bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive Sensor for the Determination of Riboflavin Using Thionine Coated Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots Modified Graphite Electrode
Authors: Kalaivani Arumugam , Suresh Babu Rajendran , Sriman Narayanan Sangilimuthu
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the electrochemical non-enzymatic detection of Riboflavin (RF) was proposed based on its catalytic reduction in a Thionine-coated Cadmium Selenide Quantum dots (TH@CdSe QDs)-modified paraffin wax-impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE) that was prepared using a novel approach. The synthesized TH@CdSe QDs were confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Confocal Raman Microscopy and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) studies. The electrochemical response of the TH@CdSe QDs-modified PIGE was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The voltammetric response of RF at the TH@CdSe QDs-modified PIGE showed higher current than the bare PIGE. Under optimum conditions, the electrocatalytic reduction currents of RF was found to be linearly related to its concentration over the range of 1.6 × 10−7 M to 1.4 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 53 × 10−9 M (S/N = 3). The TH@CdSe QDs-modified PIGE was utilized as an amperometric sensor for the detection of RF in flow systems was performed by carrying out hydrodynamic and chronoamperometric experiments. The TH@CdSe QDs-modified PIGE showed very good stability and a longer shelf life. The applicability of the fabricated electrode was justified by the quantification of RF in commercial tablets.
From Myzocytosis to Cytostomal Nutrient Uptake and Transport by Intracellular Plasmodium Species
Authors: Sam-Yellowe Tobili Y.
Published: August 2023

Plasmodium falciparum causes severe and lethal malaria [...]
A Study on the Mechanism of Casing Deformation and Its Control Strategies in Shale Oil Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Zhang Nan , Wang Peng , Li Junliang , Ma Wenhai , Zhang Xiaochuan , Zhang Hongtao , Jiang Chenggang , Huang Weiming , Feng Xinzhu , Liu Shuwei
Published: August 2023

The problem of casing deformation caused by large-scale hydraulic fracturing in shale oil wells severely restricts the efficient development of Gulong shale oil. In order to clarify the mechanism of casing deformation in shale oil wells, comprehensive analysis was conducted on engineering factors, multi-arm caliper logging, seismic attributes, and the distribution characteristics of casing deformations. This study shows that casing strength, cementing quality, and wellbore curvature are not the main controlling factors for casing deformation. Casing deformation is caused by the communication between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures during the fracturing process, which increases the fluid pressure in the natural fracture and induces shear slip, resulting in casing deformation due to shear stress. Based on the understanding of the mechanism of casing deformation in shale oil wells, two targeted casing deformation prevention and control methods are proposed. First, temporary plugging was implemented during the hydraulic fracturing process when the fluid volume reached 1000 m3, and the pumping rate was reduced to below 16 m3/min to reduce the internal fluid pressure of the fractures and control fracture slip, thereby minimizing the risk of casing deformation. Second, hollow particles were added to the cement to enhance the consolidation effect of the cement sheath and mitigate casing deformation caused by fracture slip. Research indicates that a hollow particle content of 15% can meet the requirements for casing deformation control in Gulong shale oil. These research results can provide important references for the prediction and prevention of casing deformation risks in shale oil and similar unconventional reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing.
Who Tells the Story? Challenging Audiences through Performer Embodiment
Authors: Low U-Wen
Published: August 2023

Visualising a character in a narrative is a highly individual act; cognitive narratology suggests that individuals may construct character models depending on the information (frames) available to them. However, many of these frames are formed from knowledge defined by positivist historical criticism, meaning that construction tends to follow broadly similar patterns. Performing and therefore embodying a character shifts the role of interpretation from audience to performer; an audience engages with the nuances of each performer’s embodiment of a character in a shared experience of a temporal performance event. This shift of interpretive responsibility to the performer allows them to challenge audiences in ways that an author may not be able to. Embodiment of a character through performance will inevitably challenge readers’ cognitive constructions of the same character to different degrees—for example, gender, ethnicity, bearing, tone, or even action may differ—potentially creating dissonance for audiences. This dissonance may help interpreters to discover their own assumptions about the performed texts, in doing so creating new avenues for interpretation. Such is the promise of performance: by viewing embodied narratives, audiences are challenged to view alternative interpretations and subsequently reconcile differences between their constructions and those of the performers.
A Robust Ensemble of Convolutional Neural Networks for the Detection of Monkeypox Disease from Skin Images
Authors: Muñoz-Saavedra Luis , Escobar-Linero Elena , Civit-Masot Javier , Luna-Perejón Francisco , Civit Antón , Domínguez-Morales Manuel
Published: August 2023

