bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetation survey methodology in arable weeds is reported with less detail from vegetation science than weed science
Authors: Bürger Jana , Küzmič Filip
Published: October 2023

Aims: Understand and illustrate differences and common methods in surveys of arable weed vegetation from the two scientific disciplines Vegetation science and Weed science; analyse the relationship between study aims and the employed methodology; assess in how much detail methodologies are reported and whether this changed over time. Study area: Europe. Methods: Literature review, classification of studies according to their reported aims and according to the journal scope. Results: Survey methods were reported in greater detail in studies aiming to describe management effects on weed vegetation compared to phytosociological studies. Methods employed in vegetation science and weed science differ in plot sizes, surveyed field parts and the seasonal timing of the survey. Conclusions: We recommend for future weed surveys to record and report on plot size and position relative to field limits, recording date, abundance scale, as well as the crop grown in a field. This information should also be retained when digitising published data and compiling large databases. A data standard should be developed in an interdisciplinary process.
Priorities in journal selection for authors, reviewers, editors, librarians and science funders
Authors: Dengler Jürgen
Published: October 2023

With this Forum contribution I wish to shed light on the problematic developments in scientific publishing resulting from the strong push of science funders towards gold open access (OA). This has given rise to numerous “predatory” journals, that maximise profit at the expense of scientific quality. With a bibliometric analysis in the field of ecology I demonstrate that over the period 2014–2022 the publication numbers in “predatory” OA journals have grown exponentially (+44% annually), while in all other journal types, article numbers were stagnating or even decreasing since a few years. Then I highlight how different OA publication models from society-owned journals to publisher-owned “predatory” journals, differ in the prices authors pay and how the income is split between effective costs, pure profit and money transferred back to science. To help with the recognition of the different journal types, I provide a list journals in the fields of ecology and organismal botany that are owned by academic societies, as well as a list of criteria to recognize “predatory” journals. Authors, reviewers and editors should consider carefully where they submit papers or provide volunteer service. My suggestion is to prioritize society-owned journals, while avoiding cooperation with “predatory” journals. Science funders and libraries have played a major role in the negative developments reviewed in this paper, but at the same time they have the capacity to change the course, mainly by two steps: In the short term they should link the payment of article processing charges (APCs) to strict quality criteria, while in the medium term, they should overcome the gold OA system towards a diamond OA system that would avoid the inflation of low-quality publications and remove barriers not only from readers, but also from authors, while at the same time likely reducing the overall costs.

Abbreviations: APC = article processing charge; AVS = Applied Vegetation Science; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; COVID-19 = Coronavirus disease 2019; DOAJ = Directory of Open Access Journals; JIF = 2-year Journal Impact Factor of the Web of Science; JVS = Journal of Vegetation Science; OA = open access; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey; WoS = Web of Science Core Collection.
Entre africanisation et centralisation : stratégies romaines en Afrique subsaharienne à la fin de l’époque coloniale (années 1930-1950)
Authors: Coquet Édouard
Published: October 2023

Après la Première Guerre mondiale, les stratégies missionnaires en Afrique sont profondément renouvelées. Rome revendique son autorité sur l’organisation missionnaire, promeut une africanisation du clergé et cherche à émanciper les missions à l’égard des puissances européennes. Ces évolutions n’ont de traduction concrète, en Afrique, qu’à partir des années 1930, et s’accélèrent de façon spectaculaire dans les années 1950, à la veille des indépendances.
Aux origines du patriarcat
Authors: Augereau Anne
Published: October 2023

On entend parfois que le patriarcat serait né au Néolithique, près de 5 000 ans avant notre ère. Avant cela, les femmes auraient été libres et puissantes. Les données archéologiques, cependant, mettent en doute cette théorie.
L’émancipation par les arts
Authors: Solages Pascale , Gerez Jean-Claude
Published: October 2023

Avec l’organisation du premier festival féministe en Haïti, le projet Alaso offre aux femmes un moyen d’expression puissant et rassembleur, dans une société foncièrement patriarcale. Entretien avec la coordinatrice du projet.
Le Chili après coup
Authors: de Certeau Michel
Published: October 2023

Il y a cinquante ans, en 1973, un coup d’État faisait basculer le Chili dans la dictature. Quelques semaines après l’événement, l’historien jésuite Michel de Certeau publiait dans nos colonnes un article consacré à l’événement. Extraits.
L’épaulement des forces nucléaires et conventionnelles
Authors: Baudet Olivier , Marty David
Published: October 2023

