bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of chitosan colistin nano-antibiotics and its in-vitro activity against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: . Haseeb Ur Rahman , Muhammad Javed , Ali Hina , . Hussan , Akbar Ali , Raza Abida , Khan Saeed , Ullah Riaz , Ibrahim Muhammad A. , . Amjad Khan
Published: October 2024

Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to different antibiotics and thus they are the culprits of serious infections in hospitals. Colistin can be considered at least the possible antibiotic against these microorganisms. In this study, Colistin-chitosan-conjugated nanoparticles (Col-CSNPs) were designed to develop a new comprising of multifunctional Colistin chitosan against Acinetobacter baumannii. Colistin-loaded nanoparticles were equipped with the ionic gelation method. It was characterized by zeta sizer, UV spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which displayed homogeneity both in shape and size. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was done through microdilution methods for assessment of the effectiveness of developed Colistin-loaded nanoparticles against A. baumannii. The zeta sizer analysis showed the size of nanoparticles in 1% acidic acid was found to be 245nm and had a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.26. UV-Vis spectroscopy using a SPUV-1000 spectrophotometer attached to Mwave professional software 2.0 showed a spectrum between 200–900 nm and determined the main absorbing region. In XRD patterns of CS/TPP/ NPs a broad peak at 2θ = 22° was recorded. Outcomes showed that the MIC of a mixture of CSNP and Colistin is lower (0.25µg/ml) than the MIC of Colistin individually (0.5µg/ml). Overall summary of Nano-antibiotics showed a good synergistic effect as compared to Colistin antibiotics. Our research shows a lot of interest in the use of CS as a Nano-carrier system that encapsulates Colistin and for its potential use as Nano-antibiotics to treat resistant infections carried on by considerable Gram-negative A. baumannii.
Environmentally Friendly Shape Memory Smart Composite Material with Multiple Response Modes
Authors: Suo Fang , Bai Zhongyang , Ma Xiangwei , Yao Yongtao , Liu Yanju
Published: October 2024

Cellulose and lignin offer advantages of low cost and environmental friendliness. In this study, a multi-responsive shape memory smart composite material was proposed based on carboxymethyl cellulose and lignin. Lignin imparts photothermal responsiveness to the composite, while cellulose provides water responsiveness. A bio-inspired structure that mimicking the water transport mechanism of plant leaves was developed to improve the water responsive functionalities of composite material (shape recovery within 30 seconds). A self-driven device that mimics the blooming of a flower was successfully fabricated using this composite material. The shape memory smart composite material exhibits a high degree of design flexibility. Based on the mechanisms of water response, a simple structure programming method was proposed, enabling the design of programmable structures with smart and controllable features. This study provides a new approach to the design of multifunctional smart materials, enhancing the application potential of shape memory materials under multiple environmental factors.
Efficient Free Charge Generation at Low-carrier Concentration in Chemically-doped Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Blackburn Jeffrey , Earley Justin , Reid Obadiah , Murrey Tucker , Doud Evan , Spokoyny Alexander , Hermosilla-Palacios M. , Rumbles Garry , Ferguson Andrew
Published: October 2024

Free carrier generation in doped organic semiconductors is poorly understood, since assumed tight electron-hole binding conflicts with observed high free carrier yields. We experimentally investigate the roles of enthalpy, entropy, and local dielectric environment in free carrier generation and transport using isolated chemically doped semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes in low-dielectric solvent. Dopant chemical structure dramatically influences the observed changes in carrier density-dependent complex permittivity, with bulky dopants drastically increasing the local dielectric constant and electronic conductivity, even at carrier densities below one carrier per nanotube. The results are understood by considering the roles of entropic stabilization and a non-static dielectric constant, both of which lower the energy barrier for free charge generation. This understanding has important implications for designing doped organic systems and devices for enhanced carrier mobility, conductivity, and performance.
Lightweight and thermally conductive Ga-based liquid metal hybrid composites filled with hollow glass bubbles
Authors: Ding Xilong , Jiang Yunpeng
Published: October 2024

In this study, glass bubbles (GBs) and gallium-based liquid metal (LM) were combined at varying volume fraction ratios to prepare the composites (GB-LMs), with the objective of optimising their state of matter and overall properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of high thermal conductivity (TC) particles, including copper and silver, was pursued in augmenting the thermal conductive efficiency of the resulting composites. TC, electrical conductivity (EC) and density were measured in order to construct a structure-property relationship, while the underlying microphysical mechanisms were elucidated through the numerical simulations based on the distinctive architectures observed. As the loading of LM droplets increases, the GB-LMs undergo a transition from a scattered state to a thick pasty state and then to a dilute gel state. The composite sample with a loading of 32% LM droplets exhibited a moderate pasty state, with a TC of 4.7 W/m·K, an EC of 380 S/m, and a density of 2.4 g/cm3. The introduction of copper or silver powders into the aforementioned GB-LMs resulted in a TC of 8.0 W/m·K, an EC of 1.59×104 S/m and a low density of 3.2 g/cm3. The incorporation of high TC particles into GB-LMs has the potential to markedly improve the TC-to-density ratio of the composite system. These findings facilitate the implementation of these materials in the thermal management of LM-based composites.
Diagnostic value of the gene expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in middle-aged patients with acute coronary artery disease: a pilot case-control study
Authors: Abdelsabour MA , Idriss NK , Blann AD , Mosa AA , Fouad DA , Amal AM , Ashry A , Sayed SA , Nasreldin E , Hassen SA , Elnaggar MG , Meki AA , Hassen HA , Gaber M
Published: October 2024

