bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Docking Analysis of Some Bioactive Compounds from Traditional Plants against SARS-CoV-2 Target Proteins
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Nourhan M. , Khalifa Ibrahim , Darwish Amira M. G. , Badr Ahmed N. , Aljumayi Huda , Hafez El-Sayed , Shehata Mohamed G.
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 is still a global pandemic that has not been stopped. Many traditional medicines have been demonstrated to be incredibly helpful for treating COVID-19 patients while fighting the disease worldwide. We introduced 10 bioactive compounds derived from traditional medicinal plants and assessed their potential for inhibiting viral spike protein (S-protein), Papain-like protease (PLpro), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) using molecular docking protocols where we simulate the inhibitors bound to target proteins in various poses and at different known binding sites using Autodock version 4.0 and Chimera 1.8.1 software. Results found that the chicoric acid, quinine, and withaferin A ligand strongly inhibited CoV-2 S -protein with a binding energy of −8.63, −7.85, and −7.85 kcal/mol, respectively. Our modeling work also suggested that curcumin, quinine, and demothoxycurcumin exhibited high binding affinity toward RdRp with a binding energy of −7.80, −7.80, and −7.64 kcal/mol, respectively. The other ligands, namely chicoric acid, demothoxycurcumin, and curcumin express high binding energy than the other tested ligands docked to PLpro with −7.62, −6.81, and −6.70 kcal/mol, respectively. Prediction of drug-likeness properties revealed that all tested ligands have no violations to Lipinski’s Rule of Five except cepharanthine, chicoric acid, and theaflavin. Regarding the pharmacokinetic behavior, all ligand predicted to have high GI-absorption except chicoric acid and theaflavin. At the same way chicoric acid, withaferin A, and withanolide D predicted to be substrate for multidrug resistance protein (P-gp substrate). Caffeic acid, cepharanthine, chicoric acid, withaferin A, and withanolide D also have no inhibitory effect on any cytochrome P450 enzymes. Promisingly, chicoric acid, quinine, curcumin, and demothoxycurcumin exhibited high binding affinity on SARS-CoV-2 target proteins and expressed good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Further research is required to investigate the potential uses of these compounds in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
No Evidence of Benefits of Host Nano-Carbon Materials for Practical Lithium Anode-Free Cells
Authors: Zhou Bingxin , Fang Baizeng , Stoševski Ivan , Bonakdarpour Arman , Wilkinson David P.
Published: April 2022

Nano-carbon-based materials are widely reported as lithium host materials in lithium metal batteries (LMBs); however, researchers report contradictory claims as to where the lithium plating occurs. Herein, the use of pure hollow core-carbon spheres coated on Cu (PHCCSs@Cu) to study the lithium deposition behavior with respect to this type of structure in lithium anode-free cells is described. It is demonstrated that the lithium showed some initial and limited intercalation into the PHCCSs and then plated on the external carbon walls and the top surface of the carbon coating during the charging process. The unfavorable deposition of lithium inside the PHCCSs is discussed from the viewpoint of lithium-ion transport and lithium nucleation. The application potential of PHCCSs and the data from these LMB studies are also discussed.
Nanotechnology-Assisted Cell Tracking
Authors: Peserico Alessia , Di Berardino Chiara , Russo Valentina , Capacchietti Giulia , Di Giacinto Oriana , Canciello Angelo , Camerano Spelta Rapini Chiara , Barboni Barbara
Published: April 2022

The usefulness of nanoparticles (NPs) in the diagnostic and/or therapeutic sector is derived from their aptitude for navigating intra- and extracellular barriers successfully and to be spatiotemporally targeted. In this context, the optimization of NP delivery platforms is technologically related to the exploitation of the mechanisms involved in the NP–cell interaction. This review provides a detailed overview of the available technologies focusing on cell–NP interaction/detection by describing their applications in the fields of cancer and regenerative medicine. Specifically, a literature survey has been performed to analyze the key nanocarrier-impacting elements, such as NP typology and functionalization, the ability to tune cell interaction mechanisms under in vitro and in vivo conditions by framing, and at the same time, the imaging devices supporting NP delivery assessment, and consideration of their specificity and sensitivity. Although the large amount of literature information on the designs and applications of cell membrane-coated NPs has reached the extent at which it could be considered a mature branch of nanomedicine ready to be translated to the clinic, the technology applied to the biomimetic functionalization strategy of the design of NPs for directing cell labelling and intracellular retention appears less advanced. These approaches, if properly scaled up, will present diverse biomedical applications and make a positive impact on human health.
Silica Nanoparticles Enhance the Disease Resistance of Ginger to Rhizome Rot during Postharvest Storage
Authors: Zhou Jie , Liu Xuli , Sun Chong , Li Gang , Yang Peihua , Jia Qie , Cai Xiaodong , Zhu Yongxing , Yin Junliang , Liu Yiqing
Published: April 2022

