bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static and Dynamic Modeling of Non-Performing Loan Determinants in the Eurozone
Authors: Milenković Nada , Kalaš Branimir , Mirović Vera , Andrašić Jelena
Published: October 2024

The issue of non-performing loans (NPLs) in a bank’s portfolio is important for a bank’s stability and sustainability. Their increased presence indicates a potential worsening of the economy and a lower quality of the bank’s assets. We estimated determinants of non-performing loans in the Eurozone for quarterly data 2015–2020. The results confirmed spatial spillover effects within Eurozone countries, which means that when a shock happens in one country in the Eurozone, it will also affect the other economies of the Eurozone area. Based on the Hausman test, a fixed-effects model was chosen as appropriate and showed that bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants significantly affect NPLs in these economies. In relation to previous studies that dealt with this issue, a co-integration analysis was introduced. A significant impact of return on assets, return on equity, and the loan-to-deposit ratio, as well as the gross domestic product, inflation, and exchange rate on NPLs in the short run and long run, was confirmed using a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator. Bank management should customize credit policy based on both internal and external conditions to improve their performance, focusing on enhancing profitability and maintaining a lower loan-to-deposit ratio to reduce NPLs. The research suggests that a higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is associated with fewer NPLs, while inflation uncertainty and a volatile exchange rate can increase NPLs, highlighting the importance of adjusting strategies to the macroeconomic landscape.
Control Design and Implementation of Autonomous Robotic Lawnmower
Authors: Chen Yung-Hsiang
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the trajectory tracking control design and implementation of feedback linearization (FL) and robust feedback linearization (RFL), applicable to a robotic lawnmower with four mecanum driving wheels. The RFL control design additionally includes a robust control law. These two nonlinear control laws are developed to enable the controlled robotic lawnmower to accurately follow any specified trajectory. The simulation outcomes illustrate that the suggested control law based on RFL displays superior trajectory tracking accuracy and resilience compared to the FL control method in the case of a robotic lawnmower operating under demanding conditions. These conditions encompass environmental disturbances and uncertainties in modeling. The RFL control method also exhibits lower energy consumption compared to the FL control method. Finally, using the RFL controller derived from this study, the error in trajectory tracking in computer simulations and the actual mowing performance have demonstrated outstanding results.
Assessing Scientific Text Similarity: A Novel Approach Utilizing Non-Negative Matrix Factorization and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformer
Authors: Jia Zhixuan , Tian Wenfang , Li Wang , Song Kai , Wang Fuxin , Ran Congjing
Published: October 2024

The patent serves as a vital component of scientific text, and over time, escalating competition has generated a substantial demand for patent analysis encompassing areas such as company strategy and legal services, necessitating fast, accurate, and easily applicable similarity estimators. At present, conducting natural language processing(NLP) on patent content, including titles, abstracts, etc., can serve as an effective method for estimating similarity. However, the traditional NLP approach has some disadvantages, such as the requirement for a huge amount of labeled data and poor explanation of deep-learning-based model internals, exacerbated by the high compression of patent content. On the other hand, most knowledge-based deep learning models require a vast amount of additional analysis results as training variables in similarity estimation, which are limited due to human participation in the analysis part. Thus, in this research, addressing these challenges, we introduce a novel estimator to enhance the transparency of similarity estimation. This approach integrates a patent’s content with international patent classification (IPC), leveraging bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). By integrating these techniques, we aim to improve knowledge discovery transparency in NLP across various IPC dimensions and incorporate more background knowledge into context similarity estimation. The experimental results demonstrate that our model is reliable, explainable, highly accurate, and practically usable.
The Potential of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Non-Operative Management of Dental Caries in Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rogalnikovaitė Kornelija , Narbutaitė Julija , Andruškevičienė Vilija , Bendoraitienė Eglė Aida , Razmienė Jaunė
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Dental caries has seen an increase in untreated cases, leading to significant health and quality-of-life impacts, necessitating innovative approaches like the promising non-operative management with silver diamine fluoride. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of action of silver diamine fluoride on arresting dental caries in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Wiley Online Library, including both in vivo and in vitro studies published from 1 January 2017 to 16 October 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool assessed bias in in vivo studies, while the Quality Assessment Tool for In Vitro Studies evaluated the methodological quality of in vitro studies. Results: Nineteen publications met the inclusion criteria. Two studies indicated that silver diamine fluoride application significantly alters oral microflora, contributing to caries arrest. Additionally, two studies reported increased mineral density and mineral content in demineralised primary teeth, emphasising silver diamine fluoride’s role in promoting remineralisation. Three studies demonstrated significant improvements in surface microhardness, enhancing tooth resistance. However, no significant qualitative changes in bacterial species composition were noted. Modified silver diamine fluoride application techniques, including light curing or laser irradiation, enhanced efficacy, with light curing notably increasing surface microhardness. Based on a limited number of studies, no statistically significant differences in clinical effectiveness were observed with higher silver diamine fluoride concentrations or extended application durations. Conclusions: Silver diamine fluoride effectively induces quantitative changes in oral microflora and enhances the microhardness and mineral density of enamel and dentine in primary teeth, with modified application methods showing potential for improved outcomes.
Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: An Examination of Resuscitation Outcomes
Authors: Söğütlü Yakup , Altaş Uğur
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: We aimed to assess the outcomes of pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) and to identify key factors influencing survival. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study examined the demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities, initial rhythm, duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), lactate levels, and outcomes of pediatric patients with IHCAs and compared these parameters between survivors and non-survivors. Results: A total of 43 patients were included in this study, including 21 boys (48.8%) and 22 girls (51.2%) with a median age of 36 months (range 1–203). CPR was initiated due to pulselessness in 23 patients (53.5%), respiratory arrest in 13 (30.2%), and bradycardia in 7 (16.3%). The first monitored rhythm in the emergency department was asystole in 29 patients (67.4%) and bradycardia in 14 (32.6%). Despite effective CPR, the mortality rate was 65.1% (n = 28). As a prognostic factor, asystole was found to be more common in non-survivors than in survivors (83.1% vs. 40%, p = 0.005). Additionally, lactate levels (16.6 vs. 10.6, p = 0.04) and CPR duration (45 vs. 15 min, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors. Conclusions: IHCAs remain a critical concern, with varying outcomes influenced by factors such as initial rhythm, lactate levels, and CPR duration.
How Scheduled Maintenance Affects Anaerobic Digester Supervision Through Modelling: A Practical Approach
Authors: Donoso-Bravo Andrés , Sadino-Riquelme María Constanza , Vicencio Martín , Zorrilla Fernando , Valdebenito Bastián , Hansen Felipe
Published: October 2024

