bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Soil Organic Carbon in Forest Soils of Telangana, India: A Comparative Analysis of Deterministic and Geostatistical Interpolation Models
Authors: Patel Ruby , Sharief Shaik , EV Sherline , Kodchire Avinash , Panwar Vijender Pal
Published: March 2024

Background and aims Several investigations have assessed the soil organic carbon (SOC) content in forest soil. However, very few studies have explored the spatial variability of SOC content in forest soil using deterministic and geostatistical techniques. Telangana hosts various forest types, including dry deciduous scrub, dry teak forest, southern dry mixed deciduous forest, and non-forest areas. The present investigation aims to identify the best-fit model for SOC content distribution and examine how various forest types influence SOC content in forest soils in Telangana, India.
Methods The air-dried soil samples were analyzed for their SOC content using the wet digestion method. Deterministic and geostatistical methods used to assess the spatial distribution of SOC content in unsampled regions. Data were utilized to create spatial SOC maps using five interpolation methods: Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Ordinary Kriging (spherical, gaussian, and exponential), and Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK). The accuracy of these models was evaluated through cross-validation, semivariogram and considering metrics like coefficient of determination (R2) and the mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE).
Results The order of SOC content was observed as follows: southern dry mixed deciduous forest > dry teak forest > dry deciduous scrub > non-forest for all soil depths, except at 30–60 cm. The results indicate that the EBK model has the highest R2 value (0.228) followed by OK- Spherical (0.219) and Exponential (0.216) for a soil depth of 0-30 cm. The OK-spherical model has the highest R2 value (0.139) followed by OK- Gaussian (0.135) and EBK (0.132) for a soil depth of 30-60 cm, and IDW has the highest R2 value (0.168) followed by OK- exponential (0.144) and EBK (0.135) for a soil depth of 60-90 cm.
Conclusion The study examined soil organic carbon (SOC) content and its spatial distribution across various forest types in Telangana, utilizing deterministic and geostatistical methods. Southern dry mixed deciduous forests exhibited higher SOC content, whereas lower SOC content were observed in dry deciduous scrub and non-forest areas. Evaluation of interpolation methods indicated that geostatistical methods (EBK and OK) outperformed IDW at soil depths of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm, while the deterministic method (IDW) performed well at a depth of 60-90 cm. Increasing sampling points and incorporating elevation or topographical information could improve the accuracy of the interpolation model, emphasizing the importance of using both deterministic (IDW) and geostatistical (OK and EBK) methods for generating the SOC content spatial distribution map in the entire study area.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Biological and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Santhanaraj Gomuraj , Alagarsamy Mathavan , vedhi Chinnapaiyan
Published: March 2024

Detection and monitoring of toxic and exhaust gases are crucial for energy and environmental conservation. Low-power, inexpensive gas sensors are in high demand. Metal oxide gas sensors are gaining interest due to their high selectivity and sensitivity. This research work aims to synthesize and characterize metal oxides, specifically thorium(IV) oxide, iron(III) oxide, and FTMMO, which is a mixed metal oxide consisting of iron and thorium. The synthesis of nanoparticles is accomplished using the co-precipitation method with a microwave reaction system. The resulting nanoparticles are subsequently characterized utilizing various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, UV-VIS (DRS), FE-SEM, EDAX, AFM, and XRD analysis. The cubic geometry of ThO2 and the face-centered rhombohedral structure of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were verified by XRD analysis. In order to investigate the utilization of iron(III) oxide, thorium(IV) oxide and iron thorium mixed metal oxides (FTMMO) are used to recognizes of ammonia and sulfur dioxide with the help of electrochemical method in the basic medium. The binding behavior of metal oxides and ovalbumin were investigated using UV-visible adsorption and fluorescence spectral techniques. The binding constant (Kb), Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv), and fluorophore quenching rate constant (kq) were calculated with the help of spectral data. Using the disc diffusion technique, research has been carried out to investigate the exceptional antibacterial activities of prepared metal oxides and mixed metal oxides against the different bacterial strains.
Alterations in feeding preference and gastric emptying of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) following administration of varying quantities of fermented soybean meal
Authors: Cai XingHui , Luo Jingyi , Li Xiang , Yang JingFeng , Hua XueMing , Liu Tao
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of partially substituting fish meal (FM) and soybean meal (SBM) in the diet with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on growth, feeding preference, protease activity, and their correlation with gastric evacuation in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 55-day feeding trial was conducted with eight isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, followed by a gastric emptying experiment. The results showed that the control group (containing 30% FM and 18% SBM) exhibited the highest feeding preference index, while the preference index of all diets demonstrated an initial decrease followed by an increase and subsequently a decline with increasing levels of supplemental fermented soybean meal. The SBM free group (almost devoid of soybean antigen proteins) showed the lowest preference index. Notably, there was no significant difference in feeding preference before and after domestication of the feed, and it was consistent with the trend of feeding rate. All the presented findings indicated that the inclusion of fish meal is a crucial factor influencing the feeding preference of M. rosenbergii. The excessive incorporation of fermented soybean meal in the diet led to an aversion towards feeding, which significantly contributes to the decline in growth rate.Short-term domestication (55 days) did not significantly alter the feeding preference of M. rosenbergii towards fermented soybean meal. However, when fermented soybean meal replaced fish meal and soybean meal, the individual action or interaction between antigenic proteins and other anti-nutritional factors resulted in varying changes in digestive enzyme activity and gastric evacuation dynamics.
Upper extremity contact pressure measurement in robot-assisted pelvic surgery
Authors: Kimura Naoki , Yamada Yuta , Hakozaki Yuji , Kaneko Jun , Kamei Jun , Taguchi Satoru , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Daisuke , Fujimura Tetsuya , Kume Haruki
Published: March 2024