Monkeypox is a smallpox-like disease that was declared a global health emergency in July 2022. Because of this resemblance, it is not easy to distinguish a monkeypox rash from other similar diseases; however, due to the novelty of this disease, there are no widely used databases for this purpose with which to develop image-based classification algorithms. Therefore, three significant contributions are proposed in this work: first, the development of a publicly available dataset of monkeypox images; second, the development of a classification system based on convolutional neural networks in order to automatically distinguish monkeypox marks from those produced by other diseases; and, finally, the use of explainable AI tools for ensemble networks. For point 1, free images of monkeypox cases and other diseases have been searched in government databases and processed until we are left with only a section of the skin of the patients in each case. For point 2, various pre-trained models were used as classifiers and, in the second instance, combinations of these were used to form ensembles. And, for point 3, this is the first documented time that an explainable AI technique (like GradCAM) is applied to the results of ensemble networks. Among all the tests, the accuracy reaches 93% in the case of single pre-trained networks, and up to 98% using an ensemble of three networks (ResNet50, EfficientNetB0, and MobileNetV2). Comparing these results with previous work, a substantial improvement in classification accuracy is observed.
Infrastructure-Based Vehicle Localization through Camera Calibration for I2V Communication Warning
Authors: Vignarca Daniele , Vignati Michele , Arrigoni Stefano , Sabbioni Edoardo
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the research on object detection and tracking is becoming important for the development of advanced driving assistance systems (ADASs) and connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) aiming to improve safety for all road users involved. Intersections, especially in urban scenarios, represent the portion of the road where the most relevant accidents take place; therefore, this work proposes an I2V warning system able to detect and track vehicles occupying the intersection and representing an obstacle for other incoming vehicles. This work presents a localization algorithm based on image detection and tracking by a single camera installed on a roadside unit (RSU). The vehicle position in the global reference frame is obtained thanks to a sequence of linear transformations utilizing intrinsic camera parameters, camera height, and pitch angle to obtain the vehicle’s distance from the camera and, thus, its global latitude and longitude. The study brings an experimental analysis of both the localization accuracy, with an average error of 0.62 m, and detection reliability in terms of false positive (1.9%) and missed detection (3.6%) rates.
An Evaluation Framework for Construction Quality of Bridge Monitoring System Using the DHGF Method
Authors: Xin Jingzhou , Wang Chen , Tang Qizhi , Zhang Renli , Yang Tao
Published: August 2023

Aiming at comprehensively evaluating the status of a bridge monitoring system, an evaluation framework based on the improved Delphi, analytic Hierarchy process, Grey relations analysis and Fuzzy integrated evaluation (DHGF) is selected. Firstly, the evaluation indexes for the bridge monitoring system are determined by an anonymous group discussion and expert questionnaire using the improved Delphi method. Secondly, a comparison matrix of the evaluation indexes is constructed to determine the comprehensive weight via the analytic hierarchy process. Then, based on the gray relations analysis, the albino weight function is constructed, the evaluation gray class is determined, and the single-factor fuzzy evaluation matrix is obtained. Finally, the final evaluation result was obtained by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation results of a real bridge monitoring system show that the evaluation level of the monitoring system was level II, and the proposed framework could better reflect the construction and operation status of the monitoring system.
Deep Dual-Resolution Road Scene Segmentation Networks Based on Decoupled Dynamic Filter and Squeeze–Excitation Module
Authors: Ni Hongyin , Jiang Shan
Published: August 2023

Image semantic segmentation is an important part of automatic driving assistance technology. The complexity of road scenes and the real-time requirements of application scenes for segmentation algorithm are the challenges facing segmentation algorithms. In order to meet the above challenges, Deep Dual-resolution Road Scene Segmentation Networks based on Decoupled Dynamic Filter and Squeeze–Excitation (DDF&SE-DDRNet) are proposed in this paper. The proposed DDF&SE-DDRNet uses decoupled dynamic filter in each module to reduce the number of network parameters and enable the network to dynamically adjust the weight of each convolution kernel. We add the Squeeze-and-Excitation module to each module of DDF&SE-DDRNet so that the local feature map in the network can obtain global features to reduce the impact of image local interference on the segmentation result. The experimental results on the Cityscapes dataset show that the segmentation accuracy of DDF&SE-DDRNet is at least 2% higher than that of existing algorithms. Moreover, DDF&SE-DDRNet also has satisfactory inferring speed.
Machine-Learning-Assisted Cyclostationary Spectral Analysis for Joint Signal Classification and Jammer Detection at the Physical Layer of Cognitive Radio
Authors: Nawaz Tassadaq , Alzahrani Ali
Published: August 2023

Cognitive radio technology was introduced as a possible solution for spectrum scarcity by exploiting dynamic spectrum access. In the last two decades, most researchers focused on enabling cognitive radios for managing the spectrum. However, due to their intelligent nature, cognitive radios can scan the radio frequency environment and change their transmission parameters accordingly on-the-fly. Such capabilities make it suitable for the design of both advanced jamming and anti-jamming systems. In this context, our work presents a novel, robust algorithm for spectrum characterisation in wideband radios. The proposed algorithm considers that a wideband spectrum is sensed by a cognitive radio terminal. The wideband is constituted of different narrowband signals that could either be licit signals or signals jammed by stealthy jammers. Cyclostationary feature detection is adopted to measure the spectral correlation density function of each narrowband signal. Then, cyclic and angular frequency profiles are obtained from the spectral correlation density function, concatenated, and used as the feature sets for the artificial neural network, which characterise each narrowband signal as a licit signal with a particular modulation scheme or a signal jammed by a specific stealthy jammer. The algorithm is tested under both multi-tone and modulated stealthy jamming attacks. Results show that the classification accuracy of our novel algorithm is superior when compared with recently proposed signal classifications and jamming detection algorithms. The applications of the algorithm can be found in both commercial and military communication systems.
Multi-Class Weed Recognition Using Hybrid CNN-SVM Classifier
Authors: Wu Yanjuan , He Yuzhe , Wang Yunliang
Published: August 2023