Apparu une première fois en 2020 lors du discours du président de la République sur la dissuasion, puis repris dans la Revue nationale stratégique 2022 , le terme « d’épaulement » entre forces nucléaires et conventionnelles répond aux pourfendeurs d’une dissuasion qui pourrait être contournée. Cette terminologie illustre une complémentarité historique dont la compréhension s’était érodée après la guerre froide et répond à l’évolution de la conflictualité d’une nouvelle ère stratégique. Elle interroge in fine notre modèle d’armée.
Stratégies de défense par interdiction en milieu sous-marin : du concept à la réalité
Authors: Turret Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2023

Les stratégies de déni d’accès et d’interdiction dans le domaine aérien, connues sous le nom A2/AD , se sont multipliées au début des années 2000 avec la prolifération du couple radar/missile antiaérien. Dans le milieu sous-marin, cette révolution n’a pas encore eu lieu en raison d’un environnement défavorable aux capteurs et effecteurs (performances, communications, intégrité). Le système d’écoute SOSUS a néanmoins permis à la marine américaine de suivre les sous-marins soviétiques pendant plus de 30 ans. Cet article s’interroge sur l’intérêt et la faisabilité de l’ A2/AD dans le milieu sous-marin, en balayant les concepts et les travaux de recherche en cours ainsi que leurs implications pour la Marine nationale.
La mer au chevet de l’Europe de la défense
Authors: Appriou Damien
Published: October 2023

L’analyse de l’environnement stratégique met en évidence le durcissement net des menaces auxquelles l’Europe est, d’ores et déjà, confrontée. La sécurité maritime européenne, dans son format actuel, ne suffira pas à répondre à la violence de ces enjeux. Il convient de mettre en place une organisation permettant à l’Union européenne d’assurer l’ensemble du spectre des missions. Cette ambition, fixée par la Boussole stratégique, est atteignable : d’une sécurité maritime européenne à une réelle défense maritime de l’UE, la mer au service de l’ambition stratégique pour une Europe de la défense !
Graffitis et pratiques concurrentes de l’espace public en Italie à la Libération
Authors: Cirefice Virgile
Published: October 2023

Les graffitis constituent un excellent moyen d’étudier le rapport à l’espace public des différents acteurs à la Libération. Malgré la volonté de faire disparaître des pratiques jugées non légitimes dans une démocratie régulée, les premiers mois de la Libération montrent que celles-ci perdurent, témoignant du legs du Ventennio fasciste. Si l’on observe une nette diminution en 1946 due à une forme d’acculturation républicaine et à l’effort des partis pour discipliner les pratiques de l’espace, la crise de 1947 et les tensions de guerre froide conduisent à un renouveau de la pratique qui témoigne des concurrences pour l’accès à l’espace public, dont l’appropriation devient un des enjeux de la compétition politique.
Du murmure à l’invective : pratiques du graffiti subversif dans l’Italie des années 1970
Authors: Le Quang Grégoire
Published: October 2023

La fin des années 1960 marque une étape essentielle dans la généralisation de l’usage du graffiti contestataire. L’exemple italien montre la déclinaison d’une culture juvénile transnationale qui valorise le graffiti comme moyen d’expression et symbole d’insoumission, mais traduit aussi certaines spécificités. Graffitis et violence sont ainsi étroitement liés, tant l’écriture sur les murs représente à la fois un moyen de s’approprier un espace urbain, et d’intimider l’adversaire. In fine , le graffiti est plurivoque, allant de la provocation humoristique à l’apologie du terrorisme. Il se situe au croisement du geste militant, des enjeux spatiaux et symboliques, et du rapport entretenu à un espace public conçu comme un espace de confrontation.
GeoAcademy: web platform and algorithm for automatic detection and location of geographic coordinates and toponyms in scientific articles
Authors: Cascón Katchadourian Jesús , Rodríguez Domínguez Carlos , Carranza García Francisco , Torres Salinas Daniel
Published: October 2023

The following study relates the qualities and uses of the GeoAcademy Project, a program designed with the aim of geolocating scientific articles automatically, such articles would be found in Scopus, Web of Science, or similar databases. An algorithm has been developed with the intention of capturing geographical coordinates or toponyms contained within the documents in order to perform reliable geolocation. In the methodology, we describe the stages of the project that have been necessary so as to build a sample database concerning the Sierra Nevada (Spain), as well as the development of the algorithm. The technical data regarding the employment of the algorithm on the sample documents and its levels of success are included in the results, as is an explanation of the platform containing web maps which can be utilised to show the texts which have been geolocated. In conclusion we outline the obstacles faced, potential bibliometric uses and the advantages it offers as a reference resource and source of information.
Methodology and Framework for AI-Based Solutions for Special Education
Authors: Meshram Vishal Ambadas , Kumar Santosh , Meshram Vidula V. , Patil Vivek , Patil Kailas , Bewoor Laxmi , Gawande Pravin
Published: October 2023

