bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of Rice Doubled Haploids Resistant to Prolonged Flooding Using Anther Culture
Authors: Kostylev Pavel , Kalinina Nataliya , Vozhzhova Nataliya , Golubova Valentina , Chertkova Natalya
Published: October 2023

Flood resistance in rice is very important in weed control, as weeds cannot overcome deep water. At present, there are no released varieties in Russia that would meet these requirements. The creation of such varieties will reduce production costs and pesticide load on the ecosystem. The object of the study was second-generation rice hybrids obtained by crossing the best varieties for economically valuable traits with samples carrying genes for resistance to prolonged flooding with water. To create double rice haploids resistant to prolonged flooding, the anther culture method was used, followed by molecular genetic evaluation of dihaploids for the presence of genes for resistance to prolonged flooding. An estimate of the growth energy under deep flooding was carried out according to our own method. As a result of the cultivation of anthers, 130 androgenic regenerated plants were obtained in 14 hybrid combinations. In terms of responsiveness to neoplasms, 60% of the panicles showed a positive result, while the rest 40% did not demonstrate callus formation. In total, 30 green regenerative lines were obtained from four rice hybrids, differing in visual morphological assessment. Large genotypic differences between the samples were revealed. These lines carry long-term flood resistance genes and can be used in rice breeding programs using dihaploids. As a result of the assessment of the growth energy in a number of obtained samples, the potential for rapid elongation of the first leaves, overcoming a large layer of water and accumulation of vegetative mass, was revealed.
Sustainable Pest Management Using Novel Nanoemulsions of Honeysuckle and Patchouli Essential Oils against the West Nile Virus Vector, Culex pipiens, under Laboratory and Field Conditions
Authors: Hikal Wafaa M. , Baz Mohamed M. , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Bahattab Omar , Baeshen Rowida S. , Selim Abdelfattah M. , Alhwity Latifah , Bousbih Rabaa , Alshourbaji Maha Suleiman , Ahl Hussein A. H. Said-Al
Published: October 2023

Essential oils are natural plant products that are very interesting, as they are important sources of biologically active compounds. They comprise eco-friendly alternatives to mosquito vector management, particularly essential oil nanoemulsion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 16 selected essential oils (1500 ppm) in controlling mosquitoes by investigating their larvicidal effects against the larvae and adults of the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae); the best oils were turned into nanoemulsions and evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The results show that honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oils were more effective in killing larvae than the other oils (100% mortality) at 24 h post-treatment. The nanoemulsions of honeysuckle (LC50 = 88.30 ppm) and patchouli (LC50 = 93.05 ppm) showed significantly higher larvicidal activity compared with bulk honeysuckle (LC50 = 247.72 ppm) and patchouli (LC50 = 276.29 ppm) oils. L. caprifolium and P. cablin (100% mortality), followed by Narcissus tazetta (97.78%), Rosmarinus officinalis (95.56%), and Lavandula angustifolia (95.55%), were highly effective oils in killing female mosquitoes, and their relative efficacy at LT50 was 5.5, 5.3, 5.8, 4.1, and 3.2 times greater, respectively, than Aloe vera. The results of the field study show that the honeysuckle and patchouli oils and their nanoemulsions reduced densities to 89.4, 86.5, 98.6, and 97.0% at 24 h post-treatment, respectively, with persistence for eight days post-treatment in pools. Nano-honeysuckle (100% mortality) was more effective than honeysuckle oils (98.0%). Our results show that honeysuckle and patchouli oils exhibited promising larvicidal and adulticidal activity of C. pipiens.
Different Physiological Responses to Continuous Drought between Seedlings and Younger Individuals of Haloxylon ammodendron
Authors: Chen Lidan , Li Minqing , Li Congjuan , Zheng Weihua , Liu Ran
Published: October 2023

Drought is an important environmental factor that influences physiological processes in plants; however, few studies have examined the physiological mechanisms underlying plants’ responses to continuous drought. In this study, the seedlings and younger individuals of Haloxylon ammodendron were experimentally planted in the southern part of the Gurbantunggut Desert. We measured their photosynthetic traits, functional traits and non-structural carbohydrate contents (NSCs) in order to assess the effects of continuous drought (at 15-day and 30-day drought points) on the plants’ physiological responses. The results showed that at the 15-day (15 d) drought point, the leaf light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (An) values of both the seedlings and the younger individuals were decreased (by −68.9% and −45.2%, respectively). The intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) of the seedlings was significantly lower than that of the control group (−52.2%), but there was no diffenrence of iWUE observed in younger individuals. At the 30-day (30 d) drought point, a decrease in the An (−129.8%) of the seedlings was induced via biochemical inhibition, with a lower potential maximum photochemical rate (Fv/Fm, 0.42) compared with the control group, while a decrease in the An (−52.3%) of the younger individuals was induced due to lower stomatal conductance (gs, −50.5%). Our results indicated that prolonged drought induced a greater risk of seedling mortality as the relatively limited ability of stomatal regulation may increase the possibility of massive embolism, resulting in hydraulic failure.
Integrated Action of Rhizobacteria with Aloe vera and Moringa Leaf Extracts Improves Defense Mechanisms in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Cultivated in Saline Soil
Authors: Bahgat Abdel-Raouf , Dahab Abeer A. , Elhakem Abeer , Gururani Mayank Anand , El-Serafy Rasha S.
Published: October 2023

