bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Robotics and Automated Systems in Refining Waste Separation Processes
Authors: Rastogi Sonali , Sethi Pranshul , Pandey Harsh , Panwar Neetu , Yadav Priya , Madan Ayush
Published: January 2025

The integration of robotics and automated systems has transformed waste management, particularly in optimizing waste separation processes. This chapter explores the role of advanced robotic technologies and automation in enhancing the precision, efficiency, and sustainability of waste sorting. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, sophisticated sensors, and robotic manipulators, these systems can accurately identify, classify, and separate diverse waste materials, minimizing errors and maximizing the quality of recyclates. Beyond improving operational efficiency, these technologies reduce labor costs and human error. The chapter also examines real-world case studies of robotic systems in waste management, demonstrating their positive impact on environmental sustainability and economic viability. This analysis charts a path for future innovations in waste separation, underscoring the pivotal role of robotics and automation in fostering a circular economy and driving sustainable development.
Challenges in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Varshney Vaishali , Trivedi Neelanchal , Singh Bhuvnesh Kumar , Rajpoot Ashok Kumar , Singh Vikas Kumar
Published: January 2025

The treatment of industrial and pharmaceutical wastewater is a serious environmental problem because these contaminants are toxic and varied, endangering both human health and aquatic ecosystems. The various difficulties involved in treating these complicated effluents are examined in this review paper. An increasing number of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are emerging, and the wastewater's complex chemical compositions, which combine organic and inorganic materials, are major issues. By using microorganisms to break down pollutants, bioremediation has become more effective through the development of microbial engineering. The analysis accentuates the need of constant efforts towards research and development, the dynamic nature of legislative and regulatory frameworks, the need for industry and government organizations to collaborate the public awareness. This thorough analysis emphasizes how urgently more research, funding, and legislative support are needed to create efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment techniques.
Biofilm Technology for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Gupta Richa , Anuradha Anuradha , Sharma Abhilekha , Bharti Dipti , Srivastava Vaishnavi
Published: January 2025

Biofilm technology has become a key technique for treating wastewater by utilizing the microbial communities' inherent activities to improve the removal of pollutants. An extensive review of biofilm processes is given in this chapter, along with information on their historical background and current uses in wastewater treatment. Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms adhering to surfaces, can significantly improve treatment efficiency by facilitating the breakdown of organic matter and nutrients. The chapter discusses various biofilm reactor designs, such as moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) and trickling filters, highlighting their operational advantages over traditional activated sludge systems. This chapter seeks to close the knowledge gap between theoretical concepts and actual wastewater treatment solutions by fusing fundamental principles with real-world applications. This will ultimately lead to the adoption of more sustainable water management practices.
Algae-Based Treatment Systems for Nutrients Removal From Industrial Effluents
Authors: Berwal Ravi , Tanwar Himanshi
Published: January 2025

Industrial wastewater, whether treated or untreated, that exits a sewage treatment plant or is released from industrial facilities is generally referred to as industrial effluent. There are many types of industrial effluent like pharmaceutical wastewater, chemical wastewater, wastewater from textile, electronic industries. Based upon the type of industries, effluent may contain different types of nutrients like sulphur, phosphorous, nitrates. The nutrients can be recovered by various techniques like physical, mechanical chemical, biological. The biological methods have its own advantage like use of microorganism and it is most effective at low cost. Algae based treatment utilizes algae to remove excess nutrients from industrial effluent. It exhibits its application in the field of wastewater treatment plants, biofuels, nutritional supplement industries, agriculture, pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing units. This chapter is aimed on industrial effluent and its treatment using various methods.
Phytoremediation
Authors: Sharma Uma , Kumar Devendra , Kumari Priyambada , Nagrami Faizan ul Haque
Published: January 2025

The untreated water discharge is the most threatened, making it difficult to manage and providing clean water supply to both rural and urban areas. A wide range of toxic chemical substances were released as the consequences of industrial revolution. The free discharge of these hazardous chemical substances in the form of dyes, heavy metals, organic and inorganic compounds can cause serious threat to human health and environment. Green plants which are considered as the producers can transform these pollutants into safer forms in a cost-effective and environment friendly manner known as phytoremediation. Phytoremediation works on the basic idea of pollutants removal through natural systems. Numerous plant species, including Canna indica, Colocasia, Hymeno callislittoralis, Pteris vittata, Thlaspi caerulescens, Brassica juncea, Hordeum, Solanum, Eichhornia crassipes, Salvinia molesta, and Pistia stratiotes are frequently used to treat industrial wastewater. It is also used for environmental restoration and wasteland site remediation.
Using Phytoremediation to Treat Industrial and Pharmaceutical Wastewater
Authors: Mouniane Yassine , Vibhute Amol D. , Kadmi Yassine , Chriqui Ahmed , El-Khadir Issam , Soufiani Abdelaati , Doubi Meryem , Bautista Xochiquetzalli González , Alcantara Cardenas Juan Alberto , Hmouni Driss
Published: January 2025