Special education recognizes limitations of traditional teaching methods in meeting diverse student needs. It empowers individuals through tailored support, specialized instruction, and assistive technologies, unlocking their full potential. Promoting inclusivity, social, and academic growth, it enables fulfilling lives. Integration of AI technology holds promise for enhancing special education's effectiveness and inclusiveness. This chapter presents a comprehensive methodology and framework for AI-based solutions, offering stakeholders a systematic approach to address specific challenges faced by individuals with special needs. By combining data-driven insights and human expertise, this approach revolutionizes special education delivery, empowering individuals to maximize their potential. However, further research and implementation are necessary to validate its effectiveness and scalability in real-world educational settings.
Improving Learning Abilities Using AI-Based Education Systems
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Singh Divya , Vohra Rubeena
Published: October 2023

AI is transforming the traditional education system globally. The traditional education system based on historical paradigms has a very feeble scope for creating an interactive environment for the specialized students. AI is providing an innovative, diverse, and impactful roadmap in education system to improve the teaching-learning experience not only for teachers but also for students with special needs. AI with its interactive tools has improved the overall educational system by creating enormous opportunities for specialized students. AI-assisted tools such as live chatbots, class dictating software, verbal command-based eBooks, adaptive personalized tutors, image-based learning, and many more have accelerated the teaching-learning experience. Implication of these tools in the education system inculcate critical thinking and improve student engagement in the various teaching activities. The authors have reviewed the impact of AI in transforming the educational system from traditional to AI-assisted modern educational systems.
Characterization of a Solar Simulator Using Aluminum Plate as a Thermal Absorber
Authors: Corbita Nelson Jr. , Tan Noel Peter , Lobarbio Camila Flor Y. , Madrio Bradford Pastor , Lawan Edcel Benz
Published: October 2023

Solar energy contributes to the development of various industries involving the energy sector. One of the immediate uses of solar energy is in solar-driven desalination technologies, which gives an impact on the issue of water security and assuring safe water for hard-to-reach communities. However, there are limited studies about solar availability and unpredictability that results in the inefficient performance of solar desalination. The focus of this research is to determine the characteristics of the solar simulator using halogen lamps and aluminum plates as the thermal absorber. This study involves the fabrication and experimentation of a solar simulator using an aluminum metal sheet as a thermal absorber. Halogen lamps were used as artificial sunlight as their source of temperature and solar irradiation. Experimentations are carried out indoors, capable of repetitive performances within defined limits. The actual and simulated data collected such as temperature, solar irradiance, and voltage were compared in this study. Results showed that the simulated data from the simulator is within the acceptable range of values from International Electrotechnical Commission standards. Further improvements in the solar simulator setup involve the improvement of the data gathering tools and automation setup in terms of the design of various angles.
Technological and Heritage Analysis of a Singular Screw Press from the early 19th Century of the Museum of the Royal Factories of Riópar (Spain)
Authors: Sebastián Miguel Ángel , Claver Juan , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo , Trujillo Vilches Francisco Javier , Vera Marta , Galán Aurora
Published: October 2023

Screw presses were machines widely used in various industrial sectors at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, among which the minting of coins stands out. In the Museum of the Royal Factories of Riópar (Albacete, Spain) there is a unique screw press, built in Paris at the beginning of the 19th century by the Delalande. Due to its structure and characteristics, it seems that its drive has been modified on at least two occasions, going from an initial design of a flywheel press with manual operation by several operators to the type of friction spindle with hydraulic wheel drive, for, to from 1940, be operated by an electric motor, as corresponds to its current configuration. Due to its age, characteristics and excellent state of conservation, this press is considered to have an important patrimonial and technological value. In the present work, we will proceed to the study of this screw press and the evolution of its typology throughout the two centuries of its existence. Its digital modeling is also considered, as well as the simulation of its operations. A comparative study of this press will be carried out with others of a similar structure, available at the Museum of the “Real Casa de la Moneda” of Segovia (Spain) and at the Museum “Casa de la Moneda” of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (National Mint and Stamp Factory) in Madrid. Finally, it should be noted that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the creation of these Royal Factories, during the reign of Carlos III.
Manufacture of Highly Environmentally Friendly Composites with Posidonia Oceanica and Poly Lactic Acid Compatibilized by Reactive Extrusion with Peroxide
Authors: Lascano Diego , Quiles-Carrillo Luis , Montanes Néstor , Fenollar Octavio , Boronat Teodomiro
Published: October 2023

