bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ASTEROID DECELERATION IN THE VENUS ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Шувалов В.В. , Иванов Б.А.
Published: December 2023

Приведены результаты трехмерных расчетов деформации, фрагментации и торможения астероида размером 1.5 км в атмосфере Венеры. Сравнение с результатами проведенных ранее двумерных расчетов показало, что используемая в двумерных расчетах осевая симметрия приводит к более сильному торможению фрагментов разрушенного астероида, чем в трехмерной геометрии, более соответствующей реальности. Полученная в трехмерных расчетах структура разрушенного астероида, состоящего из нескольких крупных и множества мелких фрагментов, по-видимому, может объяснить причину образования кратерных кластеров и темных и ярких пятен (splotches), наблюдаемых на поверхности Венеры.

The results of calculations of deformation, fragmentation and deceleration of asteroids 1.5–5 km in size in the atmosphere of Venus are presented. The fraction of energy lost by asteroids during their passage through the atmosphere and the effective dimensions of an asteroid (or a cloud of its fragments) at the moment of impact on a solid surface are determined. It is shown that asteroids 1–2 km in size reach the surface of Venus in the form of a cloud of fragments with a diameter of 5–20 km, the kinetic energy of which is 10– 1000 times less than the initial energy of the asteroid. Such impacts do not appear to result in the formation of classical single craters or crater fields, but may be responsible for the formation of dark and bright spots (splotches) observed on the surface of Venus.
Q-FACTOR PARAMETER ESTIMATION ON THE BASE OF OBSERVATION DATA ALONG THE PROFILE «MIKHAILOVSKY QUARRY» – SAA «MIKHNEVO»»
Authors: Санина И.А. , Константиновская Н.Л. , Овчинникова О.В. , Усольцева О.А. , Волосов С.Г. , Гоев А.Г. , Тарасов С.А. , Юдочкин Н.А. , Шарафиев З.З.
Published: December 2023

На основе регистрации амплитуд продольных и поперечных волн вдоль профиля «Карьер «Михайловский» – малоапертурная сейсмическая группа «Михнево»» (МСГ «Михнево») от двух карьерных взрывов получены оценки параметра добротности. Регистрация велась трехкомпонентными датчиками, что позволило оценить значения Q по трем составляющим. Были использованы две методики – оценка амплитудного коэффициента затухания и отношение амплитуд спектральных составляющих в зависимости от расстояния, широко применяемые ранее к интерпретации данных глубинного сейсмического зондирования (ГСЗ). В результате получены средние значения параметра добротности по двум методикам – Qср составляет порядка для Р-волн = 376 и для S- волн: QSE = 1068 и QSN = 897.

The estimates of the Q-factor parameter based on the registration of the amplitudes of P- and S- waves along the profile of the «Mikhailovsky» quarry – «Mikhnevo» SAA from two quarry blasts were obtained. The registration was carried out by three-component sensors, which made it possible to estimate the Q values by three components. Two methods were used – the estimation of the amplitude attenuation coefficient and the ratio of the amplitudes of the spectral components depending on the distance. These two approaches were widely used earlier for the interpretation of the deep seismic sounding (DSS) data. As a result, the average values of the Q-factor parameter were obtained by two methods – Q for P-waves is about 376 and for S-waves: Q = 1068 and Q = 897.
The Turkish Soft Power Approach in Diplomatic Relations with Kosovo, 2008–2020
Authors: Imeri Dorajet , Sinani Arsim , Dugolli Bujar
Published: December 2023

In international political relations, states choose certain models and approaches to apply in order to achieve certain strategic objectives, whether to improve their relations or to accomplish some other goal. Aside from politics and economics, states especially use soft power in these relations, always remaining aware that international relations can be counterproductive; thus a high level of acceptance by the other state, in our case Turkey, is important. Turkey is the successor to the Ottoman Empire, and it still tends to exert its influence on the Balkan region based on neo-Ottomanism. History, traditions, customs, ways of life, symbols, and the possibility of movement often turn out to be the best mechanisms for building relationships, initially between societies and subsequently between political entities. This paper highlights relations between Kosovo and Turkey, especially at certain times when they have experienced barely noticeable cracks. It looks at these relations through bottom-up reports expressing positive perceptions resulting from Turkey’s soft approach vis-à-vis Kosovo, especially in terms of cultural proximity, the possibility of movement, trade, and other social values.
Sistema de riego inteligente para el mantenimiento de áreas verdes en una institución educativa
Authors: Jaramillo Chamba Daniel Armando , Panchana Gonzalez Washington Virgilio , Cumbicos Calva Angel Yoel , Escudero Molina Nevison Eduardo
Published: December 2023

En este estudio se evaluó la efectividad de un sistema de riego inteligente en comparación con un sistema de riego convencional en el mantenimiento de áreas verdes en una institución educativa local. Se utilizó un diseño experimental que permita comparar el crecimiento del césped versus la maleza programando frecuencias de riego durante los meses de junio a octubre. Los resultados indican que el sistema de riegointeligentefuemásefectivoenelmantenimiento de áreas verdes en comparación con el sistema de riego convencional. Se concluye que el uso de la automatización en un sistema de riego puede mejorar el crecimiento del césped y reducir la presencia de maleza en áreas verdes en una institución educativa, lo que puede llevar a un uso más eficiente del agua y una reducción en los costos de mantenimiento. Este estudio puede tener implicaciones importantes para la gestión de áreas verdes en instituciones educativas y otros espacios públicos.
Generación de energía fotovoltaica en viviendas rurales en la provincia del Cañar
Authors: Quevedo Pesántez Fausto David , Ortega Cardenas Vicente Emmanuel , Idrovo Ortiz Luis Holguer
Published: December 2023

