bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF THE CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L. ASSORTMENT AS A CROP FOR LANDSCAPING
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin», Krasnodar, Russia, Blagorodova Elena Nikolaevna , Lysenko Anastasia Aleksandrovna ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin», Krasnodar, Russia
Published: March 2024

Calendula officinalis L. is one of the most common pharmaceutical crops cultivated not only in the Krasnodar region, but also in the south of the Russian Federation as a whole. In addition to its medicinal qualities, a high content of essential oils, as well as phenols and flavonoids, the crop is an excellent alternative to annual floral and ornamental plants in landscaping. In this regard, the purpose of the research was to evaluate seven varieties of Calendula officinalis L. in terms of duration,intensity and timing of the beginning of flowering, the activity of growth processes, size, color, inflorescence structure and the identification of the most adapted to growing conditions varieties that have high decorative qualities. Proposals were made on the directions of using the studied varieties in ornamental gardening and landscaping of the territory. The studies were carried out in 2022-2023 at the experimental site of private household plots in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied varieties of calendula had significant differences in a number of morpho-biometric indicators, but turned out to be highly adapted to the growing conditions in the south of the Russian Federation. According to the combination of ornamental qualities, three varieties of calendula officinalis were identified for cultivation in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. The Tutti-Frutti yellow variety is recommended for planting in flower beds due to the bright flowers of the inflorescence and the low growth of the plants. It is advisable to use the Geisha variety for the design of plots in landscape design and for cutting flowers. In garden and park landscaping, attention should be paid to the King's Cup variety, which stands out for a complex of decorative qualities and a long flowering period. Key words: CALENDULA, LANDSCAPING, ASSORTMENT, PHENOLOGY, GROWTH, FLOWERING, ORNAMENTAL TRAITS
ORCHARD CROPS AND GRAPES: GENE POOL AND ITS USE IN BREEDING
Authors:   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making», Krasnodar, Russia, Zaremuk Rimma Shamsudinovna
Published: March 2024

The study presents the results of a comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic assessment of the gene pool of orchard crops, grapes and breeding of new generation varieties. Taking into account changing weather and climatic conditions, intensification of technologies for cultivating orchard crops and grapes, the need to change the focus of breeding work is becoming more urgent, in terms of increasing the adaptability of varieties. The purpose of the research was to mobilize, preserve, study the gene pool, identify genes for valuable traits using DNA markers, and create varieties with high productive potential. In conjunction with this, the NCFSCHVW preserves a gene pool of 7,240 genotypes, 632 donors and sources of valuable traits. For the first time, promising DNA-markers Ps12a02a and CPPCT006, priority ones for genetic analysis, have been identified for the evaluation of sweet cherry varieties. The polymorphism of DNA-markers used for genotyping of grape varieties was established: UDV305 and UDV737, linked to the Rpv3 gene for resistance to downy mildew, GF15-42, SCGF15-02, linked to the Ren3 gene, and CenGen6, linked to the Ren9 gene for resistance to grape powdery mildew. DNA-marking made it possible to identify donor grape varieties Moldova bessemyannaya (resistance to downy mildew by the Rpv3 gene), Kishmish Zaporozhskiy (resistance to powdery mildew by the Ren3 and Ren9 genes); donor of apple tree immunity to scab according to the Rvi6 gene – elite 12/2-21-27. Analysis of the hybrid progeny of strawberries made it possible to identify the donor of large fruit – Nelly variety. 26 unique DNA passports of domestic grape, plum and apple varieties have been developed. Based on a comprehensive assessment of varieties of orchard crops and grapes, 45 sources were established for important characteristics: adaptability, productivity, tolerance to root phylloxera, seedlessness of grapes, productivity in the mother plantings, easy propagation by cuttings, etc. 16 elite forms were obtained with breeding-significant traits, allowing to optimize the assortment of garden crops and grapes. To create stable and productive agrocenoses and ampelocenoses in the conditions of the North Caucasus, 20 varieties with high ecological plasticity and manufacturability are recommended. Key words: GENE POOL, ORCHARD CROPS, GRAPES, VARIETY, ADAPTABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY, DNA MARKERS
CREATION OF AN INFORMATIONAL DATABASE ON THE QUALITY INDICATORS OF GRAPES AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A COMPLEX OF AGROCLIMATIC PARAMETERS AND INDICES CHARACTERIZING THE HEAT SUPPLY OF THE TERRITORY AND USED TO IDENTIFY THE TERROIRS OF CRIMEA
Authors:   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking «Magarach», RAS», Yalta, Republic of the Crimea, Russia, Rybalko Evgeniy Aleksandrovich , Baranova Natalia Valentinovna ,   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking «Magarach», RAS», Yalta, Republic of the Crimea, Russia, Erkhova Alina Sergeevna ,   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking «Magarach», RAS», Yalta, Republic of the Crimea, Russia
Published: March 2024

