bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PLS – SEM study to test the role of Social media in influencing Purchase Intention
Authors: Haque Irfan Ul
Published: June 2023

In light of the growing importance of social networking marketing (SMM) to the profitability of tiny and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and the relatively modest adoption rate of SMM among SMEs, this study seeks to determine which factors influence SMEs’ adoption of SMM. This study, unlike the majority of others, proposed a two-stage analysis combining the partial least squares (PLS) method with an artificial intelligence technique called an artificial neural network (ANN). Using a deep ANN architecture, the proposed model can make predictions with a 91% success rate. The marketing rate of social networking site adoption was found to be significantly affected by the strength of the relationship between perceived efficiency, user approval of use, perceived expenses, and encouragement from upper management, beneficial conditions, and vendor pressure. The findings of this study contribute to the expanding body of literature on online advertising by shedding light on the role played by technological, corporate, and ecological (TOE) variables in consumers’ adoption of social media promotional activities. Investment choices in digital marketing in comparable and non-competitive industries can benefit from the study’s findings, which can be used by policymakers as well as managers of SMM and consumer behavior.
Language acquisition for ESP students with suggestopedia method application
Authors: Humeniuk Iryna , Prokopova Olha , Maksymets Oksana , Polishchuk Anastasiia
Published: June 2023

As a result of global changes in the world, the role of a foreign language in the education system has altered. From an ordinary university subject, a foreign language has turned into one of the basic elements of the modern education system, a means to achieve professional realization for the individual. These changes demand new approaches and methods of teaching. The paper is dedicated to the issues of non-traditional methods of language acquisition in non-linguistic universities, namely the suggestopedia method for ESP students of engineering specialties considering perspectives of lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is supposed an important factor in sustainable development at the global, national, and local levels. The research widens the standards to progress speaking competence. A total of 80 undergraduate students of engineering majors at the Podillia State University (Ukraine) completed the mandatory ESP course in the 2021-2022 academic year and were involved in the experiment, being divided into two groups: the first group, where the traditional approach to mastering conversational skills was applied, and the second one, which practiced a communicative approach to language learning. Based on the results of the experiment, the hypothesis regarding the effectiveness of the communicative approach to learning a foreign language as opposed to the traditional approach to learning has been justified. The conducted research proves the effectiveness of the suggestopedia method for improving speaking skills as a way of developing the linguistic competence of students and leading to obtaining lifelong learning habits.
Experimental study of gasification rate of fast-growing willow biomass
Authors: Jasinskas Algirdas , Kukharets Savelii , Sukmaniuk Olena , Kovalchuk Vladyslav
Published: June 2023

The biomass of fast-growing hybrid plants can be an effective source for energy conversion. The biomass of energy plants: hybrid poplar, hybrid willow etc., is a potential fuel for obtaining thermal and electrical energy. It should be noted that a small size downdraft gasifier, which is economically available and the most reliable equipment, is the most suitable for the use in small or medium production conditions for energy conversion of fast-growing willow biomass. The experimental confirmation of the mathematical model of fast-growing willow biomass gasification rate is proposed to carry out in the paper. According to the model, the rate of biomass gasification is proportional to the amount of biomass remaining ungasified. The gasification rate coefficients of four fractions of fast-growing willow biomass pieces and pellets were determined by the research results. During the research, the supply of oxidizer (air) to the working area (zone) of the downdraft gasifier was changed. When the air supply into a gasifier is minimal, the gasification rate coefficient is actually the same for all biomass fractions of fast-growing willow Salix Viminalis, L. and is 4.1·10-5 ± 0.1·10-5 s-1. With an increase in air supply the gasification rate coefficient increases and reaches its maximum value at an air supply of 9·10-3 m3·s-1, further increase in the air volume does not lead to an increase in the gasification rate coefficient. As the size of fuel pieces decreases, the rate coefficient also increases and is 9.476·10-5 s-1 for the fraction with the smallest pieces.
Shape optimization of ventilation elements for protective clothing by using metamodeling approach
Authors: Janushevskis Alexander , Vejanand Sanjay-Rajni , Gulevskis Agris
Published: June 2023

There are different types of protective clothing available to protect human body from different external conditions such as rain, dust, direct sun radiation, insect access and their bites. The problem of overheating of the body may arise when such proactive clothing is required to wear in warm environment or heavy workload conditions. This is because the outer layer of cloth lacks sufficient air permeability, which causes the accumulation of warm and moist air at the body and causes discomfort. To enhance air exchange, various closable vents and open spaces of clothing have been developed. However, this only results in a partial improvement in air exchange, and reducing mechanical strength of the clothing. The mechanical strength of the clothing can be increased by attaching appropriate ventilation elements at the inner side of ventilation holes, which may permit proper air exchange as well as restrict direct access of insects to the body. The design of elements involving fluid flows usually is based on time-consuming Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. In this paper metamodeling approach different order polynomial local and global as well as kriging approximations are compared for shape optimization purposes of ventilation elements. The main goal is to identify the geometrical shape of the element that causes the least amount of flow energy losses along the cell flow channel, which can also be known from pressure difference. For this a multistep procedure was realized to achieve the best results. 1) Planning the position of control points of Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) for obtaining elements with a smooth shape. 2) Building geometrical models using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software SolidWorks in conformity with the design of the experiment. 3) Calculation of responses for a complete model using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software SolidWorks Flow Simulation. 4) Building metamodels for responses based on the computer experiment. 5) Using metamodels for shape optimization. 6) Validating the optimal design using CAE software for the complete model.
Effect of 10% NaCl on basic carbon structural P235TR2 steel at 10oC
Authors: Lipinski Tomasz , Pietraszak Jacek
Published: June 2023

