bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of machine learning for the estimation of production rates in wells operated by electrical submersible pumps
Authors: Agwu Okorie Ekwe , Alkouh Ahmad , Alatefi Saad , Azim Reda Abdel , Ferhadi Razaq
Published: February 2024

In this study, a neural network model is developed for the prediction of oil flow rates in wells lifted by electrical submersible pumps (ESPs). Three attributes of the model in this work make this study unique. First, the knowledge on the computational cost of models has been presented, a rarity in most neural network models on this subject; second, the models have been explicitly presented, a feature uncommon in published ANN predictive modelling studies; and third, it includes a sensitivity analysis of input variables. The dataset utilized for the model development comprises 275 data points collected from ESP-lifted wells in the Middle East. Statistical evaluation of the model’s performance using the metrics such as mean square error, root mean square error and coefficient of determination demonstrates high predictive accuracy with respective values of 0.0000201861, 0.00449 and 0.999. In order to ascertain the parametric importance of the inputs, Garson’s algorithm was utilized. In this regard, choke size and upstream pressure had the highest influence (19% and 16%, respectively), while casing head pressure had the least effect (4.8%) on oil flow rate. In terms of memory requirements and processing speed for software applications, the model had a memory footprint of 888 bytes and required 191 multiply and accumulate operations to give an output. By utilizing the proposed models, the time-consuming separator tests measurements of flow rate would no longer be necessary and real-time results could be provided in the field. This work would be useful to production engineers who seek a quick and accurate means of estimating oil flow rate from ESP wells in real time.
The genome, pangenome, and physiological analysis of Leclercia adecarboxylata (kcgeb_e1), a plant growth-promoting bacterium
Authors: Saeed Esam Eldin , Sudalaimuthuasari Naganeeswaran , Purayil Fayas Thayale , Rafi Mohammed , Kundu Biduth , Mishra Ajay Kumar , Al-Maskari Raja Saeed , Abdelfattah Amira Mohamed , Eldin Afaf Kamal , George Suja , Procter Miranda , Hazzouri Khaled M. , Amiri Khaled MA
Published: February 2024

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as biofertilizer plays an important role in agriculture practices. In this study, we isolated and identified plant-associated bacteria Leclercia adecarboxylata (kcgeb_e1) from the root region of the halophytic plant Sesuvium verrucosum. We tested its physiological activity and the effect of inoculation, with and without salt, on photosynthesis using Cajanus cajan. Further, we sequenced the whole genome of L. adecarboxylata (kcgeb_e1) and carried out pangenome analysis with 12 other genomes of the same species, which highlights unique genes enriched for pathways involved in abiotic stress tolerance (salinity, drought and heat) and carbohydrate transport. Moreover, gene families involved in abiotic stress tolerance, host adhesion, and transport were under positive selection (e.g., Aldo/keto reductase family, Hemagglutinin, Porin, and sugar transport). We observed a loss of ACC deaminase gene in this pangenome; however, this strain can still produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC), an enhancer of abiotic stress, which suggests that its homologue, d-cysteine sulfatase, has a bifunctional activity. In addition, this strain has Indole acetic acid (IAA) and phosphate solubilization activity. Combining these findings with the efficiency of colonizing the root surface of Solanum lycopersicum, this strain showed remarkable enhancement of photosynthesis, comparing control to inoculated plants. This increase in photosynthesis is consistent with an increase in sucrose under salt treatment, but not in glucose and fructose, which acts as a sensor in opposing the negative effect of salinity and promoting sustainable growth. Given all this, our study suggests that this PGPB can act as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.
Harnessing the foundation of biomedical waste management for fostering public health: strategies and policies for a clean and safer environment
Authors: Singh Harpreet , YT Kamal , Mishra Arun Kumar , Singh Mhaveer , Mohanto Sourav , Ghumra Shruti , Seelan Anmol , Mishra Amrita , Kumar Arvind , Pallavi Janardhan , Ahmed Mohammed Gulzar , Sangeetha Jeyabalan , Thangadurai Devarajan
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an enormous rise in biomedical waste and plastic trash production. The sudden increase in the production of waste vehicles carrying the same for disposal presented major challenges for the current waste disposal systems, particularly in developing countries. Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the significance of appropriate waste management has become more evident. This review aims to showcase all aspects of biomedical waste, including its management, safe disposal approaches, the risks associated with improper waste management, and other hazards from hospitals, labs, and the environment. The focus has been laid on the possible role of laboratories in hospitals, research, and academic institutions directly and indirectly involved in handling biomedical items. It is pertinent to mention that policies relating to biomedical waste management must be renewed periodically for updates and to incorporate new research and system development points. In the present review, establishing collaboration among hospitals, laboratories, and research staff is vital for proper waste management in healthcare facilities. The review demonstrates the contemporary directions in biomedical waste treatment and safe disposal methods, especially incineration, autoclaving, chemical disinfection, and land disposal. Good laboratory practices and techniques for destroying needles, shredders, encapsulation, and inertization are also covered. The significance of biomedical waste management policies in promoting environmentally responsible and safe practices and amendments to these policies has been emphasized.
The effect of the significant acid and alkaline environment and oxidation agent on the microplastic integrity
Authors: Adedapo Orekoya , Boros Norbert , Dálnoki Anna Boglárka , Gulyás Miklós , Sebők András , Túry Rita , Takács Anita
Published: February 2024