Climate is one of the main factors determining the possibility of grape cultivating and influencing its growth and development. Climatic factors have a huge impact on obtaining high-quality products of grape processing. In the process of work, in order to create an informational database, the archival data on the content of sugars and titratable acids in grapes from the vineyards of Crimea were collected and systematized. According to the criteria necessary for this study, we have selected the information on 8 varieties from the Steppe zone for 11 years, 1 variety from the Piedmont zone for 3 years, and 4 varieties from the South Coast zone for 6 years. By collecting and nonlinear interpolating of long-term observations from Crimean weather stations using geoinformation and mathematical modeling methods, the values of agroclimatic factors were calculated for each selected vineyard on the dates of determining the quality indicators of grapes during their ripening at the location points of the vineyards. For this purpose, 10 agroclimatic indicators characterizing the heat supply were selected. Based on the research results, basic principles for creating an informational database of agroecological resources and quality composition of grapes were developed. Informational database can be further modified and extended with various agroclimatic indicators. Subsequently, the accumulated array of database information will be used to identify patterns reflecting the influence of agroecological conditions on the formation of grape quality parameters for various types of production, which will serve as a basis for establishing viticultural and winemaking terroirs. Key words: CLIMATIC FACTORS, ZONES OF THE CRIMEAN PENINSULA, HEAT SUPPLY INDICATORS, GEOINFORMATION MODELING, MASS CONCENTRATION OF SUGARS, MASS CONCENTRATION OF TITRATABLE ACIDS
Halka Arz Sonrası Faaliyet Performansı: Borsa İstanbul Halka Arzlarından Yeni Kanıtlar
Authors: Önder Cengiz , Gürbüz Ali Osman
Published: March 2024

Öz

Bu çalışma, 2005-2019 yıllarında halka açılan seçilmiş 83 Borsa İstanbul firmasının halka arz sonrası faaliyet performansını incelemektedir. Çalışma ayrıca, halka arz aracılık türüne göre ve halka arz yöntemine göre şirketlerin halka arz sonrası faaliyet performanslarını karşılaştırmaktadır. Bunların yanı sıra çalışma, faaliyet performansını etkileyen şirkete özgü faktörler ve makroekonomik faktörleri de analiz etmektedir. Tek değişkenli analizlerde Mann Whitney U Testi ve Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar Testi uygulanmıştır. Çok değişkenli analizde panel veri ekonometrik modeli kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda halka arz şirketlerinin performanslarında düşüş tespit edilmiştir. En iyi gayret aracılığı ve bakiyeyi yüklenim aracılığıyla halka açılan şirketlerin performansları arasında anlamlı farklılık yoktur. Ortak satışıyla halka açılan şirketlerin performansı sermaye artışı yaparak halka açılan şirketlere göre daha iyidir. Ayrıca, şirkete özgü değişkenlerden aktif büyüklük ile makroekonomik değişkenlerden tüketici fiyat endeksi faaliyet performansını anlamlı şekilde etkilemektedir. Çalışmanın, halka arz yöntemine ve aracılık türüne göre faaliyet performansının karşılaştırılması ile makroekonomik faktörlerin etkisinin araştırılması konusunda literatüre katkı sağlaması beklenmektedir.
Aspectos retóricos y agenciales de los amuletos del artista Antonio Vallejos
Authors: Vivas Carlos Germán
Published: March 2024

Este artículo aborda la producción objetual de Antonio Vallejos, artista imaginero de Villaguay, Entre Ríos. Su trabajo consiste en tallas en madera, hueso y metal que se destinan al uso ritual y terapéutico dentro del ámbito del culto a San La Muerte. Para esta labor, incorpora objetos de fuerte peso simbólico, como ser, llaves o monedas. Nuestro objetivo es analizar las operaciones retóricas que resignifican estos objetos, detectar el rol agentivo con lo sagrado, dentro de la red relacional, e interpretar sus aspectos holistas en el contexto de las prácticas religiosas. Utilizamos la clasificación de los modos de la retórica y la concepción de signo visual del Groupe μ (1993); la teoría de la agencia social del arte del antropólogo Alfred Gell (2021) y las nociones de holismo que el antropólogo Pablo Semán (2001) utiliza para dar cuenta de la religiosidad en los sectores populares.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metformin
Authors: Tang Bowen , Tan Tao , Huang Yi , Zhang Mi , Li Mengqing , Lei Xiaocan , Nong Weihua
Published: March 2024