Background: Differential diagnosis of the various manifestations of ischaemic heart disease can be difficult, especially in the young, with many investigations being relevant. We hypothesised that expression of the genes for Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) have a place in the diagnosis of an acute coronary artery disease event in those aged up to 55 years with existing coronary artery disease. Venous blood was obtained from 53 patients (27 with diabetes) presenting with an acute coronary syndrome and subsequently shown to have coronary artery disease, and from 46 age and sex matched controls free of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Relative expression of leukocyte transcriptome GAPDH, GDF15 and TERTwere determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and quantified by quantitation-comparative Ct (ΔCt).
Results: Compared to controls, mean (95% CI) relative expression of GDF15 mRNA in the patients was 1.38 (1.13-1.49) (p<0.001), and of TERT was 1.12 (1.04-1.20) p=0.003), with GDF15 being greater than that of TERT(p<0.001). There was no difference in relative GDF15 expression in 26 patients free of diabetes (1.6 [1.42-1.78]) versus the 27 patients with diabetes (1.6 [1.29-1.91]) (p=0.996), and no difference in relative TERTexpression in patients free of diabetes (1.19 [1.06-1.33]) compared to those with diabetes (1.25 [0.98-1.50]) (p=0.739).
Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, GDF15 and TERT expressions are both increased in coronary artery disease and in coronary artery disease+diabetes, with no difference between the patient groups. These genes may have roles in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of acute coronary artery disease.
Evaluation of the Performance of a Biofire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Dildar Shabnam , Nadeem Saman , Afzal Nayab , Athar Muhammad Ammar
Published: October 2024

Background: Meningitis and encephalitis are critical, life-threatening conditions associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are essential for decreasing mortality and improving patient outcomes. The Biofire Film Array Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-nucleic acid-based diagnostic assay designed for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Biofire Film Array Meningitis/Encephalitis multiplexing real a biofire film array meningitis/encephalitis multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of bacterial pathogens in suspected cases of bacterial meningitis.
Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected from 132 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with suspected bacterial meningitis. The clinical samples were analyzed using traditional culture and sensitivity methods, the Biofire Film Array ME Panel multiplex PCR, procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) assays. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the Biofire Film Array ME Panel real-time PCR assay were evaluated.
Results: A total of 132 patients, with a mean age of 38.9 ± 23.7 years, were included in the study. The mean levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were 52.41 ± 82.23 mg/L and 3.7 ± 7.6 ng/mL, respectively. Among these patients, 9 (6.8%) had positive cultures for Listeria monocytogenes (n = 6), Streptococcus pneumonia (n = 2), and Neisseria meningitides (n = 1), while 123 patients were culture negative.
All 9 culture-positive cases were detected by the Biofire ME Panel, and 114 out of 123 (92.7%) culture-negative cases were confirmed as true negatives by the panel. The Biofire ME Panel demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 63.06–100%), a specificity of 91.94% (95% CI: 85.67–96.06%), and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 92.42% (95% CI: 86.51–96.31%).
Conclusion: The Biofire ME Panel is strongly correlatedwith CSF culture and has excellent diagnostic accuracy for bacterial meningitis. Moreover, the NRS-2002 may be used as a routine test for suspected cases of bacterial meningitis for early diagnosis and optimal treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity.
In-silico Evaluation of Phenylpiperazinyl Derivatives as Inhibitors of P. falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase-Thymidylate Synthase: A Potential New Antimalarial Drug Candidate
Authors: AINA Oluwafemi S. , ROFIU Mujeeb O. , OWOSENI-FAGBENRO Kafayat A. , ADAMS Luqman A. , FAMILONI Oluwole B.
Published: October 2024

