bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The attitude of young people to the use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Nikolenko Oksana , Astapenko Evgeniya
Published: December 2023

The article examines the attitude of young people to the use of artificial intelligence. Young people, due to their greater psychological flexibility and adaptive capabilities, are more familiar with digital technologies. In the period of youth, the formation of a value-semantic sphere takes place. The respondents were young people in the number of 75 people. The comparative group consisted of respondents aged 40 to 50 years in the number of 50 people. The purpose of this work is to study the attitude of young people to the use of artificial intelligence. That will allow to understand more the attitudes of young people to the use of artificial intelligence from the perspective of benefits, motives of use and emotions; will provide reflection on the relationship of a person and the sphere of artificial intelligence. As research methods, the analysis of theoretical sources was used, the author’s questionnaire was used to study the attitude to the use of artificial intelligence among young people. The data obtained were processed using the methods of mathematical statistics Student’s T-criterion. The results of a study of attitudes to the use of artificial intelligence are presented. Significant differences in attitudes towards artificial intelligence systems were revealed in two groups of respondents on the possible benefits of artificial intelligence systems, the motives for their use of artificial intelligence, and the significance of the difference was revealed in relation to the emotions experienced by respondents of different ages when faced with these systems
Pollution from ships as a factor affecting maritime transportation: Universal and regional approaches to solving the problem
Authors: Rosenko Maria , Godovanik Evgeny
Published: December 2023

The study considers problematic issues related to identification and prevention of ship pollution as a factor negatively affecting the volume and quality of maritime transportation. It is shown that one of the most dangerous for the marine environment forms of pollution from ships is oil pollution, which is characteristic not only for oil tankers, but also for other types of marine vessels. International legal sources of protection of maritime spaces from pollution from ships, including universal and regional ones, related to the water area of a certain maritime region are defined. Formal-legal analysis of the MARPOL 73/78 convention allowed to identify the main types of pollution from ships, which is a complex, multifaceted process with a certain variety of practical ways. The system analysis of the impact of prevention of pollution from ships on the overall effectiveness of the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in the world ocean has been carried out. The role of states in overcoming the factors determining the reduction of maritime container transportation in terms of establishing unified environmental rules of navigation has been determined. Proposals on improvement of international legal mechanisms for prevention of pollution from ships, including "dumping" and discharge of bilge water, extremely harmful and dangerous not only for the marine environment, but also for human life and health, have been developed and formulated.
Large amplitude density fluctuations in a lipid bilayer, induced by picosecond electric pulses, and their possible biotechnological applications
Authors: Zakhvataev Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Electroporation refers to changes in permeabilization of lipid membranes induced by external pulsed electric fields. Diverse applications of electroporation in biotechnology include gene transfer, modulation of gene expression, cell proliferation, seed germination, sterilization in the food industry, and extraction of chemical compounds. We argue that the formation of large amplitude, subnanometer density fluctuations in lipid bilayers, induced by high-intensity pulsed electric fields with picosecond durations, may produce lipid nanopores and change transmembrane transport, which trigger cellular signalling pathways with subsequent cellular responses and changes in cell physiology, thus, could represent perspectives regarding the development of electroporation biotechnologies.
Analysis of pump operation in common pressure pipelines using the example of the “Chirchik” pumping station
Authors: Beitullaeva Rumia , Tukhtaev Bobur , Norboev Anvar , Nimatov Kamoliddin , Djuraev Shukhrat
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the analysis of the operation of pumps in common pressure pipelines. Considered regimes for irrigation of land and schedule for raising water at the “Chirchik” pumping station. Asan example, the operation of pumping stations of a separate pressure pipeline, a basin of the Chirchik irrigation system, is considered.
Neural networks as a promising direction in the agricultural industry
Authors: Meskhi Besarion , Rudoy Dmitry , Olshevskaya Anastasiya , Оdabashyan Mary , Vershinina Anna , Marchenko Sergey , Alentsov Egor
Published: December 2023

