bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity analysis in novel Turkey berry accessions (Solanum torvum Swartz) using microsatellites markers
Authors: Jena Nitish Kumar , Mishra Abinash , Nithyanandam Arumugam , Vethamoni P. Irene , Saraswathi T. , Senthil N. , Uma D. , Jena Ranjan Kumar , Arunachalam Arun
Published: July 2024

Turkey berry (Solanum torvum) contains anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional medical benefits of fundamental oils have been explored. A thorough biochemical and elemental characterisation was carried out in light of these facts. SSR markers were used in the current study to identify variety-specific markers, analyze genetic diversity, and perform DNA fingerprinting. The St 002, St 010, St 011, St 014 and St 019 accessions exhibited superior performance with respect to important characteristics including higher antioxidant and tannin content. The accessions of turkey berries were then used to perform genetic fingerprinting using SSR markers. Fourteen SSRs were used for genotyping. With a PIC of 0.558, the marker EM145 expressed the highest, whereas EMB01L13 expressed the lowest (0.263). The average PIC estimate was found to be modest (0.362). The twenty accessions of Turkey berries were divided into four major clusters by the dendrogram analysis. Based on their biochemical and elemental characterisation, the majority of the turkey berry accessions that are now being studied have special beneficial chemicals that may be used in industry.The limited genetic bases of the germplasms are shown by the moderate levels of both PIC and H average estimates. To create better hybrids, a hybridization program can employ the types belonging to several clusters. The combinations of varietals St018 / St006, St018 / St002, St014 / St008, St019 / St003, and St0015 / St008 show promise as potential parents.
Direct long-read RNA sequencing uncovers functional variation affecting transcript production and RNA modifications
Authors: Réal Aline , Brown Andrew , Yung Gisella Puga , Borel Christelle , Lykoskoufis Nikolaos , Seebach Jörg , Dermitzakis Emmanouil , Ramisch Anna , Viñuela Ana
Published: July 2024

The production of multiple transcripts per gene is a process regulated by inherited genetic variants and epitranscriptomic modifications, and plays a prominent role in modulating complex traits and diseases. To simultaneously characterize the effect of genetic variants on transcript abundance and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications, we produced long-read native poly(A) RNA-seq data for 60 genetically different lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from the 1000 Genomes/Geuvadis project. We identified a high diversity of both annotated (31%) and unannotated (61%) transcripts, with only a small proportion expressed across individuals (35% and 7%, respectively). In a genome-wide genetic analysis on transcripts, we identified 105 trQTLs, of which 76 were not detected as eQTLs using a larger published short-read RNAseq dataset (317 samples). A population wide characterization of m6A methylation DRACH motifs identified an average of 40.1 m6A modifications on 6,222 genes. Genetic association analysis of highly variable modifications from 1,155 genes identified m6A modification quantitative trait loci (m6A-QTLs) for 16 transcripts. Colocalization analysis of trQTL and m6A-QTLs, identified 33 candidate transcripts mediating GWAS traits, with 46.4% of the colocalized trQTLs implicating novel risk transcripts. Overall, the simultaneous characterization of transcripts and post-transcriptional modifications identified genetic effects on transcription often missed when using other sequencing technologies.
Likelihood and unlikelihood of megaquake recurrence implied by frequency-magnitude distribution of Japanese seismicity
Authors: Nanjo Kazuyoshi , Hori Takane
Published: July 2024

Constraints on the recurrence of subduction-zone earthquakes are important for seismic hazard assessment. Previous studies proposed a high-likelihood of imminent recurrence for the 2011 magnitude-9 Tohoku megaquake and the 17th-century Hokkaido megaquake of comparative magnitude off the Japanese Pacific coast, although the implication of future seismicity remains uncertain. Here, the occurrence of small earthquakes was compared to larger ones, using b-values, to show that persistently high b-values occurred in the source area of the Tohoku earthquake, indicative of no imminent recurrence. In contrast, low b-values occurred in the source area of the 17th-century earthquake, indicative of a sign seen before the Tohoku event. Around the zone of low b-value, we observed phenomena providing insight into subsequent large earthquakes, which were often reported for past large earthquakes: seismic quiescence, a seismic gap, strong plate coupling, and the absence of slow earthquake activity. Monitoring b-values, together with geophysical observations, plays a role in hazard assessment off the coast of Japan.
Pharmacological neuromodulation by intracerebroventricular administration of anaerobic dopamine in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Devos David , Moreau Caroline , Odou Pascal , Labreuche Julien , Demailly Alexandre , Touzet Gustavo , Reyns Nicolas , Gouges Bastien , Duhamel Alain , Barthelemy Christine , Lannoy Damien , Carta Natacha , Palas Benjamin , Vasseur Michèle , Marchand Felix , Ollivier Thomas , Leclercq Celine , Potey Camille , Ouk Thavarak , Baigne Simon , Dujardin Kathy , Carton Louise , Rolland Anne-Sophie , Devedjian Jean Christophe , Foutel Véronique , Deplanque Dominique , Fisichella Matthieu
Published: July 2024