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) offer an ecofriendly and environmentally safe alternative for plant disease management. However, the mechanisms of SiNPs-induced disease resistance are largely unknown. This research evaluated the application of SiNPs in controlling the postharvest decay of ginger rhizomes inoculated with Fusarium solani. In vitro study showed that SiNP had little inhibitory effect on mycelial growth and spore germination of F. solani and did not significantly change mycelium’s MDA content and SDH activity. In vivo analysis indicated that SiNPs decreased the degree of decay around the wounds and decreased the accumulation of H2O2 after long-term pathogenic infection through potentiating the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, APX, PPO, and CAT. SiNP150 increased the CHI, PAL, and GLU activity at the onset of the experiment. Moreover, SiNP150 treatment increased total phenolics contents by 1.3, 1.5, and 1.2-times after 3, 5, and 7 days of treatment, and increased total flavonoids content throughout the experiment by 9.3%, 62.4%, 26.9%, 12.8%, and 60.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of selected phenylpropanoid pathway-related genes was generally enhanced by SiNPs when subjected to F. solani inoculation. Together, SiNPs can effectively reduce the fungal disease of ginger rhizome through both physical and biochemical defense mechanisms.
Irrigation of Olives with Reclaimed Wastewaters and Deficit Strategies Affect Pathogenic Bacteria Contamination of Water and Soil
Authors: Vivaldi Gaetano Alessandro , Camposeo Salvatore , Caponio Gabriele , Lopriore Giuseppe , Discipio Francesco , Apollonio Francesca , Triggiano Francesco , De Giglio Osvalda , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to evaluate pathogenic bacterial contamination of the water-soil-plant system in potted olive trees irrigated with reclaimed wastewater. Desalinated water (DW) obtained by treating municipal wastewater (SW) and reclaimed water (RW) obtained by mixing SW with the brine (BR) produced by DESERT technology (tertiary treatment by ultrafiltration, active carbon and reverse osmosis) were used. Two different irrigation regimes were compared: full irrigation (FI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI). During two irrigation seasons the concentrations of Escherichia coli, enterococci, spores of sulfite-reducing Clostridia (SRC) and Salmonella spp. were monitored in water, soil and fruit samples. Microbial concentrations in DW were always below the threshold for reuse in agriculture, while RW showed the highest level of contamination for all observed parameters. RDI management appeared to increase the soil content of SRC spores with respect to FI. Sporadically low SRC spore contamination was recorded in some fruits only in 2018, regardless of the irrigation source, probably because of accidental contamination during sampling or post-harvest handling. This study encourages the creation of a better regulatory framework reference, with specific guidelines for the use of RW as part of integrated environmental systems for the management of sustainable agriculture.
Diverse Cell Death Mechanisms Are Simultaneously Activated in Macrophages Infected by Virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ramon-Luing Lucero A. , Olvera Yessica , Flores-Gonzalez Julio , Palacios Yadira , Carranza Claudia , Aguilar-Duran Yerany , Vargas Marco Antonio , Gutierrez Neptali , Medina-Quero Karen , Chavez-Galan Leslie
Published: April 2022

Macrophages are necessary to eliminate pathogens. However, some pathogens have developed mechanisms to avoid the immune response. One of them is modulating the cell death mechanism to favor pathogen survival. In this study, we evaluated if virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) can simultaneously activate more than one cell death mechanism. We infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) in vitro with avirulent (H37Ra) and virulent (H37Rv) strains, and then we measured molecules involved in apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Our data showed that H37Rv infection increased the BCL-2 transcript and protein, decreased the BAX transcript, and increased phosphorylated BCL-2 at the protein level. Moreover, H37Rv infection increased the expression of the molecules involved in the necroptotic pathway, such as ASK1, p-38, RIPK1, RIPK3, and caspase-8, while H37Ra increased caspase-8 and decreased RIPK3 at the transcriptional level. In addition, NLRP3 and CASP1 expression was increased at low MOI in both strains, while IL-1β was independent of virulence but dependent on infection MOI, suggesting the activation of pyroptosis. These findings suggest that virulent M. tb inhibits the apoptosis mediated by BCL-2 family molecules but, at the same time, increases the expression of molecules involved in apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis at the transcriptional and protein levels, probably as a mechanism to avoid the immune response and guarantee its survival.
Evolutionary Strategy for Practical Design of Passive Optical Networks
Authors: Dias Leonardo Pereira , Dos Santos Alex Ferreira , Pereira Helder Alves , De Andrade Almeida Raul Camelo , Giozza William Ferreira , De Sousa Rafael Timóteo , Assis Karcius Day Rosario
Published: April 2022

Passive optical networks (PONs) are an important and interesting technology for broadband access as a result of the growing demand for bandwidth over the past 10 years. An arduous and complex step in the design of such networks involves determining the placement of equipment, optical fiber cables and several other parameters relevant to the proper functioning of the network. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary strategy to optimize the infrastructure design of PONs by using genetic algorithm technique. This meta-heuristic is capable of elaborating fast, automatic and efficient solutions for the design and planning of PONs. Our proposal has been developed using real maps, aiming to minimize deployment costs and time spent to carry out PON projects, achieving pre-defined quality criteria. We considered, in our simulations, two scenarios (non-dense and dense), four possible topologies and two regions of interest. The non-dense consists of a scenario in which subscribers are distributed in a dispersed manner in the region of interest. The dense has a considerably higher number of subscribers distributed in a very close way to each other. Based on the obtained results, the potential of our proposal is quite clear, as well as its relevance from a technical, economic, and commercial point of view.
Complex Synergistic Interactions among Volatile and Phenolic Compounds Underlie the Effectiveness of Allelopathic Residues Added to the Soil for Weed Control
Authors: Pardo-Muras María , Puig Carolina G. , Pedrol Nuria
Published: April 2022

