bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pallet Distribution Affecting a Machine’s Utilization Level and Picking Time
Authors: Mukherjee Taniya , Sangal Isha , Sarkar Biswajit , Alkadash Tamer M. , Almaamari Qais
Published: July 2023

Space and labor are the two internal resources within a warehouse or cross-dock center which seek attention. Meaningful efforts in optimizing these two resources can reduce the operational cost or time of the goods delivery. The timely allocation of resources to order picking not only reduces the makespan and operational time but can also evade delay. In decentralized settings, where all the information is not properly shared between the players of the supply chain, miscommunication results in delays in product delivery. In this study, efforts were made to determine the pallet quantity of different product types in an order quantify when there is a gap in information shared and, based on that, the allocation of material handling devices or pickers was conducted. Each handling device is bounded by a workload to eliminate the option of idle resources and ensure it is utilized properly. A mixed integer linear programming model was formulated for this study and was solved using Lingo. Numerical experiments were performed under varying resource numbers and pallet quantities to investigate the circumstances where the number of pallet types and allocation of machines have the highest benefit. The results confirm that a change in the pallet quantity of the products increases the total picking time. However, an increase in the number of handling devices minimizes the level of over-utilization of a particular machine.
Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Present in Urban Rats in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Bedoya-Pérez Miguel A. , Westman Mark E. , Loomes Max , Chung Nga Yee Natalie , Knobel Benjamin , Ward Michael P.
Published: July 2023

Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City of Sydney Council area and their kidneys were tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by real-time (q)PCR. A subset of rats also had qPCR testing performed on whole blood and urine, and Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) that included a panel of 10 Leptospira serovars from nine different Leptospira serogroups was performed on a subset of serum samples. Based on qPCR testing, the proportion of rats with Leptospira DNA in their kidneys was 9/111 (8.1%). qPCR testing of blood samples (n = 9) and urine (n = 4) was negative. None of the 10 serum samples tested MAT positive. A primary cluster of qPCR-positive locations was detected based on six infected rats, which partially overlapped with a previously identified cluster of canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney. These findings suggest that rats in Sydney might play a role in the transmission of leptospirosis to dogs and people. Further testing of rats in Sydney and investigation into other possible wildlife reservoirs of infection and environmental sources of leptospires are needed.
The Role of Osmolytes and Membrane Lipids in the Adaptation of Acidophilic Fungi
Authors: Ianutsevich Elena A. , Danilova Olga A. , Grum-Grzhimaylo Olga A. , Tereshina Vera M.
Published: July 2023

Acidophiles maintain near-neutral intracellular pH using proton pumps. We have suggested the protective role of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the adaptation to an acidic environment. Previously we have observed, for the first time, high levels of trehalose in acidophilic basidiomycete Sistotrema brinkmannii. Here, we have studied the composition of both osmolytes and membrane lipids of two more acidophilic fungi. Trehalose and polyols were among the main osmolytes during growth under optimal conditions (pH 4.0) in basidiomycete Phlebiopsis gigantea and ascomycete Mollisia sp. Phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylcholines, and sterols, were predominant membrane lipids in both fungi. P. gigantea had a narrow optimum of growth at pH 4.0, resulting in a sharp decline of growth rate at pH 2.6 and 5.0, accompanied by a decrease in the number of osmolytes and significant changes in the composition of membrane lipids. In contrast, Mollisia sp. had a broad optimal growth range (pH 3.0–5.0), and the number of osmolytes either stayed the same (at pH 6.0) or increased (at pH 2.6), while membrane lipids composition remained unchanged. Thus, the data obtained indicate the participation of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the adaptation of acidophilic fungi.
Aspergillus niger Fermentation Broth Promotes Maize Germination and Alleviates Low Phosphorus Stress
Authors: Tian Maoxian , Zhang Changhui , Zhang Zhi , Jiang Tao , Hu Xiaolan , Qiu Hongbo , Li Zhu
Published: July 2023

Aspergillus niger is a type of soil fungus with the ability to dissolve insoluble phosphate and secrete organic metabolites such as citric acid. However, whether cell-free Aspergillus niger fermentation broth (AFB) promotes maize growth and alleviates low-phosphorus stress has not been reported. In this study, we explored their relationship through a hydroponics system. The results indicated that either too low or too high concentrations of AFB may inhibit seed germination potential and germination rate. Under low phosphorus conditions, all physiological indexes (biomass, soluble sugar content, root length, etc.) increased after AFB was applied. A qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of the EXPB4 and KRP1 genes, which are involved in root development, was upregulated, while the expression of the CAT2 and SOD9 genes, which are keys to the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, was downregulated. The expression of LOX3, a key gene in lipid peroxidation, was down-regulated, consistent with changes in the corresponding enzyme activity. These results indicate that the application of AFB may alleviate the oxidative stress in maize seedlings, reduce the oxidative damage caused by low P stress, and enhance the resistance to low P stress in maize seedlings. In addition, it reveals the potential of A. niger to promote growth and provides new avenues for research on beneficial plant-fungal interactions.
Clostridioides difficile in Pigs and Dairy Cattle in Northern Italy: Prevalence, Characterization and Comparison between Animal and Human Strains
Authors: Spigaglia Patrizia , Barbanti Fabrizio , Faccini Silvia , Vescovi Mariella , Criscuolo Enrico Maria , Ceruti Rossella , Gaspano Clara , Rosignoli Carlo
Published: July 2023

