bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in a Retail Floral Provider’s Business Model
Authors: Etheredge Coleman L. , Waliczek Tina M. , DelPrince James
Published: December 2023

Research suggests consumers are willing to pay a premium for goods from industries that design products using environmentally sound practices and that these practices lead to customer loyalty. Using environmentally friendly practices can differentiate a business from competitors through branding, which has been known to help increase profit margins and stimulate demand in a saturated market. The main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of consumer perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. A total of 2172 people responded to an online survey. The sample used in this study was a random selection of individuals 18 years and older living in the United States. Survey responses were collected from 21 Dec 2022 to 27 Jan 2023. Respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers followed by the recycling of flower waste through composting as the two sustainable attributes that would increase their willingness to make purchases the most. Respondents indicated the strongest willingness to pay 10% or more for locally sourced flowers (61.7%), followed by flower providers composting their floral waste (59.5%). In addition, 50% or more of all respondents indicated a willingness to pay 10% or more for all the sustainable attributes for which they were asked. The methods in which retail floral providers source floral material, create floral designs, and market and brand their company are important considerations when promoting their services toward environmentally conscious consumers and in creating a valuable repeat customer base.
Encouraging Environmental Sustainability in University Campuses: Evidence from Türkiye
Authors: SARI Erkin , ÖNER ÖZKAN Bengi
Published: December 2023

The primary aim of the current study is to comprehend the development and evolution of environmental attitudes and to examine on-campus pro-environmental engagement among 16 undergraduates from two public Turkish universities through semi-structured interviews. Our qualitative analysis highlighted that several factors (e.g., the existence of environmentally aware role models in elementary education) are responsible for the formation of respondents’ environmental attitudes. The current paper also points out that litter pollution is a major problem on university campuses. To combat this problem, most respondents in the study reported taking proactive measures (e.g., disposing of the waste properly) to reduce littering and promote sustainable practices. In addition to fighting against littering, they actively take part in pro-environmental activities (e.g., tree plantation), prefer ecologically friendly mobility options (e.g., biking, using shuttles), financially support ecological organizations and attending their activities, and conserve energy. They also reported several factors for motivating (e.g., the willingness to protect the campus ecosystem) and hindering (e.g., lack of time) their on-campus pro-environmental engagement. Furthermore, our respondents pointed out that all stakeholders (e.g., rectorate, employees, students) regarding campus sustainability should take part (e.g., using effective measures for rewarding and penalizing) in amplifying the effectiveness of on-campus pro-environmental behaviors. With these findings, the current paper made important theoretical and practical contributions to campus sustainability.
Issues related to qualification of the crime, provided for by Art. 166 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in decisions of the court of cassation
Authors: Zaytsev Oleksiy Volodymyrovych , Filipenko Valeriia Ruslanivna
Published: December 2023

The paper is devoted to the issues related to qualification of a malicious failure to take care of a child or a person in respect of whom guardianship or custody is established (Art. 166 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Children have a right to a special care and assistance, a child needs to grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding for his/her full and harmonious personality development. A duty of their care is imposed on their parents or persons in loco parentis, guardians (custodians). Commission of a crime of non-fulfillment of these duties is a quite common phenomenon in Ukraine. In order to determine the elements of this crime it is necessary to determine the maliciousness of the act and availability of severe consequences, which are caused by any omission of parents or persons in loco parentis. However, no specific types of consequences are prescribed by law; their availability or absence shall be established by the investigator, prosecutor and court in each specific case. This has led to different approaches in law enforcement practices that is accompanied by essential errors in qualification both at the beginning of criminal proceedings and during subsequent investigation.

The paper contains a critical comprehension of the legal opinions, contained in the decisions of the court of cassation (the Highest Specialized Court of Ukraine for Civil and Criminal cases, the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the Supreme Court) with regard to qualification of a malicious failure to take care of a child or a person in respect of whom guardianship or custody is established. Subject to the criminal law doctrine and law enforcement practices the author’s vision of the reasonableness of these findings and their importance in the criminal legal qualification of this crime is given.
General Principles of Criminal law Qualification of Smuggling of Timber or Sawn Timber
Authors: Pysmenskyi Yevhen Oleksandrovych
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to establishing the general principles of criminal law qualification of the offence under Article 201-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely, transportation across the customs border of Ukraine outside the customs control or with concealment from customs control of timber or sawn timber of valuable and rare tree species, unprocessed timber, and other timber prohibited for export outside the customs territory of Ukraine (smuggling of timber or sawn timber).