Metal alloys working in real conditions are exposed to aggressive environments. The degree of aggressiveness of the environment may vary. Therefore, various construction materials are used to build machines and devices. One of the groups of materials widely used in industry are low-carbon steels. They owe their popularity mainly to the low price and relatively good technological and functional properties. These steels usually work in a low-aggressive environment. Pipelines are a typical application for low carbon steels. Pipelines are protected from corrosion on the outside, while the inside (working side) is not protected. One of the media in the pipelines is a liquid with a low concentration of NaCl. Pipelines are usually located underground, so their operating temperature is almost constant in the annual cycle and amounts to approx. 10 °C. Taking the above into account, tests were carried out on one of the most frequently used steel grades, P235TR2, for the construction of pipelines. The tests were carried out at a temperature of 10 °C in a 10% NaCl aqueous solution. After preparation, the samples were soaked in a corrosive solution for up to 432 hours. Corrosion loss was determined by the gravimetric method. Relative corrosion and corrosion rate of steel in the tested medium were calculated. On the basis of the tests carried out, it was found that P235TR2 steel has good corrosion resistance in the environment of 10% NaCl at 10 °C. The corrosion was divided into two stages. In the first, a slow progress of the corrosion process was noted, in the second, a gradual increase in the corrosion rate was noted. The increase in the corrosion rate is the result of the surface development that occurs as a result of corrosion. With the possibility of contact of the corrosive medium with a larger surface, even with the constant impact of the corrosive agent, there is a greater corrosion loss, which translates into an increase in the rate of corrosion.
Increasing accuracy of measuring functioning parameters of agricultural units
Authors: Antoshchenkov Roman , Antoshchenkova Vitalina , Kis Viktor , Smitskov Dmytro
Published: June 2023

The paper substantiates the ways of increasing the accuracy of measuring the parameters of agricultural units (AU) functioning. It has been noted that agricultural machines and units work in conditions of vibrations and noises created by the environment and technological tools. Features of the movement of these systems and their compliance with their functional purpose are factors that determine the degree of perfection of AU. The study of the dynamics of AU operation requires new research methods and means, therefore a measuring system of the dynamics and energy of mobile machines was created. Increasing the accuracy of measuring parameters of AU operation is achieved by substantiating the data processing algorithm of the sensors of the measuring system. The main component of the measurement system is an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which consists of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. It was established that the signal measured by IMU consists of four components: real acceleration; angles of inclination of the AU element relative to the horizon; vibration and inherent noise of the sensor. The IMU installed on the tractor frame determined that the main spectrum of oscillations is in the range from 0 to 3 Hz. The maximum vibration energy corresponds to a frequency of 0.4 Hz. The second harmonic of the oscillations is at a frequency of 25 Hz for the three axes of the accelerometer. An algorithm for data processing by the measuring system has been developed, including processing with the Butterworth filter, compensation of centrifugal velocities, tilt angles, free fall acceleration. The Butterworth low-pass filter with a cut-off frequency of 3 Hz was used to compensate for the real acceleration. The speed and position data of the GPS receiver included in the measuring system must be processed by the Butterworth frequency filter with a cut-off frequency of 1 Hz. It was determined that the maximum traction power of the tractor is 108.0 kW. It was established that the power determined by the measuring system due to acceleration and data processing by the developed method is 101.3 kW. The error of measuring the traction power of the tractor is 6.2%.
Greenhouse gas emissions in typical forest biofuel supply chains in state forests
Authors: Lazdins Andis , Makovskis Kristaps , Zimelis Agris , Kaleja Santa
Published: June 2023

