bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Solubility and Activity of Natural Product in Nanohydrogel
Authors: Lestari Uce , Muhaimin Muhaimin , Chaerunisaa Anis Yohana , Sujarwo Wawan
Published: December 2023

With the development of technology, natural material components are widely used in various fields of science. Natural product components in phytochemical compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants; they have been shown to have many pharmacological activities. Phytochemical compounds obtained from plants have an important role in herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is safer and cheaper than synthetic medicine. However, herbal medicines have weaknesses, such as low solubility, less stability, low bioavailability, and experiencing physical and chemical degradation, reducing their pharmacological activity. Recent herbal nano-delivery developments are mostly plant-based. A nanotechnology-based system was developed to deliver herbal therapies with better bioavailability, namely the nanohydrogel system. Nanohydrogel is a delivery system that can overcome the disadvantages of using herbal compounds because it can increase solubility, increase pharmacological activity and bioavailability, reduce toxicity, slow delivery, increase stability, improve biodistribution, and prevent physical or chemical degradation. This review article aimed to provide an overview of recent advances in developing nanohydrogel formulations derived from natural ingredients to increase solubility and pharmacological activity, as well as a summary of the challenges faced by delivery systems based on nanohydrogel derived from natural materials. A total of 25 phytochemicals derived from natural products that have been developed into nanohydrogel were proven to increase the activity and solubility of these chemical compounds.
The Receptive Theory: A New Theory of Emotions
Authors: Tappolet Christine
Published: December 2023

Cognitive Theories of emotions have enjoyed great popularity in recent times. Allegedly, the so-called Perceptual Theory constitutes the most attractive version of this approach. However, the Perceptual Theory has come under increasing pressure. There are at least two ways to deal with the barrage of objections, which have been mounted against the Perceptual Theory. One is to argue that the objections work only if one assumes an overly narrow conception of what perception consists in. On a better and more liberal understanding of perception, the objections lose their force. The other is to stress that the differences between emotions and sensory perceptions can be explained by focusing on a new analogy. As I will argue, emotions have interesting similarities with magnitude representations, such as the representation of distance. Such representations are plausibly thought to be analog and non-conceptual, but by contrast to sensory perceptions, such as colour perceptions, they do not lie at the sensory periphery. This new analogy makes room for a novel and attractive theory of emotions, the Receptive Theory, which allows for a positive and epistemologically fruitful characterization of emotions.
Self-Healing Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone)-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Effect of Solvent Content
Authors: Tai Mae Hwa , Thiam Hui San , Tee Shiau Foon , Lim Yun Seng , Saw Lip Huat , Lai Soon Onn
Published: December 2023

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with superior characteristics are needed to advance fuel cell technology. Nafion, the most used PEM in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), has excellent proton conductivity but suffers from high methanol permeability and long-term performance degradation. Thus, this study aimed to create a healable PEM with improved durability and methanol barrier properties by combining sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA). The effect of changing the N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent concentration during membrane casting was investigated. Lower DMAc concentrations improved water absorption and, thus, membrane proton conductivity, but methanol permeability increased correspondingly. For the best trade-off between these two characteristics, the blend membrane with a 10 wt% DMAc solvent (SP10) exhibited the highest selectivity. SP10 also showed a remarkable self-healing capacity by regaining 88% of its pre-damage methanol-blocking efficiency. The ability to self-heal decreased with the increasing solvent concentration because of the increased crosslinking density and structure compactness, which reduced chain mobility. Optimizing the solvent concentration during membrane preparation is therefore an important factor in improving membrane performance in DMFCs. With its exceptional methanol barrier and self-healing characteristics, the pioneering SPEEK/PVA blend membrane may contribute to efficient and durable fuel cell systems.
Applications of Xylan Derivatives to Improve the Functional Properties of Cellulose Foams for Noise Insulation
Authors: Nastac Silviu Marian , Nechita Petronela , Guiman Maria Violeta , Roman Mirela , Rosca Ioan Calin
Published: December 2023