The introduction of allelopathic cover crops for green manuring or mulching is a regular practice in Integrated Weed Management. In this context, the alternative use of the abundant phytotoxic residues of allelopathic plants from the agroecosystem, e.g., the foliage of Eucalyptus, Acacia, or Cytisus species, is promising. Previous studies identified the phytotoxic compounds potentially involved in the effectiveness of some plant residues when added to the soil for weed control. The low quantities of allelochemicals present in the tissues and the weak phytotoxicity of each of them in their natural concentrations did not explain the significant levels of weed control observed at field scale. Here, to study hypothetical synergistic interactions among the volatile (VOCs) and water-soluble compounds released to the soil matrix, complex mixtures of VOCs, phenolics, or both, mimicking the chemical profiles of Cytisus scoparius were prepared and then tested in vitro on the germination and early growth of two weeds. The effects were calibrated against the VOCs naturally emitted by the fresh plant material and aqueous extract, acting together or not, and with or without soil. The presence of the aqueous extract significantly increased the phytotoxicity of VOCs on Amaranthus retroflexus root growth compared to the volatiles emitted alone. In addition, the soil factor enhanced synergistic interactions among VOCs and water-soluble compounds, resulting in a 54% decrease in total germination and an 80% inhibition of root and shoot growth. Multi-level synergistic chemical interactions should explain the bioherbicidal effectiveness of allelopathic residues applied as a soil amendment.
Metabolic Modifications in Terpenoid and Steroid Pathways Triggered by Methyl Jasmonate in Taxus × media Hairy Roots
Authors: Sykłowska-Baranek Katarzyna , Kamińska Monika , Pączkowski Cezary , Pietrosiuk Agnieszka , Szakiel Anna
Published: April 2022

The in vitro cultures of Taxus spp. were one of the first plant in vitro systems proved to exert the positive effect of elicitation with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites. The main aim of the present study is to examine the effect of MeJA treatment on the steroid and triterpenoid content of two genetically different hairy root lines of Taxus × media, KT and ATMA. The results revealed that the two lines differed in the total content of steroids and triterpenoids (in the ATMA root line, their amounts were lower than those in the KT line by 43% and 30%, respectively), but not in the composition of these compounds. The metabolic response to elicitation with MeJA was different: in the KT root line, the content of steroids decreased by 18%, whereas it increased by 38% in the ATMA line. Several metabolic features were common, including the characteristic changes in the ratio of sitosterol to stigmasterol content, caused by the very sharp boost in stigmasterol levels, the increase in the amount of glycoside forms of sterols, as well as in triterpenoid and total phenolic content. It is the first report on modifications of the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway in Taxus hairy root cultures triggered by MeJA, concerning steroids and triterpenoids.
An Experimental Study on the Hot Alkali Extraction of Xylan-Based Hemicelluloses from Wheat Straw and Corn Stalks and Optimization Methods
Authors: Puițel Adrian Cătălin , Suditu Gabriel Dan , Danu Maricel , Ailiesei Gabriela-Liliana , Nechita Mircea Teodor
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we describe an experimental study on the hot alkali extraction of hemicelluloses from wheat straw and corn stalks, two of the most common lignocellulosic biomass constituents in Romania. The chemical compositions of the raw materials were determined analytically, and the relevant chemical components were cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and ash. Using the response surface methodology, the optimum values of the hot alkaline extraction parameters, i.e., time, temperature, and NaOH concentration, were identified and experimentally validated. The physicochemical characterization of the isolated hemicelluloses was performed using HPLC, FTIR, TG, DTG, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The main hemicellulose components identified experimentally were xylan, arabinan, and glucan. The study emphasizes that both corn stalks and wheat straw are suitable as raw materials for hemicellulose extraction, highlighting the advantages of alkaline pretreatments and showing that optimization methods can further improve the process efficiency.
Investigation of the Role and Effectiveness of Chitosan Coating on Probiotic Microcapsules
Authors: Erdélyi Lóránd , Fenyvesi Ferenc , Gál Bernadett , Haimhoffer Ádám , Vasvári Gábor , Budai István , Remenyik Judit , Bereczki Ilona , Fehér Pálma , Ujhelyi Zoltán , Bácskay Ildikó , Vecsernyés Miklós , Kovács Renátó , Váradi Judit
Published: April 2022