La escasez de combustibles fósiles y su impacto negativo en el medio ambiente están impulsando a la humanidad a buscar alternativas de combustibles renovables y sostenibles. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo dimensionar un sistema autónomo de generación de energía eléctrica a través de paneles fotovoltaicos para viviendas rurales en la provincia de Cañar, ubicada al Sur de Ecuador, a través de un estudio cuantitativo. Se centra en áreas donde las empresas públicas no pueden suministrar electricidad o donde los proyectos de expansión de redes no son económicamente viables. Se analiza una vivienda de tipo social con un consumo diario de 9444Wh/día. Se calcula la cantidad de paneles fotovoltaicos, el controlador de carga, el inversor y la cantidad de baterías necesarias para abastecer la vivienda. Se tomaron como base para el estudio las viviendas ubicadas en áreas de producción agrícola. Se determinó que un total de 9 paneles fotovoltaicos de 375W, 1 controlador de carga de 48v, 1 inversor de 48v y 12 baterías eran suficientes para cubrir el 120% de la demanda de 9.44Kwh/día.
Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica Gmelin 1788, Phocidae). 1. Results of the experiment on heightened commercial withdrawal (retrospective evaluation)
Authors: Petrov E. A.
Published: December 2023

Dynamics of the main parameters of the Baikal seal population (age and sex structure, size and weight indices, reproductive activity) in the years of experiment with heightened commercial withdrawal of the seals (1977–1985) is analyzed on the base of primary field data collected during the spring hunting. The problem of natural limitation for the population abundance is discussed for the case when further growth is limited by carrying capacity of the habitat. The observed changes of age, sex, size, and reproductive parameters reflected intrapopulation processes of the abundance regulation, weakly associated with trophic and density factors. Despite intensive commercial load and negative consequences of unusually early ice melting in 1981, the number of Baikal seal grew until the late 1980s. The withdrawal did not lead to expected improvement of the population status that was explained by underestimation of the stock. Low level (or complete absence) of biological substantiation for the experiment is noted.
Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica Gmelin 1788, Phocidae). 2. On the problem of population abundance and its regulation through resumption of commercial hunting
Authors: Petrov E. A.
Published: December 2023

Prospects of resumption the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) commercial hunting are discussed. Inconsistency of the materials annually submitted by BaikalNIRO for the State report «On the state of Lake Baikal and measures for its protection» for making important decisions regarding the population of Baikal seal is shown. Studies on the population dynamics and methods of its assessment are considered critically, the problems in monitoring of the population are revealed. Adequacy of the presented data on the seals abundance to their real number is doubtful. Current state of the population is considered as quite prosperous, its abundance is high but not excessive. Carrying capacity of the habitat is a variable and difficult to determine, its dynamics is vague and cannot be considered as a reliable basis for resuming the commercial hunting. Groundlessness of such proposals is substantiated and possible negative consequences are shown.
Vostok Bay: interseasonal changes in hydrological, hydrochemical and microbiological properties
Authors: Khristoforova N. K. , Lazaryuk A. Yu. , Zhuravel E. V. , Boychenko T. V. , Emelyanov A. A.
Published: December 2023

Current ecological state of the Vostok Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Japan Sea) in spring, summer, and autumn seasons is described on the data of CTD profiling, chemical analysis of the water sampled at the sea surface and bottom, and microbial indication of the surface water. Strong seasonal variations are revealed for all examined parameters, driven by monsoon cycle. The winter monsoon in autumn with northwestern wind predominance causes the river runoff weakening and off-shore surge with the water removal from the top of the bay and the compensating inflow along the eastern coast distinguished by heightened values of salinity and dissolved oxygen and low values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 < 1 mg/L). The summer monsoon in spring and summer with southeastern winds increases the river runoff and simultaneously the inflow of fresh water from the open sea, so causes a sharp difference in the water properties between parts of the Vostok Bay. Bioproductivity increases in these seasons that is reflected in increasing of BOD5 (up to 2 mg/L and sometimes more) and organic phosphorus concentration (up to 50 μg/L and more). In July, when the river runoff is blocked in the northwestern sector of the bay by onshore surge, the maximum number of bacteria is recorded there (up to 105 CFU/mL), including Escherichia coli group at all coastal stations in concentrations of 10–100 CFU/mL, which are not observed in the central and open parts of the bay. Among the groups of metal-resistant microorganisms, relative abundance of nickel-resistant bacteria is noted (up to 103 CFU/mL) that is a sign of hydrocarbon fuels combustion. The hydrocarbon pollution is confirmed by ubiquitous distribution of oil-oxidizing and diesel-resistant microorganisms detected mostly (up to 2.8 ∙ 104 CFU/mL in summer) in the northern part of the bay. Generally, the internal northern part of the bay is distinguished by high abundance of microorganisms belonged to different ecological and trophic groups, because of mutual impacts of the rivers, the coastal highway, nearby settlements, and sandy beaches occupied by vacationers in summer.
Helminth fauna of saffron cod Eleginus gracilis in the coastal waters of the Magadan Region (northern coast of the Okhotsk Sea)
Authors: Pospekhov V. V.
Published: December 2023