Latvia is one of the leaders in production and use of forest biofuel in Europe. The rapid increase of forest biofuel market raises questions about sustainability of the supply chains and contribution of the forest biofuel produced in Latvia to the climate change mitigation. Sustainability of forest biofuel is addressed in multiple recent international political initiatives; particularly, the European 2030 climate and energy package and the nature restoration regulation. Climate change mitigation potential of forest biofuel is surrounded by multiple speculations, which have to be addressed by comprehensive evaluation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to production and delivery of forest biofuel. According to the study results, average GHG emissions due to delivery of harvesting residues from the state forests correspond to 1.4 kg CO2 eq GJ-1, including forwarding, comminution and delivery to a 68 km distance. This is significantly less than the default values provided in the regulation (EC) 2018/2001, particularly during the delivery of forest biofuel. GHG emissions due to delivery of forest biofuel from removal of vegetation in abandoned farmlands are 1.9 kg CO2 eq GJ-1, from forest drainage ditches – 1.7 kg CO2 eq GJ-1, from pre-commercial thinning – 2.1 kg CO2 eq GJ-1. Estimation of the GHG emissions is complicated by limited information on some of the sources and productivity. Building of the system for collection of activity data is a crucial task for transparent demonstration of GHG emissions and the effect of applied mitigation measures.
Study in durability of Cr2O3-based ceramic cutting tools
Authors: Siemiatkowski Zbigniew , Morozow Dmitrij , Rucki Miroslaw , Prokopiv Mykola , Nerubatskyi Volodymyr , Voloshina Ludmila , Hevorkian Edvin
Published: June 2023

The research was performed in the context of feasibility examinations of chromia application as cutting tool materials. In the paper, a study on the Cr2O3 –based ceramic cutting tools is presented from the perspective of structural features and durability under various machining parameters. Comparative analysis was performed using alumina-based ceramic cutting inserts. Microstructure was examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), LEO1455 VP (ZEISS) and MIRA3 TESCAN, respectively. It was found that Cr2O3 –based ceramic with AlN additions after electroconsolidation exhibited more fine structure with evenly distributed AlN inclusions and small amount of spherical pores, below 2%. The cutting durability tests were performed with both hardened NC11LV and non-hardened C45 (1.0503) steels, using multiedge cutting inserts of dimensions 14.75 mm × 14.75 mm × 4.75 mm, made of respective ceramics. The machine tool Mazak QTE was used for the tests, and the wear criterion was 0.4 mm notch wear value, assessed with Keyence microscope. It was demonstrated that a pure alumina cutting tool exhibited 3 times larger wear than Cr2O3–AlN one after 25 minutes of work. On the other hand, Cr2O3–AlN cutting edge reached the same wear rate at 175 m·min-1 as Al2O3 –based tools at just 50 m·min-1. For the same cutting speed of 150 m·min-1, the chromia-based ceramic insert worked over 30 minutes, two times longer than alumina ones. The increased wear resistance and durability can be attributed to the fine-dispersed structure obtained not only by certain proportion of components, but also by the electroconsolidation technique with specific parameters.
Biogas potential from co-fermentation of food leftovers and lignocellulosic biomass at mesophilic temperatures
Authors: Straume Indulis , Plume Imants , Dubrovskis Vilis , Dreimanis Viktors , Zukovskis Eriks
Published: June 2023

Every year, large amounts of food leftovers are thrown away in catering establishments and households. Industry and agriculture produce lignocellulosic residues, including paper dust and willow biomass, which cause environmental problems if not properly disposed of. The aim of this study is to investigate the biogas and biomethane yields of these biomasses during anaerobic co-fermentation under mesophilic conditions. Biogas yields were determined by co-fermentation of food (hospital canteen, cafeteria, and household) residues and lignocellulosic (paper dust and shredded willow) biomass in a number of 0.72 L bioreactors. All bioreactors were divided into groups having the same content in reactors within each group to ensure the reliability of the results. Groups of bioreactors used for anaerobic fermentation were inoculums (0.5 L) only, inoculums with individual biomass, and inoculums with mixture of two or more biomass. Bioreactors were placed in three different thermostats with 16 bioreactors in each thermostat. Single fill batch anaerobic fermentation (AF) process was provided at 28, 33 and 38 °C. Individual reactor groups were equipped with graphite electrodes connected to DC voltage of 0.7 V. The biogas released in the bioreactor was collected into a gas bag outside the reactor. AF was maintained until gas emission ceased. The highest biogas yield in the AF process was obtained from the bioreactors at a temperature of 38 °C and the lowest at a temperature of 28 °C. Co-fermentation of biomass increased biogas and methane yields compared to AF treatment of individual biomasses. Exposure to the electric field decreased the methane yield. The energy balance on the AF process with the application of the electric field should be calculated by considering also the energy of hydrogen released from substrates with electrodes installed.
Opportunities for use of crypto-assets in renewable energy sector within European Union legal framework
Authors: Kalnina Anete , Mazure Gunita
Published: June 2023