Anaerobic digestion plays a crucial role in the transition toward a circular economy. Incorporating system supervision through mathematical modelling can enhance control and resilience. This study aims to assess the impact of scheduled digester maintenance on the effectiveness of modelling as a tool for monitoring and control. Data from a pilot-scale plug-flow digester were analyzed using an adapted ADM1 model. The maintenance involved halting the digester and removing sedimented solids. Model calibration indicated solid retention in the first two zones of the reactor, while the hydrolysis coefficient and biogas potential remained at 0.122 d−1 and 100.4 mL CH4/gVS, respectively. The average biogas production decreased from 156 to 109 mL/gVS pre- and post-maintenance. Simulations showed a decline in the model’s predictive accuracy after maintenance. To improve model fit, the initial conditions, solids retention, and kinetic parameters were adjusted. Optimal performance was achieved with khyd at 0.045 d−1 and B0 at 52.28 mL gVS−1, revealing an issue with the digester’s heating system. In conclusion, maintenance can significantly alter digester conditions, requiring model recalibration to maintain its effectiveness as a digital copilot for process supervision.
Cenchrus spinifex Invasion Alters Soil Nitrogen Dynamics and Competition
Authors: Meng Meng , Ren Baihui , Yu Jianxin , Li Daiyan , Li Haoyan , Li Jiahuan , Yang Jiyun , Bai Long , Feng Yulong
Published: October 2024

Invasive plants often alter biological soil conditions to increase their own competitiveness. Through indoor simulated nitrogen deposition culture experiments, we investigated the differences in growth indicators and nutrient content levels between the invasive plant Cenchrus spinifex Cav. and the native symbiotic plant Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. under diverse nitrogen application modes and planting-competition ratios. Furthermore, we examined the alterations in key microbial communities involved in soil nitrogen cycling of C. spinifex. The results indicated that the invasion of C. spinifex could inhibit the growth of native plants, and in fact altered the accumulation and transformation processes related to soil nitrogen, resulting in reduced rates of soil nitrogen transformation. The overarching aim of this research was to construct a theoretical foundation for the scientific comprehension of the invasion mechanisms of C. spinifex, in order to better prevent the further spread of this invasive plant and mitigate its pernicious impact on the current environment.
The Process of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Different Ecological Zones of Qingtu Lake in the Arid–Semi-Arid Region of Western China
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Shengyin , Zhang Shuncun , Shao Ming , Ding Zhaoyun , Zhou Yanfang , Su Cuicui
Published: October 2024