Osmotic stress is a serious physiological disorder that affects water movement within the cell membranes. Osmotic stress adversely affects agricultural production and sustainability and is largely caused by soil salinity and water stress. An integrated nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) soil amendment and an exogenous foliar application of Aloe vera leaf extract (ALE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) were evaluated on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress in salt-affected soil. The osmotic stress markedly decreased above- and below-ground development of the roselle plant, but integrated NFB soil amendment with ALE or MLE foliar application significantly alleviated its negative impacts. Broadly, an improvement was observed in chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and protein levels following NFB and extracts foliar application, as well as a significant enhancement in antioxidant production (total phenols, ascorbic acid, and FRAP), which decreased peroxide production and increased stress tolerance in plants. Under osmotic stress, the roselle calyx revealed the highest anthocyanin levels, which declined following NFB soil amendment and foliar extract application. Additionally, an enhancement in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents and the K/Na ratio, along with a depression in sodium (Na) content, was noticed. The integrated application of Azospirillum lipoferum × ALE exhibited the best results in terms of enhancing above- and below-ground growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress of the roselle plants cultivated in the salt-affected soil.
Experimental Investigation of the Peel Strength of Artificial Leather and Polypropylene Specimens
Authors: Kim Deokrae , Kim Youngshin , Jeon Euysik
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the surface properties and adhesive strength of polypropylene (PP) in order to enhance the bond between PP injection-molded specimens and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) synthetic artificial leather. Plasma, primer, and flame treatments were applied to the surface of each specimen prepared using the two types of injection molds. The surface morphology, surface roughness, and contact angle were analyzed, and peel-strength analyses and a morphological inspections of the peeled specimens were performed. The peeling strength of the PP injection molding was measured, followed by a morphological examination of the peeled specimens. The plasma and flame treatments improved the peel strength, and the plasma and flame treatments changed the rough exterior to a hydrophilic surface, improving the peel strength. In addition, the primer treatment exhibited a lower peel strength than did the other treatments. This confirmed the low adhesion of the primer to the hydrophobic PP surface. The outcomes of this study can be employed across a multitude of industries that require improved adhesion for PP injection molded products.
Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) with Phenolic Acids for Active Food Packaging
Authors: Moll Eva , Chiralt Amparo
Published: October 2023

PHBV films incorporating 3, 6 and 9% ferulic acid (FA) or p-coumaric acid (PCA) were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding. The films’ microstructures and thermal behaviours were analysed as well as their mechanical, optical and barrier properties. The overall and specific migration of the materials in different food simulants was also characterised. FA was homogeneously mixed with the polymer, whereas PCA was mainly dispersed as fine particles in the PHBV matrices due to its higher melting point. These structural features promoted differences in the physical properties of the films depending on the compound concentration. As the concentration of both compounds rose, the barrier capacity of the films to oxygen, and to a lesser extent water vapour, was enhanced. While FA promoted the extensibility of the films, 9% PCA enhanced their brittleness. Both compounds affected the crystallisation pattern of the polymer, promoting smaller crystalline formations and a slight decrease in crystallinity. Although the overall migration of every film formulation was lower than the overall migration limit (OML), the release of active compounds was dependent on the food simulant; almost total release was noted in ethanol containing simulants but was more limited in aqueous systems. Therefore, these films could be used as food contact materials, contributing to extending the food’s shelf life.
Phytochemicals from Piper betle (L.) as Putative Modulators of a Novel Network-Derived Drug Target for Coronary Artery Disease: An In Silico Study
Authors: Sudhan  , Janakiraman  , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Wani Abubakar , Ahmed Shiek S. S. J.
Published: October 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite effective anti-CAD drugs, the rising mortality suggests that more pharmacological targets need to be discovered to improve treatment effectiveness. This study explores and evaluates traditional medicinal plant (Piper betle (L.)) compounds against a new target identified through protein network analysis. Our network analysis suggests that the GRB2 protein could be a potential target that links most of the pathological pathway-related proteins in CAD. As a result, we evaluated potential compounds from Piper betle (L.) through ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profiling, docking, and molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation against the GRB2. The ADMET screening detected 49 druggable phytochemicals in Piper betle (L.). Further, screening through molecular docking showed that piperbetol has a higher predicted affinity towards the dimeric form of GRB2 (−8.10 kcal/mol) than other analyzed phytochemicals. Additionally, MD simulation demonstrated that piperbetol formed a stable complex with GRB2 during the simulation. In conclusion, piperbetol from Piper betle showed favorable binding with the identified CAD target. Further investigations are needed for pharmaceutical translation.
A View from 14th Century Toledo: Rabbi Asher, a German Émigré, Transforms the Legal Culture in Castile
Authors: Galinsky Judah D.
Published: October 2023