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Despite being recognized for decades, numerous unresolved issues persist regarding its impact on reproductive medicine. Metformin, a widely utilized drug in clinical practice for PCOS management, has attracted researchers’ attention due to its pharmacological mechanism and novel drug combination methods. Methods: This study employs bibliometric analysis to comprehensively examine the research progress in this field. The statistical source for this paper is Web of Science, covering the entire timespan. Utilizing various tools such as Web of Science, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace for analysis, the focus is on countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords. Data encompass the total number of papers published, total citations, and the average number of citations per paper. Results: Our analysis uncovered 2817 papers within the statistical range, with both paper count and citations exhibiting a rising trend over the years. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom emerged as influential countries in this field. Primary research areas include molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine. While China has made significant progress in recent years, there is room for improvement in the average number of citations per article, highlighting the importance of emphasizing article quality. Conclusions: The United States has spearheaded research in this field, potentially owing to support from domestic universities. Nevertheless, the notable contribution of Chinese scientists cannot be overlooked. Among universities, the most prolific are the Federal University of Virginia from United States and Fudan University from China. Notably, Glueck CJ is identified as the most productive researcher in this field. Fertility and Sterility, ranking first globally in terms of both article count and citations, emerges as the most popular journal in this field.
Kadınların ve Erkeklerin Farklı Seyahat Davranışına Sahip Olması Üzerine: Kent İçi Ulaşımda Kadınlar
Authors: Ertoy Sarıışık Betül , Öcalır Ebru Vesile
Published: March 2024

Bu çalışmada kadınların ve erkeklerin farklı seyahat davranışları araştırılmıştır. Farklı seyahat davranışına neden olan toplumsal cinsiyet konularına değinilmiş ve konu ile ilgili yapılmış bilimsel araştırmaların bibliyometrik analizi sunulmuştur. Kadınların ve erkeklerin ulaşım sistemlerinden nasıl faydalandıklarının anlaşılması için Türkiye geneli İstatistiki ve İstatistiki Bölge Birimleri Sınıflandırması 2. Düzey (İBBS-2) ölçeğinde yapılmış olan bir anket çalışmasından sonuçlar paylaşılmıştır. Türkiye’de kadın ve erkeklerin seyahat aracı kullanarak gerçekleştirecekleri aktivitelerde hangi ulaşım türünden faydalandıkları araştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda kadınların erkeklerden daha fazla kent içi toplu ulaşım araçları kullandığı görülmüştür. Erkeklerin toplamının yüzde 41’i kent içi toplu ulaşım araçlarından faydalanırken kadınların toplamının yüzde 54’ünün kent içi ulaşım sistemlerinden faydalandığı ortaya koyulmuştur. Kadınların ve erkeklerin hangi ulaşım aracından hangi oranda faydalandıkları grafik yöntemi kullanılarak açıkça ifade edilmiştir. Yapılan bilimsel araştırmalar ve anket çalışmaları sonucunda kadınların ve erkeklerin seyahat davranışlarının farklılığı üzerine tartışılmış ve ulaşım planlama politikalarına toplumsal cinsiyet perspektifinin entegre edilmesi ile ilgili öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
Endüstri 4.0: Yönetim Bilişim Sistemleri Bakış Açısıyla Değerlendirme
Authors: Akıncı Hikmet , Kahraman Ümmü Gülsüm
Published: March 2024

Teknolojide hızlı ve sürekli gelişim, günümüzdeki koşulları açıklayan hususların başında gelmektedir. Endüstri 4.0, teknolojinin gelişimiyle birlikte üretim süreçlerinde köklü değişimleri ortaya çıkarmıştır. Yönetim bilişim sistemleri de bu değişimlerden etkilenmiştir. Yönetim bilişim sistemleri, işletmelerin faaliyetlerini yürütmesinde veri, bilgi ve enformasyon akışını sağlayan sistemlerdir. Endüstri 4.0 ise dijitalleşme, nesnelerin interneti, büyük veri, yapay zeka gibi teknolojileri kapsayan 4. sanayi devrimidir. Endüstri 4.0, yönetim bilişim sistemleri üzerinde önemli etkilere sahiptir. Nesnelerin interneti sayesinde üretim süreçlerinde verimlilik artarken, yapay zeka ile karar verme süreçleri iyileşmektedir. Büyük veri analiziyle müşteri ihtiyaçları daha iyi anlaşılmaktadır. Endüstri 4.0'ın yönetim bilişim sistemlerinde kullanımı, işletmelerin rekabet gücünü artırmaktadır. Üretimde verimlilik artışıyla maliyetler düşerken, yenilikçi ürün ve hizmetler geliştirilebilmektedir. Sonuç olarak, dijitalleşmenin etkisiyle Endüstri 4.0'ın yönetim bilişim sistemlerindeki rolü artacaktır. Sistem modernizasyonu ve Endüstri 4.0 bileşenlerinin entegrasyonuyla verimlilik artırılabilir. Çalışmada endüstri 4.0'ın yönetim bilişim sistemleri bakış açısıyla incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Buna göre endüstri 4.0 ve yönetim bilişim sistemleri ile ilgili güncel literatürün taranması suretiyle incelemeler yapılmıştır. Ulaşılan sonuçlara göre endüstri 4.0 ile birlikte yönetim bilişim sistemlerinde güçlü bir dijital altyapı olması gerekmektedir ve başarı için buna özen gösterilmesi gerekmektedir. Çalışmanın sonuçları dikkate alınarak endüstri 4.0 teknolojilerinin gelişiminin yakından takip edilmesi önerilmektedir.
Bureaucratic Resistance and Policy Inefficiency
Authors: Heo Kun , Wirsching Elisa Maria
Published: March 2024