Resistance to antifolates targeting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in Plasmodium falciparum poses a significant challenge to malarial control initiatives, with some standard drugs active chemical compounds exhibiting associated toxicity concerns. It becomes expedient to explore new antifolate inhibitors for malaria control. Herein, hypothetical compound A1 (piperazine-1,4-diylbis(phenylmethanone) and it's modified mono- and di-alcohol derivatives A2 and A3 were screened virtually for toxicity and inhibitory efficiencies against bifunctional DHFR-thymylate protease enzyme to obtain a safer and potent antimalarial drug compound. Additionally, the physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, toxicity and binding energy of these compounds were compared with ten standard reference antimalaria drugs using Molinspiration, SwissADME, Protox II webserver and PyRx 0.8 AutoDock Vina Wizard including Discovery Studio 2020 respectively. Compounds A1, A2 and A3 were found to be non-toxic, competing favourably with nine of the standard reference existing drugs each unfortunately showing some level of immunotoxicity. Interestingly, compound A1 exhibited comparable inhibitory activity with Artesunate (binding score of -9.20 kcal/mol) towards amino acid residues Ala16, Leu40, and Ser108, responsible for DHFR's reduction to tetrahydrofolate reductase (THFR). Similarly, A2 and A3 showed binding scores of (-8.8 kcal/mol) and (-8.2 kcal/mol) respectively, both higher against DHFR-TS enzyme compared to Mefloquine at (-7.9 kcal/mol) as the only screened standard reference displaying non-toxicity against human cells. Furthermore, the three hypothetical compounds A1-3 obeyed the rule of five and exhibited high gastrointestinal absorption indicative of good drug-like properties and ease of absorption by the body. Density functional theory (DFT) studies revealed a binding trend which is a function of electron affinity (EA) and electronic chemical potential (µ) values which were complementary to the binding energy trend against P. falciparum DHFR where A1 exhibits the highest binding energy and A3 has better pharmacokinetic properties. The results obtained from this study showed that the investigated compounds, particularly A1 and A3, can be explored as potential non-toxic candidates for antimalarial drugs development.
Spatial distribution of Malaria Vectors in Northeast India (2006 – 2012)
Authors: Manikandan Sandeep , Nina Praveen B , Patgiri Saurabh Jyoti , Sarma Devojit Kumar
Published: October 2024

The North-East (NE) India has been the epicenter for the origin of drug-resistant malaria parasites in India, and malaria control in NE is critical to India’s malaria elimination efforts. Targeted malaria intervention through vector control strategies is possible only when the mosquito epidemiology of the region is clearly defined. Here, we detail the distribution of malaria vectors in the eight NE states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura from 2006 to 2012. The geographic information system was used to map the spatial distribution of the Anopheles spp. identified from different parts of the NE. In the study, twenty-seven Anopheles spp. were identified, and the Anopheles density was highest in Arunachal Pradesh and lowest in Manipur and Sikkim. An. maculatus was the most abundant species in the NE, and was followed by An. minimus and An. dirus. An. hyrcanus, An. vagus and An. philippinensis/nivipes were the other major species distributed across the NE. The Indo-Bangladesh international border showed a high abundance of An. minimus. An. maculatus is the major species in the Sub-Himalayan terrain along the Assam – Arunachal Pradesh border. This study on mosquito distribution will serve as a key reference for examining evolving vector-parasite relationships in NE India and assessing how deforestation and climate change impact the current distribution of Anopheles.
Gradient ascend method for fully nonlinear parabolic differential equations with convex nonlinearity
Authors: Fahim Arash , Duong Hung
Published: October 2024

We introduce a generic numerical schemes for fully nonlinear parabolic PDEs on the full domain, where the nonlinearity is convex on the Hessian of the solution. The main idea behind this paper is reduction of a fully nonlinear problem to a class of simpler semilinear ones parameterized by the diffusion term. The contribution of this paper is to provide a directional maximum principle with respect to the diffusion coefficient for semilinear problems, which specifies how to modify the diffusion coefficient to approach to the solution of the fully nonlinear problem. While the objects of the study, diffusion coefficient, is infinite dimensional, the maximum direction of increase can be found explicitly. This also provides a numerical gradient ascend method for the fully nonlinear problem. To establish a proof-of-concept, we test our method in a numerical experiment on the fully nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for portfolio optimization under stochastic volatility model.
Income Tax Expense and Value Relevance of Selected African Listed Firms
Authors: AKINADEWO Israel S. , OSATUYI Yemi A. , OLUWAGBADE Oluyinka I. , DAGUNDURO Muyiwa E.
Published: October 2024

This study examined the effect of income tax accounting on value relevance of selected African listed firms. Concern has emerged that income tax accounting practices might impair the decision-usefulness of financial statements, leading to ineffective resource allocation, diminished investor confidence, and reduced market efficiency. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and utilized secondary data from the annual reports of 528 firms listed in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, applying multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that current period tax expense (CPTE) was statistically insignificant in relation to value relevance (VR), with a coefficient of -0.0261, a t-value of -1.61, and a p-value of 0.109 (insignificant at the 5% level). However, prior periods' tax expense (PPTE) had a statistically significant negative effect on VR, with a coefficient of -0.000000907, a t-value of -2.82, and a p- value of 0.005 (significant at the 1% level). Based on these findings, the study recommended that policymakers enforce standardized tax-related disclosures across African countries to enhance financial transparency and comparability. Regulatory bodies were urged to mandate detailed reporting on income tax expenses to improve the decision-usefulness of financial statements.
Öğütülmüş Perlit Tozunun Alternatif Puzolan Olarak Kullanılabilirliğinin Araştırılması
Authors: Erkek Beyza , Yazıcı Halit , Tutkun Bayram
Published: October 2024