It has been observed that novel strains of Clostridioides difficile can rapidly emerge and move between animal and human hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of C. difficile in pigs and dairy cattle in northern Italy and to characterize and compare C. difficile animal strains with those from patients from the same geographical area. The C. difficile strains were isolated from animals from farms and slaughterhouses (cross-sectional studies) and from neonatal animals with enteric disorders in routine diagnostic investigations (passive surveillance). Samples positive for C. difficile were found in 87% of the pig farms and in 40% of the cattle farms involved in the cross-sectional studies, with a 20% prevalence among suckling piglets and 6.7% prevalence in neonatal calves, with no significant difference between animals with and without diarrheal symptoms. The prevalence of C. difficile in older animal categories was significantly lower. This result suggests that young age is an important risk factor for C. difficile colonization. In cross-sectional studies at slaughterhouses, in both the heavy pigs and dairy cows examined, only 2% of the intestinal content samples were positive for C. difficile and no contamination was found on the surface of the carcasses. Considering passive surveillance, the prevalence rates of positive samples were 29% in piglets and 1.4% in calves. Overall, 267 strains of animal origin and 97 from humans were collected. In total, 39 ribotypes (RTs) were identified, with RT 078 and RT 018 being predominant among animals and humans, respectively. Several RTs overlapped between animals and patients. In particular, RT 569 was identified as an emergent type in our country. Resistance to erythromycin and moxifloxacin was widely diffused among C. difficile strains, regardless of origin. This study supports C. difficile as a pathogen of one-health importance and highlights the need for a collaborative approach between physicians and veterinarians to control and prevent infections that are able to cross species and geographical barriers.
The Impact of Copper Ions on the Activity of Antibiotic Drugs
Authors: Božić Cvijan Bojana , Korać Jačić Jelena , Bajčetić Milica
Published: July 2023

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal and its concentration in body plasma is tightly regulated. An increase in Cu concentration in body fluids is observed in numerous pathological conditions, including infections caused by microorganisms. Evidence shows that Cu ions can impact the activity of antibiotics by increasing efficiency or diminishing/neutralizing antibiotic activity, forming complexes which may lead to antibiotic structure degradation. Herein, we represent the evidence available on Cu–antibiotic interactions and their possible impact on antimicrobial therapy efficiency. So far, in vitro studies described interactions between Cu ions and the majority of antibiotics in clinical use: penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, isoniazid, metronidazole. In vitro-described degradation or lower antimicrobial activity of amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefaclor, ceftriaxone, and meropenem in the presence of Cu ions suggest caution when using prescribed antibiotics in patients with altered Cu levels. On the other hand, several Cu-dependent compounds with antibacterial activity including the drug-resistant bacteria were discovered, such as thiosemicarbazones, disulfiram, dithiocarbamates, 8-hydroxiquinoline, phenanthrolines, pyrithione. Having in mind that the development of new antibiotics is already marked as inadequate and does not meet global needs, the potential of Cu–antibiotic interactions to change the efficiency of antimicrobial therapy requires further investigation.
Exploring the Molecular Basis of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pathogenesis in Swine: Insights from Expression Profiling of Primary Macrophages Infected with M51R Mutant Virus
Authors: Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Medina Gisselle N. , Valdez Federico , Zarate Selene , Collinson Shannon , Zhu James J. , Rodriguez Luis L.
Published: July 2023

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an emergent virus affecting livestock in the US. Previously, using a recombinant VSV carrying the M51R mutation in the matrix protein (rNJ0612NME6-M51R), we evaluated the pathogenesis of this virus in pigs. Our results indicated that rNJ0612NME6-M51R represented an attenuated phenotype in in-vivo and in ex-vivo in pig macrophages, resembling certain clinical features observed in field VSV isolates. In order to gain more insight into the molecular basis leading to the attenuation of rNJ0612NME6-M51R in pigs, we conducted a microarray analysis to assess the gene expression profiles of primary porcine macrophages infected with rNJ0612NME6-M51R compared to its parental virus (rNJ0612NME6). Our results showed an overall higher gene expression in macrophages infected with rNJ0612NME6-M51R. Specifically, we observed that the pathways related with immune cytokine signaling and interferon (IFN)-related responses (including activation, signaling, induction, and antiviral mechanisms) were the ones comprising most of the relevant genes identified during this study. Collectively, the results presented herein highlight the relevance of type I interferon during the pathogenesis of VSV in pigs. The information generated from this study may represent a framework for future studies intended to understand the molecular bases of the pathogenesis of field strains in livestock.
A Systematic Meta-Analysis of Global Sarcocystis Infection in Sheep and Goats
Authors: Feng Ying , Guo Ruiying , Sang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Meiqi , Li Xiang , Yang Na , Jiang Tiantian
Published: July 2023