The agro-industrial complex (AIC) is considered one of the most conservative in terms of innovation. The global agro-industrial complex is developing today according to the concept of electronic agriculture, one of the basic elements of which is information and communication technologies. Big data, robotics, M2M systems, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing are effectively used by the world's leading agricultural producers. Russia is following the same path: large and medium-sized agricultural producers are trying and implementing various modern technologies, and advanced developers are offering new solutions to the market. Among the many different types of neural network schemes, the so-called recurrent neural networks occupy a special place. Their architecture allows efficient processing of data representing a directed sequence: for example, text, speech and time series. The purpose of this study is to identify growth points and problem areas in the field of robotics and informatization of the agro-industrial complex based on a comparison of the experience of various organizations and different countries in the use of artificial intelligence technologies in agriculture.
Recovery of non-ferrous metals from sulfide ores by the method of heap bioleaching on the example of Allarechensk technogenic deposit
Authors: Latyuk Elena , Potapov Sergey , Kompanchenko Alena , Goryachev Andrey
Published: December 2023

On the example of the Allarechensk technogenic deposit ore, the heap bioleaching method feasibility for the copper-nickel ores processing and non-ferrous metals recovery was considered. The content of metals in the initial ore sample was following: nickel – 2.42 %, copper – 0.75 %. The ore grinded to a size of -5+3 mm was irrigated with a solution containing a strain ofAcidithiobacillus ferrivorans. The S:L ratio was 4:1, the flow rate was 0.1 mL/min. In pregnant solutions, the pH and ORP values were controlled, and the concentrations of ferrous and ferric iron, copper, and nickel ions were also measured. The experiment duration was 330 days, 8.9 % nickel and 6.1 % copper were recovered. The pathways for the metals extraction from pregnant solutions, as well as the utilization of bioleaching residue were considered.
Development of ecotourism in the arctic regions based on the use of modern IT-technologies
Authors: Shvetsova Svetlana
Published: December 2023

This article examines the impact of the use of modern IT-technologies on the development of ecotourism in the Arctic regions. A survey was conducted among potential users of tourism services regarding the impact of modern IT-technologies on their choice between traditional and ecological types of tourism. The results confirm the increase in the attractiveness of ecotourism in the Arctic regions with the introduction of modern IT technologies. These studies can be used in the development of programs for the development of ecotourism in the Arctic regions, as well as in conducting research in the field of ecological tourism in the Arctic regions of the planet.
Automation of health care management system through software
Authors: Vaitekunene E. L. , Boyko A. A. , Moiseeva E. E. , Dolgova T.G. , Kleshko I.I.
Published: December 2023

In these modern times, people prefer convenience over traditional methods. This text describes the benefits of implementing a software system in Polyclinic #5. The system enables patients to make online appointments with doctors, eliminating the need to wait in long queues. Additionally, it eliminates the hassle of managing physical medical cards as all records can be accessed digitally. The software also facilitates communication among employees through a chat room and allows for sending reports to the chief physician. For pharmacists, the system provides the ability to check the availability of medicines. Moreover, the software automates tasks, provides schedules for employees, and enables effective management of the team. The system architecture involves subsystems and user access from different devices. Users include the chief physician, doctors, receptionists, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and patients. The system development follows an iterative and incremental approach. It concludes with the implementation of off-the-shelf software that simplifies patient appointments, ensures secure medical records, enhances staff communication, and streamlines management and inventory control.
A study of user preferences when choosing applications for smartphones used to order food from supermarkets
Authors: Shvetsova Svetlana
Published: December 2023

This article explores user preferences when choosing applications. The analysis was carried out on the example of applications used to order food delivery from supermarkets. We reviewed and compared a group of factors on which user preferences are based. The analysis of user proposals was carried out in regions where the cold arctic climate prevails most of the year. The climatic feature of the regions where users live is one of the determining factors in the choice of applications installed in a smartphone and used to order food. The analysis carried out showed quantitative indicators of user preferences in the choice of applications. The analysis data can be relevant for services marketing services involved in the development and optimization of applications for ordering food.
Applications for ordering food: The specifics of choice for installation on computers and laptops
Authors: Shvetsova Svetlana
Published: December 2023