Upper extremity complications are often a problem in robot-assisted pelvic surgery (RAPS) with the lithotomy-Trendelenburg position (LT-position). This study focused on upper extremity contact pressure (UEP) and examined the relationship between UEP and upper extremity complications. From May 2020 to April 2022 at the University of Tokyo Hospital, UEP was measured in 155 patients undergoing RARP and 20 patients undergoing RARC. A total of 350 sets of UEP were investigated in this study. UEP was measured using a portable interface pressure sensor (Palm QR , Cape CO., Kanagawa, Japan) in the preoperative lithotripsy position (L-position), preoperative LT-position, and postoperative L-position. UEP was increased in the preoperative LT-position than in the preoperative L-position (right side 5.2 mmHg vs. 17.1 mmHg, left side 5.3 mmHg vs. 17.1 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively), and was decreased in the postoperative L-position than in preoperative LT-position (right side 17.1 mmHg vs. 10.8 mmHg, left side 17.1 mmHg vs. 10.6 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). Eleven upper extremities developed shoulder pain. UEP of the preoperative LT-position tended to be higher in the upper extremity exhibiting shoulder pain (25.6 mmHg (15.4-30.3) vs. 17.1 mmHg (12.0-24.4) P = 0.0901). UEP measurements may help prevent postoperative shoulder pain.
Intelligent robot-assisted fracture reduction system for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures
Authors: Wu Zhengjie , Dai Yonghong , Zeng Yanhui
Published: March 2024

Background: Precise and minimally invasive closed reduction is the premise of minimally invasive internal fixation. This paper aims to explore the safety and efficacy of a robot-assisted fracture reduction system (RAFR) in the treatment of pelvic fractures and to analyze its clinical advantages and existing problems.
Methods: The RAFR system intelligently designed the optimal reduction path and target position based on a preoperative three-dimensional(3D) CT scan of the patient. The reduction robotic arm automatically reduced the affected hemipelvis according to the pre-planned reduction path.
Results: The average residual displacement was the 6.65±3.59mm. According to Matta’s criteria, there were 7 excellent, 10 good, and 3 fair, and the excellent and good rate was 85%. No postoperative complications occurred.
Conclusion: In our study, the RAFR system could complete accurate and minimally invasive closed reduction for most patients with unstable pelvic fractures, which could achieve good fracture reduction quality and short-term efficacy.
Highly Precise and Sensitive Approach for Direct Electrochemical Sensing of Phosphates Using Zinc Ferrite Impregnated-Polyaniline Coated Electrodes
Authors: Khan Imran , Shah Anwarulhaq Ali , Bilal Salma
Published: March 2024

Phosphate is a non-point pollution source that primarily arising from agricultural waste water run-off and industrial effluents which proliferate the natural eutrophication. There is a need of effective monitoring of excessive phosphate release into aquatic environment. Some developments in direct electrochemical sensing have recently been made where the protocols often rely on time-consuming and complicate process for electrode fabrication while using some toxic metals. This article outlines efficient strategy for preparation of sensing electrodes for quick-responsive and real-time detection of phosphate ions based on conductive polyaniline (PANI) with biocompatible iron oxide (Fe2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4). It has been shown that the electrochemical integration of metal oxide particles into the porous PANI backbone offers several advantages, including high selectivity for target ions and rapid response to analytes in less than 50 seconds, along with low limit of detection (LOD). Among the different sensor electrodes LOD value was found to be 2.95 x 10− 7 M, with high diffusion coefficient values of 9.6x10− 4 cm2/s and high sensitivity of 1.22 A/M·cm² for PANI-ZnFe2O4@AuS modified gold sheet (AuS) electrode. The sensing features of the as-prepared PANI-ZnFe2O4@AuS electrode can be attributed to the uniform distribution of metal oxide particles within the PANI matrix, which produces effective synergistic effect for phosphate ions sensing.
Effect of terahertz radiation on drug activity in bacterial cells
Authors: Kakikawa Makiko , Matsuzuka Risa , Yamaguchi Yuusuke
Published: March 2024