Sarcocystosis is an intracellular parasitic disease caused by Sarcocystis spp. that has a worldwide prevalence. Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea and muscle pain. The disease poses a threat to the health of animals. The aim of this review is to investigate the global prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in sheep and goats during 2013–2022. We searched five databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 36 articles containing 44 datasets met the criteria and were included in the study. The total infection rates of Sarcocystis in sheep and goats were 66.3% (95% CI, 51.79–79.38%) and 52.1% (95% CI, 29.45–74.23%), respectively. It was found that Sarcocystis species tend to have a host species preference. Coinfection of S. tenella and S. arieticanis often occurred in sheep, and goats were frequently infected with S. capracanis. Age and sex were identified as risk factors for Sarcocystis infection in sheep and goats. The infection rates of female and male animals were significantly different, with females having a higher infection rate. Age-adjusted analysis showed that infection rates in animals older than one year were higher than in animals younger than one year. This study unveiled the global distribution of Sarcocystis and sheds light on its transmission in sheep and goats.
High Light Efficiency Spectral Polarization Imaging Method Based on Mach–Zehnder Structured Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters and Variable Retarders
Authors: Chen Lixin , Zhang Shiyuan , Zheng Wenbin , Yao Lishuang
Published: July 2023

Liquid crystal tunable filters (LCTFs) are extensively used in hyperspectral imaging systems to obtain spectral information of target scenes. However, a typical LCTF can only filter linearly polarized light, greatly reducing the transmittance of the system and limiting its application in spectral and polarization imaging. In this paper, a spectropolarimeter using Mach–Zehnder structured LCTFs (MZ-LCTFs) combined with liquid crystal variable retarders (LCVRs) is proposed. The polarized beam splitter (PBS) can make full use of the two polarization components of the incident light to improve the transmittance of the system. Specifically, the results show that the mean pixel intensity (MPI) of spectral images is improved by 93.48% compared to a typical LCTF. Subsequently, the average signal to noise ratio (SNR) of filtered and unfiltered images when simultaneously using polarization S and P channels is increased by 2.59 dB compared to a single channel. In addition, the average Standard Deviations (STDs) of DoLP and DoCP are 0.016 and 0.018, respectively. The proposed method has the potential to be applied to obtain polarization information with high optical efficiency and a full spectrum in a wide band.
Current Status of the Novel 3D SuperFGD Detector for the T2K Experiment
Authors: Dergacheva Anna , Chernov Denis , Chvirova Angelina , Erofeev Gleb , Fedorova Daria , Fedotov Sergei , Khabibullin Marat , Khotjantsev Alexei , Kudenko Yury , Mefodiev Alexander , Mineev Oleg , Yershov Nikolai
Published: July 2023

This paper is devoted to the current status of the novel fully active 3D (three-dimensional) fine-grained scintillator detector SuperFGD as a main part of the near off-axis detector upgrade program for the T2K experiment. The following important components related to the SuperFGD such as SuperFGD electronics and mechanics, wavelength shifting (WLS) fibers, and light emitting diode (LED) calibration system are also discussed here as well as the detector’s near future.
The Levels of DAHP Synthase, the First Enzyme of the Shikimate Pathway, Are Related to Free Aromatic Amino Acids and Glutamine Content in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Cell Cultures
Authors: Forlani Giuseppe , Giberti Samuele , Doria Enrico
Published: July 2023

Aromatic amino acid homeostasis was investigated in cell suspension cultures of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and was related to the activity of the first enzyme in aromatic biosynthesis, 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase. An inverse relationship was found between the intracellular content of free phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan and enzyme specific activity levels, suggesting the occurrence of end-product control mechanisms. Two DAHP synthase isogenes are present in wild tobacco that showed a different expression pattern during the culture growth cycle. Intracellular levels of aromatic amino acids were increased or decreased by adding the culture medium with phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, or with sublethal doses of the shikimate pathway inhibitor glyphosate, respectively. As a consequence, enzyme levels varied in the opposite direction. The concomitant exogenous supply of glutamine further reduced enzyme activity in mid-log cells, suggesting induction by both aromatic amino acid depletion and nitrogen starvation.
Integrated Characterization of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Pectin Methylesterase (MePME) Genes to Filter Candidate Gene Responses to Multiple Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Wang Shijia , Li Ruimei , Zhou Yangjiao , Fernie Alisdair R. , Ding Zhongping , Zhou Qin , Che Yannian , Yao Yuan , Liu Jiao , Wang Yajie , Hu Xinwen , Guo Jianchun
Published: July 2023