Phytoremediation is an economical, environmentally friendly and effective technology that uses plants to treat wastewater. This research focuses on phytoremediation of wastewater industrial and pharmaceutical. Certain fresh plant species, such as Lemna minor, Salvinia minima, Ipomoea aquatica and Centella asiatica, have been shown to decontaminate wastewater environments. For example, these plants helped reduce total suspended solids (TSS) from 50.8% to 85.6%, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) from 79.1% to 97.3% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 36.46% to 82% in wastewater. The exact results depend on the type of plant and its operating time. In addition, microalgae such as Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus almeriensis have been shown to be highly effective in removing heavy metals such as cadmium (57.14% in just 3 hours) and arsenic (40.7% in 3 hours). In conclusion, phytoremediation is a promising approach in the water treatment sector, particularly for industrial and pharmaceutical wastewater which is heavily contaminated with complex and toxic substances.
Biological Treatment Methods for Pharmaceutical Wastewater
Authors: Selvakumar P. , Gande Ravi Kumar , Jaweria Reshma , Das Abhijeet , Bhattacharya Sumanta
Published: January 2025

The burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, marked by rapid advancements and high production volumes, has created a significant environmental challenge in the form of pharmaceutical wastewater. This wastewater, which contains a complex cocktail of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and by-products, poses a formidable risk to aquatic ecosystems and human health. As pharmaceuticals are designed to be biologically active at low concentrations, their presence in wastewater can lead to unintended consequences, such as the development of drug-resistant microorganisms and disruptions in the endocrine systems of aquatic species. The challenge is further compounded by the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment technologies, which often fall short in effectively removing these contaminants. Conventional methods such as activated sludge and secondary treatment processes are typically designed to handle organic matter and nutrients but are not always equipped to tackle the specific challenges posed by pharmaceutical compounds.
Sustainable Wastewater Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Wani Sakshi Pravin , Kulkarni Shounak Yogin , Pingale Prashant Lakshaman , Amrutkar Sunil Vishwanath
Published: January 2025

Although pharmaceuticals are advantageous to modern civilization in many ways, their use contaminates the environment to which they are exposed. Numerous pathways, such as the release of treated wastewater, sewage from waste dumps, sewer lines, runoff from animal waste, as well as the application of manure fertilizers to land, may allow them to reach the environment. Pharmaceutical wastewater contains organic debris, non-biodegradable chemicals, microbial contaminants, and salt, necessitating advanced treatment techniques due to water scarcity and the persistence of dissolved organic matter. Anaerobic membrane bioreactors are capable of treating intricate pharmaceutical waste, recovering energy, and generating wastewater that is rich in nutrients and suitable for irrigation. This chapter discusses the use of anaerobic methods for drug breakdown, highlighting the benefits of wastewater's high organic matter concentration. It also discusses hybrid processes combining physical, chemical, and biological treatments.
Synergistic Approaches for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sikarwar Ragini , Kumar Aditya , Khanduja Muskan , Tiwari Brij Kishore , Saxena Richa
Published: January 2025

Innovative wastewater treatment is becoming increasingly critical in addressing global water scarcity and pollution challenges. This abstract explores synergistic approaches that integrate advanced technologies, resource recovery, and collaborative frameworks to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and sustainability. Advanced treatment technologies, including anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) and bioelectrochemical systems, are highlighted for their ability to effectively remove contaminants while recovering valuable resources such as energy and nutrients. These systems not only improve effluent quality but also reduce the environmental footprint of treatment processes. Moreover, decentralized and nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands, are gaining traction for their cost-effectiveness and ecological benefits. The integration of advanced technologies, resource recovery practices, and collaborative approaches represents a holistic strategy for enhancing wastewater treatment, ensuring sustainable water management, and protecting public health and the environment.
A Review and Bibliometric Study on the Trends and Thematic Analysis of E-Commerce Recommenders
Authors: Olusanya Michael O. , Isinkaye Folasade O.
Published: January 2025