The biological effects of terahertz (THz) waves have been increasingly studied in recent years with the development of THz wave generation and detection technology. THz waves have been reported to change membrane permeability and induce conformational changes in protein molecules. Drugs action on cells involves membrane permeability, and we therefore investigated the effect of THz waves on the activity of the cytotoxic drug bleomycin on Escherichia coli. 0.46 THz radiation with an average power of 2.5 W/cm2, pulse duration of 10 ms, and a repetition frequency of several Hz was noncytotoxic to E. coli cells. However, 0.46 THz radiation enhanced the cytotoxic activity of bleomycin in E. coli cells, and the drug-enhancing effect depended on the power density of the THz waves. The effect of THz radiation on drug uptake into cells was investigated based on the activity of the drug remaining in the culture medium after THz radiation or non-radiation. The activity of the drug remaining in the culture medium after THz radiation did not differ from that remaining after non-radiation. This indicates that THz radiation does not affect the bacterial cell-membrane permeability to bleomycin. Thus, this study suggests that 0.46 THz radiation enhances the cytotoxicity of bleomycin towards E. coli cells and may influence the mechanism of bleomycin action within cells rather than affecting drug uptake.
Analysis and design of an innovative 19.5 GHz active phase shifter architecture, implemented in a 0.13 μm BiCMOS SiGe:C process, for beamforming in 5G applications
Authors: Muhammad Nuraddeen Ado , Cordeau David , Paillot Jean-Marie
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 19.5 GHz active phase shifter for beamforming. The proposed circuit is based on an original architecture using an injection-locked voltage-controlled oscillator (ILVCO) associated with a polyphase filter followed by a phase selection circuit and its sign. From a 1.3 V supply voltage, the proposed circuit was designed to obtain a phase shift range of 360°. This phase shifter is synthesized using the phase selection circuit (PS) for coarse adjustment in the steps of 90° and the injection-locked VCO for a fine-tuning adjustment between ±45°. The circuit consumed a total current of 20.47 mA with a chip size of 1.51 mm2 including the pads and it is integrated in a BiCMOS SiGe:C 0.13 µm process.
Simultaneous Optimization of Network-on-Chip for Improved Reliability and Reduced Average Packet Latency Considering Buffer Size Constraints
Authors: Abdolhosseini Hesam , Zarandi Hamid R.
Published: March 2024

Managing the complex interconnections found in contemporary chip designs is achievable through the utilization of network-on-chip (NoC) architectures. Optimizing NoC configuration is critical for balancing reliability and latency. This paper presents a study on simultaneously optimizing NoC to improve reliability and reduce average packet latency, while considering buffer size constraints. Buffer size significantly impacts latency, cost, and reliability, making it a key element for optimization. To validate latency estimates, we compared against the Garnet2.0 simulator. Optimization utilized the NSGA-II algorithm to concurrently optimize multiple objectives like reliability and latency. The buffer size in NoC input ports constrained optimization. MATLAB was selected for implementing the algorithm due to its optimization libraries and user-friendly interface. We provide extensive findings for different NoC dimensions when subjected to both uniform and hot-spot traffic. This study contributes to designing robust, efficient on-chip communication, which is essential as computing systems demand increases.
Stochastic Extension of a Two-Strain SIR Model with Non-Monotone Incidence Functions: Analysis of Stochastic Thresholds and Disease Dynamics
Authors: BENTALEB Dounia , AMINE Saida
Published: March 2024

In this manuscript, we consider a two-strain SIR epidemic model with two non-monotonic transmission processes, moving from a deterministic to a stochastic differential framework with noise incorporated into the incidence functions. Within the stochastic regime, we identify two stochastic critical thresholds that dictate the dynamics of the disease, steering it towards either extinction or persistence in mean over time. We establish the existence of a unique positive solution using stochastic Lyapunov functions and corroborate our theoretical findings with numerical simulations, providing a concise yet comprehensive insight into the complex disease dynamics under stochastic influences.
Spillovers and legacies of land management on temperate woodland biodiversity
Authors: Bradfer-Lawrence Tom , Dobson Andrew , Finch Tom , Fuentes-Montemayor Elisa , Hanley Nicholas , Matthiopoulos Jason , Nthambi Mary , Simpson Katherine , Watts Kevin , Whytock Robin , Park Kirsty
Published: March 2024

