bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Leaf Blade Nutrient Status of Pinot Noir Using Hyperspectral Reflectance and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Lyu Hongyi , Grafton Miles , Ramilan Thiagarajah , Irwin Matthew , Sandoval Eduardo
Published: March 2023

Monitoring grape nutrient status, from flowering to veraison, is important for viticulturists when implementing vineyard management strategies, in order to produce quality wines. However, traditional methods for measuring nutrient elements incur high labour costs. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of predicting grapevine leaf blade nutrient concentration based on hyperspectral data. Leaf blades were collected at two Pinot Noir commercial vineyards at Martinborough, New Zealand. The leaf blade spectral data were obtained with a handheld spectroradiometer, to evaluate surface reflectance and derivative spectra in the spectrum range between 400 and 2400 nm. Afterwards, leaf blades nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were measured, and their relationships with the hyperspectral data were modelled by machine learning models; partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest regression (RFR), and support vector regression (SVR) were used. Pearson correlation and recursive feature elimination, based on cross-validation, were used as feature selection methods for RFR and SVR, to improve the model’s performance. The variable importance score of PLSR, and permutation variable importance of RFR and SVR, were used to determine the most sensitive wavelengths, or spectral regions related to each biochemical variable. The results showed that the best predictive performance for leaf blade N concentration was based on PLSR to raw reflectance data (R2 = 0.66; RMSE = 0.15%). The combination of support vector regression with the Pearson correlation selected method and second derivative reflectance provided a high accuracy for K and Ca modelling (R2 = 0.7; RMSE = 0.06%; R2 = 0.62; RMSE = 0.11%, respectively). However, the modelling performance for P and Mg, by different feature groups and variable selection methods, was poor (R2 = 0.15; RMSE = 0.02%; R2 = 0.43; RMSE = 0.43%, respectively). Thus, a larger dataset is needed for improving the prediction of P and Mg. The results indicated that for Pinot Noir leaf blades, raw reflectance data had potential for the prediction of N concentration, while the second-derivative spectra were more suitable to predict K and Ca. This study led to the provision of rapid and non-destructive measurements of grapevine leaf nutrient status.
A Time-Gated, Time-Correlated Single-Photon-Counting Lidar to Observe Atmospheric Clouds at Submeter Resolution
Authors: Yang Fan , Sua Yong Meng , Louridas Alexandros , Lamer Katia , Zhu Zeen , Luke Edward , Huang Yu-Ping , Kollias Pavlos , Vogelmann Andrew M. , McComiskey Allison
Published: March 2023

Most lidars used for cloud observations have the range resolution of about 10 m, so they are incapable of resolving submeter-scale processes that are crucial to cloud evolution. This article describes a prototype of a ground-based, vertically pointing, time-gated, time-correlated single-photon-counting lidar (referred to as the T2 lidar) developed to explore atmospheric clouds at range resolution two orders of magnitude finer than traditional atmospheric lidars. The T2 lidar emits green-light pulses (532 nm) at a repetition rate of 20.6 kHz and a pulse width of ∼650 ps, which enables the observation of aerosol and cloud layers at heights from a few hundred meters to 7.28 km above the ground level at range resolution down to 10 cm. In addition, a digital delay pulse generator controls the detector to only receive photons for a short period after each laser pulse. This time-gated technique blocks photons arriving from regions outside the target zone, thus significantly reducing the noise level and allowing observation even inside clouds. Initial observations show that the T2 lidar can detect sharp cloud boundaries and fine structures near the cloud base. Such refined measurements of cloud structure could lead to an improved understanding of microphysical processes such as droplet activation, entrainment and mixing, and precipitation.
Integration of Distributed Dense Polish GNSS Data for Monitoring the Low Deformation Rates of Earth’s Crust
Authors: Araszkiewicz Andrzej
Published: March 2023

This research concerns the possibility of monitoring low deformation rates in tectonically stable regions using GPS/GNSS observations. The study was conducted in an area of Poland located in Central and Eastern Europe, where horizontal stress resulting from plate boundary forces in the N–S or NNE–SSW direction has been observed. This stress can translate into deformation of the Earth’s surface. The problem, however, is that it corresponds to strain rate magnitudes of much lower than 10 × 10−9 per year. This is not much higher than the figure determined using current GNSS observation capabilities. In this study, long-term observations from several GNSS networks were used. The result was a very dense but irregular velocity field. By carefully analyzing and filtering the data, it was possible to eliminate the impact of various errors, creating a more consistent velocity field. This article presents a final GNSS strain rate model for Poland and determines the impacts of the analysis methods on its variation. Regardless of the filtering method adopted, dominant compression rates in the N-S direction are evident. Moreover, this result is consistent despite the use of varying velocity. This shows that even in tectonically stable regions, strain rates can be monitored at 10−9 per year (below 3 × 10−9/year).
Method of Infrared Small Moving Target Detection Based on Coarse-to-Fine Structure in Complex Scenes
Authors: Ma Yapeng , Liu Yuhan , Pan Zongxu , Hu Yuxin
Published: March 2023