Yapı üretiminde yaygın olarak kullanılan çimentonun, yüksek maliyeti ve çevreye olumsuz etkileri dikkate alındığında alternatif puzolanik malzemelerin kullanılabilirliğinin araştırılması gerektiği ortaya çıkmaktadır. Alternatif bileşenlerin kullanımı, betonun maliyetini düşürmesine ek olarak mekanik, fiziksel ve mikro yapısı gibi birçok özelliğini geliştirmektedir. Betonun temel ve en pahalı bileşeni olan çimentonun, beton tasarımında tüketiminin azaltılması hem ekonomik hem de çevresel kazanımlar sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada Pomza Export firmasına ait genleştirilmiş perlit, bilyalı değirmende öğütülerek kullanılmıştır. Perlit tozu 45 µm elekten elenerek incelik hakkında fikir sahibi olunmuştur. Çimento yerine ağırlıkça %10, %20, %30 ve %40 oranlarında perlit tozu ikame edilerek puzolan olarak kullanılabilirliği gözlemlenmiştir. Puzolanik aktivite, mukavemet deneyleriyle incelenmiştir. Kontrol numunesi ve dört farklı ikame oranı için harç karışımları hazırlanmıştır. Her bir numune için 7, 28 ve 90 günlük su kürü sonunda eğilme dayanımı deneyi ve eğilme dayanımı deneyi sonrası basınç dayanımı deneyi yapılmıştır. Ek olarak, 90 gün kür süreli numunelere birim hacim ağırlık deneyi yapılmıştır. Çimento yerine, ağırlıkça %40 oranına kadar öğütülmüş perlit ikamesiyle CEM I çimentosunun maliyetini düşürmek ve çimento üretiminden kaynaklı CO2 salınımını azaltmak mümkün gözükmektedir.
Managing Sustainable Development of the Enterprise Using Social Investment Instruments and Green Finance in Implementing the Concept of Social аnd Ethical Marketing
Authors:   Belgorod State National Research University, Osadchaya Svetlana M.
Published: October 2024

This work examines the implementation by commercial enterprises and organizations of the concept of sustainable development, which is so relevant at present, with the help of such innovative financial instruments as “green” financing and social investment; the possibility and effectiveness of their use in the practice of managing a commercial organization is substantiated. The purpose of the presented research is to determine the possibility and economic feasibility of using such financial instruments as “green” finance and social investment in the practice of managing a commercial organization. The object of the study is the EFKO group of companies (RF, Belgorod region) – one of the largest food companies in the Russian Federation, the subject is “green” finance and social investments as innovative financial instruments that ensure the sustainable development of a commercial organization and an indicator of its effective management. According to the results of the study, it was established that for 30 years the company under study has been carrying out effective commercial activities, while carrying out active social investment, the object of which is both the internal environment of the organization (personnel, internal infrastructure, etc.) and the external environment (active environmental management, development territories, charity, etc.), ensuring the implementation of the concept of sustainable development. At the same time, it has been established that against the backdrop of an increase in the volume of investments for the implementation of social goals and objectives, there is a positive trend in the main indicators of economic activity and basic financial indicators. The forecast of the main performance indicators of the Group of Companies also allows us to draw a conclusion about the feasibility of implementing social investment, in general, and “green” financing, in particular, since against the backdrop of growing investments in their implementation, the forecast is positive. Undoubtedly, the practice of “green” financing and social investment is a tool for creating and maintaining a positive image and business reputation of the company, which is confirmed by the high results of an independent rating assessment, which has a positive effect on the investment attractiveness of the company and its competitiveness, and allows for a permanent increase in operational efficiency.
Consumer Preferences in the Global Market of Mobile Communication Devices
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federatio, Solovieva Marina V.
Published: October 2024

