bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerabilidade social e a exclusão digital no contexto do ensino remoto em escolas públicas de Ituiutaba/MG
Authors: Nunes Klívia de Cássia Silva , Souza Raquel Aparecida
Published: September 2024

A pesquisa teve como objetivo refletir sobre o ensino remoto emergencial na conjuntura da crise sanitária decorrente da Covid-19 no que concerne à vulnerabilidade social e à relação com a exclusão digital de alunos/as de três escolas públicas no município de Ituiutaba/MG nos anos de 2020 e 2021. Tal objetivo teve como ponto de partida demonstrar disparidades sociais existentes no Brasil, bem como as relacionadas à questão do acesso aos insumos tecnológicos e à falta de conhecimento sobre o uso pedagógico destes que, por sua vez, leva à invisibilidade de muitos alunos/as que ficam excluído/as das possibilidades de uso das tecnologias. Diante do exposto, o trabalho partiu da seguinte questão norteadora: de que forma o ensino remoto contribuiu para o aumento da exclusão digital de alunos em situação de vulnerabilidade social de escolas públicas no município de Ituiutaba/MG? Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho bibliográfico, documental e empírico. Os resultados apontam que a oferta do ensino remoto no município de Ituiutaba agravou o problema de exclusão de alunos em situação de vulnerabilidade visto que grande parte deles não tinha acesso à rede de internet, condições socioeconômicas para acesso às tecnologias digitais e tampoucoconhecimento pedagógico para utilizá-las, o que ampliou as desigualdades educacionais para esse público.
Lost in Transition? Market Failure in the Implementation of the Circular Economy. A Comparative Analysis of the Netherlands and Poland
Authors: Adamus Jagoda , Chądzyński Jacek , Trippner‑Hrabi Justyna
Published: September 2024

It is necessary for economies to transition to a circular economy (CE). What particularly inhibits the implementation of the CE in linear economies is market failures, whose theoretical principles are embedded in modern welfare economics and neoclassical economics. Market failures shape the functioning of different areas of the markets, including the allocation of and access to resources, competition, and cooperation, among others. Due to their presence in the market, opportunities for industrial symbiosis based on intersectoral cooperation and the creation of resource-efficient production systems are limited. It is crucial because the functioning of local actors within an industrial symbiosis significantly favours the promotion and development of a CE. The aim of the paper is to identify market failures that limit the implementation of CEs in traditional linear economies.
The article is based on focus group interviews (FGI) conducted with four groups of stakeholders in the Netherlands and Poland: academia, society, business and the government. The main findings show that one of the greatest barriers in Poland is stakeholders’ low awareness of the CE, which influences their possibilities of cooperating and networking. Existing laws additionally limit opportunities to develop the CE. In contrast, in the Netherlands, where awareness is deeply embedded in the culture, education system and upbringing, the level of market failure is lower.
Forensic facial identification – reconstruction of facial geometry and shape from dental dimensions
Authors: Krishan Kewal , Chitara Nandini
Published: September 2024

Human identification has always remained as a main task of forensic anthropology and forensic science for various purposes. The purpose of human identification may vary from legal identity to disaster victim identification, from criminal identity to unidentified deceased identification. The condition, such as putrefaction, charring and mutilation of corpse always become an obstacle during the process of identification. Due to surviving nature of teeth, they may serve as evidence for identification in highly decomposed conditions. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 participants (93 males and 114 females) in the age range of 21 to 45 years with the aim of two-dimensional facial reconstruction. Dental casts, anthropometric facial measurements and facial photographs were obtained from the participants. Dental measurements were taken on the cast in the laboratory. Statistical analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant correlation between the dental and facial parameters. The geometrical faces and the shapes were reconstructed based on the dental dimensions. The reconstructed facial geometry and shapes were very similar to the true facial geometry and facial shapes of the individual. By improving identification of disaster victims and unidentified deceased, the results of the study can have considerable implications in forensic and medico-legal case-works.
Risk Factors and Moderators of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Versus Perpetration Among Women in Spain
Authors: Rodriguez Christina M. , Pu Doris F. , Conchell Raquel , Gonzalez Samantha , Modanesi Edoardo
Published: September 2024

Bidirectional intimate partner violence (IPV) appears highly prevalent, but the extant literature, which has been dominated by work in North America, has not adequately accounted for how victimization overlaps with perpetration and how potential resources may interact with risk factors. A community sample of Spanish women completed measures of IPV approval, mental health risk factors (psychological distress and problematic substance use), and interpersonal resources (partner and social satisfaction). Using Mplus to account for victimization and perpetration overlap, findings indicate that greater psychological distress and substance use were associated with IPV perpetration, and lower IPV approval was linked to victimization. Stronger partner satisfaction did not serve a buffering role but rather interacted to increase IPV perpetration; low social support was associated with victimization and exacerbated risk of perpetration.
Effet-classe sur les performances des écoliers de 6e année primaire en République Démocratique du Congo en mathématiques
Authors: Aloko Homer Lifulu , Asobee Oscar Gboisso , Bambanota Gratien Mokonzi , Awongi Augustin Issoy
Published: September 2024