Results of parasitological investigation of saffron cod Eleginus gracilis Tilesius, 1810 are presented. The fish samples were collected in 6 distanced marine areas at the coast of Magadan Region, generally corresponded with local stocks or herds of this species. In total, 29 helminth species are identified, including 8 cestodes, 11 trematodes, 5 nematodes, and 5 acanthocephalans. The highest species diversity of helminths is detected for the saffron cod from the Odyan Bay (24 species) and the lowest – for the saffron cod from the Amakhton Bay (16 species). Occurrence and intensity of infestation is the highest for trematodes Hemiurus levinseni, Podocotyle reflexa, and Brachyphallus crenatus, nematodes Ascarophis pacifica, and acanthocephalans Echinorhynchus gadi and Corynosoma strumosum. The number of detected worm species is close to the total number of these parasites recorded for saffron cod in the Far-Eastern Seas and adjacent Pacific – 33 species (excluding monogeneans). Cestodes Diplocotyle olrikii, trematodes Bucephaloides iskaensis, and acanthocephalans Bolbosoma caenoforme are registered for the first time for saffron cod in the Okhotsk Sea. There is found for the first time in the studied area that saffron cod is a definitive host for trematodes Steganoderma formosum and a paratenic host for acanthocephalans Andracantha mergi. Eight species dangerous from medical and (or) veterinary point are detected: Nybelinia surmenicola, Diphyllobothrium sp., Pyramicocephalus phocarum, Anisakis simplex, Pseudoterranova decipiens, Bolbosoma caenoforme, Corynosoma semerme, and C. strumosum. The data on helminth infestation are not useful for differentiation of the saffron cod sub-populations in the northern Okhotsk Sea because of almost permanent partial mixing of these groups.
Comprehensive Photophysical and Nonlinear Spectroscopic Study of Thioanisolyl-Picolinate Triazacyclononane Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Akl Dina , Bridou Lucile , Hojorat Maher , Micouin Guillaume , Kiraev Salauat , Riobé François , Denis-Quanquin Sandrine , Banyasz Akos , Maury Olivier
Published: December 2023

Detailed photophysical studies of luminescent lanthanide complexes are presented and elaborated using a newly developed thioanisolyl-picolinate antenna and the related tacn macrocyclic ligand. The new ligand proved to sensitise Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III) and Yb(III) emission. Eu(III) complex showed complete energy transfer, yielding high quantum yield (44%) and brightness, while the Tb(III) analogue underwent a thermally activated back-energy transfer, resulting in a strong oxygen quenching of the triplet excited state. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements of Gd(III), Tb(III) and Eu(III) compounds confirmed the sensitization processes upon the charge-transfer antenna excitation. The triplet excited state lifetime of the Tb(III) complex was 5-times longer than that of the Gd(III) analogue. In contrast, the triplet state was totally quenched by the energy transfer to the 4f-metal ion in the Eu(III) species. Nonlinear two-photon absorption highlighted efficient biphotonic sensitization in Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes. In case of the Nd(III) compound, one-photon absorption in 4f-4f transitions was predominant, despite the excitation at the antenna two-photon band. This phenomenon was due to the Nd(III) 4f-4f transitions overlapping with the wavelength-doubled absorption of the complex.
A Redox-Electrodialysis Model with Zero Fitting Parameters: Insights into Process Limitations, Design, and Material Interventions
Authors: Hudak Timothy , Gorski Christopher , Arges Christopher
Published: December 2023

Redox-Electrodialysis (r-ED) is an electrochemical desalination cell architecture that has recently received considerable interest, due to its low energy demand relative to electrochemical desalination technologies that rely on electrode-based ion removal. To further improve the energy efficiency of r-ED, we developed a lumped mathematical model with no adjustable parameters to investigate the various sources of overpotential within the cell. Existing models of electrodialysis and r-ED cells either do not accurately incorporate all phenomena contributing to the overpotential or utilize empirical fitting parameters. The model developed here indicates that ohmic overpotentials, especially in the diluate chamber, are the most significant contributors to energy losses. Based on this insight, we hypothesized that adding an ion exchange resin wafer in the diluate compartment would increase the ionic conductivity and decrease the energy demand. Experimental results showed an 18% reduction in specific energy use while achieving the same degree of salt removal (20mM to 12mM). Furthermore, the resin wafer enabled complete desalination to potable drinking levels at a current density previously unachievable within practical operating voltage limits (4.93 mA/cm2). We also expanded the model to explore differences in r-ED energy use between configurations using multiple stacks and a single stack with increased area.
Hot dissociation, hole shrinkage, and hole re-delocalization in P3HT/PCBM organic photovoltaics
Authors: Fujii Mikiya , Benten Hiroaki , Koda Shohei , Kawashima Eisuke , Yamamoto Kohei , Hoshino Seira , Mishima Kenji , Ohkita Hideo , Yamashita Koichi
Published: December 2023