Species distributions are a product of both current spatial configuration of habitats and legacies of historic land use. Therefore, effectiveness of agri-environment schemes, Payment for Ecosystem Service policies, and conservation management all hinge on understanding the relative importance of, and interactions among, current and historic drivers of species distributions. Here, we explore the combined effects of spatial spillovers and temporal legacies, both within and between habitat types. We use Bayesian hierarchical occupancy models with data on 373 species from four taxa (ground beetles, birds, vascular plants, small terrestrial mammals) from a chronosequence of 134 woodlands in temperate agricultural landscapes. Both spillovers and legacies affect species richness and community composition and, critically, these effects appear to interact. Real-world combinations of spillovers and legacies result in different biodiversity responses compared to the individual drivers in isolation. Woodland patches in landscapes with more old woodland and lower amounts of historical woodland loss tend to host more birds and plant species, but fewer small mammals. Failing to account for these drivers, particularly legacy effects, gives a distorted view of habitat suitability. In consequence, the same management actions may result in unexpectedly different outcomes depending on the spatial and historical context within the landscape.
Investigation of Aquifer Storage Properties and Groundwater Contamination Risk Potential using Electrical Resistivity Technique: A Sedimentary Environment Case Study
Authors: Ekanem Aniekan M. , George Nyakno J. , Thomas Jewel E.
Published: March 2024

This study involves the investigation of aquifer storage properties and contamination risk potential using electrical resistivity technique in Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. The two counties are shown to comprise three to four lithological successions of sandy and gravelly layers with slight clay intercalations. Groundwater abstraction takes place in the third and fourth layers in the area at depths of 5.4 to 121.4 m depending on the locations. Two aquifer storage properties (aquifer specific yield and specific retention) were investigated. Accordingly, the results demonstrate that an inverse relation exists between the two storage properties. The aquifer specific yield and specific retention must respectively be greater and less than a threshold value of 0.15 for the aquifer to be prolific. On this basis, 94% of the study region is revealed to have good groundwater potential for sustainability of water boreholes. Groundwater contamination risk potential was investigated by using longitudinal conductance (LC) and geoelectric layer susceptibility index (GLSI) parameters. The LC results show that 87.5% of the study region has weak/poor protection while 12.5% has moderate protection against infiltrating contaminants. The GLSI results show that 21.9% of the area is typified with moderate susceptibility rating while the 78.1% left over has low susceptibility potential. The identified areas with weak/poor protection and moderate susceptibility are adjudged to have moderate/high groundwater contamination risk potential. These findings provide valuable guidelines for formulating sustainable groundwater utilization and management strategies in the area.
Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Elements and Microplastics in the Water Treatment Facility
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad , Janaszek Agata
Published: March 2024

The potentially harmful effects of consuming potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) regularly via drinking water are a significant cause for worry. This study investigated PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, Zn, Co), MPs, turbidity, pH, conductivity, and health risk assessment in the water treatment plant in Kielce, Poland. Zn had the highest concentrations throughout the water treatment facility, whereas Cd, Pb, and Co had lower concentrations (<0.1 μg/L). The order of the concentrations among the specified PTEs was like Zn˃Cu˃Ni˃Cr˃Cd˃Pb and Co. The minimum turbidity was 0.34, and the maximum was 1.9 NTU. The range of pH in water samples was 6.51 - 7.47. The conductivity was 1,203 - 1,445 ms in water samples. These identified MPs were categorized into fiber and fragments. The color of these identified MPs was blue, red, black, green, and transparent. The minimum and maximum size of the MPs was 196 and 4,018 μm, while the average size was 2,751 22 ± 1,905 μm. The average concentration of MPs per liter of the water treatment plant was 108.88 ± 55.61. The elements listed are C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti. Fe and Zn were the predominant elements seen using EDX. HQ values of the PTEs were less than one for adults and children. The human health risk associated with all detected PTEs revealed that the HQ values exhibit a satisfactory degree of non-carcinogenic adverse health risk. HI values for adults and children age groups were less than one. In most water treatment samples, the carcinogenic value exceeds the threshold value of 10−6. The PTEs and MP concentrations in drinking water are recommended to be periodically monitored to minimize consumers' environmental pollution and health risks.
Characterizing the US Market for Salad Mixes through the Lens of Environmental Preferences
Authors: Ulloa Maria C. , Marques Juliano M. R. , Velasco Jose E. , Philocles Sanchez , Torres Ariana P.
Published: March 2024