The most important role in the daily life of modern Russian society and every individual is played by mobile communication, which has recently been implemented on the basis of a special kind of mobile devices – smartphones. The relevance of the research problem is determined by the huge range of smartphone use, model-oriented in almost all spheres of human activity – from household, educational, business, recreational to highly specialized: medical care, work in disaster zones, military purposes. The object of the study is the global market of mobile communication devices, the subject is consumer preferences of buyers. The aim is to study the current state of the smartphone market and predict its development. The objectives of the study are to identify the features of the global and Russian smartphone market and to determine the consumer preferences of buyers of mobile devices. The methodological basis of the study they are the dialectical principle and the principle of comprehensiveness, an integrated and systematic. Research methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction. In the course of the research, the volumes of sales and sales of the global smartphone market in 2021–2022 were obtained and analyzed. The trend of sales growth is revealed – the largest share of the total sales of mobile phones falls on the countries of Central Asia and developed countries of Asia, the smallest – on the countries of Eastern Europe and developing countries of Asia and Eurasia. The analysis of sales has showed even the annual instability of this indicator. The leading smartphone manufacturers in 2020–2021, Apple and Samsung, were forced to quickly adapt to market requirements, in particular, by replacing model lines. The main factors determining consumer choice are revealed. The main directions of increasing sales efficiency in the Russian smartphone market are proposed, in particular, the method of segmenting consumers by the following types: demographic, psychographic, consumer solvency.
National Scientific Research in the Framework of European Scientific Prorities: the Case of Norway
Authors: Talagaeva Daria A.
Published: October 2024

The author examines to what extent national scientific research in Norway meets the pan-European principles and priorities of scientific development. The success of the interaction between European and national research efforts is a key condition for improving the competitiveness and efficiency of research in Europe. As an associated country, Norway does not have much influence on the allocation of funds from the European budget for research, nevertheless, the country is involved in all projects implemented within the framework of the European Research Area, financing and receiving funding from the EU Framework Programs. The article examines the structure of the scientific research complex, paying special attention to the main documents and institutions that determine science policy. In addition, the author studies budget formation in the scientific field in Norway, as well as the country’s participation in the international scientific cooperation. Norway’s experience is useful for understanding how nation states organize and coordinate their participation in European programs, especially in terms of addressing current and future “great challenges”. As a result of the analysis of the scientific policy carried out in Norway, the author comes to the conclusion that R&D institutions are directly adapted to the priorities of the European level, while national authorities have limited influence on the country’s European research portfolio. The purpose of the study is to analyze the interaction of the European research policy with the national research system of Norway. Research objectives: to analyze the formation of the structure and goals of European programs; to identify changes in the instruments and goals of national scientific policy; to determine the consequences of changes in scientific policy for the Norwegian research complex; to assess the level of coincidence of the interests and practices of the national scientific community with the interests and practices of the European scientific community, which is being formed at the supranational level.
Influence of Activated Carbon on the Efficiency of Sorption Leaching of Gold-Silver-Containing Ores (on the Example of the Kubaka Processing Plant)
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Myazin Viktor P. ,   N. A. Chinakal Institute of Mining SB RAS, Ardanaeva Svetlana A. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2024

Activated granular coal is widely used in processing plants, both in Russia and abroad. There are two problems at Kubaka mining and processing plant (MPP) during hydrometallurgical processing of gold-containing raw materials: loss of coal during sorption due to partial abrasion, decrease in sorption properties and, as a result, deterioration of coal quality as a result of clogging of pores with dissolved compounds in the pulp. This in turn leads to a decrease in the efficiency of sorption leaching of gold-bearing ores and an increase in the cost of gold. The aim of the study is to improve the quality of activated carbon of the GOLGCARB 207C 6X12 brand based on the use of reduction processes in order to increase the sorption capacity. Research objectives are as follows: development of a research methodology; determination of parameters of changes in the kinetic properties of activated carbon; step-by-step assessment of changes in the properties of activated carbon in the technological process; identification of the effect of coal treatment with alternative reagents (NaOH, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, lime) on improving the quality of activated carbon. The object of the study is activated carbons of the GOLGCARB 207C 6X12 brand used at the Kubaka MPP (Magadan region). Research methodology and methods are as follows: a comprehensive methodology for the study of activated carbon, laboratory studies and pilot tests. The effect of activated carbon on the efficiency of sorption leaching of gold-bearing ores in laboratory conditions with the approbation of a new technological solution in semi-industrial tests has been studied. The effect of acid treatment and reactivation of coal on its sorption properties has been experimentally proven. Optimal conditions for cleaning the pores of coal from impurities of organic, carbonate and sulfur-containing compounds and an increase in sorption activity were achieved by acid treatment (replacement of hydrochloric acid with sulfuric acid) and pH control.
Forecasting the Development of the Ural Manufacturing Industry in Conditions of Increasing External Financial Risks
Authors:   Institute of Economics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Romanova Olga A. , Ponomareva Alena O. ,   Institute of Economics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the current problem of industrial development in the context of increasing external financial risks. A significant share of the production of Russian industrial enterprises is focused on exporting their products. Restrictions on foreign trade and sanctions may lead to threats to the implementation of planned product output on international markets. External financial threats to industry also include declining foreign investment and limited access to advanced technologies. The object of the study is industrial enterprises of the Ural Federal District, operating in conditions of increasing external financial risks. The purpose of the study is to construct a forecast for the industrial development of the Urals based on a simulation model that takes into account the influence of both internal growth factors and external financial risks. The fulfillment of this goal predetermines the solution of the following tasks: to determine the conditions and factors for the competitive development of industry in modern conditions; identify key indicators reflecting the dependence of industry on external and internal factors; build an exponential econometric model for forecasting the development of regions of the Ural Federal District in the context of the implementation of external financial risks – a reduction in imports and foreign investment; to determine the conditions and factors for leveling external financial risks for industrial enterprises of the Urals The study used methods of statistical, comparative and structural analysis. To build the model, the multiple linear regression (MLS) method has been used. The work uses available data from the Federal Customs Service and the Federal Statistics Service for the period 2013-2020. As a result of assessing the parameters of the obtained regression models, the hypothesis about the significant average statistical impact of external financial threats (imports and foreign investments) on the manufacturing and mining production of the subjects of the Ural Federal District has not been confirmed. The results of the study can serve as a guide for further study of the impact of external financial risks on the development of regional industrial systems.
Improvement of the Scheme and Regime of Internal Water Circulation of Foam Separation of Diamond-Containing Kimberlites
Authors:   Yakutniproalmaz Institute, Alrosa Joint Stock Company ", Kovalenko Evgeny G. ,   ALROSA"
Published: October 2024