Wood-plastic composites were manufactured with Posidonia oceanica (PO) waste and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by injection molding. To increase the interaction between PO/PLA, DCP was added during extrusion (pre-injection process), and different amounts of methyl trans-cinnamate were added to increase the flexibility of the composites. The results showed that the incorporation of PO fibers generated a stress concentration phenomenon that caused a decrease in the impact properties of the composites. Incorporating DCP improved the interaction between the fibers and the matrix and enhanced the plasticizing effect of methyl trans-cinnamate, as FESEM images shown.
Diagnosis of Students' Mathematical Background to Address Manufacturing Courses
Authors: Serrano Julio , Bruscas-Bellido Gracia M. , Benavent-Nácher Sergio , Rosado-Castellano Pedro , Abellán-Nebot Jose V.
Published: October 2023

In the context of engineering studies, and specifically in courses related to manufacturing processes, student must solve practical problems by applying a high variety of knowledge and skills that should have been acquired from previous courses, such as statistics, geometrical and dimensional tolerancing, physics, materials and metallurgy, mathematics, etc. Therefore, it can be expected that the degree of assimilation and retention of knowledge reached at these first-year courses has a relevant influence on the students’ performance in later manufacturing courses. In this sense, during last years the authors have identified many errors in the students’ tests due to the deficient assimilation of basic concepts from previous courses, such as physical concepts (torque, power, energy, etc.) or mathematical concepts (inequalities, use of exponential functions and logarithms, trigonometry, properties of statistical distributions, etc.), among others. In this work, the students’ performance in manufacturing courses and the relationship with their competences in mathematics acquired in previous years are analyzed. For this purpose, the students’ background on these fundamental previous courses is analyzed through a test at the beginning of the semester. The study will be conducted on third-year courses in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and industrial design engineering degrees.
Virtual Modeling of the Brown and Sharpe’s Universal Grinding Machine from 1877
Authors: Trujillo Vilches Francisco Javier , Herrera Fernández Manuel , Bermudo Gamboa Carolina , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

The grinding processes of shaping materials are one of the oldest known. However, the first grinding machine tool did not appear until the beginning of the 19th century. Industries as important as the automobile would not have been possible without its invention. One of the machine tools that made this development possible was the universal grinding machine patented by Joseph R. Brown in 1877. Unfortunately, none of these early machine tools have been preserved and only the patent remains. Therefore, in this work, a virtual model of this first universal grinding machine has been developed by applying reverse engineering techniques. For this purpose, the existing data in the patent and in some machine treatises of that time have been used. Based on this information, the functionality of each of its components have been interpreted and analyzed. Starting from a set of hypotheses, a scaled and parameterized functional 3D model has been developed. Additionally, a kinematic study of the grinding wheel drive system has been carried out. Hence, this digital model ensures the durability of an important piece of the universal industrial heritage. Furthermore, it can be used as a teaching tool for engineering students, showing the operation of a machine tool belonging to a historical context different from the current one, which does not differ substantially in its architecture of modern universal grinding machines.
Last Trends in the Application of the Hybrid Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing in the Aeronautic Industry
Authors: Rabalo M.A. , Garcia-Dominguez Amabel , Rubio Eva María , Marín Marta María , de Agustina Beatriz
Published: October 2023

In recent years, hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing has made its way as a new approach to manufacturing complex parts, with high added value and high requirements, imposed by the leading sectors of the industry, among which the aeronautical industry stands out. This still novel concept combines the additive manufacturing ability to generate parts with complex geometry and the great dimensional, geometric, and surface quality that allows the already mature subtractive manufacturing, and it does so by surpassing the concept of post-processing machining. Thus, the integration of both forms of manufacturing from the design phase of the parts to the final finish seeks to obtain results superior to those of traditional manufacturing methods, paying special attention to reducing waste and saving materials, something of special importance in the case of superalloys used in the aeronautical industry. This work reviews the scientific literature published in recent years and studies the development, current presence and projection of hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing in the aeronautical industry. The processes used, the specific applications, the manufactured parts and the materials used, as well as the advantages and disadvantages compared to other manufacturing processes and the lines of the future both in industry and in the field of research, are addressed.
Guide for the Implementation of Operational Control Procedures in Underwater Cutting and Welding Activities
Authors: Solano José Fco. , Martín-Béjar Sergio , Cañero-Nieto Juan Miguel , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

