bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on Combustion Characteristics of a 600 MW Boiler Under Low-Load Conditions
Authors: Chong Peian , Li Jianning , Zhu Xiaolei , Jing Dengke , Deng Lei
Published: November 2024

Under the background of achieving carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality, the rapid development of renewable energy power generation poses new challenges to the flexible adjustment capabilities of traditional power plants. To explore the furnace combustion stability and optimal operation modes during deep peak shaving, a simulation of the combustion process under low-load conditions for a 600 MW wall-fired boiler is performed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The impact of burner combination modes on the combustion process within the furnace is explored at 25% and 35% boiler maximum continuous ratings (BMCRs). This study investigates two configurations of burner combinations. One mode operates burners in layers A, B, and C, which include the lower layers of burners on the front and rear walls of the boiler, as well as the middle-layer burners on the rear wall, referred to as OM1. The other mode operates burners in layers A and C, which include the lower layers of burners on the front and rear walls of the boiler, referred to as OM2. The results indicate that OM2 exhibits superior capabilities in orchestrating the distribution of the airflow velocity field and temperature field under the premise of ensuring no more than a 1% decrease in the pulverized coal burnout rate. When OM1 is employed, the airflow ejected from the middle-level burners hinders the upward movement of pulverized coal sprayed from the lower-level burners, causing a larger proportion of pulverized coal to enter the ash hopper for combustion. Consequently, the ash hopper attains a peak mole fraction of CO2 at 0.163. OM2 delays the blending of pulverized coal with air by enhancing the injection quantity of pulverized coal per burner. As a result, the generation of CO in the ash hopper reaches a notable mole fraction of up to 0.108. The decreased furnace temperature promotes the formation of fuel-based NOx during low-load operation. Taking the 25% BMCR as an example, the NOx emissions measured at the furnace outlet are 743 and 1083 ppm for OM1 and OM2, respectively. This study focuses on the impact of combustion combinations on the combustion stability when the boiler is operating at low loads. The findings could enrich previous research on combustion stability and contribute to the optimization of combustion schemes for power plant boilers operating at low loads.
Mitigating Risk and Emissions in Power Systems: A Two-Stage Robust Dispatch Model with Carbon Trading
Authors: Jia Tengteng , Chen Haoyong , Zeng Xin , Zhu Yanjin , Qin Hongjun
Published: November 2024

The large-scale integration of renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Integrating carbon trading mechanisms into electricity markets can further maximize this potential. However, the inherent uncertainty in renewable power generation poses significant challenges to effective decarbonization, renewable energy accommodation, and the security and cost efficiency of power system operations. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes a two-stage robust power dispatch model that incorporates carbon trading. This model is designed to minimize system operating costs, risk costs, and carbon trading costs while fully accounting for uncertainties in renewable energy output and the effects of carbon trading mechanisms. This model is solved using the column-and-constraint generation algorithm. Validation of an improved IEEE 39-bus system demonstrates its effectiveness, ensuring that dispatch decisions are both robust and cost-efficient. Compared to traditional dispatch models, the proposed model significantly reduces system risk costs, enhances the utilization of renewable energy, and, through the introduction of a ladder carbon trading mechanism, achieves substantial reductions in carbon emissions during system operation.
The Positive Impact of the Open Access Scientific Publishing in Chile
Authors: Segovia Miguel , Galleguillos Madrid Felipe M. , Portillo Carlos , Rojas Ezequiel Martínez , Gallegos Sandra , Castillo Jonathan , Salazar Iván , Quezada Gonzalo R. , Toro Norman
Published: November 2024

The letter represents the authors’ opinion on the positive impact that allowing open access to scientific publications has on doctoral programmes, the careers of young researchers and the overall quality of university education in Chile.
From Trash to Treasure: Assessing the Effectiveness of the Green@Community Recycling Network in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Teressa H. C. , Hui Tin Yan , Chan Janet K. Y.
Published: November 2024

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a growing problem worldwide posing a variety of environmental and human health impacts. Despite recycling being one major strategy to alleviate MSW production, the effectiveness of recycling has been equivocally dependent on local policy implementation and citizen environmental behavior. To enhance recycling effectiveness in Hong Kong, the government has established Green@Community, a unified community-based network for recycling and public environmental education. Since its establishment, the number of visitors to and the amount of recyclable materials collected at the network increased steadily over time. Our study is the very first to investigate the effectiveness of this territory-wide recycling network. Through a questionnaire survey, we found that respondents’ recycling traits were stronger if they have accrued gift tokens through participating in recycling activities. Visiting a Green@Community facility could also enhance knowledge of the types of acceptable recyclables, and respondents who had visited a Green@Community facility agreed that education and publicity could increase the recycling rate in Hong Kong. These findings highlighted the effectiveness and uniqueness of this community-based recycling network, its role in raising recycling knowledge, and its implications for policymakers and urban planners of densely populated cities to leverage society’s recycling participation, but also called for more efforts on developing, promoting, and incentivizing the usage of such a network to further enhance recycling and alleviate MSW production in Hong Kong.
China–Thai Cultural Diplomacy Through the Buddhist Wat: A Case Study of the Thai Wat in Chaozhou Kaiyuan si, Guangdong
Authors: Zheng Dongxiao , Liu Yaoping
Published: November 2024