Poor public service provision creates an electoral vulnerability for incumbent politicians. Under what conditions can bureaucrats exploit this to avoid reforms they dislike? We develop a model of electoral politics in which a politician must decide whether to enact a reform of uncertain value, and a voter evaluates the incumbent based on government service quality, which anti-reform bureaucrats can undermine. We show that bureaucrats are most incentivized to disrupt service provision for political leverage when voters are torn between the reform and the status quo, leading them to interpret poor service provision as informative of the reform's merit. We also find that resistance deters politicians from enacting unpopular reforms due to electoral risks and prompts them to implement popular reforms by providing bureaucrats as scapegoats. For intermediary values of reform popularity, resistance causes accountability loss by preventing beneficial reforms and inducing ineffective reforms. Our model sheds light on a unique source of political power for bureaucrats and its consequences for public policy.
Characterizing exposure-outcome associations to identify biologically relevant cutoffs.
Authors: Huang Jesse , Olsson Tomas , Kockum Ingrid
Published: March 2024

Determining cutoffs for dichotomization or multi-level categorization of continuous measures can be challenging and often results in arbitrarily defined values. In this article, we describe the application of using association curves determined from overlapping exposure bins to define relevant serological cutoffs. However, this method applies to most continuous measures in experimental and clinical contexts. The presented concepts are then illustrated using previously published data on viral serology (Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus) and multiple sclerosis.
Replication of Results from a Test of the Consciousness Causes Collapse Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics Using Subliminal Priming Methodology
Authors: Lucido Richard
Published: March 2024

The current research is an attempt to replicate a previous experiment that employed sublim?inal priming to test the Consciousness Causes Collapse (CCC) interpretation of quantum mechanics. Stimulus primes derived directly from patterns in a local source of radioactive decay were flashed on a screen for a duration of time too brief to be consciously experienced. The primes were immediately followed by a presentation of a stimulus symbol that human participants were asked to rapidly respond to. According to the CCC interpretation, because the primes had not yet been exposed to conscious observation, they should continue to exist in a state of superposition based on the radioactive decay from which they were derived. It was hypothesized that a prime produced in this way should not affect subsequent response times as it would in a control condition in which observation had deliberately occurred be?forehand. This hypothesis was supported. The effects that the primes had in the observed condition were significantly greater than the effects that were obtained within the unobserved condition. This finding is consistent with previous experimental results and provides additional support for the CCC interpretation of quantum mechanics.
An Organized Camp and Mental Health: Moderating Role of Environmental Sensitivity
Authors: Yano Kosuke , Endo Shintaro , Oishi Kazuo
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the interactive effects of environmental sensitivity and experiential content on mental health. A total of 393 students (fifth to seventh grade) participated in an organized camp program for two days and responded to a three-wave longitudinal survey (pre-and post-program, and one-month follow-up). Latent growth model-based analyses indicated that Experiences of Challenge/Mastery and Self-Disclosure significantly predicted better mental health, as assessed in the follow-up survey. However, for individuals with lower levels of sensitivity, the significant association was not found between Experience of Self-Disclosure and mental health. The current findings may provide insights into the planning and practice of organized camp programs. Specifically, it is important to consider participants’ sensitivity levels and experience content.
Cognitive Flexibility Or Flexibilities? Insights From A Classroom Study.
Authors: Baudier Laure , Clément Evelyne , Sander Emmanuel , Gros Hippolyte
Published: March 2024

There is an ongoing debate in the scientific community regarding the nature of cognitive flexibility. It is either seen as a general executive process (set shifting), as a dimensional construct composed of reactive flexibility and spontaneous flexibility, or as a task-dependent skill. To help decide between these views, we analyzed the performances of 86 first-graders across four Cognitive Flexibility tasks. Two tasks focused on reactive flexibility (rule-shifting and predicate-shifting), and two tasks targeted spontaneous flexibility (role-shifting and divergent thinking). We also assessed children’s performance on three Executive Functions tasks (cognitive inhibition, verbal working memory, and visuomotor processing speed) to investigate the extent to which they correlate with cognitive flexibility. Significant — though moderate — positive correlations emerged among five out of the six pairs of cognitive flexibility tasks, regardless of whether they involved a reactive or spontaneous use of cognitive flexibility. Besides, none of the executive functions tasks systematically correlated with the four measures of cognitive flexibility. On the other hand, Confirmatory Factorial Analyses did not state whether cognitive flexibility is a unifactorial or bi-factorial construct. Overall, our results suggest that cognitive flexibility performance may reflect the recruitment of several task-dependent transversal processes. Implications with regard to the three postulates as well as future directions are discussed.
Diet predicts the conduct of animal testing, but inconclusive results on the role of personality, heart rate variability, and lab-animal objectification
Authors: Vezirian Kevin , Beffara Brice , begue laurent
Published: March 2024