Professional diving is an occupation that includes a wide spectrum of different activities, but with the same common denominator: its performance underwater. It is carried out in both fresh and salt waters and encompasses such disparate tasks that professional diving is currently present in numerous productive sectors: hydrocarbon extraction, offshore platforms, port maintenance, public works, civil engineering, infrastructure hydraulic, power plants (hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear), shipbuilding, underwater construction, aquaculture, ship and boat salvage, NDT filming and reporting, teaching and training, and scientific research (geological, biological, archaeological, etc.). It is also characterized by being one of the most dangerous professions and presenting very specific risks, derived from the workplace in a hyperbaric environment, combined with to other hazards of the work activity similar to those of the ground workers. The objective of this study is to analyse procedural models based on the UNE_EN_ISO 45001:2018 Standard, applied to the execution of thermal cutting and underwater welding works. In order to carry out this work safely and in the most effective way, it must be systematically analysed, generating procedures and work instructions based on the tasks considered critical, and essential knowledge for all personnel who perform them. Such procedures and instructions should be based on a systematic analysis of the steps taken to perform each task, including the risks involved and the safety measures to be taken to control, reduce or, where appropriate, eliminate them.
Human Needs Evolution and Organizational Development: A Case Study Analysis towards the Fifth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Gallego-García Sergio , García-García Manuel
Published: October 2023

Human needs and motivations depend on the person, on different generations, and on the life cycle period with its past experiences and future expectations. Moreover, the technological development goes along the organizational and human factor development leading to changes in the way of working of past and actual environments. Therefore, how the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution are impacting the human needs and the organizational development is a challenging research and practical gap. Therefore, the research question is how to integrate the human factor in the future organizational environment of the fifth industrial revolution. The paper presents an analysis of different areas impacting the challenge such as: human needs theories, management and leadership development, organizational development along the industrial revolutions, as well as the evolution of the different human generations towards a preliminary evolutionary model based on human needs. Moreover, other factors are analyzed such as the needs of human beings in the environment of influence of the organization as well as the life cycle of the human factor. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the human-machine interaction in different horizons from strategic to operative associated with Industry 4.0 technologies impacting the organizational sustainability and human well-being. For that purpose, a Human Digital Twin (HDT) model is developed with different levels influencing the human decision-making process with the goal to serve the human being to open new ways of working. To sum-up, the analysis and conceptual model presented serve as basis to derive future course of actions at the individual as well as in the organizational level based on the prediction and analysis of potential scenarios with their own risks and opportunities considering the human factor as an active element within the organization supporting new ways of working by considering the dynamic needs and motivations of the interacting agents.
Effect of Reactive Extrusion in Plasticized Polylactide Formulations with Biobased Dibutyl Itaconate
Authors: Ivorra-Martinez Juan , Gomez-Caturla Jaume , Garcia-Sanoguera David , Moreno Virginia , Dominici Franco , Puglia Debora , Torre Luigi
Published: October 2023

The use of plasticizers usually has a beneficial effect on the ductile properties of polymers due to a reduction in the interaction of the polymer chains. As a result of this reduced interaction, there is also a reduction in the tensile strength of the material up to 20.3 MPa. To improve the interaction of polymer and plasticizer without affecting the ductility of the material, and potential migration, a reactive extrusion (REX) process is proposed in this research, by using several organic peroxides in poly(lactide)-dibutyl itaconate (DBI) plasticized formulations. Test specimens are obtained by extrusion and injection moulding and the overall mechanical properties, thermal degradation and biodegradation were measured. The tensile strength increased up to 25.1 MPa and with an elongation above 270%.
Impact of Fallowing on the Emergence of Weed Species, Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Takim F. O. , Affinnih K. O. , Adeyemi J. O.
Published: October 2023

Fallowed uplands dominated by Chromolaena odorata, Hyptis suaveolens, Tithonia diversifolia, Imperata cylindrica and other grasses were selected and their effects on the emergence of associated weed species, the nutrient status of the soil and subsequent maize yield were examined. A survey was conducted to estimate the floristic composition in each field in 2017 and 2018. Five fallowed fields and one arable field were used during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The trial was laid on each field in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replicates. Zero tillage was adopted for the fallow land while the arable field was ploughed, harrowed, and ridged. Weed, soil, and grain yield data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance at P=0.05. The results showed that weed composition and emergence pattern differed marginally among the five fallowed fields. Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria lata and Cyperus rotundus were the most associated weed species. Soils under T. diversifolia and C. odorata were rich in organic carbon and total porosity and low in bulk density with an average return biomass to the soil amounting to 23.18 - 27.18g/m2. The continuously managed arable field showed maize grain yield of 2.72 t/ha compared with fallowed fields dominated by T. diversifolia (2.64 t/ha) and C. odorata (2.38 t/ha). Tithonia diversifolia and C. odorata contributed positively to reducing weed emergence and improving soil nutrients. Small-holder farmers can re-incorporate the tested weed species into the cropping system to reduce herbicide usage and improve maize grain yield in the Nigerian southern Guinea savannah.
Tank Sedimentation, Soil Erosion Simulations and Conservation Interventions of the Sub-catchments in Palugaswewa Tank Cascade System, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kowshayini P. , Nayakekorala H. B. , Pathmarajah S.
Published: October 2023

