bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Salinity Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with K-humate and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Gören Hatice Kübra , Canavar Öner , Tan Uğur
Published: October 2024

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to plant growth and development, causing problems like osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and nutrient imbalances. These issues lead to reduced photosynthesis and early aging of plants. In this study, we explored the potential of potassium humate (Kh) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs) to help cotton plants (Gossypium hirsitum L.) cope with saline conditions. We examined various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots, leaf area, chlorophyll content (SPAD values), and relative water content (RWC). Our findings showed that salinity stress significantly decreased plant height, leaf number, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, leaf area, and RWC. However, the application of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh helped mitigate these negative effects. Notably, the combination of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh resulted in the highest plant height under saline conditions. Kh alone was particularly effective in increasing leaf number and fresh leaf weight, even under stress. In conclusion, both Fe (II,III) oxide NPs and Kh proved to be effective in enhancing cotton plant resilience to salinity stress, highlighting their potential use in sustainable agriculture in saline and arid regions. These insights can help develop strategies to improve plant growth and yield under challenging environmental conditions.
Covid-19 Süreci ve Sonrası Dönemde Tüketicilerin Online Gıda Alışverişi Yapma Durumlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: Aytop Yeşim , Çetinkaya Semiha , Yaylamaz Gizem
Published: October 2024

Pandemi ile birlikte tüketicilerin yaşam tarzları ve beslenme alışkanlıklarında büyük değişiklikler meydana gelmiştir. Bu değişikliklerden biri tüketicilerin gıda ihtiyaçlarını online olarak karşılamaya yönelmeleridir. Bu dönemde online gıda alışverişi tüketicilere temasın en aza indirilmesinin yanı sıra çeşit çokluğu, hızlı teslimat ve fiyat avantajı gibi birçok katkı sağlamıştır. Bu çalışmada tüketicilerin Covid-19 döneminde online sitelerinden gıda alışverişi yapma alışkanlıklarının incelenmesi ve Covid-19 dönemi ve sonrası dönemde online gıda alışverişi konusunda tüketicilerin tutum ve davranışlarının karşılaşıtırması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda 2023 yılının Şubat-Mart aylarında Kahramanmaraş ilinde yaşayan 384 tüketici ile yüz yüze anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistiklerden yararlanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda tüketicilerin %77.3’ünün Covid-19 döneminde online alışveriş yaptığını, %19’unun bu dönemde online gıda alışverişi yaparken Covid-19 sonrası dönemde bu oranın %18.5’e düştüğü belirlenmiştir. Tüketicilerin %18.5’i gıda ürünlerini, %18.2’si ise giyim ürünlerini online olarak satın aldıklarını ifade etmiştir. Covid-19 döneminde tüketicilerin %12.8’i bakliyatı, %12.5’i kola, meyve suyu, gazoz vb. ürünleri, %12’si çikolata, cips, bisküvi vb. ürünleri online olarak satın aldıklarını ifade etmişlerdir. Tüketiciler Covid-19 sürecinde sağlıklı beslenmeye (4.33) ve yerli gıda ürünleri satın almaya (4.04) özen gösterdiklerini, uygulanan sokağa çıkma yasaklarının tüketicileri online gıda alışverişlerine yönlendirdiğini (4.03) ve tüketicilerin internet sitelerinde geçirdikleri vaktin arttığı (3.77) belirlenmiştir. Covid-19 sonrası dönemde ise tüketiciler; online alışveriş yapmaya devam ettiklerini (3.37), online olarak satın aldıkları gıda ürünlerinden memnun kaldıklarını (3.32) ve zamandan tasarruf etmek için gıda ürünlerini online olarak satın almayı tercih ettiklerini (3.14) ifade etmişlerdir. Online gıda alışverişi yapan tüketicilerin %60.3’ü Covid-19 döneminde tüketim harcamalarının değişmediğini, %54.8’i online alışveriş harcamalarının arttığını, %63’ünün ise online gıda alışverişi harcamalarının arttığını ifade etmişlerdir.
Waking a Dormant Legal Resource. Institutional Activation and the Origins of Important Projects of Common European Interest
Authors: Seidl Timo , Lopes-Valença Henrique
Published: October 2024

Important Projects of Common European Interests (IPCEIs) have become a central tool in the toolbox of the European Union’s new industrial policy. IPCEIs derive their peculiar name from an exemption to the general prohibition on state aid that has existed since the Treaty of Rome but has only led to the creation of a standalone policy instrument in 2014. In this paper, we introduce the concept of institutional activation to shed light on both the origins and evolution of this Treaty article. We reconstruct how the article reflected a compromise between different coalitions during the Treaty negotiations; how it remained largely dormant in the absence of a sustained coalitional push to activate it; and how it was finally activated by a coalition of institutional entrepreneurs intent on using the article’s untapped potential to safeguard Europe’s increasingly challenged global competitiveness through new forms of industrial policy.
Understanding Nimbyism as Local Preservationism
Authors: Larsen Martin Vinæs , Nyholt Niels
Published: October 2024