To develop pharmaceutical drugs, people experiment on lab-animals, and a wide variety of factors might predict the involvement into this situation. Using an ultra-realistic protocol mimicking animal research (n = 145), we examined individual determinants and contextual frameworks which may facilitate or hinders experimenter's hand. We examined whether personality markers, such as high social dominance orientation, high speciesist dispositions, and low empathy would increase the willingness to experiment on an animal, while being veg*n (vegetarian or vegan), would decrease the willingness to do it. Additionally, because low self-regulatory abilities (i.e., low heart rate variability) are associated with less discomfort seeing other in suffering, and that objectification of lab-animals allows to disengage from them, we also examined whether they both would increase the likelihood of harming a lab-animal for scientific purposes. Overall, results of this research were mixed. While being veg*n significantly decreased the willingness to kill an animal for science, and low speciesist dispositions also seem to be related to this, neither SDO and empathy, nor self-regulatory abilities, nor the objectification of the lab animal significantly predicted participants' involvement into the animal testing situation.
Human Factors and Patient Safety: The Normalisation of Deviance in Mental Health Inpatient Healthcare Delivery in the UK: An Homage to Banja (2010)
Authors: Hider Andrew , Isgar Rachel , Needle Jacob
Published: March 2024

This article borrows from the conceptual framework outlined by Banja (2010) accounting for the normalisation of deviant practice in healthcare, and applies them to the characteristics of mental health inpatient services. It outlines how Banja’s drivers of normalised deviance apply in such settings and provides an account of why these drivers resist remediation. It proposes a provisional conceptual framework to support the development of a theory and practice evidence base informing the delivery of inpatient mental healthcare, incorporating existing psychological research into human factors in healthcare. A new tool, the Cultural Assessment of Staff Teams, is introduced as a measure potentially supportive of this framework. Finally, it proposes fundamental redesign of the inpatient mental health system and appeals for clinician focus on research into the human factors impacting staff understanding, practice and behaviour alongside existing research into the aetiology, nosology and treatment of mental health problems themselves.
Exploring Students’ Perceptions Towards 21st Century Skills Through Novel Applications: A Comparative Study among EFL Learners in Iraq
Authors: Bilgin Recep
Published: March 2024

Many initiatives have been seized to integrate 21st-century skills into the curriculum. They encompass specific competencies under five areas, which are vital subjects, 21st-century themes, innovation, career, and literacy skills. Accordingly, the present qualitative study was carried out at Tishk International University in Erbil, Iraq on 50 first-year students, aged between 18 and 23 in 10 departments through semi-structured interviews, according to the principles of phenomenological research design in the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of tertiary-level students toward 21st-century skills through the lens of practical reflections on their social, personal, and academic lives. Specifically, it aimed to address the following question: What 21st-century skills are more significant than others? The rationale for exploring university students’ perceptions of 21st-century skills and their practical applications was that students seemed perplexed regarding the significance of practical reflections in the Iraq context. Collected data were transcribed by the Go Transcribe application and classified based on the principles of content analysis. The findings revealed that reading, productivity, accountability, creativity, technology, and financial literacy were prioritized in each category by the participants, and they had novel ways to develop them regularly. The findings of this study can shed light on some points about the implementation of 21st-century skills with clear-cut strategies at educational institutions
When science hurts, do we still love it? The attitudinal impact of quality of life costs in science communication.
Authors: Fuglsang Simon
Published: March 2024

While support for science is high, academics, policy-makers, and media continually pointtowards lack of public support for certain areas of science and low willingness to change ourways of life in the face of scientific evidence. This study proposes quality of life perceptionsas one of the foundations for such observations. Specifically, I propose that in evaluatingscience communication, people are affected by cues regarding the way scientific findings andconclusions might affect the quality of their daily lives. In this perspective, individual levelmechanisms are activated by science communication contents, affecting reception andattitudes toward science. By manipulating cues on personal costs to quality of life in apreregistered survey experiment, the study demonstrates that quality of life cues negativelyaffect science attitudes, and that such effects follow predicted patterns in heterogeneity ofseverity of cost.
Mafias and Firms
Authors: Arellano-Bover Jaime , De Simoni Marco , Guiso Luigi , Macchiavello Rocco , Marchetti Domenico J. , Prem Mounu
Published: March 2024

Infiltration of the legal economy by criminal organizations (OCGs) is potentially significant, though how pervasive remains uncertain. Beyond the volume, the motives driving infiltration are of serious policy concern. We introduce a conceptual framework to differentiate between OCGs’ motives for infiltrating legal firms and validate it using new data from the Italian Financial Intelligence Unit. About 2% of Italian firms appear to have links with OCGs, with three primary motives. Firms established by OCGs are predominantly used for criminal activities (functional motive). Medium-sized firms, often infiltrated post-creation, primarily reflect a competitive motive, wherein criminal activities benefit the firm. Lastly, large, well-established firms remain separate from criminal activities and are used for pecuniary and non-pecuniary returns, such as to establish political connections (pure motive). This so far unnoticed motive accounts for a substantial share of OCGs’ infiltration.
Maintaining Unity in the Descriptive Paragraph Writing of Saudi EFL University Students: Challenges and Remedies
Authors: Ahmed Fawzi Eltayeb Yousuf , Ahmed Zahir Adam Daff Alla , Ali Elsadig Hussein Fadlalla , Hamed Sarah Osman Eltom
Published: March 2024