This article explores the factors influencing user preferences when choosing applications for remote food ordering. Based on a survey of users, three main factors were established that affect the choice of users of certain applications installed on desktop computers of users located both in the office and at home, laptops were also taken into account. The survey did not take into account applications installed on smartphones. The survey was conducted in three age groups. The survey data shows three determining factors influencing the choice of a particular application used by a user for remote food ordering.
Machine learning application for power systems reliability assessment
Authors: Sorokin Dmitry
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the principles and features of the use of machine learning methods to assess the power system reliability. Based on the analysis of publications, the main approaches to the application of machine learning methods are given. A prototype of an automatic system has been developed to identify in real time potentially dangerous power system states, the occurrence of which can lead to the power system failures.
Optimization of schemes and ways to expand the adjustment range for the power supply of combined heat and power plants
Authors: Burdenkova Elena , Garievsky Michael
Published: December 2023

The article assesses the possibility of using low-flow operating modes at steam turbine with an additional boiler and steam and combined-cycle cogeneration plants for heat supply schemes, taking into account the storage properties of heat networks and buildings. It is shown that the use of low-flow operation modes of the turbine plant during the night period allows the combined heat and power plant to participate more effectively in covering the variable part of the electric load schedule. The dependence of the share of participation of an additional boiler in covering the heat load on the prices for fuel and electricity is determined. Comparison of the performance indicators of the steam turbine CHPP in low-flow modes with the release of the thermal energy necessary to the consumer from an additional boiler with the mode of its complete shutdown and the release of thermal energy from the peak hot water boiler made it possible, taking into account the accumulating properties of heat networks and buildings, to recommend a low-flow operation mode at night. For a combined-cycle cogeneration plant it is shown that it is advisable to reduce the electric power at night, while ensuring the nominal heat supply, by unloading the gas turbines with the transfer of the steam turbine to the motor mode.
Research of energy-saving composite materials for electric motors
Authors: Sulaymonov Utkirbek , Jelutkevich Aleksandr , Nabiyevna Malika , Sayfullayev Oybek , Berdiyorov Ulug’bek
Published: December 2023

This article discusses samples of magnetic cores based on isolated powders of magnetic materials, and also investigates the main magnetic characteristics of magnetic cores using ASC100.29 iron powders.
Theoretical study of characteristics and mathematical model of convective drying of foods
Authors: Saparov Dj.E. , Sultonova S.A. , Guven E.С. , Samandarov D.I. , Rakhimov A.M.
Published: December 2023

The characteristics of convective drying of potatoes at different temperatures, air velocity and slice thickness are investigated and a mathematical model is developed. The results show that the drying time decreases with increasing drying temperature. Compared with air velocity, drying temperature and slice thickness have a greater influence on the drying rate, and the period of velocity drop is the main stage of the convective drying process. As a model for convective drying of potato, the equations for 6 drying models are fitted and the optimal model is selected.
Optimization of energy consumption in cotton ginning enterprises using neural network method
Authors: Tolipov J. , Rakhmatova M. , Mannonov A. , Ishnazarov O.
Published: December 2023

In the modern world, energy consumption optimization has become a critical concern across various industries due to environmental considerations and economic efficiency. Cotton ginning enterprises, which play a pivotal role in the textile supply chain, are no exception. This article explores applying neural network methods to optimize energy consumption in cotton ginning enterprises. We delve into the challenges faced by the industry, introduce the concept of neural networks, and discuss their potential to enhance energy efficiency. A case study demonstrates the practical implementation of the neural network approach in a cotton ginning setting, showcasing the potential benefits and providing insights into future directions for sustainable energy practices.
Organization of agricultural production and land use to ensure sustainable agricultural development
Authors: Nozhenko Tatiana , Nekrasova Ekaterina , Frizen Yulia
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the organization of production and land use in the agricultural production cooperative “Sibiryak”. The main activity of the enterprise is the breeding of dairy cattle, the production of raw milk and crop production. The total land area of “Sibiryak” for 2021 is 11034 hectares. Owned land is 1035 ha, the area of leased land is 9999 ha. The indicators of economic efficiency of livestock production are calculated and characterize the enterprise as highly efficient. The economic use of land can be called stable, therefore, it is possible to predict the prerequisites for the further development of crop and livestock industries.
Vocalizations by red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in natural and climatic conditions of Mordovia (Middle Volga region)
Authors: Andreychev Alexey
Published: December 2023

