bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VQ-InfraTrans: A Unified Framework for RGB-IR Translation with Hybrid Transformer
Authors: Sun Qiyang , Wang Xia , Yan Changda , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2023

Infrared (IR) images containing rich spectral information are essential in many fields. Most RGB-IR transfer work currently relies on conditional generative models to learn and train IR images for specific devices and scenes. However, these models only establish an empirical mapping relationship between RGB and IR images in a single dataset, which cannot achieve the multi-scene and multi-band (0.7–3 μm and 8–15 μm) transfer task. To address this challenge, we propose VQ-InfraTrans, a comprehensive framework for transferring images from the visible spectrum to the infrared spectrum. Our framework incorporates a multi-mode approach to RGB-IR image transferring, encompassing both unconditional and conditional transfers, achieving diverse and flexible image transformations. Instead of training individual models for each specific condition or dataset, we propose a two-stage transfer framework that integrates diverse requirements into a unified model that utilizes a composite encoder–decoder based on VQ-GAN, and a multi-path transformer to translate multi-modal images from RGB to infrared. To address the issue of significant errors in transferring specific targets due to their radiance, we have developed a hybrid editing module to precisely map spectral transfer information for specific local targets. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons conducted in this work reveal substantial enhancements compared to prior algorithms, as the objective evaluation metric SSIM (structural similarity index) was improved by 2.24% and the PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) was improved by 2.71%.
Social Distance Approximation on Public Transport Using Stereo Depth Camera and Passenger Pose Estimation
Authors: Bell Daniel Steven , James Philip , López-García Martín
Published: December 2023

In order to effectively balance enforced guidance/regulation during a pandemic and limit infection transmission, with the necessity for public transportation services to remain safe and operational, it is imperative to understand and monitor environmental conditions and typical behavioural patterns within such spaces. Social distancing ability on public transport as well as the use of advanced computer vision techniques to accurately measure this are explored in this paper. A low-cost depth-sensing system is deployed on a public bus as a means to approximate social distancing measures and study passenger habits in relation to social distancing. The results indicate that social distancing on this form of public transport is unlikely for an individual beyond a 28% occupancy threshold, with an 89% chance of being within 1–2 m from at least one other passenger and a 57% chance of being within less than one metre from another passenger at any one point in time. Passenger preference for seating is also analysed, which clearly demonstrates that for typical passengers, ease of access and comfort, as well as seats having a view, are preferred over maximising social-distancing measures. With a highly detailed and comprehensive set of acquired data and accurate measurement capability, the employed equipment and processing methodology also prove to be a robust approach for the application.
Intelligent Detection Method for Wildlife Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhang Haiyan , Xu Fu
Published: December 2023

Wildlife is an important part of natural ecosystems and protecting wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The wildlife detection method for images and videos based on deep learning can save a lot of labor costs and is of great significance and value for the monitoring and protection of wildlife. However, the complex and changing outdoor environment often leads to less than satisfactory detection results due to insufficient lighting, mutual occlusion, and blurriness. The TMS-YOLO (Takin, Monkey, and Snow Leopard-You Only Look Once) proposed in this paper is a modification of YOLOv7, specifically optimized for wildlife detection. It uses the designed O-ELAN (Optimized Efficient Layer Aggregation Networks) and O-SPPCSPC (Optimized Spatial Pyramid Pooling Combined with Cross Stage Partial Channel) modules and incorporates the CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) to enhance its suitability for this task. In simple terms, O-ELAN can preserve a portion of the original features through residual structures when extracting image features, resulting in more background and animal features. However, O-ELAN may include more background information in the extracted features. Therefore, we use CBAM after the backbone to suppress background features and enhance animal features. Then, when fusing the features, we use O-SPPCSPC with fewer network layers to avoid overfitting. Comparative experiments were conducted on a self-built dataset and a Turkish wildlife dataset. The results demonstrated that the enhanced TMS-YOLO models outperformed YOLOv7 on both datasets. The mAP (mean Average Precision) of YOLOv7 on the two datasets was 90.5% and 94.6%, respectively. In contrast, the mAP of TMS-YOLO in the two datasets was 93.4% and 95%, respectively. These findings indicate that TMS-YOLO can achieve more accurate wildlife detection compared to YOLOv7.
A Comprehensive Study on Pain Assessment from Multimodal Sensor Data
Authors: Benavent-Lledo Manuel , Mulero-Pérez David , Ortiz-Perez David , Rodriguez-Juan Javier , Berenguer-Agullo Adrian , Psarrou Alexandra , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose
Published: December 2023