Responding to important societal challenges requires physical changes in local communities. Yet, such changes are often blocked by strong ``not-in-my-backyard'' opposition. Existing research explains this nimbyism in terms of homeowners' interest in protecting property values or an intent to exclude poor people and racial minorities. Instead, we argue that nimbyism reflects a desire to preserve the physical character of one's neighborhood. We investigate this local preservationism explanation using a large-scale vignette survey experiment, asking respondents to evaluate a hypothetical project we place on a personalized map of their neighborhood. Our analyses show that most residents have strong feelings about how their local area looks, and that those who do not exhibit less nimby opposition. We also show that citizens exhibit less nimby opposition towards projects that fit into the local built environment. In contrast, we find limited evidence for explanations related to home values and social exclusion.
Multiobjective Optimization for Optimal Water Resource Allocation
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Yajnavalkya
Published: October 2024

This work investigates the use of multiobjective optimization (MOO) in the distribution of water resources, a crucial problem made worse by rising demand brought on by population expansion, industrialization, and climate change. Conventional unidimensional methods frequently fall short in considering the intricacies of conflicting water requirements in several domains, including domestic consumption, industry, agriculture, and environmental conservation. By striking a balance between these competing goals, MOO provides a more complete solution to guarantee fair, effective, and sustainable water distribution. A case study of the Chotanagpur Plateau area shows how MOO might be used practically to solve problems with water allocation. The study demonstrates how MOO might lessen resource conflicts and advance sustainability in water-scarce settings by optimizing water allocation across home consumption, industry, agricultural, and ecological needs. Finally, MOO offers a strong framework for the sustainable management of water resources in an increasingly uncertain future, balancing the interests of the social, economic, and environmental spheres.
A Simple Method for Designing Infiltration Low Impact Development Techniques Considering Effects of Urbanization and Climate Change
Authors: Gomes Jr. Marcus , do Lago Cesar , Mendiondo Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Infiltration low-impact development (LID) techniques allow the slow infiltration of surface water, reducing peak volumes and flows. Their design consists of specifying the surface area and a maximum ponding depth to guarantee the minimum volume required to combat the effect of excessive urbanization. Arbitrary specifications of the design height (i.e., the maximum ponding depth) of these LIDs can lead to under-sizing of the minimum area required. In this paper, an optimized design model for retention catchments (MoDOBR) is developed, implemented, and tested under four examples. We hypothesize that is necessary to match the maximum ponding depth with the depth required to store excess runoff in case the media and the underdrains are clogged. The model solves mass balances on the surface of the LID and at the interface of the saturated soil layer. The results of four numerical examples are presented, and the influence of different soil types is discussed through sensitivity analyses. Overall results indicate that if the LID is designed in sandy soil, it requires a surface area of 2.9\% of the catchment, while if it is designed in clayey soil, the required area would be 50\% of the catchment area for a 5-year rainfall design storm.
Better Together: Classroom-Based Social Training Programme for Spatial Skills – A Pilot Study
Authors: Peleg Nina , McAuley Hannah , Pelter Charlotte , Aguilar Cecilia , Ossmy Ori
Published: October 2024

Research highlights the positive cascading effects of training spatial skills. This pre-registered pilot study tested the effectiveness of collaborative learning in training spatial skills compared to individual learning. Forty-five reception-year children were tested in a six-week training programme where they either completed a spatial task with others (‘social’ condition), completed the task themselves (‘individual’) or completed a non-spatial task (‘control’). Assessments in spatial and verbal skills showed significantly greater improvements in the social group compared to the others. Improvements were associated with engagement levels within the group. Findings demonstrate the added value of incorporating collaborative learning into spatial training and pave the way for future large-scale programmes to use the collaborative approach.
Enriching Well-Being: Exploring the complexities between enrichment interventions and the stress response of African green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus)
Authors: Roman Brittany , Hooper Sarah , Beierschmitt Amy , Gallagher Christa Ann
Published: October 2024