As a vital component of the global carbon pool, soils in arid and semi-arid regions play a significant role in carbon sequestration. In the context of global warming, increasing temperatures and moisture levels promote the transformation of barren land into wetlands, enhancing carbon sinks. However, the overdevelopment of oases and excessive extraction of groundwater lead to the opposite effect, reducing carbon sequestration. This study examines two soil types—meadow soil (MS) and swamp soil (SS)—from Qingtu Lake, an arid lake in western China. It analyzes the sources of soil inorganic carbon, the composition and origin of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the relationships between microbes, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil inorganic carbon (SIC), mineral composition, and soil texture. The results indicate that inorganic carbon in the study area consists of both primary carbonate minerals and secondary pedogenic carbonates. The DOM primarily consists of two components, both identified as terrestrial humic substances. In meadow soils, bacterial activity drives the weathering of plagioclase, which releases Ca2+ necessary for the formation of pedogenic carbonates. Plagioclase also provides colonization sites for microbes and, along with microbial activity, participates in the soil carbon cycle. Within the soil community, bacteria appear to play a more critical role than fungi. In contrast, microbial contributions to the carbon cycle in swamp soils are weaker, with minerals predominantly interacting with organic carbon to form mineral-associated organic matter, thus promoting the soil carbon cycle. These findings have important implications for understanding soil carbon sinks under different micro-ecological conditions in arid and semi-arid regions. Through targeted human intervention, it is possible to enhance carbon sequestration in these areas, contributing to the mitigation of global climate change.
A Comprehensive Geophysical Exploration of Sedimentary Exhalative Deposits: An Example from the Huaniushan Lead–Zinc–Silver Polymetallic Deposit in Gansu, China
Authors: Wang Shunji , Gu Guanwen , Wu Ye , Niu Xingguo , Zhu Lin , Xu Zhihe , He Haoyuan , Wang Yingjie , Lin Xinglong , Cao Lai
Published: October 2024

The Huaniushan lead–zinc–silver deposit is a hydrothermal sedimentary exhalative deposit (SEDEX), and the mining area has complex geological conditions, with the main tectonic structure being the Huaheitan–Shuangfengshan Fault (F3), which controls the distribution of strata and magmatic rocks. Since the discovery of the Huaniushan lead–zinc–silver deposit, diverse interpretations of its genesis and metallogeny have been proposed, making it challenging to establish a definitive geological explanation. Moreover, using a single geophysical exploration method relies on limited rock physical parameters, making it difficult to effectively characterize underground structures. The combined use of multiple geophysical methods can effectively integrate the geophysical characteristics of different rock physical parameters, reducing the multiplicity and uncertainty of the inverse interpretation of geophysical data. The comprehensive interpretation of three-dimensional inversion based on various geophysical data, the construction of geological–geophysical models on geological grounds, the establishment of hidden ore exploration and positioning, and the rapid evaluation of geophysical technological systems are the current research trends in mineral exploration. In light of this, in this study, we conducted research on the three-dimensional inversion interpretation of gravity and magnetoelectric exploration data of the Huaniushan sedimentary exhalative lead–zinc–silver polymetallic deposit and constructed a three-dimensional geological–geophysical model of the study area based on the obtained three-dimensional physical structure of the underground density, magnetization intensity, resistivity, and polarizability of the study area, in combination with related geological and drilling hole data. Finally, we comprehensively interpreted the favorable mineralization sites in the study area.
Non-Equal Contributions of Different Elements and Atomic Bonds to the Strength and Deformability of a Multicomponent Metallic Glass Zr47Cu46Al7
Authors: Xu Donghua , Gordon Olivia , Ye Muyang , Chen Lei , Thaiyanurak Tittaya , Wang Zhengming
Published: October 2024

Multicomponent metallic glasses (MGs) are a fascinating class of advanced alloys known for their exceptional properties such as limit-approaching strength, high hardness and corrosion resistance, and near-net-shape castability. One important question regarding these materials that remains unanswered is how the different elements and atomic bonds within them control their strength and deformability. Here, we present a detailed visual and statistical analysis of the behaviors of various elements and atomic bonds in the Zr47Cu46Al7 (at%) MG during a uniaxial tensile test (in the z-direction) simulated using molecular dynamics. Specifically, we investigate the identities of atoms undergoing significant shear strain, and the averaged bond lengths, projected z-lengths, and z-angles (angles with respect to the z-direction) of all the atomic bonds as functions of increasing strain. We show that, prior to yielding, the Zr element and the intermediate (Zr-Zr, Cu-Al) and stronger (Zr-Al, Zr-Cu) bonds dominate the elastic deformation and strength, while the Cu and Al elements and the weaker Al-Al and Cu-Cu bonds contribute more to the highly localized shear transformation. The significant reconstruction, as signified by the cessation of bond-length increment and bond-angle decrement, of the intermediate and the stronger bonds triggers yielding of the material. After yielding, all the elements and bonds participate in the plastic deformation while the stronger bonds contribute more to the residual strength and the ultimate (fracture) strain. The results provide new insights into the atomic mechanisms underlying the mechanical behavior of multicomponent MGs, and may assist in the future design of MG compositions towards better combination of strength and deformability.
Rapid Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Determination of Total and Free Testosterone in Human Serum and Its Application to Monitoring Biomarker Response of Elite Athletes
Authors: Zhang Jianli , Yu Hang , Shen Yulin , Yang Xingya , Wang Yan
Published: October 2024