Cultural diplomacy is often regarded as a potent method to enhance the bond between nations by facilitating the interchange of cultural values and practices. Previous studies have focused chiefly on political and economic elements, neglecting the role of religious institutions in cultural diplomacy. This paper investigates the function of Wat Chaozhou Kaiyuan si in Guangdong as a means of cultural diplomacy between China and Thailand. This temple is a significant platform for cultural and religious exchanges, fostering enhanced understanding and collaboration between the two nations. Using a case study methodology, this research employed five semi-structured interviews with several individuals, including a head monk from Wat, a monk from Thailand, a monk from China, a diplomat from Thailand, and a diplomat from China. Additionally, field observations were conducted. The data were examined using NVivo through a three-step process consisting of data collection, data coding, and data interpretation. The study produced four noteworthy findings: (1) Buddhism plays a vital role in cultural diplomacy by advancing national objectives through cultural engagement. (2) Cultural diplomacy involves the act of advancing a country’s interests by means of engaging in cultural exchanges. (3) We identified the key actors involved in formal cultural diplomacy. (4) Wat Chaozhou Kaiyuan acts as both a platform for cultural diplomacy and a facilitator of foreign cultural interactions, which is discussed in this study.
The Effects of Proprioceptive Exercises on Postural Control in Handball Players with Chronic Ankle Instability—A Non-Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Antohe Bogdan-Alexandru , Panaet Elena-Adelina
Published: November 2024

Background: This paper aims to investigate the impact of proprioceptive exercises on postural control in handball players with chronic ankle instability. Methods: The research participants (n = 22) were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 11) and the control group (n = 11). Chronic ankle instability was diagnosed using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire, while postural control was evaluated with the Iso-Shift stabilometric platform. The intervention consisted of a 15-week proprioceptive exercise program, with sessions performed three times a week. The rehabilitation protocol was conducted at the start of each training session, immediately following the warm-up. Results: The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests. Both groups improved their score on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire (IdFAI_CG, p < 0.011; IdFAI_EG, p < 0.003) and reduced the number of ankle sprains (NS_EG, p < 0.008). Also, the experimental group had better results for the following tests: ellipse area with open eyes on the left leg (EA_I–OE_L, p < 0.009), ellipse area with closed eyes on the left leg (EA_I–CE_L, p < 0.033), anteroposterior deviation with open eyes on the left leg (APD_I–OE_L, p < 0.023), and the initial and final number of ankle sprains (NS_I, p < 0.01; NS_F, p < 0.024). Conclusions: Athletes who suffer from chronic joint instability are more likely to experience severe postural deviations than those who do not have this condition. Proprioceptive exercises had a positive impact on postural control in both groups, but the experimental group showed a greater improvement.
A Neural Network-Based State-Constrained Control Strategy for Underactuated Aerial Transportation Systems Within Narrow Workspace
Authors: Zhou Yongtao , Wu Yiming , Liang Dingkun , Shi Haibin
Published: November 2024

The aerial transportation system belongs to a symmetrical system and has recently garnered increasing attention from researchers due to its broad application range and convenient operation. The control difficulty of the aerial transportation system lies in the fact that the load is not directly actuated, posing a significant challenge for state-constrained control. Taking the motion of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suspension transportation system within complex pipelines as an example, this paper employs the the swept volume signed distance field (SVSDF) method to search for state boundaries, which is an aspect not considered or elaborated in many state-constrained control approaches. Furthermore, adaptive state-constrained control based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network is utilized for the case of experiencing unknown air resistance. The convergence of the proposed method for underactuated and actuated state variables is theoretically demonstrated based on the Lyapunov technique. Compared with existing methods, the error integral index demonstrates that the proposed method displays better convergence capability in the simulation section when considering state constraints under disturbance and air resistance.
Gumbel–Logistic Unit Distribution with Application in Telecommunications Data Modeling
Authors: Stojanović Vladica S. , Jovanović Mihailo , Pažun Brankica , Langović Zlatko , Grujčić Željko
Published: November 2024

The manuscript deals with a new unit distribution that depends on two positive parameters. The distribution itself was obtained from the Gumbel distribution, i.e., by its transformation, using generalized logistic mapping, into a unit interval. In this way, the so-called Gumbel-logistic unit (abbr. GLU) distribution is obtained, and its key properties, such as cumulative distribution function, modality, hazard and quantile function, moment-based characteristics, Bayesian inferences and entropy, have been investigated in detail. Among others, it is shown that the GLU distribution, unlike the Gumbel one which is always positively asymmetric, can take both asymmetric forms. An estimation of the parameters of the GLU distribution, based on its quantiles, is also performed, together with asymptotic properties of the estimates thus obtained and their numerical simulation. Finally, the GLU distribution has been applied in modeling the empirical distributions of some real-world data related to telecommunications.
Solar Radio Emissions
Authors: Tan Baolin , Huang Jing
Published: November 2024