Microencapsulation and coating are preferred methods to increase the viability of the probiotic strains. The effect of microencapsulation technologies and materials used as microcapsule cores on viability is being investigated during development. In the present study, chitosan-coated and Eudragit L100-55-coated alginate microspheres were produced to encapsulate Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic bacteria. After the heat loading and simulated gastrointestinal juice dissolution study, the differences in viability were compared based on the CFU/mL values of the samples. The kinetics of the bacterial release and the ratio of the released live/dead cells of Lactobacillus plantarum were examined by flow cytometry. In all cases, we found that the CFU value for the chitosan-coated samples was virtually zero. The ratio of live/dead cells in the 120 min samples was significantly reduced to less than 20% for chitosan, while it was nearly 90% in the uncoated and Eudragit L100-55-coated samples. In the case of chitosan, based on some published MIC values and the amount of chitosan coating determined in the present study, we concluded the reason for our results. It was the first time to determine the amount of the released chitosan coat of the dried microcapsule, which reached the MIC value during the dissolution studies.
Stress–Strain Model for Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Reinforced with Carbon–Polypropylene Hybrid Fibers
Authors: Yang Xue , Wu Tao , Liu Xi
Published: April 2022

This research aimed to investigate the hybrid effects of carbon and polypropylene fibers on the stress–strain behavior of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). The considered test variables were two fiber volume fractions of 0.2% and 0.4% and two water/binder ratios of 0.27 and 0.30. Eighteen groups of prisms fabricated with fiber-reinforced LWAC were tested under axial compressive load. Experimental studies were carried out to analyze the influence of different fiber combinations on the complete stress–strain behavior. It was found that the carbon–polypropylene hybrid fibers led to toughness enhancement that was numerically more significant than the sum of individual fibers, indicating a positive synergistic effect between them. Finally, a mathematical expression of the stress–strain curve accounting for the fiber combinations was developed. Compared with existing stress–strain models, the proposed model shows better accuracy in predicting the effect of carbon and polypropylene fibers in both single and hybrid forms on the stress–strain curve of LWAC.
Biocompatible Nanoparticles Based on Amphiphilic Random Polypeptides and Glycopolymers as Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Zashikhina Natalia , Levit Mariia , Dobrodumov Anatoliy , Gladnev Sergey , Lavrentieva Antonina , Tennikova Tatiana , Korzhikova-Vlakh Evgenia
Published: April 2022

In this research, the development and investigation of novel nanoobjects based on biodegradable random polypeptides and synthetic non-degradable glycopolymer poly(2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido-d-glucose) were proposed as drug delivery systems. Two different approaches have been applied for preparation of such nanomaterials. The first one includes the synthesis of block-random copolymers consisting of polypeptide and glycopolymer and capable of self-assembly into polymer particles. The synthesis of copolymers was performed using sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) techniques. Amphiphilic poly(2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido-d-glucose)-b-poly(l-lysine-co-l-phenylalanine) (PMAG-b-P(Lys-co-Phe)) copolymers were then used for preparation of self-assembled nanoparticles. Another approach for the formation of polypeptide-glycopolymer particles was based on the post-modification of preformed polypeptide particles with an oxidized glycopolymer. The conjugation of the polysaccharide on the surface of the particles was achieved by the interaction of the aldehyde groups of the oxidized glycopolymer with the amino groups of the polymer on particle surface, followed by the reduction of the formed Schiff base with sodium borohydride. A comparative study of polymer nanoparticles developed with its cationic analogues based on random P(Lys-co-d-Phe), as well as an anionic one—P(Lys-co-d-Phe) covered with heparin––was carried out. In vitro antitumor activity of novel paclitaxel-loaded PMAG-b-P(Lys-co-Phe)-based particles towards A549 (human lung carcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells was comparable to the commercially available Paclitaxel-LANS.
Association Behavior of Amphiphilic ABA Triblock Copolymer Composed of Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (A) and Poly(ethylene oxide) (B) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Mizoue Yoko , Onodera Ema , Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: April 2022

Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have protein-antifouling properties and blood compatibility. ABA triblock copolymers (PMEAl-PEO11340-PMEAm (MEOMn; n is average value of l and m)) were prepared using single-electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) using a bifunctional PEO macroinitiator. Two types of MEOMn composed of PMEA blocks with degrees of polymerization (DP = n) of 85 and 777 were prepared using the same PEO macroinitiator. MEOMn formed flower micelles with a hydrophobic PMEA (A) core and hydrophilic PEO (B) loop shells in diluted water with a similar appearance to petals. The hydrodynamic radii of MEOM85 and MEOM777 were 151 and 108 nm, respectively. The PMEA block with a large DP formed a tightly packed core. The aggregation number (Nagg) of the PMEA block in a single flower micelle for MEOM85 and MEOM777 was 156 and 164, respectively, which were estimated using a light scattering technique. The critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) for MEOM85 and MEOM777 were 0.01 and 0.002 g/L, respectively, as determined by the light scattering intensity and fluorescence probe techniques. The size, Nagg, and CMC for MEOM85 and MEOM777 were almost the same independent of hydrophobic DP of the PMEA block.
Interpretation of Chemical Analyses and Cement Modules in Flysch by (Geo)Statistical Methods, Example from the Southern Croatia
Authors: Bralić Nikolina , Malvić Tomislav
Published: April 2022