Pain assessment is a critical aspect of healthcare, influencing timely interventions and patient well-being. Traditional pain evaluation methods often rely on subjective patient reports, leading to inaccuracies and disparities in treatment, especially for patients who present difficulties to communicate due to cognitive impairments. Our contributions are three-fold. Firstly, we analyze the correlations of the data extracted from biomedical sensors. Then, we use state-of-the-art computer vision techniques to analyze videos focusing on the facial expressions of the patients, both per-frame and using the temporal context. We compare them and provide a baseline for pain assessment methods using two popular benchmarks: UNBC-McMaster Shoulder Pain Expression Archive Database and BioVid Heat Pain Database. We achieved an accuracy of over 96% and over 94% for the F1 Score, recall and precision metrics in pain estimation using single frames with the UNBC-McMaster dataset, employing state-of-the-art computer vision techniques such as Transformer-based architectures for vision tasks. In addition, from the conclusions drawn from the study, future lines of work in this area are discussed.
Diagnosis and Study of Mechanical Vibrations in Cargo Vehicles Using ISO 2631-1:1997
Authors: Medina Santiago Alejandro , Orozco Torres Jorge Antonio , Hernández Gracidas Carlos Arturo , Garduza Salvador Hernández , Franco Javier Duarte
Published: December 2023

This study presents the design and implementation of an electronic system aimed at capturing vibrations produced during truck operation. The system employs a graphical interface to display vibration levels, ensuring the necessary comfort and offering indicators as a solution to mitigate the damage caused by these vibrations. Additionally, the system alerts the driver when a mechanical vibration that could potentially impact their health is detected. The field of health is rigorously regulated by various international standards and guidelines. The case of mechanical vibrations, particularly those transmitted to the entire body of a seated individual, is no exception. Internationally, ISO 2631-1:1997/Amd 1:2010 oversees this study. The system was designed and implemented using a blend of hardware and software. The hardware components comprise a vibration sensor, a data acquisition card, and a graphical user interface (GUI). The software components consist of a data acquisition and processing library, along with a GUI development framework. The system underwent testing in a controlled environment and demonstrated stability and robustness. The GUI proved to be intuitive and could be integrated into modern vehicles with built-in displays. The findings of this study suggest that the proposed system is a viable and effective method for capturing vibrations in trucks and informing drivers about vibration levels. This system has the potential to enhance the comfort and safety of truck drivers.
An Array SPRi Biosensor for the Determination of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Blood Plasma
Authors: Sankiewicz Anna , Zelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Lukaszewski Zenon , Hermanowicz Adam , Gorodkiewicz Ewa
Published: December 2023

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation and reproductive processes of the human body. The determination of serous FSH concentration is significant as an alternative to testicular biopsy in the case of boys suffering from cryptorchidism after orchidopexy, and as a means of determining the menopausal stage in women. The aim of this investigation is to develop a specific array surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) biosensor for the determination of FSH in body liquids such as blood plasma, obtaining sufficient sensitivity to determine FSH at levels characteristic for that hormone in blood plasma, without any signal enhancement. The biosensor consists of a mouse monoclonal anti-FSH antibody attached to the gold surface of a chip via a cysteamine linker. Its linear response range is from 0.08 mIU mL−1 (LOQ) to 20 mIU mL−1, and well covers most of the range of FSH activities found in blood without dilution. The precision of measurement is between 3.2% and 13.1% for model samples, and between 3.7% and 5.6% for spiked plasma samples. Recoveries are in the range from 94% to 108%. The biosensor has good selectivity, and is validated by comparison with ECLE, with good agreement of the results
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Power Allocation for Minimizing Age of Information and Energy Consumption in Multi-Input Multi-Output and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Internet of Things Systems
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhang Zheng , Zhu Hongbiao , Fan Pingyi , Fan Qiang , Zhu Huiling , Wang Jiangzhou
Published: December 2023

Multi-input multi-output and non-orthogonal multiple access (MIMO-NOMA) Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems can improve channel capacity and spectrum efficiency distinctly to support real-time applications. Age of information (AoI) plays a crucial role in real-time applications as it determines the timeliness of the extracted information. In MIMO-NOMA IoT systems, the base station (BS) determines the sample collection commands and allocates the transmit power for each IoT device. Each device determines whether to sample data according to the sample collection commands and adopts the allocated power to transmit the sampled data to the BS over the MIMO-NOMA channel. Afterwards, the BS employs the successive interference cancellation (SIC) technique to decode the signal of the data transmitted by each device. The sample collection commands and power allocation may affect the AoI and energy consumption of the system. Optimizing the sample collection commands and power allocation is essential for minimizing both AoI and energy consumption in MIMO-NOMA IoT systems. In this paper, we propose the optimal power allocation to achieve it based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Simulations have demonstrated that the optimal power allocation effectively achieves lower AoI and energy consumption compared to other algorithms. Overall, the reward is reduced by 6.44% and 11.78% compared the to GA algorithm and random algorithm, respectively.
Carica papaya Crude Extracts Are an Efficient Source of Environmentally Friendly Biogenic Synthesizers of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jahangir Ghulam Zahara , Anjum Tayyabah , Rashid Naim , Sadiq Madeha , Farooq Rida , Akhtar Mubeen , Hussain Sana , Iftikhar Anwaar , Saleem Muhammad Zafar , Shaikh Rehan Sadiq
Published: December 2023