The radio emission from the Sun covers a very wide frequency band ranging from several hundreds of GHz (sub-millimeter wavelength) down to sub-MHz (kilometer wavelength) [...]
Exploring γ-Ray Flares from High-Redshift Blazar B3 1343+451 at GeV Energies
Authors: Geng Xiongfei , Liu Yang , Cao Gang , Fan Jing , Yang Xiongbang , Ding Nan , Gao Minghu , Yang Yehui , Zhang Zhijie
Published: November 2024

We study the temporal and spectral variability properties of the high-redshift blazar B3 1343+451 utilizing Fermi-LAT data from 2008 to 2022 in the energy range of 0.1–300 GeV. We identify six major flares with many substructures and analyze their temporal and spectral properties in detail. The fastest rise and decay timescales are found to be 4.8 ± 0.48 h and 5.28 ± 0.72 h, respectively. The size of the emission region is constrained to be R ∼ 5.18 × 1015–1.56 × 1016 cm with the typical Doppler factors of δ ∼ 10–30. Most of the peaks from the flares exhibit a symmetric temporal profile within the error bars, implying that the rise and decay timescales are dominated by the disturbances caused by dense plasma blobs passing through the standing shock front in the jet region. We also find that four flares are better fitted with a log-parabolic distribution, while two flares are better fitted with a power-law distribution. Our results indicate that the emission regions vary from one flare to another, which is consistent with earlier results.
Urban Growth and Land Artificialization in Secondary African Cities: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Ho (Ghana) and Kpalimé (Togo)
Authors: Sondou Tchakouni , Anoumou Kouassi Rodolphe , Aholou Coffi Cyprien , Chenal Jérôme , Pessoa Colombo Vitor
Published: November 2024

While many studies have used Earth observations to quantify urbanization in Africa, there is still a lack of empirical evidence on the role of secondary cities in the fastest urbanizing region in the world. Moreover, the diversity of urbanization processes in Africa, which can be more or less compact in terms of land consumption, remains insufficiently acknowledged and under-documented. This empirical study employed mixed methods to address these research gaps. We analyzed and compared the spatiotemporal dynamics of two secondary African cities, Ho (Ghana) and Kpalimé (Togo), between 1985 and 2020. We compared their spatial growth (the rate of urbanization of land) with their respective population growth rates using Landsat TM and ETM+ imagery, and population data. To understand the factors behind eventual differences between the spatial patterns of urbanization of the two cities, our quantitative analysis based on remote sensing was confronted with qualitative data from individual interviews with key stakeholders. Our results showed two distinct urbanization trajectories between 1985 and 2010, with Ho following a more compact pattern than Kpalimé. Since 2010, however, both cities have tended towards urban sprawl, with an urbanization rate greater than the population growth rate. According to the interviews, the main determinants of urban sprawl in these two secondary cities were the absence of housing policies for low-income groups, the absence or inefficacy of urban master plans, the preponderance of single-family housing, and land speculation.
The Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein Is a Transacting Factor for the Dengue Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site
Authors: Fernández-García Leandro , Angulo Jenniffer , López-Lastra Marcelo
Published: November 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) is an enveloped, positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae. Translation initiation of the DENV mRNA (vRNA) can occur following a cap-dependent, 5′-3’end-dependent internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-independent or IRES-dependent mechanism. This study evaluated the activity of DENV IRES in BHK-21 cells and the role of the polypyrimidine-tract binding protein (PTB) isoforms PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4 as IRES-transacting factors (ITAFs) for the DENV IRES. The results show that DENV-IRES activity is stimulated in DENV-replicating BHK-21 cells and cells expressing the Foot-and-mouth disease virus leader or Human rhinovirus 2A proteases. Protease activity was necessary, although a complete shutdown of cap-dependent translation initiation was not a requirement to stimulate DENV IRES activity. Regarding PTB, the results show that PTB1 > PTB2 > PTB4 stimulates DENV-IRES activity in BHK-21 cells. Mutations in the PTB RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4, differentially impact PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4’s ability to promote DENV IRES-mediated translation initiation in BHK-21 cells. PTB1-induced DENV-IRES stimulation is rescinded when RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4 are disrupted. Mutations in RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4 do not affect the ITAF activity of PTB2. Mutating RRM3/RRM4, but not RRM1/RRM2, abolishes the ability of PTB4 to stimulate the DENV IRES. Thus, PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4 are ITAFs for the DENV IRES.
Serum Transcobalamin Concentration in Cats—Method Validation and Evaluation in Chronic Enteropathies and Other Conditions
Authors: Kunath Tim , Kather Stefanie , Dengler Franziska , Nexo Ebba , Pfannkuche Helga , Heilmann Romy M.
Published: November 2024