This study included the testing of normal (Gaussian) distribution of input data and, consequently, spatially interpolating maps of chemical components and cement modules in the flysch. This deposit contains the raw material for cement production. The researched area is located in southern Croatia, near Split, as part of the exploited field “St. Juraj–St. Kajo”. There are six lithological units: (1) alternation of marls and sandstones with inclusions of conglomerates, (2) marl, (3) calcsiltite, (4) calcarenite, (5) marl with nummulites, (6) debrites, and (7) clayey marl. All of them are deposited in the (a) northern and (b) southern beds. Only debrites are divided into the (a) western and (b) eastern layers. Those lithological units were divided technologically based on their cement modules (lime saturation factor (LSF), silicate module (SM), and aluminate module (AM)). The average thicknesses were analysed, followed by normality tests (Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) and Shapiro–Wilk (S–W)) of the chemical analyses: CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, SO3, Na2O, K2O, CaCO3 (%) and three cement modules (LSF, SM, AM), available in the six lithological units. The normality tests were applied based on a number of input data. The further interpolation was performed using two methods, kriging and inverse distance weighting, mapping CaO (%), SiO2 (%), and LSF (−) in three different lithological units. The interpolation methods were selected based on two criteria: (a) normality test pass or fail and (b) the amount of data. In total, 144 tests were calculated, including sets from 7 to 36 points. The results show the current situation in the quarry, after decades of production, making reliable the future predictions of cement raw material exploitation.
Rituals of Victory: The Role of Liturgy in the Consecration of Mosques in the Castilian Expansion over Islam from Eleventh to Thirteenth Centuries
Authors: Bueno Sánchez Marisa
Published: April 2022

Scholarly work on the conquest of Muslim cities in the so-called Castilian Reconquista has focused largely on political consequences rather than conquest rituals. Against the previous background, this article turns attention toward civil and religious rituals associated with the Christian conquest of Muslim cities as an expression of triumph. Among these rituals, the conversion of the congregational mosques has been discussed in chronicles and liturgical books that reveals the role of liturgy to understand both appropriation and sacralization of the mosque to remove these places from Muslim control, restoring the Christian faith in the new churches. These rituals are an evident legacy of Roman law modified in late antiquity, and this paper’s main aim is to highlight the re-use of preexisting Church consecration ceremonies gathered in the Roman Pontifical in order to clean up the “Mohammedan filth” applied to post-Reconquista churches.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of MWool® Recycled Wool Fibers
Authors: Bianco Isabella , Gerboni Raffaella , Picerno Giuseppe , Blengini Gian Andrea
Published: April 2022

Textile industries are in the spotlight due to the heavy environmental impacts along their products’ life cycle and, at the same time, they are a priority sector in the new circular economy action plan of the European Commission. In this framework, the Italian company Manteco SpA has developed a value chain based on the recycling of pre- and post-consumer discarded textiles, wh0se output is a secondary wool fiber named MWool®. This study develops an environmental analysis of recycled wool fibers through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, mainly using primary data. A parallel LCA is developed of virgin wool fiber, mostly based on literature data. Sensitivity analyses have been carried out: (i) to capture the uncertainty associated with virgin fibers’ impacts and (ii) to evaluate how MWool® impacts vary according to the origin and treatment of recycled textiles. Finally, the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) has been applied to consider also a possible decay in quality typically affecting recycled fibers. Results show that recycled wool fibers have significantly lower environmental impacts than virgin fibers, even when the most unfavorable scenarios are considered. As climate change is concerned, 1 kg of MWool® has a carbon footprint of 0.1–0.9 kg CO2 eq., while producing virgin fibers releases 10–103 kg CO2 eq. Using the CFF, it emerges that recycled wool fibers can save about 60% of the impacts of virgin fibers. This study contributes to filling data gaps regarding LCAs applied to the textile sector, which is more and more in the spotlight and needs to address these environmental issues.
Reliability of Historical Car Data for Operating Speed Analysis along Road Networks
Authors: Cantisani Giuseppe , Del Serrone Giulia , Peluso Paolo
Published: April 2022

In recent years, innovative progress in information and communication technology (ICT) has introduced new sources for traffic data collection and analysis. On-board sensors like GPS-GPRS boxes, generally installed for insurance purposes, communicate information from circulating vehicles to data centers. Geographic location, date and time, vehicles’ speed and direction, are systematically transmitted and stored as Historical Car Data (HCD) from probe vehicles in the traffic stream. These databases provide a good opportunity to analyze the vehicles’ motion both in the temporal and spatial domains. The aim of this study is to pay attention to the reliability of this kind of data gathering. Since instrumented vehicles account for a small percentage of the entire vehicle fleet, it is important to understand if they can be considered as a sample representative of the whole population. The paper presents a comparison of speed data obtained from HCD with the ones recorded by inductive-loop detectors and microwave radar sensors; the performed analysis required the definition of specific methodologies and procedures. The obtained results show a high correspondence between the two sets of data. Therefore, HCD can be proposed for the detailed monitoring of, and studies on, the operating conditions of mobility along road networks.
The Influence of Tree Species on the Recovery of Forest Soils from Acidification in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Ahrends Bernd , Fortmann Heike , Meesenburg Henning
Published: April 2022