Plant pectin methylesterases (PMEs) play crucial roles in regulating cell wall modification and response to various stresses. Members of the PME family have been found in several crops, but there is a lack of research into their presence in cassava (Manihot esculent), which is an important crop for world food security. In this research, 89 MePME genes were identified in cassava that were separated into two types (type-Ⅰ and type-Ⅱ) according to the existence or absence of a pro-region (PMEI domain). The MePME gene members were unevenly located on 17 chromosomes, with 19 gene pairs being identified that most likely arose via duplication events. The MePMEs could be divided into ten sub-groups in type-Ⅰ and five sub-groups in type-Ⅱ. The motif analysis revealed 11 conserved motifs in type-Ⅰ and 8 in type-Ⅱ MePMEs. The number of introns in the CDS region of type-Ⅰ MePMEs ranged between one and two, and the number of introns in type-Ⅱ MePMEs ranged between one and nine. There were 21 type-Ⅰ and 31 type-Ⅱ MePMEs that contained signal peptides. Most of the type-Ⅰ MePMEs had two conserved “RK/RLL” and one “FPSWVS” domain between the pro-region and the PME domain. Multiple stress-, hormone- and tissue-specific-related cis-acting regulatory elements were identified in the promoter regions of MePME genes. A total of five co-expressed genes (MePME1, MePME2, MePME27, MePME65 and MePME82) were filtered from different abiotic stresses via the use of UpSet Venn diagrams. The gene expression pattern analysis revealed that the expression of MePME1 was positively correlated with the degree of cassava postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). The expression of this gene was also significantly upregulated by 7% PEG and 14 °C low-temperature stress, but slightly downregulated by ABA treatment. The tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that MePME1 and MePME65 generally displayed higher expression levels in most tissues than the other co-expressed genes. In this study, we obtain an in-depth understanding of the cassava PME gene family, suggesting that MePME1 could be a candidate gene associated with multiple abiotic tolerance.
From Antibodies to Crystals: Understanding the Structure of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Related Proteins
Authors: McEwan Iain J.
Published: July 2023

The steroid/thyroid hormone or nuclear receptor superfamily is quickly approaching its 40th anniversary. During this period, we have seen tremendous progress being made in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of these physiologically important proteins in the field of health and disease. Critical to this has been the insight provided by ever more detailed structural examination of nuclear receptor proteins and the complexes they are responsible for assembling on DNA. In this article, I will focus on the contributions made by Jan-Åke Gustafsson and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and, more recently, the University of Houston (USA), to this area of nuclear receptor research.
A Comparative Study on Meat Quality Characteristics of Murrah Buffalo and Nellore Cattle Commercialized in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Andrade Bruna Fernandes , Rodrigues Lorena Mendes , De Paula Luiza Maria Amaral Frossard , Torres Filho Robledo de Almeida , Fontes Paulo Rogério , Ramos Eduardo Mendes , Ramos Alcinéia de Lemos Souza
Published: July 2023

Murrah buffalo and Nellore cattle meat commercialized in Southeastern Brazil were evaluated during aging. Ribeye steaks (Longissimus thoracis muscle) were analyzed during four wet aging times (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) stored at 2 ± 1 °C. The water holding capacity (WHC) decreased (p < 0.05) during aging (0.41 to 0.28), with buffalo meat having (p < 0.05) lower pH and a higher WHC than beef. Lower myofibrillar fragmentation index and shear force (WBsSF) values were observed (p < 0.05) in buffalo meat. Soluble collagen content increased (p < 0.05) during aging, with lower (p < 0.05) values in buffalo meat. Buffalo meat had (p < 0.05) higher metmyoglobin percentages, being darker (lower L* values) and with a higher red color intensity (higher C* values) than beef. There was a difference between buffalo meat and beef volatile compound profiles, with greater variation in the beef profile during aging, probably due to differences in lipid oxidation and proteolysis. It can be concluded that buffalo meat is very similar to that of Zebu cattle, with less variation during aging and greater tenderness than beef. Therefore, buffalo meat is a good alternative source for fresh marketing and processing of high-quality meat products.
Advances in Cork Use in Adsorption Applications: An Overview of the Last Decade of Research
Authors: Jesus João , Nunes da Silva Raquel , Pintor Ariana
Published: July 2023

Cork-based adsorbents have been gathering interest from the research community since the 1990s. A first review was published on this topic in 2012. Still, in the last decade, novel activated carbons and biochars, in multiple applications, have been produced using cork as a raw material. This review presents these novel insights into the properties of cork, in its various forms, and how they relate to adsorption capacity. Details on new preparation methodologies and respective characteristics of cork-based activated carbons and biochars are thoroughly compared, and patterns are identified. Finally, the adsorption capacity of these materials in experimental conditions is reviewed for different compounds: heavy metals, organics, and gaseous pollutants. This review provides a complete picture of the kind and quality of different cork forms, their relative economic value, and how their conversion into activated carbons and biochars can contribute to a more circular economy by producing adsorbents that aid in the reduction of multiple pollution types.
TxMirror: When the Dynamic EVM Stack Meets Transactions for Smart Contract Vulnerability Detection
Authors: Yu Rongwei , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Yong , Liu Chen
Published: July 2023