Le présent article analyse l’effet-classe dans le contexte congolais. A cet effet, il répond aux questions suivantes : [1] Quel effet la classe exerce sur les apprentissages des écoliers ? et [2] quelles sont les paramètres les plus agissants sur les performances des écoliers au niveau de la classe ? Ainsi, il vise dégager l’effet-classe et mettre en évidence les paramètres pertinents dans le contexte de la RDC. Pour cela, les données de 87 classes sont collectées à partir d’un questionnaire adressé à l’enseignant et celles de 3576 écoliers de 6e année primaire de Bunia et de Kisangani suite à l’application d’une épreuve. Considérant deux niveaux, la régression multiniveau appliquée à cet effet, a montré que 56.14% de la variance des performances en mathématiques se situe au niveau de l’écolier et 43.86% au niveau de la classe. De leur côté, les caractéristiques individuelles et morphologiques expliquent 7.05% de la variance au niveau de la classe et 0.25% au niveau de l’écolier. L’effet classe du type B dégagé ici, est de l’ordre de 8.96% au niveau de la classe et de 0.25% au niveau de l’écolier. Dans l’ensemble, 8 paramètres se sont montrés pertinents. Il s’agit de deux paramètres individuels (Age et fréquentation de l’école maternelle), de deux caractéristiques morphologiques (pourcentage des filles et type de classe) et de 4 autres du processus de la classe (climat de travail et de discipline, le rythme de cours et les devoirs).
 
This article examines the effect of classes in the Congolese context. To this end, it answers the following questions: [1] What effect does the classroom have on schoolchildren's learning? and [2] What are the parameters that have the greatest impact on schoolchildren's performance in the classroom? The aim was to identify the class effect and highlight the relevant parameters in the context of the DRC. To this end, data were collected from 87 classes on the basis of a questionnaire sent to teachers, and from 3,576 pupils in the 6th year of primary school in Bunia and Kisangani on the basis of a test. Considering both levels, the multilevel analysis applied showed that 56.14% of the variance in mathematical performance was at pupil level and 43.86% at class level. Individual and morphological characteristics explained 7.05% of the variance at the class level and 0.25% at the pupil level. The class effect of type B identified here is of the order of 8.96% at class level and 0.25% at pupil level. Overall, 8 parameters were found to be relevant. These were two individual parameters (age and nursery school attendance), two morphological characteristics (percentage of girls and type of class), and four others relating to the classroom process (work and discipline climate, pace of lessons, and homework).
Driving Organizational Innovation in Public Healthcare: The Strategic Impact of Inclusive Leadership
Authors: Qureshi Saba Feroz , Tasneem Khawaja Asif
Published: September 2024

In the public sector, it is essential to prioritize innovation and adaptation to efficiently tackle intricate and ever-changing difficulties. The objective of this study is to analyze how inclusive leadership affects the innovative work behavior of employees in the public healthcare sector and to determine the function of public service motivation and leader-member exchange theory in regulating this relationship. To evaluate the study’s hypotheses, data was collected from a field study of 300 public healthcare workers. The data was gathered via structured surveys and analyzed using Hayes' technique with the help of Mplus. The testing was combined with bootstrapping to analyze mediation and moderation relationships in the study. The results show a strong and positive connection between inclusive leadership and employees’ innovative work behavior in the public healthcare sector. Furthermore, the variables of autonomy and competence played a mediating role in the connection between inclusive leadership and individual work behavior. The study also includes a rigorous investigation of its results, as well as an analysis of their implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research endeavors.
Recent Trends in Air Pollution in the Most Important City of The Romanian Black Sea Coast
Authors: Nica Miruna-Amalia , Mănoiu Valentina-Mariana
Published: September 2024

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental issues of contemporary society, affecting virtually all major cities worldwide, including those in Romania. Consequently, evaluating the dynamics of pollution conditions in urban environments is essential for designing control measures and adaptation strategies to this environmental disruption. This paper aims to analyze the recent dynamics of pollution and air quality in Constanta, the largest city on the Romanian coastline and one of the most important cities along the entire Black Sea coast. The investigations were based on the official concentrations of major atmospheric pollutants recorded at air quality monitoring stations located within or near Constanta. The dynamics of pollutant concentrations were explored at annual and seasonal levels, and the results showed a mixed picture of changes in the atmospheric pollutant concentrations, in recent years. Essentially, the findings highlighted both increases and decreases in air pollution conditions, emphasizing the need for constant air quality monitoring and controlling throughout Constanta city.
Impact of dietary Diversification on the nutritional status of children aged 0 to 59 months in the municipality of Tori-Bossito
Authors: Alohoutade Parfait Segla , Avocefohoun Alphonse Sako , Behanzin Gbèssohele Justin , Kanazoe Mohamed , Abdou Karim Alassane Youssao , Chabi Nicodeme , Baba-Moussa Lamine Said
Published: September 2024