Despite recent progress in increasing the power conversion efficiencies of organic photovoltaics, the mechanism behind charge separation against Coulombic attractions remains unclear. To date, studies have emphasized both ultrafast charge transfer and/or separation, otherwise known as ``Hot" dissociation, in addition to the historical ``Cool" dissociation. Entropic diffusion has also been emphasized without being clearly distinguished from the above dissociations. Thus, we herein reveal theoretically a threshold relating separation distance to charge separation followed by entropic diffusion after the threshold has been exceeded. We also theoretically disclose explicit separation pathways to reach the threshold, i.e., hot dissociation accompanied by shrinkage and re-delocalization of holes rather than electrons, which causes ultrafast charge separation, omitting the contact charge transfer state. The majority of free carriers were experimentally found to be generated by hot dissociation in ordered interfaces. Finally, the separation pathways were unable to reach the threshold in amorphous interfaces, which accounts for the experimentally low efficiencies of free carrier generation in amorphous blends.
Thermal stability and coalescence dynamics of exsolved metal nanoparticles at charged perovskite surfaces
Authors: Weber Moritz L. , Jennings Dylan , Fearn Sarah , Cavallaro Andrea , Prochazka Michal , Gutsche Alexander , Heymann Lisa , Guo Jia , Yasin Liam , Cooper Samuel J. , Mayer Joachim , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Dittmann Regina , Waser Rainer , Guillon Olivier , Lenser Christian , Skinner Stephen J. , Aguadero Ainara , Nemšák Slavomir , Gunkel Felix
Published: December 2023

Exsolution reactions enable the synthesis of oxide-supported metal nanoparticles, desir- able as catalysts in green energy conversion technologies. It is crucial to precisely tai- lor the nanoparticle characteristics to tune the catalysts’ functionality, and to maintain the catalytic performance under operation conditions. We use chemical (co)-doping to modify the defect chemistry of exsolution-active perovskite oxides and we examine the Ni exsolu- tion behavior at atomically smooth surfaces of p-type SrTi0.95Ni0.05O3−δ (STNi) and n-type SrTi0.9Nb0.05Ni0.05O3−δ (STNNi) with identical (001) surface orientation. We identify dis- tinct differences in the mass transfer kinetics of Ni dopants towards the oxide surface and in the subsequent coalescence behavior of the exsolved nanoparticles at the perovskite surface during a continuous thermal reduction treatment. Nanoparticles that exsolve at the surface of the p-type fast-oxygen-ion-conductor STNi show a high surface mobility and thus a very low thermal stability compared to nanoparticles that exsolve at the surface of n-type STNNi. Our analysis indicates that the low thermal stability of exsolved nanoparticles at the acceptor-doped perovskite surface is associated to a large oxygen vacancy concentration at the nanoparticle-oxide interface, hampering the applicability of the exsolution synthesis route for catalysts that require a fast oxygen exchange kinetics.
Improving the Conductance Blockage Model of Cylindrical Nanopores – from 2D to Thick Membranes
Authors: Charron Martin , Roelen Zachary , Tabard-Cossa Vincent
Published: December 2023

The ionic current blockage from a nanopore sensor is a fundamental metric for characterizing its dimensions and for sizing and identifying molecules translocating through. Yet, models for precisely predicting the conductance of a nanopore in both an open and a blocked state are lacking, which leads to significant errors in the determination of the expected blockage depth from a given translocating molecule and of the pore diameter and length. Here, using oblate spheroidal coordinates as a framework to study the conductance of a nanopore, we demonstrate that the widely used Kowalczyk et al. model significantly overestimates the contribution from the access region in the presence of a cylindrical obstruction. We present a highly precise analytical model for the blocked conductance of 2D nanopores and extend it to cylindrical pores of varying membrane thicknesses. Using finite element simulations, our results show that errors in the calculation of the conductance blockage are maximal for pores with aspect ratios of d/L≈5, but are minimal for both d/L≫1 and d/L≪1. The model presented is especially precise for ultra-thin membranes, with prediction errors below 3% for all pore sizes tested with a membrane thickness of 0.3 nm. By improving on the conductance model of the nanopore system, more accurate estimates of the expected blockage depth from a translocating molecule and of pore dimensions can be obtained, with great practical value for many biosensing applications.
Rational Screening of Mn(II) Metal-Ligand Complexes for Using as MRI Contrast Agents Using Machine Learning
Authors: Kireeva Natalia , Tsivadze Aslan Yu.
Published: December 2023

Recent decades have shown a good progress in all the fields of the advanced diagnostic capabilities and personalized medicine. The smart contrast agents (SCAs) that may appear the important element of the proper diagnosis specification should become the standard in a normal clinical practice. Most widely used contrast agents are the kinetically inert and thermodynamically stable complexes of organic ligands with Gd(III) metal ion. However, known safety concerns associated with high toxicity and severe side effects due to demetallization reactions leading to the formation of free Gd(III) ion necessitate the demand in the contrast agents of new generation. It is expected that one of the alternatives will be ML complexes with essential paramagnetic metals such as the Mn(II), Mn(III) and Fe(III). In this study, the experimental data on Mn(II)-based contrast agents (CAs) including the key functional characteristics such as the relaxation enhancement characteristics, kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability were analyzed. The machine learning methods were used in a combination with the physicochemical and substructure(topology)-based features to estimate the missed experimental data concerned the thermodynamic stability and relaxivity characteristics evaluated at certain conditions. The analysis of the experimental data has shown that the bispidine scaffold can be considered as the reference point for the ligand search as providing with a sufficient compromise for all the investigated functional characteristics of CAs. The analysis of the literature suggests using iodine and fluorine substituents for the electronic and steric hindrance thus preventing the cleavage of the bonds while the histidine residue can be recommended for the pH sensitivity of MRI CAs while targeting the OATPs (organic anion transporting polypeptides) to achieve the hepatobiliary clearance as well as for the enhanced contrast for hepatobiliary system thus personalizing the MRI investigation.
DFT Studies of Cubane [4Fe-4S]2+/3+ Clusters: J-Aggregates of FeS Tetramers
Authors: Jayamaha Peshala , Venus Grayson , Nimmo Cat , Krishnan Riya , Nikolaidi Zafeiria , Siraj Zahid , Wang Lichang
Published: December 2023