The object of this study is the process of enrichment of diamond-containing kimberlites by foam separation. The subject of the research is the recycled water of the foam separation unit. The purpose of the study is to increase the foam separation process efficiency in the enrichment of diamond-containing kimberlites by improving the scheme and regime of internal water circulation. The objectives of the study are to study the effect of sludge on the surface condition and floatability of diamonds, to analyze the composition of sludge products and to establish the causes of the increase in the concentration of sludge in recycled water, to substantiate the approach to the choice of technologies and the development of schemes for desliming recycled waters of the foam separation cycle. To determine the degree of sludge influence on the surface composition and floatability of diamonds, the technique of electron probe X-ray spectral analysis has been used and experiments have been conducted on foam separation of a diamond-kimberlite mixture. Industrial tests of the modes and schemes of clarification of recycled water are carried out at the enrichment plant No. 3 of the Mirninsky Mining and Processing Plant (MPP). The results of X-ray electron spectroscopy show that there is a proportional dependence of the decrease in diamond floatability on the proportion of hydrophilic coatings on the diamond surface. For the destruction of organic-air-mineral aggregates, which are an essential source of sludge, it is proposed to use highly turbulent classification modes in a hydrocyclone, which allows separating grains of hydrophobic kimberlite minerals from drops of apolar collector. In the final stage of clarification of recycled water, it is proposed to use flotation classification technology in a three-product clarifier, which ensures the production of an aqueous phase purified from precipitating and surfacing fractions. The test results of the developed schemes and modes of recycled water desalination in the foam separation department of the processing plant No. 3 of Mirninsky MPP have showed a decrease in the concentration of sludge in recycled water by 2 times, a reduction in the consumption of flotation reagents by 7-10 % and an increase in diamond recovery by 1.2 %.
Customs Departments and Financial System of the Russian Federation
Authors:   ransbaikal Institute of Railway Transport – branch of Irkutsk State University of Railway Engineering, Alexandrova Irina A. , Razmakhnin Konstantin K. ,   Mining Institute named after N. A. Chinakala SB RAS – branch in Chita
Published: October 2024

The effectiveness of the fiscal function of the Federal Customs Service is an important factor in determining the interests of the state in the economy. This article examines a pressing issue in modern geopolitical realities - customs authorities and their influence on the formation of the state’s financial system. The object of the study is the Federal Customs Service of Russia, as one of the main government bodies that replenishes the federal budget. The purpose of the study is to analyze and assess the impact of the activities of the customs authorities of Russian Federation on the formation of the country’s financial system. The main objectives of the study are as follows: to study approaches to defining the concept of "financial system of the state", to analyze federal budget revenues in the context of revenue administrators and to assess which customs payments significantly influence the formation of the country’s budget. Approaches to the formation of the concept of "financial system" of the state and the contribution of various scientists to this concept are explored. An analysis of federal budget revenues in the context of revenue administrators and the main functions of the Federal Customs Service and their impact on public finances is carried out. The article also compares the activities of customs authorities with other government bodies of Russian Federation that accumulate financial revenues from the federal budget and influence the financial system of Russian Federation. The article analyzes the role and significance of customs duties in federal budget revenues for the period from 2021 to 2023. The study has showed a reduction in the amount of customs duties both in absolute values and in their share in the total federal budget revenue. This is due to the geopolitical situation in the country, changes in the exchange rate of the dollar against the ruble and the introduction of sanctions by some Western countries against Russia. The article analyzes the legal framework regulating the financial legal relations of customs authorities and participants in foreign economic activity. Conclusions are drawn that customs authorities directly influence the formation of the financial system of Russian Federation through the implementation of their main function (fiscal) of collecting tax and non-tax payments, monitoring foreign economic relations and maintaining the economic security of the state and are one of the main administrators of the federal budget of the state. This confirms the hypothesis that the work of the customs service directly affects the economic well-being of the country and its fiscal policy.
Review for the Mining and Geological Part of the Feasibility Study for the Construction of an Underground Radioactive Waste Storage Facility
Authors: Komlev Vladimir N.
Published: October 2024