Smart contract vulnerability can be exploited to cause serious financial loss. While there are many logic-based techniques for detecting vulnerabilities, few have focused on the dynamic stack of the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) in the process of transactions. This motivates us to raise an intriguing question: What will happen when the dynamic EVM stack meets a transaction for smart contract vulnerability detection? To answer it, we propose a novel data-driven framework, dubbed TxMirror, to detect smart contract vulnerability at the bytecode level by simulating transactions symmetrically. Beyond logic-based wisdom, TxMirror customizes EVM for smart contract vulnerability detection, and stores its dependency between the stack data and logic relation in a new manner, that is, all the data are stored in a double link forest and can index the logic that creates them; it directly inspects customized EVM stack data in a transaction without replaying history transactions repeatedly or recording EVM bytecode-level traces. Furthermore, it extends detection rules defined by user interests, possessing good adaptability for developers. Extensive experiments demonstrate that TxMirror effectively detects attacks and vulnerabilities in unpredictable smart contracts.
Digitalization in the Human Capital Management
Authors: Štaffenová Nikola , Kucharčíková Alžbeta
Published: July 2023

Countries of the EU are trying to create a single digital market. Therefore, this article aims to evaluate the current situation in the field of readiness of economic entities in Slovakia for challenges in the field of human capital management (HCM) when implementing digital technologies in their processes and to propose recommendations regarding the implementation of digital technologies. We used basic scientific methods and calculated Cronbach’s alpha, descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test to detect dependencies between variables. This article processes data from a questionnaire survey completed by managers or owners of economic entities in Slovakia. In 2020, we received answers from 905 respondents, and in 2021, our sample consisted of 561 respondents. We found that among the most used is digitalization in the field of GDPR and not the use of a personnel information system (HRIS). The assumptions that the size of the entity and the prevailing ownership influence the use of digital technologies were also confirmed. The article’s originality lies in the topicality of the examined issue and the extensive questionnaire survey spanning two years. It follows from the findings from previous articles, which pointed to the extremely low values of Slovakia within the DESI index.
Keystroke Dynamics as a Language Profiling Tool: Identifying Mother Tongue of Unknown Internet Users
Authors: Tsimperidis Ioannis , Grunova Denitsa , Roy Soumen , Moussiades Lefteris
Published: July 2023

Understanding the distinct characteristics of unidentified Internet users is helpful in various contexts, including digital forensics, targeted advertising, and user interaction with services and systems. Keystroke dynamics (KD) enables the analysis of data derived from a user’s typing behaviour on a keyboard as one approach to obtain such information. This study conducted experiments on a developed dataset that recorded samples of typing in five different mother tongues to determine Internet users’ mother tongue. Based on only a few KD features and machine learning techniques, 82% accuracy was achieved in recognising an unknown user’s mother tongue. This research highlights the potential for KD as a reliable method for identifying the mother tongue of Internet users, with implications for various applications such as improving digital forensic investigations, targeted advertising strategies, and optimising user experiences with online services.
Multiscale Methods Framework with the 3D-RISM-KH Molecular Solvation Theory for Supramolecular Structures, Nanomaterials, and Biomolecules: Where Are We Going?
Authors: Roy Dipankar , Kovalenko Andriy
Published: July 2023

3D-RISM-KH molecular solvation theory based on statistical mechanics has been an engine of the multiscale methods framework, which also includes molecular simulation techniques. Its applications range from the solvation energy of small molecules to the phase behavior of polymers and biomolecules. Molecular solvation theory predicts and explains the molecular mechanisms and functioning of a variety of chemical and biomolecular systems. This includes the self-assembly and conformational stability of synthetic organic rosette nanotubes (RNTs), the aggregation of peptides and proteins related to neurodegeneration, the binding of ligands to proteins, and the solvation properties of biomolecules related to their functions. The replica RISM-KH-VM molecular solvation theory predicts and explains the structure, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry of electrolyte solutions sorbed in nanoporous carbon supercapacitor electrodes, and is part of recent research and development efforts. A new quasidynamics protocol couples multiple time step molecular dynamics (MTS-MD) stabilized with an optimized isokinetic Nosé–Hoover (OIN) thermostat driven by 3D-RISM-KH mean solvation forces at gigantic outer time steps of picoseconds, which are extrapolated forward at short inner time steps of femtoseconds with generalized solvation force extrapolation (GSFE). The OIN/3D-RISM-KH/GSFE quasidynamics is implemented in the Amber Molecular Dynamics package. It is validated on miniprotein 1L2Y and protein G in ambient aqueous solution, and shows the rate of sampling 150 times faster than in standard MD simulations on these biomolecules in explicit water. The self-consistent field version of Kohn–Sham DFT in 3D-RISM-KH mean solvation forces is implemented in the Amsterdam Density Functional (ADF) package. Its applications range from solvation thermochemistry, conformational equilibria, and photochemistry to activation barriers of different nanosystems in solutions and ionic liquids.
Risk Threshold and Assessment of Chloramphenicol Antibiotics in Sediment in the Fenhe River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Linfang , Dang Dexuan , Cao Leiping , Wang Huiyan , Liu Ruimin
Published: July 2023