Total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) are important biochemical markers for anabolism of the human body, and can also serve as early screening indicators for overtraining syndrome (OTS). Presently, there is no fast and reliable serum TT and FT determination method in the field of sport science that can meet the requirements of sports research. Thus, a rapid and accurate determination method for serum TT and FT to fill the gap is needed urgently in sports training. Herein, a simple and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of TT and FT in serum was developed and fully validated, followed by the application of professional athletes in training monitoring. Efficient pretreatments based on only one-step liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) for TT and one-step LLE after a 20 min ultrafiltration for FT were adopted in this study, and the isotope internal standard of testosterone-13C3 was used to ensure the reliability of the whole procedure. A linear range of four orders of magnitude with 0.02–100 ng/mL can meet the concentration range requirement between a higher limit for male TT and a lower limit for female FT. The accuracy, precision, stability, and matrix effect were all within the limits of the guidelines. The serum TT and FT levels of 200 professional athletes (98 male athletes and 102 female athletes) were investigated by this method. Serum TT, FT, and FT/TT levels of professional athletes were significantly higher than the general population, and serum TT levels were significantly higher by LC-MS/MS than by a chemiluminescence immunoassay. In conclusion, the LC-MS/MS method for TT and FT measurement developed in this study is time-saving and easy to operate, which can be used as a reliable method for the determination of serum TT and FT in sports training, offering valuable information for monitoring anabolism of athletes and screening OTS in the early stage.
Improved Adhesion of Bacterial Cellulose on Plasma-Treated Cotton Fabric for Development of All-Cellulose Biocomposites
Authors: Ogrizek Linda , Lamovšek Janja , Primc Gregor , Leskovšek Mirjam , Vesel Alenka , Mozetič Miran , Gorjanc Marija
Published: October 2024

Cellulose produced by bacteria (BC) is considered a promising material for the textile industry, but the fragile and sensitive nature of BC membranes limits their broad applicability. Production of all-cellulose biocomposites, in which the BC is cultivated in situ on a cotton fabric, could solve this problem, but here a new issue arises, namely poor adhesion. To overcome this challenge, cotton fabric was modified with low-pressure oxygen plasma in either afterglow, E-mode, or H-mode. All-cellulose biocomposites were prepared in situ by placing the samples of cotton fabric in BC culture medium and incubating for 7 days to allow BC microfibril networks to form on the fabric. Modification of cotton fabric with oxygen plasma afterglow led to additional functionalization with polar groups, and modification with oxygen plasma in H-mode led also to etching and surface roughening of the cotton fibers, which improved the adhesion within the biocomposite. In addition, these biocomposites showed higher deformation capacities. Modification of the cotton fabric over a longer period in E-mode was found to be unsuitable, as this caused strong etching, which led to the defibrillation of cotton fibers and poor adhesion of BC. This study highlights the potential of low-pressure plasma treatment as an environmentally friendly method to improve the performance of cellulose-based biocomposites.
Bridging Materials and Analytics: A Comprehensive Review of Characterization Approaches in Metal-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Xu Yaohui , Zhou Yang , Li Yuting , Zheng Yang
Published: October 2024

The advancement of solid-state hydrogen storage materials is critical for the realization of a sustainable hydrogen economy. This comprehensive review elucidates the state-of-the-art characterization techniques employed in solid-state hydrogen storage research, emphasizing their principles, advantages, limitations, and synergistic applications. We critically analyze conventional methods such as the Sieverts technique, gravimetric analysis, and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), alongside composite and structure approaches including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This review highlights the crucial role of in situ and operando characterization in unraveling the complex mechanisms of hydrogen sorption and desorption. We address the challenges associated with characterizing metal-based solid-state hydrogen storage materials discussing innovative strategies to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, we explore the integration of advanced computational modeling and data-driven approaches with experimental techniques to enhance our understanding of hydrogen–material interactions at the atomic and molecular levels. This paper also provides a critical assessment of the practical considerations in characterization, including equipment accessibility, sample preparation protocols, and cost-effectiveness. By synthesizing recent advancements and identifying key research directions, this review aims to guide future efforts in the development and optimization of high-performance solid-state hydrogen storage materials, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy systems.
The Effects of Multiple Acute Turkesterone Doses on Indirect Measures of Hypertrophy and Metabolic Measures: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Harris Dillon R. , Chapman-Lopez Tomas , Machek Steven B. , Forsse Jeffery S. , Sulak Tracey , Funderburk Leslee K.
Published: October 2024