The article deals with the issues related to the result of criminal law qualification of timber or sawn timber smuggling, and determination of the specifics of such qualification, if it is carried out officially. The attention is focused on recording the process and the result of criminal law qualification of timber or sawn timber smuggling, in the context of which the peculiarities of its substantiation, specification of the qualification formula and formulation of suspicion (accusation) are determined. It is analysed the grounds for criminal law qualification of timber or sawn timber smuggling. The recommendations on criminal law qualification are illustrated with examples from court practice.

The author distinguishes and characterises the types of criminal law qualification of the offence under Article 201-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, depending on the specifics of the corpus delicti of a criminal offence, other criteria and taking into account the peculiarities of the initial stage of criminal procedure.

Based on the results of the research, it is drawn a conclusion about the general principles underlying the criminal law qualification of smuggling of timber or sawn timber. On this basis, the author formulates scientifically based recommendations aimed at ensuring effective application of Article 201-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in the course of pre-trial investigation.
Criminal and legal protection of servicemen and employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine against illegal offenses committed in the line of their service activities
Authors: Stepanova Yuliia Petrivna
Published: December 2023

The legal grounds for the criminal and legal protection of servicemen and employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine against illegal offences committed in the line of their service duties and the peculiarities of law enforcement activities in this area have been examined in the article. An analysis of the legislation norms on criminal responsibility, national judicial practice and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights regarding the protection of the border guards from illegal offences committed in the line of their official activities has been carried out. Much attention is drawn to the peculiarities of the legal status of servicemen and employees’ personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, who at the same time should be recognized as employees of a law enforcement agency, that should be taken into account when qualifying criminal offenses related to illegal infringements against them. The concept of criminal legal protection of servicemen and employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has been formed. It has been determined that military personnel and employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine are special victims of a number of criminal offenses committed in the line of their service activities against the authority of state power bodies, the established military service order, peace, human security and the international legal order. A classification of criminal offenses related to infringements against servicemen and employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has been carried out on the basis of a number of criteria. The norms of the General Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine aimed at increasing the protection of servicemen and employees of law enforcement agencies have been determined. The obligation of the state to ensure proper legal regulation of service activities and a high level of officers’ law enforcement training has been argued.
Proportionality of restrictions on the dissemination of information in the conditions of the military regime
Authors: Timofeyeva Liliia Yuriivna
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the issue of proportionality of the limitation of the dissemination of information in the conditions of the military regime. The Constitution of Ukraine and international documents provide for fundamental rights that require protection. Criminal law provides such protection by providing for criminal liability for violations of fundamental rights. At the same time, the realization of some rights has peculiarities and limitations due to the conditions of the military regime. In particular, the constitutional right to freedom of thought and speech, to the free expression of one's views and beliefs (Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine), as well as the right to freedom of expression, provided for in Art. 10 Convention on the Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1950.
Proportionality of establishing criminal liability for dissemination of information about sending, moving weapons, armaments and military supplies to Ukraine, movement, movement or placement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or other military formations formed in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, committed in conditions of war or a state of emergency from the point of view of security.
It has been established that the information component in war occupies a significant part, especially in the modern conditions of the information society. If the media will show false, unverified, erroneous information, it can be used as a means of manipulation. That is why information wars are so dangerous.
Last but not least information technologies can be used both to commit criminal offenses, including those related to terrorism and war propaganda, and to combat crime. In particular, the relevant instruments were developed by European legislation. These instruments may violate some human rights, in particular Articles 10 and 8 of the Convention. It is substantiated that in the conditions of war, such concessions in freedom are an acceptable price for ensuring security.
Prospects for the introduction, usage and responsibility of artificial intelligence in the EU and Ukraine
Authors: Shepitko Mykhailo Valeriiovych
Published: December 2023