The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is one of the widely used deep learning models that offers the chance to boost farming productivity through autonomous inference of field conditions. In this paper, CNN is connected to a Support Vector Machine (SVM) to form a new model CNN-SVM; the CNN models chosen are ResNet-50 and VGG16 and the CNN-SVM models formed are ResNet-50-SVM and VGG16-SVM. The method consists of two parts: ResNet-50 and VGG16 for feature extraction and SVM for classification. This paper uses the public multi-class weeds dataset DeepWeeds for training and testing. The proposed ResNet-50-SVM and VGG16-SVM approaches achieved 97.6% and 95.9% recognition accuracies on the DeepWeeds dataset, respectively. The state-of-the-art networks (VGG16, ResNet-50, GoogLeNet, Densenet-121, and PSO-CNN) with the same dataset are accurate at 93.2%, 96.1%, 93.6%, 94.3%, and 96.9%, respectively. In comparison, the accuracy of the proposed methods has been improved by 1.5% and 2.7%, respectively. The proposed ResNet-50-SVM and the VGG16-SVM weed classification approaches are effective and can achieve high recognition accuracy.
An Intelligent Framework for Cyber–Physical Satellite System and IoT-Aided Aerial Vehicle Security Threat Detection
Authors: Alturki Nazik , Aljrees Turki , Umer Muhammad , Ishaq Abid , Alsubai Shtwai , Saidani Oumaima , Djuraev Sirojiddin , Ashraf Imran
Published: August 2023

The small-drone technology domain is the outcome of a breakthrough in technological advancement for drones. The Internet of Things (IoT) is used by drones to provide inter-location services for navigation. But, due to issues related to their architecture and design, drones are not immune to threats related to security and privacy. Establishing a secure and reliable network is essential to obtaining optimal performance from drones. While small drones offer promising avenues for growth in civil and defense industries, they are prone to attacks on safety, security, and privacy. The current architecture of small drones necessitates modifications to their data transformation and privacy mechanisms to align with domain requirements. This research paper investigates the latest trends in safety, security, and privacy related to drones, and the Internet of Drones (IoD), highlighting the importance of secure drone networks that are impervious to interceptions and intrusions. To mitigate cyber-security threats, the proposed framework incorporates intelligent machine learning models into the design and structure of IoT-aided drones, rendering adaptable and secure technology. Furthermore, in this work, a new dataset is constructed, a merged dataset comprising a drone dataset and two benchmark datasets. The proposed strategy outperforms the previous algorithms and achieves 99.89% accuracy on the drone dataset and 91.64% on the merged dataset. Overall, this intelligent framework gives a potential approach to improving the security and resilience of cyber–physical satellite systems, and IoT-aided aerial vehicle systems, addressing the rising security challenges in an interconnected world.
Privacy-Preserving Blockchain Technologies
Authors: Valadares Dalton Cézane Gomes , Perkusich Angelo , Martins Aldenor Falcão , Kamel Mohammed B. M. , Seline Chris
Published: August 2023

The main characteristics of blockchains, such as security and traceability, have enabled their use in many distinct scenarios, such as the rise of new cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications (dApps). However, part of the information exchanged in the typical blockchain is public, which can lead to privacy issues. To avoid or mitigate these issues, some blockchains are applying mechanisms to deal with data privacy. Trusted execution environments, the basis of confidential computing, and secure multi-party computation are two technologies that can be applied in that sense. In this paper, we analyze seven blockchain technologies that apply mechanisms to improve data privacy. We define seven technical questions related to common requirements for decentralized applications and, to answer each question, we review the available documentation and gather information from chat channels. We briefly present each blockchain technology and the answers to each technical question. Finally, we present a table summarizing the information and showing which technologies are more prominent.
A Fast LC-MS/MS Methodology for Estimating Savolitinib in Human Liver Microsomes: Assessment of Metabolic Stability Using In Vitro Metabolic Incubation and In Silico Software Analysis
Authors: Attwa Mohamed W. , AlRabiah Haitham , Abdelhameed Ali S. , Kadi Adnan A.
Published: August 2023