In order to capitalize on the achievements for the sustainability of the NECDP (Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Project) in the municipality of Tori-Bossito, the impact of the Promotion of Food Diversification (PFD) on the nutritional status of children aged 0 to 59 months was evaluated. Anthropometric data (weight, height, age) in children aged 0 to 59 months and dietary data (consumption of salt with iodine, source of drinking water, the practice of hand washing, frequency and quality of meals served to children aged 6 to 59 months) was collected in the households of beneficiary women. This data was collected from 2019 to 2020 (considered as the period before PFD) and from 2021 to 2023 (considered as the period after PFD) through home visits, quarterly screening sessions, and monitoring and promotion of growth and stimulation and awakening of children from 0 to 23 months on a monthly basis. Significant differences through the analysis of variance were carried out at the 5% threshold according to the Student Newman-Keuls test. It showed from this study that after the PFD, a majority of households practice hand washing (85.12%), use a source of drinking water (80.39%), serve children more than three meals (58.3%) containing the three food groups (97.52%) per day but consumed poor salt in iodine in a proportion of 70.4%. The study also revealed that PFD significantly contributes to reducing the prevalence of all forms of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months (from 3.52% to 1.59% for severely underweight, from 3.34% to 1.97% for severe wasting, and from 7.18% to 3.93% for severe stunting). On the other hand, PFD does not contribute to reducing the prevalence of severe underweight in children aged to 0 to 5 months (from 4.85% to 11.97%). The promotion of Food Diversification stands out as an important activity recommended for food and nutrition projects/programs in the fight against malnutrition in all its forms.
Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Precision Drug Delivery: A Review of Development and Optimization for Targeted Therapy in Preclinical Models
Authors: Nikandish Mehrasa , Wang Hanzhi , Bao Xinqi , Nikandish Mohamad
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the widespread adoption of nanoparticles has expanded across a broad spectrum of clinical domains. These nanoparticles have been specifically engineered to address the limitations associated with conventional therapeutics and to navigate various biological barriers—ranging from systemic to cellular levels—that manifest heterogeneity across different patient populations and disease states. The advent of precision treatments, wherein interventions are tailored to individual patients, has contributed to mitigating this variability among patients. Nonetheless, the predominant focus in current nanoparticle research remains on enhancing the uniformity of delivery systems. The realization of precision medicine appears imminent as lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanoparticles are increasingly crafted with heightened precision, facilitating more individualized approaches to medication delivery. In this review, we delve into the advanced designs of nanoparticles employed in both precision and generalized applications, offering insights into their potential to advance precision medicine. Our discussion centers on the innovations in nanoparticle design aimed at overcoming various delivery challenges, suggesting that ingenious nanoparticle engineering holds promise for enhancing performance across a broad spectrum of delivery applications and facilitating tailored designs for specific therapeutic targets, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
Diversity and abundance of birds devastating rice-growing in the town of Daloa and its outskirts (Centre-West, Cote d'Ivoire)
Authors: Kouadio Allou Dimitri , Ahon Dibie Bernard , Zean Gnininte Maxime , Egnankou Wadja Mathieu , Koffi Bene Jean-Claude , Tano Yao
Published: September 2024

Rice devastating birds are responsible for many losses in rice fields around the world. In Cote d'Ivoire, data on birds in inland are almost non-existent. A study on these birds was carried out from November to December 2019 in three rice fields (Zepreguhe, Abattoir and Kennedy) in the town of Daloa and its outskirts. The study aimed to know the population of those birds in this area. The main method used was the fixed-point, time-dependent counts or point-in-time abundance index (PIA) method. It was possible to count 2368 individuals of 41 species belonging to 14 families of eight orders. The Shannon-Wiever diversity (H'); equitability (E); dominance (IDO) and IPA indices of rice devastating birds in this zone are 3.03, 0.82, 24.79 and 135 respectively. The best-represented family is the Ploceidae with 12 species and 882 individuals. The Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus and the Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus represent the two most abundant species with numbers of 368 and 219 individuals respectively. Of the three study sites, the Zepreguhe site is the most important in terms of specific richness (38 species), relative abundance (37.54%) and PIA (PIA = 155). Further studies are planned to monitor the diversity and population dynamics of these birds over the long term and to determine the extent of their impact on rice production in this area.
Open bioethical problems of modern transplantology (in the social assessments of future specialists)
Authors:   Northern State Medical University, Svetlichnaya Tatiana G. , Smirnova Elena A. ,   Cherepovets State University
Published: September 2024