Metallic nanoparticles are very useful, effective, and usually synthesized by toxic and expensive chemicals. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), measuring less than 100 nm, have shown promising impact in several biomedical investigations. These can inhibit microbial growth and aid in medicine administration. Six substrates of Carica papaya were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles that can limit the growth of bacteria and fungi. In this article, we report the synthesis of AgNPs from the leaf, seed, callus, peel, fruit juice, and bark of Carica papaya. AgNPs synthesized from callus showed the most promising results when tested against the growth of bacteria like Xanthomonas campestris, Erwinia carotovera, Bacillus subtilis, and fungi (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum) when compared with other extracts’ efficacy, and the callus was regenerated from petiole and midrib explants of Carica papaya in MS basal media supplemented with NAA and Kinetin (1 + 0.5 mg/L). A ratio of 1:20 of substrate extract to 1 mM AgNO3 produced the most effective nanoparticles in terms of capping, quality, and stability when tested through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) within the 400–435 nm range. The nanoparticle sizes of all six types were measured using Image J software on micrographs of SEM at 200 nm resolution. The average diameters were analyzed through Origin software, and the finest AgNPs were observed to be synthesized from callus extract, i.e., 18.91 nm with rod-like morphology. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) at 2.6 keV revealed 43.38, 75.39, 70.611, 36.54, 58.57, and 45.94 percent elemental silver in AgNPs formed from the leaf, callus, juice, seed, bark, and peel extract, respectively. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from callus extract were smaller and exhibited the most effective antimicrobial potential, with the highest inhibitory zone of 19 mm against Xanthomonas campestris bacterium and up to 14 mm against Aspergillus niger fungus. Furthermore, the percentage of elemental Ag (measured through EDX) was found to be highest in the nanoparticles synthesized from callus compared to those synthesized from the leaf, seed, peel, fruit juice, and bark of Carica papaya. Hence, the callus extract is the most suitable substrate for the reduction of silver nitrate solution in 1:20 to form the finest silver nanoparticles in an effective biogenic way.
Research on Hybrid Scheduling of Shared Bikes Based on MLP-GA Method
Authors: Ren Chuanxiang , Xu Hui , Yin Changchang , Zhang Liye , Chai Chunxu , Meng Qiu , Fu Fangfang
Published: December 2023

Bike-sharing systems with convenience and flexibility have been appearing more and more in cities and become a necessary tool of travel for people. However, the distribution of bikes is highly unbalanced due to the changes in user demand, which leads to the unfavorable situation of “no bikes available” or “too many bikes” at some bike stations. For this reason, this paper proposes a hybrid scheduling method, which combines truck-based scheduling (TBS) and user-based scheduling (UBS). Firstly, a hybrid scheduling model (HBS) combining TBS and UBS is established. Secondly, a method combining multilayer perceptron and genetic algorithm (MLP-GA) is proposed to solve the model. Thirdly, the HBS model is simulated and analyzed by the example. The results show that the MLP-GA method converges, has a faster running time than the genetic algorithm and can obtain solutions with lower total cost and shorter optimal truck path. Further analysis shows that HBS is more implementable in practice and can shorten the optimal truck path and reduce the scheduling total cost while allowing users to use the shared bike in an affordable way, thus realizing the efficient operation of the shared bike system. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the reward coefficients is performed. This shows that as the reward coefficient increases, the cost of HBS generally shows an increasing trend when the reward coefficient is small, reaches a maximum value when the reward coefficient is 0.6, and decreases slightly thereafter.
Environmental Credit Constraints and the Enterprise Choice of Environmental Protection Behavior
Authors: Yan Chunrong , Xiang Xintian , Li Liping , Li Guoxiang
Published: December 2023