Tank Cascade Systems (TCS) in the dry zone of Sri Lanka is threatened by soil erosion and high levels of sedimentation. Despite these challenges, the nation lacks studies exploring spatial soil loss variations within TCS contexts. Consequently, this research aimed to assess the sedimentation levels of five tanks and to analyze the spatial distribution of potential soil erosion rates across six selected sub-catchments within the Palugaswewa TCS. By utilizing sediment depth contour maps, the current sedimentation volume for each tank was computed. The study employed the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and geographic information system techniques to evaluate the potential average annual soil erosion rate, considering both existing land use scenarios and conservation interventions. The potential annual sediment yield was calculated using the sediment delivery ratio and potential average annual soil erosion rate. At present, 40 to 50 % of the tank storage capacity has been filled with sediments under existing land use. The potential average annual erosion rates of the sub-catchments of Palugaswewa TCS ranged from 19 t/ha/yr to 44 t/ha/yr. Notably, Sri Lanka's acceptable erosion rate stands below 12 t/ha/yr, rendering the erosion rates within Palugaswewa TCS unsuitable and destructive to sustained land productivity. The sediment delivery ratio varied from 0.18 to 0.9. This study suggests that adapting appropriate conservation measures such as cover cropping and soil contour bunding reduces the potential average annual erosion rate by 8.9 t/ha/yr to 14.5 t/ha/yr in the Palugaswewa sub-catchments.
Myeloid Heterogeneity Mediates Acute Exacerbations of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Larson-Casey Jennifer L , Saleem Komal , Surolia Ranu , Pandey Jyotsana , Mack Matthias , Antony Veena B , Bodduluri Sandeep , Bhatt Surya P , Duncan Steven R , Carter A Brent
Published: October 2023

Epidemiological evidence indicates that exposure to particulate matter is linked to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and increases the incidence of acute exacerbations of IPF. In addition to accelerating the rate of lung function decline, exposure to fine particulate matter (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm [PM2.5]) is a risk factor for increased mortality in subjects with IPF. In this article, we show that exposure to PM2.5 mediates monocyte recruitment and fibrotic progression in mice with established fibrosis. In mice with established fibrosis, bronchoalveolar lavage cells showed monocyte/macrophage heterogeneity after exposure to PM2.5. These cells had a significant inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signature. The mixed heterogeneity of cells contributed to the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory response. Although monocyte-derived macrophages were recruited to the lung in bleomycin-injured mice treated with PM2.5, recruitment of monocytes expressing Ly6Chi to the lung promoted progression of fibrosis, reduced lung aeration on computed tomography, and impacted lung compliance. Ly6Chi monocytes isolated from PM2.5-exposed fibrotic mice showed enhanced expression of proinflammatory markers compared with fibrotic mice exposed to vehicle. Moreover, IPF bronchoalveolar lavage cells treated ex vivo with PM2.5 showed an exaggerated inflammatory response. Targeting Ly6Chi monocyte recruitment inhibited fibrotic progression in mice. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of Ly6Chi monocytes exacerbated established fibrosis. These observations suggest that enhanced recruitment of Ly6Chi monocytes with a proinflammatory phenotype mediates acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis, and targeting these cells may provide a potential novel therapeutic target to protect against acute exacerbations of IPF.
Evaluation of the Ability of AlphaFold to Predict the Three-Dimensional Structures of Antibodies and Epitopes
Authors: Polonsky Ksenia , Pupko Tal , Freund Natalia T
Published: October 2023

Being able to accurately predict the three-dimensional structure of an Ab can facilitate Ab characterization and epitope prediction, with important diagnostic and clinical implications. In this study, we evaluated the ability of AlphaFold to predict the structures of 222 recently published, high-resolution Fab H and L chain structures of Abs from different species directed against different Ags. We show that although the overall Ab prediction quality is in line with the results of CASP14, regions such as the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of the H chain, which are prone to higher variation, are predicted less accurately. Moreover, we discovered that AlphaFold mispredicts the bending angles between the variable and constant domains. To evaluate the ability of AlphaFold to model Ab–Ag interactions based only on sequence, we used AlphaFold-Multimer in combination with ZDOCK to predict the structures of 26 known Ab–Ag complexes. ZDOCK, which was applied on bound components of both the Ab and the Ag, succeeded in assembling 11 complexes, whereas AlphaFold succeeded in predicting only 2 of 26 models, with significant deviations in the docking contacts predicted in the rest of the molecules. Within the 11 complexes that were successfully predicted by ZDOCK, 9 involved short-peptide Ags (18-mer or less), whereas only 2 were complexes of Ab with a full-length protein. Docking of modeled unbound Ab and Ag was unsuccessful. In summary, our study provides important information about the abilities and limitations of using AlphaFold to predict Ab–Ag interactions and suggests areas for possible improvement.
Wildlife Immune Responses to Mycobacterium bovis and to Bacille of Calmette–Guerin
Authors: Boggiatto Paola M , Kanipe Carly R , Putz Ellie J , Olsen Steven C , Palmer Mitchell V
Published: October 2023