Background: At all times, moral principles and ethical standards have been the main instrument for regulating both the behavior of an individual and social consciousness as a whole. However, in modern society, the spread of cruelty and crime is becom-ing the norm. In such a situation, the moral qualities of the doctor become important, who must make decisions in conditions bordering between life and death. Aim: to study social assessments of open bioethical problems of modern transplantology by future specialists.Materials and methods: The cities of Arkhangelsk and Cherepovets served as the basis for the study. The collection of material was carried out in February-March 2023. The sample is complete (n = 436). The main group consisted of students of the Northern State Medical University (Arkhangelsk) (n = 103). The comparison group consisted of: 1) students of Cherepovets State University (n = 211): humanitarian (n = 102), technical (n = 109) areas and 2) secondary vocational education (n = 122): medical (n = 86) and pedagogical (n = 36) college. Results: Half (43.6 %) of students, regardless of the direction of preparation for organ transplantation, have a positive attitude, perceiving this technology as “a step forward in medicine” (59.6; 95 % CI 55.0–64.1). Every third (37.8 %) is neutral, believing that organ transplantation is permissible only as a last resort (26.8 %; 95 % CI 22.9–31.2). Only 3.7 % have a negative attitude, considering organ transplantation to be unnatural to human nature (1.8 %; 95 % CI), leading to human trafficking (3.2 %; 95 % CI 1.9–5.3). Stu-dents of a medical college (90,8 %) are ten times more likely than students of a pedagogical college (9.2 %) to evaluate transplantation more loyally. They are less likely to choose neutral (40.5 % vs. 59.5 %, respectively) and negative (40 % vs. 60 %, respectively) as-sessments. At the same time, medical college students are twice as likely (66.7 % versus 33.3 %, respectively) to have no opinion on this issue at all. Conclusion: Possible factors in the formation of bioethical ideas are shown based on an analysis of the personal characteristics of future specialists: demographic, social, psychological, spiritual.
Sociology in the 21st century: between fragmentation and integration
Authors: Ivanov Dmitriy , Asochakov Yuri , Gulkina Kseniia
Published: September 2024

The article is analyzing current sociology in the context of fragmentation and integration periods in the discipline history. The first integrative wave in the history of sociology was in the 1920s– 1950s. It appeared in grand theories by P.Sorokin, T.Parsons, the Frankfurt school which united heterogeneous ideas from classics in models of society as system. After the paradigm crisis of the 1960s– 1970s and following spread of postmodernist discourse, the second integrative wave arose in form of theories overcoming gaps between concepts of determinist structures and constructivist agency (J.Habermas, A.Giddens, P.Bourdieu) as well as in form of metatheorizing (G.Ritzer, P.Sztompka, J.Alexander). Today’s fragmentation of sociology under conditions of metaparadigm crisis and post-globalization is provoked by the rising postcolonial discourse, by attempts to stigmatize western classics and to create theoretical alternatives to the ‘global North’ domination in knowledge production as well as by spread of conceptions opposing social reality of networks and flows to classical sociality of structures and agency (M.Castells, B.Latour, J.Urry, K.Knorr Cetina). The third integrative wave is expected to come in the 2020s displacing tendencies of disintegration, discrimination, growing gaps and rising barriers. Now theories are relevant as they create a coherent configuration of four types of structures: institutions, interactions, networks, and flows. The new subject matter for theorizing is constituted by their interconnections in forms of fields of structurations, scapes of assemblages, communications, platforms, projects, and events. A metaphor of augmented reality is integrating different concepts of social reality and it is overcoming constitutive distinctions in the last century sociology: between system and lifeworld, locality and globality, the private and public, the material and symbolic, the real and virtual, the physical and digital, etc.
Socio-cultural deviations in the regulation of social interactions of young people
Authors: Sorokin Oleg
Published: September 2024