The daily and seasonal vocalization of the red fox was traced. Year-round studies were carried out using digital voice recorders. Fox barking was recorded in the frequency range from 700 to 3600 Hz. The cackling of the fox was recorded in the frequency range from 500 to 2500 Hz. Fox calls were recorded in all seasons of the year, but the most pronounced peaks of prolonged activity in the year were recorded in spring and autumn. The vocal activity of the red fox was noted for the entire period of the study from 17:51 to 01:38. During this period, the total duration of calls in the red fox varied from 34 sec to 27 min per day, 4 min on average. 86% of all call registrations in the region occurred before midnight, the rest (14%) after midnight. Vocalization began after sunset for an average of 2 h 49 min.
Comparative evaluation of the breeding value of Holstein bulls-producers
Authors: Gorelik O.V. , Sevostyanov M.Yu. , Sagitdinov F.A.
Published: December 2023

Modern dairy cattle breeding efficiency is largely determined by the strategy of choosing a producer for herd reproduction, which determines the growth rate of herd productivity for the next 3 to 5 years. According to the results of 2022, there are 20 organisations in the Sverdlovsk region with milk production per feed cow of more than 9 thousand kg, including 10 farms with milk production of more than 10 thousand kg. The best farm in the region, APC “Kilachevsky”, produced an average of 12829 kg of milk for each of 3000 cows. Two record-breaking cows were milked there, each of which yielded more than 21 tonnes of milk for a standard lactation. Thirty-four breeding bulls were included in the study. As a result of their evaluation, it was found that in bulls whose genomic breeding value for milk yield exceeded 1000 kg of milk 80.0% of producers were actual improvers for this trait, and in bulls with low genomic breeding value for milk yield (0-99 kg) only 25.0% of producers were actual improvers. Bulls with a negative breeding value for milk production in 66.6 percent of cases turned out to be actual improvers. In terms of protein content in milk, the dependence is similar, the higher the genomic value of the sire according to MDB, the more bulls actually have a positive effect on the protein-milk content of daughters (Tables 3,4). However, the number of sires that confirmed genomic breeding value for protein-milk yield is much less than for milk yield. For milk yield, 17 sires out of 34 (50.0%) received confirmation of breeding value, and for protein-milk yield only 11 (32.0%).
Rural areas’ factors of sustainable socio- economic development: estimates of agricultural producers
Authors: Belikova Irina , Kurennaya Victoria , Ivashova Valentina , Chernobay Natalya , Narozhnaya Galina , Kapustina Elena
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of an expert survey of managers, chief specialists and heads of structural divisions of agricultural enterprises of Stavropol Krai (Russia). We carried out a factor analysis of the expert assessment of socio-economic contradictions negatively affecting the development of rural areas in the South of Russia. The opinions of the expert community represented by agricultural producers are important, since agricultural enterprises are the backbone economic units of rural settlements. A brief analysis of the publications of the science-intensive Scopus database confirms the relevance of the research topic and allows us to formulate a theoretical model of the problem field affecting the sustainable socio-economic development of rural areas. In the empirical part of the study, a survey was conducted of 205 experts – representatives of agricultural enterprises of Stavropol Krai, holding the positions of managers, chief specialists, and heads of structural divisions. The obtained research results provide an information and analytical basis for the development and improvement of programs for the strategic development of rural areas of Stavropol Krai. The methodology for studying the factors of sustainable socio-economic improvement of rural areas based on the assessment of agricultural producers can be used to analyze the territorial development of rural regions of Russia.
X-factor of rural development: role and place in ESG model of balanced growth
Authors: Sitnova Inna , Barlybaev Adigam , Barlybaev Ural , Ishnazarov Diyaz , Nasyrov Gazinur
Published: December 2023