In this study, I explore the way in which a German émigré rose to the status of a cultural hero in Castile, Spain, and how his work of law became one of the three “pillars” of Jewish law. A survey of the Jewish legal landscape in medieval Spain during the fourteenth century reveals a shift in the status of one of the centers of Talmudic and legal (halakha) studies there as compared with the previous century. The fortune of the center in Toledo changed dramatically, and this change is traceable to the impact of one German émigré, Rabbi Asher ben Jehiel. Many scholars have examined Asher’s life and work. However, none have seriously analyzed the change he brought to the legal culture in Castile or examined the mechanism of how this occurred. This study describes Asher’s impact and attempts to expose the processes that brought about this transformation.
A Multi-Task Consistency Enhancement Network for Semantic Change Detection in HR Remote Sensing Images and Application of Non-Agriculturalization
Authors: Lin Haihan , Wang Xiaoqin , Li Mengmeng , Huang Dehua , Wu Ruijiao
Published: October 2023

It is challenging to investigate semantic change detection (SCD) in bi-temporal high-resolution (HR) remote sensing images. For the non-changing surfaces in the same location of bi-temporal images, existing SCD methods often obtain the results with frequent errors or incomplete change detection due to insufficient performance on overcoming the phenomenon of intraclass differences. To address the above-mentioned issues, we propose a novel multi-task consistency enhancement network (MCENet) for SCD. Specifically, a multi-task learning-based network is constructed by combining CNN and Transformer as the backbone. Moreover, a multi-task consistency enhancement module (MCEM) is introduced, and cross-task mapping connections are selected as auxiliary designs in the network to enhance the learning of semantic consistency in non-changing regions and the integrity of change features. Furthermore, we establish a novel joint loss function to alleviate the negative effect of class imbalances in quantity during network training optimization. We performed experiments on publicly available SCD datasets, including the SECOND and HRSCD datasets. MCENet achieved promising results, with a 22.06% Sek and a 37.41% Score on the SECOND dataset and a 14.87% Sek and a 30.61% Score on the HRSCD dataset. Moreover, we evaluated the applicability of MCENet on the NAFZ dataset that was employed for cropland change detection and non-agricultural identification, with a 21.67% Sek and a 37.28% Score. The relevant comparative and ablation experiments suggested that MCENet possesses superior performance and effectiveness in network design.
HOLOTWIN: A Modular and Interoperable Approach to Holographic Telepresence System Development
Authors: Bozhilov Ivaylo , Petkova Radostina , Tonchev Krasimir , Manolova Agata , Poulkov Vladimir
Published: October 2023

In the field of holographic-type communication (HTC), this paper presents a comprehensive exploration of existing technologies and proposes a novel, modular architecture for holographic telepresence systems (HTPSs). We substantiate our architectural framework through a practical implementation, demonstrating its modularity, interoperability, and versatility. Quantitative and qualitative assessments reveal both the promise and areas for improvement within our platform. Our findings reinforce the premise that the key to unlocking HTC’s future lies in modularity and interoperability, serving as critical pillars for efficient standardization and the development of minimal viable products.
An Edge Transfer Learning Approach for Calibrating Soil Electrical Conductivity Sensors
Authors: Lin Yun-Wei , Lin Yi-Bing , Chang Ted C.-Y. , Lu Bo-Xun
Published: October 2023