Turkesterone is a naturally occurring plant steroid touted for its medicinal, pharmacological, and biological properties with no reported adverse side effects compared with traditional anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). However, this ostensible enhancement to increase muscle protein synthesis and facilitate augmented thermogenesis remains undescribed despite uninformed and potentially haphazard consumption. To investigate whether turkesterone enhances insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and resting metabolic rate (RMR), eleven apparently healthy males (23.3 ± 2.2) volunteered to participate in the present study with samples collected pre-, 3H post-, and 24H post-ingestion. Subsequent analyses failed to reveal any significant main condition, time, or interaction main effects for serum IGF-1, RMR, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism (p > 0.05). However, non-significant serum IGF-1 concentrations increased with both turkesterone conditions and remained elevated when compared with placebo. Similarly, RMR remained elevated above baseline across the 3 h assessed. Although these data fail to fully support turkesterone as a potent anabolic supplement, nevertheless, our findings are foundational to persistently tease apart this supplement’s purported ergogenic effects and underscore its favorable hemodynamic and gastrointestinal tolerability profile. Future investigations should, therein, aim to assess turkesterone-mediated IGF-1 increases on long-term whole-muscle growth across several training sessions to further substantiate its efficacy on anabolism.
Drought Tolerance in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses
Authors: Haghpanah Mostafa , Hashemipetroudi Seyyedhamidreza , Arzani Ahmad , Araniti Fabrizio
Published: October 2024

Drought, a significant environmental challenge, presents a substantial risk to worldwide agriculture and the security of food supplies. In response, plants can perceive stimuli from their environment and activate defense pathways via various modulating networks to cope with stress. Drought tolerance, a multifaceted attribute, can be dissected into distinct contributing mechanisms and factors. Osmotic stress, dehydration stress, dysfunction of plasma and endosome membranes, loss of cellular turgidity, inhibition of metabolite synthesis, cellular energy depletion, impaired chloroplast function, and oxidative stress are among the most critical consequences of drought on plant cells. Understanding the intricate interplay of these physiological and molecular responses provides insights into the adaptive strategies plants employ to navigate through drought stress. Plant cells express various mechanisms to withstand and reverse the cellular effects of drought stress. These mechanisms include osmotic adjustment to preserve cellular turgor, synthesis of protective proteins like dehydrins, and triggering antioxidant systems to counterbalance oxidative stress. A better understanding of drought tolerance is crucial for devising specific methods to improve crop resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices in environments with limited water resources. This review explores the physiological and molecular responses employed by plants to address the challenges of drought stress.
Study on Shear Strength of Soil–Root Systems of Different Vegetation Types
Authors: Jian Shengqi , Niu Yixue , Zhang Xueli , Wei Yi , Gao Jun
Published: October 2024

The root systems of vegetation significantly contribute to enhancing slope stability. The shear strength of soil–root systems is a crucial parameter for assessing slope stability. This study focuses on six types of vegetation in the Yellow River Basin of China (woodland: Populus przewalskii and Broussonetia papyrifera; shrubland: Periploca sepium and Ziziphus jujuba; grassland: Artemisia hedinii and Setaria viridis), employing in situ shear tests and the Wu–Waldron model (Wu model) to investigate the shear strength of soil–root systems. The results show that the shear stress–displacement curves for P. przewalskii, B. papyrifera, and Z. jujuba are higher and steeper, with clear inflection points. The tensile strength of the roots from the six vegetation types decreases as the root diameter increases. According to the Wu model, the additional root cohesion is ranked as follows: A. hedinii > B. papyrifera > P. przewalskii > Z. jujuba > P. sepium > S. viridis. Based on the in situ shear tests, the shear strength increments are ranked as follows: Z. jujuba > B. papyrifera > P. przewalskii > A. hedinii > P. sepium > S. viridis. Overall, the additional root cohesion obtained by the Wu model in each soil layer is greater than the shear strength increment measured from the in situ shear tests. In the 0–30 cm soil layers, the soil–root systems of Z. jujuba, B. papyrifera, P. przewalskii, and A. hedinii exhibit a better shear strength, whereas P. sepium and S. viridis perform poorly. A principal component analysis reveals that the shear strength of the soil–root systems of different vegetation types is primarily influenced by the soil moisture content and root mass density. Z. jujuba, B. papyrifera, P. przewalskii, and A. hedinii are recommended for ecological restoration projects in the Yellow River Basin of China.
Experimental and Kinetic Simulations of Technetium-Catalyzed Hydrazine Oxidation in Nitric Acid Solution
Authors: Yu Ting , Zhang Hu , Ning Yongzhi , Li Hongling , Gao Ziteng , Wang Bo , Cen Zhijun
Published: October 2024

The catalytic reaction of Tc plays a significant role in the chemical separation process during spent fuel reprocessing. However, few studies have been conducted on the chemical reaction mechanism between Tc and hydrazine. Moreover, the instability of Tc(V) and Tc(VI) makes their measurement difficult, rendering many aspects of the reaction process and mechanism unclear. This study investigates the catalytic reaction between Tc and hydrazine in a nitric acid solution. To this end, we obtained the kinetic laws of the reaction under various conditions of acidity, hydrazine concentration, and Tc concentration by monitoring the concentrations of hydrazine and Tc(VII) over time. The reaction kinetics model demonstrated that numerical simulations could effectively predict the reaction process. Results indicated that hydrazine promotes the reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV), constituting the basis for establishing the Tc(IV, V, VI, VII) catalytic cycle. Among these, Tc(V) and Tc(VI) were important active intermediates and the main consumers of hydrazine. The research results may be useful for actinide separation processes based on valence control.
Between Religion and Religiosity: Between the Death and Resurrection of God
Authors: Sagi Avi
Published: October 2024