Cellulose-based foams present a high potential for noise insulation applications. These materials are bio-degradable, eco-friendly by both embedded components and manufacturing process, have low density and high porosity, and are able to provide good noise insulation characteristics compared with available petroleum-based foams currently used on a large scale. This paper presents the results of some investigations performed by the authors in order to improve the functional characteristics in terms of free surface wettability and structural integrity. Native xylan and xylan-based derivatives (in terms of acetylated and hydrophobized xylan) were taken into account for surface treatment of cellulose foams, suggesting that hemicelluloses represent by-products of pulp and paper industry, and xylan polysaccharides are the most abundant hemicelluloses type. The investigations were mainly conducted in order to evaluate the level to which surface treatments have affected the noise insulation properties of basic cellulose foams. The results indicate that surface treatments with xylan derivatives have slowly affected the soundproofing characteristics of foams, but these clearly have to be taken into account because of their high decrease in wettability level and improving structural integrity.
Hyoid Bone Metastases: An Unusual Case
Authors: Di Marco Gian Piero , Tucci Cinzia , Iacomino Enzo , Corridore Vincenzo , Lauriello Maria , Fioretti Alessandra , Eibenstein Alberto
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Secondary tumors of the hyoid bone are extremely rare in clinics. In the literature, there is only one study about hyoid bone metastases from sigmoid adenocarcinoma. (2) Methods: We report a case of hyoid bone metastases in a 78-year-old patient treated for rectum and sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. (3) Results: A mass excision surgery of a rounded osteolytic mass of 4.5 × 3.6 cm in size in the central part of the hyoid bone was performed under general anesthesia, according to the multidisciplinary tumor board recommendation. (4) Conclusions: Hyoid bone metastases can occur in the rectum and sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. A total body bone scintigraphy and CT examination are suggested to detect silent bone metastases in patients with a history of cancer and neck masses. The prognosis is good, but a regular follow-up is recommended.
Tracking the Vegetation Change Trajectory over Large-Surface Coal Mines in the Jungar Coalfield Using Landsat Time-Series Data
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Zhao Shan , Zuo Hengtao , Hu Xin , Guo Ying , Han Ding , Chang Yuejia
Published: December 2023

Coal mining and ecological restoration activities significantly affect land surfaces, particularly vegetation. Long-term quantitative analyses of vegetation disturbance and restoration are crucial for effective mining management and ecological environmental supervision. In this study, using the Google Earth Engine and all available Landsat images from 1987 to 2020, we employed the Landsat-based Detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery (LandTrendr) algorithm and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the year, intensity, duration, and pattern of vegetation disturbance and restoration in the Heidaigou and Haerwusu open-pit coal mines (H-HOCMs) in the Jungar Coalfield of China. Our findings indicate that the overall accuracy for extractions of disturbance and restoration events in the H-HOCMs area is 83% and 84.5%, respectively, with kappa coefficients of 0.82 for both. Mining in Heidaigou has continued since its beginning in the 1990s, advancing toward the south and then eastward directions, and mining in the Haerwusu has advanced from west to east since 2010. The disturbance magnitude of the vegetation greenness in the mining area is relatively low, with a duration of about 4–5 years, and the restoration magnitude and duration vary considerably. The trajectory types show that vegetation restoration (R, 44%) occupies the largest area, followed by disturbance (D, 31%), restoration–disturbance (RD, 16%), disturbance–restoration (DR, 8%), restoration–disturbance–restoration (RDR), and no change (NC). The LandTrendr algorithm effectively detected changes in vegetation disturbance and restoration in H-HOCMs. Vegetation disturbance and restoration occurred in the study area, with a cumulative disturbance-to-restoration ratio of 61.79% since 1988. Significant restoration occurred primarily in the external dumps and continued ecological recovery occurred in the surrounding area.
Mining Deformation Monitoring Based on Lutan-1 Monostatic and Bistatic Data
Authors: Ji Yanan , Zhang Xiang , Li Tao , Fan Hongdong , Xu Yaozong , Li Peizhen , Tian Zeming
Published: December 2023

Coal mining leads to surface subsidence, landslides, soil erosion and other problems that seriously threaten the life and property safety of residents in mining areas, and it is urgent to obtain mining subsidence information using high-frequency, high-precision and large-scale monitoring methods. Therefore, this paper mainly studies the deformation monitoring of the Datong mining area using Lutan-1 monostatic and bistatic SAR data. Firstly, the latest Lutan-1 bistatic data are used to reconstruct the DSM, and the interferometric calibration method is used to improve the accuracy of the DSM. Then, the surface deformation monitoring of the mining area is implemented by using DInSAR, SBAS-InSAR and Stacking-InSAR with the reconstructed DSM data and Lutan-1 monostatic SAR data. Finally, the deformation monitoring results are compared with the surface deformation results based on the TanDEM data, and both the results are evaluated using the filed leveling data. Taking 20 images covering the Datong mining area as the data sources, the surface deformation results obtained using different InSAR methods in the mining area were quantitatively evaluated and analyzed. The results indicated that: (1) the DSM obtained using the Lutan-1 bistatic SAR data was assessed and demonstrated with the ICESat laser altimetry data an error of 2.8 m, which meets the Chinese 1:50,000 scale DEM cartographic accuracy standard, and the difference analysis with the TanDEM data shows that the terrain changes are mainly distributed in mountainous areas; (2) Due to the improvement in resolution, the registration accuracy of the SAR images and LT-DSM is higher than that of the TanDEM data in the range direction and azimuth direction; (3) Via evaluation with the filed leveling data, it is found that the surface deformation measurement results based on LT-DSM are less affected by terrain, and the accuracy of LT-DSM-SBAS and LT-DSM-DInSAR is improved by 11.5% and 16.3%, respectively, compared with TanDEM-SBAS and TanDEM-DInSAR, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the Lutan-1 bistatic and monostatic data for mine deformation monitoring.
Label-Free Detection of CA19-9 Using a BSA/Graphene-Based Antifouling Electrochemical Immunosensor
Authors: Chen Wei , Chi Miaomiao , Wang Miaomiao , Liu Yage , Kong Shu , Du Liping , Wang Jian , Wu Chunsheng
Published: December 2023