In the combat system, infrared target detection is an important issue worthy of study. However, due to the small size of the target in the infrared image, the low signal-to-noise ratio of the image and the uncertainty of motion, how to detect the target accurately and quickly is still difficult. Therefore, in this paper, an infrared method of detecting small moving targets based on a coarse-to-fine structure (MCFS) is proposed. The algorithm mainly consists of three modules. The potential target extraction module first smoothes the image through a Laplacian filter and extracts the prior weight of the image by the proposed weighted harmonic method to enhance the target and suppress the background. Then, the local variance feature map and local contrast feature map of the image are calculated through a multiscale three-layer window to obtain the potential target region. Next, a new robust region intensity level (RRIL) algorithm is proposed in the spatial-domain weighting module. Finally, the temporal-domain weighting module is established to enhance the target positions by analyzing the kurtosis features of temporal signals. Experiments are conducted on real infrared datasets. Through scientific analysis, the proposed method can successfully detect the target, at the same time, the ability to suppress the background and the ability to improve the target has reached the maximum, which verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Approach to Formalizing Software Projects for Solving Design Automation and Project Management Tasks
Authors: Filippov Aleksey , Romanov Anton , Skalkin Anton , Stroeva Julia , Yarushkina Nadezhda
Published: March 2023

GitHub and GitLab contain many project repositories. Each repository contains many design artifacts and specific project management features. Developers can automate the processes of design and project management with the approach proposed in this paper. We described the knowledge base model and diagnostic analytics method for the solving of design automation and project management tasks. This paper also presents examples of use cases for applying the proposed approach.
Analysis on Stochastic Change Characteristics of Technological Innovation Efficiency under Endogenous Change in Technological Information and Investment of Knowledge Capital
Authors: Yang Linsheng , Gong Jintao , Wang Bihao
Published: March 2023

The allocation of innovation-related elements is influenced by intangible elements such as technological information, which affects knowledge capital, human capital, and material element investment, resulting in the stochastic change of technological innovation efficiency. The endogenous change in technological information in element investment reduces friction, lowers costs, improves efficiency, and gradually reduces the deviation between knowledge capital investment and technological innovation efficiency. In terms of small knowledge capital investment characterized by the low demand for technological information and a single source, it is easier to make more-accurate predictions, so the stochastic change in technological innovation efficiency tends to be gentle. The endogenous change in technological information continuously increases the proportion of replacing other elements with knowledge capital investment, and the efficiency of technological innovation improves steadily. Under the condition of unchanged investment in other elements, there is a great difference in the duration of technological information between the simultaneous selection and the successive selection of knowledge capital investment. When one-time instantaneous information and continuous complete information are respectively acquired, the stochastic variation of technological innovation efficiency is obvious. On the basis of the technological innovation data of 287 listed companies in eight industries, this paper compares and analyzes the measurement results of GMM and OLS to verify the above findings.
Net Zero in the Maelstrom: Professional Practice for Net Zero in a Time of Turbulent Change
Authors: Newman Peter W. G.
Published: March 2023

The net zero transition is examined as a process of technical change that has rapidly accelerated and now faces social, economic and political transformations that can enable this rapid transition. The illustration of a maelstrom, with barrels that can enable survival, is used to show that professional practice during the turbulent period of change needs new net zero standards reflected in new processes and regulations for business accounting, energy, urban and transport planning, as well as new approaches for the just transition and Indigenous/local engagement. Australian examples are provided to show the beginning of such a maelstrom process to illustrate the significance of this agenda in 2023.
Fatigue Cracking Characteristics of Asphalt Pavement Structure under Aging and Moisture Damage
Authors: Yang Sunglin , Park Heebeom , Baek Cheolmin
Published: March 2023

Structural characteristics influence assessment of fatigue cracking behavior. In the assessment of asphalt pavements, the asphalt structure and practical conditions must be considered. This study analyzes changes in the elastic modulus of the pavement of different asphalt mixtures amid aging and moisture damage through fatigue cracking tests. A model to predict the tensile strain at the bottom of the pavement layer is developed through a structural analysis based on the material properties. The results are comparatively analyzed using the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide to predict the fatigue crack life. The test results indicate that moisture damage significantly influences the material properties of asphalt pavement and can accelerate pavement damage as the asphalt ages. The coefficient values of the proposed fatigue-life prediction model can be used to predict the fatigue life depending on the age of the asphalt and its moisture damage after aging. The degree of fatigue damage can be predicted by calculating the tensile strain using the regression equation and elastic modulus according to the aging and moisture damage.
Does Food Shopping Behaviour Determine Food Waste Vulnerability in Private Households? Quantitative Analysis on Case Studies from Germany
Authors: Jürgens Ulrich
Published: March 2023