The main thesis presented in this article rejects the identification of the “death of God” idea with atheism. Atheism is a metaphysical claim stating that the signifier God has no signified. By contrast, the “death of God” notion conveys a moment of crisis in believers’ lives where the God that had been present in their lives is dead. The “death of God” idea led, on the one hand, to the negation of God’s relevance in human life, as presented by Nietzsche, and, on the other, to its perception as a constitutive moment for religion itself due to God’s presence in the believer’s inner life, as outlined by Kierkegaard, Simone Weil, and others. Both approaches agree on the crucial role of religiosity, whether or not it has a transcendent object. This analysis challenges the dichotomy claiming that, on the one hand, believers cannot accept the idea of the death of God and, on the other hand, those who endorse the death of God negate the idea of religiosity.
Education, Science and Technology, and Talent Integrated Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Fan Fei , Song Tianyi , Zhai Xiaoqing
Published: October 2024

Education, science and technology, and talent are significant factors driving economic growth. Coordinating the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent is not only an important way to achieve the development of education, technology, and talent themselves, but it is also a crucial path to sustainable development. The research objectives of this paper are to explore the coupling coordination relationship among the three subsystems of education, science and technology, and talent and to investigate their spatiotemporal pattern evolution characteristics. This paper, based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2001 to 2022, constructs an evaluation index system for “education–science and technology–talent” (EST) development from three dimensions: education, science and technology, and talent. It comprehensively employs methods such as spatiotemporal pattern evolution, LISA time path, and spatial transitions to evaluate the level of China’s EST. The results indicate the following: (1) During the research period, the level of China’s EST shows a significant upward trend, with the educational subsystem being the most prominent. (2) The level of China’s EST development has a significant spatial differentiation characteristic, generally showing a decreasing trend from the eastern to the central and western regions. (3) In terms of the stability of the spatiotemporal pattern, the spatial pattern of China’s EST development is relatively stable, and there is no significant spatial shift during the research period. This study provides a new method for the evaluation of complex systems and also offers a reference for the economic growth of many developing countries.
Digitization and Green Technology Innovation of Chinese Firms Under Government Subsidy Policies
Authors: Kong Hao , Sun Linhui , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

In the context of the digital economy, digital technology is an important driving force to promote green development and achieve the “dual-carbon goal”. Taking 1746 Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share enterprises from 2015 to 2022 as research objects, we empirically examine the relationship between government subsidies, digital transformation, and corporate green technology innovation. The study shows that (1) there is an inverted “U”-shaped relationship between government subsidies and corporate green technological innovation, while digital transformation plays a mediating role, and there is a difference between the quality and quantity of digital transformation in promoting green technological innovation. (2) Through the analysis of the moderating effect, it is found that market concentration has an obvious inhibitory effect between enterprise digital transformation and green technology innovation. (3) The study, by classifying the nature of enterprises, shows that the promotion effect of digital transformation on green technology innovation is weaker under heavily polluted enterprises than under non-heavily polluted enterprises, but the promotion interval of the relationship between government subsidies and green technology innovation is larger. Therefore, enterprises should make full use of digital technology to inject new impetus into their innovation activities, and the government should fully consider the appropriate space for enterprises to receive subsidies, make reasonable use of the incentive effect of government subsidies, and smooth the information docking channels for government and enterprise subsidies.
Wireless Dynamic Sensor Network for Water Quality Monitoring Based on the IoT
Authors: López-Munoz Mauro A. , Torrealba-Melendez Richard , Arriaga-Arriaga Cesar A. , Tamariz-Flores Edna I. , López-López Mario , Quirino-Morales Félix , Munoz-Pacheco Jesus M. , López-Marcos Fernando
Published: October 2024

Water is a critical resource for human survival worldwide, and its availability and quality in natural reservoirs such as lakes and rivers must be monitored. In that way, wireless dynamic sensor networks can help monitor water quality. These networks have significantly advanced across various sectors, including industrial automation and environmental monitoring. Moreover, the Internet of Things has emerged as a global technological marvel, garnering interest for its ability to facilitate information visualization and ease of deployment—the combination of wireless dynamic sensor networks and the Internet of Things improves water monitoring and helps to care for this vital resource. This article presents the design and deployment of a wireless dynamic sensor network comprising a mobile node outfitted with multiple sensors for remote aquatic navigation and a stationary node similarly equipped and linked to a server via the IoT. Both nodes can measure parameters like pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS), enabling real-time data monitoring through a user interface and generating a database for future reference. The integrated control system within the developed interface enhances the mobile node’s ability to survey various points of interest. The developed project enabled real-time monitoring of the aforementioned parameters, with the recorded data being stored in a database for subsequent graphing and analysis using the IoT. The system facilitated data collection at various points of interest, allowing for a graphical representation of parameter evolution. This included consistent temperature trends, neutral and alkaline zone data for pH levels, and variations in total dissolved solids (TDS) recorded by the mobile node, reaching up to 100 ppm.
Association Between Insurance Status and Nonelderly Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survivorship: A National Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Venishetty Nikit , Rafati Yousef N. , Alzweri Laith
Published: October 2024