Social interactions in the youth environment are regulated not only on the basis of generally accepted models, but also on the basis of goals-principles that are formed among young people themselves as a response to changes in social and cultural conditions of life. From the point of view of the institutionally approved norm, these principles are socio-cultural deviations. At the level of consciousness, they are represented in the form of various configurations of meanings-judgments that are realised by different groups of young people in the process of interactions. One of the manifestations of deviation is the regulatory meanings orienting to separation and self-assertion at the expense of others. The data obtained in the course of a nationwide survey conducted by the Centre for Sociology of Youth of ISPR FCTAS RAS in 2021 are analysed. The links between labour, education and interpersonal interactions with sociocultural deviations of young people in social reality are considered. The incorporation of sociocultural deviations into the process of regulating interactions in the youth environment is reflected in young people's justification of the practices of bullying, provocation, evil pranks and disrespect for teachers as acceptable ways of interaction in important spheres of life. Their use is accompanied by the assignment of certain semantic characteristics to labour, communication and education in youth groups. In the course of data analysis, it was found that judgments about bullying and trolling differentiate young people by the meaning of labour "feeling of their usefulness". In addition, the judgement of bullying differentiates youth on the meaning of "forced necessity". The links of respondents' approval of judgements about bullying, trolling and teacher with the meaning of communication "joy, happiness" and "inner need" were revealed. It was also found that judgements about prank and teacher differentiate young people according to the meanings of education "opportunity to make a career" and "development of abilities".
Contemporary discourse on neocolonialism: an analytical review of research
Authors: Vershinina Inna , Liadova Anna , Martynenko Tatiana , Grigoreva Ekaterina
Published: September 2024

The article provides an overview of contemporary research on neocolonialism. The work examines the history of the term "neocolonialism", as well as the main features of neocolonialism in the 21st century, including: the transformation of the nature, forms and methods of colonial influence, and changes in its scale. The main reasons for the interest in the problems of neocolonial studies are outlined, including a general change in research optics, the emergence of new forms of colonial dependence, etc. The prerequisites for the emergence of neocolonial studies in sociological science are indicated. The analysis of foreign studies demonstrates, on the one hand, the preservation of interest in traditional topics related to the colonial legacy in African countries, since they are still in the most vulnerable position compared to other former colonies, and on the other hand, an exit to a broader topic related to cultural neocolonialism in the context of globalisation, as well as the transformation of technology into an instrument of colonial influence. Modern domestic studies of neocolonialism have their own specifics, expressed, firstly, in the dominance of the economic interpretation of neocolonialism, secondly, they are often devoted to the study of the relationship between neocolonialism and globalisation and capitalism, thirdly, in the works of domestic authors special attention is paid to the position of Russia in the system of global neocolonialism. Based on the analysis of scientific discourse, the authors developed a typology of neocolonialism forms, that divides all forms into two large groups - traditional and new. Traditional forms include, first of all, economic and political neocolonialism. New forms include cultural and educational neocolonialism. The intensification of the digitalisation process and the increase in environmental risks at the beginning of the 21st century allow us to say that such forms of neocolonialism as environmental and digital are becoming increasingly important. Particular attention in the article is paid to environmental neocolonialism as a new, special form. The reasons for the growing interest in it and its impact on the political and economic spheres are also considered. The thesis of turning the green agenda into a new form of ideology, with the help of which the G7 countries implement policies that are beneficial to them, is discussed. The authors conclude that it is necessary to identify specific interests and values behind modern environmental initiatives.
Orthodox activism as perceived by the population of the region: main frames
Authors: Bogatova Olga , Dolgaeva Evgenia
Published: September 2024

The article presents the results of a qualitative sociological study of Orthodox social activism and its social consequences, undertaken by the authors within the framework of the research project "Social Projects of the Russian Orthodox Church". An analysis of the mutual perception of Orthodox activists and the rest of the population of the region in terms of the implementation of Orthodox social initiatives allows us to identify four main frames of perception depending on the degree of awareness of secular subjects about their activities and attitudes towards interaction or avoidance of it: partnership, client, stereotyping and critical. The partnership frame is characterised by varying degrees of interest of permanent and situational (episodic) partners, the client frame is characterised by the perception of Orthodox charities and aid groups as substitutes for state institutions of social protection or education and the predominant disregard for their religious specificity. Stereotyping and critical frames, based on the attitude of distancing oneself from interaction with Orthodox activists and differing depending on the degree of awareness of their activities, can be considered as forms of negative self-identification of the non-church or weakly churched part of the regional society of their secular subjectivity in relation to Orthodox activists as bearers of alternative values ​​and lifestyle. The stereotyping frame is characteristic of citizens who are not aware of the extra-religious activities of activists (including both non-believers and believers who identify themselves as Orthodox), the critical frame is characteristic of disappointed activists.
As a limitation for the institutionalisation of Orthodox social activity, the authors highlight the negative attitude of potential volunteers and activists to the installation of their churching as subordination to religious activity. The tendency to adopt Orthodox family values ​​and lifestyle is characteristic only of some employees of partner state organisations whose job responsibilities are related to the implementation of a social project to increase the birth rate. In general, the attitude to Orthodox initiatives of non-churched or weakly churched clients, partners, potential or former activists is characterised by a focus on separating religious and social activity and a lack of readiness to submit to religious discipline in the non-religious sphere.
Network technologies as a tool for self-presentation of small religious groups (the case of Buddhism new for Russia)
Authors: Ostrovskaya Elena , Badmatsyrenov Timur
Published: September 2024