Continuous compensation of cerebral dopamine deficiency represents an ideal treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, dopamine does not cross the digestive and blood-brain barriers, and is rapidly oxidised. The new concept is continuous intra-cerebroventricular administration of anaerobic dopamine (A-dopamine) using a telemetry-controlled subcutaneous abdominal pump connected to a subcutaneous catheter implanted in the third ventricle, near the striatum. A phase I study was conducted showing no serious A-dopamine-induced adverse events in 12 patients, followed by a randomised, controlled, open-label, cross-over, phase II study of 1 month of A-dopamine vs. 1 month of optimised oral antiparkinsonian therapy. The primary endpoint, a blinded assessment of the percentage over the total target (i.e. time with dyskinesia or bradykinesia), recorded by actimetry at home using a wristwatch, was significantly reduced. All expected secondary clinical outcomes were significantly improved, providing the first promising data on the feasibility, safety and efficacy of this new device aided therapy for advanced stage patients.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT04332276
Investigation of the potential connections between NAFLD-associated Alzheimer's disease: bioinformatics analysis of shared genes
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrajit , Bhattacharya Teeshyo , Sahu Amrita , Das Pamelika , Sarkar Sulogna , Prasanna Vani Sai , Sreed Remya , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Arumugam Somasundaram
Published: July 2024

NAFLD has some potential risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease. This study attempted to establish the potential connections between NAFLD-associated Alzheimer's disease (AD) by analyzing shared genes and pathways using bioinformatics tools. Initially, prepared gene lists related to AD and NAFLD were collected from the GeneCard database, and genes with GeneCard relevance score ≥ 20 were extracted to make a new gene list. The Venn diagram identified common genes (417) between the two diseases from the new gene list. The common genes were used for further analysis of the PPI network, which was constructed using the STRING database with a minimum required interaction score ≥ 0.9 to obtain network relationships. The networks had shown 397 nodes, 1210 edges, an average node degree of 54.7, and an expected number of edges at 397. The top 25 hub genes were calculated by Cytoscape (vs3.10.2) using the bottleneck, degree, and closeness method using CytoHubba. The merged network of the top 25 hub genes from the previously mentioned three methods was contracted to identify the connection between NAFLD and AD. Our study revealed that important pathways were PI3K-Akt and AGE-RAGE in diabetic complications, NAFLD-related systemic inflammation to neuroinflammation, and LRP-1-induced amyloid and tau hyperphosphorylation. This suggests an interrelation between the two major diseases, ushering in the need for new possibilities utilizing this crosstalk.
Lichen communities across a subarctic region of Northern Quebec (Canada): conservation status, α- and β-diversity, and functional traits
Authors: Cerrejón Carlos , Valeria Osvaldo , Haughland Diane L. , Fenton Nicole J.
Published: July 2024

Conservation of lichens is impeded by knowledge gaps on their distribution and habitat requirements. This is a significant issue in vast, isolated and harsh environment regions such as subarctic regions, where lichen communities remain under documented. Lichen biodiversity assessments provide useful insights to better understand the functions supported by these ecologically important and sensitive species. This study aims i) to describe the conservation status of lichen communities and their α- and β-diversity components across a subarctic region in Northern Quebec (190 km2), ii) to describe their functional traits across the habitat types found in this region, and iii) to identify habitat types constituting lichen biodiversity hotspots. Lichens were sampled in 45 plots in habitats ranging from coniferous and deciduous forests to bogs, fens and rocky outcrops. A total of 115 species of largely macrolichens, calicioid lichens and allied fungi were identified, of which 18% currently have ranks of conservation concern at the provincial level, and 38% are newly reported for the region (~124,000 km2 around our study area). Richness across plots averaged 36 ± 9 species and plots richer in microhabitats often harbored more species (R2 = 0.22). Differences in species composition were identified among plots and habitat types through NMDS and perMANOVA analyses (R2 = 0.35; p < 0.001), both being supported by differences in microhabitat composition (Mantel r = 0.22 and perMANOVA R2 = 0.29, respectively; p < 0.001). Thirty-five species showed significant preferences for a habitat based on the Pearson’s phi coefficient of association. Our analysis on functional traits revealed significant patterns of association with habitat types, including i) saxicolous species with rocky outcrops, ii) epiphytic/epixylic species and vegetative reproduction traits (soredia, isidia) with coniferous stands, and iii) species belonging to the Parmeliaceae family with fens. Rocky outcrops represented the main lichen biodiversity hotspots in the region, while other habitat types were also important for maintaining total and complementary biodiversity. We are confident that our methodological approach including systematic sampling, full habitat variability representation, and the evaluation of complementary biodiversity components, can be effectively applied to fill gaps on lichen biodiversity in other underexplored regions across the globe.
Phytochemical screening and in-vitro efficacy of Calpurnia aurea against two transovarial vectors: Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Negash Nigatu , Andualem  , Mandefro Belayhun
Published: July 2024