The consumption of salad mixes has increased because of their convenience and nutritional value, resulting in significant sales increases during the past decade. Conversely, the uses of pest-control chemicals, long-distance transportation of salad mixes, and plastic packaging have raised environmental concerns among “green consumers.” Because proenvironmental products are becoming more widespread, this study delved into market segments of salad mix consumers based on their preferences for proenvironmental labels. Data for this study were collected via a 2020 web-based survey of 2100 salad mix consumers in the United States. We performed a comprehensive two-stage cluster analysis that integrated both hierarchical and partitioning methods. This analysis was based on consumers’ preferences and evaluations of production (low energy use, low fertilizer use, low greenhouse gas emissions, low water use, and pollinator-friendly) and marketing-related (biodegradable packaging, low carbon footprint, and low food miles) proenvironmental labels. Three segments were identified. We used ordered probit regression to assess the impact of consumer demographic characteristics, market preferences, and environmental perceptions on cluster membership. The deep-rooted segment, which represented 36% of the sample, highly valued all proenvironmental labels related to salad mixes and had a particular preference for labels that included low fertilizer use, pollinator-friendly production methods, and low greenhouse gas emissions. The indecisive segment comprised 40% of the sample and moderately valued all proenvironmental labels; this group mainly comprised individuals with lower income levels and those living in rural areas. The skeptic segment represented 23% of the sample and valued environmental labels less than the deep-rooted and indecisive segments did; additionally, they reported the lowest consumption of salad mixes. These findings can help retailers and policymakers communicate information about proenvironmental labels more effectively to each segment of salad mix consumers.
Faraday rotation and transmittance as markers of topological phase transitions in 2D materials
Authors: Calixto Manuel , Mayorgas Alberto , Cordero Nicolás A. , Romera Elvira , Castaños Garza Octavio Héctor
Published: March 2024

We analyze the magneto-optical conductivity (and related magnitudes like transmittance and Faraday rotation of the irradiated polarized light) of some elemental two-dimensional Dirac materials of group IV (graphene analogues, buckled honeycomb lattices, like silicene, germanene, stannane, etc.), group V (phosphorene), and zincblende heterostructures (like HgTe/CdTe quantum wells) near the Dirac and gamma points, under out-of-plane magnetic and electric fields, to characterize topological-band insulator phase transitions and their critical points. We provide plots of the Faraday angle and transmittance as a function of the polarized light frequency, for different external electric and magnetic fields, chemical potential, HgTe layer thickness and temperature, to tune the material magneto-optical properties. We have shown that absortance/transmittance acquires extremal values at the critical point, where the Faraday angle changes sign, thus providing fine markers of the topological phase transition. In the case of non-topological materials as phosphorene, a minimum of the transmittance is also observed due to the energy gap closing by an external electric field.
Microporous Nitrogen-Doped Activated Biochars Derived from Corn: Use of Husk Waste and Urea for CO2 Capture
Authors: Hisse Danilo , Bessa Isabela , Silva Ludmila , da Silva Aline , Araujo Joyce , Archanjo Bráulio , Soares André , Passos Fabio , Carneiro José , dos Santos Thiago , Ronconi Célia
Published: March 2024

The increase in anthropogenic activity over time has led to an exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2. Profitable technologies for CO2 capture and separation are conspicuous, and porous biochars derived from biomass waste can be a useful solution. Herein, we produced activated nitrogen-doped biochars for CO2 capture from corn husk waste, urea and K2CO3, named N-Bio-X (X = 600, 700, and 800 °C). N-Bio-X exhibited microporosity and different nitrogen contents and thus played an important role in the adsorption of CO2. N-Bio-700 exhibited the highest CO2 adsorption capacity, fastest adsorption kinetics and excellent stability after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. N-Bio-600 showed excellent CO2/N2 selectivity, induced by nitrogen sites, particularly pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen. The cost-effectiveness of the raw material, coupled with its high adsorption capacity, rapid kinetics, and stable properties, provided highly promising N-doped biochars for practical implementation in CO2 capture and separations in postcombustion processes.
Features of Sociological Research on Aging in Post-Pandemic Time
Authors: Galkin Konstantin
Published: March 2024

The new coronavirus infection, general uncertainty and constant variability of the post-pandemic world influenced transformations in the understanding of age and aging, as well as the emergence of new perspectives in aging research and understanding of this process in the social sciences. Defining age boundaries, understanding the activities of elderly people in the post-pandemic reality and the prospects for researching such activities are important issues for the domestic and foreign scientific community. The article examines the latest publications on the sociology of aging, social policy, health of elderly people and their necessary activities. In total, the author analyzes 1,000 publications released in 2022 and 2023 and devoted to the peculiarities of elderly people’s life after the pandemic. The author uncovers important factors for better integration of elderly people into social life and overcoming the problems caused by the pandemic: activating the social life of elderly people; developing the integration of elderly people into social life; understanding the employment of elderly people as a multi-vector direction, which may include hobbies and their monetization, non-permanent employment or employment for pleasure and communication.
About the legal status of university teachers of the Russian Empire
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Hohlov Evgeny B.
Published: March 2024