Atmospheric acid deposition has increased sharply since the beginning of industrialization but has decreased considerably since the 1980s owing to clean-air policies. Soil acidification induced by an input of acidity has been demonstrated in numerous studies using repeated forest-soil inventories. So far, relatively few data have been sampled to analyze long-term soil trends and only a few studies show the recovery of forest soils from acidification, whereas the recovery of surface waters following declining acid deposition is a widespread phenomenon. To assess a possible recovery from acid deposition, soil resampling data from 21 forested permanent soil-monitoring sites in Lower Saxony (Germany) were evaluated. For most sites, at least three repetitions of inventories from a period of 30 to 50 years were available. Trend analyses of indicators for the acid-base status of unlimed forest soils using generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) show either a trend reversal or a stagnation of the acid-base status at a strong acidification level. The recovery, if indicated by an increase of soil pH and base saturation, of soils from plots with deciduous trees appears to have occurred faster than in coniferous forest stands. This observation may be attributed to a larger amount of temporarily stored sulfur in the soil because of the higher atmospheric input into coniferous forests. As indicators for the acid-base status still show considerable soil acidification, mitigation measures such as forest liming still appear to be necessary for accelerating the regeneration process.
Convergence and mutual influence of legal systems in the context of globalization
Authors: Hurkovskyi Marian , Sabluk Serhii , Kurkova Kseniia , Sviderska Nataliia , Maslov Oleksii
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the article is to clarify the patterns of convergence and interaction of legal systems. The subject of the study is the analysis of the interaction of legal systems in the context of globalization. Research methodology includes the use of general and special methods of scientific knowledge: dialectical, historical and legal, formal and logical, method of hermeneutics, generalization, comparison and more. Results of the research. The concept of legal system and its elements are considered. The essence of modern development of legal systems is revealed. Practical meaning. The processes of convergence and interaction of legal systems in the context of globalization and their consequences for legal processes in general are defined. Value / originality. The mechanisms of development of legal systems in the conditions of globalization are analyzed; among them reception, transplantation, acculturation and other legal processes of convergence are allocated. The main principles of interaction of legal systems in the conditions of European integration processes are defined.
Criminal and legal protection of land resources in Ukraine and Latin America: comparative legal analysis
Authors: Movchan Roman , Vozniuk Andrii , Kamensky Dmitriy , Koval Iryna , Golovko Olga
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the article is to conduct a comparative study of criminal law protection of land resources under the law of Ukraine and Latin America states. Based on the results of such study, positive experience will be identified, which should be taken into account in the process of further improvement of domestic criminal law, as well as negative practices aimed at avoiding its implementation in Ukraine.

During the course of covering legal framework in selected countries, proving the hypotheses, substantiating conclusions a wide range of scientific methods has been used. Among them are the following: comparative law, formal logic, philosophical (dialectical) nethods, methods of systems analysis and modeling.

Based on the analysis, it has been concluded that when improving the current Criminal Code of Ukraine primarily those provisions of criminal law of Latin American countries can be taken into account, according to which possession of not only a whole all but also a part of land (real estate) constitutes a crime. At the same time, it has been proved that applying approaches of some states is inexpedient, where parliamentarians: 1) refuse to use aggravating elements, when constructing the relevant corpus delicti, which does not allow to ensure the implementation of the principle of differentiation of criminal liability; 2) provide for criminal liability for land crimes of “environmental” nature in the provisions of special laws on the regulation of liability for environmental crimes.
Portraying pedagogic experience: Faculty of History-Pedagogy of Voronezh State Pedagogic Institute
Authors: Shakurova Marina V. , Panicheva Emma V. , Reushenko Anastasia A.
Published: April 2022

The article illustrates the possibility of using the portraiture method to describe a complex structured object – a faculty in the dynamics of its formation and development to the stage of reprofiling. The description of the Historical-Pedagogic Faculty of Voronezh State Pedagogic Institute is proposed. Stratification (changes in status, structure, areas of activity) and self-identification (assessment of certain types of activity by its participants) were used as aspects of portraiture.The self-identification aspect is revealed, first of all, through the author's position: Emma V. Panicheva is one of the founders of the faculty, who headed the profile department for a long time; Marina V. Shakurova graduated from the Historical and Pedagogic Faculty of Voronezh State Pedagogic Institute in 1985.The required integrity of the image against the background of constant stratification dynamics is maintained by deep value meanings, end-to-end life tasks, understanding of the role of the individual.The portrait of the faculty is based on the history of the concept of the phenomenon (the creation of Young Pioneer faculties in the early 1960s), fragments of the chronology of the existence of the Historical-Pedagogic Faculty of Voronezh State Pedagogic Institute (three stages – Young Pioneer faculty, the Historical- Pedagogic Faculty, the historical faculty with the profile of training “history –upbringing work”), a description of the role of the dean's office and the profile department (the department of theory and methodology of Young Pioneer and Komsomol work; later, the department of theory and methodology of upbringing work).
On the issue of the formation of pedagogues-defectologists’ professional qualities in the conditions of distance learning
Authors: Vacheyan Larisa А. , Zavertkina Lyubov V.
Published: April 2022