Savolitinib (Orpathys®), was developed by (HUTCHMED (Shanghai, China) and, AstraZeneca (Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA), is an inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase that is orally bioavailable. It was designed for the treatment of pillary and clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (RCC), colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current work aimed to develop a rapid, specific, green, and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology for estimating savolitinib (SVB) in human liver microsomes (HLMs) with application to an in vitro metabolic stability assessment of SVB in HLMs. The validation steps of the current LC-MS/MS methodology in the HLMs were carried out following US FDA bioanalytical method validation guidelines including sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, accuracy, stability, precision, extraction recovery, and matrix effect. SVB and olmutinib (OLM) were chromatographically separated on an Eclipse Plus C8 column using an isocratic mobile phase. SVB parent ions were generated using the positive mode of an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. SVB daughter ions were detected and quantified using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode of a triple quadrupole mass analyser. The constructed SVB calibration curve showed linearity over the range from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The interday and intraday accuracy and precision of the developed LC-MS/MS analytical methodology were −6.67%–4.11% and −0.51%–8.75%, respectively. A lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.87 ng/mL confirmed the sensitivity of the established method. Furthermore, the eco-scale methodology using the in silico AGREE software was used for the greenness assessment of the current LC-MS/MS method, and the outcomes showed that the established method was very eco-friendly. The intrinsic clearance (Clint) and in vitro half-life (t1/2) of SVB were 33.05 mL/min/kg and 24.54 min, respectively. SVB exhibited a moderate extraction ratio. The current study is the first to establish and validate LC-MS/MS for estimating SVB and assessing the metabolic stability of SVB.
Solid–Liquid Extraction of Bioactive Molecules from White Grape Skin: Optimization and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Sokač Cvetnić Tea , Krog Korina , Benković Maja , Jurina Tamara , Valinger Davor , Gajdoš Kljusurić Jasenka , Radojčić Redovniković Ivana , Jurinjak Tušek Ana
Published: August 2023

In this work, the solid–liquid extraction of bioactive molecules from grape skin was performed using water as the extraction solvent. The effects of extraction time (t = 60, 75, and 90 min), extraction temperature (T = 40, 60, and 80 °C), solid–liquid phase ratio (S/L = 10, 20, and 30 g/L), and mixing speed (rpm = 250, 500, and 750 1/min) on the total dissolved solids, extraction yield, concentration of total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity were determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. According to response surface modeling, the optimal extraction conditions were t = 75 min, T = 80 °C, S/L = 30 g/L, and rpm = 750 1/min, and under optimal process conditions, 8.38 mgGAE/gd.m. was obtained. Furthermore, the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with artificial neural network (ANN) modeling for prediction of the physical and chemical properties of prepared extracts was also analyzed. The use of ANN modeling demonstrated highly favorable correlations between the NIR spectra and all the variables tested, particularly the total dissolved solids (TDS) and antioxidant activity measured using the FRAP method. As a result, ANN modeling proved to be a valuable tool for predicting the concentration of total polyphenols, the antioxidant activity, and the extraction yield of a plant extract based on its NIR spectra.
Delays in Treatment Initiation and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Tuberculosis in the Kyrgyz Republic: Are There Differences between Migrants and Non-Migrants?
Authors: Istamov Kylychbek , Beglaryan Mher , Goncharova Olga , Sakmamatov Konushbek , Kyrbashov Bolot , Mamytova Mukadas , Zairova Indira , Alumkylova Gulzat , Nair Divya
Published: August 2023

Migrants are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) and have poor treatment outcomes. The National TB program (NTP) of the Kyrgyz Republic recognizes two types of migrants: internal (intra-country) and external (inter-country) migrants. This cohort study compared the characteristics, timeliness of diagnosis and treatment initiation, and treatment outcomes of TB patients (internal migrant vs. external migrant vs. non-migrant) identified during treatment in the country in 2021. The TB treatment register and treatment cards of 5114 patients (156 internal, 430 external, and 4528 non-migrants) were reviewed. Risk factors (unemployment, smoking, alcohol use, and homelessness) were higher (p-value < 0.001) in internal (84%) than in external migrants (66%) and non-migrants (43%). The median delay in seeking care post-symptom onset was longer (p-value= 0.03) in external (30 days) than in internal migrants (21 days) and non-migrants (25 days). Successful treatment outcomes for drug-sensitive TB were higher in internal (89%, p-value = 0.012) and external migrants (86%, p-value = 0.001) than in non-migrants (78%). Internal and external migrants should be separately considered with respect to TB care and monitoring under the NTP. Success rates seem to be high in migrants, but our findings may be biased, as migrants with poor healthcare access may remain undetected and untreated and have undocumented poor outcomes.
Numerical Simulation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Electric Vehicles with Battery Packs Mounted on Chassis
Authors: Deng Yaoji , Lu Keyu , Liu Tao , Wang Xufei , Shen Hui , Gong Junjie
Published: August 2023