The study analyzes unity in descriptive paragraphs written by Saudi EFL learners at King Khalid University to find out the causes of unity errors in descriptive paragraphs. Paragraph writing is one of the most essential aspects of second language learning writing because it allows students to put their knowledge into practice and systematically convey their ideas. A random sample of fourteen English language teachers and ten EFL students is selected. The study employs testing and structured interviews for data collection. Sample paragraph analysis shows that 70 % of the learners do not compose unified descriptive paragraphs, whereas 30 % of the students write unified paragraphs that discuss only one topic. The interview analysis demonstrates that the lack of unity in the student’s writing is a result of various factors, including the impact of the EFL university learners’ mother tongue on target language writing, as well as a lack of activities and practice of basic writing techniques. Most EFL instructors believe that the challenges significantly impede students writing proficiency and influence their ability to construct unified descriptive paragraphs. The study concludes with several recommendations for both EFL teachers and students, hoping that they address the students’ challenges in the descriptive paragraph unity.
EXPEDITION WORK IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE KAMCHATKA EAST VOLCANIC BELT AND IN THE KAMCHATKA RIVER VALLEY IN 2023
Authors:   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS, Kalacheva E.G.
Published: March 2024

This article provides a brief description of the expedition work conducted by the staff of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, FEBRAS, in the central part of the Eastern Volcanic belt of Kamchatka, and in the Kamchatka River valley in the Summer-Autumn of 2023. In order to study the conditions for the formation and discharge of thermal waters of large volcanic centers, to estimate the hydrothermal discharge of magmatic volatiles (primarily CO2), hydrochemical and gas testing was carried out on the thermal fields of the Kikhpinych and Bolshoi Semyachik volcanic massifs, and in the Uzon caldera. In parallel with geochemical sampling, aerial and infrared photography of thermal sites was carried out. To determine the degree of influence of volcanic and hydrothermal activity on the ion runoff into the Pacific Ocean, hydrochemical and hydrological works were carried out in the Kamchatka Riverv alley. A comprehensive study of unique alkaline cold springs was carried out in the Belaya River valley (Kamchatsky Peninsula). A large number of water and gas samples, sediments and mineral salts were collected for further analytical studies during the expedition works.
STRUCTURE AND CHANGES IN THERMAL FIELDS OF THE SOUTHERN GROUP OF THE KAMBALNY VOLCANIC RIDGE (KAMCHATKA) BASED ON GROUND TEMPERATURE SURVEYS
Authors:   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS, Feofilaktov S.O. , Rychagov S.N. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS, Nuzhdaev I.A. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS
Published: March 2024

Ground temperature survey at three thermal fields of the southern group of the Kambalny volcanic ridge (South Kambalny Near, Central and Far thermal fields) was carried out. Their current state is characterized. The formation of temperature anomalies is determined by the peculiarities of the geological structure of each thermal field.The maps of temperature surveys obtained in 2021 and 1965 are compared. Changes in the conditions of convective heat flow unloading in the geologic structure of thermal fields are shown. The size of temperature fields on all geologic structures of the southern group of the Kambalny volcanic ridge have significantly increased over time. The area of the most warmed areas of thermoanomalies has increased. The maximum ground temperatures increased by 10 °С on average. Some thermoanomalies (boiling and pulsating water boilers and vapor-gas jets) increased their flow rates and (or) temperature. New warmed areas within the thermal anomalies were discovered.
ORE MINERALIZATION OF THE MUTNOVSKOE GOLD-SILVER-BASE METAL DEPOSIT, NOTHERN FLANK (KAMCHATKA)
Authors:   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS, Schweigert P.E. , Zhegunov P.S. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS, Moskaleva S.V. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS
Published: March 2024

The Mutnovskoe deposit is located in the south of the Central Kamchatka volcanic belt (Kamchatka peninsula, Russia). Ore bodies are concentrated within the N-S oriented «Opredelyayushchaya» vein zone, which is located in the central part of the cognominal to the deposit ore field. The vein zone is subdivided by ore mineralization type distribution to northern, southern and central parts, traditionally called flanks. Two stages of ore formation are distinguished: gold-silver mostly distributed in the north flank, and silver-base metal in the southern and central flanks. This work shows the results of mineralogical study of drill core samples taken from drill wells in the northern flank. Typomorphic features of the main ore minerals are compared with the results of the previous mineralogical studies of southern flank. Such minerals as hessite, proustite-pyrargyrite and pearceite-polybasite are described in the ores of the northern flank for the first time. Native gold purity differentiation may indicate the presence of hidden mineralogical zonality of products of the gold-silver stage of ore formation.
Challenges on Water Footprint (WF) Accounting of Batik Production: A Reflection from the Study on Batik SMEs in Jarum Village, Klaten Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Handayani Widhi , Suwarno Djoko , Widianarko Budi
Published: March 2024