Hypocobalaminemia is common in cats with chronic enteropathy (FCE). However, the disruptions in cobalamin metabolism are not fully understood and may vary across species. Cobalamin is distributed to target tissues via binding to transcobalamin (TC) in blood, which has not been evaluated in cats. Thus, an in-house sandwich-ELISA was established to evaluate serum total TC concentrations in cats with FCE. Surplus sera served to analytically validate the assay, and serum TC concentrations were compared among cats with FCE and other diseases (gastrointestinal neoplasia, cholangiohepatopathy, and other neoplastic or non-neoplastic conditions) and healthy controls. Observed-to-expected ratios for serial dilutions ranged from 72.4 to 145.6% and were 75.1–126.7% for spiking-and-recovery. Intra- and inter-assay variability was <17.7% and <17.2% and the preliminary reference interval for feline serum TC was <160–2795 aU/L (lower detection limit: 160 aU/L). Serum TC levels were significantly decreased (p = 0.0067) but not correlated with paired cobalamin concentrations in FCE. Hypertranscobalaminemia predominated with hypercobalaminemia, reaching the highest levels in advanced-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases. TC variations in cobalamin deficiency states with FCE may be linked to inflammation or autoantibodies. This and possible links between serum TC variation in FCE, intracellular cobalamin availability, response to supplementation, and concurrent CKD require further exploration.
Examining the Barriers to Redesigning Smallholder Production Practices for Water-Use Efficiency in Numbi, Mbombela Local Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Morepje Mishal Trevor , Agholor Isaac Azikiwe , Sithole Moses Zakhele , Msweli Nomzamo Sharon , Thabane Variety Nkateko , Mgwenya Lethu Inneth
Published: November 2024

Smallholder farmers in South Africa face issues related to water shortages and poor irrigation water management. This study investigated barriers to improving water-use efficiency (WUE) in smallholder production practices in Numbi, South Africa. The objectives were to identify barriers in redesigning production practices for higher agricultural productivity and analyze the relationship between irrigation water supply and the adoption of WUE methods. From a population of 7696 people, 141 smallholder farmers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique through Taro Yamane’s sample size formula. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Unreliable water supply (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), poor soil water retention (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), lack of water-efficient irrigation systems (M = 3.91, SD = 0.71), lack of water storage facilities (M = 3.85, SD = 0.93), limited access to credit (M = 4.09, SD = 0.85), income instability due to market fluctuations (M = 3.96, SD = 0.91), inadequate knowledge of irrigation management (M = 4.00, SD = 0.84), and harsh climatic factors were identified. A positive correlation (r = 0.339, n = 141, p < 0.001) between irrigation water source and WUE techniques was evident, indicating that irrigation water source had an insignificant impact on WUE methods. Resolving these barriers requires a holistic approach focusing on investments in irrigation infrastructure and targeted education initiatives by extension agents and other stakeholders, as this can enhance agricultural productivity.
Influence of Environmental Factors and Epiphytic Bacteria on Arsenic Accumulation and Biotransformation in Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhen Zhuo , Yan Changzhou
Published: November 2024

Submerged aquatic plants have potential applications in the phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic (As). However, the role of epiphytic bacteria that grow on the surface of plants in As uptake and metabolism in plants has often been overlooked. An orthogonal experimental design with nine treatments, four factors, and three levels was conducted to inspect the effects of nitrogen (N, KNO3, 2, 4, 10 mg/L), phosphorus (P, NaH2PO4·2H2O, 0.02, 0.2, 1 mg/L), pH (6, 7, 9), and arsenate (As(V), Na3AsO4·12H2O, 15, 75, 375 μg/L) on As accumulation and biotransformation in sterilized plants and to further explore the role of epiphytic bacteria in the metabolism of As by Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. The results indicate that low N, intermediate P, and intermediate pH were beneficial for As accumulation (117.2 ± 62.2 μg/g DW) in sterilized plants, and epiphytic bacteria exhibited promotion (68%) in plants. High N promoted As absorption and transformation in non-sterilized plants but reduced As absorption in sterilized plants. Epiphytic bacteria in the medium showed significant As(III) oxidation, which was affected by environmental factors. These findings can promote remediation efficiency by regulating environmental factors for the phytoremediation of As-contaminated waters.
Inhibition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Formation During Supercritical Water Gasification of Sewage Sludge by H2O2 Combined with Catalyst
Authors: Xu Qiao , Yan Fenfen , Fan Yujie , Gong Miao
Published: November 2024