Currently, a new reform of higher professional education is planned in Russia. This reform should address a very wide range of issues that characterize different aspects of the life of institutions of higher professional education, both organizational, defining the external forms of this life, and the substantive aspects of the activities of universities, i. e. those that determine the meaning of their very existence. It is quite obvious that any social reform, before starting its implementation, should have answers to three main questions. First of all, it requires the most detailed analysis of the current and current model, identification and statement of negative and, which is not excluded at all, positive aspects in its functioning. Secondly, we need to strive to build as detailed a project as possible of the model that should be created as a result of the reform. Finally, it is very important to develop a mechanism for the transition from the current model to the new one. This mechanism should also be very specific and variable. I would like to hope that the current reformers not only formulated these three questions, but also gave answers to them. When solving all three issues, it is necessary to rely on historical experience. On the one hand, practice gives us numerous examples of various types of education models — both effective and questionable in this regard. On the other hand, there are no less numerous examples of actual education reforms, i. e. technologies of transition from one educational model to another. This experience must be taken into account. And Russia is no exception here.
Remuneration of teachers in Russia: problem statement
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Nogaylieva Fatima K. , Filippova Marina V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2024

The subject of the study is two main models according to which the current systems of remuneration of teachers of general education organizations in Russia are built. The analysis of the norms revealed that federal legislation refers the issues of establishing wage systems to the competence of educational organizations. At the same time, there are no mandatory regulatory requirements for the salary amount, as well as for the composition and amount of surcharges and allowances of teachers as such. At the federal level, only a number of guarantees have been established to ensure the minimum wage for teachers, while the choice of specific mechanisms for its implementation is given to the level of subjects of the Russian Federation, local governments, educational organizations. The study of regional and municipal regulatory legal acts has shown that the absence in the salary system of centralized regulatory consolidation of restrictions on the structure of the salary fund at school, if many recommendations on the size and proportion of salaries are not followed, leads to a blurring of the salary structure, a large and unjustified regional differentiation of the base salary and its low level. A large gap in the amount of rates independently set in the subjects of the Russian Federation leads to different pay for work of equal value, which violates one of the basic principles of labor law — equal pay for work of equal value, and puts the material (and, as a consequence, social) position of teachers dependent not on the quality and quantity of their work, it depends on the level of economic development of the region. The article criticizes the idea of introducing a single federal salary as a measure aimed at increasing the total salary of a teacher. Among the possible ways to solve the problems, the authors point to the need to develop a set of federal recommendations: on the minimum share of the salary of teaching staff in the total amount of wages; on the grounds of establishing an increasing coefficient to the salary; on the grounds of establishing compensatory payments for the performance of work that goes beyond the labor function of the teacher; on the grounds of establishing incentive payments, in particular to reflect in the salary indicators the quality and effectiveness of pedagogical work.
“Human capital”, “human potential” and labor law: The experience of an interdisciplinary approach
Authors:   P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University, Lushnikov Andrey M.
Published: March 2024

The article gives the author's analysis of the variety of approaches to the concept of "human capital", which has developed within the framework of economic science. Its positive characteristics, the possibility of using it to solve the problems of theory and practice related to labor law are noted. At the same time, the conventionality of this term, its ambiguity, and insufficient adaptation to legal realities are criticized. The concept of "human potential", its greater objectivity and correlation with empirical data, is assessed more positively. To confirm the author's position, the views on this issue of scientists-economists, both foreign (primarily G. Becker) and domestic, are considered. The article proposes the author's version of the relationship between the concepts of "human capital" and "human potential". The first refers to social spending or “investment in people” of budgetary funds at all levels and household funds. This funding is aimed at the development of education, obtaining professional skills, knowledge, skills, maintenance of employees during the period of disability, social support for families, housing, medical care, cultural development. This formulation of the question allows us to talk about the return on investment of "human capital", i.e. o the ratio of investments and subsequent income (negative, neutral or positive). It will still remain a metaphor (and the equivalence of investments and the return on them will always be relative), but not completely divorced from life. "Human potential", respectively, is considered as the potential ability of a person to realize himself, to participate in the economic life of society. It includes talent, moral and business qualities, education, professional knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as work experience, health status. This potential is not measured in rubles or another currency, but “human capital” is invested in it, relative to which the return is calculated. At the same time, doubts were expressed about the need to introduce "human capital" into the doctrine of labor law.
Labor relations: A perspective in the law of a post-industrial society
Authors:   Moscow State Law University named after O. E. Kutafin, Bondarenko Elvira N.
Published: March 2024