Background: Ticks are the second most common vector of human infectious diseases after mosquitoes. Their transovarial transmission contributes to the maintenance of environmental diseases. This study evaluates the phytochemical screening and in vitro efficacy of Calpurnia aurea against the adult survival and egg hatchability of two transovarial transmission vectors: Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus microplus.
Methods: Plant material was extracted using maceration techniques, and concentrated solutions of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm were prepared. Distilled water and diazinon were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Ten adult ticks were exposed for 10 minutes, and dead ticks were counted after 24 hours of recovery. Twenty 15-day-old eggs were immersed for 10 minutes, and after 15 days of incubation, hatched and unhatched eggs were tallied. Preliminary phytochemical constituents were screened. A one-way analysis of variance and the probit regression model determined mean mortality and hatchability and estimated lethal and inhibitory concentrations, respectively.
Results: The ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts caused 10±0.0% mortality in adult A. variegatum and R. microplus. The effective dose was LC50 of 27 and 29 ppm and LC50 of 37 and 41 ppm, respectively. At 400 ppm, the leaf ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed 18.7±0.9% and 18.3±1.7%; 18.3±1.2% and 19.7±0.3% egg hatching inhibition, respectively. The effective dose had an IC50 of 50 ppm and IC50s of 91 and 79 ppm, respectively. Flavonoids and saponins were found in both leaf and pod extracts.
Conclusions: C. aurea extracts showed a more promising effect on tick survival and hatchability than synthetic diazinon. The susceptibility test indicated that the leaf extract could control vectors and contribute to environmental disease maintenance. Complex phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds, are additional evidence of effectiveness in vector control. Further investigation of in vivo efficacy and advanced fractionation of phytochemicals is needed.
An effective technique for automatic portfolio stock selection, diversification, and optimization
Authors: Monamo Mmabusulane P , Twala Bhekisipho , Pretorius Jan Harm Chrisiaan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a novel stock-to-sector-to-benchmark ratio or anomaly that assists investors in automating stock selection, diversification, and optimization for portfolio management is introduced. The approach uses three market capitalization values, one for the individual stock, one for the sector, and one for the benchmark capitalization, to calculate the ratio. The results of this paper prove the efficacy of the proposed methodology. Out of the eleven constructed for the period under study, all the portfolios constructed beat the benchmark in terms of the highest weighted returns, lowest risk, and highest Sharpe ratio during the sample period (1979 to 2019). Fama‒French three-factor and five-factor models are used to assess whether the factor loadings influence performance. Although the Fama-French three-factor models showed a statistically significant alpha, the asset pricing model had an average adjusted R2 of 13%, while the adjusted R2 of the Fama-French five-factor model had an average of 60% (excluding a single stock-based portfolio). These portfolios exhibit a statistically significant negative SMB, which implies that the performance of the portfolios is affected by large capitalization stocks, which is in direct contrast to the popular belief that outperformance is influenced mainly by small-cap stocks.
Sentiment Analysis as an Innovation in Inflation Forecasting in Romania
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela , Nicula Alexandru-Sabin
Published: July 2024