Choosing appropriate environmental protection strategies is important in improving enterprises’ economic and environmental performance. Based on the data of A-share listed enterprises from 2009 to 2019 in China, this paper uses the difference-in-differences model to identify the effects of environmental credit constraints on the enterprise choice of environmental protection behavior. We find that environmental credit constraints motivate some enterprises to choose active environmental behavior due to the incentive effect of environmental credit constraints on R&D investments. However, some enterprises may adopt evasive strategies because environmental credit constraints increase production costs and debt. State-owned enterprises prefer active environmental protection strategies to address environmental credit constraints, while private enterprises mainly adopt evasive strategies. Environmental credit constraints make high-interest and high-profitability enterprises choose active environmental strategies. Environmental credit constraints generated by enterprises’ evasive environmental behavior increase the probability of litigation and arbitration cases, and environmental credit system construction in the short term may exacerbate unemployment, which the government needs to pay attention to when developing and implementing a blacklist system for environmental fraud. Although there are limitations in this paper in terms of research objectives and samples, the results are important for improving the environmental management system and the operating performance of enterprises.
Can Europe Reach Its Environmental Sustainability Targets by 2030? A Critical Mid-Term Assessment of the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda
Authors: Firoiu Daniela , Ionescu George H. , Cismaș Laura Mariana , Vochița Luminița , Cojocaru Teodor Marian , Bratu Răducu-Ștefan
Published: December 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a pivotal framework globally, addressing environmental concerns. The 2023 Agenda emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues with socio-economic development, recognizing their fundamental role in human prosperity. This research critically evaluates the mid-term progress of EU Member States in achieving the 2030 Agenda’s environmental targets. Using Eurostat data for SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, we’ve analyzed trends via the AAA (Holt–Winters) exponential smoothing algorithm. Results highlight progress from 2015–2022 but signal concerns for 2030 targets in several Member States. These findings urge local, national, and EU stakeholders to intensify efforts toward environmental sustainability goals. Corrections are imperative, given the predicted negative trends, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify trajectories before it is too late.
Persuading Reluctant Customers: The Online Marketing Communications of Car Sharing Firms
Authors: Mai Pengen , Day Steven James
Published: December 2023

Circular economy offers face significant difficulties when competing with traditional offers in the market. A particular challenge is the lack of consumer interest and adoption, which hinders the success of business-to-consumer (B2C) sharing business models. The study introduces an online communications framework, based on rhetoric theory, to explore how B2C car-sharing firms persuade potential customers. The framework is tested and refined through a qualitative content analysis of six major car-sharing providers in the USA and the UK. The results reveal that firms use evidence- and reason-based appeals focused on utility but have difficulty addressing consumer concerns about sharing business models, particularly regarding ownership. Interestingly, the potentially large environmental sustainability benefits of car sharing and commensurate branding are not emphasised as much as the literature on the subject would indicate; it rather appears that car-sharing firms struggle to leverage this factor in their communications. This study contributes to the literature on consumer behaviour and marketing in the circular and sharing economy by providing a theoretical perspective for understanding how firms view their offers and consumers and seek to communicate benefits and assuage worries.
Vallisneria spiralis Promotes P and Fe Retention via Radial Oxygen Loss in Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Magri Monia , Benelli Sara , Bartoli Marco
Published: December 2023

Microbial respiration determines the accumulation of reduced solutes and negative redox potential in organic sediments, favoring the mobilization of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), generally coprecipitated with Fe oxyhydroxides. Macrophytes releasing oxygen from the roots can contrast DIP mobility via the oxidation of anaerobic metabolism end-products. In this work, the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis was transplanted into laboratory microcosms containing sieved and homogenized organic sediments collected from a contaminated wetland. Sediments with and without plants were incubated under light and dark conditions for oxygen and DIP fluxes measurements and pore water characterization (pH, oxidation-reduction potential, DIP, dissolved Mn, and Fe). Bare sediments were net DIP sources whereas sediments with V. spiralis were weak DIP sources in the dark and large sinks in light. V. spiralis radial oxygen loss led to less negative redox potential and lower Fe, Mn, and DIP concentrations in pore water. Roots were coated by reddish plaques with large amounts of Fe, Mn, and P, exceeding internal content. The results demonstrated that at laboratory scale, the transplant of V. spiralis into polluted organic sediments, mitigates the mobility of DIP and metals through both direct and indirect effects. This, in turn, may favor sediment colonization by less-tolerant aquatic plants. Further in situ investigations, coupled with economic analyses, can evaluate this potential application as a nature-based solution to contrast eutrophication.
Application of the model of safety barriers in the process of risk management in the field of occupational safety and health (on the example of investment projects for the development of forests)
Authors:   Research and Design Institute for Gas Processing (JSC «NIPIGAZ»), Kurochkin P. A. , Grigorev, I. V. ,   Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Department of Technology and Equipment of the Forest Complex, Grigoreva O. I. ,   St. Petersburg State Forestry Engineering University named after S. M. Kirov, Department of Forestry
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of a study of the experience of developing, implementing and applying a barrier safety model in the risk management system and improving the efficiency of the organization of labor protection of a forest development project (taking into account the influence of the human factor). The authors, based on the application of the barrier safety model, investigated the registered and investigated incidents, identified missing barriers, barriers requiring efficiency improvement and effective barriers.
Basic rules of safe operation of universal logging machines
Authors:   Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Department of Technology and Equipment of the Forest Complex, Kunitskaya O. A. , Krivosheev A. A. ,   Ukhta State Technical University, Shvetsov A. S. ,   Branch of the Military Training and Scientific Center of the Air Force «Air Force Academy named after Professor N. E. Zhukovsky and Yu. A. Gagarin» in Syzran, Grigoreva O. I. ,   St. Petersburg State Forestry Engineering University named after S. M. Kirov, Department of Forestry
Published: December 2023

