scolaire à l’issue du premier cycle. La distorsion entre les décisions d’orientation et la situation des élèves après la classe de 3e
Authors: Desmoulins Jacques
Published: April 2024

Cette étude portant sur 4 094 élèves qui fréquentaient une classe de 3e en 1974 dans l’Enseignement Public des Côtes-du-Nord a été réalisée par l’Inspecteur de l’Information et d’Orientation (1). Elle poursuit trois objectifs essentiels :

— cerner le flux scolaire de l’ensemble de la population des classes de 3e du département (enseignement public), c’est-à-dire localiser le plus exactement possible cette population après la fin des phases d’orientation et d’affectation ; — mettre en évidence de façon relativement précise la distorsion enregistrée entre les décisions d’orientation d’une part, la position réelle des élèves à la rentrée d’autre part ;

— révéler ce qui s’est passé au niveau de chaque type d’enseignement.
Pour une approche opérationnelle des relations entre formations techniques et emplois
Authors: Ricaud Yves de
Published: April 2024

Se démarquant des analyses traditionnelles en termes d’adéquation, l’auteur propose une nouvelle approche des relations entre formations initiales et emplois, fondée sur les interdépendances observées entre le système éducatif et le système productif, et la variété de ces interdépendances selon les spécialités de formation, les établissements d’accueil et l’environnement économique et social.

Une grille systématique, «nourrie» par des observations monographiques, est présentée qui permet de classer et de comparer, pour l’ensemble des formations, les données relatives au système éducatif, au processus d’insertion professionnelle et au système d’emplois.

Tout en s’efforçant de montrer que le recueil de ces informations ne poserait pas de problèmes insurmontables, l’auteur s’attache à mettre en lumière leur utilité en particulier pour les décisions«courantes» prises par les responsables éducatifs locaux (ouverture de sections par exemple).
Un test adapté aux enfants de migrants : Mathématique Sans Paroles (M.S.P.)
Authors: Léonardi Daniel , Pelnard-Considère Jacqueline
Published: April 2024

Le but de ce travail était de construire une épreuve de mathématique applicable à des élèves de CM2, sixième et cinquième non francophones.

L'article présente tout d'abord le contenu de l’épreuve MSP, ainsi que l’esprit dans lequel il a été conçu.

Le test a été appliqué à un groupe d'élèves étrangers récemment arrivés en France. Plusieurs groupes linguistiques ont été examinés : des jeunes Asiatiques, des Italo-Ibériques ainsi que des enfants d’origine maghrébine. L’analyse des résultats met en évidence de larges différences entre les groupes.

Ce sont les jeunes Asiatiques qui s’adaptent le mieux aux exigences en mathématiques du système scolaire français, les Maghrébins figurent quant à eux parmi ceux qui présentent le plus de difficultés. Plusieurs facteurs peuvent expliquer ces différences : la motivation des familles pour une intégration complète dans le milieu d’accueil, les problèmes de distance culturelle, ainsi que la qualité inégale des structures scolaires du pays d'origine.