The care and well-being of nonhuman primates in biomedical science has benefited from species-specific enrichment research, however there is a need for more study, particularly for African green monkeys. African green monkeys’ welfare would be improved from more refinement as this species has proven to be particularly sensitive to stress and there has been a significant increase in their use and popularity in biomedical research. Additionally, the study of animal welfare is being challenged to look further than just using observational data to evaluate enrichment effectiveness and to incorporate physiological parameters. This study investigated the impact of extra enrichment interventions on 40 wild-caught male African green monkeys in quarantine. Focal behavioral observations were taken alongside classical, cortisol and leukocytes, and novel, β-endorphin and lysozyme, physiological parameters collected through saliva, blood, and feces, and hair. Focal behavioral observations were analyzed using both an activity budget and, highlighting significant differences between analysis methods. A principal component analysis found correlations between specific behaviors and significant variations in physiological parameters. While this study did not observe any differences from the enrichment intervention, other significant findings were found related to African green monkeys’ physiology and refinement. This study found associations between specific behaviors and biochemical parameters, evidence of calendar effects on biochemical parameters, and the potential of lysozyme to be used as a stress parameter. These findings expand our understanding on how wild-caught populations acclimate to captivity, provide species specific research for African green monkey enrichment needs, demonstrate how Bayesian statistical analysis can find associations between behaviors and biochemical values, and highlight future research opportunities for the novel stress parameters.
Assessment of ecosystem services of recreational and health-improving forests in Ivano-Frankivsk Region
Authors: Kyrylenko Yaroslav , Pelyukh Oksana , Parpan Taras , Gudyma Victoria , Holubchak Oleksii
Published: October 2024

Optimising the interaction between society and the environment is one of the fundamental directions of recreational forest management. To improve the efficiency of using ecosystem services of recreational and health-improving forests, there is a need to develop new approaches and tools for management decision-making, a key component of which is the assessment of these beneficial goods. The aim of the study is to analyse public opinion regarding the expressed and identified preferences for the characteristics of recreational forests and recreational facilities, as well as to assess the willingness to pay for preferred forest characteristics and the maintenance of recreational facilities in proper condition. The study was conducted from June to August 2022 using a direct and anonymous online survey. It was found that respondents are willing to pay an average of 1-100 UAH/year to create and maintain the preferred characteristics of the forest and 101-500 UAH/year to create and maintain recreational facilities. As for the respondents’ perception of forest characteristics that affect the choice of a place to relax, preference is given to mixed forests (74.8%), in which three tree species grow (57.9%), and forests up to 20 meters high (40.2%). On the other hand, only 15.9% of respondents preferred forests taller than 20 meters. The presence of deadwood in the forest is positively perceived by 51.4% of respondents, and 10.3% do not pay attention to the presence or absence of standing dead and drying up trees in the forest. The most important needs for which respondents visit recreational forests were walks, family recreation, and observing forest landscapes. The integration of the identified perceptions and preferences regarding recreational forests and objects into innovative decision-making in the field of forestry ensures a synergy of benefits, such as increasing the attractiveness of recreational forests and forest landscapes, increasing the resilience of forests to climate change, and meeting the local demand for wood biomass
Modern breeding methods in forestry aimed at preserving genetic diversity
Authors: Sultanbaeva Victoria , Konurbeva Makhabat , Osmonkanov Taalaibek , Eshimkulova Gulmira , Baidolotov Shahim
Published: October 2024

This research is devoted to analysing the impact of modern breeding measures in forestry on the level of genetic diversity of forest tree species. It has been found that the main source of improved seed material for the genetic restoration of forests is base forest seed orchards. Aspects of the influence of determining factors – background pollination and the number of clones – on the indicators of genetic variability of progeny have been analysed in detail. The potential of background pollination in forest seed orchards in the context of a significant decrease in the effectiveness of breeding measures and a parallel increase in the level of genetic variability of progeny has been studied. An analysis of data on the minimum number of clones in seed orchards has been carried out based on the practical experience of other developed countries. The dynamics of clone variability in terms of fertility have been investigated. The potential impact of clonal selection on the genetic diversity of tree species, particularly in reducing it, has been identified. It has been confirmed that integrating the concept of family forestry, which involves the use of vegetative propagation techniques, into the breeding strategy significantly increases the level of genetic variability in progeny. The study has demonstrated that the multiple-population breeding system provides the optimal preconditions for synergising the process of long-term intensive breeding and preserving the gene pool of tree species. It has been determined that there is no negative impact on genetic diversity from implementing a complex of optimally planned breeding programs. At the same time, the potential for intensifying the quality of gene pool conservation in the process of forest ecosystem restoration through the use of improved seed material and clones in artificial orchards has been established. Special attention is given to the maintenance of ex situ – valuable genetic material in forest seed production facilities, including forest seed orchards, trial cultures, and clone archives of plus trees. Research has shown that the implementation of modern innovative solutions and scientific recommendations can minimise the loss of genetic diversity in forest tree species. The results can be applied in contemporary forestry breeding programs
The essence and structure of future bachelors' readiness in vocational education of agricultural profile to use smart-complexes in professional activities
Authors: Taran M. , Butsyk I.
Published: October 2024