Aerodynamic characteristics are of great significance to the fuel economy and handling the stability of electric vehicles. The battery pack of electric vehicles has a huge structure and is usually arranged in the chassis area of the vehicle, which inevitably occupies the space at the bottom of the vehicle and affects the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. To study the effect of the power battery pack installed in the chassis on the aerodynamics characteristics of the electric vehicle, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method is used to study the flow and pressure fields of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) hierarchical car model with battery packs mounted on chassis. The influence of the structure parameters of the battery pack on the automobile’s aerodynamics are also analyzed in detail. Based on the simulation results, it can be seen that the battery pack installed on the chassis has a great impact on the flow and pressure field at the bottom and tail of the vehicle, causing the drag coefficient and lift coefficient to increase. The structural parameters of the battery pack have contradictory effects on the drag and lift coefficients. As the length of the battery pack increases, the drag coefficient decreases, and the lift coefficient increases. As the battery pack width and height increase, the drag coefficient increases, and the lift coefficient decreases. The research results provide a reference for the optimization of the aerodynamic characteristics of electric vehicles with battery packs mounted on chassis.
Ensuring safety during repair and restoration of components and parts of forest machinesy
Authors:   St. Petersburg State Forestry University named after S. M. Kirov, Markov V. A. , Dolzhikov I. S. ,   St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Mikhailova L. M. ,   Arctic State Agrotechnological University
Published: August 2023

The issues of ensuring safe working conditions at the production site of the repair and mechanical workshop are considered. In particular: protection from noise, vibration, harmful chemicals, electric shock, negative effects of microclimate. The assessment of working conditions at the site under consideration is given.
Effects of injection Moulding Parameters on the Produced Parts
Authors: Ledniczky György , Weltsch Zoltán
Published: August 2023

The publication deals with an innovative technology called powder-based metal injection moulding, which is a combination of traditional polymer injection moulding and powder metallurgy. With the technology, it is possible to produce metal components with complex geometry in large series. There is an extremely large selection of materials that can be used, mostly steel, copper, titanium or nickel-based alloys. In this research, the material used is type 17-4PH, martensitic corrosion-resistant steel, and since it is a widely used material, it is examined in many international articles and research studies, and it is also common in industry, so it is advisable to use this type of material for further comparability. Little information can be found in the literature about spraying parameters and their effects, which is why this research focusses on this. On the other hand, these data can also serve as useful information for the industry. During the production of so-called green products, the effects of product shrinkage were measured by changing the most important parameters and comparing the effects of these parameters to traditional polymer injection moulding.
Investigation of Welding Forces and Weld Strength for Friction Stir Welding of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plates
Authors: Stadler Róbert Gábor , Horváth Richárd
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of the friction stir welding technology to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) type polymer and the effect of welding parameters on the force values and weld strength during he-welding. The tests were carried out on 4 mm thick ABS sheets using a conventional mould design. The input parameters (speed – n, feed rate – vf ) were varied in 3-3 steps and a complete set of experiments was performed. From the force measurements, it was concluded that the force values in the feed direction (Fy) and axial direction (Fz) are the dominant force values during welding. The force components decrease with increasing speed and n/vf ratio, while they increase with increasing feed rate. The tensile strength of the weld improves with increasing speed and n/vf ratio, while they deteriorate with increasing feed rate. The best weld strength (10.69 MPa) was measured at 1000 rpm and 50 mm/min feed rate.
USING THE MOBILE FORMS FOR GREENING OF MEGAPOLISES: CASE OF THE CITY OF KRYVYI RIH
Authors: Boyko I. , Danylchuk N. , Yukhymenko Yu. , Shulha O.
Published: August 2023

The article highlights the results of the analysis of the current state of mobile forms of greening in the industrial urban environment of Kryvyi Rih. We surveyed urban areas of general, special and limited use. It was found that the most common in the central parts of the city with dense buildings are container forms of trees and ornamental shrubs. An interesting forms of container vertical greeing in the city are mixed compositions, including both coniferous and deciduous species, planted in mobile containers. As a result of research, it was found that the range of plants used in urban areas in container culture is represented by 11 species and 32 cultivars, belonging to 12 families and 16 genera, more than half of the range are conifers.We noted that often the use of plants occurs spontaneously, without taking into account their ecological and biological characteristics, which sometimes leads to a negative result (low decorativeness or plant death). Possibilities of expanding the range of plants for mobile forms of greening in the cities of the steppe zone with a high level of man-caused pressure due to careful selection of stable and decorative aboriginal and introduced plant species both taking into account their ecological and biological features and experience of their cultivation in this region.
GLACIAL RELICT OF TOMENTHYPNUM NITENS (HEDW.) LOESKE (AMBLYSTEGIACEAE) IN THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS: DISTRIBUTION AND PHYTOCOENOTIC TIMING
Authors: Sadygov R. , Felbaba-Klushyna L.
Published: August 2023