For small and low-volume logging enterprises that predominate in the forest complex of the Russian Federation, in conditions of an acute shortage of forest fellers, universal logging machines are one of the most preferred options for carrying out logging operations. Compared with classic multi-machine logging complexes, they require significantly less capital, operators, and the cost of moving them from cutting area to cutting area. The article considers modern variants of universal logging machines — harvesters, forwarders, and felling — skidding-processing machines, and the rules for their safe operation.
Analysis of labor safety problems at timber industry enterprises
Authors:   Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Department of Technology and Equipment of the Forest Complex, Kunitskaya O. A. , Abrashkin V. A. ,   Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Department of Technology and Equipment of the Forest Complex
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the study of occupational safety problems at a forestry enterprise and the development of effective measures to solve them. The main task is considered to be improving the level of labor protection, respectively, reducing risks and preventing accidents and accidents, as well as organizing a safe working environment for industry workers. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to develop specific recommendations and measures to prevent accidents, increase awareness of occupational safety, as well as improve the safety management system at the forestry enterprise. In turn, this will reduce risks and improve working conditions for employees, as well as contribute to improving the efficiency of enterprises as a whole.
The influence of coniferous-mineral additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers under conditions of Yakutia
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “North-Eastern Federal University named after M. K. Ammosova”, Russia, Republic of Sakha Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern State Agrarian University”, Russia, Amur region, Blagoveshchensk(Yakutia), Yakutsk, Grigoreva A. I. , Babukhadia K. R. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern State Agrarian University”, Russia, Amur region, Blagoveshchensk, Perepelkina L. I. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern State Agrarian University”, Russia, Amur region, Blagoveshchensk, Kurkov Yu. B. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern State Agrarian University”, Russia, Amur region, Blagoveshchensk, Burmaga A.V ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern State Agrarian University”, Russia, Amur region, Blagoveshchensk
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this work was to carry out the infl uence of a coniferous-mineral feed additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia. The results of a research to study the influence of the coniferous-mineral feed additive on the milk productivity of Simmental first-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia have been presented in the article. The selection and testing of animals for the experiment was carried out according to generally accepted livestock technical methods. The inclusion of experimental feed additives in the rations of animals of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups made it possible statistically signifi cant to increase the average daily milk yield of milk by 5,46 %, 5,96 and 5,83 % and the milk yield for the experiment (lactation) in these groups was more by 5,41 %, 5,96 and 5,80 %, respectively, compared to the 1st control group. The use of feed additives from local natural raw materials in the rations of experimental group of animals aff ected the digestibility and absorption of nutrients. Against the background of the use of experimental feed additives, the coeffi cients of nutrient digestibility in animals of the experimental groups increased compared to the 1st control group: for dry matter by 1,47 abs.%, 1,89 and 1,59 abs.%, for organic matter by 1,91 abs.%, 2,66 and 2,45 abs.%, crude protein by 1,49 abs.%, 1,89 and 1,63 abs.%, crude fat by 2,02 abs.% , 2,55 and 2,48 abs.%, crude fi ber by 2,46 abs.%, 3,78 and 3,40 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,70 abs.%, 2,42 and 2,31 abs.%, respectively, by groups. Thus, the use of coniferous-mineral additive helps to improve the digestibility of nutrients in the body of animals and increase the milk productivity of cattle under the conditions of Yakutia.
Comprehensive evaluation of fleeces with measurement of the basic properties of wool in breeding work
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “North Caucasus Federal Scientifi c Agrarian Center”, Russia, Stavropol Territory, Shpakovsky district, Mikhailovsk, Dmitrik I. I.
Published: December 2023

Despite the general crisis in sheep breeding, lack of demand, low prices for the main type of raw material as wool, scientific breeders and farm specialists continue to work on developing new, more competitive breeds and types of sheep. They also carry out targeted selection to achieve high productivity of animals, since in general the level of productivity and especially the quality of wool do not always meet today’s requirements. The main disadvantages of wool supplied to processing plants are its increased contamination, reduced strength and insufficient uniformity. Their elimination is possible only with proper feeding of animals and constant attention of breeders to the quantity and quality of wool products. In the successful implementation of the tasks facing sheep farmers of the Stavropol Territory to increase the production of fine merino wool with its simultaneous improvement, the use of an objective evaluation of the products produced is of no small importance. The purpose of the research was to study the indicators of a comprehensive evaluation of fleeces with the measurement of the basic properties of wool to identify the effective use of stud rams in the breeding campaign. A positive point is the stabilization at a certain level of quality indicators of wool productivity. The average diameter of wool fiber is in the range of 20,6–22,5 microns, which meets the requirements for the production of fine wool. The yield of pure wool, which is influenced by arid natural conditions, ranges from 60,3–65,2 %, which is rated “excellent” on the scale of comprehensive assessment of runes. Fineness less of wool (on average for the breed) occurred according to the breeds: Stavropol, Manych merino, Soviet merino and Dzhalginsky merino by 2,3; 2,4; 0,8 and 1,2 microns, respectively. The yield of pure wool, in turn, increased by breeds by 1,2; 1,6; 0,9 and 8,3 abs.%, respectively. The ratio of clippings to live weight of animals decreased by 0,9; 1,0; 2,7 and 0,5 abs.%, respectively.
Conservation of Biodiversity and Nature — a New Priority for Green Agenda
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations Russian Academy of Science (IMEMO), Moscow, Khudyakova L. S.
Published: December 2023