Evaluating the levels of the biomarker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is crucial in early cancer diagnosis and prognosis assessment. In this study, an antifouling electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the label-free detection of CA19-9, in which bovine serum albumin (BSA) and graphene were cross-linked with the aid of glutaraldehyde to form a 3D conductive porous network on the surface of an electrode. The electrochemical immunosensor was characterized through the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), UV spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The level of CA19-9 was determined through the use of label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The electron transfer at the interface of the electrode was well preserved in human serum samples, demonstrating that this electrochemical immunosensor has excellent antifouling performance. CA19-9 could be detected in a wide range from 13.5 U/mL to 1000 U/mL, with a detection limit of 13.5 U/mL in human serum samples. This immunosensor also exhibited good selectivity and stability. The detection results of this immunosensor were further validated and compared using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the results confirmed that this immunosensor has a good sensing performance in terms of CA19-9, suggesting its promising application prospects in clinical applications.
Multi-Type Missing Imputation of Time-Series Power Equipment Monitoring Data Based on Moving Average Filter–Asymmetric Denoising Autoencoder
Authors: Jiang Ling , Gu Juping , Zhang Xinsong , Hua Liang , Cai Yueming
Published: December 2023

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely utilized in power equipment for condition monitoring. For the collected data, there generally exists a problem—missing data of different types and patterns. This leads to the poor quality and utilization difficulties of the collected data. To address this problem, this paper customizes methodology that combines an asymmetric denoising autoencoder (ADAE) and moving average filter (MAF) to perform accurate missing data imputation. First, convolution and gated recurrent unit (GRU) are applied to the encoder of the ADAE, while the decoder still utilizes the fully connected layers to form an asymmetric network structure. The ADAE extracts the local periodic and temporal features from monitoring data and then decodes the features to realize the imputation of the multi-type missing. On this basis, according to the continuity of power data in the time domain, the MAF is utilized to fuse the prior knowledge of the neighborhood of missing data to secondarily optimize the imputed data. Case studies reveal that the developed method achieves greater accuracy compared to existing models. This paper adopts experiments under different scenarios to justify that the MAF-ADAE method applies to actual power equipment monitoring data imputation.
Front-End Development for Radar Applications: A Focus on 24 GHz Transmitter Design
Authors: Delwar Tahesin Samira , Aras Unal , Siddique Abrar , Lee Yangwon , Ryu Jee-Youl
Published: December 2023