Smart agriculture utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable low-cost electrical conductivity (EC) sensors to support farming intelligence. Due to aging and changes in weather and soil conditions, EC sensors are prone to long-term drift over years of operation. Therefore, regular recalibration is necessary to ensure data accuracy. In most existing solutions, an EC sensor is calibrated by using the standard sensor to build the calibration table. This paper proposes SensorTalk3, an ensemble approach of machine learning models including XGBOOST and Random Forest, which can be executed at an edge device (e.g., Raspberry Pi) without GPU acceleration. Our study indicates that the soil information (both temperature and moisture sensor data) plays an important role in SensorTalk3, which significantly outperforms the existing calibration approaches. The MAPE of SensorTalk3 can be as low as 1.738%, compared to the 7.792% error of the original sensor. Our study indicates that when the errors of uncalibrated moisture and temperature sensors are not larger than 8.3%, SensorTalk3 can accurately calibrate EC. SensorTalk3 can perform model training during data collection at the edge node. When all training data are collected, AI training is also finished at the edge node. Such an AI training approach has not been found in existing edge AI approaches. We also proposed the dual-sensor detection solution to determine when to conduct recalibration. The overhead of this solution is less than twice the optimal detection scenario (which cannot be achieved practically). If the two non-standard sensors are homogeneous and stable, then the optimal detection scenario can be approached. Conventional methods require training calibration AI models in the cloud. However, SensorTalk3 introduces a significant advancement by enabling on-site transfer learning in the edge node. Given the abundance of farming sensors deployed in the fields, performing local transfer learning using low-cost edge nodes proves to be a more cost-effective solution for farmers.
Emotions of Candidates on Twitter in the 2023 Seville City Council Election: A Second-Order Campaign?
Authors: García-García David , Trujillo José Manuel
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses the messages that candidates emitted on the social network Twitter (now called “X”) during the campaign for the 2023 municipal elections in the city of Seville and the emotions they used. This type of electoral process has usually been deemed as second-order elections within multilevel governance political systems, implying that the national arena may affect local dynamics to some degree. Thus, the main research objective is to determine the extent to which elements of nationalisation were used in candidates’ rhetoric, along with the emotional components associated with each political formation during a local campaign somewhat relevant on the state level. A total of 960 tweets were retrieved through R Statistics and the Application Programming Interface of the social network itself. They were then analysed drawing upon the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count programme. The results show that certain elements of nationalisation were indeed used by candidates, in addition to emotional-level differences present in their messages. This accentuates the evident need for further research on municipal elections and campaigns, as well as on their potential distinctive features regarding political jurisdiction.
Asymptotic Relative Efficiency of Parametric and Nonparametric Survival Estimators
Authors: Nemes Szilárd
Published: October 2023

The dominance of non- and semi-parametric methods in survival analysis is not without criticism. Several studies have highlighted the decrease in efficiency compared to parametric methods. We revisit the problem of Asymptotic Relative Efficiency (ARE) of the Kaplan–Meier survival estimator compared to parametric survival estimators. We begin by generalizing Miller’s approach and presenting a formula that enables the estimation (numerical or exact) of ARE for various survival distributions and types of censoring. We examine the effect of follow-up time and censoring on ARE. The article concludes with a discussion about the reasons behind the lower and time-dependent ARE of the Kaplan–Meier survival estimator.
Fly Ash Substitution in Lightweight Concrete for Rigid Pavement Construction on Low-Bearing-Capacity Soil
Authors: Suryani Fitrika Mita , Rizal Samsul , Abdullah Abdullah , Isya M.
Published: October 2023

Peatlands are more likely to be affected by intense precipitation and soil erosion, thus requiring modifications for stabilized soil and subgrade protection. This experimental study aimed to find a suitable pavement type using fly ash, an unutilized byproduct from coal burning processes, for peatland areas with a low bearing capacity. We designed lightweight concrete specimens using 15% fly ash substitution to be incorporated into rigid pavement construction. The concrete quality was assessed through compressive and flexural strength tests performed at the ages of 7, 14, and 28 days in order to shorten the project durations and prevent further traffic delay. The obtained results suggested that the substitution of fly ash in 15% of the lightweight concrete mixture can be taken into account to achieve a mixture of a lightweight concrete that meets the general specification criteria for cement-treated subbases (CTSBs). Furthermore, the utilization of fly ash as a new material is considered substantial in managing existing waste-related environmental problems, as well as soil stabilization and subgrade protection problems for low-bearing-capacity soil areas.
Investigating the Impact of Polymer and Portland Cement on the Crack Resistance of Half-Warm Bituminous Emulsion Mixtures
Authors: Al-Kafaji Muna , Al-Busaltan Shakir , Kadhim Mustafa Amoori , Dulaimi Anmar , Saghafi Behrooz , Al Hawesah Hayder
Published: October 2023

Cold mix asphalt (CMA) is emerging as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA). It offers advantages such as lower costs, reduced energy demands, decreased environmental impacts, and improved safety aspects. Among the various types of CMA, the cold bitumen emulsion mixture (CBEM) stands out. The CBEM involves diluting bitumen through emulsification, resulting in lower bitumen viscosity. However, this process has certain drawbacks, including extended setting (curing) times, lower early strength, increased porosity, and susceptibility to moisture. This study focuses on enhancing CBEM properties through the utilization of low-energy heat techniques, such as microwave technology, and the incorporation of a polymeric additive, specifically acrylic. These innovations led to the development of a novel paving technology known as a half-warm bitumen emulsion mixture (HWBEM). The research was conducted in two phases. First, the study assessed the impact of low-energy heating on the CBEM. Subsequently, it explored the combined effects of low-energy heating and the addition of an acrylic polymer. CBEM samples containing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as an active filler were utilized in the sample manufacturing process. The effectiveness of these techniques in enhancing crack resistance was evaluated by analysing the results of the indirect tensile strength test. Notably, CBEM samples containing an amount of 2.5% of acrylic polymer and OPC exhibited the highest resistance to cracking. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in their volumetric and mechanical properties, comparable to those of HMA.
Local Public Administration in the Process of Implementing Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel , Carvalho Luísa Cagica
Published: October 2023