The X-factor of rural development as a concept reflecting the totality of external and intra-regional social components allows us to better understand the relationship between economic and social changes, and transformations in cultural values, behavioural norms, beliefs and communicative processes that give meaning and significance to people's actions and attitudes. Unfortunately, in the study and design of transformations in social systems, very little attention is paid to this relationship and the fact that social, economic, cultural and communicative-semiotic processes constitute a whole and that the results and nature of change are ultimately determined by the balance of interaction between these components is not fully realised. The aim of the study is to specify the role and significance of the X-factor of rural development in the ESG-model of balanced growth on the materials of local studies and to prove its ever-growing importance in the conditions of ongoing fundamental transformations in technology, economy, and society. The objectives of the study are to identify the problems that create the situation of X-inefficiency in rural development; to develop possible ways to overcome them, taking into account the processes of technological, economic, and cultural revival and approaches to their implementation when analysing the possibility and prerequisites for the transition to X-efficiency, which will contribute to the holistic and systemic nature of formulating and achieving the goals and objectives of the ongoing changes, providing the greatest synergistic and cumulative effect of them; to determine the role and place of X-factors of rural development in the ESG model of balanced growth.
Application of modern digital technologies in the agricultural industry
Authors: Radygina D.P.
Published: December 2023

The article analyses the global and Russian experience of digitalisation of agriculture. The article analyses the main directions of the development of digital technologies in Russian agriculture within the framework of the implementation of the departmental project of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation “Digital Agriculture”. The analysis of modern innovative technologies used by leading agrarian countries around the world for the digitalisation of agriculture has been carried out. It was revealed that one of the most acute problems that hinders the successful digital transformation of the agricultural industry in Russia today is the shortage of qualified personnel due to the outflow of able-bodied population from rural areas and the high average age of the existing working population. Key words: agriculture, digitalisation, digital technologies, economy
Modelling approaches to innovative activities of timber enterprises based on regression analysis
Authors: Shanin Igor I. , Shtondin Anatoly A. , Kuznetsova Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of modelling approaches to the implementation of effective innovation. Within the framework of a collinear system of regression-correlation equations, a block diagram of the implementation of innovative activities of timber enterprises is presented, reflecting the possibility of increasing the level of innovativeness of timber enterprises. The study determined the necessary data array for building the proposed model. The presented model is based on financial and statistical indicators that characterize the level of innovative development of the timber industry enterprises of the Russian Federation, as well as taking into account their financial turnover throughout the industry for 2017-2022, and in the context of the development of small and medium-sized businesses. An important indicator was the level of funding for business projects on the use and implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT). The model also takes into account the influence of a group of various factors on the indicators of innovative development. As part of the regression and correlation analysis, each indicator was assigned its own value xi and xj. The results of the regression analysis data correlation are interpreted in two main blocks, general for the industry, and reflecting the dependence of the influence of small and medium-sized businesses on the innovative development of timber enterprises.
Economic impact assessment of the climate change on the health sector: case of Montenegro
Authors: Ćetković Jasmina , Žarković Miloš , Knežević Miloš , Vujadinović Radoje , Stanković Jelena
Published: December 2023

Considering that Montenegro does not have official data on the impacts of climate change and extremes on people's health, in this paper we prepared an assessment of the sensitivity to climate change in Montenegro for a longer period of time and their spatial distribution. The aim of this paper is to assess the future negative economic impacts of climate change on the health sector in Montenegro related to high temperatures. Due to the problem of establishing a clear correlation between the effects of climate change on health and specific diseases (for which there are no official data in Montenegro), the focus of our paper is on direct deaths under the influence of high temperature. Based on the processing and analysis of relevant statistical data, a projection of the future number of deaths caused by climate change in Montenegro was made. Then, we prepared an analysis of the value of life (VSL) concentrating on Montenegro and the world, in order to determine future statistical values, as a basis for damage assessment. Based on previously collected and processed data, we made a projection of economic damage in the health sector of Montenegro, according to 2 scenarios: Near Future Scenario (NF, until 2050) and Far Future Scenario (FF, until 2100). We estimated economic damage in the health sector of Montenegro, caused by high temperatures, at a cumulative amount of €30-60 million for the total observed period (NF, for a higher VSL), i.e. in a cumulative amount of €230-350 million for the total observed period (FF, higher VSL).
Ensuring environmental safety in the region
Authors: Sakovich Natalia , Khristoforov Evgeny , Nikitin Anton , Kovalev Alexander , Shilin Andrey
Published: December 2023

The article examines the influence of the regional economy on the state of the environment of the Bryansk region, examines the development of the economic potential of the region, and examines the results of the influence of industrial production directions on the state of environmental safety of the state of atmospheric air, water resources and soil cover. Research on the state of environmental safety was carried out using economic and statistical methods; a conclusion was made on the state of natural resources in the Bryansk region
Carbon emission by soil respiration in a deciduous forest on the southern border of the taiga (Tatarstan, Russia)
Authors: Tishin Denis , Chizhikova Nelly
Published: December 2023