The issues regarding consumption of energy generated from fossil resources have become particularly relevant in 2022 due to the aggravation of political and economic circumstances causing an energy crisis. Taking into account the existing need to increase the amount of energy produced from renewable energy resources in the European Union, the development of the digital and innovation economy as well as the fact that the mining of crypto-assets can consume large amounts of energy, the study aims to evaluate the impact of the introduction of crypto-assets regulation on the possibilities of using crypto-assets in the renewable energy sector. The results of the NOISE (Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, Strengths, Exceptions) method used indicate the main need – to introduce regulation in an industry where it has not existed before. The most important identified opportunity is to create new crypto-assets and renewable energy business models; improvements are related to transparency of operations and environmental awareness. Main strengths – the introduction of a single, globally new regulatory framework. Regulation’s exceptions are mainly related to even more significant responsibility towards the environment and sustainability issues. Statistical analysis of Bitcoin energy consumption data was performed and it indicates increasing consumption of energy to generate crypto-assets. The share of renewable energy resources used for crypto mining is decreasing, while the use of fossil resources (e.g. natural gas) is increasing. The results of the study, in general, form one of the first scientific opinions on the use of crypto-assets specifically in the renewable energy sector, considering the current legal framework’s development process and indicating future research topics.
Investigation of front plough functioning stability conditions without support wheel
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Ivanovs Semjons , Nadykto Volodymyr , Petrov Gennadii
Published: June 2023

An attempt to use the vertical component of the plough traction resistance to load the tractor driving wheels led to the creation of ploughing units according to the “push-pull” diagram. In most of them, in the process of movement, the supporting wheel of the front plough, moving along the bottom of the furrow, limits the depth of ploughing. In addition, it plays the role of an element that copies the trajectory of the previous adjacent pass of the ploughing unit. In the soil conditions where it is problematic to ensure the bottom of the furrow is free from lumps of soil, the front plough support wheel is placed outside the furrow. In this case, the front plough is joined to the tractor without the possibility of their mutual agility in the horizontal plane (that is, rigidly). This article discusses the conditions for operating a front plough without a supporting wheel. With this design, the ploughing depth limiter is an adjustable limiter chain. It is joined to the tractor frame at one end and the other end to one of the lower links of the tractor front hitch linkage system (TFHLS). The total vertical additional load of the tractor’s front axle was taken as an estimated indicator of the front plough functioning. It is carried out by forces acting in the central and lower links and the restrictive chain of TFHLS. Calculations have established that the effect of the ploughing depth and the front plough specific resistance on the total vertical loading of the tractor front axle is less significant than the effect of the plough weight and its operating width. To ensure the structural reliability of elements of TFHLS, the inclination angle of its lower links must be in the range of 0-5°. The inclination angle of the central link of this system can vary between 25-30°.
Use of accumulated solar thermal energy in greenhouse for extending vegetation period of crop plants
Authors: Rucins Adolfs , Viesturs Dainis , Narvils Maris , Ivanovs Semjons , Auce Agris
Published: June 2023

The consumption of thermal energy for growing vegetables in greenhouses depending on the type of energy resource can make up to 40-60% of the production cost structure, so solutions to reduce it are pressing. Research on possibilities to accumulate thermal energy and extend the growing period was conducted in an experimental greenhouse with created gravel thermal mass for thermal energy accumulation in the hot periods and its recovery in the cool periods. The air delivery to the thermal mass and the recovery of thermal energy from it are provided by a fan, regulated by an automated control unit. A sensor system records the outdoor temperature, the temperature in the greenhouse and the thermal mass. The purpose of the research is to find out how much solar energy can be accumulated in the created thermal mass, as well as to study the possibilities of extending the vegetation period of the plants using the accumulated solar thermal energy. Experiments in the greenhouse were carried out on 01.06. to 05.12.2022. At the beginning of the period the average temperature in the thermal mass was 15 °C, in the middle of June it rose to 20 °C, and from then, until 29.08.2022, it kept fluctuating within the range of 20-22 °C. Despite the very high outdoor and greenhouse air temperatures, the thermal mass showed a positive effect by stabilizing the greenhouse and soil temperatures, thus improving the growing conditions. After 01.09.2022 the temperature in the thermal mass gradually decreased, and on 14.10. it reached the initial 15 °C. In the period of 136 days 4175 kWh of energy was accumulated in the thermal mass. From then until 13.11. the temperature in the thermal mass remained stable at 12 °C, which is the minimum, allowed for the plant growth in greenhouses, then a sharp drop followed, and vegetation ended. Under these meteorological conditions the use of the thermal mass allowed extending the vegetation period in the greenhouse by approximately 20 days.
Energy balance analysis of solar-powered catamaran
Authors: Berjoza Dainis , Jurgena Inara , Laceklis-Bertmanis Janis
Published: June 2023