Romania faced the highest inflation rate in the European Union at the beginning of 2024, but progress has been made compared to that in 2023 due to the increasing interest rate. This inflation stemmed from a combination of global and domestic factors (global factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war, supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and war, rising commodity prices, domestic factors such as wage and pension increases, tax and charge hikes, and a strategy of gradual increase in the monetary policy interest rate). The National Bank of Romania (NBR) uses a combination of monetary policy instruments to target inflation and provides quarterly forecasts. However, under uncertain conditions, numerical forecasts are less reliable, and the inclusion of sentiment analysis in forecasts might lead to innovation in the field by improving the prediction accuracy. Sentiment analysis has become increasingly important in the field of economics, offering valuable insights and potentially improving economic forecasting and decision-making due to rapid technological progress. Sentiment analysis can identify potential changes in consumer behaviour and business decisions before they are translated into actual economic data, providing an early warning system for economic trends and potential crises. The methodological background relies on natural language processing to extract sentiment indices for large amounts of texts in Inflation Reports provided by NBR. Moreover, the sentiment indices calculated by IntelliDocker are incorporated into autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to provide quarterly inflation forecasts. This type of econometric model has the advantage of addressing endogeneity. Moreover, the unemployment rate is considered an inflation predictor since tensions in the labour market might impact inflation. This paper contributes to empirical forecasting by proposing sentiment forecasts that are more accurate than NBR numerical forecasts corresponding to the 2006: Q1-2023: Q4 horizon. The new forecasting method might be used to make inflation predictions for the next quarters. More accurate forecasts would be valuable for businesses, the central bank, policymakers, and the general public. However, while sentiment analysis offers valuable insights, it is important to remember that human judgment and expertise remain essential for interpreting the data and making informed economic decisions.
REMEDIATION OF SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY FRACTION HYDROCARBONS USING BIOSURFACTANTPRODUCED BYPSEUDOMONAS SP.
Authors:   Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldia Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Angel Mata Guadarrama Miguel , Vaca Mier Mabel ,   Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldia Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Lopez Callejas Raymundo ,   Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldia Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Lizardi Ramos Arturo ,   Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldia Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Neftali Rojas Valencia Maria ,   Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Ingenieria Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacan, 04510 CDMX.
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the biosurfactant generated by a strain of Pseudomonas sp. in the removal of heavy fraction hydrocarbons from a soil contaminated with 28,000 mg/kg, by a washing process. The efficacy of the biosurfactant was compared to that of a chemical surfactant, used at a concentration of 0.1%. After five wash cycles, the biosurfactant reached a maximum removal efficiency of 42.71%, in contrast to that of the chemical surfactant, 32.31%. In addition, bioaugmentation with the culture medium used for the production of the biosurfactant was evaluated, with a removal of 38.29% of these hydrocarbons in 90 days.
GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN RAD51, RAD52 AND RAD54 GENES OF HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION REPAIR PATHWAY IN BREAST CANCER: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY FROM PUNJAB
Authors:   Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002., Kaur Kamaljeet , Kaur Galhna Kiranjeet ,   Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002., Kaur Satbir ,   Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002.
Published: July 2024

A case-control study was conducted on 600 subjects (300 cases and 300 controls) to understand the association of genetic polymorphisms of RAD51 (rs1801320, rs1801321, rs121917739, rs2619681), RAD52 (rs4987207, rs4987208) and RAD54 (rs2295466) genes in breast cancer patients and controls in population of Punjab. Genotyping of the selected SNPs of RAD51 and RAD52 gene was done by PCR-RFLP, whereas ARMS-PCR was used for RAD54 gene polymorphism. Our study identified significant associations between specific SNPs in the RAD51 and RAD52 genes and breast cancer risk. Notably, three RAD51 SNPs (rs1801320, rs1801321, and rs121917739) and one RAD52 SNP (rs4987208) showed significant genotype frequency differences between cases and controls. Genetic model analysis revealed that minor alleles of four RAD51 SNPs (rs1801320, rs1801321, rs121917739, and rs2619681) and two RAD52 SNPs (rs4987207 and rs4987208) were linked to increased breast cancer risk. Haplotype analysis further supported these findings, with 10 RAD51 haplotypes and two RAD52 haplotypes (G-G and T-G) significantly associated with higher breast cancer risk. Additionally, the GT + TT genotype of RAD52 rs4987207 was associated with lower odds of metastasis, while the TG + GG genotype of rs4987208 was linked to lymph node involvement and higher tumor grade.
CONTRIBUTION OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY(CSR)
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Ravishankar College of Pharmacy, Bhopal., Dangi Thakur Pooja
Published: July 2024

The pharmaceutical Industries of India are well-positioned and the nation has very strong scientific as well as upgrading technological base. India is home to more than 141.72 crores population and due to this the country has very large domestic market.On the other hand, the Indian government introduced CSR policy which is meant for the companies and industries to minimize the impact of social issues caused by them. In CSR policy, health sector has been taken as an important game changer(Mishra & Swain, 2016). Additionally, the country is working on seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, out of which SDG-3 is based on Good Health and Wellbeing. According to CSR policy 2014, the Pharmaceutical Companies has to spend 2 percent of their average net profit of preceding three years on social sector activities and for Pharma industries, the healthcare and wellbeing of the society is important. The purpose of this paper is to discuss, how pharmaceutical companies are fulfilling their social obligations through CSR initiatives and how the contribution of CSR through Pharma companies is impacting the society.
TRICHILEMMAL CYST OF THE SCALP: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Department of General Surgery A, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Bahadi O. , Aaboudech T.Y ,   Department of Pathological Anatomy, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Jahid A. ,   Department of Pathological Anatomy, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Malki H.O. El ,   Department of General Surgery A, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Ifrine L. ,   Department of General Surgery A, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Belkouchi A. ,   Department of General Surgery A, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat., Belkouchi O. ,   Department of General Surgery A, Ibn Sina Hospital - Rabat.
Published: July 2024