This article analyses the results of a long-term study of the strategies of the Russian-speaking Buddhist community in relation to the Internet and new media. The authors present the results of a study of two cases of Buddhist digital innovators - communities of the Russian-speaking branch of the International Dzogchen Community and Russian Theravada. The authors chose these two cases for analysis, since they are representative for the sociological consideration of the multidimensional connections between online and offline communications of Russian digital Buddhism. The subject of the study seems to be especially relevant, since in modern sociology more and more attention is paid to the study of the influence of media technologies, the Internet and social media on religious traditions, practices and forms of social organisation of religion. The reason for this is the deepening process of mediatisation of modern societies. It has brought with it fundamental transformations of various spheres of social activity. Religions are involved in the process of mediatisation, that poses a number of serious questions that require new answers unknown to their traditions. Thus, the digitalisation of sacred texts brings with it the devaluation of the tradition of canonical knowledge and interpretation of sacred texts. In this complex context of reformatting social reality, Russian traditional religions are developing their own reflections and responses to the risks of mediatisation. On the Russian-language Internet, Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are represented by a rich variety of websites of the corresponding religious communities and centres of various trends, podcasts, channels, publics, groups and blogs on social networks. And, as the results of sociological research demonstrate, the discussion of the correlation of the value-normative coordinates of everyday life with religious-doctrinal regulation serves as the semantic core of trans-local religious communications mediated by media. New digital media challenge religious traditional values, since they provide space and ways of forming new religious authorities, new ways of influencing a certain religious group. The study was conducted using a methodology developed by the authors, combining methods of mathematical modelling and qualitative sociology. The authors conclude that, paradoxically, non-traditional Buddhist organisations in Russia have adopted an innovative strategy and have proven to be very creative in attracting new media and promoting their own presentations in the public space. And the directions of Buddhism that have been institutionalised in the past 30 years, on the contrary, are conservative.
Interconnections within the tumor microenvironment: extracellular vesicles as critical players of metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells
Authors: Encarnação Carol Costa , Faria Giselle Marianne , Franco Victor Aguiar , Botelho Luiz Gabriel Xavier , Moraes João Alfredo , Renovato-Martins Mariana
Published: September 2024

Metabolic reprogramming is an intrinsic characteristic of cancer, contributing to its establishment and progression, survival, high proliferation rates, and increased migratory and invasive potential; tumor cells establish an intimate relationship with the surrounding microenvironment, where sustained communication allows the stromal fraction of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to supply energetic substrates and facilitate the biosynthesis of macromolecules, thereby promoting tumor progression. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerge as potential communication vehicles, carrying inside content reflecting the cellular environment of origin and thus modulating the phenotype of recipient cells. The potential of EVs as modulators in the TME has been highlighted and is now consensual; however, most available articles have focused on revealing the effect of EVs in modulating tumor phenotypes and signaling pathways in tumor cells. Regarding the metabolic modulation sustained by EVs, studies have demonstrated the role of cancer cells’ EVs as modulators of surrounding cells, like immune cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. Therefore, this review aims to: i. highlight the most recent studies evaluating the role of cellular vesicles released by those cells within the microenvironment in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells; ii. compile scientific evidence proposing how EVs could modulate the metabolic profile of tumor stem cells and lymphocytes, particularly given the lack of studies focused on such approaches; and iii. highlight possible effects of vesicles, as the metabolic modulation induced by these vesicles could have anticancer potential.
Extrusion units for processing multicomponent mixtures
Authors: Sivetskyi Volodymyr , Malchevskyi Oleksiy
Published: September 2024

In this work, extrusion units designed for the processing of multicomponent mixtures, in particular polymer compositions, are considered. The analysis was carried out on the basis of existing designs of worm extruders, which are used in industry for processing thermoplastic materials. The research focuses on issues related to the processing of mixtures consisting of several components that have different physicochemical properties, which require different conditions for processing each of them.
Worm extruders are the most common type of equipment for polymer processing processes, but their use requires consideration of the specifics of each component of the mixture. This is due to the fact that under the same processing conditions, the properties of individual components can differ significantly, which can lead to the inefficiency of the process or to obtaining a low-quality final product.
Several prototypes of extruders are examined in detail and critically evaluated, in particular designs of extrusion units with modified zones of mixing and dosing of components. Designs using simultaneous dosing of several components, their pre-mixing, as well as designs that involve individual processing of each component before combining them are described. This allows for better homogeneity of the mixture, which is critical for obtaining a high-quality final product.
Extruder designs were also considered, which offer different approaches to the organization of the mixing and extrusion process of multicomponent mixtures and use separate screws for each component or extruders with a sectional design, which allows the adjustment of the process to specific production needs.
The advantages and disadvantages of each of the considered options are indicated, in particular, the simplicity of the design, the efficiency of mixing, the accuracy of dosing, as well as energy consumption.
As a result, a thorough comparison of various designs of extrusion units was provided, their key advantages and disadvantages were identified, and recommendations were provided for the optimal layout of units for processing multicomponent mixtures in various industries.
Analysis of existing control systems for the technological regime of the oil refining process
Authors: Kubakh Serhii , Tsapar Vitalii
Published: September 2024