The discussion about food waste is conducted from many different scientific perspectives. Studies from the perspective of retail geography have hardly been part of this so far. Within the framework of own empirical studies 2020–2022 for case studies from Germany, postal and online surveys were conducted in urban and rural areas in order to correlate psychographic attitudes according to self-assessment about food and shopping with practical shopping and disposal behaviour. Four different clusters can be distinguished, demonstrating that food waste realities are associated with characteristic attitude sets of groups of people as either unconscious wasters or conscious savers. Waste baskets are visualised via relational networks, which help to capture the complexity and completeness of sources of food waste in private households. This approach makes it possible to expand the causes of food waste not only in private households themselves, but also from upstream purchasing practices and the retail geographical characteristics of individual business formats. This study shows that the differences between groups and their receptiveness to the issue of food waste do not diverge systematically, but that niche-like variations in attitudes or purchasing behaviour can make a big difference.
Risk Assessment and Prediction of Soil Water Erosion on the Middle Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountain
Authors: Xu Shixian , Wang Xinjun , Ma Xiaofei , Gao Shenghan
Published: March 2023

Soil erosion is a significant form of land degradation worldwide, leading to ecological degradation and a decline in agricultural productivity. The middle section of the northern slopes of Tianshan Mountain (MNSTM) in northwestern China is a high-priority area for soil water erosion prevention, and soil water erosion is a serious problem in the region. Despite this, there is a lack of research on soil water erosion in the MNSTM, and the trends and priority risk areas of soil water erosion remain unclear. Therefore, this study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to quantitatively assess soil water erosion from 2001–2020 and predict it from 2030–2050. The study also used the Geodetector method to analyse the influencing factors of soil water erosion in the region. The results show that soil water erosion in the MNSTM has a fluctuating upward trend, increasing at a rate of 0.26 t hm−2 y−1 over the period 2001–2020 and reaching a maximum value of 39.08 t hm−2 in 2020. However, soil water erosion in the region is mitigated under both RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 climate scenarios. Vegetation was found to have the highest degree of influence on soil erosion, indicating that its protection and management should be prioritised for future soil and water conservation efforts. The eastern part of the MNSTM was identified as the most vulnerable area to soil and water erosion, and in the context of global climate change, it is crucial to enhance the ecological restoration of the MNSTM to reduce the risk of soil water erosion. These findings can serve as valuable information for decision makers to develop effective strategies to prevent soil erosion and improve the ecological environment in the MNSTM.
Impact of Biochar as a Soil Conditioner to Improve the Soil Properties of Saline Soil and Productivity of Tomato
Authors: Zonayet Md. , Paul Alok Kumar , Faisal-E-Alam Md. , Syfullah Khalid , Castanho Rui Alexandre , Meyer Daniel
Published: March 2023

Biochar increases crop yield, soil reliability, and carbon sequestration. This study examined how biochar affected soil properties and tomato yield in saline soil. The experiment was conducted in areas surrounding Khulna Agricultural University and in farmers’ fields close to Khulna, Bangladesh. The experiment’s layout was a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Tomato cultivation with eight treatments and three replications used biochar with the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD). Using biochar in saline soil significantly influenced tomato growth and yield character. Days after planting, plant height was dramatically impacted by various biochar treatment levels. The height of tomato plants ranged from 65.38 to 46.37 cm, yielding 49.23 tons per hectare. The experiments used biochar treatments to grow more tomatoes than traditional fertilizers and a control treatment. Compared with control treatments, biochar also changed the properties of salty soil after it was harvested. The soil’s pH is 6.51 and its particle density is highest at 2.65. The control treatments had the highest EC value, which was 2800, and the biochar application treatments had the lowest EC values. At 100 s/cm, the EC value made the soil 0.6 ppt saltier in the control treatment without biochar, but adding biochar made the soil 0.1 ppt less salty. The percentages of carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter were also the highest that they had been (1.88%, 1.073%, and 2.58%, respectively). The phosphorus concentration in the soil was 19.47 g/g after harvesting. The majority of K and S values used to treat salty soils are interchangeable. Significant changes in tomato growth, yield, and soil properties occurred when biochar was combined with recommended fertilizer doses and applied to saline soil for tomato cultivation.
Correction: Van Winkle et al. Health and the Urban Environment: A Bibliometric Mapping of Knowledge Structure and Trends. Sustainability 2022, 14, 12320
Authors: Van Winkle Taylor , Kotval-K Zeenat , Machemer Patricia , Kotval Zenia
Published: March 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Biochar from Grapevine-Pruning Residues Is Affected by Grapevine Rootstock and Pyrolysis Temperature
Authors: Anđelini Dominik , Cvitan Danko , Prelac Melissa , Pasković Igor , Černe Marko , Nemet Ivan , Major Nikola , Goreta Ban Smiljana , Užila Zoran , Zubin Ferri Tea , Njegić Džakula Branka , Petek Marko , Ban Dean , Palčić Igor
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the production and application of biochar as a soil amendment produced from pruning residues has gained attention worldwide. Since the effect of grapevine rootstock type on grapevine-pruning residues used as feedstock for biochar production had not yet been researched, the present research was performed. Two grapevine rootstocks, different in vigor, were selected, with the hypothesis that they would affect their chemical composition and, consequently, the composition of the produced biochar. In this work, grapevine-pruning residues of the indigenous variety “Istrian Malvasia” (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted on 420A and SO4 rootstocks were analyzed and used for biochar production under three peak temperature programs (400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C). Higher pyrolysis temperature decreased yield but increased EC, ash, and TC content, as well as the content of most of the studied elements. On the other hand, grapevine rootstock type affected biochar EC, ash content, and specific surface area. Results showed that a more vigorous rootstock affects the produced biochar qualities by enhancing the above-mentioned properties. The present research showed that biochar produced from grapevine-pruning residues, especially at 500 °C or 600 °C, could be a valuable tool for the valorization of this biomass as a soil amendment.
Drought Stress Restoration Frequencies of Phenotypic Indicators in Early Vegetative Stages of Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Kim JaeYoung , Lee Chaewon , Park Ji-Eun , Mansoor Sheikh , Chung Yong Suk , Kim Kyunghwan
Published: March 2023