Chloramphenicol antibiotics (CAs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics which are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry breeding. However, overused CAs can enter the watershed and eventually enter the sediment. Antibiotics in sediment can cause secondary pollution through disturbance and suspension. In this study, taking the Fenhe River Basin as the research area, the risk of CAs in sediment were assessed by collecting sediment samples. The results showed that CAs were detected in all sediment samples of the Fenhe River Basin. The mean concentration of CAs was 79.1 μg/kg, and the concentration of thiamphenicol (THI) was dominant, which was up to 58.3 μg/kg. Temporally, there are great differences in different seasons; the concentration of CAs was higher in winter than that in summer, up to 4.79–174 times. Spatially, the mean concentration of CAs in midstream was 83.5 μg/kg, which was higher than that in the upstream and downstream. The concentration of CAs in tributaries were generally higher than that in the main stream, and the mean concentration of tributaries was 1.1 times that of the main stream. CAs in S2 (Lanhe River) was the most prominent among all sample sites; the concentration of CAs was 190.8 μg/kg. The risk threshold of CAs in the sediment was calculated using the Equilibrium Partitioning approach (EqP), based on the distribution coefficient (Kp) and the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) in the water, and the values were 0.091–1.44 mg/kg. Based on the risk threshold, the ecological risk of the CAs in sediment was assessed using risk quotients (RQ). The results showed that the Chloramphenicol (CHL) was the most prominent in the Fenhe River Basin, and the proportion of medium-risk areas reached 21.7%, while all the other areas showed low risk. Secondly, the proportion of medium-risk areas was 17.4% for THI, and all the other areas showed low risk. The risk for Florfenicol (FF) was least among all CAs, and the proportion of low-risk areas was only 8.7%, while all the other areas were of insignificant risk.
Knowledge, Perception, and Acceptance of HPV Vaccination and Screening for Cervical Cancer among Saudi Females: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rezq Khulud Ahmad , Algamdi Maadiah , Alanazi Raghad , Alanazi Sarah , Alhujairy Fatmah , Albalawi Radwa , Al-Zamaa Wafa
Published: July 2023

Cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the eighth most prevalent malignancy in Saudi Arabian women of all ages. This cross-sectional study intends to assess women’s knowledge, perceptions, and acceptance concerning HPV vaccination and CC screening in Saudi Arabia as well as the contributing variables to women’s screening and vaccine acceptability. Data were collected between 1 April 2023 and 30 May 2023 through online questionnaires. Out of 421 responses, 70% of the studied sample had fair knowledge, and 30% had good knowledge related to cervical cancer screening and vaccine. Only 1.9% of the participants had a positive perception, while 41% of the participants had a negative perception toward cervical cancer screening and vaccine. A total of 38% of the participants were fearful of the side effects of the vaccine, while 22.2% doubted the effectiveness of the vaccine. Acceptance was much better correlated with perception (Rho = 0.47) than with knowledge (Rho = 0.177). However, this correlation remains weak. We conclude that Saudi women still have a poor understanding or impression of cervical cancer and prevention methods. Fear of the vaccination’s negative effects and skepticism about the effectiveness of the vaccine/screening have recently been the most often-mentioned hurdles to vaccine uptake.
A Comprehensive Review of the Incorporation of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy Distributed Generation Regarding Smart Grids
Authors: Ntombela Mlungisi , Musasa Kabeya , Moloi Katleho
Published: July 2023

Power grids of the future will likely incorporate more renewable energy distributed generation (REDG), also known as alternative energy systems. REDG units are increasingly being used in electrical transmission networks because of the positive effects they have on power networks. REDG systems are the backbone of smart electric networks and are essential to the operation of the smart grid. These REDG systems can additionally improve system reliability by providing some customers with a backup generator in the event of power interruptions. This review offers a thorough evaluation of the existing body of information on the topic of electric vehicles’ (EVs’) future interactions with smart grids. The combination of the potential deployment of EVs and the smart grid’s conceptual goal presents challenges for electric grid-related infra-structure, communication, and control. The proposal for connecting EVs to the grid is based on research into cutting-edge smart metering and communication systems. In the context of the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) phenomenon, the possibilities, benefits, and limitations of various EV smart-charging systems are also fully examined. A quickly growing percentage of distributed energy is derived from wind and solar (photovoltaic) energy. The variable power output of wind and solar energy introduces fresh challenges for those responsible for organizing, operating, and controlling the power grid. While fluctuations in the electric grid are problematic, they may be mitigated by the entry of EVs into the energy market. As such, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature to learn more about this exciting research gap that needs to be filled and to identify recently developed solutions to the problems related to EVs. Additionally, in this review article, we take a close look at the practicality of V2G technology. The smart grid is a developing concept that will likely have large implications for the world’s energy infrastructure, and this study thoroughly analyzes how EVs interact with it.
Black Sound, Sonic Emotion, and Racist Violence in Lovecraft Country
Authors: HAWSON Kirsten Catriona
Published: July 2023