This work evaluated the alterations in the levels and types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within both liquid and solid products throughout the process of the catalytic supercritical water gasification of dewatered sewage sludge to examine the catalytic effect of various catalysts and the inhibit reaction pathways. The addition of Ni, NaOH, Na2CO3, H2O2, and KMnO4 reduced the concentrations of PAHs, with Ni and H2O2 showing the best performance. The concentrations of PAHs, especially higher-molecular-weight compounds in the residues, decreased sharply as the H2O2 amount increased. At a 10 wt% H2O2 addition, the levels of PAHs in the liquid and solid products were reduced by 91% and 88%, respectively. High-ring PAHs were not detected in the residues as the H2O2 amount increased to an 8 wt%. H2O2 addition evidently inhibits PAH formation by promoting the ring-opening reactions of initial aromatic compounds in raw sludge and inhibiting the polymerization of open-chain intermediate products. The addition of NaOH + H2O2 or Ni + H2O2 as combined catalysts significantly lowered PAH concentrations while increasing the H2 yield. The addition of 5 wt% Ni + H2O2 reduced PAH concentrations in the liquid and solid residues by 70% and 44%, respectively, while the H2 yield escalated from 0.13 mol/kg OM to 3.88 mol/kg OM. Possible mechanisms associated with the reaction pathways of these combined catalysts are proposed.
Cooperative Strategies in Transboundary Water Pollution Control: A Differential Game Approach
Authors: Tu Guoping , Yu Chengyue , Yu Feilong
Published: November 2024

This paper, based on differential game theory, examines governance models and cooperative strategies for managing cross-border water pollution in regions with uneven economic development. To address cross-regional water pollution, three differential game models are constructed under different scenarios: the Nash noncooperative mechanism, the pollution control cost compensation mechanism, and the collaborative cooperation mechanism. This study analyzes the dynamic changes in pollution emissions, governance investments, and economic returns within each model. The results indicate that the collaborative cooperation mechanism is the most effective, as it significantly reduces pollution emissions, maximizes overall regional benefits, and achieves Pareto optimality. In comparison, the pollution control cost compensation mechanism is suboptimal under certain conditions, while the Nash noncooperative mechanism is the least efficient, resulting in the highest pollution emissions. Furthermore, the research explores the influence of cooperation costs on the selection of governance models. It finds that high cooperation costs reduce local governments’ willingness to engage in collaborative cooperation. However, an appropriate compensation mechanism can effectively encourage less-developed regions to participate. Numerical analysis confirms the dynamic evolution of pollution stocks and economic returns under different models, and provides corresponding policy recommendations. This paper offers theoretical insights and practical guidance for cross-regional water pollution management, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and cost-sharing in environmental governance.
Predicting Green Water Footprint of Sugarcane Crop Using Multi-Source Data-Based and Hybrid Machine Learning Algorithms in White Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Al-Taher Rogaia H. , Abuarab Mohamed E. , Ahmed Abd Al-Rahman S. , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Salem Ali , Helalia Sara Awad , Hammad Elbashir A. , Mokhtar Ali
Published: November 2024

Water scarcity and climate change present substantial obstacles for Sudan, resulting in extensive migration. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models in forecasting the green water footprint (GWFP) of sugarcane in the context of climate change. By analyzing various input variables such as climatic conditions, agricultural data, and remote sensing metrics, the research investigates their effects on the sugarcane cultivation period from 2001 to 2020. A total of seven models, including random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector regressor (SVR), in addition to hybrid combinations like RF-XGB, RF-SVR, XGB-SVR, and RF-XGB-SVR, were applied across five scenarios (Sc) which includes different combinations of variables used in the study. The most significant mean bias error (MBE) was recorded in RF with Sc3 (remote sensing parameters), at 5.14 m3 ton−1, followed closely by RF-SVR at 5.05 m3 ton−1, while the minimum MBE was 0.03 m3 ton−1 in RF-SVR with Sc1 (all parameters). SVR exhibited the highest R2 values throughout all scenarios. Notably, the R2 values for dual hybrid models surpassed those of triple hybrid models. The highest Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) value of 0.98 was noted in Sc2 (climatic parameters) and XGB-SVR, whereas the lowest NSE of 0.09 was linked to SVR in Sc3. The root mean square error (RMSE) varied across different ML models and scenarios, with Sc3 displaying the weakest performance regarding remote sensing parameters (EVI, NDVI, SAVI, and NDWI). Effective precipitation exerted the most considerable influence on GWFP, contributing 81.67%, followed by relative humidity (RH) at 7.5% and Tmax at 5.24%. The study concludes that individual models were as proficient as, or occasionally surpassed, double and triple hybrid models in predicting GWFP for sugarcane. Moreover, remote sensing indices demonstrated minimal positive influence on GWFP prediction, with Sc3 producing the lowest statistical outcomes across all models. Consequently, the study advocates for the use of hybrid models to mitigate the error term in the prediction of sugarcane GWFP.
Individual Importance Classification of Urban Stormwater Channel Networks: A Novel Approach Based on Permutation and Algebraic Graph Theory
Authors: Zhong Zhicheng , Wan Jixiang , Bu Hao , Gao Zheng , Liu Tingting , Wang Fusheng , Shao Qianyu , Qiu Xinyue , Wang Liang , Cheng Jilin
Published: November 2024