The damage to crops due to drought is severe, and it is further exacerbated by global warming. Therefore, efforts to breed drought-resistant cultivars are being actively conducted. Various research to develop drought-resistant and sustainable cultivars of soybean (Glycine max L.), the most popular legume crop worldwide, are conducted, but it is biased toward the reproductive stages that are most severely affected by drought. There are few studies on the effect of drought stress on the vegetative stages due to a relatively small effect on the final product, but it is an important factor. Therefore, plants were subjected to 5% soil moisture for 14 days to assess the effect of drought at three different vegetative stages, and we measured the number of nodes of the main stem, the total number of nodes, and the number of pods. Although most of the unstressed soybean plants were dominant against the drought-stressed plants in certain cultivars, side node formation or the total number of nodes and the number of pods were reversed. Our results suggested that investigated response of phenotypic traits might be used as a selection indicator for drought-resistant soybean cultivars with further research and sustainability.
Variability of Elastic Properties of Two-Layered Tubes from Six-Constant Tetragonal Crystals
Authors: Volkov Mikhail A. , Gorodtsov Valentin A. , Lisovenko Dmitry S.
Published: March 2023

An analytical analysis of the problem of the longitudinal tension of two-layered tubes with walls made of tetragonal crystals was carried out together with numerical calculations of the effective Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios of the tubes, using the known experimental data on the elastic characteristics of such crystals. The study of the effective elastic properties of two-layered tubes was carried out in the cases of layers of the same thickness, equal volumes, and greater arbitrariness. The effective Young’s modulus often exceeds the largest Young’s modulus of a pair of layers, and the effective Poisson’s ratio can be negative, even if the Poisson’s ratios are positive in both layers. In other words, an auxetic of the two-layered tube may correspond to a pair of non-auxetics in two layers of this tube.
Numerical Simulation on Heat Transfer Augmentation by Using Innovative Hybrid Ribs in a Forward-Facing Contracting Channel
Authors: Togun Hussein , Hamidatou S. , Mohammed Hayder I. , Abed Azher. M. , Hasan Husam Abdulrasool , Homod Raad Z. , Al-Fatlawi Ali Wadi , Al-Thamir Mohaimen , Abdulrazzaq Tuqa
Published: March 2023

This study aims to investigate the thermal behavior and aerodynamic phenomena in a heated channel with varied rib configurations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Incorporating ribs in such systems enhances heat transfer and increases flow resistance and manufacturing costs. Understanding heat exchanger theory, measurement methods, and numerical calculations are crucial for creating efficient heat exchangers. The current research employs numerical analysis to assess the impact of hybrid ribs on heat transfer enhancement in forward-facing contracting channels (FFS). A two-dimensional forced convection heat transfer simulation under turbulent flow conditions was performed, considering the presence and absence of ribs with dimensions of 1 cm by 1 cm and spaced 11 cm apart. The arrangement of the ribs causes symmetrical temperature and flow distribution after and before each rib. The results demonstrate that the use of hybrid ribs outperforms the use of individual rib configurations in terms of thermal performance. This is due to the distinct flow patterns generated as the fluid passes through each rib. The triangle ribs had a more significant impact on the pressure drop than other rib configurations, while the cross ribs showed a lesser effect. The ribs improve the heat transfer coefficient while increasing the pressure drop, and the values of the Reynolds number were found to be directly proportional to the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop. The study concludes with a qualitative and quantitative analysis demonstrating the accuracy and coherence of the obtained computational results.
Effects of Exposure to Low Zearalenone Concentrations Close to the EU Recommended Value on Weaned Piglets’ Colon
Authors: Grosu Iulian Alexandru , Bulgaru Cristina Valeria , Pistol Gina Cecilia , Cismileanu Ana , Marin Daniela Eliza , Taranu Ionelia
Published: March 2023