In the last decade, alternative energy is being used in various vehicles due to the depletion of fossil energy resources. One of the kinds of alternative energy is electricity. Electric drive can be used in land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft. To identify the possibility of using electric watercraft and the technical parameters, an experiment was conducted in real navigation conditions in the territory of Jelgava city on the Driksa canal on a 1.62 km long route. The experiment used a data logger to take measurements of parameters of the motor and the solar cell, as well as of solar intensity. The experiment was done with a rebuilt pedal-powered catamaran equipped with a 445 W solar panel, a 40 Ah lithium-ion battery and a Minn Kota Endura C2 34 electric motor. The experimental data were processed to identify the power and energy generated and consumed parameters for the electric motor, the solar panel and the battery of the watercraft. On the day of the experiment at a solar intensity of 500-600 W·m-2, the catamaran could cover an unlimited distance at power settings 3 to 5 at a speed of 2.73 km h-1 to 3.79 km h-1. At power setting 5, the electric motor consumed a power input of 320-330 W – a power output generated by the solar cell in sunny weather. If the battery is discharged, the solar cell charges it when the watercraft is anchored in the port, as well as when moving in case the solar cell generates more energy than the motor consumes at a particular power setting. According to the results of the experiment, low-speed electric-drive watercraft equipped with solar cells can be operated without additional battery charging at all power settings at geographical latitudes up to 57° and solar altitudes up to 35°-56°.
Solutions and challenges for sustainable integrated management of stormwater in urbanized areas of Romania
Authors: Girbaciu Alina , Girbaciu Cristian , Stefanescu Camelia , Grozav Adia
Published: June 2023

In this age of urbanization, sustainable development requires good sewerage concepts for the future - not only in growing cities, but also in rural areas. Efficient stormwater management has become an increasingly important national and international concern. Soil waterproofing is oriented to a large extent by land use planning decisions. Land use is a compromise between social, economic, and environmental needs, such as housing, transport infrastructure, energy production, agriculture, nature protection. Limiting soil waterproofing can be done by reducing land use, or by continuing soil waterproofing, but using land already occupied, for example, industrial sites, decommissioned. Keeping water in the city by allowing it to seep into the soil and accumulate in water bodies offers many benefits, including recreational space for people living in the area and creating a cooling effect during heat waves. The use of green infrastructure is a tested component of nature capitalization, to obtain environmental, economic, and social benefits. As an example, instead of building flood protection infrastructure, a green solution can be used to capitalize on the functions (services) of nature: restoring wetland to be able to take over excess water, protecting communities in the areas at risk of flooding. The best way to develop green infrastructure is to take a carefully integrated approach to land management and strategic land use planning. All land users and all policy sectors need to be involved early in the process of developing green infrastructure, with some of them taking responsibility. The purpose of this article is to present some effective measures for urban stormwater management that can be adopted both in cities and in rural areas, and secondly to present the importance of the concept of “Green Infrastructure” (G.I.). In this article is shown that just by simply reorganizing the territory by proposing vertically arranged parking lots and by proposing bioretention solutions, a series of benefits appear such as the cooling effect during heat waves, flood control, clean water and air, and attractive recreation areas, etc.
Analysis of critical radius of insulation for horizontal pipes
Authors: Vakulenko Daria , Mileikovskyi Viktor , Tkachenko Tetiana , Ujma Adam , Konovaliuk Viktoriia
Published: June 2023

Thermal insulation of pipelines is used in different industries including agricultural technologies. Energy efficiency depends on heat losses, which, in turn, are limited by heat insulation. Decentralized ventilation is effective in rural low-rise buildings. One such device used is a regenerative ventilator like Blauberg Vento or Vents TwinFresh. There is a task to improve the efficiency of its operation. Investigation of heat recovery processes in thin ducts is taking place. Experimental uncertainty decreases with better heat insulation of the experimental setup. But in heat transfer literature, there is a notion of the critical radius of insulation. More the insulation radius should decrease its effectiveness due to the development of the outer surface. In the theory, the heat transfer coefficient of the outer surface is assumed to be constant. In this study, laminar convective flow around the outer horizontal cylindrical insulation surface of a large thickness is considered. The formula of the average heat transfer coefficient is used that takes into account the Grashof number. While the insulation thickness is increased, the surface temperature and the heat transfer coefficient are decreased. The function of thermal resistance dependence on the outer diameter related to the inner one and its derivative have been analysed. As a result, an asymptotic increase of thermal resistance was observed without extremums. So, there are no critical diameters if the insulation is so large to obtain laminar convective flow. The maximum radius of thermal insulation should be determined not as critical, but as expedient. Thus, it can provide 5-20% lower heat transfer resistance than the asymptotic one. The radius of thermal pipe insulation of technological devices should be accepted based on technical and economic justification.
Crystal structure effect on metallic mechanical properties of under tension stress: molecular dynamics study
Authors: Wang Ming , Zeng Yonghao , Chen Ying , Zhang Shiyi
Published: June 2023