Iron sulfur clusters are essential cofactors of numerous proteins that play many important biological roles due to their unique reactivity—a product of their geometry, oxidation, and spin states. The geometry of the iron sulfur clusters of [4Fe-4S]2+ and [4Fe-4S]3+ in various spin states was investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Geometry optimizations and vibrational frequency calculations were carried out on these clusters using the B3LYP functional and the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. The most stable spin state for the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster was found to be the 19-et, an antisymmetric structure. The most stable spin state for the [4Fe-4S]3+ cluster was found to be the 20-et, also an antisymmetric structure. Interestingly, these cubane clusters consist of J aggregates of four species of FeS and FeS+. The breakage of a monomer FeS from a [4Fe-4S] cluster under different environments may be responsible for the observations of noncubane [4Fe-4S] clusters. Furthermore, with increased spin state, the positive and negative charges on the iron and sulfur increased and decreased, respectively, and the structure of cubane [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster evolves from the structure with a Fe tetramer as core and S as ligands to J-aggregate of FeS and to a homogeneous [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster.
A Comprehensive Trial on PFAS Remediation: Hemp Phytoextraction and PFAS Degradation in Harvested Plants
Authors: Nason Sara , Thomas Sara , Stanley Chelli , Silliboy Richard , Blumenthal Maggie , Zhang Weilan , Liang Yanna , Jones Jasmine , Zuverza-Mena Nubia , White Jason , Haynes Christy , Vasiliou Vasilis , Timko Michael , Berger Bryan
Published: December 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of recalcitrant, highly toxic contaminants, with limited remediation options. Phytoremediation – removal of contaminants using plants – is an inexpensive, community-friendly strategy for reducing PFAS concentrations and exposures. This project is a collaboration between the Mi'kmaq Nation, Upland Grassroots, and researchers at several institutions who conducted phytoremediation field trials using hemp to remove PFAS from soil at the former Loring Air Force base, which has now been returned to the Mi’kmaq Nation. PFAS were analyzed in paired hemp and soil samples using targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches. Additionally, we used hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) to degrade PFAS in the harvested hemp tissue. We identified 28 PFAS in soil and found hemp uptake of 10 of these PFAS. Consistent with previous studies, hemp exhibited greater bioconcentration for carboxylic acids compared to sulfonic acids, and for shorter-chain compounds compared to longer-chain. In total, approximately 1.4 mg of PFAS was removed from the soil via uptake into hemp stems and leaves, with an approximate maximum of 2% PFAS removed from soil in the most successful area. Degradation of PFAS by HTL was nearly 100% for carboxylic acids, but a portion of sulfonic acids remained. HTL also decreased precursor PFAS and extractable organic fluorine. In conclusion, while hemp phytoremediation does not currently offer a comprehensive solution for PFAS-contaminated soil, this project has effectively reduced PFAS levels at the Loring site and underscores the importance of involving community members in research aimed at remediating their lands.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Chicken Egg Fertility during Incubation using HSSE-GC-MS VOC Profiling
Authors: Corion Matthias , Santos Simão , Everaert Nadia , Lammertyn Jeroen , De Ketelaere Bart , Hertog Maarten
Published: December 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) carry crucial information on chicken egg fertility. Assessing fertility before incubation holds immense potential for poultry industry efficiency. Our study used headspace sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze egg VOCs before and during the initial 12 incubation days. A total of 162 VOCs were identified. Hexanal was significantly higher in unfertilized eggs, whereas compounds such as propan-2-ol, propan-2-one, and carboxylic acids were higher in fertilized eggs. Furthermore, the obtained multiple logistic regression model outperformed the PLS-DA model, demonstrating lower complexity and superior performance. Fertile eggs were accurately identified in the validation set in 68% to 75% of the cases during the initial 4 days, to 85% and 100% on days 6 and 8. Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed novel insights into the emission dynamics of fertilized eggs, providing additional support for comprehending biological information encoded in VOCs and their connection to biochemical processes in developing embryos.
Soliton based Dynamic Nuclear Polarization: an unexpected Overhauser effect in cyclic polyacetylene at high field and room temperature
Authors: Miao Zhihui , Scott Faith J. , van Tol Johan , Bowers Russel , Veige Adam S. , Mentink-Vigier Frederic
Published: December 2023