The control system is a critically important component in every aspect of modern life, especially in oil refining processes. It ensures continuous monitoring and optimization of technological operations such as purification, distillation, and oil heating. Improved performance of such systems leads to increased overall efficiency, which in the long term results in significant savings in resources and energy, as well as enhanced quality of petroleum products.
Numerous control systems have been specifically developed for this purpose over the past few decades in response to the ongoing need for improved performance. With this in mind, this article aims to classify and analyze controllers of various types. The transition from conventional to more intelligent adaptive controllers is highlighted along with the relevant principles. Conventional regulators are those designed for linear systems without considering potential parametric changes. Adaptive controllers, on the other hand, have the ability to automatically learn and adapt to the plant’s conditions, ensuring more precise system behavior.
Treating Anxiety-Based Cognitive Distortions Pertaining to Somatic Perception for Better Chronic Pain Outcomes: A Better Practice Recommendation for Now and The Cyber Age of Medicine
Authors: Silva Marcelina Jasmine
Published: September 2024

Anxiety-based cognitive distortions pertaining to somatic perception (ABCD-SP) - primarily catastrophizing, fear avoidance and kinesiophobia- have been repeatedly linked to worsening chronic, non-cancer pain (CNCP) outcomes of increased disability, amplified pain, ineffective opioid use, and opioid misuse. Several studies have suggested that treating ABCD-SP can improve pain outcomes, yet identification and targeting of ABCD-SP is not part of the standard medical pain assessment and treatment plan. Utilizing a narrative review of proposed mechanisms, published patient perspectives, and study correlates connecting these cognitive distortions with CNCP outcomes, a better practice approach to the delivery of standard medical CNCP care can be deduced and formulated into a Belief and Behavior Action Plan (BBAP) for medical clinicians treating CNCP to implement into initial and maintenance care planning. These recommendations require relatively few resources to implement and have the potential to disseminate more effective CNCP treatment on a large scale now, and into the new frontier of cognitive computing within medicine.
Rapid Development of Animal Models for Infectious Disease Research through Vectorized Receptor Molecule Expression
Authors: Goens Melanie M. , Howard Erin L. , Warner Bryce M. , Susta Leonardo , Wootton Sarah K.
Published: September 2024

The emergence and re-emergence of pathogens with pandemic potential has been a persistent issue throughout history. Recent decades have seen significant outbreaks of zoonotic viruses from members of the Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Flaviviridae, and Togaviridae families, resulting in widespread infections. The continual emergence of zoonotic viral pathogens and associated infections highlights the need for prevention strategies and effective treatments. Central to this effort is the availability of suitable animal models, which are essential for understanding pathogenesis and assessment of transmission dynamics. These animals are also critical for evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel vaccines or therapeutics and are essential in facilitating regulatory approval of new products. Rapid development of animal models is an integral aspect of pandemic response and preparedness; however, their establishment is fraught by several rate-limiting steps, including selection of a suitable species, the logistical challenges associated with sharing and disseminating transgenic animals (e.g., the time-intensive nature of breeding and maintaining colonies), availability of technical expertise, as well as ethical and regulatory approvals. A method for rapid development of relevant animal models that has recently gained traction is the use of gene therapy vectors to express human viral receptors in readily accessible laboratory animals to enable virus infection and development of clinical disease. These models can be developed rapidly on any genetic background making mechanistic studies and accelerated evaluation of novel countermeasures possible. In this review, we will discuss important considerations for the effective development of animal models using viral vector approaches and review the current vector-based animal models for studying viral pathogenesis and evaluating prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
Fungicidal Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Trichoderma hamatum B-3
Authors: Huang Li , Liu Meng-Dan , Bian Qiang , Hu Yi-Wen , Chen Li-Juan , Gu Yu-Cheng , Zu Qi-Wei , Wang Guang-Zhi , Guo Da-Le
Published: September 2024