The proliferation of radar technology has given rise to a growing demand for advanced, high-performance transmitter front-ends operating in the 24 GHz frequency band. This paper presents a design analysis of a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (TX) front-end operated at a 24 GHz frequency and designed using 65 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology for radar applications. The proposed TX front-end design includes the integration of an up-conversion mixer and power amplifier (PA). The up-conversion mixer is a Gilbert cell-based design that translates the 2.4 GHz intermediate frequency (IF) signal and 21.6 GHz local oscillator (LO) signal to the 24 GHz RF output signal. The mixer is designed with a novel technique that includes a duplex transconductance path (DTP) for enhancing the mixer’s linearity. The DTP of the mixer includes a primary transconductance path (PTP) and a secondary transconductance path (STP). The PTP incorporates a common source (CS) amplifier, while the STP incorporates an improved cross-quad transconductor (ICQT). The integrated PA in the TX front-end is a class AB tunable two-stage PA that can be tuned with the help of varactors as a synchronous mode to increase the PA bandwidth or stagger mode to obtain a high gain. The PA is tuned to 24 GHz as a synchronous mode PA for the TX front-end operation. The proposed TX front-end showed an excellent output power of 11.7 dBm and dissipated 7.5 mW from a 1.2 V supply. In addition, the TX front-end achieved a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 47% and 1 dB compression point (OP1dB) of 10.5 dBm. In this case, the output power is 10.5 dBm higher than the linear portion of the response. The methodologies presented herein have the potential to advance the state of the art in 24 GHz radar technology, fostering innovations in fields such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and remote sensing.
Algorithm Design and Convergence Analysis for Coexistence of Cognitive Radio Networks in Unlicensed Spectrum
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wu Weihua , He Wei , Zhao Nan
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on achieving the low-cost coexistence of the networks in an unlicensed spectrum by making them operate on non-overlapping channels. For achieving this goal, we first give a universal convergence analysis framework for the unlicensed spectrum allocation algorithm. Then, a one-timescale iteration-adjustable unlicensed spectrum allocation algorithm is developed, where the step size and timescale parameter can be jointly adjusted based on the system performance requirement and signal overhead concern. After that, we derive the sufficient condition for the one-timescale algorithm. Furthermore, the upper bound of convergence error of the one-timescale spectrum allocation algorithm is obtained. Due to the multi-timescale evolution of the network states in the wireless network, we further propose a two-timescale iteration-adjustable joint frequency selection and frequency allocation algorithm, where the frequency selection iteration timescale is set according to the slow-changing statistical channel state information (CSI), whereas the frequency allocation iteration timescale is set according to the fast-changing local CSI. Then, we derive the convergence condition of two-timescale algorithms and the upper bound of the corresponding convergence error. The experimentalresults show that the small timescale adjustment parameter and large step size can help decrease the convergence error. Moreover, compared with traditional algorithms, the two-timescale policy can achieve throughput similar to traditional algorithms with very low iteration overhead.
A New Successive Time Balancing Time-to-Digital Conversion Method
Authors: Jurasz Konrad , Kościelnik Dariusz , Szyduczyński Jakub , Machowski Witold
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new self-clocked time-to-digital conversion method based on a binary successive approximation (SA) algorithm. Its novelty consists in combining fully clockless operation with direct conversion of the measured time interval. The lack of any reference clock makes the presented method potentially predisposed to low-power solutions. Furthermore, its circuit representation is extremely simple, thereby the ability to direct conversion of time intervals is not burdened by a significant amount of components. The method is intended to measure relatively long time intervals, i.e., hundreds of microseconds. Therefore, it is suitable for e.g., biomedical applications using time-mode signal processing.
A Compact Monitor for Ethylene and Other Plant-Produced Volatile Organic Compounds for NASA Space Missions
Authors: Dobrokhotov Vladimir , Larin Alexander , Viugina Elena , Emberton Adam , Livchak Andrey , Cremer Jay T. , Gary Charles K.
Published: December 2023

In this work, we discuss the development of a compact analytical instrument for monitoring ethylene in compact greenhouses utilized by NASA to grow fresh vegetables in space. Traditionally, ethylene measurements are conducted by GC-MS systems. However, in space, they are not applicable due to their bulky size, heavy weight, special carrier gas requirement and high maintenance. Our group developed a compact and robust battery-powered ethylene monitor based on the principles of analytical gas chromatography. The device utilizes purified ambient air as a carrier gas and a metal oxide sensor as a GC detector. Implementation of a CarboWax 20 M packed column from Restek together with a Tenax TA pre-concentrator allowed us to achieve a 20 ppb limit of detection for ethylene. Full automation of measurements and reporting of concentrations was accomplished via the implementation of a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and a 7″ 720P LED capacitive touchscreen utilized for data output. Based on a feasibility study, a fully automated, industrial-grade ethylene monitoring and removal system for greenhouses was developed.
Temperature Dependency Model in Pressure Measurement for the Motion-Capturing Pressure-Sensitive Paint Method
Authors: Kurihara Daiki , Sakaue Hirotaka
Published: December 2023

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) has received significant attention for capturing surface pressure in recent years. One major source of uncertainty in PSP measurements, temperature dependency, stems from the fundamental photophysical process that allows PSP to extract pressure information. The motion-capturing PSP method, which involves two luminophores, is introduced as a method to reduce the measurement uncertainty due to temperature dependency. A theoretical model for the pressure uncertainty due to temperature dependency is proposed and demonstrated using a static pressure measurement with an applied temperature gradient. The experimental validation of the proposed model shows that the motion-capturing PSP method reduces the temperature dependency by 37.7% compared to the conventional PSP method. The proposed model also proves that a PSP with zero temperature dependency is theoretically possible.
STAT3 Inhibitory Activities of Lignans Isolated from the Stems of Lindera obtusiloba Blume
Authors: Park Eun-Jae , Lim Hee Ju , Lim Hyung Jin , Yun Bong-Sik , Lee Soyoung , Lee Seung-Jae , Lee Seung Woong
Published: December 2023

Lindera obtusiloba Blume has several activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant activities. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a classic pro-inflammatory cytokine that is associated with various functions, such as proliferation, invasion, inflammatory responses and functions within antioxidant defense systems. In this study, we investigated IL-6-induced STAT3 activation of lignan compounds isolated from L. obtusiloba. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated via spectroscopic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). As a result, seven lignans were identified from L. obtusiloba. All the isolated compounds (1–7) were evaluated for their IL-6-induced STAT3 inhibitory effects in Hep3B cells using a luciferase reporter assay. Of the isolates, compounds 1 and 5 showed inhibitory effects against IL-6-stimulated STAT3 activation. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes such as CRP, IL-1b, and SOCS3 were significantly reduced by exposure to compounds 1 and 5. The protein levels of p-STAT3 and p-JAK2 in IL-6-induced U266 cells were regulated in the presence of lignans derived from Lindera obtusiloba by Western blot assay. Based on the results, this study of L. obtusiloba demonstrates that the species has promise as a bioactive candidate for the treatment of IL-6-induced STAT3-related disease.
Associations between Self-Reported Anatomical Characteristics of the Penis and Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Authors: Niu Caoyuan , Ventus Daniel , Jern Patrick , Santtila Pekka
Published: December 2023