The article discusses changes in the science of labor law and labor legislation of the Russian Federation in connection with the transition of society to a post-industrial state. The significance of the labor relationship is studied in the aspect of the trend of development of legislation in accordance with the goals and objectives established in Art. 1 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. The opinions expressed in the literature about the crisis of the labor relationship are critically comprehended. The author joins the point of view on the need to modernize the labor legislation, but at the same time advocates the preservation of the doctrine of labor law, embodied in the current law, and makes an attempt to prove the expressed opinion. In particular, the most important consideration in this sense is the distinction developed by L. S. Tal between independent and non-independent labor. The Labor Code establishes the backbone concept of an employment relationship and an employment contract based on legal equality. Additional arguments are given in favor of the supported point of view. In the labor relationship, personal dependence is excluded, but since labor is not independent, economic and organizational (subordination) dependence of the employee is assumed. In a welfare state, the dependent subject of relations related to labor must be protected, among other things, by expanding the scope of labor legislation. It is necessary, according to the author, to develop the idea of fair and harmonious labor relations, ─ in accordance with the global trend, including in accordance with the activities of the International Labor Organization, the purpose of which is to promote social and economic progress, improve the welfare and improve the working conditions of people, protection of human rights.
Digitalization of Regional Policy in the Field of Employment Assistance
Authors:   State Law University named after V. F. Yakovlev, Serova Alena V.
Published: March 2024

The author studies the degree of influence of the state policy on the development of the digital economy on the regional policy in the field of employment assistance in the light of the concept of improving the quality of working life on the example of the subjects of the Russian Federation included in the Ural Federal District: Kurgan, Sverdlovsk, Tyumen, Sverdlovsk regions, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra and Yamaloenets Autonomous Okrug. As an empirical material, regional strategies of socio-economic development, strategies in the field of digital transformation of key sectors of the economy, social sphere and public administration, programs in the field of employment assistance, legislation on employment of the population were studied step by step. It is established that in the subjects of the Ural Federal District, strategic planning documents adopted in the field of employment assistance reflect the needs of the digital economy to varying degrees. Most often, such provisions relate to stimulating the active use of a single digital platform in the field of employment and labor relations “Work in Russia”. At the same time, gaps were identified in the formulation of the main provisions of strategic planning documents (goals, objectives, activities, target indicators), as well as inconsistencies between them. For the most part, the maximum level of digitalization is achieved when determining the main directions of development of the regional economy. It is concluded that such an emphasis significantly slows down the process of digital transformation of the sphere of employment assistance. The results of the study allowed us to formulate a number of recommendations that can be used to improve regional state policy and legislation in the field of employment assistance, taking into account the concept of improving the quality of working life.
Problems and prospects of labor law in the research of German labor law scientist Manfred Weiss
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Novikov Denis A. , Nogaylieva Fatima K. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2024

The purpose of writing this article was the desire to acquaint readers with the most significant scientific views of a respected colleague, a scientist in the field of labor law, Professor Manfred Weiss. For the review, the scientific research of Professor Weiss over the past ten years, concerning the most pressing problems of labor law, was selected. The result of studying the works of Professor Weiss was the systematization and presentation of the problematic issues he studied within the framework of three sections of the article. In the first section, assessing the risks of labor law delegitimization, Professor Weiss explores the transformation of the world of work at various historical stages, including the present one. Labor law should be adapted to modern conditions in several areas: the search for new models of organizing the collective will of workers; expanding the scope of labor law; mitigating the risks posed by new forms of employment; human rights and protection against discrimination. The second section of the review of works is devoted to the transnationalization of labor relations. According to Weiss, the lack of decent labor standards in global supply chains and the irresponsibility of multinational corporations are acute. Tools to counter these forces should be sought not in national labor law, but in the international context. Attempts to develop binding international standards have so far been unsuccessful, and according to Weiss, international framework agreements have the greatest potential in regulating labor relations with a transnational element. Finally, the third section brings together Professor Weiss' reflections on the impact of digitalization on the world of work. Recognizing the inevitability of human displacement by artificial intelligence and robots in certain areas, the scientist is concerned about the development of early solutions to several of the most pressing problems in the interests of respecting the rights and interests of workers. These include strengthening the role of lifelong learning, revising the scope of labor legislation in a circle of people, revising the concept of working time, strengthening the protection of personal, official and commercial information, changing the approach to protecting the life and health of an employee and searching for a new concept of work-life balance, finding ways development of collective representation. The professor recognizes the positive aspects of the impact of digitalization on the world of work, but on the condition that its negative consequences in the form of objectification of labor subjects will be overcome.
Analysis of the new EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive
Authors:   University of Trento, Sychenko Elena V. , Menegatti Emanuele ,   University of Bologna
Published: March 2024