Despite the potential of Recommender systems (RSs), there exists a noticeable gap in research that precisely investigates their trends and key themes. This study first explores the significance and impact of RSs through literature, bibliometric analysis was further conducted to examine historical development and current trends. The Bibliometrix R package was used on 1,145 articles from Scopus database from 2002 to 2022. The results show that most significant publication growth occurred between 2019-2022, most productive authors, affiliations, and countries in the domain were identified. The extent of collaboration among countries and authors was investigated with interesting insight. Graph neural networks (GNN) emerged as one of the trending topics while thematic maps identified knowledge graphs and cold start as crucial for future research. Recommender systems and electronic commerce are important keywords discovered. The study underscores the essential role of knowledge management in e-commerce for optimizing recommender systems and driving business growth.
Investigating the Effect of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Management Across a Large Banking Network in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ayana Samson Debela , Mengesha Getachew H. , Musa Philip F. , Negash Solomon
Published: January 2025

This study intends to understand how organizational culture affects knowledge management using the Newman and Conrad knowledge management and competing value framework. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 161 respondents at Awash Bank located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Smart PLS V.3 was used to analyze the data. The finding reveals that organizational culture significantly affects knowledge management. The study also affirms that clan culture and adhocracy culture have a strong direct effect on knowledge management. Hierarchy culture has a less positive effect on knowledge management. In a nutshell, the outcome of the study indicates that a supportive and collaborative organizational culture that values the knowledge management process is crucial for effective knowledge management. The study contributes to Knowledge management theory by empirically validating the theoretical model. From a practical perspective, the study provides valuable insights for managers and leaders to nurture a knowledge management-supportive culture.
Book review: The Artistry of Bheki Mseleku
Authors: Mulungo
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Book review: Opera in Cape Town: The Critic’s Voice
Authors: Gerber
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Production Review: The Head and the Load
Authors: Loveday
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Examining The Chemical And Biological Properties of Different Heterocyclic Rings
Authors: Kareem Aseel
Published: January 2025

Melting point, FTIR, chromatography analysis, and physical properties were used to determine the structures of new heterocyclic compounds that contained 4-aminoantipyrine, which was thought to be a crucial step for the synthesis of some new derivativesGram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans) and Shigella flexeneri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are evaluated for their antibacterial activity using these substances. Academics and medical applications have shown a great deal of interest in the antipyrine derivatives, which are a popular structural motif among heterocyclic compounds with three nitrogen heteroatoms. Although they are not found in nature, they are used extensively in drug development, organic synthesis, chemical biology, polymer chemistry, and supramolecular chemistry. As a result, developing a straightforward and easy method for the production of antipyrine derivatives is crucial. In contrast to conventional antibiotics, The findings demonstrated the strong antibacterial qualities of each of these substances. Additionally, we discovered that they can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ, which are released by CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) cells, to have an immunological effect in vivo in an animal model.. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize some novel derivatives and evaluate their antibacterial activity by examining their capacity to induce the cellular immune response and the histopathological changes in the experimental rabbits' splenic sections.
Implementation of the Policy of Law Number 21 of 2019 on Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Center
Authors: Husain Yasin , Suprapto Srihandayani , Akbar Muh. Firyal
Published: January 2025

This study aims to analyze and obtain information on the Implementation of Policy Regulation No. 21 of 2019 at the Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Office of Gorontalo Province. The research method uses a qualitative type with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out through interviews with a number of informants and observations as well as recording secondary data related to the research problem. The results of the study concluded that the delivery of information or socialization regarding the implementation of the policy of regulation No. 21 of 2029 was ineffective as an indicator of communication. While the Organizational Structure indicator shows a lack of coordination between policy makers and policy implementers which makes the policy process not run according to the expected goals and objectives, and the resource indicator shows that there is a lack of competent human resources and a lack of adequate budget in the policy implementation process.
Implementation of the One Data Policy in the State Civil Apparatus Sector in the Implementation of One Data Indonesia in the Work Area of Regional Office XI of the State Civil Service Agency
Authors: Sigarlaki Heronov X. , Mamentu Michael , Lengkong Johny Peter
Published: January 2025