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic bacterial disease presenting public health, veterinary, and economic threats around the globe. Although cattle producers rely on regular testing and management practices to minimize domestic herd exposure, wildlife species around the world continue to be the main reservoirs for disease. Wildlife reservoirs for bTB include the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in Great Britain and Ireland, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand, wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Spain, as well as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Spain. Although all reservoir species share the ability to infect cattle, they differ in transmission capability, disease pathogenesis, diagnostic detection, and vaccination strategies. In this review, bTB interactions with these wildlife reservoirs are discussed, illustrating the need to address bTB disease in wildlife hosts to achieve eradication in domestic livestock.
From Snoot to Tail: A Brief Review of Influenza Virus Infection and Immunity in Pigs
Authors: Ma Wenjun , Loving Crystal L , Driver John P
Published: October 2023

Pigs play an important role in influenza A virus (IAV) epidemiology because they support replication of human, avian, and swine origin viruses and act as an IAV reservoir for pigs and other species, including humans. Moreover, novel IAVs with human pandemic potential may be generated in pigs. To minimize the threat of IAVs to human and swine health, it is crucial to understand host defense mechanisms that restrict viral replication and pathology in pigs. In this article, we review IAV strains circulating in the North American swine population, as well as porcine innate and acquired immune responses to IAV, including recent advances achieved through immunological tools developed specifically for swine. Furthermore, we highlight unique aspects of the porcine pulmonary immune system, which warrant consideration when developing vaccines and therapeutics to limit IAV in swine or when using pigs to model human IAV infections.
Kconnect:The Design and Development of Versatile Web Portal for Enhanced Collaboration and Communication
Authors: Gupta Anshula , Vardhan Harsh , Varshney Sakshee , Saxena Shivi , Singh Sandhya , Agarwal Nidhi
Published: October 2023

The design and creation of a web gateway to improve cooperation and communication among campus communities are discussed in this essay. The portal is designed to be flexible and adaptive to various user groups and their unique requirements. The writers discuss the numerous features and functionalities integrated into the portal as well as the user-centered design methodology they utilised to construct it. The site has resources for resource management, event planning, group communication, and information exchange. The writers also go through the difficulties that were experienced during creation and make suggestions for future advancements. Overall, the online portal offers a useful setting for campus communities to communicate and work together.As we all know that pandemic has brought a huge change in everyone’s life and work from home has become THE NEW NORMAL. One of its drawback is the lack of interaction among peers. This hinders the flow of information in the hierarchy. In order to cope up with this problem, we have come up with a solution “KCONNECT” that aspires to bridge the communication gap. KConnect is a networking platform that will help students to connect with each other and gain relevant knowledge about new opportunities regarding career, scholarships, club activities and higher studies. The results of the study show the implementation of a web portal as an effective way to allow students increase connections and stay updated.
Essential Integration of eHRM 4.0 Approach, IT Infrastructure and CEO Support to Support Supply Chain Performance in Small-Scale Logistics Companies
Authors: Mashudi  , Fauziah Luluk , Kurniawati Nurul Imani
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: IT infrastructure resources in large-sized companies have evolved into large-scale intelligent enterprise systems due to the emergence of Big Data, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence technologies.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of eHRM implementation and the availability of IT infrastructure on top management/CEO support and the performance of logistics companies in Semarang city. METHODS: This study uses a quantitative method with an analytical tool using SEM-PLS. The sampling method for this study used a purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 120 samples. RESULTS: IT infrastructure has a significant effect on top management support in logistics companies, the role of eHRM has a significant effect on top management support, the role of eHRM has a significant effect on CEO support, eHRM has a significant effect on company performance, IT infrastructure has a significant effect on company performance, support CEO has a significant effect on company performance, IT infrastructure has a significant effect on company performance, and the role of eHRM has no significant effect on company performance.CONCLUSION: IT Infrastructure and CEO Support influence Supply Chain Performance in Small-Scale Logistics Companies.
Of Butterflies and Viruses
Authors: Alderman Chris
Published: October 2023