In the paper, the tensile mechanical properties and deformation behaviour of different crystal structures (face-centered cubic (FCC) metal ~Al and closely packed hexagonal (HCP) metal ~Ti) were studied using molecular dynamics calculation through the LAMMPS module of Materials and Processes Simulations (MAPS) software, and the effect of microstructure on their mechanical properties was explored from the atomic level, in order to reveal the deformation mechanism of different lattice types of metals at the atomic scale. The simulation results using MAPS showed that the elastic modulus and the tensile strength of Al was calculated with 45.0 GPa and 6.2 GPa, respectively, the flow stress of Al has a stable value of around 0.69-1.29 GPa. And the elastic modulus and the tensile strength of Ti was calculated with 73.1 GPa and 8.5 GPa, respectively. According to calculation by Ovite, the occurrence of dislocations in Ti was later than that in Al, indicating that the strain energy that can be accumulated in the Ti lattice of HCP structure was higher and the ability to resist deformation was greater. As the periodic boundary conditions were used in all three directions of the two model, there was no macroscopic breaking phenomenon. To sum up, the lattice of HCP structure (~Ti) can accumulate higher strain energy and have greater deformation resistance ability than that of FCC structure (~Al), which was the reason for the elastic modulus and tensile strength of Ti higher than those of Al.
Bioenergetic evaluation of miscanthus giant productivity in conditions of western forest-steppe of Ukraine for use as solid fuel
Authors: Nedilska Ulyana , Yermakov Serhii , Rud Anatolii , Kucher Oleg , Dumanskyi Oleksandr
Published: June 2023

The regularities of dependence of conditions of growth, development and formation of productivity of a miscanthus giant and increase of productivity at the expense of influence of agrotechnical factors are established in the work: terms of planting and depth of wrapping in the conditions of the western forest-steppe in Podillya. The results of the research are obtained on the peculiarities of the formation of biometric indicators of giant miscanthus depending on the application of a set of technology elements - planting dates, depth of rhizome wrapping. It was found that the increase in land mass of plants in the formation of yield 55.7 t·ha-1 was obtained by planting in the first period (I-II decade of April) to a depth of rhizome wrapping 9 cm. Intensity of land mass increase affected the yield of solid biofuels. During the first planting period with a rhizome wrapping depth of 9 cm, the maximum calculated energy yield of 206.09 GJ·ha-1 was obtained. It is established that the highest yield of bioenergy productivity of perennial miscanthus of the giant variety Autumn Starflower was obtained taking into account soil and climatic factors in the first planting period at rhizome depths of 9 cm, which allows efficient use of soil moisture and temperature during planting.
Simulation of new design heat-exchange equipment for microclimate maintenance systems in poultry houses
Authors: Trokhaniak Viktor , Aboltins Aivars , Ivanovs Semjons , Holovach Ivan , Adamchuk Valerii , Chernysh Oleh
Published: June 2023

This article is a continuation of the improvement of the microclimate maintenance systems in poultry houses, and the goal is to develop and numerically simulate a new design heat exchanger as an element of the ventilation system. When developing new types of heat exchanger designs, an important role is played by factors, such as their weight and size characteristics, the efficiency of heat transfer through the surface, separating the heat carriers, the pressure losses in the pipes for each of the heat carriers, and other parameters, characterizing the heat exchanger. The paper considers a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a shell of rectangular cross section with a transverse flow around the pipe bundles. The geometry of the arrangement of pipes with a diameter of d = 10 mm is peculiar, differing from the traditional chess-like, corridor, and compact bundles. The neighbouring pipes in such close bundles are displaced relative to each other by a distance of 1 mm. Besides, three types of a bundle design are considered, in which there is a displacement of the pipes in the transverse direction along the entire length of the pipe bundle by 10 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm. Since the entire row is offset by different distances, the number of the rows of the pipes changes. The number of pipes in one row, with a diameter of 10 mm, contains 102 pc, consisting of 2 collectors. Height of the pipes is 1 m. Computer mathematical modelling of the heat and mass transfer processes in the pipe bundles of different geometry with a compact arrangement of tubes was carried out, using the ANSYS Fluent software package. A mathematical model is based on the Navier-Stokes equation, the energy conservation equation for convective flows, and the continuity equation. The standard k-ε turbulence model was used in the calculations. The fields of velocities, temperatures, pressures in the studied channels are obtained. Conditions of the hydrodynamic flow in the channels are analysed, and the intensity of the heat transfer between the hot and the cold coolant through the wall, separating them, is estimated. More efficient heat exchange surfaces are determined and the prospects of using the proposed designs of the pipe bundles in the design of the heat exchangers for various purposes are shown.
The Impact of Tax Avoidance and Environmental Performance on Tax Disclosure in CSR Reports
Authors: Hardeck Inga , Inger Kerry K. , Moore Rebekah D. , Schneider Johannes
Published: June 2023