The one data policy for State Civil Apparatus is a necessity. This is done to create an integration of personnel data that can be accessed nationally and is well organized, and to support better decision-making related to ASN policies. This study was conducted to determine the process of implementing One Data for ASN Fields in the Implementation of One Data Indonesia in the Work Area of ​​Regional Office XI BKN in promotion services. Research data was collected through interviews, observations and secondary data reviews. By using a qualitative design, it was found that its implementation in promotion services for North Sulawesi Provincial Government agencies had obstacles that disrupted efforts to achieve the objectives of the State Civil Service Agency Regulation Number 13 of 2022. Lack of attention from ASN to personal personnel data, frequent employee rotation and the ability of implementers to use technology hindered the achievement of policy implementation objectives.
Whispers to Spotlight: Unveiling Agriculture and Arts Through Staging Bulungan as Calabanga’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Castor Richard G.
Published: January 2025

Bulungan is the bidding process in the buying and selling of fish products through whispering performed in the ports of San Miguel Bay in Sabang, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Philippines. This presents a unique manifestation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) that intertwines traditional practices with contemporary agricultural dynamics explored on this article through a stage play providing a spotlight for communities and learners of this generation to see through the dynamic interplay of arts and agriculture. Utilizing dramaturgy, content analysis, ethnographic observation, and interviews with local practitioners and actors, this research sought to reveal the deeper meanings and functions of bulungan within daily agricultural cycles and community life, particularly among fishing communities. Aimed at (1) discovering how dramatic performance can aid students in learning about and appreciating arts and agriculture; (2) ascertaining how stage play heightens awareness of one’s cultural background and identity; and (3) exploring ways in which dramatic theatre might strengthen community and educational settings’ social cohesiveness and encourage a stronger sense of shared values and traditions.

Bulungan serves as a cultural expression that reflects the social fabric and identity of these communities. Whispering, as a form of communication in negotiations, embodies the subtleties of local customs and the significance of oral traditions in commerce, which are vital components of ICH. By framing bulungan within the broader scope of sustainable agricultural practices and cultural identity preservation, the research presents new pathways for understanding its evolving role in contemporary Bicolano society. This critical analysis not only aims to preserve a significant cultural practice but also offers implications for modern arts, teaching learning paradigms and agricultural sustainability, suggesting that bulungan can serve as a model for integrating indigenous knowledge systems into future creative and ecological initiatives. The implications of this practice extend beyond mere economic transactions; they highlight the role of ICH in agricultural sustainability and community resilience.
A Methodology for Rapid Deployment of Diagnostic Applications for Human Gait & Posture Analysis and Exoskeleton Configurations, Combining AI with a Biomimetic Rig
Authors: Kampouris Christos , Azariadis Philip
Published: January 2025

Research has shown that certain simple, yet valuable gait and posture diagnostic tests can be conducted without the involvement of human experts using optical detection software employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), either on par with some physicians or, in some cases, even better in terms of availability, productivity, ease, and cost. The purpose of the current paper is to propose a methodology that uses dedicated AI models for partial body frames instead of full-body pose trackers. To achieve this, we obtain training dataset (photos/ videos) using a biomimetic rig instead of humans. In this research, we also study existing applications using already available AI pose trackers, their methodology, limitations regarding partial body views, and limitations in detecting mechanical devices and systems. Finally, to support our study, we present stand2squatAI_biorig software as an example of an AI-automated, diagnostic, real-time test that does not require physicians to complete the examination. We developed this software as a proof-of-concept to illustrate the proposed methodology and confirm our findings. Software applications developed in this manner can be used to study and diagnose various human conditions. The value of the proposed approach, which includes a biomimetic rig, is that it increases precision, reduces costs, and increases human safety; for example, during the application of mechanical aids while ensuring personal data privacy and overcoming ethical issues.
 
Received: 16 June 2024 | Revised: 20 September 2024 | Accepted: 16 October 2024
 
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
The Teachable machine AI model used in this study is openly available in figshare at http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27894876.
 
Author Contribution Statement
Christos Kampouris: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Project administration, Funding acquisition. Philip Azariadis: Supervision.
Strength development and coefficient of thermal expansion of high-strength concrete using silica fume
Authors: Nguyen Duy Tien , Hoang Viet Hai , Tran Duc Tam , Do Anh Tu
Published: January 2025