Pigs are the most sensitive animal to zearalenone (ZEN) contamination, especially after weaning, with acute deleterious effects on different health parameters. Although recommendations not to exceed 100 µg/kg in piglets feed exists (2006/576/EC), there are no clear regulations concerning the maximum limit in feed for piglets, which means that more investigations are necessary to establish a guidance value. Due to these reasons, the present study aims to investigate if ZEN, at a concentration lower than the EC recommendation for piglets, might affect the microbiota or induce changes in SCFA synthesis and can trigger modifications of nutritional, physiological, and immunological markers in the colon (intestinal integrity through junction protein analysis and local immunity through IgA production). Consequently, the effect of two concentrations of zearalenone were tested, one below the limit recommended by the EC (75 µg/kg) and a higher one (290 µg/kg) for comparison reasons. Although exposure to contaminated feed with 75 µg ZEN/kg feed did not significantly affect the observed parameters, the 290 µg/kg feed altered several microbiota population abundances and the secretory IgA levels. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects that ZEN can have in the colon of young pigs in a dose-dependent manner.
Response to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Heifers Vaccinated with a Combination of Multivalent Modified Live and Inactivated Viral Vaccines
Authors: Falkenberg Shollie M. , Dassanayake Rohana P. , Crawford Lauren , Sarlo Davila Kaitlyn , Boggiatto Paola
Published: March 2023

Bovine viral vaccines contain both live or inactivated/killed formulations, but few studies have evaluated the impact of vaccinating with either live or killed antigens and re-vaccinating with the reciprocal. Commercial dairy heifers were utilized for the study and randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Treatment groups received a commercially available modified-live viral (MLV) vaccine containing BVDV and were revaccinated with a commercially available killed viral (KV) vaccine containing BVDV, another group received the same KV vaccine and was revaccinated with the same MLV vaccine, and yet another group served as negative controls and did not receive any viral vaccines. Heifers in KV/MLV had higher virus neutralizing titers (VNT) at the end of the vaccination period than heifers in MLV/KV and control groups. The frequency of IFN-γ mRNA positive CD4+, CD8+, and CD335+ populations, as well as increased mean fluorescent intensity of CD25+ cells was increased for the MLV/KV heifers as compared to KV/MLV and controls. The data from this study would suggest that differences in initial antigen presentation such as live versus killed could augment CMI and humoral responses and could be useful in determining vaccination programs for optimizing protective responses, which is critical for promoting lifetime immunity.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in HBV-Caused Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Zhang Jin , Hu Changwei , Xie Xiaoxiao , Qi Linzhi , Li Chuanzhou , Li Shangze
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Surgery, liver transplantation, and ablation therapies have been used to treat early HBV-caused HCC (HBV-HCC); meanwhile, in the advanced stage, chemoradiotherapy and drug-targeted therapy are regularly considered, but with limited efficacy. Recently, immunotherapies, such as tumor vaccine therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, have demonstrated promising efficacy in cancer treatment. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors can successfully prevent tumors from achieving immune escape and promote an anti-tumor response, thereby boosting the therapeutic effect in HBV-HCC. However, the advantages of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of HBV-HCC remain to be exploited. Here, we describe the basic characteristics and development of HBV-HCC and introduce current treatment strategies for HBV-HCC. Of note, we review the principles of immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) in HBV-HCC, as well as related inhibitors being considered in the clinic. We also discuss the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of HBV-HCC and the efficacy of those inhibitors in HCC with various etiologies, aiming to provide insights into the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of HBV-HCC.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic and Protective Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 and Implications of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Akbar Sheikh Mohammad Fazle , Al Mahtab Mamun , Khan Sakirul
Published: March 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has devastated the world with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has imparted a toll of at least 631 million reported cases with 6.57 million reported deaths. In order to handle this pandemic, vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed and billions of doses of various vaccines have been administered. In the meantime, several antiviral drugs and other treatment modalities have been developed to treat COVID-19 patients. At the end of the day, it seems that anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and newly developed antiviral drugs may be improved based on various new developments. COVID-19 represents a virus-induced, immune-mediated pathological process. The severity of the disease is related to the nature and properties of the host immune responses. In addition, host immunity plays a dominant role in regulating the extent of COVID-19. The present reality regarding the role of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection even three years after the initiation of the pandemic, and divergent faces of COVID-19 have initiated several queries among huge populations, policy makers, general physicians, and scientific communities. The present review aims to provide some information regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Measles Immunization Status of Health Care Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Factors Associated with Lack of Immunization According to the Health Belief Model
Authors: Restivo Vincenzo , Fallucca Alessandra , Trapani Federica , Immordino Palmira , Calamusa Giuseppe , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Suboptimal levels of measles vaccination coverage make Italy a country where the circulation of the virus is still endemic. In the past decade, several nosocomial outbreaks of measles occurred in Italy that rapidly spread the infection among large numbers of hospitalized patients and susceptible healthcare workers (HCWs). A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital of Palermo (Italy) to estimate the rate of HCWs immunization and to investigate the factors associated with lack of immunization. The attitude to the immunization practice was evaluated by exploring the Health Belief Model. Overall, 118 HCWs were enrolled, with a mean age of 31 years and 59.3% male. About half of the sample (45.8%, n = 54) was found not to be immunized against measles. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors directly associated with the non-immunization status against measles were female sex (OR = 3.70, p = 0.056), being an HCW different from a physician (OR = 10.27, p = 0.015), having a high perception of barriers to vaccination (OR = 5.13, p = 0.047), not being immunized for other exanthematous diseases such as chickenpox (OR = 9.93, p = 0.003), mumps (OR = 33.64, p < 0.001) and rubella (OR = 10.12, p= 0.002). There is a need to contrast the low adherence of HCWs to measles vaccination by identifying effective strategies to increase immunization coverage and limiting the risk of further nosocomial measles outbreaks.
Autogestión en el GAD Parroquial Rural de Membrillo-Ecuador: un análisis de gestión financiera
Authors: Solorzano Vera Delia Josefa
Published: March 2023