The development of artificial intelligence and its significant role in economic and social relations, military and cyber threats generated by it indicate the urgency of researching this problem. Ukraine, as a victim of russian large-scale military aggression in 2022, is interested in regulating this area in order to neutralize threats in military and cyberspace.
The study of the introduction, usage and responsibility of artificial intelligence in the European Union can provide vectors of criminal responsibility of individuals, legal entities, as well as states that implement them in peacetime or wartime with a criminal (terrorist) purpose. An important issue in this study is the possible implementation of artificial intelligence as a tool for criminal justice agencies. The European Commission, taking into account the growing use of artificial intelligence in the European Union, formulated its definition in 2018. In 2020, Ukraine also adopted the Concept of the Development of Artificial Intelligence. However, the fact of harmonization of the legislation of the EU and Ukraine in this area becomes obvious.
The European Commission's work on artificial intelligence is reflected in the 2018 AI Strategy for Europe, the 2020 White Paper on AI and the recently updated Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence. The preparation of the Artificail Intelligence Act is also underway.
Analysis of the regulatory framework and positions regarding the implementation, usage and responsibility of artificial intelligence indicate the following trends: 1) the use of artificial intelligence in the European Union is becoming a regulated area that shapes the rights, duties and responsibilities of participants; 2) the usage of artificial intelligence in criminal justice agencies is subject to significant restrictions and prohibitions; 3) responsibility for the use of artificial intelligence and for the dangerous consequences that may be caused by it rests with individuals and legal entities, as well as states, in whose interests it is used.
Legislative initiatives to strengthen the accountability for corruption crimes during the war period in Ukraine
Authors: Grodetsky Yurii Vasylovych
Published: December 2023

The article provides a critical analysis of the Draft Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts on Equating the Punishment of Corrupt Criminal Offenses to High Treason During Martial Law in Ukraine" (Reg. No. 9659 dated 08/30/2023).
It was revealed that the proposed draft law article 111-3 "Commitment of a corruption criminal offense during the operation of the legal regime of martial law" was created by mechanically combining the relevant features of criminal offenses provided for in Art. 191 "Appropriation, embezzlement of property or taking possession of it by abuse of official position" (Chapter VI of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - Part 1 of Art. 111-3 of the project, Art. 210 "Untargeted use of budget funds, implementation of budget expenditures or provision of loans from the budget without established budget allocations or exceeding them" (Chapter VII of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - Part 2 of Article 111-3 of the project, Art. 364 "Abuse of power or official position" (Chapter XVII of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - Part 3 of Art. 111-3 of the project, Art. 368 "Acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of undue benefit by an official" (Chapter XVII of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - Part 4 of Art. 111-3 of the project, Art. 368-5 "Illegal enrichment" (Chapter XVII of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - part 5 of Art. 111-3 of the project and Art. 369-2 "Abuse of influence" (Chapter XVII of the Special Part of the Criminal Code) - Part 6 of Art. 111-3 of the project. Such a concentration of different types of criminal offenses in one article is unfounded, because it violates the principle that is embedded in the construction of the entire Special Part of the Criminal Code.
The decision of the draft law, according to which all six parts of this article provide for the same sanctions - "is punishable by deprivation of liberty for a term of fifteen years or life imprisonment, with confiscation of property" is also questionable. Mechanistic formation of Art. 111-3 of the project destroys the specificity of the public danger of the acts combined in this article.
The task of increasing the severity of punishments for corruption criminal offenses is proposed to be implemented in a simpler way - by supplementing the relevant articles of the Criminal Code with a new qualifying feature "committed during the operation of the legal regime of martial law by a person occupying a responsible and especially responsible position" with the establishment of sanctions of the higher level of severity. However, these sanctions should not be identical, as implemented in the draft law, but should take into account the nature of each individual criminal offense.
ENSURING HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF TOTAL INFORMATIZATION OF SOCIETY
Authors: Andrushchenko Olesia
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of information society problems on human rights. Attention is drawn to the problem of protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Internet users as a condition for the further development of the information society. Among the main problems of ensuring human rights in the modern information space, the imperfect information policy of the state, gaps in legislation, insufficient involvement of civil society in communication stand out.
THE STATE AS A SPECIAL SUBJECT OF CYBERSPACE
Authors: Trofymenko Volodymyr
Published: December 2023

The publication is devoted to the status and place of the state in cyberspace. Issues of cyber sovereignty and cyber security of the state are being raised. The special capabilities of the state to regulate cyberspace at the legislative level are outlined. The problem of states abusing the opportunities of cyberspace for their own purposes and the issue of opposing such activities is considered separately. The problem of cyberspace at the international level is described, as well as the problems of international law in regulating this sphere.
TERRORIST ACT: A PRIJURITICAL LOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CRIMINAL-LEGAL QUALIFICATION OF THE CRIME (on the example of Part 1 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)
Authors: Yurkevych Olena
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of rationalization of the juridical stage of preparation of the criminal-legal qualification of the crime. A logical analysis of the legal norm is offered (on the example of Part 1 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) to highlight its formal organization. The elements of the structure, their logical connection and a coherent logical form are studied. The method of formalization is used. Formal correctness is evaluated, which allows establishing the legal uncertainty of individual components of the structure.
Evaluation of the hardness and wear behavior of date seed powder/epoxy composites as potential biomaterials
Authors: K. Hassan Mohamed , Assas Mohammd
Published: December 2023