Polyacetylene, a versatile material with an electrical conductivity that can span seven orders of magnitude, is the prototypical conductive polymer. In this letter, we report an unexpected and unprecedented Overhauser Effect that increases with temperature, observed under high magnetic field of 14.1 T, in both linear and cyclic polyacetylene. Significant NMR signal enhancements ranging from 24 to 45 are obtained. The heightened sensitivity enabled the characterization of chain defects at natural abundance. The absence of end methyl group carbon-13 signals provides proof of the closed-loop molecular structure of the cyclic polyacetylene. This efficiency of the soliton based Overhauser Effect DNP mechanism at high temperature and high field holds promise for applications and extension to other conductive polymer systems.
Non-Degenerate Two-Photon Absorption of Fluorescent Protein Chromophores
Authors: Elayan Ismael A. , Brown Alex
Published: December 2023

Two-photon absorption (2PA), where a pair of photons are absorbed simultaneously, is recognized as a potent bioimaging technique, which depends on the quantified 2PA probability, defined as cross-section (σ2PA). The absorbed photons either have equivalent (ω1 = ω2) or different frequencies (ω1 ≠ ω2), where the former is degenerate 2PA (D-2PA) and the latter is non-degenerate 2PA (ND-2PA). ND-2PA is of particular interest since it is a promising imaging technology with flexibility of photon frequencies and enhanced cross-sections, however, it remains a relatively unexplored area compared to D-2PA. This work utilizes time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and second-order approximate coupled-cluster with the resolution-of identity approximation (RI-CC2), for the excitation from S0 to S1, to investigate σD-2PA and σND-2PA of fluorescent protein chromophore models. Interestingly, comparison of the CAMB3LYP and RI-CC2 computations show a qualitative trend in the computed σND-2PA improvements and vertical excitation energy, ΔE. As expected, the computed values of σND-2PA are quantitatively larger than σD-2PA, where chromophores with the largest values of σD-2PA show greater potential for σND-2PA improvement. Anionic chromophores demonstrated improvements up to 14%, while substantial enhancements were observed in neutral chromophores with some achieving a 30% increase.
Evaluation of Some the Cytotoxic Effects of Edible Mushroom Extracts Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Nabeel Abd-Alsaada , Hayder , Ali Shafiq Shatha
Published: December 2023

Background: Pleurotus genus or oyster mushroom is the richest of all edible mushroom  because of Its medicinal  and therapeutic value for human health, their medicinal importance due to their active compounds  and enzymes that have been classified as biologically active, antitumor, anticancer, antihypersensitivity and antiaging, and in the treatment of HIV and high blood pressure.

Objective: To testing the cytotoxic effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of an Iraqi strain of edible mushroom Pleurotus osteratus  in the presence of the positive control represented by the toxic drug methotrexate and measuring the percentage of free radical scavenging of these extracts.  

Patients and Methods: The dried powder of fruiting bodies of Iraqi strain Pleurotus ostreatus  was prepared aqueous (hot and cold) and ethanol 96% extracts at three different concentrations (100, 200, 300) µg/ml, the cytotoxic effects of theses extracts was investigated using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and (0.65) µg/ml of methotrexate (MTX) drug was counted as positive control. The slides were microscopically examined (10X), and at least 1000 cells were inspected to determine the Blastogenic Index BI), Mitotic Index MI and chromosomal aberration (TCA) and Antioxidant Test of  the theses extracts s were evaluated  byDPPH radical-scavenging activity assay (2,2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate ).

Results: the results of  toxic effects of hot , cold aqueous and ethanol extracts  on  peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs)  showed no significant differences in  ( TCA)  % with negative control  in comparison  with positive control .,While , There has been a noticeable change in (MI) %and (BI) %with negative control , likewise, Scavenging activity was the highest for aqueous and ethanol extracts with increasing the concentrations when compared with the control ascorpic acid .

Conclusion: Aqueous  and ethanol extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus are free of any toxic effect on lymphocytes of the peripheral blood ,  which can be considered a mitogenic agent.
Localization of the position of vital anatomical structures in the lateral wall of maxillary sinus during different surgical intervention using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Hakiem Tawfieq , Ali , Ali Hasan , Haider , Abd Alrazaq Hassan , Manar , Salah Khlfi Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Background: Proper information about the anatomy of the maxillary sinus is required to avoid any unexpected complications that may arise due to the close relation between the maxillary sinus and posterior superior alveolar artery.

Objective: To the current study used cone beam computed tomography CBCT imaging to assess the position of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in relationship to the alveolar ridge and the flour of maxillary sinus.

Patients and Methods: A number of 95 Iraqi patients participated in this prospective study (53 females, 42 males; age range 20-49 years). From January 2021 to February 2022, attended a 2nd specialised dentistry institution in Baquba city for CBCT scanning for numerous diagnostic and management purposes.

Results: According to our study, we detected the presences of artery in (83.68%) of the sample. females showed higher PSAA prevalence than men on both sides, and the difference was significant overall, Also, the existence of artery for each side and total in the intramembranous locating in females is greater than that in males, which may demonstrate that the probability of Bleeding and other side effects is higher in males, since the existence of artery in the intramembranous area in females will reduce the likelihood of traumatic injury throughout any surgical treatment.