Silica fume as a partial replacement for cement in high-strength concrete has been the focus of numerous studies. However, the impact of substituting cement with silica fume in concrete mixtures on the mechanical and thermal properties of high-strength concrete remains insufficiently explored. Silica fume, characterized by its high pozzolanic activity and ultra-fine particles, is incorporated into concrete mixtures to enhance their mechanical properties and durability. The research examines the influence of varying silica fume content on the compressive strength and CTE of high-strength concrete. In the present study, concrete specimens with a water-cement ratio of 0.32 were prepared, with 5%, 10%, and 15% of the cement replaced by silica fume. Experimental results demonstrate that silica fume significantly improves compressive strength, particularly at early ages, starting from 7 days. However, the CTE of these mixtures is not significantly affected, with the average values varying slightly, ranging from 8.95 to 9.93 × 10⁻⁶/°C. This study contributes to further clarifying the role of silica fume in concrete mixtures and its effect on the CTE
A clip-based dual-stream method for text based vehicle search
Authors: Quang Huy Can , Phuong Dung Nguyen , Thuy Binh Nguyen , Hong Quan Nguyen , Thien Linh Vo , Thi Lan Le
Published: January 2025

A text-based vehicle search refers to a system where users can find vehicles or route information by entering text-based queries. The primary objective of text-based vehicle search is to identify the most relevant vehicle in a given dataset using a natural language description as a query. This approach leverages natural language processing (NLP) to understand and interpret description queries and provide relevant results. Despite significant progress, this task still faces several challenges due to the complexity and diversity of natural language, as well as inherent difficulties in the vision domain. Moreover, few studies have focused on tracked-vehicle retrieval, where vehicle tracklets are considered instead of single images. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for natural language-based tracked-vehicle retrieval based on CLIP model, one of the most effective models for image-text matching task. This framework leverages both appearance and motion information to enhance the matching accuracy of vehicle tracklet retrieval. Some experiments are conducted on the CityFlow-NL dataset, provided by the 6-th AI City Challenge, an annual competition. The results are comparable to state-of-the-art methods, achieving an MRR score of 46.63%, Rank@5 of 67.02%, and Rank@10 of 81.82%
Accelerated corrosion effects on steel pipe pile materials in simulated Nhatrang seawater, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Trinh , Le Trung Hieu
Published: January 2025

Steel pipe piles are widely used in coastal infrastructure due to their high strength and durability. However, in tropical marine environments like Nha Trang, Vietnam, the high chloride content, temperature, and humidity significantly accelerate the corrosion process. Despite their extensive application, no published studies have specifically addressed the corrosion behavior of steel pipe piles in Vietnam's marine environment. This study investigated the accelerated corrosion effects on steel pipe pile materials in a simulated Nha Trang seawater environment, representing typical coastal conditions in Vietnam. Using an accelerated corrosion testing method, steel pipe pile material samples were exposed to controlled Nha Trang seawater conditions with varying salinity and environmental factors such as temperature and pH. The objective of this experiment was to analyze the corrosion rate and determine the corrosion mechanisms within a short period, simulating long-term effects typically seen in real seawater environments. The experiment revealed mass loss and pitting corrosion morphology on SKK490 samples, highlighting the degradation caused by high chloride content and other conditions in the Nha Trang simulated seawater environment. The results provide critical insights into the corrosion behavior specific to Nha Trang seawater environment of Vietnam, particularly regarding the reduction in cross-sectional area of the steel pile materials. These findings offer valuable guidance for coastal infrastructure projects, especially in the selection of appropriate materials and the development of effective corrosion prevention strategies for long-term use in seawater environments
Synopsis of Maracanthus (Loranthaceae) and description of M. kuijtii, a new species from the Eastern Andes of Colombia
Authors: Murillo-Serna Jhon S. , Carmona-Gallego Isabel , Roldán Francisco J. , Sierra-Giraldo Julio A. , Alzate-Guarín Fernando
Published: January 2025

Background and aims – Ongoing studies on Colombian mistletoes revealed an undescribed species of Maracanthus (Loranthaceae) endemic to the Colombian Eastern Cordillera (Cordillera Oriental). This species is described and illustrated here, and a checklist of the species accepted in Maracanthus is also provided, including a taxonomic key, references to the known iconography of the genus, and taxonomic and geographic comments.

Material and methods – This study is based on a literature review according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants, examination of herbarium specimens using physical specimens and digital images, and morphological studies based on samples from dried and rehydrated specimens.