The concept of social responsibility and the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) share principles that focus on ensuring more empathetic, resilient, and just societies in which people can interrelate respectfully. The current tendency is to create innovative sustainable development strategies, focusing on local initiatives and demonstrating the role of local and regional governments as key change agents. This study focused on SD at the local public administration (LPA) level with the objective of determining how SDGs are implemented by LPAs, including examining administrative actors’ roles as coordinators of public goods and initiatives focused on convincing all stakeholders to participate actively in cocreating solutions to social, economic, and environmental problems. The relevant literature’s most prominent research topics and their evolution were explored using bibliometric techniques (i.e., evaluation, relational analysis, and the visualization of bibliometric elements using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.18)). The results suggest that the process of implementing SDGs presents LPAs with a set of challenges, concerns, and restrictions. The UN’s 2030 Agenda provides guidelines for how to meet its goals and targets, which helps LPAs set priorities and standards for development initiatives, but implementing them successfully is neither a quick nor an automatically successful process.
Treatment of Direct Red 28 Dye through Phoenix dactylifera L. Fruit Seed Biochar: Equilibrium, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Phytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Kapoor Riti Thapar , Rafatullah Mohd , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Alam Mahboob
Published: October 2023

Wastewater discharge into aquatic systems has become a severe threat to the ecosystem. Herein, Direct Red 28 (DR28) dye removal from an aqueous solution was executed with the application of date fruit seed biochar (DFSB). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized for the identification of functional groups and characteristics of the DFSB surface. A series of batch investigations were conducted to analyze pH, contact duration, biochar amount, dye concentration, temperature, and agitation speed on DR28 dye elimination from an aqueous medium by DFSB. The highest dye elimination, 97%, was recorded at a pH of 3 by DFSB at 250 mg/L DR28 dye concentration. The equilibrium data indicated the best fit with the Langmuir isotherm with R2 = 0.99, showing 5.83 mg/g monolayer DR28 uptake potential. The best correlation coefficient of the sorption procedure was observed with a pseudo-second-order kinetic study. Investigations on thermodynamic variables disclosed favorable, impetuous exothermic processes. The sorption process was spontaneous as well as exothermic, which was reflected by analyses of thermodynamic parameters. DFSB showed a 33% DR28 dye adsorption ability for up to five successive cycles. DFSB-treated DR28 dye solution increased seedling growth and biochemical components of pigeon pea. The results of the present investigation revealed the significant capacity of DFSB for DR28 dye elimination. Date fruit seed biochar can be applied as an environmentally benign, sustainable adsorbent for DR28 dye removal from industrial effluent, as it is available at zero cost and converts wastewater into reusable biomaterial. Thus, the application of DFSB can assist in wastewater treatment, carbon sequestration, and waste management for a sustainable future.
Going Green: Evidence from Product-Level Exports and Firms’ Environmental Performance in China
Authors: He Ling-Yun , Cai Kai-Lin
Published: October 2023

The environmental impact of exporting is a topic of significant concern to both scholars and policymakers. Analyzing how exporting influences firms’ environmental performance concerning the product level is vital for better understanding its implications. Drawing on the data obtained from Chinese industrial firms, this study employs the PSM-DID (Propensity Score Matching-Difference in differences) model to establish a causal relationship between exporting intermediate goods or final goods and firms’ emissions. The findings indicate that, on the one hand, exporting intermediate goods leads to a rise in firms’ production scale and total factor productivity, ultimately significantly increasing total pollution emissions and reducing pollution emission intensity. On the other hand, exporting final goods decreases total pollution emissions and emission intensity through the technical effect. In general, this study provides important micro-level evidence of how exports affect pollution emissions at the product level in China. This evidence is valuable for policymakers in shaping environmental regulations and export policies.
Prediction of Battery Remaining Useful Life Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sekhar J. N. Chandra , Domathoti Bullarao , Santibanez Gonzalez Ernesto D. R.
Published: October 2023

Electrified transportation systems are emerging quickly worldwide, helping to diminish carbon gas emissions and paving the way for the reduction of global warming possessions. Battery remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is gaining attention in real world applications to tone down maintenance expenses and improve system reliability and efficiency. RUL forms the prominent component of fault analysis forecast and health management when the equipment operation life cycle is considered. The uprightness of RUL prediction is vital in providing the effectiveness of electric batteries and reducing the chance of battery illness. In assessing battery performance, the existing prediction approaches are unsatisfactory even though the battery operational parameters are well tabulated. In addition, battery management has an important contribution to several sustainable development goals, such as Clean and Affordable Energy (SDG 7), and Climate Action (SDG 13). The current work attempts to increase the prediction accuracy and robustness with selected machine learning algorithms. A Real battery life cycle data set from the Hawaii National Energy Institute (HNEI) is used to evaluate accuracy estimation using selected machine learning algorithms and is validated in Google Co-laboratory using Python. Evaluated error metrics such as Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R-Squared, and execution time are computed for different L methods and relevant inferences are presented which highlight the potential of battery RUL prediction close to the most accurate values.
Snakebite Clinics and Pathogenesis: From Preclinical to Resource Mapping Studies
Authors: Pucca Manuela B. , Wen Hui F. , Moura-da-Silva Ana M. , Monteiro Wuelton M.
Published: October 2023