Soil respiration contributes to the carbon emission losses of terrestrial ecosystems, so its accurate assessment is prerequisite to predict environmental risks resulting from Earth’s climate change. Seasonal dynamics of carbon dioxide fluxes from the soil surface of broad-leaved forest of the Middle Volga region, located on the southern border of the southern taiga subzone, were measured during the growing season. The forest belongs to the polygon Karbon-Povolzhye (Zelenodolsky district, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia). Seven measurements were taken from May to October 2022 in five replicates. The average monthly carbon emission during the growing season and pre-winter period was 0.19±0.01 g C h/m2. The largest emissions were observed at the end of June, the smallest – in September under the decreasing air and soil temperatures. Robust linear regressions were built to predict carbon emission depending on air temperature (n = 35, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.37), temperature of soil at a depth of 1 cm (n = 35, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.30), temperature of soil at a depth of 5 cm (n = 35, p-value < 0.01, r2 = 0.18). The data on carbon flux by soil are presented for the first time for the forest ecosystems of the Middle Volga region. The resulting emission estimates can be used to calculate the total carbon balance for the forest ecosystems of the Middle Volga region.
Supply chain disruption recovery strategies for measuring profitability and resilience in supply and demand disruption scenarios
Authors: Li Yaru , Yuan Yanhong
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the recovery of a three-level manufacturing supply chain under supply and demand disruptions. The paper proposes new combined recovery strategies, which aim to cope with interruption by adjusting the supply chain structure and material flows. This study integrates both supply chain performance and supply chain capability dimensions. We develop a bi-criteria mixed integer linear programming model with profit and resilience maximization as the objective. The model combines supply-side supply expansion, manufacturer capacity impairment, and demand regulation on the demand side. In a numerical example, we find that a “reciprocal disruption overlay” occurs when supply and demand disruptions, but the supply chain still loses some profit. The results suggest that the combined recovery strategies reduce profit loss and increase supply chain resilience. Furthermore, the strategies are also the optimal recovery strategies under unilateral disruptions. This model facilitates the coordination of a disrupted supply chain and can help managers decide on the best recovery plan.
Addressing Alert Fatigue by Replacing a Burdensome Interruptive Alert with Passive Clinical Decision Support
Authors: Fallon Anne , Haralambides Kristina , Mazzillo Justin , Gleber Conrad
Published: December 2023

Background Recognizing that alert fatigue poses risks to patient safety and clinician wellness, there is a growing emphasis on evaluation and governance of electronic health record clinical decision support (CDS). This is particularly critical for interruptive alerts to ensure that they achieve desired clinical outcomes while minimizing the burden on clinicians. This study describes an improvement effort to address a problematic interruptive alert intended to notify clinicians about patients needing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) precautions and how we collaborated with operational leaders to develop an alternative passive CDS system in acute care areas.

Objectives Our dual aim was to reduce the alert burden by redesigning the CDS to adhere to best practices for decision support while also improving the percent of admitted patients with symptoms of possible COVID who had appropriate and timely infection precautions orders.

Methods Iterative changes to CDS design included adjustment to alert triggers and acknowledgment reasons and development of a noninterruptive rule-based order panel for acute care areas. Data on alert burden and appropriate precautions orders on symptomatic admitted patients were followed over time on run and attribute (p) and individuals-moving range control charts.

Results At baseline, the COVID alert fired on average 8,206 times per week with an alert per encounter rate of 0.36. After our interventions, the alerts per week decreased to 1,449 and alerts per encounter to 0.07 equating to an 80% reduction for both metrics. Concurrently, the percentage of symptomatic admitted patients with COVID precautions ordered increased from 23 to 61% with a reduction in the mean time between COVID test and precautions orders from 19.7 to −1.3 minutes.

Conclusion CDS governance, partnering with operational stakeholders, and iterative design led to successful replacement of a frequently firing interruptive alert with less burdensome passive CDS that improved timely ordering of COVID precautions.
Induction Chemotherapy for Locoregionally Advanced Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Abiri Arash , Liu Derek H. , Nguyen Theodore V. , Pang Jonathan C. , Torabi Sina J. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: December 2023

Background There is emerging evidence to suggest the role of induction chemotherapy (IC) in definitive management of locoregionally advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). We evaluated the influence of IC on survival and predictors of its use in SNSCC patients.