The article reviews the drivers and main goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by 196 countries during COP-15 in December 2022. The overarching aim of the GBF is to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, in particular restore 30 % of critical biodiversity areas. The targets should be translated into national-level policy concerning governments, global and national environment funds as well as private sector actors, including financial institutions. The GBF isanalyzed in close connection with Paris agreement on climate change 2015 and Sustainable Development Goals. It is shown that a lot of GBF’s actions follow the example of those declared in the Paris agreement. The research is focused on the evaluation of the opportunities and challenges for the realization of GBF. The largest part of its stakeholders considers biodiversity as a unifying concept, that can help reduce the current political polarization that exist in relation to decarbonization in particular and to ESG principals as a whole. But difficulties and barriers also exist. One of them is the complicity of biodiversity impact, because it is not quite clear what to measure and how to measure. Probably the largest problem here is a lack of financial resources allocated to protection of ecological systems, especially in developing countries. So, the author comes to conclusion that despite approval of the aims of the GBF, practical actions taken by governments and business are scarce, and the conservation of biodiversity is seen as priority only in public discussions.
RF Deep Learning Model "Random Forest" for Forecasting Organizational Profit in the Digital Economy
Authors:   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Lomakin N. I. , Maramygin M. S. ,   Ural State Economic University, Ekaterinburg, Polozhentsev A. A. ,   Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Shabanov N. T. ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Naumova S. A. ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Starovoytov M. K. ,   Volzhsky Polytechnic Institute (branch) Volga State Technical University, Volzhsky
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the study lies in the fact that in modern conditions, artificial intelligence systems are increasingly used to support management decisions regarding the formation of an organization’s development strategy and other tasks. The purpose of the study is to forecast the profit of a credit institution using the Random Forest Regressor method to support management decision-making in a digital ecosystem. Among the methods in the presented work, the deep learning model "Random Forest" (RF — random forest), a multivariate regression model based on artificial intelligence, and the Graphviz program were used. Moreover, for the 7-factor DL model, the "Mean Absolute Error" (MAE) was 13.299, the "Root Mean Square Error" (MSE) reached 176.889, and the "Root Mean Square Error" (RMSE) amounted to 31289.71832. Moreover, in the 10-factor model, the above parameters had values respectively: 21.95, 20.532 and 421.563024. That is, judging by the value (MAE), the 7-factor model turned out to be more accurate. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that a machine learning model has been developed based on the "Deep Learning Random Forest" method, which provides support for management decisions, allowing one to obtain a reliable forecast of the bank’s net profit. The solution to this problem has important practical significance. Rospatent certificate for the computer software program No. 2023666284 dated July 28, 2023 was received. The hypothesis was put forward and proven that the use of the Random Forest DL artificial intelligence system makes it possible to obtain a forecast of the net profit of a credit institution. As a result of the study, conclusions were formulated. The processes of increasing digitalization are rapidly changing the financial world. An important role in modern conditions is played by the use of modern artificial intelligence systems to provide support for management decisions. The developed machine learning model based on the "Machine Learning Random Forest" method allows us to obtain a forecast of Sberbank’s net profit for the next year. Among the directions for further scientific research, it should be noted the identification of patterns and factors influencing the behavior of the resulting attribute — the net profit of a commercial bank.
Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung (KRT) Sumadiningrat bukan Habib Hasan bin Thoha bin Yahya: Analisis Kritis di Balik Kesalahpahaman Sejarah
Authors: Arafat M. Yaser
Published: December 2023

This article critically examines the claim made by Majelis Taklim Darul Hasyimi that KRT Sumadiningrat, a Yogyakarta Palace figure who died during the Geger Sepehi incident in 1812, is Habib Hasan bin Thoha Bin Yahya. Despite historical primary sources not supporting this assertion, the claim persists. Utilizing primary sources from historical documents, chronicles, and national booklets at the Yogyakarta Palace, the article thoroughly investigates the identities of both KRT Sumadiningrat and Habib Hasan bin Thoha Bin Yahya. Analyzing crucial human aspects such as birth, parentage, marriage, and death, the research concludes that KRT Sumadiningrat is not Habib Hasan bin Thoha Bin Yahya, and vice versa. The article argues that the claim represents a distortion of history orchestrated by certain religious groups in society. In the context of Indonesia's post-212 Movement era characterized by heightened religious sentiments, this distortion may gain more credibility than historical accuracy.
Langue et Droits de l’Homme. Étude à partir du cas du Cameroun
Authors: Bikoe Martine
Published: December 2023