The article presents a generalized description of the results of the research defining the essence, content and structure of future bachelors' readiness in the speciality 015 "Vocational Education" (specialisation 015.37 "Agricultural Production, Processing of Agricultural Products and Food Technology") to use Smart-complexes in professional pedagogical activity. The analysis of research results on the problem of determining the content of personality readiness is presented. The main components of personality readiness for professional pedagogical activity are characterised. The article defines "readiness of future bachelors in vocational education of agricultural profile to use SMART-complexes in professional activity" as a formed mental, physical and emotional state of a teacher, which enable his/her effective educational work, based on the using of SMART-complexes during the organisation of the educational process in training of qualified workers for agricultural production and food technologies. The readiness of specialists is defined as a complex multi-level and multi-component mental and dynamic formation. The content and structure of the specialist's readiness as a kind of union of interdependent motivational, reflective, cognitive and activity components are characterised. The personality's abilities to organise the educational process and work in agricultural production and food technologies using SMART-complexes as components of the readiness of vocational education specialists for professional pedagogical activity are determined. A generalised scheme of the origin of the components of the results of training future bachelors in vocational education of agricultural profile to use SMART-complexes in professional activity is proposed.
Modern education system and intercultural communication
Authors: Matviienko S.
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of intercultural communication, which is understood as communication between people who are representatives of different cultures and speak different languages. Intercultural communication appears as a special process of communication, which has its own specific characteristics and manifestations. A thorough analysis of intercultural communication shows that there is a difference between intra-cultural and intercultural communication, which has its own peculiarity, specificity, structure, etc. It is argued that one of the goals of the modern education system is to form intercultural competencies in the first place. The need for such knowledge, skills and communication skills is determined by the practical needs of real life. The processes of democratization of social life, globalization, openness and accessibility of the latest achievements of world culture allow a large number of people to learn a lot about the lifestyles and behavior of other nations. The development of intercultural competencies is one of the main goals of modern education. It is the education system that should take on the responsibility to rid people of outdated ethnocentric views, replacing them with new ones that are more in line with the realities of the modern open world. This should also be the focus of the policy of the modern Ukrainian state, which seeks to take its place in the European Union.
Formation of an ecological worldview in the conditions of challenges and martial law and ecocide.
Authors: Rokhman B. , Savchuk O. , Sinitsina А. , Bilous S.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. In modern scientific discourse, there are two interconnected categories. Firstly, there is the ecologization of worldview, which involves focusing more attention on the current problems of human, societal, and environmental coexistence, while not necessarily creating a philosophically grounded model for resolving the ecological crisis and overcoming unequivocally negative phenomena such as ecocide. Secondly, there is the ecological worldview itself as the highest characteristic of personality, arising from its adaptation to the surrounding world and constituting a system of knowledge about the place of humans in relation to nature. The ecological worldview thus becomes the inner plan of action for humans, based on values, beliefs, convictions, ideas, judgments, and manifested in the active actions of the subject. The relevance of ecological issues is amplified by large-scale warfare, which not only brings a series of eco-catastrophes not only within the territory of Ukraine but also extends far beyond its borders. The article discusses the necessity of philosophical reflection on ways out of the contemporary ecological crisis through the inclusion of the ecological concept in a philosophically and anthropologically oriented paradigm driven by personalism. The goal of the research: formation of an ecological worldview in the conditions of challenges of martial law and ecocide. Methods. The methodology of the research: The methodological basis of the article includes behavioral, comparative, and systemic-structural methods of scientific knowledge. Scientific novelty: the elements of scientific novelty include, firstly, further deepened development of philosophical premises for the formation of an ecological worldview with signs of integrality; secondly, personally motivated search for a conscious path to overcome the contemporary ecological crisis; thirdly, phased formation of an ecological worldview of personality, which includes an increase in empathy towards the natural environment, understanding the possibilities of nature restoration due to a utilitarian approach to its resources. Conclusion, results: the formation of an ecological worldview directly depends on the development of both anthropocentric and ecocentric premises for the partnership between humans and nature, as well as their moral-ethical and axiological content. The differentiation of the concepts of "ecological worldview" and "ecologization of worldview" at the theoretical level contributes to the implementation of an effective model of cooperation between humanity and the environment in practice. The documentation of ecological crimes against nature in Ukraine resulting from the military invasion of the Russian Federation aims to draw the attention of the international community to these issues, as well as to develop effective mechanisms for mitigating the damage inflicted on nature and prevent the repetition of alarming scenarios of human-environment relations in the future.
Historical-genetic analysis of ideas forming national self-consciousness of students
Authors: Kostyniuk V.
Published: October 2024