We found that within the Ukrainian Carpathians Tomenthypnum nitens is a regionally rare species with a narrow ecological amplitude. The article provides a map of the current distribution of the species within the Ukrainian Carpathians, taking into account new findings. T. nitens was found exclusively on meso- and eutrophic bogs in the communities of three associations of the Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae class: ass. Caricetum davallianae Dutoit 1924, ass. Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifoliae Soό 1944, which belong to the order Caricetalia davallianae, as well as ass. Caricetum nigrae Braun 1915 of the order Caricetalia nigrae. Its greatest coenotic activity is shown in the ass. Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifoliae. The detailed characteristics of plant communities with the participation of T. nitens and the idea of its inclusion in the Red List of Transcarpathia in order to preserve the gene pool of relict species of the Carpathians are substantiated. A list of mosses occurring in plant communities together with the Tomenthypnum nitens is given. Among them are Aulacomnium palustre, Helodium blandowii, Calliergonella cuspidata, Campulium stellatum var. protensum, Palustriella commutata, Thuidium delicatulum, Phylonotis fontana, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Climacium dendroides.
INTRODUCTION TRIALS OF CULTIVARS OF THE GENUS JUNIPERUS L. IN TECHNOGENIC CONDITIONS OF THE NORTH UKRAINIAN STEPPE AND PROSPECTS OF THEIR URBAN LANDSCAPING USES
Authors: Suslova O.
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive introduction research of 41 varieties of seven species of the genus Juniperus L. was conducted in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. In the course of the study, some morphological and decorative features of these cultivars were analyzed. According to needle coloring, we identified 14 cultivars (34% of the total sample) with green needles, 15 ones (37%) are blue in color, 10 ones (24%) are golden-yellow and variegated; 2 ones (5%) are silver-gray. According to the shape of the crown, 15 cultivars (39%) are shrubs; 18 ones (44%) are trailing; 5 ones (12%) are pyramidal; in two cultivars (2% each) crowns are spherical (ball-shaped) and drooping. According to the growth rate, moderately growing plants (17 varieties) dominate in our sample, namely Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Carpet’ and cultivars of J. chinensis; 15 cultivars are characterized by fast growth rates: these are all varieties of J. sabina without exception; 9 cultivars are slow-growing: J. squamata ‘Blue Star’, J. horizontalis ‘Andorra compacta variegata’, J. horizontalis ‘Limeglow’ and others. In terms of vegetation, all cultivars correspond to the vegetation terms of the research area and timely complete shoot and needle growth by cold season beginning. Our study has shown the relationship between annual shoot growth and meteorological data. The correlation between shoot growth and rainfall ranges from 0,24 in J. squamata ‘Hunnetorp’ to 0,70 in J. horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’; and the dependence between shoot growth and air temperature varies from 0,21 in J. squamata ‘Hunnetorp’ to 0,85 in J. squamata ‘Blue Carpet’. The study has shown that 38 cultivars (92%) are not damaged by frost, winter hardiness is evaluated as I point (Juniperus chinensis ‘Stricta Variegata’, J. sabina ‘Arcadia’, J. virginiana ‘Burkii’, etc.); the annual shoot tips are frost-bitten in 3 cultivars (8%), their winter hardiness being assessed as II points (J. horizontalis ‘Limeglow’, J.×media ‘Gold star’, J. ×media ‘Mathot’). Thirty-two cultivars are characterized by high drought resistance (I point): J. chinensis ‘Spartan’, J. sabina ‘Arcadia’, J. virginiana ‘Burkii’, etc.; needles wither and less than 5 % of annual apex shoots dry up in 9 cultivars during the drought (II points): namely J. horizontalis ‘Limeglow’, J. horizontalis ‘Andorra compact variegata’, J. ×media ‘Gold star’, J. sabina ‘Rockery Gem’ J. horizontalis ‘Limeglow’, J. horizontalis ‘Andorra compact variegata’, J. ×media ‘Gold star’, J. sabina ‘Rockery Gem’, etc. The study has shown good prospects for landscaping of these cultivars in urban environments of the north of Ukrainian steppe. According to our research findings, 98% of cultivars are among the highly promising and deserving, namely J. chinensis ‘Spartan’, J. sabina ‘Blue donaube’, J. virginiana ‘Grey Owl’, J. media ‘Mordigan gold’, J. scopulorum ‘Blue heaven’ , J. horizontalis ‘Golden carpet’ and others.
THE SRUCTURE OF THE HARDERIAN, EXTRAORBITAL AND INFRAORBITAL LACRIMAL GLANDS DUCTS OF THE LABORATORY RATS
Authors: Katsenko A. , Sherstyuk O. , Svintsytska N. , Ustenko R. , Hryn V. , Lytovka V. , Korchan N.
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to determine and compare the structure of the excretory ducts of the Harderian gland, extraorbital and infraorbital lacrimal glands of laboratory rats. Object and methods. Five male laboratory rats were examined by dissecting the lacrimal glands, from which series of thin paraffin sections were obtained for histological examination. Micropreparations were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope.Results. It was found that the tubuloalveolar epithelial components of the extraorbital gland of rats in the middle of the lobe are even denser than in the infraorbital gland, as evidenced by very narrow interstitial fissures. The lacrimal glands of laboratory rats have an individual well-defined connective tissue capsule. Inside the capsule and between the lobes there are slitlike interepithelial interstitial spaces, in which we don`t detect clusters of lipocytes, as occurs in the lacrimal glands of human. In the volume of lobes, both extraorbital and infraorbital glands, the interepithelial interstitial spaces contain vessels of the hemomicrocirculatory tract, mainly capillaries, precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules. Arterioles and venules are usually visualized outside the lobes in more pronounced interstitial spaces.
CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF STOMACH AND ORAL CAVITY DISEASES
Authors: Kharchenko O. , Kharchenko N.
Published: August 2023