Le rapport entre Langue et Droits de l’Homme montre que ces deux expressions constituent un tout indissociable. En effet, le lien entre les deux vient du fait que la langue qui caractérise le peuple est l’instrument que ce dernier utilise pour exprimer ses droits et libertés. D’ailleurs, l’État du Cameroun qui fait cohabiter en son sein deux communautés : anglophone et francophone a choisi les langues des pays ayant assurés sa tutelle jusqu’à son indépendance pour réguler les rapports sociaux entre lesdites communautés susceptibles de renforcer le vouloir vivre ensemble. Or, au regard de son caractère pluriethnique et plurilinguistique, il devient difficile à la société camerounaise d’assurer la protection des droits de l’homme situé car les mots utilisés par les langues d’emprunt ne correspondent pas toujours aux ressources propres des communautés en question. Ignorer la valeur culturelle des langues nationales serait perdre de vue leur qualité «d’âme des peuples » , c’est à dire un capital indispensable à la richesse du lien politique capable d’unir en valorisant la diversité.
Regard récent sur les tendances du constitutionnalisme africain. Le cas des États d’Afrique noire francophone
Authors: Mvaebeme Éric Stéphane
Published: December 2023

L’orée des années 1990 a été marquée en Afrique par un véritable bouillonnement constitutionnel consacrant la démocratie pluraliste et l’État de droit aux sens formel et matériel. Il s’agissait ainsi de ce que la doctrine a appelé «les nouvelles tendances du constitutionnalisme africain » . Plus de vingt après, ces tendances dites «initiales » sont toujours d’actualité car les États d’Afrique noire francophone réclament leur adhésion à l’approche universaliste du droit constitutionnel. De manière progressive et graduelle, il est loisible de constater que les sociétés africaines francophones renforcent année par année ces tendances qui avaient été initiées vers 1990. Pourtant, le nouveau constitutionnalisme africain présente aussi des avancées ou des tendances positives, originales et démocratiques impressionnantes, qui se sont dégagées à l’épreuve du temps et qui, à la longue, pourront être considérées comme des éléments d’une culture constitutionnelle des États africains. Des tendances dites initiales dérivent des tendances «additionnelles » qui viennent dans une certaine mesure compléter les premières.
La Constitution tunisienne du 27 janvier 2014 et le droit international conventionnel : les controverses alimentées
Authors: Bejeoui Imed
Published: December 2023

The Tunisian Constitution of January 27, 2014 is promulgated in a specific internal and international context. In this context, the new Constitution supposed to embody, through its regulation of the question of conventional international law, the scope of Tunisia openness to international life and should tackled the weakness of the Constitution of June 01, 1959. In some respects, the Constitution clarified subjects already regulated by the 1959 Constitution and on others the Constitution innovated. Nevertheless, the new Constitution has actually only powered debate over many matters relating to the conditions of applicability and primacy of conventional international law. Consequently, the expected contribution of the new Constitution is reduced and the effort of the establishers seems uncompleted.
Le régime français d’indemnisation des accidents médicaux. Une évaluation critique de la loi du 4 mars 2002 relative aux droits des malades
Authors: Knetsch Jonas
Published: December 2023

La loi du 4 mars 2002 relative aux droits des malades a introduit en droit français un régime d’indemnisation original des accidents médicaux. Depuis lors, les patients peuvent soumettre leur demande d’indemnisation à l’une des 25 commissions régionales de conciliation et d’indemnisation pour les victimes d’accidents médicaux (CRCI) dont la tâche consiste à apprécier le bien-fondé de la demande et, le cas échéant, à transmettre un avis à l’assureur médical (en cas de faute professionnelle) ou à l’Office national d’indemnisation des accidents médicaux (en cas d’aléa thérapeutique). Plus de 15 ans après l’entrée en vigueur de cette loi, le présent rapport a pour objectif de procéder à une évaluation critique du système et d’esquisser des perspectives de réforme.
Analyse des cas directeurs dans les affaires civiles
Authors: LI Shigang , Cui Mengchao
Published: December 2023

Long neglected in China, jurisprudence tends to emerge. The Supreme People’s Court decided in 2010 to publish for the purposes of guidance exemplary judicial decisions in the form of guiding cases (ànlì zhǐdǎo). This article, after reviewing the characteristics of the guiding cases system, analyzes the principles and rules specified in the twenty guiding cases published by the Supreme People’s Court since 2010 in the field of civil law and concerning personality rights, securities law, inheritance law, matrimonial family law, contract law and tort law, thus filling gaps in the law. The authors also provide suggestions for improving the guiding cases system.
Trauma-Informed Gatherings: What does it mean and what does it take?
Authors: Williams Chelsea , Bain Jamie
Published: December 2023