The city district “Closed Administrative-territorial formation of the city of Zheleznogorsk” has appointed and organized public discussions on the materials of the justification of the license (including environmental impact assessment materials) for activities in the field of nuclear energy use “Creation of a second-class RW storage facility at FSUE GCK”. The mining and geological materials on the construction site of an underground repository of radioactive waste (RW) of the second hazard class in Zheleznogorsk of the Krasnoyarsk Territory are considered. The purpose of the construction of the storage facility is to ensure the storage of second-class radioactive waste at the site of the mining and chemical plant in volumes that meet the needs of the enterprise until the national operator is ready to handle radioactive waste. The review is a response to an offer to discuss supposedly public materials of open access. The subject of public discussions was conducted in the form of a survey. It is proposed to carry out the initial stage of the justification of the object on the basis of the Law “On Subsoil”. The following conclusion is made: the target horizon after the conservation of the object is likely to be flooded, primarily along vertical collector trunks; heterogeneous backfilling of the internal free space of trunks and horizontal workings with finished concrete lining with crushed/granular natural bentonite will not help; in reality, the volume of water in the burial zone will significantly determine the characteristics and the inexhaustible resource of the overlying water supply layers of rocks, rather than rocks of the target range, and even without recharge from other sources, the flooded PGZRO will quickly turn into a supplier of hot water and radiolytic gases. The opinion is expressed that it is unacceptable to turn a temporary storage facility into a permanent disposal site for radioactive waste.
Studying of the Toxicity of Drilling Waste Using Biotesting
Authors:   Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University,, Akatieva Tatyana G.
Published: October 2024

The extraction of hydrocarbon raw materials has always been accompanied by a negative impact on environmental components. The object of the research is waste generated during the drilling process. The subject of the research is toxicity of drilling fluids for Daphnia magna. The urgency of the problem lies in solving the problem of their use and disposal. As a rule, these are multicomponent mixtures, which, when released into water bodies and soil cover, can exhibit toxic properties towards hydrobionts and pedofauna. The purpose of the research is to study the toxicity of drilling waste to the cladocera Daphnia magna. The objectives are as follows: to study the effect of drilling fluids on the survival of daphnia; determine the effect of the toxicant on the reproductive function of crustaceans. The article presents the results of a study of the effect of drilling waste on the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. During the experiment, the effect on daphnia of the liquid phase of both the original drilling waste and in the dilution range of 1:1 – 1:100 was studied using biotesting. Acute and chronic toxicity (4 and 30 days, respectively) was assessed by changes in the survival and reproductive function of crustaceans. It has been determined that in a short experiment, by the 4th day of observation, 40 and 64 % of crustaceans survived in the variants with the maximum dilution (1:10 and 1:100, respectively) of the drilling fluid. In a chronic experiment, the survival rate of daphnia decreased in proportion to the substance content. The toxicity of drilling waste also manifested itself in disruption of the reproductive function of crustaceans: delayed onset of sexual maturity and a decrease in the total number of juveniles. Based on the conducted research, the following conclusions are obtained. Drilling fluids exhibit acute and chronic toxicity to Daphnia magna, reducing their survival by 40 % when the toxicant is diluted 10 and 100 times, respectively. The effect of drilling solutions on the reproductive function of crustaceans is manifested in the inhibition of the timing of puberty (by 2–3 days compared to the control variant) and the overall fertility of daphnia: the number of juveniles that has appeared by the 30th day of the experiment was lower than the control values by 33–50 % (depending on drilling fluid concentrations).
FEATURES OF THE APPLICATION OF A MAGNET FOR THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THE FIRE FRAGMENT WOUNDS OF THE THIGH AND BUTTOCKS. CLINICAL CASE
Authors: Riga Artem
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Before the start of hostilities in Ukraine, the use of surgical magnetic instruments for the removal of ferromagnetic foreign bodies in everyday surgical practice was quite limited. The use of magnetic instruments provides, first of all, the possibility of control and safety of inflicting additional injuries during surgical operations.
Materials and methods. The actual clinical observation and the complexity of the case of using a surgical magnet during the removal of a metal fragment due to a gunshot wound to the hip and buttock are demonstrated.
Results. The primary surgical treatment of an open gunshot wound of the thigh and buttock with the presence of a foreign body on the radiograph of the pelvis in the direct and lateral projection near the lesser trochanter of the femur 5 hours after the injury with the use of surgical magnetic and classical surgical instruments (Billroth clamp) was performed on a 50-year-old patient. The small size of the wound entrance limited the ability to maneuver the instrument in the wound. And the deep immersion of the fragment in the soft tissues of the buttock made visualization and its palpation impossible. A significant risk of damage to large vessels and nerves during maneuvering is determined by the exact location of the fragment, the density of the metal, and the difficulty of its capture and fixation with a surgical instrument, due to the fragment sliding and catching on the femur.
Conclusions. In complex cases, classic surgical instruments can be used along with magnetic instruments. Preoperative diagnosis of a foreign body should include X-ray examination if it is impossible to visualize and palpate the fragments. The use of surgical magnetic instruments expands the possibility of performing primary surgical treatment of wounds, reduces the traumatic nature of the operation and the terms of inpatient treatment and rehabilitation.
Assessing bull breeding soundness exam parameters following vaccination with modified-live or killed vaccine
Authors: Koziol Jennifer H. , Armstrong Chance L. , Johnson Blaine T. , Bostick Dylan , Deckert Dalton
Published: October 2024