Key results – A detailed morphological analysis revealed that the new species is part of the little-known genus Maracanthus. The dichotomous key, as well as the taxonomic and geographic notes, allow users to recognise the five known species in this genus, showing that they occur in restricted distribution areas.
Behaviour of some Bulgarian plum cultivars in the pedo-climatic conditions of the Pitesti – Romania area
Authors:   Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania, Butac Mădălina , Nesheva Marieta ,   Fruit Growing Institute – Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Chivu Mihai ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania, Stan Andreea ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania, Mareși Eugenia ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania, Nicolae Silvia
Published: January 2025

In Romania and Bulgaria, plum is one of the most widespread species, both countries carry out a large breeding program. ‘Stanley’ is the most widespread cultivar in the plum orchards of both countries. Although it is a very productive cultivar, further requested by farmers, it presents some defects such as the low fruit quality and the sensitivity to Plum pox virus. That is why in both countries an improvement of the assortment was imposed by creating new cultivars in their breeding program, but also by introducing valuable cultivars obtained in other breeding centers from Europe. For this reason, researchers from both countries have changed biological material. In 2015, three Bulgarian cultivars were planted in a field trial by the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania. This paper aimed to evaluate the behaviour of these cultivars in climatic conditions from the Pitesti-Maracineni area. All Bulgarian cultivars were noted by good production, large fruits with high soluble solids content, as well as by tolerance to Plum pox virus. These cultivars can be recommended for extension in the commercial orchards from Romania, taking into account the requirements of the private fruit growers. Also, these cultivars can be used as genitors in breeding programs.
Effectiveness of active ingredients in controlling fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) in modern apple orchards
Authors:   Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti, Romania,, Marin Florin Cristian , Călinescu Mirela ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti, Romania,, Sumedrea Mihaela ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti, Romania,, Chițu Emil ,   Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti, Romania,
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effects of different registered active ingredients aiming to control fireblight Erwinia amylovora Burill Winslow, in modern apple bearing orchards. Five type active ingredients and combinations were assessed as
regard their protective effect against fire blight on the apples. Copper oxiclorure provided an average efficacy E% 78.74-80.81 Better results were obtained with copper hydroxide E% 80.70-81.66. The mixture copper oxiclorure+hydroxide
displayed a superior field efficacy ranging between 81.45 - 83.91. Aluminum fosetyl, applied during the flowering period and fruit set provided an average efficacy E% of 90.70 -81.26. The other mixture tested fluopyram+aluminum fosetyl offered an
average efficacy E% in fireblight control, within 91.20 - 93.18 especially on growing shoots and fruits. However, in order to increase the bactericides efficacy in apple crop protection, it will be useful and opportune additional researches, on new active ingredients complementarity, water quality monitoring, spray equipment calibration, and improvement of applications quality.
The influence of climatic factors on the quality of grapes in the vineyards Murfatlar and Iasi
Authors:   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology
Murfatlar, Romania, Artem Victoria , Ranca Aurora ,   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology
Murfatlar, Romania, Ciobanu Cristina ,   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology
Murfatlar, Romania, Dina Ionica ,   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology
Murfatlar, Romania, Nechita Ancuta ,   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology Iasi,
Romania, Zaldea Gabi ,   Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Oenology Iasi,
Romania
Published: January 2025

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of key climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) during the growing season on the ripening and chemical composition of grapes for white and red wines in two vineyards renowned for the quality of their wines: Murfatlar and Iași, over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). The climatic variability, characterized by high air temperatures and prolonged periods without precipitations contributed to a forced ripening of the grapes, with harvesting taking place in 2024 one week earlier than in 2023 in both vineyards. The high temperatures during ripening accelerated the accumulation rate of sugars, resulting in concentrations exceeding 200 g/L for white wine grape cultivar and over 220 g/L for red wine grape cultivars in the Murfatlar wine center, and concentrations ranging between 192.6-206.0 g/L for white grape varieties and 200.7-221.0 g/L for red grape cultivar in the Copou Iasi wine center. The results obtained, analyzed statistically, highlighted significant differences in the primary metabolites of grape berries (sugars and organic acids), influenced by vineyard and climatic conditions over the two studied years. Maintaining traditional viticultural regions remains a challenge for producers, requiring various strategies to compensate for these imbalances and to produce high-quality, balanced wines.
Issues which pertain to the vine plants intrinsic features as well as to the progressive and further civilizing touch held by its culture as it has been currently practiced upon the actual territory of Romania
Authors:   University of Craiova, Horticulture Faculty, Romania, Popa Aurel , Tuțulescu Felicia ,   University of Craiova, Horticulture Faculty, Romania
Published: January 2025