The research examined the ability of each treatment to recover a known quantity of particles and the impact on identifying polymer type using a microscope. By conducting extensive research on the changes induced in the chemical structures and morphologies of microplastics (MPs) there is potential for enhancing the detection and analysis of MPs by incorporating pre-treatment methods in the future. When treating environmental matrices with high organic content, chemical digestion treatment is required to get rid of microplastics and release particles. This type of treatment involves using a range of chemical agents, including acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Unfortunately, there has been limited research into the chemical resistance of various types of microplastics to these substances. To address this issue, a study was conducted to examine the chemical resistance of four species of microplastics high-density polyethylene (HD-PE), low-density polyethylene (LD-PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), potassium hydroxide (KOH), nitric acid (HNO3) and acetic acid (CH3COOH). The results showed that acidic and alkaline substances were the most destructive to microplastics, while oxidative reagents resulted in fewer changes to plastic properties. These findings provide valuable insights into the properties of MPs and their response to strong acids, bases and oxidizing agents, which can serve as a reference for future studies on MP pre-treatment. In addition, used as a guideline to update current protocols and ensure that microplastics can be treated without causing damage.
Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Copy Number Variation Analysis in Chinese Patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Revealed Novel DNAH5 Copy Number Variations
Authors: Chen Weicheng , Guo Zhuoyao , Li Mengru , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying
Published: February 2024

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare disorder characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity. However, in the genetic pathogenesis of PCD, copy number variation (CNV) has not received sufficient attention and has rarely been reported, especially in China. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) followed by targeted CNV analysis was used in patients highly suspected to have PCD with negative results in routine whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm these CNVs. To further characterize the ciliary phenotypes, high-speed video microscopy analysis (HSVA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis were used. Patient 1 (F1: II-1), a 0.6-year-old girl, came from a nonconsanguineous family-I. She presented with situs inversus totalis, neonatal respiratory distress, and sinusitis. The nasal nitric oxide level was markedly reduced. The respiratory cilia beat with reduced amplitude. TEM revealed shortened outer dynein arms (ODA) of cilia. chr5:13717907-13722661del spanning exons 71–72 was identified by NGS-based CNV analysis. Patient 2 (F2: IV-4), a 37-year-old man, and his eldest brother Patient 3 (F2: IV-2) came from a consanguineous family-II. Both had sinusitis, bronchiectasis and situs inversus totalis. The respiratory cilia of Patient 2 and Patient 3 were found to be uniformly immotile, with ODA defects. Two novel homozygous deletions chr5:13720087_13733030delinsGTTTTC and chr5:13649539_1 3707643del, spanning exons 69–71 and exons 77–79 were identified by NGS-based CNV analysis. Abnormalities in DNA copy number were confirmed by qPCR amplification. IF showed that the respiratory cilia of Patient 1 and Patient 2 were deficient in dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 (DNAH5) protein expression. This report identified three novel DNAH5 disease-associated variants by WES-based CNV analysis. Our study expands the genetic spectrum of PCD with DNAH5 in the Chinese population.
Prevalence, impact and prevention of stress and burnout, and promoting resilience among radiological personnel: a systematized review
Authors: Gransjøen Ann Mari
Published: February 2024

Background

The causes of burnout are varied, and several methods have been explored to prevent burnout among radiological personnel. The aim of this systematized review was to determine the prevalence of burnout, the impact of burnout, and what can be done to prevent stress and burnout.

Methods

Google Scholar and the Medline, CINAHL and Scopus databases were queried in June 2022. Eligibility was assessed using predetermined criteria: (a) the item had at least one of the terms described in the search in the title; (b) the item addressed burnout, stress, or resilience among radiological personnel; and (c) the study was conducted in relevant settings. The exclusion criteria were (a) prefaces and brief letters to the editor communications; and (b) reports related to quality in radiology only.

Results

Nineteen manuscripts were included and divided into four categories: the prevalence of stress and burnout; the causes of stress and burnout; the impact of stress and burnout on the individual, the department and the quality of care provided; and the prevention of stress and burnout, and promotion of resilience among radiological personnel.