Conclusion: This research used CBCT to determine the precise location of PSAA in the Iraqi population. This data could assist in decreasing the likelihood of hemorrhage as well as other complications which may happen throughout any surgical treatment, such as dental implant placement, ridge expansion.As well as other surgical interventions in this region.
Management of Athlete's foot with topical Zinc Sulphate (15%) Solution versus Clotrimazole (1%) Solution
Authors: D Hameed , Saad , Y  Abbood , Sarmad , A.Alhajji Attaa
Published: December 2023

Background: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is by far the commonest fungal infections of the integument in the developed world that usually begins between the toes. Multiple drugs were used for the treatment of athlete's foot and including both; topical and systemic agents.Zinc sulphate has been used as topical antifungal agent.

Objective: Comparison the efficacy of 15% zinc sulphate solution topically in the management  of tinea pedis with topical clotrimazole solution.

Patients and Methods: A therapeutic, single blind, comparative, study of Zinc Sulphate solution (15%) in the management of tinea pedis in comparison with clotrimazole solution (both topically), that  conducted in the Unit of Dermatology and Venereology ,Baquba Teaching Hospital,  extended from March 2020- July 2021 .  Fifty patients, 31 males and 19 females with tinea pedis were registered in this study. Divided to 2 groups of patients included in the study:

Group A: Use the topical  zinc sulphate solution 15%.

Group B:  Use the topical 1% Clotrimazole solution.

A complete history with examination clinically were done for all patients with tinea pedis involving all the relevant points. All patients were used the medicine twice daily for 30 days, and follow there   to be seen every 14 days during the course of treatment and then follow up for two months. The patients were examined clinically; also the scoring of feet odor was done at each visit.

Results: Group A: Twenty five patients 9 (36%) females and 16 (64%) males were included in this group were treated by Zinc Sulphate solution  , and their ages ranged between 27-73(47.8±12.18) years. and the duration of that illness was ranged from 1-120(43±46.61) months. Clinical response after one month of the treatment was 10(40%) patients with complete clearance, 5(20%) patients had partial clearance while 10(40%) patients showed no response.

Group B: Twenty five patients treated by clotrimazole solution, and their ages ranged from 24-65(43.2±11.83) years, and the duration of the illness was ranged from 1-180(30.24±44.9) months. Clinical response after four weeks of treatment was 19(76%) patients with complete response, 2(8%) patients had partial response, while 4(16%) patients have no response.

There was no statistical significance difference at two weeks in comparison between group A and B (chi square 5.37 P value =0.07) but was slightly significant at four weeks (chi square 6.65, P value =0.04). Side effects of treatment were mild which included itching and burning sensation in 4(16%) patients of group A and in 1(4%) patients of group B. These side effects did not require discontinuation of the treatment. 

Conclusion: Clotrimazole solution was superior to15% Zinc sulphate  solution as effective as topical treatment for Athlete's foot.
Assessing the Impact of Posterior Leaf Spring Ankle Foot Orthosis on Knee Joint of Hemiplegic Stroke Patients Through Software Gait Analysis
Authors: Soran Abdulrahman , Mahmood , Husni Ali Ghassan
Published: December 2023

Background: Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO) is mostly advised for a stroke patient who is complicated with plantarflexion deformity, to support and improve the alignments of the feet for reducing knee joint extension and promoting hip joint extension through stance-phase.

Objective: To provide deeper knowledge using software gait analysis for the biomechanical effects of PLS AFO for stroke patients.

Patients and Methods: We divided 42 participants into 3 groups (the first and second groups were 28 stroke participants that used AFO and with OUT-AFO and the third group was 14 normal participants without deformity. All participants walk 10 meters in a straight line for the same time their gait was captured at Comfortable Walking Speed (CWS). Temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters of the knee joint were compared in the study.

Results: The PLS AFO showed improvement in knee ROM in the AFO condition that has better knee flexion in the early stance (from 8.16 to 16.24 degrees in the AFO condition), a huge increase in the late stance of knee extension (from 0.16 to 3.82 degrees) and better knee flexion than the barefoot condition in the swing flexion (from 26.1 to 39.78 degrees). Also, the mean Time Up and Go (TUG) identically decreased in stroke participants (from 36.04 s in OUT-AFO to 22.6 s in AFO condition).

Conclusion: In this study, we showed that using a PLS AFO can be beneficial for improving knee ROM and progress walking speed, gait symmetry, balance, and reducing the risk of falls.
Seroprevalence study of Parvovirus B19 among women with miscarriage in Mosul city
Authors: Nawfal Buraa , Atheer , Baqer Al-Obaidi , Asmaa , Ali Hussein Thekra
Published: December 2023

Background: Miscarriage and stillbirth are among the most common pregnancy complications, and could be caused by several factors, among these factors are viral infections some of them are obvious teratogenic and others are associated with fetal defects like severe anemia in the case of Parvovirus B19 which could be transmitted vertically causing fetal infection and miscarriage or stillbirth.

Objective: To investigate the seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 among women with miscarriage and stillbirth and compare them with normal pregnant women in the city of Mosul-Iraq.

Patients and Methods: A case-control study conducted on pregnant aged 16-45 years with miscarriage and stillbirth admitted to Al-Khansa Teaching Hospital in Mousl city. The samples were collected during the period from November 2022 and January 2023 from 160 from pregnant women, 80 of them had miscarriage or stillbirth, and the other 80 had normal uneventfull pregnancy (control). Serum samples were subjected for ELISA Study of anti-B19V IgG and IgM antibodies.