As community members continue to experience racial trauma at both individual and community levels, our Extension team responded by adapting an anti-racism leadership training program to be more trauma-informed. Our team designed a tool using Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s trauma-informed principles to support public health practitioners to facilitate trauma-informed meetings. This tool can be a starting point for Extension professionals to create more trauma-informed gathering spaces in all areas of their work.
The “Space Between”: Situated Professional Development to Enhance 4-H Educators’ Pedagogical Design Capacity for Effective Curriculum Enactment
Authors: Smith Martin , Miner Gemma , Schmitt-McQuitty Lynn
Published: December 2023

Curricula are planned and written by curriculum developers; they serve as instructional guides for educators. Educators make adaptations to written curricula to meet learners’ needs and achieve intended learning outcomes. The efficacy of curriculum adaptations is enhanced when educators have a high pedagogical design capacity, which can be improved through effective professional development. Lesson study is a model of situated professional development centered around ongoing improvement of curriculum enactment. Educators work collaboratively to make curriculum modifications and data-driven decisions to improve their teaching practices. Lesson study occurs at regular intervals over an extended duration.
Development and Evaluation of Impact Statements for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
Authors: Pybus Kylie , Gibbs Ronald , Aragon Catalina
Published: December 2023

Extension professionals often communicate program outcomes to external stakeholders using impact statements. We developed and evaluated four impact statements for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). We drafted the statements after conducting literature reviews for core content areas of EFNEP that include diet quality, food resource management, physical activity, and food safety. Subsequently, we evaluated the statements by facilitating expert panels made up of subject matter experts and communication professionals (n=14) from 12 Land-grant Universities. These impact statements aim to support EFNEP and other Extension professionals when communicating program value with key external stakeholders.
Sustainability in the modern architecture of Nicosia: A retrospective view
Authors: Beyaz Çağla , Erçin Çilen
Published: December 2023

Architectural approaches that developed and progressed in the modern period were founded on the criteria of modern architecture. It is possible to see the distinctive features of the modern period from the 1920s to the 1970s on the island of Cyprus, which has been under the influence of many cultures for many years. This study's main goal is to investigate the architectural criteria for residences constructed throughout the modern period in the Nicosia region in relation to sustainability parameters and modern architectural approaches. The methodology of the study consists of theoretical, analysis/practical approaches and observations. The analysis of a total of 3 houses was evaluated in the context of form, function, construction, and sustainability parameters. The houses examined during the findings phase were evaluated within the framework of sustainability parameters, and modern architectural approaches taking into account modern architectural criteria. In the houses discussed in the study, free plan, ornament-free facade designs, and large window openings on the facades, depending on the Functionalism, Purism, Cubism, and international style approaches, attract attention as architectural criteria. In this regard, it clearly reveals that the ideals, approaches, and principles of the modern period are related to the sustainability parameters that emerged at that time.
Development of professional communication in English (experience of Ukrainian military officers)
Authors: Shabunina Viktoriia , Bilous Bogdan , Romaniuk Viktoriia , Solodka Anzhelika , Berezhna Marharyta
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the research is to analyse the development of professional communication in English among Ukrainian military personnel. To achieve this goal theoretical methods of cognitive science were used, particularly, analysis, synthesis, comparison, abstraction, and content analysis. The results substantiate that due to the training opportunities in the European countries and the United States, it was possible to prepare significant reserves to counter Russian troops. Acquiring necessary language skills for foreign training required the introduction of new standards to internal training of military personnel. An important step was the launch of the STANAG 6001 standard, which aims to unify the training of officers, cadets, and other military personnel in order to achieve a high level of language competence. The project approach expanded the application of this standard providing with new prospects. Creative projects are characterised by discussion and agreement on the results and the form of their presentation. The conclusions emphasise that training military personnel in foreign language communication during a full-scale war was a significant challenge for all participants in the educational process.
Panorama curricular de la enseñanza de normas jurídicas que inciden en la actividad bibliotecológica
Authors: Torija Zane Lucía
Published: December 2023

Esta investigación no experimental, estructurada y de recolección transversal busca brindar un panorama acerca de la enseñanza de conceptos y normas jurídicas que inciden en la profesión bibliotecaria, tomando como ejemplo a la carrera de Bibliotecología y Ciencia de la Información de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. El enfoque de la investigación es mixto: se combinaron los métodos cuantitativo (encuestas a graduados) y cualitativo (entrevistas con distintos profesionales). Contiene un breve repaso de las leyes implicadas y se brindan consejos para su inclusión en los planes de estudio de la carrera. La mayoría de los bibliotecarios graduados no cuentan con conocimientos suficientes de las leyes relacionadas a su profesión. ¿Cómo puede un bibliotecario fomentar el libre acceso a la información y defender las excepciones para bibliotecas sin fundamentos sólidos del tema y herramientas para lograrlo?