Trichilemmal cysts are dermal epithelial cysts that develop at the expense of the hair follicle. Histologically, they are characterized by the presence of trichilemmal keratinization, defined by the absence of the granular layer usually present between the spinous and horny layers. A 48 years old female had found a scalp lump for 15 years, the lump gradually increased. Physical examination found 2 protruding lesions. Surgical excision was performed and histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed a trichilemmal cyst. The wound healed well after resection with no recurrence after one year follow up.
Results of modern radiation-hygienic surveys of settlements of Bryansk Oblast of the Russian Federation bordering the Republic of Belarus. Part 3: Radionuclide content in agricultural food products
Authors: Romanovich I. K. , Bazyukin A. B. , Bratilova A. A. , Bruk G. Ya. , Drozdova E. A. , Zhesko T. V. , Kaduka M. V. , Kravtsova O. S.
Published: July 2024

The third article in a series of publications devoted to the results of studying the current radiation situation in the territories of the Bryansk region bordering the Republic of Belarus presents results of studies of the content  of  radionuclides  (137Cs  and 90Sr)  in  samples  of  agricultural  food  products  produced  in  the  personal subsidiary plots of the population. The regularities of changing 137Cs and 90Sr content in samples of cow’s milk and potatoes depending on the level of radioactive contamination of the territory were studied; the present values of the quantities characterizing the distribution of the ratio of the activity concentration of radionuclides in agricultural food products to the density of radioactive contamination of the soil of the territory were deter -mined. The ratios of average values of 137Cs activity concentration in milk from stalled and grazing periods for cattle were analyzed. The results of the study show that some dairy product samples (less than 1%) do not meet the radiological safety criterion. Exceedances of the hygienic standards were not found in the studied samples of potatoes, vegetables, and meat of farm animals.
Radioactive glassy inclusions in the soil sampled at the “Taiga” peaceful underground nuclear explosions site (the Perm region, Russia)
Authors: Ramzaev V. P. , Repin V. S.
Published: July 2024

Activities of gamma-emitting radionuclides were measured in glassy inclusions (particles) found in soil samples from the “Taiga” peaceful nuclear explosions site (the Perm region, Russia). The measurements were performed using a stationary semiconductor gamma spectrometer. Activity concentrations were determined for the following technogenic radionuclides: 60Co, 94Nb, 137Cs, 152Eu, 154Eu, 155Eu, and 241Am. The activity concentrations of 241Am in the glassy inclusions were one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to the level of minimum significant activity concentration (1 Bq/g for 241Am) established by the Russian Radiation Safety Standards “NRB-99/2009”. Earlier, exceeding this level for the 241Am activity concentration in the native (unfractionated) soil samples from the “Taiga” site was reported by other researchers. In accordance with current Russian legislative and regulatory provisions regarding use of nuclear charges for peaceful purposes, the soil and radioactive glassy inclusions found in the soil correspond to the category of special radioactive waste. Considering the long half-life of 241Am (432 years), radiologically significant contamination by this radionuclide will persist at the “Taiga” site for the foreseeable future.
Inova RS: Desafios e perspectivas no desenvolvimento de programas fomentados pelo poder público para o desenvolvimento inovador no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Bertol Marcos Eduardo , Fritz Filho Luiz Fernando , De Medeiros Janine Fleith , Angonese Rodrigo , Andreatta Tanice
Published: July 2024