Amidst the global healthcare landscape, the menace of snakebite envenoming (SBE) has persisted, silently afflicting millions and annually claiming tens of thousands of lives [...]
Spatio-Temporal Determinants of Dengue Epidemics in the Central Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouattara Cheick Ahmed , Traore Tiandiogo Isidore , Ouedraogo Boukary , Sylla Bry , Traore Seydou , Meda Clement Ziemle , Sangare Ibrahim , Savadogo Leon Blaise G.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and determinants of the 2017 dengue epidemic in Burkina Faso. A principal component analysis of meteorological and environmental factors was performed to reduce dimensions and avoid collinearities. An initial generalized additive model assessed the impact of the components derived from this analysis on dengue incidence. Dengue incidence increased mainly with relative humidity, precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index and minimum temperature with an 8-week lag. A Kulldoff Satscan scan was used to identify high-risk dengue clusters, and a second generalized additive model assessed the risk of a health area being at high risk according to land-use factors. The spatio-temporal distribution of dengue fever was heterogeneous and strongly correlated with meteorological factors. The rural communes of Sabaa and Koubri were the areas most at risk. This study provides useful information for planning targeted dengue control strategies in Burkina Faso.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus Emerging in China
Authors: Song Hao , Gao Xiaowei , Fu Yanhui , Li Jing , Fan Gaocheng , Shao Lina , Zhang Jiaoer , Qiu Hua-Ji , Luo Yuzi
Published: October 2023

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is a recently discovered and very divergent species of the genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae, which causes congenital tremor (CT) in newborn piglets. In this study, an APPV epidemiological investigation was conducted by studying 975 swine samples (562 tissue and 413 serum samples) collected from different parts of China from 2017 to 2021. The results revealed that the overall positive rate of the APPV genome was 7.08% (69/975), among which 50.7% (35/69) of the samples tested positive for one or more other common swine viruses, especially porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) with a coinfection rate of 36.2% (25/69). Subsequently, a novel APPV strain, named China/HLJ491/2017, was isolated in porcine kidney (PK)-15 cells for the first time from a weaned piglet that was infected with both APPV and PCV2. The new APPV isolate was confirmed by RT-PCR, sequencing, immunofluorescence assay, and transmission electron microscopy. After clearing PCV2, a pure APPV strain was obtained and further stably propagated in PK-15 cells for more than 30 passages. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the China/HLJ491/2017 strain was classified as genotype 2, sharing 80.8 to 97.6% of its nucleotide identity with previously published APPV strains. In conclusion, this study enhanced our knowledge of this new pestivirus and the successful isolation of the APPV strain provides critical material for the investigation of the biological and pathogenic properties of this emerging virus, as well as the development of vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
Analysing the In-Use Stability of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines Comirnaty™ (Pfizer) and Spikevax™ (Moderna): A Comparative Study of the Particulate
Authors: Hermosilla Jesús , Alonso-García Airan , Salmerón-García Antonio , Cabeza-Barrera José , Medina-Castillo Antonio L. , Pérez-Robles Raquel , Navas Natalia
Published: October 2023

Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ were the first vaccines approved for human use based on modified non-replicating mRNA lipophilic nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) technology, with great success in the treatment of COVID-19. They have been used massively worldwide. One of the major inconveniences of these vaccines is related to pharmaceutical stability issues. Proper transportation, storage, and in-use handling before administration to patients are critical steps since failures can potentially reduce potency. In this research, the in-use stability of Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ clinical samples was analysed and the results were compared. As changes in the size of the mRNA-LNPs are related to potency, these modifications were analysed by qualitative Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a stability-indicating method for control and stressed vaccine samples. Strong stress factors (accelerated light irradiation, manual shaking, and vortex vibration) and conditions that mimic in-use handling (exposure to natural light and room temperature, repeated cycles of injections, and 24 h storage in syringes) were checked. The morphology of the mRNA-LNPs was analysed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to better interpret and support the DLS results. Although the two vaccines are based on the same mRNA-LNP technology, the results demonstrate that they are characterised by very different particle size profiles and behaviours against different handling/stress conditions.
A Comparative Analysis of Seaports in Terms of the Development of Maritime Tourism in the Area of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Baran Katarzyna , Neumann Tomasz
Published: October 2023