El artículo tiene el objeto de diagnosticar la ejecución presupuestaria del GAD Parroquial Rural de Membrillo periodo 2014-2017. La información creada por el indicativo de la gestión con eficiencia, eficacia y calidad de la administración pública, se recopiló utilizando métodos de inducción, interpretación y análisis. Para tal efecto, se ha elaborado un análisis presupuestario mediante fórmulas aplicadas en el período 2014, 2015, 2016 y 2017. Esto dio el resultado que la dependencia financiera de la entidad gubernamental está por debajo del
81,44 % y su autonomía en 39,89 %. Reflejando así, una solvencia financiera sobre el 1,12 con autosuficiencia financiera superior al 0,004 %. Se concluye, que dentro de unos años la entidad gubernamental del área rural no tendrá aforo financiero para cubrir los ingresos por deudas y el índice de ingreso por autogestión disminuirá consecutivamente. Es preciso decir, que la autogestión en las instituciones públicas procesa todo ámbito administrativo, ya sea, para adquirir un bien o servicio, por tanto, es preciso fortalecer su autonomía institucional mediante la ejecución de sus recursos.
Factores de producción como determinantes de la productividad del maíz en la provincia de Manabí
Authors: Palacios Cedeño Nohemí Monserrate , Zambrano Montesdeoca Jasson Luis , Murillo Macias María Soledad
Published: March 2023

El maíz es uno de los productos más importantes en el sector agrícola ecuatoriano y es parte de una infinidad de derivados y usos, este cultivo se lo siembra en varias provincias del litoral ecuatoriano, sin embargo, donde se encuentra la mayor concentración de este cultivo es en las provincias de Los Ríos, Manabí y Guayas.   El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar los factores de producción como determinantes de la productividad del maíz en la provincia de Manabí.   El tipo de investigación es documental, con un alcance exploratorio- descriptivo, diseño longitudinal donde se utilizó el método histórico inductivo. Los resultados evidencian que los principales determinantes de la productividad, están relacionados a la preparación del suelo, excesos de fertilizantes o déficit del mismo por un mal manejo de cultivos; así como por la falta de tecnificación en cuanto a riego, y el financiamiento para la mejora de los cultivos.
Capital de trabajo y rentabilidad del sector minero como efecto de pandemia por covid-19
Authors: Estrella Perez Carla , Ascona Ascona Hugo Saul , Vega Espilco Pedro Orlando , Bernedo Moreira David Hugo
Published: March 2023

En contexto de pandemia por COVID 19, las empresas mineras han reducido gradualmente sus operaciones empleando al personal necesario, suspendiendo sus actividades de construcción, retrasando el desarrollo de nuevos proyectos de inversión y han tenido problemas con sus cadenas de suministro, bajo esta premisa, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el capital de trabajo y la rentabilidad del sector minero como efecto de la pandemia por el COVID 19. A través del enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo, no experimental, se revisó información de los estados financieros correspondiente a los años 2019, 2020 y 2021 de las principales empresas mineras que cotizan en la Bolsa de Valores de Lima (BVL). La técnica fue el análisis documental y el instrumento una guía de análisis financiero. Se concluyó que los periodos previos a la pandemia sirvieron para paliar las contingencias provocadas por la inmovilización social, sin embargo, la contracción que tuvo el mercado se recuperó durante el ejercicio 2021, de manera que los indicadores fueron auspiciosos, en términos generales.
Estabilidad oxidativa del aceite de girasol en diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento
Authors: Laz Mero Mabel Leonela , Tuárez Párraga Miguel Alejandro , Córdova Mosquera Rosa Alexandra
Published: March 2023