Indonesian batik has been a cultural product for a hundred years. Its recognition as an intangible heritage has led its production to bring benefits in economic terms. However, there are environmental problems indicated by its production, and one of which is the water use. It is common to find information regarding the pollution caused by batik production. However, studies on water footprint of batik could bring insight that batik problem in relation to water doesn’t limit solely to pollution, but also to the huge volume of water consumed during batik production. In this understanding, the WF approach, both consumptive and degradative water use, is important. Although studies on batik WF have been conducted, it is still limited. This paper discusses the challenges faced in exploring batik WF based on field experience. An understanding of batik itself and batik SME characteristics are required because they are closely related to the WF of the process. Finally, this paper explains the conceptual and technical challenges that will be faced during the study of batik WF.
Assessment of the Quality of Tap Water Intended for Potability Using the IQE Water Quality Index Case of the Municipality of Sendjas (Algeria)
Authors: Belmiloud Nessrine , Abdelkrim Noureddine
Published: March 2024

Water quality is an important criterion for meeting water demand and supply. Ensuring freshwater quality that meets human and ecological needs is therefore an important aspect of integrated environmental management and sustainable development. The objective of this study is to monitor and evaluate the quality of the water distributed to the municipality of Sendjas from the Sidi Yakoub dam to the consumer using the index of water quality which includes 10 parameters. (PH, TDS, nitrate, sulphate, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium). Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on samples taken from the Sidi Yakoub dam, a reservoir which distributes water to the municipality of Sendjas called reservoir 500, and a sample from the house of one consumer directly from the tap. The results of the analyses obtained during our work show that there is a slight difference in the latter, but the quality of the physico-chemical water remains good and consumable at the level of two stations (Sidi Yakoub Dam, Reservoir 500) and Bad quality of the station which represents the municipality of Sendjas, the latter is due to the high content of chloride and the degradation of distribution networks.
Feasibility Assessment of Medium-Scale Hydro-Power Plant – Case Study in Kerala, India
Authors: Johnpaul V. , Venkatesan G. , Vinoth V.
Published: March 2024

The power of the hydrological cycle is enormous, sometimes devastating, but when it is utilised wisely, its negative impacts on humankind can be mitigated. Catastrophic floods and droughts are boosted by the world climate change. Hence, water management programs came into effect. On the other hand, energy production plays a major role in the country’s economic development. So, studies have come up with many ideas to ameliorate disasters especially floods through building mini, small, and large hydro-power plants against the rivers. This study presents a feasibility analysis of flood management and energy production in the Madupetty River, Kerala, India. Even though there are other dams in the Madupetty River, Mudirappuzha basin, the old Headwork built for a hydroelectric project, needs capacity augmentation. This study looks at ways to optimise the Maduppetty River’s water distribution system by building a dam-toe powerhouse where flood water can be stored and utilised when needed. Detailed analysis and design of the hydro-power station is presented. Rainfall runoff equations are used to assess the inflow for power potential studies. During flooding, the projected dam can hold 20.42 MCM of water. From this study, the dam toe powerhouse and cascade powerhouses will create 7.12 Mu and 90 Mu.
Assessment of the Physico-Chemical Quality of Untreated and Treated Water Using Water Quality Index (WQI) in the Ain Zada Dam, East Algeria
Authors: Amel Salamani , Mohamed Ladjal , Fayçal Bahlouli , Nacira Chourghal , Mohammed Benaini
Published: March 2024

The Ain Zada dam is experiencing a deficit in recent years due to scanty precipitation and reduced water flow, resulting in the dam’s water reserve dropping to 8.3%. Our study’s primary objective is to assess the quality of both untreated (raw) and treated water from the Ain Zada dam by conducting physico-chemical analyses on both samples. Based on the findings, the physico-chemical quality of the treated water is deemed satisfactory, as all samples adhere to Algerian standards. The treated water exhibits an organic matter concentration of 4.94 mg/l, which is the chief contributor to the unfavourable odour and taste of the dam water. To address this, enhancements will be made to the Ain Zada dam treatment station this year through the adoption of a novel ozone disinfection method (ozonation). The Water Quality Index (WQI) for treated water from the Ain Zada dam indicates a favourable suitability for drinking water production from February to May 2022. Two quality categories are discernible for each scenario based on the obtained WQI values: excellent and good for treated water, and excellent and poor for raw water. Water quality diminishes notably in April, where the treated water quality index rises (25 < WQI . 50), while the raw water’s quality classifies as poor (WQI > 50). The decline in water quality during this month can be attributed to stream variations, agricultural activities, and urban wastewater discharges. Consequently, it is imperative to prioritise the reduction of these pollution sources to safeguard water resources and enhance water quality within the watershed.
Primary breast sarcomas: A 13 case-series study treated in university hospital in central Tunisia over a 25-year period
Authors: Bouguerra Fadoua , Belajouza Samia Kanoun , Mziou Emna , Zanzouri Rym , Chahdoura Hayfa , Tbessi Sabrine , Bouzid Nadia , Mrad Sameh Tebra
Published: March 2024