This study examines maritime tourism in the Baltic Sea region. The first part presents basic information related to the maritime tourism market, along with the key aspects and effects that the maritime tourism market has on the regions where it takes place. The next part concerns the Baltic Sea. The location and characteristics of the Baltic Sea are briefly presented. Passenger shipping connections between Baltic ports are described. The last part is devoted to the analysis of statistical data in the Baltic Sea region, focusing on passenger exchange in selected ports and in the entire Baltic Sea over the years. Finally, the potential directions of the development of maritime tourism in the Baltic Sea are characterized.
A reserve for upcoming vacation expenses in the medical organizations tax accounting
Authors:   Department of Economics and Management of the Institute of Economics, Management and Law, Moscow City University. Moscow, Shinkareva O.V.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis in the tax accounting of medical organizations of the formation and use of the reserve of upcoming expenses for the payment of employee leave. It is noted that the formation of such reserves is the right, not the obligation of economic entities. The specifics of determining the amounts allocated to the reser and included in tax expenses are considered. It is noted that the formation of such reserves is the right, not the obligation of economic entities. The specifics of determining the amounts allocated to the reserve and included in tax expenses are considered. It is noted that they can relate to both direct and indirect costs, depending on the categories of employees of the company — directly related to the provision of the service or not. The specifics of considering such expenses in medical companies and institutions were noted — even the amounts of the reserve related to direct expenses can be fully related to the expenses of the period without distribution to the balances of work in progress — this is provided for by tax legislation for entities providing services. Details of provision expenditure and provision balance transfer for the next tax period are shown. We considered practical situations to determine the amounts of contributions to the reserve, as well as the transfer of the unused part of the reserve to the following periods.
Public procurement artificial ’’fragmentation’’: actual problems and customer’s responsibility
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian University of Economics named after G.V. Plekhanov”, Moscow, Russia, Sergeenkov A.A. , Prodanova N.A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian University of Economics named after G.V. Plekhanov”, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2023

One of the most urgent and controversial problems in the field of ensuring state and municipal needs is the public procurement artificial fragmentation. Fragmentation is carried out by customers in order to bypass certain price thresholds established by legislation in the field of procurement, to simplify or speed up procedures, or to obtain material benefits. At the same time, the discussion of the issue of procurement fragmentation is created by the lack of consolidation of this concept in legislation, which in turn leads to the emergence of different opinions regarding the criteria for qualifying a particular activity as fragmentation. The ambiguity in this matter is reinforced by the presence of generally ambiguous administrative and judicial practice. That is why the issue of procurement fragmentation remains relevant both for state and municipal customers and for regulatory authorities.
The composition of the procurement documentation provided for the tender
Authors:   ZVA Aston-Energo LLC, Zhukov A.R. , Zatsarinnaya E. I. ,   Federal state budget educational institution of higher education “Russian economic university named after G. V. Plekhanov”
Published: October 2023

The need to maintain the process of vital activity of structures of both the state and economic entities, the maintenance and development of internal processes requires the supply of products, the performance of works or the provision of services. Procurement activities of suppliers should be aimed at forming long-term relationships to ensure timely deliveries with impeccable quality at a reasonable price in order to meet the expectations of customers and end consumers. Only well-organized procurement activities will allow effective implementation of procurement procedures. The article discusses the main points concerning the formation of procurement documentation by a supplier participating in tenders.
Influencia de los tributos en las nuevas empresas de Guayaquil en el año 2022
Authors: Checa Calderón Vicente Napoleón , Espín Huayamabe Tanya Lizbet
Published: October 2023

Se realizó un trabajo que formó parte de un estudio que se centró en analizar la influencia de los tributos en las nuevas empresas PYMES, para la toma adecuada decisiones que garanticen su supervivencia, en la ciudad de Guayaquil en el año 2022. Para ello, se realizó un estudio exploratorio y análisis de campo aplicando observación directa y encuestas, con preguntas cerradas y de opción múltiple. Los resultados de la aplicación de los instrumentos sirvieron de soporte al análisis planteado, a través del cual se logró identificar si la carga tributaria es considerada por los nuevos empresarios, como un incentivo gubernamental o si es considerado como una carga tributaria que no permite el mayor crecimiento y desarrollo de los emprendimientos. La ciudad de Guayaquil está en constante crecimiento y con el pasar de las décadas se ha constituido como la capital económica del Ecuador, por lo que en ella se generan gran cantidad de pequeñas y medianas empresas a quienes se le consultó su situación para identificar como han controlado y como han ido cumpliendo con sus deberes y obligaciones tributarias. Como conclusión de la investigación se determinó la necesidad de mejorar las bases tributarias de las pequeñas y medianas empresas creadas en Guayaquil del año 2022, pues el ambiente tributaria varia cada año y las reformas repercuten en la empresa. Además, se concretó la importancia de seguir promoviendo la eficiencia y eficacia en la implementación de la política tributaria empresarial para fomentar una mejor cultura tributaria en la ciudad porteña.
DAMPAK RETRET ROHANI DAN MATA KULIAH SPIRITUALITAS KATEKIS TERHADAP PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER MAHASISWA CALON GURU AGAMA KATOLIK
Authors: Tinenti Hemma Gregorius
Published: October 2023