The problem of finding one's own authenticity is relevant not only for Ukraine, but also for all nations and countries. Preservation of the integrity of the state and its strengthening, the development of civil relations, and the development of civil society belong to the fundamental interests of our state. That is why the question of the formation of the value sphere of the individual, his national and cultural identity, non-national self-determination is vitally important. The basis of national consciousness is national self-consciousness, i.e. self-evaluation by each member of society as a part of his people, his nation, his ethnicity. Its own state, its own nation, is created and nurtured by its people. That is why the primary task of the process of personality education is the formation of national self-awareness as the basis for the formation of state-building youth.The article examines the main stages and factors affecting the formation of national self-awareness among student youth. The theoretical foundations of national self-awareness, its essence and the main factors of its formation are highlighted. A historical analysis of the process of the development of national consciousness in different periods was carried out: the pre-industrial era, industrialization and modernization, modernity. A genetic analysis of national ideas was carried out with an emphasis on the contribution of famous Ukrainian scientists, such as Yaroslav Hrytsak, Myroslav Marynovych, Oleksandr Palii, Oleksandr Zaitsev, Natalia Yakovenko, and Volodymyr Kulyk. The role of educational institutions in the formation of the national consciousness of students is considered. The modern challenges of globalization and the prospects for the development of national self-awareness in the conditions of an open society are revealed and analyzed.
Requirements of the modern international labor market for specialists in electrical engineering specialties
Authors: Juntan Li , Demchenko I.
Published: October 2024

The article reveals the essence, leading functions and models of the modern international labor market, which in the context of its demand made it possible to reveal the special significance of professional training of highly qualified specialists for the electrical industry. According to the reasoned statement that electrical engineers work in an area of high responsibility, the author motivates the need for the polytechnic education system to shift the emphasis from obtaining the appropriate qualification to the formation of professionalism, as this is critical to ensuring the quality and reliability of labor tasks in the electrical field. Based on the occupational program of an electrical engineer as a comprehensive tool for a comprehensive description of the requirements for professional and personal qualities of a specialist, the nomenclature of his/her interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and abilities is determined, which is the basis for the successful performance of tasks within a specific functional labor complex with its managerial, organizational and technical components. With an emphasis on the broad semantics of the category "technician", the author emphasizes the special significance of the technical dexterity of a modern electrical engineer, which in the context of socio-technological development and digitalization acquires a transfer context. It has been proved that it is precisely because of this circumstance that the demand of the modern international labor market is mainly focused on the transferable skills of an electrical technician, that is, his ability to perform a wide range of specialized activities that go beyond basic professional functions. In view of this, the paradigm of continuing education of electrical engineering specialists must necessarily operate with the latest requirements for mastering the set of necessary and sufficient multidisciplinary knowledge, forming flexible thinking and the ability to successfully solve complex problems based on creativity and readiness to cooperate with other people and artificial intelligence systems.
Historical and genetic generalization of ideas of formation qualities of service leadership
Authors: Moroz О.
Published: October 2024

The article reveals the genesis of the ideas of the formation of service leadership at various stages of the development of human civilization and analyzes the most modern works devoted to the training of leaders, both Ukrainian and foreign authors. It is emphasized that with the emergence of the states of the Ancient East, ancient thinkers emphasized that a true leader knows truth and falsehood, teaches his subjects and leads them from benevolent motives. In the days of Antiquity, it was believed that there will always be intelligent and knowledgeable people on the rowing waves, and happiness can be achieved if kings and lords begin to philosophize nobly and persistently. It is argued that in the context of the Roman pedagogical tradition, an important component of the content of training leaders was the formation of oratorical skills. It is emphasized that during the Middle Ages, attention was paid to the formation of spiritual qualities, moral skills, the leader's faith in God and his observance of God's Commandments. At the same time, it is emphasized that during the Renaissance there was a turn to the principles and ideals of the ancient cultural heritage, and in the New Age and the Age of Enlightenment, feudal relations, the church and absolutism were condemned, and the ideas of education and philanthropism were promoted in the education of leaders. It is noted that in modern times, thinkers searched for new approaches, concepts for the formation of service leadership qualities in line with reformist pedagogy, the movement of a new school, which was created by the elite to train industry managers. At the same time, it is noted that in Independent Ukraine, significant attention was paid to the formation of leadership qualities in the fields of pedagogy, psychology, leadership, management, history, and social psychology.
Effect of reinforcement on the crack resistance of concrete slabs
Authors: Kutsenko Anastasiia , Kutsenko Oleksii
Published: October 2024