This study explores how and why firms voluntarily discuss taxes in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. Using a textual analysis approach, we analyze 2,984 CSR reports from 22 countries to identify tax disclosures, including instances of firms explicitly relating taxes to CSR (“socially responsible tax disclosures”). We find that on average firms provide limited tax information and tend to use disclosures portraying tax payments as beneficial for society rather than presenting strategies to ensure socially responsible tax behavior. When examining possible influences on firms’ disclosure decisions, we find robust evidence of a negative association between socially responsible tax disclosures and environmental performance, consistent with firms using the disclosures to build or repair reputational capital. We also find some evidence of a positive association between socially responsible tax disclosures and tax avoidance, particularly among U.S. firms. Our results should be useful for standard setters and readers of CSR reports.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M41; H26; M14.
Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Patients and their Partners
Authors: Misery Laurent , Seneschal Julien , Corgibet Florence , Halioua Bruno , Marquié Adrien , Merhand Stéphanie , Le Fur Gaelle , Staumont -Salle Delphine , Bergqvist Christina , Taieb Charles , Ezzedine Khaled , Richard Marie-Aleth
Published: June 2023

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and inflammatory skin disease. The impact of atopic dermatitis on the partners living with patients has been poorly investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis in the daily lives of adult patients and to assess the burden of the disease on their partners. A population-based study was conducted on a representative sample of the general population of French adults aged 18 years of age using stratified, proportional sampling with a replacement design. Data were collected on 1,266 atopic dermatitis patient-partner dyads (mean age of patients 41.6 years, 723 (57.1%) women). The mean age of partners was 41.8 years. Patient burden, measured by the Atopic Dermatitis Burden Scale for Adults (ABS-A) score, was closely related to the objective atopic dermatitis severity: the mean score in the mild group (29.5) was significantly lower than in the moderate (43.9) and severe groups (48.6) (p < 0.0001). Partner burden, measured by the EczemaPartner score, was highly related to atopic dermatitis severity (p < 0.0001). Daytime sleepiness, measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, showed a mean score of 9.24 in patients and 9.01 in their partners, indicating impaired sleep. Atopic dermatitis was found to decrease sexual desire in 39% and 26% of partners and patients respectively.
Teaching and research staff at Swedish universities – A view through the lens of internationalization and diversity
Authors: Silander Charlotte , Pietliä Maria
Published: June 2023

The topics of internationalization, international recruitment, and diversity have been increasingly emphasized in the agendas of Swedish universities. This study presents an overview of how Swedish universities’ teaching and research staff, with a special emphasis on national background and gender, were distributed within three job categories (career development positions, lecturerships, and professorships) and in two major fields of academic sciences in the time frame 2008–2018. We used data from Statistics Sweden to categorize groups of staff focusing on the origin of staff and the origin of their parents. We differentiated the findings by gender. The results show a large increase in the number and share of foreignborn (international) staff among career development positions and a smaller increase among lecturers and professors. The share of foreign-born staff in career development positions has markedly increased in both the hard and soft sciences. In contrast, the share of descendants of immigrants has remained quite low and stable in all the three job categories. The fact that the growth among foreign-born staff does not seem to be reflected in the composition of staff in permanent positions indicates a “contained diversity” where internationalization is strongly emphasized within non-permanent staff categories, whereas the composition in the most prestigious academic positions remains more homogeneous.
EBRT Modality-Specific Treatment Outcome of Cervical Cancer Patients for Real-World Practice
Authors: Podder Tarun K
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcome while treating cervical cancer patients with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) versus 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT). Methods: Analyzed a very large dataset from real-world practice using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for FIGO IB-IIIB inoperable cervical cancer patients treated with chemoradiation from 2004 to 2014. Patients who received initial treatment with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), either IMRT or 3DCRT, of 40-60Gy dose were included. Patients who received EBRT boost were stratified based on treatment modality (IMRT or 3DCRT for initial and boost). Also considered another group where EBRT is followed by brachytherapy, i.e. the standard of care. IBM-SPSS was used for statistical analysis; p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Median age of the eligible patient population was 53 years and the median follow-up was 24.4 months. Analysis revealed that the median OS was 36.1 months for IMRT versus 51.2 months for 3DCRT (p <0.05); 2- and 5-year OS were 7% and 9%, higher for 3DCRT (p <0.007). Conclusion: This study demonstrates 3DCRT was better than IMRT for OS when no brachytherapy boost was considered. However, 3DCRT and IMRT did not make any difference in OS when brachytherapy boost was used. Therefore, it is important to use brachytherapy boost whenever possible for treatment of inoperable cervical cancer patients with curative intent.
NAFLD/NASH-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Along with the Role of Genetics
Authors: K Fujioka
Published: June 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is attributed to liver-related morbidity and mortality, there is also growing evidence that NAFLD is a multisystem disease. NAFLD has to be considered as a significant independent risk factor for subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). The author previously suggested that an association between chronic liver disease (NAFLD/NASH and chronic hepatitis C virus infection: HCV infection) and systemic atherosclerosis may be present due to the presence of the inflammation as a common pathway. The growing incidence of NAFLD/ NASH has led to an increase of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Non-cirrhotic NAFLD-HCC has been also reported and the characteristic findings of a large cohort of HCC cases estimated the outcomes of patients with non-cirrhotic NAFLDHCC were studied. In this article, the current knowledges of NAFLD/NASH- related HCC along with the genetics role have been reviewed. As NAFLD can develop HCC without NASH or cirrhosis, it is important to increase the effective screening and preventative strategies in patient with NAFLD/NASH. As PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G variant may be considered as an indicator of liver complication and/or death in patients with NAFLD, the further studies for PNPLA3 variant based on gene susceptibility will be needed especially in patient with non-cirrhotic NAFLD.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Permanent Tattoo of the Face: Diagnostic that should be Prevent by Dermoscopy and Local Medical Care
Authors: I Hallab
Published: June 2023