The date palm, or Phoenix dactylifera, is a crop that is grown for food and is used by many people on a regular basis. The cultivation of date palms, their processing, and consumer demand all produce tons of waste. Date palm seeds can account for up to 10 % of the total weight of the fruits. A topic of interest for research is the application of date seed waste in the fields of engineering, nutrition, and cosmetics. This work aims to show that epoxy/palm seed date composites are suitable for use as biomaterials by examining their wear behavior. Give a brief introduction to a few ideas before going over the fundamental idea of wear resistance. Future wear resistance improvements in biomedical applications and other industries that might benefit from this addition will continue to be achieved through the use of date palm seed microparticles in epoxy. In this study, epoxy composites containing palm seed particles are made by the mixing procedure. The studied composites made from date palm seed powder particles has micron particle size of 150 which is mixed with epoxy as a matrix. The percentages of date palm seeds are varying from 5 % to 20 %. The 20 percent sample had the best results, losing 7.03 percent of their starting weight. The 10 percent group, which lost 9.4 percent, the 15 percent group, which lost 12.2 percent, and the 5 percent sample, which lost 19.95 percent, were the next in line. Each of the four samples had 1 kg to 5 kg of weight applied to them at five different rotation speeds. Upon analysis of all the samples under investigation, it was discovered that the date palm seeds enhanced and increased wear resistance, leading to better outcomes.
Grit: Um traço característico de pessoas com altas capacidades?
Authors: Martins Bárbara Amaral , Souza Amanda Rodrigues de , Borges África
Published: December 2023

O grit corresponde à associação entre paixão e perseverança, expressa ao longo do tempo, frequentemente percebida em pessoas bem-sucedidas. Objetivou-se investigar se existe diferença entre estudantes universitários com e sem altas capacidades em termos de grit. O estudo apresenta desenho analítico, observacional e de corte transversal e contou com a participação de 188 estudantes universitários com e sem altas capacidades provenientes de universidades da Espanha e um da Alemanha. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se a Escala Grit de Oviedo (EGO) e o teste de inteligência geral Matrices-TAI. Os resultados revelaram que a diferença entre os grupos em termos de grit não possui significância estatística e refutaram a hipótese inicial de que as altas capacidades e o grit estariam relacionados. Acredita-se que o enfoque nas pontuações de QI para a identificação dos participantes com altas capacidades representa uma limitação do estudo e se sugerem novas investigações sobre o tema.
Probiotics Show Promise as a Novel Natural Treatment for Neurological
Disorders
Authors: Jha Preeti , Dangi Neha , Sharma Shikha
Published: December 2023

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms shown to improve human health when consumed
regularly and in sufficient quantities. Numerous health benefits can be attained by possessing
important metabolites with nutritional and medicinal qualities. It has been shown through
scientific research that these living microbial consortiums can influence a variety of mental
health outcomes, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, cognitive processes, stress
responses, and behavioral patterns. Selected strains of bacteria and yeasts control how the central
nervous system (CNS) communicates with the gut-brain axis (GBA) through neuronal, humoral,
and metabolic pathways to ease mood. Psychobiotics are substances that can affect the digestive
system as well as mood and anxiety. There is scant evidence to validate the beneficial effects of
psychiatric drugs in treating neurological diseases or disorders. The therapeutic method of research
into psychobiotics opens exciting prospects for the future of the field of development.
This review compiles the current evidence available in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics
to influence neurological disorders.
Role of Flavonoids in Modulation of Mitochondria Dynamics during
Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kumar Sachindra , Chhabra Vishal , Shenoy Smita , Daksh Rajni , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Swamy Ravindra Shantakumar , Kumar Nitesh
Published: December 2023

Background:

Flavonoids are a widespread category of naturally occurring polyphenols
distinguished by the flavan nucleus in plant-based foods and beverages, known for their various
health benefits. Studies have suggested that consuming 150-500 mg of flavonoids daily is beneficial
for health. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids are involved in maintaining mitochondrial activity
and preventing impairment of mitochondrial dynamics by oxidative stress.