This article addresses race and inequality through the horror sci-fi genre and the musical landscape of two episodes of Misha Green’s TV series Lovecraft Country (2020). Moral responsibilities are mediated throughout the series via sonic culture; through analysis of the series’ aurality, focus is on the sonic reimagining and resignifying of two episodes: Episode One (E1) “Sundown” and Episode Five (E5) “Strange Case.” The unique blend of sci-fi and Cthulhu Mythos adds an additional layer of horror when situated against the backdrop of the racial realities of African Americans in the 1950s and guides the viewer to experience the familiar horror trope by disrupting the ways we experience sound in TV viewing. The soundtrack produces and thematises different sonic emotions and the result is a 21st-century representation of the 1950s: one that reframes racial inequalities of the time for contemporary sensibilities, while actively using the past as raw material for a new present. In this analysis of historical injustices of Black culture through sonic emotion, this article provides a demonstration on how Lovecraft Country engages with race, gender, and sonic culture while embracing the rich tapestry of Black sound by disrupting narratives, challenging racial temporalities, and inviting change.
Riesgo de crédito de consumo e índice de morosidad en el segmento 1 de las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito
Authors: Paredes Malla María Verónica
Published: July 2023

El riesgo de otorgar un crédito se genera en el análisis del cliente de acuerdo con las políticas establecidas por cada entidad financiera, para desarrollar esta investigación se toman datos históricos del crédito de consumo otorgados por las cooperativas que pertenecen al segmento 1, durante el 2016 al 2019 en la ciudad de Loja, estos datos se encuentran en la página del Banco Central del Ecuador y la Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria (SEPS), que es el ente regulador de las Cooperativas. En la aplicación y análisis de datos se aplica el valor en riesgos (VAR) para medir en términos porcentuales la pérdida máxima esperada que podrían soportar las cooperativas en caso de que hubiese incumplimiento de pago de los créditos, este cálculo es relevante para la toma de decisiones oportunas, consecuentemente se realiza un análisis del indicador de morosidad de todos los años de estudio, para conocer detalladamente su porcentaje año a año y como ha sido su fluctuación, donde la mayor concentración se da en la cartera de consumo prioritario con el 6.3 por ciento.
Tipos de preferencias hacia el turismo cultural
Authors: Betancourt Ludeña Karen Lisbeth
Published: July 2023

El turismo cultural es una actividad que está siendo considerada con interés en la gestión de los territorios al brindar una oportunidad diferente y creativa para su desarrollo socio-económico. Este estudio exploratorio tiene como objetivo conocer las preferencias que surgen hacia el turismo cultural, a partir de lo cual se sugiere una tipología de ellas. Además, se discuten alternativas para poner en valor los recursos culturales con base en el turismo que permitan aprovechar su potencial para una recuperación de este sector. Se aplicó una metodología de carácter teórico y conceptual gracias a una revisión bibliográfica y documental referente a la dinámica del turismo cultural. Se utilizó el benchmarking para analizar estas tendencias culturales tomando como caso de estudio a la ciudad de Loja. Finalmente, los resultados concluyeron que existen cuatro tipos de preferencias acorde a la literatura: intención, visita, serendipia y ocio cultural, cuyo análisis contribuye a una mejor gestión de un destino para el diseño de estrategias y productos en función de las necesidades de viaje de los diferentes públicos.
Innovación en la inteligencia de negocios. Una revisión sistemática de literatura
Authors: Ordoñez Abril Daniel Yiwady , Amaya López Sandra Viviana , Lucio Valencia Leydi Paola , Rodríguez Gómez Daniela
Published: July 2023

La innovación parte de la necesidad de estar en constante cambio y encontrar la manera de mejorar las cosas ya sea en productos, servicios, procesos o desarrollo de nuevas alternativas que permitan a las organizaciones obtener una ventaja competitiva que permita agregar valor al cliente. Por lo que el presente artículo tiene por objetivo, realizar una revisión sistemática de literatura sobre la innovación en la inteligencia de negocios. Para este propósito se realizaron análisis de base de datos, estableciendo prioridades en la selección del material, donde se enmarco un método analítico con un enfoque de investigación descriptivo ya que se busca profundizar acerca de la importancia y las características en relación con la innovación en la inteligencia de negocios. Por lo anterior se logra relacionar la innovación como elemento fundamental para la inteligencia de negocios siendo esta una herramienta que permite lograr mayor agudeza de la misma y utilizar directamente el conocimiento como la base para obtener una ventaja estratégica orientada a la toma de decisiones, a través del proceso y aplicación de los métodos principales de la inteligencia de negocios.
Implementación de una solución de Inteligencia de Negocios aplicada al Suministro de Fuerza de Trabajo
Authors: Caballero Feria Daykenis , Torres Torres Vladimir Alberto
Published: July 2023