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are common male sexual dysfunctions worldwide, causing substantial distress in men as well as their partners and decreasing the quality and stability of romantic relationships. We investigated the associations between the self-reported anatomical characteristics of penises and sexual dysfunctions in an urban sample of Chinese men. We recruited 1085 Chinese urban men aged from 18 to 50 (M = 31.37; SD = 5.52) to fill out an online questionnaire regarding the anatomical characteristics of their penis, as well as early ejaculation and erectile problems via two Chinese online survey platforms. The participants reported their age, height, weight, penile length, penile circumference, circumcision status, and foreskin characteristics as well as answered the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms. Both an increasing penile length (M = 14.49; SD = 2.22) and girth (M = 15.46; SD = 4.36) were associated with fewer early ejaculation problems, but only an increasing penile length was associated with fewer erectile problems. Less foreskin covering the glans of the penis was associated with fewer early ejaculation and erectile problems. Age was found to have a non-linear relationship with early ejaculation and erectile problems in this cross-sectional study. Specifically, early ejaculation problems decreased until a certain age (31), and then increased with further increases in age. The relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the penis and sexual function is complex. Also, the results suggest that there is a curvilinear non-monotonic relationship between age and sexual dysfunction.
Myths and Realities of Retail Shopper Behaviour towards ‘Sustainable’ Brands
Authors: Sharp Anne , Wheeler Meagan , Nenycz-Thiel Magda
Published: December 2023

Sustainable marketing aims to encourage consumer behaviour that will improve the environmental and social outcomes of consumption. Despite decades of effort, however, manufacturers and retailers often see disappointing shopper responses to their sustainable marketing efforts. This paper argues that this is because many sustainable marketing efforts are hampered by false assumptions about how buyers behave in retail settings. The purpose of this paper is to take two commonly accepted sustainable marketing retail beliefs—that ‘sustainable’ brand buyers are a different type of retail shopper and that they are more loyal to these brands than shoppers of non-sustainable brands—and draw upon two established marketing empirical generalisations, the Law of Brand User Profiles and the Law of Double Jeopardy, both built over decades of research, to show that these beliefs are, in fact, myths. We use 22 sets of continuous data spanning five categories in the UK to illustrate this. Mean Absolute Deviations were used to compare the profile of sustainable brand users against non-sustainable brand users. The Dirichlet model of buyer behaviour was applied to the data to examine loyalty to sustainable brands. The results show sustainable brands are just like all other retail brands in their performance. This is a positive finding as it means they can utilise ‘regular’ brand growth knowledge to increase their market share. Overall, the paper illustrates the process and benefits of moving to a view of sustainable marketing that has stronger scientific underpinnings and that leads to more realistic shopper response expectations for retailers and manufacturers.
Analysis of Soiling Loss in Photovoltaic Modules: A Review of the Impact of Atmospheric Parameters, Soil Properties, and Mitigation Approaches
Authors: Borah Pankaj , Micheli Leonardo , Sarmah Nabin
Published: December 2023

Soil accumulated on a photovoltaic (PV) module can significantly reduce the transmittance of the cover glass, resulting in power losses and consequent economic losses. Natural atmospheric parameters influence the accumulation of soil at various geographic locations. In this paper, the approaches and outcomes of the research studies on either indoor (simulator-based) or outdoor (field-based) PV soiling have been thoroughly reviewed. It has been noted that conducting an indoor study is necessary in order to estimate future power losses prior to the installation of a solar PV power plant. Different parameters depicted for the power loss due to the soiling of PV modules are analyzed individually and presented. Moreover, this study delves into a detailed examination of the key factors influencing dust depositions on PV modules in various geographical regions, with a particular focus on their relationship with climatic conditions. This study demonstrates that the soiling effect on PV modules is site-specific, necessitating the investigation of optimal cleaning procedures to suit a certain climate while considering cost effectiveness. This way, probable future research directions to quantify soiling losses are identified. In addition, different loss prevention and mitigation techniques are also reviewed. This makes it possible to highlight effective strategies and pinpoint potential future research lines in these areas.
A Numerical Investigation Concerning the Effect of Step-Feeding on Performance of Constructed Wetlands Operating under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Liolios Konstantinos A.
Published: December 2023