Breeding bulls are often placed on a similar herd health plan and vaccinated for the same pathogens as the mature cow herd. The timing of the yearly vaccination is impacted by labor and time constraints with some bulls receiving vaccinations at the time of annual, complete breeding soundness exams or at the time of turnout prior to the breeding season. However, the potential impact of vaccination on spermatogenesis, if any, is unknown. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the impacts on normal sperm morphology through a complete spermatogenic cycle after vaccination of mature beef bulls against bovine herpesvirus 1 and bovine viral diarrhea virus using commercially available modified-live virus (MLV) or killed virus (KV) vaccine. Semen was collected from Bos taurus bulls (n = 11),which were randomly assigned prior to the first breeding soundness exam to vaccine treatment groups: 1) modified-live virus (MLVa); or 2) inactivated/killed virus (KVb). Breeding soundness exams were completed at days -7, 0, 5, 7, 17, 28, 61 following vaccination. No differences were found between vaccine treatment groups MLV and KV (P = 0.46) on the percentage of normal sperm over time (d = -7 through d = 61) as evaluated by two boarded theriogenologists. In conclusion, we found no detrimental effect of the administration of multivalent MLV or KV vaccines on percentage of normal sperm morphology of mature bulls over a 61 – day period.
Understanding consumption and purchase of tap water and diverse tap-alternative drinking water sources in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Pierce Gregory , Gardiner Joseph , Harrison Grace , Pearson Amber L.
Published: October 2024

Several gaps remain in understanding individuals' water consumption reliance outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We utilize a cross-sectional sample of household-level survey data from predominantly low-income, minoritized households in Detroit, MI, to examine the relationship between tap and tap-alternative drinking water consumption and purchase behavior. We collected survey data from one English-speaking adult per household in May–October 2021 (n = 259). Consistent with past studies, tap water consumption is negatively correlated with single-use bottled water consumption and consuming drinking water from multiple sources. We also find tap distrust is correlated with tap-alternative water consumption, yet there is a surprising positive relationship between tap and overall bottled water consumption levels. Very low-income households were more likely to rely on bottled water and multiple other water sources simultaneously. Female respondents reported lower levels of most types of water consumption. Black respondents reported lower tap water and bottled water consumption but had higher levels of other tap-alternative source consumption. Our results call into question whether higher tap water consumption is synonymous with tap trust or with reduced bottled water consumption. Public health interventions must further address high levels of bottled water consumption among low-income individuals, and low tap water consumption among Black individuals.
Advances in Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Innovative Strategies for Treating Colonic Disorders and Prospects for the Future
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Solanki Ashutosh , Sikarwar Gaurav Singh , Singh Niraj Kumar
Published: October 2024

Colon-specific targeting delivery systems have drawn a great deal of attention because
they represent potential vehicles for treating colonic disorders like diverticulitis, colitis,
salmonellosis, Crohn’s disease, etc. with less systemic adverse effects as well as for the better
oral delivery of many therapeutics that are prone to enzymatic and acidic deterioration in the
upper GI tract. Smart polymeric delivery systems in particular have been investigated as "intelligent"
delivery systems capable of releasing entrapped pharmaceuticals at the proper time &
site of action in response to certain physiological stimuli. The creation of novel polymers &
crosslinkers with improved biodegradability and biocompatibility would expand and enhance
applications now in use. The development of polymeric systems could result in more precise and
programmable drug delivery/therapies. In addition, newer advancements have led to the development
of numerous ground-breaking techniques for directing a medication molecule to the
colon. This review highlighted formulation techniques pH-dependent, time-dependent, enzyme
sensitive, magnetically dependent, ligand-receptor mediated, and microflora-activated systems.
Moreover, several methods have been put forth that make use of the innovative idea of such
delivery systems, and mechanisms in which the release of drugs is regulated by pH and time as
well as pH and the colon's bacteria.