Many skin lesions have been reported in connection with tattoos, both benign and malignant. The pathogenesis of malignant transformation in tattoos is unknown, although hypotheses include the toxic effects of the pigments. To date, we have notice 31 case reports and series (17 men, median age: 50.5 years) of KA and CSC on tattoos. Other Factors: UV exposure, fair skin, and immunosuppression increase incidence of cSCC. Recurrence and metastasis are associated with tumor diameter greater than 2 cm, depth greater than 2 mm or beyond subcutaneous fat, extensive or largecaliber perineural involvement, and poor differentiation on histopathology. AJCC 8 is used for TNM staging for cSCC of the head and neck. BWH offers an alternative T staging system. Management is primarily surgical with rare indications for adjuvant chemoradiation.
ANALISIS PEMILIHAN LAYANAN INTERNET TERBAIK DI KOTA DEPOK MENGGUNAKAN METODE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: Aritonang Amos Saut Parulian , Cahayadi Cepi
Published: June 2023

Amos Saut Parulian Aritonang (11207032), Analisis Pemilihan Layanan Internet Terbaik Di Kota Depok Menggunakan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process.
Jangkauan layanan internet saat ini dapat ditemukan di berbagai lokasi atau wilayah yang memudahkan para masyarakat menggunakan layanan tersebut dimana saja untuk aktifitas kesehariannya secara online. Setiap calon pengguna akan memastikan pilihan Internet Service Provider yang akan digunakan nantinya sesuai dengan kebutuhan. Contohnya layanan dengan harga yang relatif mahal namun memiliki kualitas yang baik, atau adanya layanan dengan harga relatif terjangkau dengan bandwidth yang tidak terlalu tinggi Adanya macam macam keunggulan tersebut akan membuat para calon pengguna mengalami kesulitan dalam pemilihan layanan internet yang akan digunakan. Menerapkan AHP sebagai sistem pendukung keputusan adalah solusi untuk membantu masyarakat dalam melakukan pemilihan layanan internet. Dengan perhitungan menggunakan metode AHP, maka diperoleh urutan prioritas kriteria utama yaitu, Harga dengan nilai 39% , untuk kriteria bandwdith dengan nilai 31%,dan untuk kriteria pelayanan dengan nilai 29%. Sedangkan untuk peringkat pada alternatif diperoleh hasil yaitu, Indihome sebesar 33% untuk Firstmedia atau 23%, untuk Biznet 21%, dan untuk Oxygen 21%. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah pelanggan dapat memilih dengan perbandingan-perbandingan yang telah dilakukan.
INDONESIA’S REGIONAL FOOD SECURITY IN LIGHT OF THE IMPENDING GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS
Authors: Anwar Nurul
Published: June 2023

Multiple disruptions in health sectors and geopolitics has been alarming food security worldwide. This study provides insights by assessing the determinants of food security in Indonesia and creating a map of the country's most food insecure areas as a basis of developing anticipating strategies. This study is quantitative in nature using secondary data from the Statistics Indonesia. To estimate the model, we used Non-Parametric Splines Regression and Clustering Analysis. The results show that food security in Indonesia is greatly impacted by rice production, population density, purchasing power index, food expenditures, and harvested area. Additionally, most of the provinces in Indonesia has a medium to high food security level. The results showed the need for integrating Indonesian food chain policies such as land, water, and fertilizer availability. In addition, the Indonesian Bureau of Logistics must take measures to preserve the availability and distribution of staple foods.
Peningkatan Asertivitas Siswa yang Diasuh oleh Ibu Single Parent melalui Bimbingan Kelompok
Authors: Afriani Fadila , Alizamar Alizamar
Published: June 2023

This study aims to describe the level of assertiveness of students cared for by single parent mothers before and after being given group guidance services. This study uses a quantitative method with an experimental approach type The One-Group Post-Test Design Pre-Test. The research subjects were students who were cared for by single parent mothers at SMK Negeri 9 Padang totaling 10 people. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire with a Likert scale model. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test formula. The research findings revealed that the assertiveness of students cared for by single parent mothers before being given group guidance was in the moderate category with a percentage of 72.16% and after being given group guidance services the results of the posttest were in the moderate category with a percentage of 89.8%. This revealed that there were differences in the level of student assertiveness before and after being given group guidance services. With the findings of these studies BK teachers can continue to improve and develop guidance and counseling services, especially group guidance services to help improve the assertiveness of other students.