Conclusion

The prevalence of stress and burnout among radiological personnel is between 1.3% and 90%. The impacts affect both staff and patients. Mindfulness-based interventions aimed at individuals have proven effective at combating stress and burnout, interventions aimed at the system are more effective, and a combination of both is the most effective.
Elevated hydrostatic pressure enhances the potential for microbially mediated carbon sequestration at the sediment–water interface in a deep-water reservoir by modulating functional genes and metabolic pathways
Authors: Li Yumei , He Lixin , Pan Ying , Chen Kai , Zhuo Tianyu , Yu Kehong , Zhang Jinnan , Zhou Shilei , Lei Xiaohui , Chai Beibei
Published: February 2024

Microbially mediated carbon cycling is essential for the production of refractory dissolved organic carbon and subsequent formation of stable carbon sinks at the sediment–water interface (SWI) in aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes. It remains unclear how this process is influenced by hydrostatic pressure changes due to water level fluctuation in deep-water reservoirs. Here, a microcosm simulation experiment was carried out to decipher the response of microbially mediated carbon cycling to various hydrostatic pressures (i.e., 0.1 MPa [atmospheric pressure], 0.2 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 0.7 MPa) at the SWI in Jinpen Reservoir, Shaanxi Province, China. The response mechanisms of microbial community structure, functional gene abundance, and metabolic pathway activity associated with carbon cycling were explored by metagenomics and metabolomics. Results showed that the number of microbial species in sediment samples increased with elevating pressure. The relative abundance of archaea also increased from 0.2% to 0.4% as a consequence of pressure elevation, accompanied by 0.17% and 0.03% decrease in bacteria and fungi, respectively. In contrast with low pressures, high pressures allowed the microbial communities to form a more closely connected network, which maintained more complex interspecies interactions and greater system stability. High pressures additionally improved the abundances of specific functional genes (e.g., ALDO, ACO, sdhA, and sdhC) in carbon metabolic pathways, promoted carbon fixation by the reductive pentose phosphate (Calvin) and citrate cycles, and hindered methanogenesis. Piezophilic taxa (e.g., Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes) and genes (e.g., ompH, asd) were identified among carbon cycling-associated microbial communities. The piezophilic genes, which were mainly present in the Proteobacteria phylum, increased first and then decreased in abundance with elevating pressure. The findings indicate that elevated hydrostatic pressure contributes to carbon sequestration at the SWI in deep-water reservoirs by changing carbon cycling-associated microbial species, as well as relevant functional genes and metabolic pathways.

Graphical Abstract
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights [2-volume set]
Authors: Rubner Nat
Published: February 2024

A landmark study of the African Charter on human and peoples' rights, one of the most important documents in modern African history, that positions it within the African Lives Matter struggle to assert an African identity rather than as simply a human rights document. This set describes its underlying African origins and how the principles of the OAU influenced its path and content.
An African American Anthropologist in Wales: St. Clair Drake and the Transatlantic Ecologies of Race Relations
Authors: Connell Kieran
Published: February 2024

In summer 1947, African American anthropologist John Gibbs St. Clair Drake arrived in Tiger Bay, the port neighborhood of Cardiff in South Wales, to begin field work for his doctoral thesis, “Race Relations in the British Isles.” Drake's academic reputation had already been established by the publication of Black Metropolis (1945), a seminal study of Chicago's so-called Black Belt that Drake co-authored with researcher Horace Cayton. What attracted him to Tiger Bay for his next project was a scandal that erupted on both sides of the Atlantic around Britain's growing population of what were referred to as brown babies. These children were the product of sexual encounters that sometimes took place between local white women and some of the 200,000 African American GIs who were at different points stationed across the United Kingdom during the later part of the Second World War. Using the extensive field notes Drake kept during his sojourn in Cardiff, this article reconstructs the nature and feel of a neighborhood where, by the 1940s, half of all residents were from ethnic minority backgrounds. Drake's work serves as a window onto the nature of racism and ideas about race in late-imperial Britain, alongside the parallel presence of metropolitan community life in Tiger Bay, one of Britain's oldest multicultural communities.
CONCEPTUAL DISTANCE AND ALGEBRAS OF CONCEPTS
Authors: KHALED MOHAMED , SZÉKELY GERGELY
Published: February 2024

We show that the conceptual distance between any two theories of first-order logic is the same as the generator distance between their Lindenbaum–Tarski algebras of concepts. As a consequence of this, we show that, for any two arbitrary mathematical structures, the generator distance between their meaning algebras (also known as cylindric set algebras) is the same as the conceptual distance between their first-order logic theories. As applications, we give a complete description for the distances between meaning algebras corresponding to structures having at most three elements and show that this small network represents all the possible conceptual distances between complete theories. As a corollary of this, we will see that there are only two non-trivial structures definable on three-element sets up to conceptual equivalence (i.e., up to elementary plus definitional equivalence).
Stream Nitrogen Concentrations Across Arctic Vegetation Gradients
Authors: Holmboe C. M. H. , Pastor A. , Riis T.
Published: February 2024