The effects of wastewater step-feeding (SF) on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSF CWs) are numerically investigated. The purpose is to check if this alternative feeding technique increases the ability of HSF CWs to remove pollutants. Two methodologies are used: Initially, the tanks-in-series (TIS) methodology, based on the finite volume method (FVM), is analyzed using the volumetric degradation coefficient λ. In this case, the operation of a CW is similar to a series of continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs) operating under steady conditions. Then, the step-feeding (SF) procedure is presented, in which the CW is operated like a plug flow reactor (PFR). For the numerical investigation, the available experimental data for five existing HSF CWs are used. The results show that SF does not improve the performance of HSF CWs in removing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) operating under Mediterranean conditions. When the HSF CWs operate without the SF procedure, the performance is between 55 and 81% for the TIS method and 60 and 89% for the PFR method, while the ability of the CW tank to remove the BOD decreases and varies from 48 to 79% (TIS) and from 54 to 86% (PFR), respectively.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and the Influencing Factors of China’s High-Tech Industry GDP Using a Geographical Detector
Authors: Shan Yuan , Wang Ninglian
Published: December 2023

With the rapid advancement of global technology, high-tech industries have become key drivers for the economic growth of many nations and regions. This study delves into the spatiotemporal dynamics and determinants influencing China’s high-tech sector from 2007 to 2021. The key findings include the following: (1) Nationally, the high-tech sector has been a cornerstone for China’s GDP growth over the preceding 15 years. The expansion rate of the high-tech domain consistently outpaces the broader economy. In particular, since 2015, the percentage of high-tech industries’ GDP has surged to approximately 42%. (2) At the provincial level, the spatial representation of the high-tech sector’s GDP predominantly leans towards the east and the south, revealing pronounced spatial autocorrelation. Nevertheless, the demarcations between east and west and between north and south are progressively diminishing. (3) Regarding influential determinants, R&D internal expenditure, operating revenue, and industry agglomeration have been instrumental in spearheading innovation and bolstering growth within the high-tech realm. These insights are invaluable for comprehending the evolutional nuances of China’s high-tech industry and devising pertinent policy measures.
Virological Characteristics of Five SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Including Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.5
Authors: Zeng Yan , Xia Fei , Guo Changfu , Hu Chunxia , Li Yuwei , Wang Xiang , Wu Qin , Chen Zhuo , Lu Jia , Wang Zejun
Published: December 2023

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) show increasing transmissibility and infectivity and induce substantial injuries to human health and the ecology. Therefore, it is vital to understand the related features for controlling infection. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 WIV04 (prototype) and five VOCs (Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants) were inoculated in Vero cells to observe their growth activities. Apart from evaluating the environmental stability at different temperatures, residual virus titers and infectivity at different temperatures (4 °C, room temperature (RT) and 37 °C) were measured over 7 days. The experiment also assessed the infectivity for different incubation durations. The growth capacity assay suggested that the WIV04, Beta and Delta variants replicated efficiently in Vero cells compared with Omicron Variants, and BA.2 replicated more efficiently in Vero cells than BA.1 and BA.5. In addition, all variants exhibited longer survivals at 4 °C and could remain infectious after 7 days, compared to RT’ survival after 5 days and at 37 °C after 1 day. The virus infection assay indicated that the Omicron variant had a weaker ability to infect cells compared to the WIV04, Beta and Delta strains, and a longer infection time was required for these strains, except for BA.2.
Neutralization Determinants on Poxviruses
Authors: Riccardo Vernuccio , Pablo Guardado-Calvo
Published: December 2023

Smallpox was a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus. The disease affected millions of people over thousands of years and variola virus ranked as one of the deadliest viruses in human history. The complete eradication of smallpox in 1980, a major triumph in medicine, was achieved through a global vaccination campaign using a less virulent poxvirus, vaccinia virus. Despite this success, the herd immunity established by this campaign has significantly waned, and concerns are rising about the potential reintroduction of variola virus as a biological weapon or the emergence of zoonotic poxviruses. These fears were further fueled in 2022 by a global outbreak of monkeypox virus (mpox), which spread to over 100 countries, thereby boosting interest in developing new vaccines using molecular approaches. However, poxviruses are complex and creating modern vaccines against them is challenging. This review focuses on the structural biology of the six major neutralization determinants on poxviruses (D8, H3, A27, L1, B5, and A33), the localization of epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies, and their application in the development of subunit vaccines.
Environmental Tracers Tritium 3H and SF6 Used to Improve Knowledge of Groundwater Sustainability of a Crystalline Rock Island Aquifer of Tobago, West Indies
Authors: Allen Marsha , Boutt David
Published: December 2023