Objective:

This review emphasized the significance of studying the impact of flavonoids on
mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.

Methods:

This review analysed and summarised the findings related to the impact of flavonoids on
mitochondria from publicly available search engines namely Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Description:

Any disruption in mitochondrial dynamics can contribute to cellular dysfunction and
diseases, including cancer, cardiac conditions, and neurodegeneration. Flavonoids have been shown
to modulate mitochondrial dynamics by regulating protein expression involved in fission and fusion
events. Furthermore, flavonoids exhibit potent antioxidant properties by lowering the production of
ROS and boosting the performance of antioxidant enzymes. Persistent inflammation is a
characteristic of many different disorders. This is because flavonoids also alter the inflammatory
response by controlling the expression of numerous cytokines and chemokines involved in the
inflammatory process. Flavonoids exhibit an impressive array of significant health effects, making
them an effective therapeutic agent for managing various disorders. Further this review summarised
available mechanisms underlying flavonoids' actions on mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative
stress to recognize the optimal dose and duration of flavonoid intake for therapeutic purposes.

Conclusion:

This review may provide a solid foundation for developing targeted therapeutic
interventions utilizing flavonoids, ultimately benefiting individuals afflicted with various disorders.
Tumor Mutational Burden as a Biomarker of Immunotherapy Response: An Immunogram Approach in Onco-immunology
Authors: Ansari Afzal , Ray Suman  Kumar , Sharma Mukul , Rawal Rakesh , Singh Pushpendra
Published: December 2023

:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment by
allowing T cells to reactivate. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a biomarker that has
emerged as a viable diagnostic for locating patients who would benefit from
immunotherapy in particular cancer types. Greater neo-antigens mean more
opportunities for T cell identification, and TMB is clinically linked to better immune
checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor foreignness is a cancer immunogram, and TMB can be
used as a substitute for foreignness. The role of TMB analysis as an independent
predictor of immunotherapy response in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor
medications is the subject of this mini-review.
Nanoencapsulation of Bixin and Norbixin in Sodium Alginate: Preparation,
Characterization, and Release in Food Simulant
Authors: Savazzi Suiane , Queiroz Assis Renato , de Oliveira Rios Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Aims:

Bixin and norbixin are natural antioxidants used as pigments in the food industry, but their chemical structure makes them susceptible to environmental factors (light, oxygen, and temperature).

Background:

Nanoencapsulation techniques can improve the stability and solubility of these compounds in addition to reducing particle size which can increase surface:volume ratio and provide many attractive and unique properties to the nanoparticles.

Objective:

In this study, sodium alginate was used as wall material for the encapsulation of bixin and norbixin in different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g/g of biopolymer), by emulsification/internal gelation method.

Methods:

The emulsification/internal gelation method was used to elaborate bixin or norbixin-loaded nanospheres. The internal phase of the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared with an aqueous solution of sodium alginate (1.5% w/v – 40 mL), 0.12 g of CaCO3, bixin or norbixin pigments, and mechanically stirred for 15 min at 700 rpm.

Results:

Nanospheres containing the highest concentration of both carotenoids showed better encapsulation efficiency, with 37.86% for bixin and 51.47% for norbixin, and these formulations were used for characterization analyses. The mean size of the nanospheres was 741.9 ± 41.0 nm, 622.9 ± 71.0 nm, and 589.5 ± 99.1 nm for control particles, bixin, and norbixin, respectively. The addition of both carotenoids resulted in particles with a yellow-red color, which demonstrates the encapsulation of natural antioxidants. The thermal analysis results may indicate an increase in the thermal stability of the pigments after encapsulation, in addition, the nanospheres exhibited the ability to scavenge the ABTS+ radical. Carotenoids release test in food simulant (95% ethanol) presented a rapid release in the first hours and maintenance of concentration for 10 days.

Conclusion:

Results showed that these nanospheres could be an alternative to the application of these carotenoid pigments in food matrices and food packaging.
Light Field Modulation Algorithms for Spatial Light Modulators: A Review
Authors: Xu Ke , Li Xianru
Published: December 2023