A inovação é um componente vital na estratégia de empresas e governos, moldando a competitividade e os avanços tecnológicos. O papel da inovação para respostas às demandas atuais é hoje palco de discussão em diferentes esferas. Neste cenário, o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar o impacto de programas fomentados pelo poder público para o desenvolvimento de sistemas de inovação, concentrando-se no Programa Inova RS. A pesquisa busca identificar tanto as potencialidades quanto as dificuldades geradas pelo estímulo de programas como o Inova RS. O estudo justifica-se diante do baixo investimento do Brasil em inovação, evidenciado por rankings internacionais, e pela necessidade de modernização das políticas públicas, diretrizes responsáveis por orientar a operacionalização de programas como o de objeto de estudo. Através de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, abordamos lacunas existentes na compreensão de programas de inovação e na gestão eficaz dos recursos destinados a esses programas. A abordagem do estudo foi qualitativa, utilizando-se como meios (i) revisão bibliográfica, (ii) análise de documentos legais e (iii) entrevistas com gestores do Programa Inova RS. Os dados foram analisados a partir da técnica proposta por Bardin (2011). O estudo identificou como desafios principais a volatilidade política e a desconfiança nas instituições, fatos que dificultam a adesão. Recomendações incluem sensibilização da sociedade, criação de ecossistemas de inovação e reestruturação do suporte público à inovação, destacando a revisão legislativa e parcerias com Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) como caminhos a serem percorridos. O estudo propôs recomendações relevantes para o Inova RS, destacando a necessidade de esforços colaborativos entre os atores envolvidos, especialmente a sociedade, enfatizando seu papel crucial no sucesso das políticas públicas de inovação, bem como de seus programas derivados.
Public Danger of Illegal Gunpowder Trafficking and Issues of Differentiation of Responsibility
Authors: Bolotova E. D. ,   Russian Federation Ministry of Justice, Reshetnikov A. Yu. ,   Kutafin Moscow State Law University
Published: July 2024

The article reveals the features of foreign industry regulation for the purpose of implementing criminal liability for illegal trafficking of explosives and explosive devices in the Russian Federation. The increased public danger of crimes related to the illegal trafficking of such items is emphasized, and their connection with the growth of terrorist and extremist crimes is noted. The paper shows the results of changes in legislation on countering arms trafficking, their impact on the limits and intensity of criminal liability. The shortcomings of criminal law regulation and law enforcement in cases of illegal trafficking of explosives and explosive devices are revealed: the ambiguity of the boundaries of administrative and criminal liability, contradictions in the regulation of gunpowder turnover, the redundancy of criminal repression in conditions of virtually low public danger of gunpowder trafficking by persons who have permission to store and carry weapons and ammunition, the unresolved the level of norms of law and practice of the issue of the seizure of gunpowder from citizens, etc . It is proposed to amend the criminal legislation, clarify the concepts of insignificance and assessment of public danger in the resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, and develop methodological recommendations for law enforcement officers.
Legal Support for the Financial Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in the Era of Global Change
Authors: Vasyanina E. L. ,   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

The article examines the issues of the formation of a modern legal model of financial relations aimed at strengthening the financial sovereignty of the state. Based on the analysis of financial legislation, law enforcement practice and legal doctrine, the author comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to carry out administrative reform aimed at integrating the Bank of Russia with the tasks of the Government of the Russian Federation to achieve the goals of sustainable economic development of the state. According to the author, the relations developing in the sphere of functioning of the financial system do not fit into the sectoral model of law. The use of general logical research methods, including analysis and synthesis, formal legal and comparative legal methods allowed the author to come to the following conclusions. 1. The formation of a modern model of financial and legal regulation, ensuring the strengthening of the financial sovereignty of the Russian Federation, should be based on administrative reform that creates conditions for the integration of the Bank of Russia with the tasks of the Government of the Russian Federation to achieve the goals of sustainable economic development of the state. 2. A balance between the tasks of the Government of the Russian Federation to achieve economic development goals and the goals of inflation targeting carried out by the Bank of Russia can be found through work to harmonize monetary and fiscal policy instruments - these two principles of managing the financial and credit mechanism. 3. In order to create a legal model of monetary circulation that prevents the withdrawal of capital and the legalization of proceeds from crime, it is necessary to carry out work to harmonize private law and public law methods of regulating financial relations. This will create the basis for the integration of legal instruments regulating the circulation of funds currently covered by different legal regimes.
The Problem of Legal Regulation of Determining the Term of Execution of a Contract in the Field of Procurement of Goods, Works, Services for Public Procurement and Municipal Needs
Authors: Rysai B. G. ,   South-Russian Institute of Management of Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (SRIM RANEPA/Institute)
Published: July 2024

The subject of the research in this article is the procedure for determining the deadlines for the execution of contracts to meet state and municipal needs. The author defines a list of principles on the basis of which the functioning of the contract system in the field of procurement is carried out to ensure state and municipal needs: openness and transparency, competition, unity of the contract system, professionalism of the customer, stimulation of innovation. The common mistakes made by the customer in the process of procurement for state and municipal needs are indicated: violations related to overcharging, concluding multiple contracts with the same contractor, etc. The analysis of the norms of the administrative and civil legislation of the Russian Federation, which establish the essential terms of contracts to meet state and municipal needs and the procedure and problems of determining the deadlines for the execution of such contracts, is carried out. The main range of negative consequences associated with the customer's right to determine the terms of the contract at his discretion has been determined: violation of competition law, the formation of penalties, violation of the budget plan of state and municipal customers and non-fulfillment by authorities of their obligations.
Characterization of Moroccan cactus juice toward its use as a green flocculant in wastewater treatment
Authors: Sbai Ali , Kounbach Said , S'Id Ely Cheikh , M'Bareck Chamekh
Published: July 2024