Background: Penile squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with significant physical and psychological impacts. Socioeconomic factors influence prognosis in genitourinary cancers, making the investigation of insurance status critical for reducing cancer burden and promoting health equity. Materials and Methods: Men diagnosed with primary penile squamous cell carcinoma from 2007 to 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) national database. Participants were categorized based on insurance status: privately insured, Medicaid, and uninsured. Pearson’s chi-squared test assessed the distribution of observed frequencies between the patient demographics, socioeconomic status, tumor characteristics, and surgical variables across the insurance groups. Overall and cancer-specific survival was estimated using a multivariate Cox hazards proportional model analysis. Results: The multivariate Cox hazards proportional model showed that, compared to privately insured patients, Medicaid patients had an increased risk for overall death (hazard ratio [HR] = HR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.12–2.07). For cancer-specific mortality, Medicaid patients had an increased risk of death compared to privately insured patients (HR 1.58; 95% CI, 1.11–2.25). Conclusions: Medicaid does not mitigate the differences caused by health insurance status due to health insurance disparities for overall or cancer-specific mortality. Lower Medicaid reimbursements and out-of-pocket costs lead to a narrow network of physicians, hospitals, and treatment modalities that compromise health equity. Increasing awareness of health insurance disparities and improving access to care via a clinician–community–governmental partnership can potentially lead to improved predictive outcomes.
Electron-Beam-Killed Staphylococcus Vaccine Reduced Lameness in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Assumpcao Anna L. F. V. , Arsi Komala , Asnayanti Andi , Alharbi Khawla S. , Do Anh D. T. , Read Quentin D. , Perera Ruvindu , Shwani Abdulkarim , Hasan Amer , Pillai Suresh D. , Anderson Robin C. , Donoghue Annie M. , Rhoads Douglas D. , Jesudhasan Palmy R. R. , Alrubaye Adnan A. K.
Published: October 2024

Broiler chicken lameness caused by bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is presently amongst the most important economic and animal welfare issues faced by the poultry industry, and the estimated economic loss is around USD 150 million. BCO lameness is associated with multiple opportunistic bacterial pathogens inhabiting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In cases of immune deficiency resulting from stress, injury, or inflammation of the tissue, opportunistic pathogens, mainly Staphylococcus spp., can infiltrate the respiratory or gastrointestinal mucosa and migrate through the bloodstream to eventually colonize the growth plates of long bones, causing necrosis that leads to lameness. This is the first report of developing a Staphylococcus vaccine against BCO lameness disease in broiler chickens. Electron beam (eBeam) technology causes irreparable DNA damage, preventing bacterial multiplication, while keeping the epitopes of the cell membrane intact, helping the immune system generate a more effective response. Our results show a 50% reduction of lameness incidence in the eBeam-vaccinated chicken group compared to the control. Additionally, the eBeam-vaccinated chickens present higher titer of anti-Staphylococcus IgA, signifying the development of an efficient and more specific humoral immune response. Our data establish the eBeam-killed Staphylococcus vaccine as an effective approach to reducing the incidence of lameness in broiler chickens.
Presentación
Authors: Sequeiros Olivares MSC. Karen Abigail
Published: October 2024

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El principio de igualdad y su incidencia en la tenencia compartida. Sentencia NO. 28-15-IN/21
Authors: Saá Torres Renee Alexander , Shiguango Andi Rodolfo Edgar , Alvarado Ajila Lissette Amelia , García Segarra Holger Geovanny
Published: October 2024

La tenencia es crucial en los procesos de separación o divorcio que busca garantizar el bienestar del niño. El objetivo es determinar la incidencia del principio de igualdad en la tenencia compartida mediante el análisis de la sentencia 28 -15 de la Corte Constitucional, Caso Ecuador. El enfoque metodológico es mixto. Se realizó un estudio de caso de la Sentencia 28-15-IN/21 y un análisis de las percepciones de actores clave. La muestra fueron 10 abogados y 4 jueces. Se aplicó un cuestionario, para aplicar estadística descriptiva. Los resultados revelan que, la legislación ecuatoriana reconoce el principio de igualdad y el interés superior del niño en la asignación de la tenencia, en la práctica, la tenencia se otorga a la madre. Se concluye que, la sentencia 28-15 estableció un precedente al declarar inconstitucionales las disposiciones que priorizaban a la madre en ausencia de acuerdo entre los padres, por lo tanto, se propone la tenencia compartida de los progenitores.
Incorporación del pluralismo jurídico en el territorio: Los desafíos comunitarios de la Universidad Amawtay Wasi
Authors: Delgado Robert , Chicaiza Eliecer
Published: October 2024