La principal alteración de los alimentos que contienen aceites o grasas, se debe a la oxidación de los radicales de ácidos grasos de los compuestos glicéricos para formar aldehídos, cetonas y ácidos volátiles, que son los responsables del desagradable olor y sabor a rancio, generando rechazo en los consumidores. Por ello, el objetivo de la investigación consistió en evaluar la estabilidad oxidativa del aceite de girasol en diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento (envases tapados y envases destapados) y en condiciones ambientales controladas (27 ± 2 °C; HR: 75 ± 10 %). El seguimiento se lo realizó con periodos constantes, monitoreando la oxidación a través del índice de peróxido descrita por American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS), utilizando la prueba de Kruskal Wallis para analizar estadísticamente los datos; evidenciando que durante las semanas evaluadas no existe diferencia significativa (p>0,05). Sin embargo, en las condiciones de almacenamiento si existe diferencia significativa (p<0,05), con lo que se determinó mayor estabilidad oxidativa del aceite girasol con envases tapados a diferencia de los destapados.
Palabras clave: Ácidos grasos; almacenamiento; estabilidad; oxidación del aceite de girasol; peróxido
MODELING THE PROFIT MAXIMIZATION PROCESS OF A TIME CHARTER SHIPOWNER WHEN CHARTERING A FLEET
Authors: Golovan T , Muradov D.H.
Published: March 2023

When chartering a fleet in the tramp form of shipping, it is almost impossible to competently draw up a charter

without the participation of a freight broker who has universal knowledge in the field of merchant shipping.

However, in recent times it has become more and more common to observe that maritime brokerage companies

operate chartered vessels on their own, trying to maximize their profits. This is how the name “time charter

shipowner” appeared, and this form of activity can be organized without significant financial investments,

which, of course, is very attractive for companies involved in fleet operation.

The authors of this article analyzed the work of companies involved in the operation of the fleet, and also

proposed a model for the process of solving the problem of maximizing profits when chartering a fleet in various

segments of the freight market. Also, the authors give options for the combined chartering of the fleet and

present the features of the formation of income and expenses of a company operating a fleet in various segments

of the freight market
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEAPORT IN THE NATIONAL LOGISTICS SYSTEM
Authors: Strelnikova I , Strelnikov Denis Dmitrievich
Published: March 2023

transshipment and clearance of goods should become transparent and predictable. At the stage of conclusion of

the contract, the client should be informed about basic characteristics of seaport and the situation at the terminal

at the time of arrival of the client cargo shipment. It is necessary to determine the basic parameters of the cargo

terminal, which must be transmitted to the national logistic system, as well as a set of dynamic parameters that

affect the creation of a forecast for the terminal's workload
METHOD OF POSSIBLE SHIPS COLLISION AREA CONSTRUCTING ON REACHABLE SETS BASIS
Authors: Zhuk Aleksandr
Published: March 2023

The article has considered the method of vessels possible collision area constructing in problem of guaranteed collision avoidance of controlled vessel with unpredictable target-vessels. Reachable set is expanded with defined safe distance, segments of enlarged set combine and form possible collision area, which is convenient for practical use. Performed researches contribute to the improvement of the ship’s handling methods.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL INDICATORS SHIP BILL WATER
Authors: Beryoza I , Shackova E. , Volkova T.
Published: March 2023

To destabilize finely dispersed oil-water emulsions and, as a result, to increase the efficiency of flotation treatment

of ship bilge water, a reagent treatment method is used. The limiting factors in choosing a flocculant for

preliminary reagent treatment of bilge waters should include the physicochemical characteristics of the oilwater

solution. The paper presents the results of a study of the following physicochemical parameters of a

solution of ship's bilge waters: the dispersed composition of contaminants, the charge of contaminant particles,

kinematic viscosity, density and surface tension of the solution
FEATURES OF INTERACTION OF ELEMENTS OF THE PROPULSIVE COMPLEX OF A MARINE VESSEL
Authors: Khalilov N
Published: March 2023

Throughout history, shipbuilders have sought to increase the speed of ships. The parameters of the propeller

have a great influence on the efficiency of the use of the vessel and the marine engineer needs to know and

understand the principles of interaction of the elements of the propulsive complex. The parameters that determine

the effectiveness of the elements of the propulsive complex include : the speed of the vessel, the diameter

and speed of the propellers, the effective power of the main engines, etc. These parameters have a great influence

on the main indicators of commercial and technical operation of ships of the navy
ON THE ISSUE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN FUEL AT THE FACILITIES OF THE MARINE INDUSTRY
Authors: Gerasidi V , Krotenko A. , Chos I.
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the production and implementation of hydrogen energy at the facilities of the marine

industry. A number of domestic developments of technologies for creating power plants with hydrogen fuel

cells are given. The leading developers and the main positive and negative sides of hydrogen fuel and its production,

as well as the methods of obtaining and the economic component are presented. The analysis and the

pace of development of the transition of the marine industry to hydrogen fuel is carried out, taking into account

the cost of hydrogen production in Russia. The results of the analysis show that most of the companies are

located on the territory of Norway and at the moment hydrogen is the most environmentally friendly type of

fuel that can extend our time for another day. With the transition to hydrogen fuel, specialists with new professions

of the future will appear on ships
RECOMMENDATIONS ON STRUCTURING THE EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION OF A TRANSPORT VESSEL
Authors: Boran-Keshishyan A , Remnev Aleksandr
Published: March 2023