Archaeological research conducted over time has proven that on the territory of present-day Romania there has existed since ancient times a highly civilized human society that recorded slow but progressive accumulations generated by the natural environment of the territory endowed with a wide cultivar of forms that supported the free development of plants. The perceptible existence of wild but fruitful vines has been attested in two hundred and thirty localities. The attractive taste which he had at first occasionally discovered in the fruits mentioned above had certainly aroused the well-deserved attention of the primitive human being, and had therefore led him to deliberately take successive but strictly local actions to remove the other surrounding plants which might have become obstacles to the undisturbed development of the vine, applying to them at that time the so-called "paralysis procedure". The natural and extensive territorial progress of the vine has always been due to its intrinsic characteristics, namely: minimum requirements for environmental factors; easy rooting; vegetative propagation. This was therefore the main reason why vines were among the first plants taken into farms. Our ancestors dedicated special attention to vine cultivation and wine technology, as evidenced by the numerous vessels and utensils discovered throughout the country as well as the large number of localities that have names derived from vine culture.
The effect controlled release fertilizer on growth, flowering, and leaf morphology of Pulsatilla species
Authors:   School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Republic of Korea, Kim Hyun Min , Roh Mark S. ,   4210 Westbrook Drive, Ann Arbor, USA, Burchi Gianluca ,   CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Italy, Joung Young Hee ,   School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Republic of Korea
Published: January 2025

The effect of 14N-6.2P-11.6K controlled release fertilizer (CRF) on growth, flowering, and leaf morphology during vegetative growth of Pulsatilla tongkangensis and P. cernua var. koreana (P. koreana) were investigated. Pulsatilla tongkangensis flowered earlier (26 to 28 days) than P. koreana (50 to 51 days) after natural low-temperature treatment. The highest number of flowers was observed in P. koreana (3.6 flowers) and P. tongkangensis (1.7 flowers) with 0.9–1.2 g of CRF treatment. The formation of a third rachis and leaflet is a unique characteristic observed in P. koreana. Two morphological types of P. tongkangensis seedlings, with either long or short petioles, suggests that seedlings with long petioles are considered putative hybrids between P. tongkangensis and P. koreana. The development of axillary shoots in P. koreana seedlings before overwintering, when seedlings received more than 0.6 g of CRF, suggests that the seedlings undergo a phase change from juvenile vegetative growth to mature plants. This is the first detailed report describing morphology of leaves and plants during growth of seedlings and development of Pulsatilla.
Enhancing Thermal Image Classification with Novel Quality Metric-Based Augmentation Techniques
Authors:   Yerevan State University, Ayunts Hrach
Published: January 2025

Thermal image classification is critical in various applications, particularly fault detection and monitoring systems such as photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, a common challenge in these fields is the limited availability of large-scale, labeled thermal image datasets. To address this, color image augmentation is widely adopted in machine learning to artificially increase the size and diversity of training datasets, improving model generalization. Traditional augmentation techniques, such as geometric transformations, provide some benefits but may fail to fully capture the unique characteristics inherent in thermal images, which often have lower contrast and different noise patterns than visible spectrum images. So, we argued we need to develop a novel augmentation technique for thermal imaging, where data collection is costly and time-consuming.
Our research proposes a novel offline augmentation technique guided by quality metrics to enhance the performance of thermal image binary classification models. By leveraging domain-specific quality metrics, such as image clarity, thermal contrast, and noise levels, we optimize the oversampling process for thermal datasets. For example, starting with a dataset of x images, we generate y additional thermal images, resulting in a total of x + y images used to train the deep learning classification framework. Using a dataset of PV module defects, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our quality metric-based oversampling strategy across several state-of-the-art image classification networks. Our approach outperforms traditional augmentation methods regarding classification accuracy and robustness, including geometric transformations and standard image enhancement techniques. The practical implications of our research are significant, as it provides a more effective and efficient way to improve model performance for thermal imaging tasks, mainly when data availability is limited.
Accounting Control and Enhancing Corporate Performance: An Evaluation of Nigerian Multinational Corporations
Authors:   University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, Olaoye Ayoola Azeez
Published: January 2025