The article presents the characteristics of the distance learning as the modern version of teaching students of a pedagogic university; we list the main distance educational technologies; we reveal the essence and features of using e-learning environment "IOS Moodle" and learning management system “Mirapolis LMS”; we analyse the possibilities provided by “Mirapolis LMS”. It is indicated that professional pedagogic competency is by a number of authors considered to be a community of theoretical and practical readiness of students to implement pedagogic activities. The essential characteristics of competency are commented on by the results of a survey of students about the possibilities of using distance learning to form important professional qualities of teachers-defectologists; the results of a survey of students of Defectology Faculty on the possibility of effective use of distance learning for the formation of a number of their special professional competences are presented; the results of a survey of students about the formed skills to plan correctional and developmental work taking into account the structure of the violation are of interest as well as the current state and potential capabilities of disabled persons and carrying out psychological, medical and pedagogic support of such people on issues of education, upbringing, development and their social adaptation. The article lists the main difficulties of organising distance learning for students – defectologists and the directions of solving the identified problems.
Value-semantic model of formation of the successive results of pedagogue training
Authors: Kharisova Inga G.
Published: April 2022

The problem of ensuring the continuous training of pedagogic staff is one of the most significant for improving the system of continuing education. How can continuity be ensured in a situation where individual stages of pedagogic training are regulated by different regulatory documents containing specific requirements for the results of mastering educational programmes of a certain level by students? The answer to this question presupposes allocation of the basic foundations for the design of targeted, meaningful, operational-activity and effective components based on the principles of continuity and continuity. In order to develop the basic foundations for combining educational programmes for pedagogic training at different stages and levels of education, it is advisable to use a value-semantic model of the formation of successive results. The model was developed by a problem group of lecturers based on the results of the study, which included conducting focus groups with the participation of students and practical pedagogues, comparative analysis of normative documents, content analysis of the products of the activities of existing teachers, conducting a survey among students of psychological and pedagogic classes, pedagogues and representatives of school administration, students and lecturers of pedagogic universities. Universal pedagogic competences (anthropocentric, social and acmeological) are defined as the basic components of the model. Indicators have been developed for each level of education that characterise the manifestation of competences in the knowledge, attitudes and qualities of future pedagogues. The value-semantic model of the formation of successive results can be used to assess the quality of pedagogic education at a separate level of training and when designing individual professional educational routes for future and current teachers, taking into account the identified deficits and problems.
Visualising information in the educational process
Authors: Lobashev Igor V. , Lobashev Valery D.
Published: April 2022

Having exhausted the possibilities of intensifying the learning process in direct textual presentation of educational information, pedagogy turned to the patterns of activity manifestations of human mental functions. Overcoming the problems that have arisen with the massive penetration of clip thinking into educational processes requires both a significant modernisation of the educational process itself, and careful consideration of the features of the pedagogic situations created and the formation of an active attitude of teachers involved in the processes of upbringing pupils. The article examines the changes in the positions of participants in the educational process in connection with the intensively implemented technologies of visual presentation of educational information. The features of perception of oral and visualised educational information are described. The positive and negative features of the use of technologies focused on the development of visual thinking in pupils are noted. Aspects of the fractal movement of educational information are highlighted. Difficulties are noted in the introduction of technologies that apply procedures and methods of visual presentation of educational information. Some characteristics of the processes of creating visual images for pupils and their role in the didactic provision of the educational process are presented.
PENGARUH KOMPENSASI DAN DISIPLIN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. MITRA ADIPERKASA, TBK
Authors: Yeremia Rumondang , Nuridin Nuridin
Published: April 2022

To analyze the effect of compensation and work discipline on employee performance PT. Mitra Adiperkasa, Tbk. The research method uses descriptive analysis, the analysis model used is linear regression both simply and multiple. The study population was all employees of PT. Mitra Adiperkasa, Tbk, Fashion Division with 30 employees. The sampling technique of this research uses saturated nonprobability sampling which is the technique of determining the sample if all members of the population are used as samples. The findings of compensation and work discipline have a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of PT. Mitra Adiperkasa, Tbk, both partially and simultaneous.
PENGARUH MANAJEMEN RANTAI PASOKAN DAN MANAJEMEN MUTU TERPADU TERHADAP KINERJA PT UNIRAMA DUTA NIAGA CABANG BEKASI
Authors: Mariana Sari , Rachmarwi Wiwik
Published: April 2022

The rapid development of retail in Indonesia makes it important to have a good product distribution so that it is fast and right into the hands of consumers. Thus, in meeting customer satisfaction, it is necessary to implement supply chain management and total quality management in improving company performance. This study aims to analyze the influence of supply chain management which consists of integration of suppliers and distributors, reducing suppliers, partnerships and procurement sources, for total quality management consisting of focus on customers, continuous system improvement, education and training, teamwork, obsession with quality, involvement employees, scientific approach, restrained freedom, long term commitment and unity of purpose. The data used is primary data obtained directly from all employees of PT Unirama Duta Niaga Bekasi branch as respondents. The data analysis method used in this research is descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that supply chain management and total quality management together have a positive and significant influence on company performance at PT Unirama Duta Niaga Bekasi branch, the hypothesis is that "there is a significant positive influence on the role of supply chain management and total quality management on company performance has been proven".
Ekstraksi Ciri Nodul Payudara Pada Citra Ultrasonografi Berdasarkan Fitur Posterior Menggunakan Metode Block Difference
Authors: Tianur Tianur , Edilla Edilla
Published: April 2022