Understanding the residence time, flow velocities, and storage volumes in fractured rock aquifers is essential for assessing the sustainable use of groundwater in island aquifer systems. Environmental tracers such as tritium (3H) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) that enter the aquifer systems through natural hydrological processes are effectively used to quantify the “apparent age” of young groundwater (<60 years) to calculate these aquifer characteristics. The island of Tobago is predominantly a fractured rock aquifer system that contains groundwater sub-basins that produce 100–1000% more than their calculated recharge. In this study, we analyzed ten samples from groundwater wells throughout the island for environmental tracers to establish the “apparent age” of the groundwater. We then estimated the active flux and storage volume of the aquifer. The 3H results of ten wells throughout the island range between 0.02 and 0.60 TU. The groundwater samples to the south of the island possess more pre-modern groundwater ages (older ages) than samples in the north of the island. These tritium values reveal age ranges between 18 and 60–plus years. This finding suggests that fractures create flow paths oriented towards the southern parts of the basin that enable the transport of groundwater across significant topographic boundaries and watershed divides. Additionally, the data may support that southern wells are connected to isolated old sources of groundwater. SF6 values range between 0.91 and 7.97 (part per trillion volume) with an interpreted age range between 18 and 39 years. Both tracers support the original hypothesis that longer residence time waters are located south of the island except for three SF6 samples which are believed to be affected by “excess air”.
Utilization of Augmented Reality Technique for Sewer Condition Visualization
Authors: Nguyen Lam Van , Bui Dieu Tien , Seidu Razak
Published: December 2023

Wastewater pipelines are largely buried underground, and techniques for assessing and visualizing their condition are critical for planning and rehabilitation. This paper introduces a framework for integrating Geographic Information System (GIS), 3D-creation platform, augmented reality (AR) techniques, and machine learning algorithms for the dynamic visualization of the condition of sewer networks. A sewer network in Ålesund City, Norway, was used as a case study, and the developed framework was implemented on an Android OS and Microsoft HoloLens. The results show the potential applications of the integrated framework of GIS, AR, and 3D models for sewer condition visualization. The positioning accuracy of the application for 2D objects is equivalent to that of well-designed GPS receivers (approximately 1–3 m), depending on the handheld device used. Loading and locating 3D objects will be limited by the performance of the devices used.
THE REFORMS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE LATE 60S - THE FIRST HALF OF THE 70S XIX CENTURY ACCORDING TO REPORTS OF RUSSIAN MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES
Authors:   Tula State Arms Museum, ARBEKOV A.B.
Published: December 2023

In the article the author analyzes the reforming measures of the British Secretary of the State for War E. Cardwell in 1868-1874. On the basis of documents from the archival collections in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the article highlights the process of improving the British army, the congruity of military reforms to the political realities relevant at that time, and the significance of E. Cardwell’s measures in the historical perspective.
MENTORING, HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE: EULER'S METHODICAL SCHOOL
Authors:   Orel State University, AVDEEVA T.K. , AVDEEV I.F. ,   Orel State University
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the concept of «mentoring» in a historical retrospective. The implementation of the idea of mentoring in an academic university is shown by the example of the activity of L. Euler in the education and upbringing of his students, who made up the methodical school of Euler in history (S.K. Kotelnikov, S.Ya. Rumovsky, N.I. Fuss, M.E. Adodurov, M.E. Golovin, M. Sofronov, N.G. Kurganov).
PERSPECTIVE-ADVANCING LEARNING TECHNOLOGY AND ITS CORRELATION INTO THE ELECTRONIC INFORMATION EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AS A MECHANISM FOR THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Authors:   Orel State University, AKXULKOVA A.I. , LOMOVSKAYA O.I. ,   Lukyanov Orel Law Institute of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of advanced learning technology as a means of optimizing the formation ofprofessional competencies of students of an educational organization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The advantages of this technology, structural characteristics are described. Interdisciplinary connections are considered as the main factor in the preparation of tasks of an integrative nature, taking into account professional activities.
PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICEORIENTED MODEL OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN ‘S PERCEPTION OF THE CONCEPT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Authors:   OO BOU DPO ", BEREZHNOVA O.V. ,   Institute of Education Development», PRAVDYUK V.N. ,   OO BOU DPO "Institute of Education Development»
Published: December 2023

At the Orel Institute of Educational Development, the purpose of which is aimed at developing a pedagogical practiceoriented model for the development of the concept of a healthy lifestyle in older preschool children. The novelty of the scientifi c research consists in the fact that the model is a closed, dynamic space consisting of interrelated components (target, methodological, substantive, technological, and productive); the pedagogical conditions presented in it allow kindergarten teachers to fully solve the problem of upbringing and teaching children regardless of their attendance, because for seasonal diseases.
EDUCATIONAL POTENTIAL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE DISCOURSE IN TEACHING RUSSIAN GESTURE LANGUAGE TO CADETS OF LAW INSTITUTE
Authors:   Orel Law Institute of the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation Named After V.V. Lukyanov, VLASOV K.A. , IVANOVA O.JU. ,   Orel State University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the educational potential of discourse in teaching Russian gesture language to cadets and students of legal institutes. The linguistic aspects of the gesture, as well as questions of the methodology of teaching sign languages, were analyzed. It has been established that when learning gesture language, dactyl speech causes less difficulties than gestures that are used in everyday communication or in basic situations of professional communication. The classification of gestures helps to better understand their system, as well as the purpose for which certain varieties of signs are used. The use of gestures allows successful communication at the initial stage of training.
EXPERIMENTAL-EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON THE FORMATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCE MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors:   Orel State University, GEDULYANOV M.T.
Published: December 2023