Character as a messenger is an important factor that must be present in students who are prospective Catholic religion teachers or catechists. In fact, coaching for students to have character is still very minimal. This research was conducted to obtain information regarding character building which is carried out through spiritual retreats and Catechical Spirituality courses. This study involved students as research subjects. The data collection process was carried out through observation, questionnaires, discussions, and interviews with students and heads of study programs. This research provides information that through spiritual retreats, students are fostered to be able to live the character of Christ; can build a relationship with God and others. Respondents felt that spiritual retreat activities were also very useful, namely at 83.1%. But not in Catechist Spirituality lectures. According to the students, lectures are only theoretical and have no impact on increasing student awareness to live the character of Christ as a role model. Following up on the findings of this research, it is hoped that the study program will choose lecturers who are appropriate and competent and have experience as catechists not only in prohibiting theory but also being able to share their experience in creating.
Comparative Analysis of Soaps Produced Using Locally Made Alkali (Elaeis guineensis) and Industrial Made Alkali
Authors: Doris Umeh Chiamaka
Published: October 2023

This work was done to compare the qualities of soaps produced using locally made alkali and industrial made alkali. Hot method was used in the production of the soaps. The average value ± standard error of chemical parameters of the palm kernel oil were as follows; relative density (g/ml) (0.91±0.07, 0.89-0.910), saponification value (mg/KOH/g) (249.18±1.40, 189-199), iodine value (I2/100g) (18.74±0.86, 50-55), free fatty acid (mg KOH/g) (1.719±0.009, <0.5), acid value (mg/KOH/g) (3.60±0.06, ≤30). The quality parameters of soaps such as; foam stability, total fatty matter and moisture content were analyzed. The value ± standard error of the properties of soap produced with local alkali gotten from palm bunch and industrial alkali were as follows; foam stability (min-1) (4.8±0.65, 3.5±0.40), total fatty matter (72, 75), moisture content (%) (13.0, 8.20). The result showed that palm bunch alkali has almost the same properties as pure potassium hydroxide soap.
The Implementation of Value for Money Quantitative Analysis on Infrastructure Projects in Indonesia
Authors: Jefry A. , Sagita Leni , Permana Andre
Published: October 2023

Prior to the decision of the Government to opt for PPP (Public Private Partnership) for the procurement scheme of a public infrastructure project, it is necessary to conduct the Value for Money (VfM) analysis. VfM is defined by Moralos and Amekudzi (2008) as the optimum combination of all costs during the life cycle and the quality with the objective to meet the demand of users. According to Pangeran (2010), VfM has only been used in a few cases where the conventional methods, which does not take into account the risks of the project and only focus on the financial side, is more prevalent. Such test using conventional methods may risk on the non-optimal impact on the benefits of public procurement projects. In the context of procurement schemes for infrastructure projects in Indonesia, the Government has decided to use the BUMN (State-Owned Enterprise) assignment scheme to undertake the Trans Sumatera toll road project as mandated in the Perpres (Presidential Decree) no.100/2014. This paper will review the VfM test for Palembang Indralaya Toll Road (which is a section of the grand Trans Sumatra toll road) where the optimal VfM at 46% is generated at the BUMN assignment scheme higher than the PPP or APBN (State Budget) option.
NEDENSEL ÇIKARIM SÜRECİ VE BAZI ÖNEMLİ KAVRAMLAR: ETKİ DEĞİŞTİRİCİ, KARIŞTIRICI, ÇARPIŞTIRICI VE MEDİYATÖR
Authors: Çevik İsmail , Okyay Pınar
Published: October 2023

Günümüzde, hastalıkların hemen hepsinin multifaktöriyel etiyolojilere sahip olduğu düşünülmektedir. Bir hastalığın ortaya çıkmasının birden fazla etkenin, farklı oranlarda ve farklı mekanizmalarla yaptığı etkiler neticesinde olması, aynı zamanda bir etken ile onun sonucu arasında diğer tüm etkilerden soyutlanmış bir ilişki olamayacağı anlamına da gelmektedir. Etken ile hastalık arasındaki ilişkiyi etkileyen ve nedenselliği çarpıtan üçüncül faktörler mutlaka olacaktır. Bu yüzden, epidemiyologlar ve bilimsel çalışmalar yürütecek olan diğer tüm araştırmacılar tarafından etki değiştirici, karıştırıcı, çarpıştırıcı ve mediyatör gibi kavramların bilinmesi ve çalışmaların tüm aşamalarında bu üçüncül faktörlerin mutlaka gözetilmesi gerekmektedir.