Two new harziane diterpenes (1-2), five undescribed cyclonerane sesquiterpenes (3-7) and three known compounds, 11-cycloneren-3,7,10-triol (8), harziandione (9), and dehydroacetic acid (10) were isolated from Trichoderma hamatum b-3. Their structures were elucidated via comprehensive inspection of spectral evidences in HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, the absolute configuration of 1-8 was confirmed by NMR, ECD calculation as well as Mosher's method. In vitro fungicidal activity showed that some compounds showed great inhibitory activity against pathogenic fungi including Fusarium graminearum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani, among which compound 10 showed 100% inhibition of S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea. In vivo activity test showed that compound 10 was 65.8% effective against B. cinerea and has the potential to be developed as a biocontrol pesticide.
Research of the Processes of Freeze Drying Berries
Authors: Sapakova Saya , Sapakov Askar , Osser Daniyar , Taldybayeva Aigul , Moldybayeva Nurgul , Demessova Saule , YERZHIGITOV YERKIN
Published: September 2024

An analysis of the current state of development in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) has established that freeze-drying is the most effective method for processing raw materials entering the drying stage. However, this drying method is hindered by the lack of modern, high-performance, energy-efficient drying technologies and equipment. The production of freeze-dried agricultural products will stimulate the development of AIC sectors. The implementation scheme of an automatic control system for a vacuum freeze-drying unit is considered, representing a promising and environmentally friendly direction in the processing of agricultural products. The drying equipment includes the following components and systems: a drying chamber, a cooling system, a vacuum pump, a control system, and a heating system. The product is placed on shelves in the drying chamber and frozen to a temperature that ensures the removal of 75-80% of the moisture contained in the product. The vacuum pump creates a pressure of 10-30 Pa and evacuates the spent air from the sublimator. Water vapor condensation occurs in the desublimator, and at the final stage of the drying process, the heating elements are activated to remove the remaining moisture. To validate the reliability of controlling the operating modes of the sublimator, experimental studies were conducted on the temperature dependence of the product on the surface and in the center over time. The graphs show temperature changes on the surface and in the center of the product throughout the drying process. The research results indicate that at a pressure of 20±5 Pa, the desublimator temperature should be below -20°C. The surface temperature of the product during the sublimation stage should be within the range of -25±5°C. Drying is completed when the chamber temperature reaches no more than 40°C, and the surface temperature of the product is around 30°C.
Mathematical Problems of Artificial Intelligence and Their Solution Through the Universality of the Zeta Function
Authors: Durmagambetov Asset
Published: September 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) faces several mathematical challenges, such as optimization, generalization, interpretability of models, and phase transitions. These problems significantly limit the application of AI in critical areas such as medicine, autonomous systems, and finance. This paper examines the main mathematical problems of AI and proposes solutions based on the use of the universality of the Riemann zeta function.
Enhanced Carbon-Oxygen Ratio Logging Interpretation Methods and Applications in Offshore OilFields
Authors: Zhou Wei , Lin Yaoting , Gao Gang , Wang Peng
Published: September 2024

After prolonged development, most domestic and international oilfields have entered a late stage of high water cut and high recovery, with a comprehensive water cut reaching up to 90%. Carbon-oxygen ratio logging can directly distinguish oil layers from water layers with low salinity, unknown salinity, or significantly varying salinity in cased wells. This makes it highly valuable for detecting oil and gas layers and locating and monitoring oil-water interfaces. It is currently one of the most effective methods for determining residual oil saturation in cased wells. This paper is based on two carbon-oxygen ratio spectrum interpretation models (the fan and ratio chart methods). It compares and analyzes these two methods and optimizes the interpretation parameters in the ratio chart model using an improved genetic algorithm. The results are effectively integrated with reservoir and conventional logging interpretation results, reducing the impact of lithology and physical properties on measurement values. This provides a theoretical foundation for improving the interpretation capability and accuracy of carbon-oxygen ratio logging, allowing for quicker and more accurate identification of water-flooded layers. This technical support aids in monitoring oil-water dynamics, determining water-flooded layers, and enhancing production potential during oilfield development.
Scalable O(log2n) Dynamics Control for Soft Exoskeletons
Authors: Colorado Julian D. , Mendez Diego , Gomez-Bautista Andres , Bermeo John E. , Alvarado-Rojas Catalina , Cuellar Fredy
Published: September 2024

Robotic exoskeletons are being actively applied to support the activities of daily living (ADL) for patients with hand motion impairments. In terms of actuation, soft materials and sensors have opened new alternatives upon conventional rigid body structures. In this arena, biomimetic soft systems are playing an important role for modeling and controlling the human hand kinematics without the restrictions of rigid mechanical joints, while having an entire deformable body with limitless points of actuation. In this paper, we address the computational limitations for modeling large-scale articulated systems for soft robotic exoskeletons, by integrating a parallel architecture to compute the exoskeleton’s dynamics equations of motion (EoM), obtaining a computation with O(log2n) complexity for the highly-articulated n degrees of freedom.