In the mucous membrane of the periodontium and the mucous membrane of the stomach, it is possible to note both similar inflammatory processes and processes that distinguish them. Such are the similarities in the indicators of the mitotic regime in the mucous membrane of the stomach in comparison with the mucous membrane of the periodontium. Chronic stomach diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori are common diseases, and the degree of expression of inflammatory processes of the gastric mucosa has a certain relationship with the development and degree of expression of periodontitis in this group of patients.According to the indicators of the mitotic regime, the Pearson rxy correlation coefficient between chronic gastric ulcer, chronic duodenal ulcer and atrophic gastritis in patients with chronic periodontitis is 0.607, 0.881 and 0.931, respectively, which indicates the existence of a significant, strong and very strong close relationship, respectively. This confirms the intercurrent connection of chronic diseases of the digestive tract.
BRYOPHYTE COMPONENT OF MEADOW PHYTOCOENOSES IN THE ROMENSKO-POLTAVA GEOBOTANICAL DISTRICT
Authors: Hapon S. , Hapon Y.
Published: August 2023

The bryophyte component of the meadow phytocoenoses of the Romensko-Poltava geobotanical district is characterized in this study. The research revealed that the meadow phytocoenoses of Ukraine consist of 39 species of mosses, belonging to two divisions, three classes, six orders, 14 families, and 26 genera. The division Marchantiophyta is represented by one class, one order, two families, and two genera. The division Bryophyta is represented by two classes, five orders, 12 families, 24 genera, and 36 species. The richest families in terms of species diversity are Amblystegiaceae and Pottiaceae (each containing six species), and Plagiomniaceae (with five species). The genera in the bryoflora spectrum are predominantly monospecific or bispecific. Only two genera, Brachythecium and Plagiomnium, are represented by five species each. The meadow bryoflora is characterized by the prevalence of species with life forms such as low cushions, tall cushions, and mats. The ecological-biological structure of the bryoflora is characterized by the dominance of shade-tolerant mosses and heliophytes. Among hygromorphs, hygromesophytes and mesophytes prevail, while among trophomorphs, mesotrophs, mesoeutrophs, and eutrophs are dominant.
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE AQUATIC FLORA OF THE POLTAVA CITY AND SURROUNDING AREA
Authors: Klepets O.
Published: August 2023

The article is devoted to the generalization of literary data on the medicinal properties of plants of aquatic flora of the territory of the Poltava city and its surroundings, studied in the course of original research. From the compiled floristic list, a spectrum of medicinal plants was selected, their degree of introduction into medical practice, belonging to protected lists, frequency of occurrence in the study area was analyzed. It was established that 45 (78%) of the 58 species of vascular plants have medicinal properties, including 4 species are officinal, 18 species are folk medicine plants, 23 species are promising for use in pharmacy. For each species, an annotation of its medicinal properties is compiled, which indicates the type of medicinal raw materials and medicinal forms, chemical composition, directions and mechanisms of physiological action on the human body, indications for the use of medicinal preparations.

It was found that, despite the high participation of medicinal plants in the aquatic flora of the Poltava city and its surroundings, their harvesting in the research area is not appropriate for various reasons: official species (Acorus calamus, Iris pseudacorus, Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba) – because of their limited distribution, belonging to various protection lists, and as for mass anthropotolerant species, promising for use in pharmacy (in particular, Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna minor, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, T. latifolia), their use is limited due to the ability to accumulate harmful substances from polluted ecotopes in urban territory.

The compromise solutions for harvesting valuable species of medicinal plants that have a limited distribution in nature or grow in polluted ecotopes can be introduction (artificial cultivation of plants ex situ) and biotechnology (cultivation of cells, tissues and organs isolated from the plant on artificial nutrient media in vitro, which allow obtaining a specific target product).
S. A. SHEVCHENKO’S HERITAGE IN FUTURE MUSIC TEACHER PIANO TRAINING
Authors: Irkliienko V. , Lobach L.
Published: August 2023

The article highlights the issue of future music teacher piano training in a higher education institution. It has been established that its essential aspect is taking into account the scientific foundations of the process of learning to play the piano and using the repertoire of Ukrainian composers of the past, Poltava artist S. A. Shevchenko in particular.

It has been determined that S. A. Shevchenko’s piano works should be included in individual educational programs for students with different levels of basic instrumental training. Thus, the works from the collection “Piano Pieces” have an accessible texture (“The Clock”, “The Golden Pipe”, “Evening”, “Spring Day”, “Fun”, etc.), bright dynamics (“Spring Day”), folk sources (“Song”), and fiery character (“Tarantella”) and provide an opportunity to enrich students’ repertoire with an initial level of instrument mastery. The undisputed pinnacle of the composer’s piano legacy should be considered the Concerto for Piano with the orchestra in c-moll in 3 parts, presented by the author in piano form, which can be offered to students with a high level of training.