The frequency and intensity of urban flooding continuously increase due to the dual influences of climate change and urbanization. Conducting individual importance classification of urban stormwater channel networks (USCNs) is of significant importance for alleviating urban flooding and facilitating targeted stormwater management implementation. However, a quantitative classification method is lacking for trellis networks, which are a common type of USCN. This study proposed a novel importance classification methodology for channel segments in most types of USCNs, especially suitable for trellis networks, based on permutation and algebraic graph theory. The concept of permutation was integrated into the methodology to measure the importance of each channel segment to the USCN. Algebraic graph theory was employed to quantify the topological structure and hydraulic characteristics of the USCN. To verify the applicability and rationality of the proposed methodology, a real-world city with trellis USCNs in China (i.e., Huai’an) was selected as the study area. Seventy channel segments in the USCN were efficiently classified into three categories based on individual importance. This study provided a decision-support methodology from the perspective of individual importance classification in the USCN and offered valuable reference for urban flooding managers.
14th–15th century potter’s workshop in Vilnius, Subačiaus street 11: statistical analysis of the shapes of household pottery
Authors: Valionienė Oksana
Published: November 2024

In this article, the shape of 14th–15th century pottery from Subačiaus Street 11, Vilnius, is analyzed through the application of big data analysis techniques (relational data model, Structured Query Language (SQL), programming language Python, and statistical methods). Two main tasks were carried out as part of this study, namely, the classification of the earliest shapes of pottery found in the potter’s workshop in Vilnius and the implementation of IT methods in the research of archaeological household pottery of Vilnius. A total of 1628 fragments of the upper part of vessels and complete vessels from two middens were analyzed to discern a morphological relationship of assemblages, to assess the diversity of shapes, as well as similarities and differences in techniques used during production. Further tasks include the classification of the shape of rims, profiles, and decorations. Both middens were found to contain pairs of similarly shaped sherds, leading us to conclude that although production was characterized by similar features, they were not identical—possibly due to minor differences in the chronology of the assemblages, different circumstances of artifacts’ deposition in archaeological layers, or because the two middens were used by several craftsmen with a common work experience.
Motiejaus Kazimiero Sarbievijaus traktato „Pagonių dievai“ (dii gentium) I–IV skyriai. Literatūros ir archeologijos sąsajos
Authors: Kisieliūtė Laura
Published: November 2024

Šiame straipsnyje pristatomas M. K. Sarbievijaus veikalo Pagonių dievai (Dii gentium) vertimas (I–IV skyrių). Veikalas išsiskiria iš visų autoriaus kūrinių, reikšmingas tiek savo turiniu, tiek kultūriniu kontekstu. Išverstuose skyriuose randame daugelį žinomų mitų, aiškinamų alegoriškai, šventųjų vietų paaiškinimų ir romėnų dievų panteono suskirstymą. Nagrinėjamas išverstų dalių turinys, kūrinio intertekstualumas ir tiek istorinės, tiek kultūrinės aplinkybės. Darbe taip pat pateikiamas pirmasis keturių konkrečių skyrių vertimas į lietuvių kalbą su komentarais.
Nuo daiktų istorijos iki „naujojo materializmo“: materialinės kultūros tyrimų patirtys ir iššūkiai istoriografijoje
Authors: Sarcevičienė Jolita
Published: November 2024

The article discusses the evolution of research of the second half of the twentieth century to the twenty-first century in Western Europe and the USA into the material culture of the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. It highlights the most characteristic stages in the development of the historiography on this topic and the most significant discussions. Attention is also paid to the research into material culture in Lithuania, because so far this topic has not received much attention from historians, although archaeologists and museologists have been working successfully in
this field.
Production certification according to HACCP
Authors:   CS Rostest Ural, Russia, Ekaterinburg, Kurbatova E.D.
Published: November 2024

The article discusses the concepts of the HACCP system, the basic principles of the HACCP standard, the goals and procedure for introducing the system into enterprises, as well as the advantages of HACCP certification, indicators that are checked during the certification process.
The number of artemia bottom cysts (Artemia Leach, 1819) in different hyperhaline lakes of the Altai territory
Authors:   Altai branch of the VNIRO (AltaiNIRO), Russia, Barnaul, Lukerina G.V. , Surkov D.A. ,   Altai branch of the VNIRO (AltaiNIRO), Russia, Barnaul, Pyatkova Y.S. ,   Altai branch of the VNIRO (AltaiNIRO), Russia, Barnaul, Tolkushkina G.D. ,   Altai branch of the VNIRO (AltaiNIRO), Russia, Barnaul, Shcherbakov V.I. ,   Altai branch of the VNIRO (AltaiNIRO), Russia, Barnaul
Published: November 2024