The Arctic is experiencing dramatic climate‐induced changes, which could have substantial consequences for nutrient export from land to streams and, thus, in‐stream nutrient availability and composition. Arctic freshwater ecosystems are low‐productive systems often limited by nitrogen (N) availability. Studying small streams is important due to their high abundance across the landscape, intimate connection to their catchments, high biogeochemical activity and high sensitivity to climate change. However, little information is available, especially in terms of N availability and composition (i.e., nitrate, ammonium, and dissolved organic nitrogen [DON]). We aimed to quantify N concentrations across small Arctic streams and explore the link between terrestrial vegetation and stream water N concentration. We conducted a literature study and extracted data from published articles, online databases, and unpublished field data. Out of 215 preselected articles, 20 met our criteria and contained 2,381 observations on stream water N concentrations in the Arctic. Data on DON was scarce: only 161 of the 2,381 observations contained DON data. We found that nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+) and DON ranged undetectable to 1,155, 547 and 1,587 μg N L−1, respectively. We found that sparsely vegetated areas had higher stream water N‐concentrations, while barren areas and higher vegetated areas had lower stream water N‐concentrations. This study provides fundamental knowledge on N availability in small streams across the Arctic, highlights data gaps and contributes to the basic knowledge needed for understanding and predicting future changes in N dynamics.
Almost a Year in, Drought in the Amazon Is Far from Over
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: February 2024

Strengthened by climate change, northern Brazil’s dry spell might last longer than originally fore-cast, with lingering ecological and economic consequences.
Tetra methyl bisphenol F: another potential obesogen
Authors: Singh Misha , Crosthwait Jennifer , Sorisky Alexander , Atlas Ella
Published: February 2024

Background/Objectives

Obesity and its associated metabolic diseases are increasing globally. Sedentary lifestyle, high caloric diet, and genetic predisposition are known to contribute to the onset of obesity. It is increasingly recognized that exposure to environmental chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) may also play a significant role. BPA has been correlated with an array of adverse health effects, including obesity and metabolic disorders. Due to public concern, manufacturers are replacing BPA with structural analogues for which there is limited toxicological data. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of these BPA analogues on adipogenesis.

Methods

The adipogenic effects of Tetra Methyl Bisphenol F (TMBPF), Bisphenol F (BPF), Bisphenol AP (BPAP), and fluorine-9-bisphenol (BHPF) were evaluated in murine 3T3-L1 cells. The cells were treated with BPA and its analogues at concentrations from 0.01 µM to 20 µM, throughout differentiation, in the absence of Dexamethasone (Dex). Lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein levels of adipogenic markers was assessed.

Results

We found that TMBPF, BPF and BPA increased 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation and the expression levels of adipogenic markers lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4) and perilipin (Plin) (1–20 µM; p < 0.05), whereas BHPF and BPAP had no effect in this model. Further, TMBPF induced adipogenesis to a greater extent than all the other chemicals including BPA (1–20 µM; p < 0.05). The effect mediated by TMBPF on expression levels of Fabp4, but not Plin, is likely mediated via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ activation.

Conclusions

Of the BPA analogues tested, BPF was most similar to BPA in its effects, while TMBPF was most adipogenic. In addition, TMBPF is likely a PPARγ agonist, it is likely an obesogenic chemical and may be a metabolic disruptor.
Improved energy efficiency using adaptive ant colony distributed intelligent based clustering in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sharada K. A. , Mahesh T. R. , chandrasekaran Saravanan , Shashikumar R. , Kumar V. Vinoth , Annand Jonnakuti Rajkumar
Published: February 2024

Optimization algorithms have come a long way in the last several decades, with the goal of reducing energy consumption and minimizing interference with primary users during data transmission over shorter distances. The adaptive ant colony distributed intelligent based clustering algorithm (AACDIC) is a key component of the cognitive radio (CR) system because of its superior performance in spectrum sensing among a group of multi-users in terms of reduced sensing errors, power conservation, and faster convergence times. This study presents the AACDIC method, which improves energy efficiency by determining the ideal cluster count using connectedness and distributed cluster-based sensing. In this study, we take into account the reality of a system with an unpredictable number of both primary users and secondary users. As a result, the proposed AACDIC method outperforms pre-existing optimization algorithms by increasing the rate at which solutions converge via the utilisation of multi-user clustered communication. Experiments show that compared to other algorithms, the AACDIC method significantly reduces node power usage by 9.646 percent. The average power of Secondary Users nodes is reduced by 24.23 percent compared to earlier versions. The AACDIC algorithm is particularly strong at reducing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio to levels as low as 2 dB, which significantly increases the likelihood of detection. When comparing AACDIC to other primary detection optimization strategies, it is clear that it has the lowest false positive rate. The proposed AACDIC algorithm optimizes network capacity performance, as shown by the results of simulations, due to its ability to solve multimodal optimization challenges. Our analysis reveals that variations in SNR significantly affect the probability of successful detection, shedding light on the intricate interplay between signal strength, noise levels, and the overall reliability of sensor data. This insight contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the proposed scheme's performance in realistic deployment scenarios, where environmental conditions may vary dynamically. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in mitigating the identified drawback and highlight the importance of SNR considerations in optimizing detection reliability in energy-constrained WSNs.
Three-dimensional distribution of individual atoms in the channels of beryl
Authors: Knez Daniel , Gspan Christian , Šimić Nikola , Mitsche Stefan , Fitzek Harald , Gatterer Karl , Wiltsche Helmar , Kothleitner Gerald , Grogger Werner , Hofer Ferdinand
Published: February 2024