The article analyzes the scientific foundations of the piano learning process developed by S. A. Shevchenko. In his writings, issues of the development of the pianist’s motility, finger mobility, sound production, work on passages, the author's method of performing scales, etc. are revealed.

It is proved that S. A. Shevchenko’s scientific and creative heritage has a didactic orientation and can be used in the modern process of future music teacher piano training in order to improve it and popularize the work of Ukrainian composers.
A MODERN APPROACH TO BUILDING A METHODOLOGICAL SYSTEM OF TEACHING BIOLOGY
Authors: Alіeksieieva S. , Diachenko-Bohun M.
Published: August 2023

The article reveals modern approaches to the construction of a methodical system of teaching biology. It has been determined that teaching biology is a branch of pedagogical science that is formed on the basis of pedagogy and biology and is separated into a separate category that considers rational ways of managing the learning process, as a result the mastery of conscious and strong competencies necessary for any educated person takes place. Biology as an educational subject is characterized by the originality of the forms and methods of teaching, which arise from the specifics of the objects of study (living organisms, phenomena of living nature, and their development). The introduction of a methodical system of teaching biology will ensure the formation of modern general biological concepts and a scientific picture of the world among students. A thorough analysis of the concept of a “methodical education system” has been carried out. It is considered as a complex of interrelated goals, principles, content, methods, means, and organizational forms of education, which, based on the interaction of the teacher and students, provides a predicted positive result.

The methodological system of teaching biology is considered as a complex dynamic structure containing a set of interconnected components, such as goals, content, forms, methods, and a complex of educational and methodological support. Cross-cutting content lines are the integration of educational content, correlated with key competencies. Their mastery ensures the formation of value and worldview orientations. It has been proven that the methodological system of teaching biology should be based on the principles of providing biological education with new progressive concepts, the introduction of modern advanced technologies and scientific and methodological achievements into the educational process; organic integration of education and science, active use of the scientific potential of research institutions, formation of new ecological foundations of the biological education system; strengthening the popularization and promotion of science; departure from authoritarian pedagogy; introduction of educational and methodical complexes of a new generation. The use of interactive online resources and the use of observations and experimental work are mandatory.
A Retrospective Pretest-Posttest Evaluation of a One-Time Personal Finance Training
Authors: Nielsen Robert
Published: August 2023

Attempts to measure the impact of Extension programs have been implemented to varying effects for many years. Using data from several economics of personal finance workshops designed to teach high school teachers about a state's new personal finance performance standards, this article reports the results from of one type of evaluation, a retrospective pretest-posttest, that is useful for one-time, short duration workshops where the extra steps and additional costs of traditional pretest-posttest evaluation may not be warranted. A discussion of the benefits of retrospective pretest-posttest evaluations, including reduced response shift bias, concludes the article.
Creating Programs to Help Latino Youth Thrive at School: The Influence of Latino Parent Involvement Programs
Authors: Behnke Andrew , Kelly Christine
Published: August 2023

Parent involvement programs can play an essential role in the academic success of Latino youth. This article reports the effectiveness and evaluation of two new Extension programs that help Latino parents become more involved in their youths' academics. The Latino Parent and Family Advocacy and Support Training (LPFAST) targets parents of K- 8th grade students, and the Juntos Para Una Mejor Educación (Together for a Better Education) program was created to serve 6th-12th grade Latino students and their parents. These two programs demonstrate innovative approaches to involve communities and schools in Extension programming.
Piloting a Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program on First-Grade Children's Willingness to Try Foods Containing Legumes
Authors: Edwards Cassandra , Herman Janice
Published: August 2023

Many nutrition education campaigns targeting children in the United States focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, but most don't specifically promote legumes. The project described here sought to pilot the effect of an Extension nutrition education program on first grade children's willingness to try foods containing legumes. A significant difference was observed in the distribution of children who took snacks containing legumes from pre- to post- through follow-up education.
Does the General Public Relate to the Term "Integrated Pest Management"?
Authors: Wilen Cheryl , Lazaneo Vincent , Parker Scott
Published: August 2023

We conducted a random telephone survey of single family residents in San Diego County to gather public opinion related to use of the term "Integrated Pest Management" or its abbreviation. Only a small percentage of participants (4.9%) had heard the term or its abbreviation. When various definitions of IPM were suggested, individuals preferred terms stressing environmental and human safety such as "Earth-Friendly Pest Management" and "Responsible Pest Management." Our survey results show that IPM educators should use different terminology when working with non-professional gardeners or the public in general in order for the audience to relate to the IPM concept.
Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Increases Fifth Graders' Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Knowledge
Authors: DelCampo Diana , Baca Jacqueline , Jimenez Desatee , Sanchez Paula , DelCampo Robert
Published: August 2023

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit reduces the risk factors for childhood obesity for fifth graders using hands-on field trips, in-class lessons, and parent outreach efforts. Pre-test and post-test scores from the year-long classroom instruction showed a statistically significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and nutrition knowledge for the students. Parents also gained nutrition knowledge. The program enables students who are at risk for childhood obesity to develop a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of health disorders such as diabetes and heart disease in childhood and in adulthood.