Artemia cysts are economically significant. One of the components of the reserve is the biomass of artemia cysts submerged to the bottom. 22 hyperhaline lakes of the Altai Territory were studied in 2018–2021. It was found that artemia lived in all the studied lakes, including bisexual populations in 4 lakes, and parthenogenetic populations in 18. The lakes were conditionally divided into 5 groups. 1192 soil samples were selected and processed. The types of sediments were conditionally divided into 6 groups depending on the dominant particles. The dependence of the concentration of bottom artemia cysts on the type of sediments was revealed (r = 0.289, p = 0.001, n = 732). It is determined that the concentration of cysts does not depend on the salinity of the water in the lake, with the same salinity, the density of cysts varies from 0 to several million depending on the type of sediments. The dependence of the concentration of bottom cysts in the summer period on the selected group of lakes was established (r = 0.817, p = 0.1, n = 5). In brine lakes the minimum concentration was observed in spring, in Deep-water and Medium-deep lakes the maximum was observed in summer, in Shallow brine lakes — in autumn. In group of lakes “Shallow, salt precipitates“ and “Drying up in summer” lakes a decrease in the concentration of cysts at the bottom was noted from spring to autumn. The influence of the depth of occurrence on the density of artemia cysts in silt sediments has been studied: in Maloe Yarovoye Lake 63% is in the upper layer, in Kulundinskoye Lake the highest density is in a layer of 5–10 cm, in Bolshoe Yarovoye Lake cysts are evenly distributed in viscous silt at a depth of 5 to 20 cm. The change in the concentration of bottom cysts in autumn and subsequent spring was analyzed to identify the proportion of cysts that have risen from the bottom. Up to 98% of cysts float in Shallow lakes, 4–62% in Deep and Medium-deep lakes.
Comparative characteristics of the development of germ cells in Siberian sturgeon and sterlet in the second year of cultivation, obtained using cryopreserved and native sperm in industrial farms
Authors:   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Ilyasova V.A. , Melchenkov E.A. ,   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Vorobyov A.P. ,   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Archibasov A.A. ,   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Kalmykova V.V. ,   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Antipina Y.A. ,   Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH), Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye
Published: November 2024

For the first time, the effect of cryopreservation in comparison with native sperm from domesticated forms of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet on the development of germ cells and the body as a whole in the offspring obtained in the second year of cultivation, taken during fertilization of eggs of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet in the conditions of the Konakovsky department of the Branch for the freshwater fisheries of the VNIRO (VNIIPRKH). The correlation of body weight with the mass of the left, right and gonad length is shown, the greater the body weight, the greater the mass and length of the gonads. In the early stages of the body’s development, body weight and the appearance of gonads correlate due to the presence of parenchymal and adipose tissue in the gonads, blood cells — histiocytes (a type of macrophages), which resorb cells unnecessary to the body, are clearly visible in the gonads. In females and males of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet, regardless of body weight, there is a consistent manifestation of the patterns of gametogenesis. In the experimental and control groups, the development of germ cells is similar, and anatomical differentiation of sex takes place. The Siberian sturgeon has the I stage of gonad maturity, the sterlet has the I, the beginning of the II stage of gonad maturity, they are species–specific and regular. No violations were noted, the appearance of hermaphrodite in sturgeons is a known fact and is not a violation, because the process of germ cell development in the “female” and “male” gonads is proceeding in a timely manner. The good quality of spermatozoa in domesticated forms of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet, which have passed several stages of breeding and are located in the Konakovsky department, is also important.
Effect of water temperature on the beginning of active feeding of tugun and nelma larvae
Authors:   Tyumen Branch of Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Russia, Tyumen, Semenchenko S. M. , Smeshlivaya N. V. ,   Tyumen Branch of Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Russia, Tyumen
Published: November 2024

Temperature conditions of transition to active feeding of tugun Coregonus tugun (Pallas, 1814) and nelma Stenodus leucichthys nelma (Pallas, 1773) larvae to substantiate elements of artificial reproduction biotechniques were studied experimentally. We added live food (Artemia nauplii) and placed larvae a day after the transition to the first stage of the larval period in aquaria with different constant temperatures. The proportion of larvae that started feeding consistently increased in the temperature range 0.2–10 °C reaching 100% at daily exposure of experiments. The 50% level of transition to active feeding was observed at 6 °C. The ability of larvae with preliminary feeding experience to consume food at a temperature 1–5 °C lower than that of larvae that had not fed before was found. The individual duration of larvae transition to active feeding varied significantly from 1 to 8–9 days in a series of experiments at a stable low temperature (0.2 °C). Delayed initiation of exogenous feeding due to the limiting effect of low temperatures is physiologically equivalent to larval starvation. This may negatively affect the subsequent development of larvae. Species specificity was not significantly revealed in all series of experiments. We recommend keeping the water temperature at least 10°C from the time of embryo transition to larval development when rearing juveniles under intensive technologies to reduce the diversity of planting material in terms of size parameters. In this case, the duration of the time interval necessary for the beginning of active feeding of all larvae will be maximally reduced.
Physiological and biochemical assessment of a new three-breed carp cross
Authors:   RSAU-MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Russia, Moscow, Pronina G.I. , Morgulev S.K. ,   RSAU-MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Russia, Moscow, Alimkina O.V. ,   RSAU-MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Russia, Moscow
Published: November 2024