Results: This study showed that the seroprevalence rate of anti-B19V IgG among pregnant women was about 23% (37 out of 160), subdivided into (40%) 32 out of 80 patients, and (6.2%) 5 out of 80 controls had positive anti-B19V IgG antibody which is significantly different. And IgM seroprevalence was about 22% (35 out of 160), in which (38.8%) 31 out of 80 patients, and (5%) 4 out of 80 controls had positive anti-B19V IgM antibody. Both anti-B19V IgG and IgM were higher among patients who had stillbirth than those who had miscarriage both qualitatively and quantitatively. On the other hand, there is a highly significant association of anti-B19V IgM positivity with maternal anemia.

Conclusion: The study found high association between B19V and miscarriage or stillbirth as compared to normal pregnancy, and this was more common among patients who had stillbirth than those who had miscarriage, with obvious association with maternal anemia, all of the above is among pregnant women from Mosul City in Iraq.
Standard Measures to Search for Persons Who have Fled from the Bodies of Inquiry, Investigation and Court
Authors:   Irkutsk State University, Kuznetsov E. V. , Stupnitsky A. E. ,   Irkutsk Institute (branch) All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA of the Ministry of Justice of Russia), Shishkina N. E. ,   Irkutsk State University
Published: December 2023

The lists of standard investigative actions, operational search measures and other search measures that are recommended to be carried out for the identification and detention of persons who have fled from the bodies of inquiry, investigation and court are disclosed. Examples of individual investigative versions put forward at the planning stage of the search for fugitive “criminals” are given. The attention is focused on the problem related to the formal approach of individual employees conducting the search for suspects and accused to the planning of this activity. It is stated that the effectiveness of the search for fugitive suspects and accused can only be ensured by an integrated approach to the planning of investigative measures. This circumstance indicates the need for close cooperation of the initiators of the search with the bodies carrying out operational investigative activities.
SEDENTARISM, AGGREGATION, AND AGRICULTURE IN ANATOLIA, ÇATALHÖYÜK
Authors: COULARDEAU Jacques
Published: December 2023

The first question is about the language or languages spoken in Anatolia before the arrival of the Indo-Europeans who will only come and mostly go through two or three millennia later when Çatalhöyük will no longer be an active center. Agriculture and herding are very important if not dominant in this period when the population stops roaming around and when it establishes sedentary dense agglomerate cities. All the more so with the spiritual center of Gobekli Tepe which is about one millennium older. What came first? Spirituality and spiritual centers, or sedentarism and agriculture? But this sedentarism and agriculture developed in Anatolia long before the arrival of the Indo-Europeans. We need to see that the 8 or 10 millennia of the peak of the Ice Age were a long period when Homo Sapiens had to learn how to exploit nature intensively to survive the harsh conditions of that time. The second problem is the status of women in a society where the birth of 10 to 12 or even 13 children per woman is essential for the community, hence the species, to survive and survival was a central instinct in Paleolithic and Neolithic Hominin communities deeply impressed by the death rate of children from birth to six years of age. How was this possible and how these children were taken care of during the 18 months of breastfeeding and the subsequent 3-4 years of dependency? And that brought up an average of three children per woman able to live a full 29-year-long procreative life. What was the training and education the 6-13-year-old young pre-puberty children received and from whom? Can we seriously consider that a community then was a simple collection if not a juxtaposition of autonomous households? Who and what regulated the distribution of fields, the management of herds, the management of resources, the production of tools, weapons, cloth, and clothing, the construction of houses, and the providing of fuel, not to mention the management of hunting that can only be collective?
Preface
Authors: Bugiulescu Marin
Published: December 2023

The 8th issue of Pro Edu. The International Journal of Education Sciences (January 2023) covers several educational subjects, starting with teaching, learning and evaluation, continuing with its impact on students’ learning results, and ending with representations - important issues in the actual educational system.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AS A TOOL FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL RECOVERY OF UKRAINIAN CITIES
Authors: Kruhlov V. V.
Published: December 2023

Modern needs, the impact of digitalization on social relations and environmental approaches imply increased requirements for the quality and manufacturability of infrastructure
facilities. The Russian military aggression inflicted large-scale economic and humanitarian losses
on Ukraine, significantly destroying critical infrastructure and social facilities, which will require huge
efforts to restore them with the involvement of private sector resources. Public-private partnership
(PPP) is a promising tool for implementing the tasks of the public sector. The implementation of PPP
projects is based on the formation of appropriate areas for ensuring the institutional environment,
which should contribute to the formation of conditions for the development of partnerships between
the state and the private sector in the field of legal regulation, institutions, operational experience,
investment and business climate, financing. The restoration of infrastructure in Ukraine based on
an innovative vision, environmental standards and the needs of the digital society takes into account strategic documents. The main approaches to building infrastructure concern the formation of
a Smart City, promoting sustainable and safe operation through common interconnections. The city’s
strategy takes into account the needs of digitalization and the concept of sustainable development.
It is necessary to highlight the factors of urban space formation (economy, human capital, social cohesion, management, planning and technology). The implementation of innovative infrastructure projects using public-private partnership models will accelerate the post-war reconstruction of Ukrainian
cities, attract additional financial and human resources, take into account environmental, innovative
and other requirements for modern infrastructure.