The coding method of spatial light modulator is the core key of spatial light field
modulation technology, and the needs of the modulation algorithm are different under the specified
mode and application requirements. This paper first reviews the progress made in recent
years in light field control algorithms for digital micromirror devices (DMDs) and liquid crystal
spatial light modulators (LC-SLM). Based on existing algorithms, the impact of optimization
methods is analyzed. Then, the application areas of the different algorithms are summarized, and
the characteristics of the control algorithms are analyzed. In addition, this review highlights
innovative breakthroughs achieved by using various coding schemes and spatial light modulators
(SLM) to manipulate the light field. Finally, critical future challenges facing emerging control
algorithm technologies are outlined, while prospects for developing SLM control algorithms
are proposed.
Effect of Carbonization Temperature on the Structure of Pitch
Carbon and Its Low-temperature Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Dong Wei , Zhu Xuanyi , Meng Lingqiang , Ji Lingxiao , Yang Fang , Shen Ding , Xue Minghu , Zhang Qiao
Published: December 2023

Introduction::

Lithium-ion batteries were one of the most promising battery systems
for electric vehicles. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are required to have higher energy density
and cycle stability. The traditional graphite negative electrode cannot meet the requirements.
Pitch has many advantages such as wide source, low cost, high carbon residue rate and easy
graphitization, as a carbon precursor has been widely used in lithium-ion battery anode and anode
materials.

Method::

In this paper, pitch carbon was prepared by carbonization at different temperatures and
studied.

Result::

The results showed that with the increase of carbonization temperature, the interlayer
spacing decreased gradually, the degree of amorphousness decreases gradually, the specific surface
area and pore volume also decrease gradually, the initial coulombic efficiency and capacity
retention increased, and the discharge-specific capacity decreased. Galvanostatic Intermittent
Titration Technique (GITT) tests show that there are two main mechanisms of lithium ions intercalation
in the material, surface adsorption and interlayer intercalation.

Conclusion::

The difficulty of diffusion of lithium ions between pitch carbon layers at low temperatures
is the main reason for the decrease of its capacity at low temperature. The carbon material
obtained by carbonization of pitch at 800℃ has the best low temperature performance,
with discharge specific capacities of 335, 272, 232 and 187mAh/g at 25, 0, -20 and -40℃, of
which 55.8% of the discharge specific capacity at room temperature can be retained at -40℃.
The amorphous carbon material has certain low temperature charge-discharge performance.
Leveraging Social Networks to Integrate Depression Treatment
into Primary Health and Tuberculosis Care in Brazil
Authors: Sweetland Annika C. , Mann Claudio Gruber , Fernandes Maria Jose , Matsuzaka Camila , de Silva Fatima Virginia , Lee Jae , McCarty Christopher , Kritski Afranio , Fortes Sandra , Cavalcanti Maria , Mello Marcelo Feijó , Oquendo Maria A. , Valente Thomas , Pincus Harold , Wainberg Milton L.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) and depression are highly comorbid and linked
to higher rates of death and disability. Several evidence-based treatments for depression have
been successfully implemented in low- and middle-income countries, but more knowledge is
needed on how to bring these innovations to scale within complex ’real world’ public health
systems.

Objective:

To explore whether the principles of social network analysis could be used to
enhance receptivity to integrating depression treatment into primary care for individuals
with and without TB in Brazil.

Methods:

We used existing scales to identify settings and providers with high receptivity
and connectivity within the primary care network. We trained and supervised existing staff
in three primary care sites to deliver a brief evidence-based intervention over one year,
coupled with active dissemination activities. Afterwards, we reassessed receptivity among
individuals involved, and not involved, in the pilot.

Results:

Highly significant changes were observed in mental health literacy, attitudes towards
evidence-based practices, work self-efficacy, and implementation leadership supporting
our hypothesis. Limited social connections between primary care clinics precluded
the examination of the hypothesis that targeting settings with high connectivity could capitalize
on the information flow between and transcend the decentralized structure of the
network, but leveraging the centralized nature of the TB program to integrate mental health
services emerged as a promising alternative.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study strongly suggest that social networks may be leveraged
to change individual providers’ attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhanced dissemination
of evidence-based interventions.
Segmentation Method of Concrete Small Cracks Based on UAV Images
Authors: Pan Yong , Zou Wei , Xv Qiang , Zhao Yan , Liang Qifan , Zhao Tong
Published: December 2023

Introduction::

Cracks are one of the major problems in modern concrete buildings,
especially in locations that are difficult to map manually, such as bridges and high-rise buildings.
Accurate analysis of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images has become the key to determining
whether a building needs maintenance.