At the time of writing this piece, the ASCP Foundation recently struck an important partnership with USA Boxing, #CoachingYouUp. This initiative involves promotion of healthy living, and providing education about and access to vaccines for people who need them most. Using a boxing metaphor, the objective is to “KO” flu and COVID-19. The idea is that pharmacists meet with fans of amateur boxing, as well as their family and friends, at various grassroots events that are sanctioned by USA Boxing. In some ways, there are parallel themes in common with boxing and the endeavor to fight against the impact of infectious diseases that are widespread and potentially impactful for older people.
Биллиарды и интегрируемые системы
Authors: Fomenko Anatoly Timofeevich , Vedyushkina Viktoriya Viktorovna
Published: October 2023

Обзор посвящен классу интегрируемых гамильтоновых систем и классу интегрируемых биллиардов, а также недавним результатам авторов и их учеников по задаче сравнения этих классов с точки зрения послойной гомеоморфности их слоений Лиувилля. Ключевым инструментом здесь оказались введенные В. В. Ведюшкиной биллиарды на кусочно-плоских CW-комплексах - топологические биллиарды и биллиардные книжки. Приведено построение класса эволюционных (силовых) биллиардов, введенных недавно А. Т. Фоменко и позволяющих моделировать систему сразу в нескольких неособых зонах энергии при помощи одного биллиарда, а также его применение для геодезических потоков на двумерных поверхностях и систем механики. Обсуждаются другие интегрируемые обобщения классического биллиарда, включая биллиарды с потенциалами, биллиарды в магнитном поле, биллиарды с проскальзыванием. Биллиардные книжки с потенциалом Гука, склеенные из плоских софокусных или круговых столов, моделируют четырехмерные полулокальные особенности слоений интегрируемых систем, содержащие невырожденные положения равновесия. Рассмотрение пересечения нескольких софокусных квадрик в $\mathbb{R}^n$ приводит к обобщению теоремы Якоби-Шаля.
Библиография: 144 названия.
Плотность квантованных приближений
Authors: Borodin Petr Anatolevich , Shklyaev Konstantin Sergeevich
Published: October 2023

Работа содержит обзор известных и доказательства новых результатов об условиях на множество $M$ в банаховом пространстве $X$, необходимых или достаточных для того, чтобы порождаемая им аддитивная полугруппа $R(M)=\{x_1+…+x_n\colon x_k\in M, n\in {\mathbb N}\}$ была плотна в $X$. Доказывается, в частности, что если $M$ - спрямляемая кривая в равномерно гладком действительном пространстве $X$, не лежащая целиком ни в каком замкнутом полупространстве, то $R(M)$ плотна в $X$. Приводятся известные и новые результаты о приближении наипростейшими дробями (логарифмическими производными многочленов) в различных пространствах функций комплексного переменного. При этом некоторые из известных теорем, в частности, теорема Кореваара, выводятся из новых общих результатов о плотности полугруппы. Исследуются также приближения естественным обобщением наипростейших дробей - суммами сдвигов одной функции.
Библиография: 79 названий.
Application of fiber optic sensors using Machine Learning algorithms for temperature measurement of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cierpiak Kacper , Szczerska Marta , Wierzba Pawel
Published: October 2023

Optical fiber sensors using low-coherence interferometry require processing of the output spectrum or interferogram to determine the instantaneous value of the measured quantity, such as temperature, quickly and accurately. Methods based on machine learning are a good candidate for this application. The application of four such methods in an optical fiber sensor of temperature is demonstrated. Using a ZnO-coated sensing interferometer and spectral detection, the sensor is intended for monitoring lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. While the performance of all methods was good, some of them seem to be better suited for this application. Full Text: PDF References

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Making use of Digital Image Correlation to identify the true character of the applied load
Authors: Styk Adam , Świder Stanisław , Semenov Sergei
Published: October 2023

Digital Image Correlation became one of the dominant optical full-field techniques used in experimental mechanics. It does not require sophisticated equipment to evaluate the full displacement vector field of the specimen under test with great accuracy. In this paper, we would like to put the reader's attention to the DIC technique as a solution that may identify the genuine character of the load applied to the object under test. Our experience with testing wind turbine blades using DIC proves that possibility. Full Text: PDF References

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Embedding phylogenetic trees in networks of low treewidth
Authors: van Iersel Leo , Jones Mark , Weller Mathias
Published: October 2023

Given a rooted, binary phylogenetic network and a rooted, binary phylogenetic
tree, can the tree be embedded into the network? This problem, called
\textsc{Tree Containment}, arises when validating networks constructed by
phylogenetic inference methods.We present the first algorithm for (rooted)
\textsc{Tree Containment} using the treewidth $t$ of the input network $N$ as
parameter, showing that the problem can be solved in $2^{O(t^2)}\cdot|N|$ time
and space.