El proceso de extracción de níquel en Cuba se encuentra a cargo de dos plantas procesadoras del mineral, ubicadas en la región nororiental del país. El capital humano necesario para operar estas industrias es garantizado a través del servicio de Suministro de Fuerza de trabajo, llevado a cabo por una entidad de prestación de servicios. Sin embargo el proceso presenta deficiencias que afectan los procesos de toma de decisiones en ese ámbito, de ahí la necesidad de emplear técnicas novedosas para solucionar las problemáticas identificadas. La Inteligencia de Negocio (Business Intelligence, BI), se presenta como una alternativa de solución para este contexto, pues proporciona un conjunto de tecnologías y herramientas encaminadas a transformar los datos en conocimiento para la toma de decisiones en las organizaciones. Este trabajo describe el desarrollo de una herramienta informática con técnicas de Inteligencia de Negocios que permitirá apoyar la toma de decisiones en el servicio de Suministro de Fuerza de Trabajo a las industrias del níquel cubanas. Como metodologías para la implementación de la solución propuesta se seleccionaron Hefesto y la Metodología de Desarrollo Conducido por Funcionalidades, y como principal herramienta la plataforma SpagoBI. Los resultados obtenidos con la aplicación se valoran positivamente a criterio de expertos y mediante pruebas de caja negra, pues se considera un estadío superior en la informatización de la gestión de las empresas del níquel.
Predicción de evolución post covid19 en pacientes, usando herramientas de la big data
Authors: Fernández Cedeño Gilberto Horacio , Cruz Felipe Marely del Rosario , Ordóñez-Ávila Ermenson Ricardo , Moreira Vélez José Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo predecir la evolución post COVID-19 en pacientes del Hospital General de Portoviejo (IESS), identificando patrones similares en la propagación de casos futuros de esta enfermedad. Como metodología se efectuó un estudio de tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo y empleo del método de análisis documental, donde se realizó la extracción de información desde la base de datos del referido hospital, en el período 2020-2022. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el software Orange Data Mining, que es una herramienta de código abierto con una amplia gama de métodos de análisis de datos y aprendizaje automático. Del total de 18316 pacientes, se trabajó con una muestra intencional de 3678, por contar estos con los datos requeridos para el análisis. Entre los principales resultados se destaca que las personas más propensas a tener Covid, están en el rango de edades entre los 63 y 70 años; el sexo más expuesto es el masculino; los síntomas más comunes por los afectados son la insuficiencia respiratoria y enfermedad renal crónica, cuestiones que ayudan a predecir cuáles serán los pacientes que pudieran ser más propensos a contraer la enfermedad. A modo de conclusión se resalta que la aplicación de herramientas de minería de datos facilita la predicción y evolución futura de enfermedades como la analizada, facilitando la toma de decisiones en materia de prevención y control de la pandemia a las autoridades sanitarias.
Forecasting methods of intelligent systems technical condition analysis
Authors: Bohomia Volodymyr , Zhukov Yevhen , Mamitko Alyona
Published: July 2023

Modern information processing and control systems reached the level that makes it possible to use detailed information on device and human nervous system functioning. Using a cognitive psychological approach in intelligent systems development, allowed them to imitate human nervous system functions. The development of increasingly powerful intelligent information and control systems with learning and self-learning, including information and measuring systems, is expected as a result.

They will have enhanced cognitive capabilities due to the stimulation of cognitive functions and processes responsible for perception, learning, thinking, and consciousness in the human nervous system.

Development of this field allows to develop intelligent systems with thinking and behaviour analysis elements. Adding some creative possibilities, for example, related to automatic hypotheses and models creation and self-learning for new task solving, allows to improve the efficiency of intelligent systems.

Due to this new approaches to the artificial brain and the artificial nervous system of robots development, which relate not only to artificial intelligence but also to its development in the form of an artificial mind.

Thus, the main scientific and development task for models, methods, methodics, and algorithms for intelligent systems technical condition forecasting based on soft computing is important and relevant for science and practice.

Intelligent technologies allowing to develop useful intelligent systems are continuously being improved. Currently, quite powerful tools for implementing the technology of expert systems, fuzzy logic, neural network systems, and multi-agent systems technology are used. They are rapidly improved by adding software packages and hardware tools.

New technologies are being developed in the so-called neuromorphic systems field that models some brain structures and in the parallel computing and quantum computers field. These technologies aim to raise significantly the intelligence level of systems in the future.
Research on the national standard of the unit of mass in the range from 2 kg to 20 kg
Authors: Tuhai Vitalii , Tsiporenko Sergii
Published: July 2023

It is difficult to imagine modern science, industry, and economics without mass measurements in a wide range: from a few tenths of a milligram up to hundreds or even thousands of tons. So, Ukraine, in this case, is not an exception. National science, medicine, industry, and other fields of activity increasingly feel the need for reliable and traceable results of mass measurements in the range of more than 1 kg. Considering this, a national standard of the unit of mass in the range from 2 kg to 20 kg was established in SE «Ukrmetrteststandart». This article provides information on the general structure of the national standard, its metrological characteristics, and the methods of its application. It is also described the dissemination procedure of the unit of mass from the 1kg reference weight to the weights in the range from 2 kg to 20 kg, as well as the processing of the obtained measurement results by means of the least squares method. In addition, the article presents the results of the national standard’s research, the results of the calculation of the masses of the standard weights, and their uncertainty assessment. The obtained results confirm compliance of the metrological characteristics of the national standard to the declared ones. It has been demonstrated that the national standard provides calibration of weights of accuracy class E1 in the range from 2 kg to 20 kg.