The article gives specific recommendations for structuring a modern crew of a transport vessel for effective fire fighting. The main duties of the persons of the command staff and emergency units of the vessel, the principles

of crew management are defined
Revealing a Non-linear Relationship Between Knowledge Assets and Firm’s Value
Authors: Christofi Kyriakos , Chourides Pieris , Papageorgiou George
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the effects of knowledge assets on firm’s value. Developing knowledge assets has been gaining momentum in recent years under the lens and scope of knowledge management. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the optimum level and combination of knowledge assets that would lead to firm’s value maximization. The aim of this paper is to provide a resolution to this debate by investigating how knowledge assets affect firm’s value and competitiveness in a real market context. By means of accounting indicators data, an examination is carried out on the identifiable knowledge assets derived from company annual reports. Consequently, the impact on firm’s value over time is explored via multiple regression analysis using panel data. As a result, the optimal structure/balance between internal and external knowledge assets that lead to maximum market value is explored. The main findings show that knowledge assets generate greater firm value when they are coupled with complimentary assets. Additionally, externally acquired knowledge is equally important as knowledge which has been developed from internal research and development efforts. As a result, it is shown that an optimal balance between internal and external knowledge assets leads to greater firm value. Note that while similar studies tend to explore the impact of knowledge assets on various aspects, such as international and innovation performance, little has been done to investigate the impact of knowledge on the overall value of the firm. The presented study is not limited to product development, but it takes into consideration the capitalization of those products in the real market context. Thereby, managerial implications are explored, and suggestions are given on specific structures of knowledge assets that maximize organizational value.
INFLUENCE OF SHELF LIFE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FLAME RETARDANT COMPOSITIONS FOR TEXTILE MATERIALS
Authors: Adiatova Diana A. , Antonova Marina V.
Published: March 2023

The article compares the ability of flame-retardant compositions to retain their properties over time. The objects of the study include samples of synthesised flame-retardant compositions based on diam-monium phosphate made at different time periods. Properties of compositions were evaluated after their application to samples of furniture upholstery fabric. Flammability of furniture upholstery fabric and its ability to resist steady burning from low-calorie sources of ignition were studied. Investigations have been carried out by standard methods. The authors noted that the samples of fabrics treated with compositions with different shelf life, withstand the influence of an open flame, during simulation of the most frequent cases of ignition.
ANALYTICAL MODELLING OF THREAD TENSION ON A SYSTEM OF SURFACES
Authors: Bogacheva Svetlana Yu. , Meshcheryakov Aleksandr V. , Gol'ceva Tatiana L.
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the determination of the tension of a flexible thread using numerical methods. The equilibrium of a homogeneous inextensible heavy thread, when statically interacting with a system of surfaces of various shapes, has been simulated. The paper presents the results of analytical modelling of thread tension. The formulas for calculating the tension at any point of thread by characteristic sections and the normal pressure at critical points have been derived. An example of calculation of thread tension on two smooth cylindrical surfaces and a rough surface of a cone simulating some working bodies of textile machines has been given. The normal pressure on the thread sections at the points dangerous, with respect to contact disturbance, has been determined. After solving all the equations and determining their components, a mathematical model of heavy thread tension at static equilibrium has been constructed using the points found.
INVESTIGATION OF DECORATIVE POSSIBILITIES OF ENAMEL PRODUCTION WASTE
Authors: Lebedeva Tatiana V. , Romanovskaya Victoria S.
Published: March 2023

The paper presents the results of a study of the possibility of using enamel production waste for decorating jewellery and art products. The possibilities of obtaining a variety of decorative effects on the surface of enamel coatings (sgraffito, scrolling, enamelling using stencils, creating a variety of images, etc.) are shown. The reuse of enamel production waste is currently a topical eco-friendly trend. In addition, this approach has great potential for decorating a variety of jewellery and art products and significantly expands the design possibilities of products with enamel coatings
PREDICTION OF THE RIGIDITY OF SEMI-LINEN FABRICS
Authors: Buslaev Sergey N. , Ivanova Olga V.
Published: March 2023

The article deals with the issues of “responsible” design of eco-linens made of natural fibers. Based on the analysis, the influence of the stiffness of fabrics on their technological and consumer properties was established. The influence of the type of weaving of linen fabrics on the bending stiffness has been established. It is shown that the dependences of the warp and weft stiffness indices on the weave coefficients are linear. The power-law dependence of the coefficients of stiffness of the fabric on the coefficients of the connection of threads in the weave is revealed. A qualitative substantiation of the nature of the obtained dependences is given. It is proposed to predict the stiffness of flax-cotton fabrics according to the characteristics of the weave on the basis of the cohesiveness coefficient of the threads in the weave and the weave coefficient. The results of the study allow designing fabrics with the required stiffness indicators.