AIM: To retrospectively study the therapeutic modalities of primary breast sarcomas in view of the data of a local Tunisian experience. METHODS: It is a monocentric, descriptive, retrospective study including 13 cases of primary breast sarcoma treated over a period of 25 years (1995–2020) in the oncological radiotherapy department of a university hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. RESULTS: In our study, 13 cases of non-metastatic breast sarcomas that has been identified, divided into ten cases of phyllodes sarcomas and three cases of non-phyllodes sarcomas. Surgically, all our patients had a mastectomy. Among them, seven underwent a lymph node procedure: five underwent axillary lymph node dissection, and two others had primary axillary lymph node biopsy. For the adjuvant treatment, all the patients included in our study received radiotherapy and seven received chemotherapy. Local recurrence occurred on the operative scar in one patient after completion of radiation therapy. Metastatic relapse was described in five patients. The time to onset of metastases varied between two months and five years. Nevertheless, a complete remission was noted in 6 patients with a follow-up varying from four years to 20 years. Two patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Breast sarcomas remain a very rare entity of aggressive tumors. The therapeutic approach is poorly codified. For this reason, the therapeutic decision should always be discussed in a multidisciplinary assessment.
Assessment of mental health and quality of life among children with congenital heart disease
Authors: El Sehmawy Asmaa A. , Younes Abd Elaziz Shaimaa , Abdelghany Elsheikh Asmaa , Elsawy Fatma A. , Abd Elsalam Amin Amal , Mostafa Omran Ahmed , Younan Abd El Malek Amal
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders, identify predictors associated with these disorders, and assess the quality of life (QoL) among children with congenital heart disease. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the National Heart Institute outpatient clinics. It included 204 children with structural congenital heart defects (CHD). In addition to assessing QoL with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale, the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents was utilized to identify psychiatric disorders in the children studied. RESULTS: Children with CHD were at increased risk for mood and anxiety disorders. They were also more susceptible to obsessive-compulsive disorder than the comprative healthy group. In children with CHD, the cyanotic group demonstrated a greater decrease in QoL than the acyanotic group. CONCLUSION: Children with CHD have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders and a lower overall QoL score.
Accounting for Climate Change in Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves for Stormwater Management
Authors: Martinez Christopher , Her Young Gu , Bean Eban
Published: March 2024

This publication is meant to describe three major approaches to account for climate change in rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves and the pros and cons of each approach. This document aims to provide information to practicing engineers, Extension agents, and others interested in how projected changes in rainfall patterns can be considered for water resources management. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Young Gu Her, and Eban Bean, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2024.
Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop
Authors: Folta Kevin M. , Huff Dustin , Sarkhosh Ali
Published: March 2024

Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.
Problems of Artificial Intelligence: Philosophical Analysis
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Amangeldiyev A.
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence can be understood as the pinnacle of development of the science of cybernetics. One of the key features of artificial intelligence is that, unlike simple computers, artificial intelligence has the ability to independently process information coming from outside and perform complex, extraordinary operations. That is, if a simple machine is loaded with specific algorithms and execute them, artificial intelligence can itself participate in the design of new tasks. Already today, such artificial intelligence capabilities are used in various spheres of society, for example, in such areas as economics and finance. In the light of such trends, classical philosophical questions acquire new guidelines. What kind of future is possible for humanity? Is artificial intelligence a force for advancing society or an initiative that poses a serious threat to humanity? The authors are close to the point of view that a complete rejection of the capabilities of artificial intelligence is impossible and there is no need for this. But deeper ethical reflection would help prevent threats to the future of humanity as a result of the widespread use of artificial intelligence. The article examines philosophical discourses regarding achievements in the field of artificial intelligence. Issues of a methodological, ethical epistemological nature are considered. The judgments and assumptions of researchers were analyzed within the framework of such issues as the improvement of artificial intelligence, its role and place in modern life, and its significance in the life of society. Of course, the risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence require serious philosophical reflection. Therefore, the main emphasis of the article is focused on the analyses of existing current discourses. The authors analyzed a number of scenarios related to the topic of artificial intelligence, its development, as well as the categorical apparatus in this area.
Philosophical discussions on the pages of the magazines «Adam alemi» and «Tamyr» in the period from 1999 to 2022
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kilybay D.
Published: March 2024

In an article on philosophical issues with a debatable component in the journals as «Adam Alemi» and «Tamyr» for the period 1999 to 2022. The conducted research formed most allowed to reveal themes, firstly, as a modern institutional Kazakh philosophy after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Secondly, a component as established important volume ans level discussion component of philosophical research in publications of two leading Kazakhstan journals, which are focused on philosophical issues. Thirdly, the analysis revealed how the process of «discovery» of new topics, research cases that different than dialectic. The results obtained indicate that the most relevant topics of domestic institutional philosophy are interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary topics at the intersection of philosophy with history, sociology, political science, religion, and mythology. The content of philosophical studies devoted to Kazakh history and the problems of modern Kazakh philosophy, its place in the global philosophical continuum is also significant.