Single atom detection in nanoporous materials is a significant challenge, particularly due to their sensitivity to electron irradiation. Here, natural beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) is used as a model system to quantitatively analyse the occupancy of its atomic channels. High-angle annular dark-field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope is employed, revealing the presence of Cs atoms within the channels. Through statistical analysis of atomic column intensities and comparison with a series of multislice simulations, we successfully pinpoint the three-dimensional positions of individual Cs atoms. Our findings indicate a non-uniform distribution of Cs atoms in the crystal. Importantly, by extracting both the crystal thickness and atomic positions from a single high-resolution micrograph, we effectively minimize the adverse effects of beam damage. This approach offers a promising pathway for accurately determining the three-dimensional distribution of dopant atoms in various porous materials, opening new possibilities for the study and application of these technologically important materials.
Correction: On the study of paintings’ stratigraphy by fs-LIBS and MA-XRF techniques
Authors: Kechaoglou E. , Agrafioti K. A. , Mastrotheodoros G. P. , Anagnostopoulos D. F. , Kosmidis C.
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘On the study of paintings’ stratigraphy by fs-LIBS and MA-XRF techniques’ by E. Kechaoglou et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3JA00199G.
Multifunctional Robotic Device with Intelligent Positioning System
Authors: Filippov Rostislav , Khort Dmitriy
Published: February 2024

At the present stage of agricultural production development, Smart farming is widely used as a systematic transition from managing a separate technological operation to managing processes that ensure the achievement of the required level of overall profitability of production through the use of new decision-making tools and automated management technologies. This approach involves expanding the scope of machines, equipment and software, including the widespread use of robotic tools in horticultural production and processing technologies, in order to increase production efficiency, eliminate the “human factor” in the production of products, replace human participation in production processes with a large proportion of heavy manual labor and minimize harmful effects chemical protection products for humans and the environment. Another reason for the intensification of the development and implementation of robotic tools with intelligent control systems in agriculture is the shortage of technologists and engineers in farms, due to the unattractiveness of labor in the agro-industrial complex. The article discusses the issues of increasing the efficiency of industrial gardening, through the development and implementation of robotic systems and electric drive transformer modules in various technological processes. The features of the designs and practical application of robots with intelligent motion control systems on garden plantations are analyzed. The application of the block-modular principle of the layout of robotic machines is justified to increase the efficiency and productivity of their work in industrial gardening in various technological operations: plant care (spraying, milling of aisles) and harvesting.
Similarity and Differences of Husking and Disking of the Soil. Prospects of Improving Disk Tools
Authors: Konovalov Vladimir , Konovalov Sergey , Strakhov Alexander
Published: February 2024

On the territory of Krasnodar Area, traditional and minimal crop cultivation technologies are most often used. In these technologies, a significant proportion of all soil processing are performed with disk tools, and the operations themselves involve husking and disking the soil. Despite the similarity of these operations, they also have significant differences, the analysis of which allowed us to identify common features and formulate requirements for the use of huskers when disking soil and, accordingly, disk harrows for its husking. Based on the results obtained, the prospects of improving disk tools are determined.
The Influence of Landscape Farming Systems on the Fertility of Eroded Residual Carbonate Chernozem
Authors: Kotlyarova E. , Kuzmina О. , Goncharova N. , Melentiev A. , Nartova E.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the work is to study the influence of adaptive landscape farming systems on the fertility indicators of eroded residual carbonate chernozem. The study of carbonate soils is of particular scientific and practical interest, since they are susceptible to easy destruction, accelerated degradation and increased difficulty in restoring fertility; they suffer more from water erosion and deflation. With the integrated use of all elements of adaptive landscape farming systems, primarily including anti-erosion organization of the territory that forms the soil-protective configuration of fields, a system of protective forest plantings, adaptive placement of agricultural crops, a fertilizer system aimed at a deficit-free balance of humus and nutrients, even in extremely difficult soil conditions. -relief conditions of the Krasnogvardeisky test site managed to stop soil erosion losses, which contributed to an increase in their fertility.
On the Issue of Automation of Processes during Scientific Research
Authors: Zubrilina Е.М. , Babenko О.S.
Published: February 2024