The article presents data about the physiological and biochemical assessment of a new three-breed carp cross. The basis for the creation of the cross was the theory of heterosis and the high combinational ability of both parent forms. The effect of heterosis was noted for a number of zootechnical indicators: body weight, head index, number of stamens on the anterior gill arch. The results of a comparative analysis of biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase activity, glucose and total protein content are presented, which allowed us to conclude about the physiological state of the new three-breed cross, about the balance of its carbohydrate metabolism and high rates of protein metabolism, low level of hepatocyte destruction, high immune status and cellular immunity. The new cross is characterized by intensive metabolism of a greater proportion of mature neutrophils and a high level of cellular immunity according to the cytochemical coefficient of lysosomal cationic protein. When obtaining a new three-breed cross, the method of reciprocal hybridization of different carp breeds was used and the choice of an acceptable option with a pronounced effect of heterosis in terms of productivity and vitality was used. The article presents the results of immunological, hematological and biochemical blood tests of the new cross. Also, the article demonstrates the results of studies of the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and determines the content of non-enzymatic cationic protein in them. According to the results of the biochemical assessment, the new three-breed cross showed a high combination of its parent forms with the expected level of the heterosis effect.
Microbiota of goby fish in the northern part of the Caspian sea
Authors:   Volga-Caspian Branch of VNIRO (", Menkova A.V. ,   CaspNIRKH",   ), Russia, Astrakhan, Dyakova S.A. ,   Volga-Caspian Branch of VNIRO ("CaspNIRKH"), Russia, Astrakhan, Kiriukhina E.R. ,   Volga-Caspian Branch of VNIRO ("CaspNIRKH"), Russia, Astrakhan
Published: November 2024

Microorganisms, including bacteria of aquatic ecosystems, due to their short life cycle and rapid reproduction, react to any transformations of environmental conditions earlier than other organisms of any biocenosis. Various qualitative and quantitative changes in the bacteriocenoses of water and bottom sediments entail changes in the microbiota of aquatic organisms. Fish of the Gobiidae family, due to their sedentary lifestyle, can serve as an indicator of changes in the microbiota of the environment through the transformation of their own. The results of microbiological studies of goby fish caught in the northern part of the Caspian Sea in 2014–2023 are presented. The microbiota of organs and tissues of gobies changed insignificantly over the years at the level of the isolated families; microbial associations were similar in summer and autumn. In the autumn period, the qualitative composition of bacteriocenoses of all studied biotopes became more diverse in terms of the number of isolated genera of bacteria. Isolated microorganisms of gobies are represented by gram-positive and gram-negative forms with a dominance of representatives of the family. Enterobacteriaceae and gram-positive rods and cocci. The isolated bacteria had enzymatic activity — the production of a wide range of enzymes was recorded, including enzymes acting as pathogenicity factors. The presence of resistant isolates to most of the tested antibiotics was also noted. The above properties indicated significant heterogeneity of the population of isolated bacteria and their significant adaptive potential. The results obtained indicated the persistence of potentially dangerous microorganisms in gobies. The absence of clinical signs of infectious diseases and any pathological processes in the organs and tissues of the examined fish made it possible to assess the presence of the above microorganisms as asymptomatic bacterial carriage
The effect of a probiotic drug on an enterosorbent on the change in the functional activity of humoral factors of nonspecific immunity of the Russian Lena sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstadtii × Acipenser baeri)
Authors:   Astrakhan State Technical University, Russia, Astrakhan, Zhandalgarova A.D. , Bakhareva A.A. ,   Astrakhan State Technical University, Russia, Astrakhan; Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G. Razumovsky (First Cossack University), Russia, Moscow, Grozesku Yu.N. ,   Astrakhan State Technical University, Russia, Astrakhan
Published: November 2024

In modern aquaculture, probiotic drugs are used to increase the immunologically determined natural resistance of the fish body, regulate their immune homeostasis, prevent stress, prevent diseases and form normal intestinal microflora of fish at all stages of development. The use of these drugs in compound feeds can solve a number of problems related to the immunological and physiological state of the fish body, affecting the antimicrobial activity expressed by the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, suppression of bacterial invasion, and prevention of adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms to epithelial cells. In addition, the drugs will help to improve the barrier function, expressed by an increase in mucus production, strengthening the integrity of the epithelial barrier. This article presents information about the experimental study of the effect of a probiotic drug on the enterosorbent “Ecoflor” on the dynamics of bactericidal activity of blood serum, the concentration of nonspecific immune complexes in blood serum and immunocompetent organs, the number of immunodeficient individuals, as well as on the level of C-reactive protein of the Russian Lena sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstadtii x Acipenser baeri). It was found that the use of a probiotic drug in experimental dosages of 5–9 g/kg of compound feed has an effect on the indicators of nonspecific humoral immunity. Thus, the Russian- Lena sturgeon, grown on compound feeds with probiotic on enterosorbent, had an increased level of BABS and the absence of IMD of individuals. In addition, the probiotic contributed to a decrease in the concentration of nonspecific immune complexes in the blood serum and immunocompetent organs of the Russian-Lena sturgeon, and the results of the analysis for SRB allowed us to conclude that the drug used does not cause inflammatory reactions in the body of sturgeon fish.