A preliminary analysis of the available publications devoted to the study of crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures showed the absence of established general patterns of influence of important geometric parameters inherent in reinforced concrete elements on the distribution of the characteristics of fracture mechanics along the crack front. Based on the analysis, the purpose of the study was formulated: to establish these regularities for a concrete slab reinforced with a system of longitudinal steel rods. When conducting the research, a linear and elastic model of concrete was used, and the stress intensity factor was considered as a characteristic of the fracture mechanics. A surface crack of constant depth located in the cross-section of the slab was postulated. It was assumed that its faces completely cover the cross-section of reinforcing rods. The crack depth, the depth of reinforcing rods, their diameter, and the distance between adjacent rods were chosen as dimensionless geometric parameters relative to the thickness of the slab. The slab was loaded with two types of loads applied to its ends: constant tensile stresses (pure tension) and linearly variable axial stresses (pure bending). The problem of determining the stress intensity coefficient depending on geometric parameters was reduced to the boundary problem of elasticity theory. The CalculiX finite element analysis package was used to solve it and obtain the stress-strain state of the slab. More than four hundred finite element models were constructed for various combinations of parameters. Based on the known displacements of the crack face points, the values of the stress intensity factor along the crack front were calculated using the relation obtained in the study. It is established that its values significantly depend on the diameter of the reinforcement, and therefore, when conducting practical calculations, it is not recommended to replace the action of reinforcement on concrete with concentrated force. Polynomial approximations with a relative error of 10% are obtained for extreme values of the stress intensity factor. The materials of the study can be useful in the design of reinforced concrete structures, and when studying or teaching a course in fracture mechanics
Exploring the Persistent Challenges of Reproductive Health Management: Analyzing Use of Contraception Among Wives Across Four Provinces in Pakistan Utilizing MICS Data
Authors: Ali Muhammad Vaqas , Athar Shamaila , Rasheed Shahid
Published: October 2024

This study examines factors influencing contraceptive use among married women aged 15-49 in Pakistan using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). This research aims to identify the demographic, economic, and sociocultural factors contributing to this disparity, focusing on the four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan). The study employs secondary analysis of data from over 103,000 women, exploring the association of CPR with variables such as age, education, economic status, fertility preference, and internalized patriarchy. Geographically, 40.9% of the sample was from Punjab, 23% from KPK, 18.8% from Balochistan, and 17.3% from Sindh, with 72.3% residing in rural areas and 27.3% in urban areas. Findings contribute to understanding provincial disparities and highlight the need for localized, culturally sensitive family planning strategies in Pakistan. The study calls for targeted interventions to improve birth control use among rural, less-educated, and poorer women, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.
Morphological analysis of the trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia using the nerve’s centerline and multiple cross-sections of a 3D model
Authors: Ishiwada Tadahiro , Tanaka Yoji , Onogi Shinya , Nakajima Yoshikazu , Sato Akihito , Arai Yukika , Takei Takamaro , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

Morphological changes such as angulation and torsion of the trigeminal nerve have been reported to cause trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The authors sought to quantify and objectively evaluate the morphological changes of the trigeminal nerve and to elucidate the cause of TN.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed the cases of patients with primary TN who had undergone microvascular decompression at a single facility between January 2016 and December 2022 and had both single-artery compression and a good postoperative outcome. The authors performed segmentation of the trigeminal nerve by using the patients’ pre- and postoperative high-resolution MR images, and they then created a 3D model. The centerline of the trigeminal nerve was obtained using volume skeletonization, and the authors created multiple cross-sectional images by reslicing the 3D model perpendicular to the centerline. The parameters analyzed were as follows: the 1) centerline length; 2) centerline curvature; 3) centerline torsion; 4) cross-sectional area; 5) cross-sectional flattening ratio; and 6) cross-sectional long-axis angle. Comparisons were made for each parameter between the affected and unaffected side and between preoperative and postoperative trigeminal nerve findings.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 70 of the 127 patients who underwent microvascular decompression during the study period were included in the analysis. In the preoperative images, the trigeminal nerve on the affected side had a significantly longer centerline length (p = 0.0003), greater curvature (p = 0.0012), smaller cross-sectional area (p < 0.0001), and greater flattening ratio (p = 0.0059) than the unaffected side. On the affected side, the preoperative trigeminal nerve had a significantly longer centerline length (p < 0.0001), greater curvature (p = 0.0028), and smaller cross-sectional area (p < 0.0001) compared to the postoperative trigeminal nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to analyze the morphological changes of the trigeminal nerve by using this method. In the preoperative trigeminal nerve on the affected side, the centerline is long and curved, and the cross-sectional area is small and flat. Further analyses may help clarify the pathophysiology, aid in diagnoses, and predict the efficacy of treatment.
Ensuring the thermal regime of spacecraft structures
Authors: Shatrov Alexander K. , Rabetskaya Olga I. , Fisenko Elena N.
Published: October 2024