This article describes the elements of automation of processes during scientific research, describes experimental and laboratory equipment for obtaining experimental data on various experimental plans with elements of automation of the process of data collection and processing, as well as describes programs for electronic computers aimed at processing data obtained after experiments, both single-factor and multi-factor (according to the Boxing-Benkin plan). The use of these software packages accelerates the process of processing experimental data, evaluating the uniformity of variance according to the Cochran criterion, checking the significance of coefficients using the Student’s criterion, determining the coefficients of the regression equation, constructing the regression equation and allows to determine the adequacy or inadequacy of the resulting model based on the calculation results.
Assessment of acute toxicity of the organomineral chelate complex for Danio rerio embryos
Authors: Polistovskaya P.A. , Karpenko L.Yu. , Azhikina O.Yu. , Makhnin I.A.
Published: February 2024

The work evaluates the acute toxicity of the organomineral chelate complex for Danio rerio embryos. To date, very few studies have been presented on the mineral component of diets in aquaculture.Currently, a number of preparations (supplements) containing microelements are used to correct mineral feeding in livestock farming. A number of studies have shown that the use of organomineral chelate complexes as a feed additive provides better assimilation of the metal than when it is introduced into the diet in inorganic or any other organic form.The domestic market does not have scientifically based organomineral chelate complexes for industrial aquaculture. The search for effective and non-toxic chelate complexes for aquaculture in the Russian Federation is an urgent task. Purpose of the work: to determine the median lethal concentration of the organomineral chelate complex on Danio rerio embryos. The acute toxicity of an organomineral chelate complex (JUPITER LLC, Russia) was determined. The active basis of the dietary supplement (hereinafter referred to as dietary supplement): a complex of ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid and lysine with microelements (Fe, Mn,Cu, Zn, Co, Se, I). The studies were carried out in accordance with OECD recommendations No. 236 on the basis of the Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Based on the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: the maximum concentration that does not cause death during testing is 0.25 g/l and the minimum concentration that causes 100% death during testing is 16 g/l. Based on the results of the survival of Danio rerio embryos, the median lethal concentration of the organomineral chelate complex was calculated. The LC50 of the study drug is 4.67 g/l.
First data on the chemical composition of natural waters at the gold deposit “Novye Peski” (South Karelia, Russia)
Authors: Sidkina Evgeniya , Konyshev Artem , Cherkasova Elena , Toropov Andrey , Vorobey Sofia
Published: February 2024

Actual analytical methods make it possible to precisely determine a of chemical elements contained in water, including for the purpose of assessing the ecological state of the environment in connection with mining activities. The object of this research is the natural waters of the gold deposit “Novye Peski” located in the Pryazhinsky region (Republic of Karelia, Russia). Analytical data indicate that the geochemical background of the region is exceeded for most of the chemical elements. Research results indicate that the geochemical background of the region is exceeded for most of the considered chemical elements and ions, which can be divided into three groups: 1) the highest concentrations were determined in quarry water (Zn, As, Mo, U, Ni, Cu, Sr, Li, B, as well as Ca 2-); 2) the content is at the same level in all and other cations, HCO3samples (Al, Si, V, Ti, Ba); 3) the highest content in stream and tailing pond (Fe, Mn). We assume that the main factor influencing the behavior of elements of the first group is mining, and for the third is the presence of dissolved organic matter high content with the formation of metal-organic species in water.
Opportunities for using hydrogen to transition to green energy
Authors: Abdullayeva Maya , Mammadli Gulchin
Published: February 2024

The article explores the pivotal juncture of procuring and integrating hydrogen as a transformative milestone in sustainable energy. The environmental impact is scrutinized through distinctions between "gray," "blue," and "green" hydrogen, with green hydrogen, derived from renewable sources, standing out for its potential to combat climate change. The method section details an investigation into the electrocatalytic activities of Ni-Mo thin films as cathodes in water electrolysis. The study underscores the effectiveness of these films, particularly the non-thermally treated ones, as cathodes in a neutral environment. The chemical reactions during electrolysis are outlined, and the catalytic activity is compared with other electrodes, revealing promising results for Ni-Mo thin films. A method for preparing solutions and an electrochemical coupling device used for deposition are also given.. The conclusion emphasizes the advanced idea of using hydrogen as a main energy source, calling for measures, legislative initiatives, and support for innovative projects to propel the development of hydrogen-based energy solutions.
Callusogenesis and Organogenesis of Thymus Cultivars In Vitro
Authors: Cherednichenko Mikhail Yu. , Drevova Alena N. , Husainova Aliya R. , Polivanova Oksana B. , Khlebnikova Daria A.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the in vitro cultivation of three Russian cultivars of two Thymus species (Th. vulgaris and Th. serpyllum) in order to study the possibility of induction of callusogenesis and organogenesis. The developed technology opens up prospects for the induction of somaclonal variability, obtaining the source material for breeding, as well as regeneration of thyme plants after genetic transformation. For the study, we used nutrient media based on the mineral composition of the Murashige and Skoog medium with the addition of auxin (indole-3-butyric acid, indole-3-acetic acid) and cytokinin (6-benzyladenine, kinetin) substances. For the induction of callusogenesis, the use of stem explants on nutrient media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid (1 or 2 mg/L) can be recommended. The efficiency of shoot organogenesis also depends on the type of explant, and its rather low values in most experimental variants are apparently due to the accumulation of endogenous auxins and phenolic compounds. Thus, a cultivar-specific morphogenetic response to the use of various phytohormones and growth regulators was established, as well as the influence of the explant type on the efficiency of morphogenic processes.
Economic justification for mushroom cultivation
Authors: Sergeyeva Natalya , Vasilchenko Tatiana
Published: February 2024