La presencia del pluralismo jurídico en las sociedades contemporáneas ha sido un importante objeto de estudio. El objetivo del estudio es exponer la incorporación del Pluralismo Jurídico en el Territorio: Los desafíos comunitarios de la Universidad Amawtay Wasi. La metodología es enfoque cualitativo, tipo descriptivo, con paradigma crítico reflexivo, orientado al método investigación acción. Los resultados revelan la riqueza y complejidad del pluralismo jurídico en Ecuador, donde diversos sistemas normativos, incluyendo las normas ancestrales de los pueblos indígenas, coexisten y se entrelazan. El estudio concluye que las normas de los pueblos estudiados albergan un potencial transformador, capaz de impactar profundamente en la sociedad y abrir paso a la descolonización y descentralización del derecho. Se concluye las experiencias de los desafíos comunitarios se centran en la comuna Unión Base, la comunidad Tigua Chimbacucho y el pueblo San Antonio de Pasa (comunidad Pungoloma). Las comunidades de aprendizajes mencionadas tienen particularidades que las caracterizan y las distingue entre sí.
Derechos sucesorios para hijos no reconocidos en Ecuador
Authors: Delgado Arroba Geovanna , Carrillo Alfredo Fabian
Published: October 2024

El Derecho Sucesorio en Ecuador, es una rama del Derecho Privado que abarca ciertos presupuestos que están estrechamente vinculados con el ejercicio de derechos constitucionales, tales como la filiación y la identidad. Con el objetivo de analizar la sucesión hereditaria a los hijos no reconocidos en la legislación ecuatoriana. La metodología empleada con enfoque inductivo que se nutrió principalmente de fuentes provenientes de plataformas académicas reconocidas como Science Direct y Springer, Scielo, Scopus y Redalyc con el empleo de la herramienta Google Académico, para lo que se seleccionaron estudios publicados hasta 2024 como marco temporal de referencia. Por lo que, al analizar los lineamientos jurídicos nos permite abordar la temática y se evidencia la forma en que los hijos no reconocidos se encuentran protegidos por el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano. Se concluye que, la falta de reconocimiento legal les impide acceder automáticamente a la herencia de sus padres biológicos, requiriendo un costoso y complejo proceso judicial para establecer su filiación
Sobreprecios en la contratación pública en la salud en Ecuador ante la pandemia por COVID-19 en 2020
Authors: Carrión Carrión Juan Sebastián , Maldonado Ruiz Luis Mauricio
Published: October 2024

La pandemia de COVID-19 en 2020 expuso serias irregularidades en la contratación pública de salud en Ecuador, con sobreprecios que perjudicaron al Estado en más de USD 17 millones. La flexibilización de procesos de compra durante el estado de excepción facilitó actos de peculado, como en los casos del Hospital de los Ceibos y las mascarillas N95 del IESS. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la normativa ecuatoriana comparándola con las de Colombia y Chile, para identificar deficiencias en los controles y sanciones, así como proponer mejoras. La metodología empleada incluye un análisis comparativo de las legislaciones y un estudio de casos representativos. Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de incorporar multas proporcionales al daño causado y fortalecer los mecanismos de supervisión y transparencia en la contratación pública. Se concluye que implementar estos cambios podría reducir la malversación de fondos públicos en situaciones de emergencia.
The state and prospects of development of insurance for small and medium-sized businesses in Russia
Authors: Donetskova O. , Sadykova L.
Published: October 2024

In modern conditions caused by the instability of the national economy, the role of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the country's economy is increasing many times. Insurance is a reliable tool for protecting entrepreneurs from risks and ensuring the sustainability of their business. The purpose of this article is to study the current problems and prospects for the development of SME insurance in the context of external economic sanctions and market volatility. The object of the study is the SME insurance system in Russia. Scientific work contributes to the theory of insurance, in particular, to substantiate the need for insurance in the development of entrepreneurship and its role for the country's economy. The results of the study can be used to develop measures of state support for SME insurance, as well as to improve insurance products aimed at entrepreneurs.
Issues of assessing the standard of living of the population in the regions of Russia
Authors: Khurmatullina A. , Kotel'nikova A. , Tupieva A.
Published: October 2024

The article provides an overview of existing methods for assessing the level and quality of life of the population of the regions. A system of indicators has been formed to assess the standard of living, covering the level of poverty, inflation, unemployment, real incomes and food costs in the structure of consumer spending. The methodology was tested on the example of the regions of the Volga Federal District, the study period: 20202022. Regions were grouped according to the value of the integral index of living standards, regions with very high, high, medium, low and very low values of the integral indicator were identified. It is concluded that the standard of living is decreasing against the background of regional differentiation and the need to form a system of measures by public authorities aimed at improving the level and quality of life of the population. The practical significance of the results obtained is that they can be useful for making informed decisions in the field of regional policy and economics.