Ineffectual controls within the accounting processes have created global vulnerabilities, enabling fraudsters to exploit the financial assets of numerous corporations. This study aims to evaluate the influence of accounting controls on the performance of Nigerian multinational corporations. Utilizing secondary data sources, the research adopts a quantitative research design spanning a twenty-year period from 2003 to 2022. A purposively selected sample of ten multinational corporations is considered from the broader population of such entities in Nigeria. The study employs panel regression models, including Fixed Effect, and Random Effect methods for data estimation, alongside the pre- and post-data tests such as unit root tests, Breusch-Pagan test, Hausman test, White test for heteroskedasticity and correlation LM test, multi-collinearity test and Durbin-Watson test. The results reveal a statistically significant positive impact of accounting preventive control, accounting detective control, and accounting corrective control on the performance of multinational corporations in Nigeria. In light of these findings, the study concludes that accounting controls play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of multinational corporations in Nigeria. Consequently, the research recommends the implementation of additional controls in the detective aspects of accounting control to prevent fraudulent activities and further bolster the performance of multinational corporations in Nigeria.
Estimating Bilateral Exchange Rate and Inflation Interdependencies: A Case Study of Guinea and Sierra Leone
Authors:   Macroeconomic Research Section, Policy Analysis Division, Research and Statistics Department, Bank of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone, Barrie Mohamed Samba , Kpukumu Kabineh ,   Modelling and Forecasting Section, Economic Modelling and Forecasting Division, Research and Statistics Department, Bank of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between bilateral exchange rate fluctuations between the Leone and Guinean Franc and inflation dynamics in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the vulnerability of the latter's economy to external shocks from its larger neighbor. Utilizing a Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) approach, the study examines monthly data from January 2014 to December 2023 to reveal insights into the Bilateral Exchange Rate Depreciation on inflation in Sierra Leone. Specifically, the study concludes that for every 1% depreciation of the Leones against the Guinean Franc, there is a corresponding 0.62 percentage point increase in inflation within Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the analysis indicates a negative correlation between inflation in Sierra Leone and Guinea, indicating counter-movements between the two variables. The Breusch-Pagan test of independence validates the use of a SUR model to account for systematic interdependency or correlation in the residuals. The testing of cross-equation constraints demonstrates a distinct and statistically significant impact of the depreciation of the bilateral exchange rate on inflation in Sierra Leone and Guinea. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between exchange rates and inflation within the West African context, informing evidence-based policy decisions. The study accentuates the critical importance of exchange rate stability, effective monetary policy tools, and cross-border economic surveillance to mitigate inflationary pressures and ensure economic stability in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on interventions by the Bank of Sierra Leone, controlling of currency in circulation and better management of the frequent price shocks from global energy markets.
Analysis of Housing Prices in BRICS Countries: COVID-19 Pandemic Shock
Authors:   Department of Economic Development, Faculty of Economics, Sriwijaya University, Indonesia, Shodrokova Xenaneira , Asngari Imam ,   Department of Economic Development, Faculty of Economics, Sriwijaya University, Indonesia
Published: January 2025

The study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and interest rates on the Home Price Index (HPI) in BRICS member countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), using data from Q1 2016 to Q2 2023. Secondary data used in this study were obtained from official sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), and the Central Banks of BRICS countries. The analysis technique in this study uses panel data regression, namely the Fixed Effect Model (FEM). The results of the analysis of the data panel show that COVID-19 has had a significant positive impact on the HPI, indicating that the pandemic has affected the housing market in the BRICS countries. Interest rates have a negative and significant impact on the HPI, suggesting that tighter monetary policy is likely to suppress rising house prices. Finally, inflation has a positive and significant impact on the HPI, illustrating a positive relationship between inflation rates and house prices in BRICS countries. These findings provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders in BRICS countries in managing housing markets and addressing challenges posed by unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, these results also have the potential to support the development of more effective economic policies for the BRICS.
Budget Performance and Human Capital Development of Relevant Sectors in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Accounting Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, Akano Latifat Omolara , Salawu Rafiu Oyesola ,   Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Published: January 2025

The disparity between budget and human capital development over the years questions the performance of budget in Nigeria. Budget performance measures are expected to be positive if human capital development will improve in any nation. Therefore, the study investigated the effect of budget performance on human capital development in Nigeria. The study employed descriptive longitudinal research design and inferential statistics. Secondary data were extracted from annual budget and human development reports. The population for this study comprised all the twenty-four (24) federal Ministries in Nigeria. A sample size of 4 ministries (education, health, agriculture and rural development, science and technology) were purposively selected. Data collected were analysed using Autoregressive Distributed Lag model. The results of the short run effect of budget performance on human capital development showed that budget effectiveness (t = 4.1593, P 0.01), budget efficiency (t = 4.3163, P 0.01), inflation rate (t = -2.2254, P 0.05) all had positive and significant effect on human capital development. The long run result revealed that budget effectiveness (t = 4.6777, P 0.01), budget efficiency (t = 3.6078, p 0.05), budget discipline (t = 2.6789, P 0.05) and debt burden (t = 2.1050, p 0.1) had positive and significant effect on human capital development. The study concluded that budget performance has significant effect on human capital development.