The article presents the economic justification for cultivating two mushroom varieties: OUSTER type Oyster Mushroom and Flammulina velutipes Velvet Shank Mushroom over a period of three years. The process equipment list and the cost of the equipment are provided. The project implementation would require greenhouses with the area of about 300 square metres, one-off capital investments of about 7 million roubles. Detailed estimation of annual current costs is presented and the cost of production is evaluated. The expected production profitability during the first year of the project implementation is 16.5%, in the second year it is 23.2%, and it is more than 27% in the third year. The project would propose a feasible solution for both medium and small agrarian businesses.The issue of obtaining readily available (or so called fast) protein for complete human nutrition is of global concern. Producing animal protein requires a long time for rearing; poultry protein production takes a little less, a few months; to obtain protein from mushrooms one month is enough. Mushroom cultivation could be a solution to the global challenge of ensuring world food security, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger. On the other hand, changing market needs for food, sanction embargo and the tasks of the government import substitution programme in Russia stresses the need for developing domestic production.
Wood sorbent in feeding quails
Authors: Osepchuk Denis , Danilova Alexandra , Vlasov Artyom , Skamarokhova Alexandra , Smolin Sergei , Agarkova Natalia , Svistunov Andrey
Published: February 2024

Based on the results of the studies, it has been found that the live weight of quails increased relative to the control by 6.9 (P<0.001) and 4.5% (P<0.01); survival rate - by 2.5 and 1.3%, according to the sequence of groups. Food conversion rate per unit of production was reduced by 6.5% and 3.9%, respectively. The internal organs of all groups of birds developed within the normal range, significant differences were noted in the length of the caecum in the second group of the experiment - this indicator decreased by 17.2% (P<0.01). In the third group, there was a downward trend by 1.6%. The length of the intestine significantly decreased by 15.0% (P<0.001) and 17.4% (P<0.01) %, respectively. The data obtained during the experiment indicate that the use of an active carbon feed additive with sorption properties and a phytocomponent has a positive effect on the main zootechnical indicators and does not adversely affect the development of the internal organs of the bird.
Post-COVID-Patienten mit persistierenden chemosensorischen Symptomen sind in der Bevölkerung selten
Authors: Gudziol Hilmar , Giszas Benjamin , Schade Ulrike , Bitter Thomas , Reuken Philipp A. , Stallmach Andreas , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund Die Prävalenz Long-/Post-COVID-assoziierter chemosensorischer Symptome wird in der Literatur deutlich höher angegeben als es die klinische Realität widerspiegelt.

Methoden 1. Vom Gesundheitsamt Jena an das Robert-Koch-Institut im Zeitraum von März 2020 bis September 2021 übermittelte n=4062 erwachsene, akut SARS-CoV-2-Infizierte mit ihren Symptomen wurden ausgewertet. 2. Ein Teil derselben Kohorte (n=909 von 4062) beantwortete einen umfangreichen Fragenbogen mindestens 3 Monate nach Beginn der Infektion unter anderem hinsichtlich bestehender chemosensorischer Post-COVID-assoziierter Beschwerden. 3. Vierzehn Jenaer Post-COVID-Patienten mit chemosensorischen Symptomen, die sich im gleichen Zeitraum akut infiziert hatten, wurden in unserer HNO-ärztlichen Spezialambulanz diagnostiziert, therapiert und beraten.

Ergebnisse Die Prävalenz chemosensorischer Symptome zu Beginn der Infektion lag bei 19% (600/3187). Etwa jeder 2. schriftlich Befragte der ehemals akut Infizierten (441/890) erinnerte sich an chemosensorische Symptome während seiner COVID-19-Infektion. Davon beklagten etwa 38% (167/441) persistierende chemosensorische Post-COVID-Beschwerden nach im Mittel 14,5 Monaten. Nur 2,3% (14/600) der ehemals akut Infizierten mit chemosensorischen Symptomen suchten medizinische Hilfe in der Spezialsprechstunde. Bei der Hälfte ließen sich quantitative chemosensorische Schäden objektivieren.