The main requirement for the smooth operation of the spacecraft is its stable thermal regime. A particularly difficult task is to ensure a stable temperature control system of the device, taking into account strict restrictions on energy and mass costs for temperature control devices. These tasks need to be solved at every stage of the creation of satellites. At each stage, thermal calculations are carried out with the choice of optimal thermophysical parameters. This amount of work is about a tenth of all work with the satellite. The need for theoretical and experimental refinement of calculation methods is an urgent task that will significantly reduce the material and time costs of designing, testing and fine-tuning the device. Therefore, the calculation and analysis of the thermal regimes of spacecraft is an important stage in the design of satellites. Ground thermal vacuum tests are very costly, both in time and financially. The essence of the concept is to conduct only stationary thermal modes under conditions of maximum and minimum thermal loads on the satellite as a whole and its individual external elements, followed by ensuring convergence of test results with calculated results. And the confirmation of intermediate requirements to ensure the specified thermal conditions is carried out by calculation.
The article considers the tasks of ensuring the thermal regime of spacecraft structures. Classification of devices used to ensure the thermal regime. Ground-based testing of the thermal regime of communication satellites during thermal vacuum tests. Ensuring the thermal regime of the communication spacecraft during ground-based electrical tests. Thermal regime of spacecraft structures during transportation from the manufacturer to the technical position.
Features of processes of high-speed milling with a complex profile tool in the processing of aluminum alloys and composite materials
Authors: Vakulin Maxim S. , Gordeev Yuri I. , Jasinski Vitaly B. , Binchurov Aleksandr S. , Timoshev Pavel V.
Published: October 2024

Complex computational and experimental studies substantiate rational modes of milling of complex contour equiaxed surfaces with high accuracy of shape, dimensions and roughness parameters. Bars made of nanostructured carbide composite (produced by extrusion of WC-Co-Al2O3 bimodal powder mixtures) with increased strength, crack resistance and heat resistance were used as a workpiece material for the manufacture of new original tool designs. The combination of these properties is a necessary prerequisite for the effective operation of the developed designs of multi-blade cutters at high cutting speeds and under conditions of variable cyclic loads. A more complex kinematics of the joint rotational movement of the tool during milling dictates the need for new approaches when assigning rational cutting modes. To obtain reliable calculation formulas, numerical experiments were previously carried out, including simulation of the processing process using the VisualStudio integrated development environment, which supports WindowsForms technology. The ability to display graphical 3D objects was implemented using an additional software product in the form of the Open CASCADE geometric core. Numerical experiments using MathCAD software products and based on the analytical provisions proposed in the work made it possible to evaluate the influence of cutting conditions, geometric parameters of the cutting part of the tool (profile and number of teeth), kinematics of relative movement in the “tool – part” system on the shape of surfaces and contour parameters (roughness obtained during milling. A technique, algorithm and program for the automated calculation of cutting conditions has been developed, which has been verified during full-scale experiments and the manufacture of complex profile parts from aluminum alloys for drives of aerospace products (in the form of a RC profile and parts of a pinion transmission of guidance mechanisms). At the same time, on the basis of a 3D model of products, control programs for CNC machines were created using MasterCAM. The practical significance and technical and economic efficiency of the proposed design and technological solutions is to increase productivity and reduce the complexity of processing (in comparison with the basic options) through the use of new multi-edge carbide tools for high-speed milling (including when processing composite materials).
Tool material selection methodology for aircraft elements design
Authors: Faizullin Konstantin V. , Danilaev Maksim P. , Polyaev Arseniy V. , Semin Nikita A. , Rakipov Timur I.
Published: October 2024

The technology and technological equipment selection have to be substantiating for the modern materials for product the aircraft construction elements from polymer composition. The physical and technical characteristics of the material, ensuring the required accuracy of manufacturing equipment, as well as economic feasibility are the main criteria for choosing the material of technological equipment. The material equipment choosing is depends on the polymer composite construction technology manufacturing. The methodic of rigging materials selection for aircraft constriction elements production from polymer composition by vacuum infusion is considered in that paper. The results of a comparative analysis of typical materials equipment used in production are presented are considered in that paper. It is shown that the main criteria for a comparative analysis are: temperature, resistance to solvents, resistance to mechanical stress; maintainability; the value of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion; the stability of the geometry of the equipment and its tightness. It was showing that the metals and carbon fiber composite are the most appropriate for equipment manufacture that used in high temperature processes manufacturing composite components. The materials equipment algorithm choosing for polymer composite components manufacturing is considered in that paper. It is noted that the same material have to be choosing for equipment manufacturing as the carbon fiber or fiberglass polymer composite component. This allows to ensure the same CLTE, which is important in hot forming of the composite component, and to eliminate warping of the composite component during its cooling on the equipment. However, the equipment gelcoat processing has to be taking into account for specified accuracy achievement. The quantitative assessment of the economic feasibility of material equipment choosing is considered in that paper. It is shown that only a combination of technical, technological and economic factors makes it possible to substantiate the expediency of the rigging material used for the specific production of aircraft construction elements.
Interpreting and processing side-scan sonar data with the objective of further automation
Authors: Goncharov Alexander E. , Goncharova Ekaterina A.
Published: October 2024