The article reveals the fact that the formation of entrepreneurial competence of medical students at this stage of society development is one of the priority areas. Many universities have included disciplines aimed at developing the entrepreneurial potential of young people in their educational programs for training specialists. Our study is unique in that there are few medical schools that work with this topic in the process of preparing students. Many medical students are not well prepared for this new challenge. In order to form a certain level of entrepreneurial competence among students of medical universities, the author conducted a scientific and independent experimental work, the results are obtained. The results of experimental work on the formation of entrepreneurial competence of students of medical universities show that the author’s model, which combines the knowledge and experience of students, really increases the effectiveness of student training in terms of entrepreneurial competence. This model focuses on three criterion dimensions. In the scientific work of students, criteria-based assessments were identified and substantiated for the development offurther practical research. The students were trained by a team of teachers of economics and a medical university. Interactive opportunities for students are provided through simulation content, role play, collaborative product design, and simulation.
MODELS OF STUDENT SELF-GOVERNMENT IN YOUTH POLICY OF SOVIET POWER IN 1917-1923
Authors:   Orel State University, ASTRAKHAN V.I.
Published: December 2023

The paper discusses the process of Soviet power state youth policy formation at the initial stage of Soviet statehood evolvement. The process offorming bodies of student self-government, determining the degree of their loyalty to the Soviet authorities, their effectiveness in the process of influencing youth, choosing a model for the relationship of the formed bodies with party organizations of universities is analyzed. On the basis of archival materials introduced into circulation for the first time, the conclusion is made that during this period the ruling party and the state authorities lacked a unified concept of student self-government bodies formation. Eventually, it was decided to allocate political influence on the youth, which was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Komsomol organizations of universities under the leadership of party bodies. As an additional structure of student self-government, student trade unions were organized, which took over the work of organizing student life in the broad sense of the word.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A CREATIVE APPROACH IN THE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY OF A TEACHER OF A MODERN UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Academy of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, DRYGIN S.V.
Published: December 2023

This article analyzes the experience of educational activities carried out in the university environment on the basis of a creative approach. In his scientific understanding, the author relies on many years ofpedagogical practice, implemented methods of teaching certain disciplines on the humanities in the close relationship close relationship of theory and practice. In the materials provided, pedagogical techniques aimed at developing the cognitive interest of students, increasing their intellectual creative potential, motivation for the qualitative development of a specific subject field are revealed using particular examples. The topic and content of the article in scientific and practical terms are of particular interest to novice teachers, who are established in the authoritative pedagogical community.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE TEACHER OF ADDITIONAL EDUCATION TO SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
Authors:   Tula State University, IVANOVA V.I. , TRUNOVA S.S. ,   Tula State University
Published: December 2023

The article touches upon the problem of self-directed learning of the teacher of additional education. The results of the questionnaire of teachers of additional education institutions regarding the importance of self-directed learning for their personal and professional growth, their perception of key concepts of self-directed learning, preferences in terms of forms of self-directed learning are analyzed. Conclusions are drawn regarding the need for organizational and methodological support for self-directed learning.
THE ROLE OF THE AXIOLOGICAL APPROACH IN THE SYSTEM OF TRAINING CADETS OF UNIVERSITIES OF THE MINISTRY OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors:   Ural Institute of GPS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, KARAPUZIKOV A.A. , MURAEV N.P. ,   Ural Institute of GPS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, BELKIN D.S. ,   Ural Institute of GPS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the main aspects of the system of training cadets of universities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for professional activity. The role of the axiological approach in the construction of the training system, the value orientations of cadets in the learning process and the results that contribute to the formation of the necessary competencies in them are shown.
METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CONSTRUCTING A COURSE OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN ORDER TO FORM A HOLISTIC PICTURE OF THE STUDENT'S WORLD
Authors:   Municipal Institutions of Additional Education ", LOBANOVA N.I. ,   Center for Extracurricular Work in Zelenokumsk, Sovetsky District", YAREMKO N.N. ,   National Research Technological University "MISIS"
Published: December 2023

The article proposes a methodological construction of a course of differential equations aimed at forming a holistic picture of the student’s world. Its features and differences in comparison with the classical university course are revealed. The questions about the selection of the content, the choice of methods and means of solving differential equations, the construction of a diagnostic apparatus aresolved The provisions of the system-activity approach, theoretical statements of practice-oriented learning, methods and techniques of mathematical modeling are implemented.