Although under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union the EU does not have competence to set minimum wages (Article 153), the EU adopted a directive on an adequate minimum wage in 2022. The aim of the directive is to encourage the convergence of national minimum wages upwards, ensuring a decent standard of living in all EU countries. The purpose of this article is to analyse the actions included in the Directive and to assess the adequacy of its legal framework. Interest in the new EU minimum wage regulations stems from the ineffectiveness of the existing and temporarily 'paused' mechanism in Russia, which links the minimum wage to 42% of the median wage. In an explanatory memorandum to the law which reformed the minimum wage in Russia in 2021, the authors refer to the "European experience". An analysis of the new EU directive showed that although it is largely advisory in nature, the EU obliges member states to ensure a decent level of the minimum wage that can be calculated on the basis of 60% of the median gross wage or 50% of the average gross wage. In addition, the EU establishes the factors to be taken into account in determining the minimum wage: the purchasing power of the statutory minimum wage in relation to the cost of living; the general level of wages and their distribution; the rate of wage growth; long-term national productivity levels and its development.
The concept of disciplinary responsibility in the labor legislation of some post-Soviet countries: similarities in approaches, differences in difinitions
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Startsev Nikolay N.
Published: March 2024

The level of development of labor relations is seriously affected by many factors from the economic, which forms social stability and vectors of development of the country as a whole, to which sectors of the economy will be most in demand for labor, how and what related areas of scientific and industrial spheres will be involved. One of the institutions of labor law is undoubtedly the discipline of labor. How is the institute of labor discipline developing at the present stage in the post-Soviet space, what is common, what are the differences in the regulation of labor discipline under the labor legislation of a number of countries such as the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz and Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, which were once part of the Soviet Union has become subject of research in this paper. Additional interest in the field of regulation of the institution of disciplinary relations is caused by its applications not for one, but for a number of states united in various coalitions (unions) by the example of building a uniform approach in establishing and regulating the norms of such an important institution of labor law, fixed in the form of secondary (model) noms.The purpose of this study is to identify similarities in approaches and search for differences in definitions, the mechanism of regulation of the institution of disciplinary responsibility in labor legislation on the example of adopted labor codes in the legal systems of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union and some other states.
Identification of optimal number and location of isolation valves in an urban water distribution network
Authors: Sime Yomif Dereje , Kansal Mitthan Lal
Published: March 2024

Urban water distribution networks (UWDNs) are critical infrastructures that provide essential services in an urban setting. Such infrastructures are subject to frequent breakdowns, disrupting services to downstream users. Installation of isolation valves (IVs) at strategic locations can reduce such adverse impacts by isolating small segments of the network and expediting repairs, which in turn contribute to water conservation and leak control. However, determining the optimal number of IVs and their placement is a disturbing question for the researchers. This study proposes a methodology to assess the optimal number of IVs in a UWDN and identify their placement in the best of the worst possible scenarios. Based on the network topology and the associated IV costs, it identifies the optimal numbers and their places to minimize the maximum undeliverable demand. The methodology is illustrated with the help of a small water distribution network. Thereafter, the proposed methodology is applied to a real-type UWDN. The results indicate that the optimal number of IVs for the case study is 10, which should be placed at strategic locations to reduce the maximum undeliverable demand to 18% of the total demand.
Modeling run-off flow hydrographs using remote sensing data: an application to the Bashar basin, Iran
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad Rafie , Rad Sattar , Mahbod Mehdi , Zolghadr Masih , Tripathi Ravi Prakash , Azamatulla H. Md.
Published: March 2024

Precipitation is hard to access in countries like Iran, due to inadequate number of rain gauge stations. Remote sensing provides an alternative source of rainfall estimation. In this study, the effectiveness of the HEC-HMS model was evaluated using GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement Mission) satellite and rain gauge station data. The model was calibrated and validated using 5 flood events' data of a hydrometric station at the outlet of Bashar basin. Important flood parameters including peak discharge (QP), flood volume (V) and time of concentration (TC) were used to evaluate and compare the application of satellite and ground station data in the model, using various statistical indices. The accuracy of QP and V estimations using rain gauge data was higher than those obtained by satellite data. However, the difference between mean relative error (MRE) in QP estimation was about 1% (9.9% and 10.6% for rain gauge and satellite data, respectively). Conversely, higher accuracies were met for TC estimation using satellite (with MRE 9.1% and 10.2% for GPM and rain gauge data, respectively). Such results imply the sole utilization of satellite precipitation data is reliable for modeling hydrological key parameters, which can be helpful in areas with limited ground station coverage.