The present work is dedicated to the characterization of Moroccan cactus juice, which shows encouraging performance in wastewater treatment. Various techniques were used to highlight the chemical and physical properties of this natural product. Elemental analysis of cactus juice using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy revealed the presence of numerous minerals. Fourier Transform Infrared, ultraviolet, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopies demonstrate the presence of many carbohydrate components. Identification of volatile compounds by gas chromatography reveals the presence of Gibb-3-ene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid, ethyl gallate, 3TMS derivative, ethyl ester and 1-(2-Isopropyl-phenyl)-3,6,6-trimethyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro–indazol. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates three peaks at 100, 200 and 600 °C, corresponding to the mass loss of water, polysaccharides, and organic matter, respectively. The rheological characterization of cactus juice suggests that this liquid exhibits shear-thinning behavior, which is governed by the Casson model. The results of the Zeta potential measurement demonstrate the anionic character of cactus juice as a flocculant, with −25 mV as a value of zeta potential. Its use as a flocculant in organic matter removal shows that the chemical oxygen demand decreases significantly with the increase of the added cactus juice dose, confirming, therefore, its flocculating behavior.
Improved bacterial elimination in wastewater through electrocoagulation: hydrogen generation, adsorption of colloidal bacteria-flocks, and electric field bactericidal action
Authors: Boudjema Nouara , Kherat Mohamed , Mameri Nabil
Published: July 2024

Electrocoagulation (EC) has emerged as a promising method for wastewater treatment, offering efficient removal of various contaminants, including bacteria. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying bacterial removal in EC processes, mainly the hydrogen-mediated foam, the effect of operational parameters, including initial pH, current density, and reaction time, and evaluates the associated energy consumption. The EC reactor employed aluminum electrodes and operated at a current intensity of 3.0 A. It demonstrated a notable bacterial removal efficiency, with 120.102 UFC ml−1 of mesophyll floral aerobic bacteria removed through colloid bacteria-flocs precipitation, 440.102 UFC ml−1 via bacterial-bulls flotation from foam, and 117.102 UFC ml−1 through attraction at the electrodes’ plate surface. We found that the EC process leads to the formation of aluminum hydroxide and ferrous hydroxide precipitates, which adsorb bacteria and facilitate their removal from the wastewater via electrostatic forces with an energy consumption of 45 kWh/m3. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms governing bacterial removal in EC and highlights the importance of energy consumption analysis for optimizing wastewater treatment processes.
Investigation of the flood event under global climate change with different analysis methods for both historical and future periods
Authors: Gül Burak , Kayaalp Necati
Published: July 2024

Global climate change is a phenomenon resulting from the complex interaction of human influences and natural factors. These changes lead to imbalances in climate systems as human activities such as greenhouse-gas emissions increase atmospheric gas concentrations. This situation affects the frequency and intensity of climate events worldwide, with floods being one of them. Floods manifest as water inundations due to factors such as changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, erosion, and sea-level rise. These floods cause significant damage to sensitive areas such as residential areas, agricultural lands, river valleys, and coastal regions, adversely impacting people's lives, economies, and environments. Therefore, flood risk has been investigated in decision-making processes in the Diyarbakır province using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and future disaggregation of global climate model data. HadGEM-ES, GFDL-ESM2M, and MPI-ESM-MR models with RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios were used. Model data were disaggregated using the equidistance quantile matching method. The study reveals flood-risk findings in the HadGEM-ES model while no flood risk was found in the GFDL-ESM2M and MPI-ESM-MR models. In the AHP method, flood risk analysis was conducted based on historical data across Diyarbakır and interpreted alongside future rainfall data.
Vertical electrical sounding for characterizing subsurface tectonic features and their impacts on groundwater occurrences: a case study of basaltic Jbab uplifting in southern Syria
Authors: Asfahani Jamal
Published: July 2024

Eighteen vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out by applying the Schlumberger configuration to characterize the main subsurface tectonic features and determine their impacts on groundwater occurrences of the uplifted Jbab area in southern Syria. Different interpretative approaches were used to interpret these VES distributed on one longitudinal profile (LP) and four transverse profiles TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4. The originality of this work is the conjoint use of the Pichgin–Habibullaev technique, the fractal concentration–number (C–N) modeling technique, and the 1D inversion technique as an integrated interpretative approach (IIA) in subsurface basalt characterization. This IIA proves its efficacy while interpreting the VES data, in delineating the main subsurface geology and the tectonic conditions and their influences on the groundwater distributions in a basaltic Jbab environment. Several optimum VES points are accordingly proposed and arranged according to their importance for drilling wells for groundwater extraction. The integrated developed geoelectrical technology described in this paper is recommended to be applied for characterizing similar basaltic areas worldwide.
Projecting and Transforming the Net Structure of Delivery Chains in Conditions of Latest Geo-Political Changes
Authors: Yaroslavceva Yu. I.
Published: July 2024