One of the most effective tools of remote sensing and visualization of underwater surfaces and objects are acoustic devices, in particular side-scan sonars (SSS). Recently, largely due to the emergence of affordable devices, the geography and scope of application of this device has been significantly expanded. Meanwhile, despite certain progress achieved in terms of improving and minimizing the SSS hardware, the software used remains, in general, at a basic level, providing the operator mainly with a simple tool for visualizing benthic environments and data recording for further post-processing. Existing experience in SSS exploitation reveals that the key issue of interpreting acoustic images lies in the physical essence of their acquisition. Arguably, attempts to implement methods of automated interpretation of optical images have no perspective. Hence, the objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical and practical background of SSS data interpretation and processing. A layout for the potential automation of this process is provided with the objective of eliminating human operation in the process of conducting survey and search operations. The authors consider the conditions of SSS exploitation including special attention to such issues as the vastness of search areas, which, as argued is the key problem of data and data pattern recognition. SSS image recognition is an issue relevant for a wide range of academic topics such as geometric distortion, image recognition, and navigation satellite system target localization.
An algorithm for fast multiplication of elements in 2-groups based on the Zhegalkin polynomials
Authors: Kuznetsov Alexander A. , Kuznetsova Alexandra S. , Kishkan Vladimir V.
Published: October 2024

Network design for a multiprocessor computing system or data center is an important problem where the search for graph models that have attractive topological properties and allow the use of efficient routing algorithms is carried out. Cayley graphs have the indicated properties, in particular such as high symmetry, hierarchical structure, recursive design, high connectivity and fault tolerance.
The definition of the Cayley graph implies that the vertices of the graph are elements of some algebraic group. Selecting a group and its generating elements allows us to obtain a graph that meets the necessary requirements for diameter, degree of vertices, number of nodes, etc. A large number of scientific articles and monographs are devoted to solving this problem.
The goal of this work is to create an algorithm for fast multiplication of elements in finite 2-groups whose exponent is 2n.
The first section of the article provides a theoretical justification for the algorithm for fast multiplication in finite 2-groups. It is shown that elements of these groups can be represented in the form of bit strings, and their multiplication is carried out based on the Zhegalkin polynomials.
The second section presents the pseudocode of the algorithm on the basis of which the Zhegalkin polynomials are calculated.
The third section demonstrates an example of obtaining the Zhegalkin polynomials for a two-generated group of exponent 4.
In conclusion, the prospects for using the algorithm on the real hardware are discussed.
Concentration of carbon dioxide in products of combustion of GTE NK-16ST and NK-16-18ST
Authors: Baklanov Andrey V.
Published: October 2024

This paper considers the design of two combustion chambers of a gas turbine engine running on natural gas. One combustion chamber has 32 burners, and the other has 136 nozzles located in two rows in the flame tube head.
A major contributor to global warming is considered to be the significant emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, including those emitted by gas turbine engines and power plants. The reduction of carbon dioxide levels by developing a set of structural measures in the combustion chamber is one of the urgent tasks of engine construction which requires a solution in order to meet modern environmental requirements for gas turbine engines serving as blower drives for gas compressor units. The presented research is dedicated to the analysis of influence of changes in combustion chamber design on reduction of СО2 level in exhaust gases of gas turbine engine NK-16ST. Two modifications of the combustion chamber are considered. The first one was a serial combustion chamber with diffusion combustion, the second one was a modernized combustion chamber with a modified front device. Each of the chambers considered was tested as part of the engine. During the study, combustion products were sampled directly in the exhaust shaft and their concentrations, including the CO2 content, were determined. As a result of this work, it was confirmed that there is a possibility to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the engine combustion products up to 20 % without affecting the engine parameters. This reduction in carbon dioxide content was made possible by reducing the completeness of fuel combustion in the combustion chamber. The obtained data on changes in CO2 concentration can be useful in selecting the most suitable mode of engine operation, and the presented approaches to combustion processes organization can be used by developers in designing combustion chambers of natural gas-fired gas turbine engines.