Pemeriksaan USG merupakan salah satu cara yang paling sering digunakan untuk skrining kanker payudara namun hasilnya sangat subjektif. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan suatu sistem yang mampu mendiagnosa keganasan kanker payudara dari berbagai parameter, salah satunya parameter posterior. Ciri posterior yang digunakan ada tiga kelas yaitu posterior enhancement, posterior shadowÂ  dan no feature. Dalam beberapa kasus posterior, ciri dari posterior shadowÂ  dan no feature memiliki karakteristik yang sangat mirip. Hal ini membuat para ahli radiologi menilai berbeda.Â 
Penelitian ini mengusulkan metode sederhana yaitu dengan mengekstraksi arean yang diduga memiliki ciri posterior dan ciri latar belakang. Dataset yang digunakan terdiri atas 121 citra USG payudara yang dikelompokan menjadi 84 kasus posterior enhancement, 16 kasus posterior shadow , dan 21 kasus no feature. Tahap awal, pra pengolahan citra nodul kanker payudara dimulai dengan mem-filter citra yang telah di-crop menggunakan adaptive median filter. Pra pengolahan citra USG payudara dilakukan untuk menghilangkan noise, marker dan label. Kemudian melakukan proses segmentasi. Citra hasil segmentasi di ekstraksi ciri dengan cara pengambilan nilai rata-rata intensitas dari area bawah nodul citra dengan metode block difference. Hasil klasifikasi citra nodul payudara menggunakan metode block difference mampu mencapai akurasi 86,78%.
Implementasi Augmented Reality dalam bentuk Location Based Service (LBS) pada hotel di Kota Pekanbaru berbasis Android
Authors: Tri Ayunestina Nadya , Purwantoro Sugeng , Fitrisia Yuli
Published: April 2022

Pekanbaru adalah kota terbesar di provinsi Riau dengan laju pertumbuhan ekonomi yang sangat pesat. Hal ini yang mempengaruhi bisnis di bidang perhotelan berkembang pesat di kota Pekanbaru. Augmented Reality (AR) adalah inovasi yang menggabungkan obyek maya dan nyata. Di era sekarang, masyarakat cendrung menyukai aplikasi dengan tampilan visual yang interaktif. Pengaplikasian teknologi AR dalam bentuk LBS pada hotel di kota Pekanbaru berbasis android ini diharapkan dapat membantu pendatang ataupun masyarakat yang  membutuhkan informasi hotel ketika berkunjung di kota Pekanbaru. Pengguna dapat mencari hotel dengan melakukan tracking dari kamera AR pada aplikasi, serta mengetahui jarak dan rute perjalanan menuju hotel. Pengujian terhadap aplikasi ini dilakukan dengan cara Usability Testing melalui kuisioner dan Blackbox Testing untuk menguji kesesuaian kebutuhan fungsionalnya. Berdasarkan hasil kuisioner didapatkan bahwa aplikasi memenuhi kriteria dari usability testing dimana 78,67% Responden setuju aplikasi mudah dipahami. 71,3% Responden setuju aplikasi memiliki fungsi yang efisien. 76% Responden setuju tampilan diaplikasi mudah diingat. 78,92% Responden setuju aplikasi berjalan baik tanpa adanya error. 72,12% Responden setuju aplikasi memenuhi kepuasan pengguna dan 82,67% pengguna akan menyarankan aplikasi ini sebagai media informasi hotel yang ada di Kota Pekanbaru. Berdasarkan hasil butir uji Blackbox testing, aplikasi dapat berjalan dengan lancar sesuai dengan kebutuhan fungsional yang diharapkan.
Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Repository Data Akreditasi Institut Teknologi Kalimantan
Authors: Kamran Aprizal , Atrinawati Lovinta Happy , Fiqar Tegar palyus
Published: April 2022

Akreditasi merupakan kegiatan penilaian berdasarkan standar dan syarat yang sudah ditentukan, untuk menjamin mutu dan kinerja pendidikan tinggi untuk program studi di setiap Perguruan Tinggi di Indonesia. Dalam melakukan penyusunan laporan kinerja menggunakan Instrumen Akreditasi Program Studi (IAPS) versi 4.0 dibutuhkan nstrumen utama yaitu Laporan Kinerja Program Studi (LKPS). ITK sebagai salah satu perguruan tinggi di Indonesia masih manual dalam menyusun LKPS, sehingga saat penyusunan laporan terjadi duplikasi data akreditasi. Selain itu, karena data akreditasi dibuat lebih dari satu sumber jadi mengumpulkan data akreditasi masih menggunakan email. Hal ini menyebabkan data akreditasi tidak tersimpan dan sulit mencari data histori setiap tahunnya. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengembangkan sistem informasi repository akreditasi khususnya LKPS, sehingga data akreditasi bisa diarsipkan dan dikelola setiap Program Studi di ITK. Selanjutnya pengembangan sistem informasi ini juga memudahkan Pusat Jaminan Mutu (PJM) ITK dalam memonitoring kinerja setiap Program Studi. Metode pengembangan perangkat lunak yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metodologi Agile dengan metode Scrum. Pengembangan sistem informasi repository akreditasi ini juga menggunakan framework Laravel yang sudah menerapkan arsitektur Model, View, Controller. Penelitian ini menghasilkan sistem informasi repository akreditasi untuk instrumen LKPS.