Logistics in Russia has been actively developing lately. One of key trends in this process implies building a net structure by logistic companies as a foundation for efficient and competitive delivery chains. The article studied development of a net structure of delivery chains and specific features of new reality of net functioning, where their transformation shall take place. It was found out that strategic goals, which are targeted at by logistic company plans are based on rational net configuration. Availability of rationally projected logistic chains both inside the country and abroad became unquestionable competitive advantage that allowed companies to move goods to the final consumer. Globalization of economy in certain countries and the development of international trade in the last decade provided logistic companies with wide opportunities for profitable territorial location of delivery chain links. However, the desired success of logistic companies in attaining goals of functioning faced today’s transport and logistics reality caused by pressure of numerous factors connected with sanctions against Russia, which led to the necessity to transform net configuration. In view of this the authors discussed in more detail the mechanism of some factors, which can result in distortion of product flows and arising of new ones, including in international delivery chains.
Regulating Foreign Economic Activity of Enterprises of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy in Russia in Conditions of Global Crisis
Authors: Kalitskiy Ya. A.
Published: July 2024

Non-ferrous metallurgy, as one of principle industries of Russian economy, since the beginning of the global geopolitical crisis has been facing a number of serious problems, including distribution restrictions. In such circumstances iron and steel companies need state support. To develop foreign economic activity business requires not only fast re-orientation to new markets but also thorough help. In case of situation deterioration direct regulation of foreign economic activity of producers will become important. In view of this setting-up of a specialized agency, which could supervise foreign economic activity of the most important industries and support key enterprises can be useful. Its functions can include talks and contract operations and compensations for companies with short-received profits under their contracts. In such cases key factors affecting the amount of compensation shall be taken into account. The author proposed a formula, which can help estimations made by the agency.
N. N. Methodology of Calculating Compensation for Costs of Baltic Sea Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Kulakovskaya V. A. , Mitina N. N.
Published: July 2024

The article provides a unique author’s methodology of calculating compensation for costs connected with the Baltic Sea contamination. It is based on studying the contribution of all countries of the Baltic basin to anthropogenic burden on ecosystems of the sea. Contribution of each country to degradation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem was estimated and on this basis the general anti-rating of countries of anthropogenic impact was made up, as well as the anti-rating of Baltic countries by factors of eutrophication and contamination by oil products. With the help of the data a conclusion was made that each country shall pay a certain amount of money to restore the degraded ecosystems of the Baltic Sea according to the principle ‘contaminator pays’. Countries’ shares for restoration of the Baltic Sea were estimated. The obtained results are practically important and can be used to substantiate contribution of each country to degradation of ecosystems of other domestic seas of the world.
Medicinal Plants including Spices for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with a Preclinical-Clinical Perspective and Phytotherapeutic Approaches
Authors: Onder Alev , Yilmaz Ozge , Cinar Koc Ahsen Sevde , Kizilay Harun
Published: July 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolicendocrine and multi-faceted gynecological disorders for reproductive-aged women.
This condition has multiple undesirable effects with psychological, reproductive, and
metabolic evidence. Multi-systemic adverse effects and conditions in PCOS cause
irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, infertility, insulin resistance, diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunctions, and eating disorders.
PCOS symptoms are multi-faceted and alterable for each person, leading to different
treatment methods evaluated from different perspectives. There are no definitive and
ideal treatments for hormonal disorders-related clinical symptoms. Alternative
therapies are also considered instead of commercially available drugs. In addition,
alternative treatment methods have increased tremendously in recent years due to their
minimal side effects. Since the therapies for PCOS require a multidisciplinary approach
to understanding all aspects of this condition, medicinal plants should also be
considered. The role of medicinal plants, including spices and their bioactive
components, has been encouraged to prevent and treat PCOS, with new treatment
strategies yielding promising results. Therefore, in this review, a general evaluation of
the plants and herbal products in PCOS has been compiled from the preclinical and
clinical point of view, with the current publications based on in vitro, preclinical, and
clinical studies as a new perspective. Moreover, traditional usages of the plants, based
on the ethnopharmacological aspects of PCOS, have been evaluated. The effects and
underlying mechanisms of herbal medicines used as a remedy for PCOS were also
reviewed with the expectation of herbs-spices and new herbal-based products that are
effective on PCOS for future treatments.