Methods::

Traditional image processing methods are easily interfered by high-frequency background.
Neural network methods need fine datasets, which increase labor costs. Therefore, this
paper proposes a segmentation algorithm based on UNet3+ network. After obtaining the UAV
image, the rough location of the crack can be obtained by only rough labeling. And then, the
sample balance can be carried out by clipping the target area. The UNet3+ network is used to
train the processed datasets and extract the region of interest to ignore the non-target texture.
Finally, the region of interest is further segmented by color clustering and edge detection methods.

Results::

The proposed method can detect the cracks accurately. In all test images, the relative
errors are less than 13%. Especially in test images whose width is less than 0.2mm, the maximum
absolute error is only 0.0237mm, which is completely acceptable in actual production.
The proposed method has higher practicability in the detection of concrete crack images taken
by UAV. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the cutting-edge method published
in the journal "Sensor", when the background is complex.

Conclusion::

The proposed method can segment and detect cracks effectively, which can remove
the high-frequency interference region from the images.
Formulation and Antimicrobial Screening of Tea Tree Oil Gel
Authors: Agrawal Karan , Kumari Vibha , Singh Talever , Pathak Devender , Kulshreshtha Mayank
Published: December 2023

Objective:

An acne is a frequent form of skin condition brought on by an overproduction of the particular oil “sebum”, which is produced by the sebaceous gland. This oil accumulates in the fol-licles and causes the swelling of pores. Many microbial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtills, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus tubingensis etc. are responsible for acne directly or indirectly. The aim of this study was to synthesise the herbal gel of tea tree oil obtained from the plant M.alternifolia.

Material and Methods:

The gel was prepared using Carbopol-940 as a gelling agent using the swelling method and parameters like spreadability, extrudability, pH, etc were also determined. Zone of inhibi-tion (ZOI) was estimated with renowned standards (Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole).

Results:

Studies revealed that the gel was highly effective against the selected species except fungal strains. ZIC was observed ranging from 1.6±0.01mm to 14.9±0.43mm. The maximum ZOI was ob-served (14.9±0.43) against Staphylococcus aureus. The physical properties of the gel satisfied the stand-ard parameters.

Conclusion:

The herbal gel was found to be highly promising activity against bacterial species associ-ated with acne in a concentration-dependent manner, but more research is needed.
Sputtering Heterogeneous Tungsten Carbide Targets by Light Ions
Bombardment
Authors: Manukhin Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Background::

This paper presents a model for sputtering heterogeneous two-component
materials with light ions.

Method::

The model, based on two sputtering mechanisms, makes it possible to calculate the total
sputtering coefficients of the target components, and it is easily transformed for the case of sputtering
different types of targets. Model testing was conducted for the case of sputtering homogeneous
tungsten carbide targets with ions of different energies.

Results::

The results of the calculations are given in comparison with experimental data and the
results of computer simulation. The comparison shows good agreement of the calculated values
with the data of other authors. The proposed model was used to describe stationary (stoichiometric)
sputtering of tungsten carbide targets. Using this model, the concentrations of components
in the modified target layer were calculated, and the thickness of the modified layer was also estimated.

Conclusion::

The method of calculating the concentration of target components in the modified
layer and the thickness of this layer can be the basis of the technology of creating materials with
given properties of the surface layer.
Glucose Transporter and Sensor Mechanisms in Fungal Pathogens as
Potential Drug Targets
Authors: Mohit Navale Archana
Published: December 2023

Fungal infections are emerging as major health challenges in recent years. The development
of resistance against existing antifungal agents needs urgent attention and action. The limited
classes of antifungal drugs available, their tendency to cause adverse effects, lack of effectiveness,
etc., are the major limitations of current therapy. Thus, there is a pressing demand for new antifungal
drug classes to cope with the present circumstances. Glucose is the key source of energy for all
organisms, including fungi. Glucose plays a crucial role as a source of carbon and energy for processes
like virulence, growth, invasion, biofilm formation, and resistance development. The glucose
transport and sensing mechanisms are well developed in these organisms as an important strategy to
sustain survival. Modulating these transport or sensor mechanisms may serve as an important strategy
to inhibit fungal growth. Moreover, the structural difference between human and fungal glucose
transporters makes them more appealing as drug targets. Limited literature is available for fungal
glucose entry mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive account of sugar transport mechanisms
in common fungal pathogens.
AIoT: Role of AI in IoT, Applications and Future Trends
Authors: Thakur Reena , Panse Prashant , Bhanarkar Parul , Borkar Pradnya
Published: December 2023

Technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing,
fog computing, edge computing, and blockchain can be a perilous factor when it comes
to encouraging the integration of new technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an
integral part of agricultural and industrial development. This chapter describes the
extensive evolution of AI and IoT. Researchers and practitioners will find this chapter
essential for understanding AI and IoT, along with models, current status, future trends,
and industrial development. There are a number of issues with AI, but overall, it is
considered to be an advanced and revolutionary assistant in a wide range of fields. The
purpose of this chapter is to present a comprehensive study on AIoT that explains the
convergence of AI and IoT. Herein, we summarize some innovative AIoT applications
that are likely too intense for our world.
The Role of Machine Intelligence in Agriculture: A Case Study
Authors: Laxmanrao Ramteke Prabhakar , Kshirsagar Ujwala
Published: December 2023

India's GDP is heavily reliant on agricultural products and business
management. Therefore, it is crucial for the agriculture industry to comprehend the
most common uses of artificial intelligence (AI) through case studies. To increase its
production, this industry must overcome a number of obstacles, such as soil treatment,
plant disease and pest effects, crop management, farmers' innovative methods, and the
use of technology. The major ideas behind AI in agriculture are its adaptability,
excellence, accuracy, and economy. It is critical to examine AI applications for
managing soil, crops, and the environment, and plant or leaf diseases. Food security
continues to be seriously threatened by deforestation and poor soil conditions, both of
which harm the economy. The application's advantages, constraints, and methods for
employing expert systems to increase productivity are all given particular attention.
Businesses are utilizing robots and automation to assist farmers in developing more
effective weed control strategies for their crops. See & Spray, a robot created by Blue
River Technology, is said to use computer vision to monitor and accurately spray
weeds on cotton plants. Crop and Soil Monitoring - Businesses are using deep learning
and computer vision algorithms to interpret data taken by drones and/or software-based
technologies to monitor the health of crops and soil. Crop sustainability and weather
forecasting are accomplished via satellite systems. A Colorado-based startup employs
satellites and machine learning algorithms to examine agricultural sustainability,
forecast weather, and assess farms for the presence of diseases and pests. Utilizing
predictive analytics, machine learning models are being created to monitor and forecast
various environmental factors, such as weather variations. Drones and computer vision
are used for crop analysis, while machine learning is used for identifying soil flaws.
Digital Twin and Its Applications
Authors: Wani Kiran , Khedekar Nitin , Vishwarupe Varad , Pushyanth N.
Published: December 2023

Digital twin technology is an important part of the industry 4.0 revolution.
Digital twins is a concept of integrating different smart technologies including
integration of data and digitization. The vision of the digital twin technology is based
on the philosophy that any component, assembly, system, process, product, or even
environment can be replicated in terms of form, functionality and several other
parameters in a digital way throughout different phases of its lifecycle. The Digital
Twin concept is based on the highly growing information and communication
technologies alongside conventional methods for getting better interconnection and
integration amongst all the entities involved in a particular phase of the product
lifecycle. The Internet of things (IOT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are crucial parts of
the Industry 4.0 revolution. IOT proposes to embed electronics, sensors, network
connectivity and different software platforms with products. Better integration between
the physical and digital world is achieved by a strong network infrastructure that
facilitates remote sensing, monitoring and even controlling of connected systems. This
technology provides users with many benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced
downtime, improvement in precision and accuracy along with cost saving.
This chapter includes an overview of digital twin-enabling technologies and their
applications. The applications range from Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things
(IoT) to manufacturing.
Ontology Based Information Retrieval By Using Semantic Query
Authors: Deshmukh Rupali R. , Raut Anjali B.
Published: December 2023

The volume of data is increasing quickly in the modern day. Effective
information retrieval techniques are needed to extract important facts from such a large
collection of information. As a result, retrieval of information is the process of
gathering valid data from a variety of sources. The majority of the time, information is
retrieved from the internet using search queries. The aim of this research is to explore
various issues existing in information retrieval techniques and to propose new
techniques to overcome existing challenges in the field of Information retrieval.
Modern information retrieval methods have been examined, and it was discovered that
they do not take semantic keyword knowledge into account when returning results. The
semantic web is a development of the internet that enables computers to comprehend
human inquiries in terms of their intent and produce pertinent responses.
This research mainly focuses on Ontology-Based Information Retrieval which can
support semantic similarity and retain the view of an approximate search in a document
repository using machine learning techniques. Further, this research works explores an
adaptive update model for retrieving the information and proposes a semantic search
model for the given user query. The objective of ontology-based semantic web
information search is to increase the accuracy, precision and recall of user queries.