Schlussfolgerungen Trotz hoher Prävalenz subjektiver chemosensorischer Symptome bei akut und ehemals SARS-CoV-2-Infizierten besteht nur ein geringer Bedarf einer spezialisierten Behandlung, sodass, anders als bei anderen Post-COVID-assoziierten Beschwerden, das Gesundheitswesen hierdurch insgesamt wenig bedeutsam belastet erscheint.
Both Patients and Plastic Surgeons Prefer Artificial Intelligence–Generated Microsurgical Information
Authors: Berry Charlotte E. , Fazilat Alexander Z. , Lavin Christopher , Lintel Hendrik , Cole Naomi , Stingl Cybil S. , Valencia Caleb , Morgan Annah G. , Momeni Arash , Wan Derrick C.
Published: February 2024

Background With the growing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI)-based patient-facing information, microsurgical-specific online information provided by professional organizations was compared with that of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) and assessed for accuracy, comprehensiveness, clarity, and readability.

Methods Six plastic and reconstructive surgeons blindly assessed responses to 10 microsurgery-related medical questions written either by the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) or ChatGPT based on accuracy, comprehensiveness, and clarity. Surgeons were asked to choose which source provided the overall highest-quality microsurgical patient-facing information. Additionally, 30 individuals with no medical background (ages: 18–81, μ = 49.8) were asked to determine a preference when blindly comparing materials. Readability scores were calculated, and all numerical scores were analyzed using the following six reliability formulas: Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch–Kincaid Readability Ease, Gunning Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index, Coleman–Liau Index, Linsear Write Formula, and Automated Readability Index. Statistical analysis of microsurgical-specific online sources was conducted utilizing paired t-tests.

Results Statistically significant differences in comprehensiveness and clarity were seen in favor of ChatGPT. Surgeons, 70.7% of the time, blindly choose ChatGPT as the source that overall provided the highest-quality microsurgical patient-facing information. Nonmedical individuals 55.9% of the time selected AI-generated microsurgical materials as well. Neither ChatGPT nor ASRM-generated materials were found to contain inaccuracies. Readability scores for both ChatGPT and ASRM materials were found to exceed recommended levels for patient proficiency across six readability formulas, with AI-based material scored as more complex.

Conclusion AI-generated patient-facing materials were preferred by surgeons in terms of comprehensiveness and clarity when blindly compared with online material provided by ASRM. Studied AI-generated material was not found to contain inaccuracies. Additionally, surgeons and nonmedical individuals consistently indicated an overall preference for AI-generated material. A readability analysis suggested that both materials sourced from ChatGPT and ASRM surpassed recommended reading levels across six readability scores.
Synthesis, Photophysical, and AIE Properties of 2H-Imidazole-Derived Push-Pull Fluorophores
Authors: Varaksin Mikhail V. , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Lavrinchenko Igor A. , Nikiforov Egor A. , Moseev Timofey D. , Tsmokalyuk Anton N. , Nechaev Thomas V. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: February 2024

A four-stage method for the synthesis of 2H-imidazole-derived push-pull fluorophores was developed. The synthesized compounds are characterized by absorption in the range of 250–400 nm, emission of up to 617 nm, and quantum yields of up to 99%. Compounds bearing a tetraphenylethylene fragment demonstrated the AIE effect in a solution with a water fraction fw >90% and significant increase in the emission intensity of up to 20 times and quantum yields of up to 22%. The ICT states for these fluorophores were confirmed by calculating the excited state dipole moments (>23D). The reported synthetic method enables fine-tuning of the fluorescent properties for the developed photoactive molecular systems by varying donor fragments. The obtained compounds could be of particular interest in the design of photoactive organic and hybrid materials.
Impact of China’s financial development on the sustainable development goals of the Belt and Road Initiative participating countries
Authors: Li Chenggang , Zhao Gang , Koh Keumseok Peter , Xu Zhenci , Yue Mu , Wang Weiyan , Tan Yuanyuan , Wu Liang
Published: February 2024

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to strengthen regional economic and policy cooperation and achieve the rapid development among the participating countries. While the impact on the financial development of the economic growth and energy environment of BRI participating countries has garnered close attention among scholars, few studies focus on the impact of financial development on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the BRI participating countries. To address this gap, we utilized panel regression models to quantitatively assess the impact of China’s financial development scale, structure, and efficiency on the SDGs of the BRI participating countries, and adopted Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model to explore the spatial-temporal effects of China’s financial development scale, structure, and efficiency on the SDGs of the BRI participating countries. Our findings indicate that China’s financial development has significantly promoted the SDGs of the BRI participating countries. This study further reveals that the scale and efficiency of China’s financial development have had a more pronounced impact on the SDGs of Asian countries, low- and middle-income countries, and the Land Silk Road participating countries, compared to those of European countries, high-income countries, and the Maritime Silk Road participating countries, respectively. In contrast, the structure of financial development primarily promotes the SDGs of European and high-income BRI participating countries in the land silk belt. The role of China’s financial development in promoting the SDGs of most BRI participating countries has gradually increased over time. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers in China to facilitate the sustainable development of BRI participating countries and foster a shared community within the BRI framework.