Methods The 2004 to 2017 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with locoregionally advanced SNSCC (T4/M0). Treatments were stratified into seven groups: definitive chemoradiation (CRT), IC with definitive CRT (IC + CRT), IC + CRT with salvage surgery (IC + CRT + Sx), definitive surgery (Sx), IC with definitive surgery (IC + Sx), definitive surgery with adjuvant radiation or CRT (Sx + ATx), or IC + Sx + ATx. Cox proportional-hazards regression assessed overall survival (OS) and logistic regression identified predictors of IC.

Results Of 3,162 patients, 1,088 (34.4%) were female with a mean age of 63.4 ± 13.4 years. The 2- and 5-year OS rates were 58.6 and 42.0%, respectively. Compared with CRT, Sx + ATx (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.663; p < 0.001), IC + Sx (HR: 0.606; p = 0.005), or IC + Sx + ATx (HR: 0.468; p = 0.001) exhibited reduced mortality. Among patients who were treated with definitive surgery, those receiving IC had additional OS benefit (all ps < 0.05). Older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.607; p < 0.001), female sex (OR: 0.759; p = 0.028), Black race (OR: 1.650; p < 0.001, T4b stage (OR: 1.674; p < 0.001), and higher N stage (OR: 1.395; p < 0.001) were predictors of IC.

Conclusion IC prior to definitive surgery with or without adjuvant therapy exhibited the highest OS for locoregionally advanced SNSCC. Age, sex, race, and T/N staging were predictors of IC. Multimodal treatment regimens involving surgery as the primary modality may, therefore, provide the greatest therapeutic response.
Ecology in seventeenth-century Japan: the ‘Great Way’ of Kumazawa Banzan
Authors: McMullen James
Published: December 2023

The introduction glances at the historical background of seventeenth-century Japan and the role of Kumazawa Banzan. His views are then presented as a variant of the ‘anthropocosmic’ character of premodern religious thinking as identified by the Romanian scholar of religion, Mircea Eliade (1907-86). Banzan adopted the Neo-Confucian view of man as ontologically embedded in the natural order and held a Confucian faith in the arcadian ancient Chinese ‘Three Dynasties’ created through the artifice of Chinese Sages. The essay describes Banzan’s cyclical view of time, fall from arcadia, and man’s agency in post-lapsarian history. It addresses failures in rulership responsible for the ecological crisis of contemporary Japan. It then turns to the ‘eternal return’ characteristic of the traditionalist religions studied by Eliade. A conclusion explores homologies between Banzan’s diagnosis of crisis in his pre-industrial world and the fraught views of man and nature in the twenty-first century.
Inclusive education of refugee students with disabilities in higher education: a comparative case study
Authors: Al-Hendawi Maha , Alodat Ali M.
Published: December 2023

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) calls for the establishment of an inclusive education system for all students. As conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters continue to displace millions globally, the duration of refugee situations has become increasingly extended. The complexities of exile have further entangled the human rights issue, making it essential for affected individuals to seek sanctuary in other countries. These crises not only uproot families but also disrupt livelihoods and educational systems. Consequently, the onus has been on international laws and policies to promote and protect inclusive education as a human right for students with disabilities. In this study, using mixed methods, we first conducted interviews with two Syrian students with disabilities at Yarmouk University in Jordan and Qatar University in Qatar. Thematic analysis of these interviews yielded three primary themes: equity in educational opportunities, services provided, and challenges facing inclusive education. Following the interviews, we conducted a document analysis to evaluate the educational policies at both institutions. We used the 4-A framework for this evaluation, emphasizing that educational systems should be Available, Accessible, Acceptable, and Adaptable. The analysis indicated significant disparities in how closely each institution adheres to the principles of the 4-A framework. The findings indicate that inconsistencies in policy implementation, unequal access to financial aid, and difficulties in career planning are influenced by cultural, social, political, and economic factors.
Murburn concept in cellular function and bioenergetics, Part 1: Understanding murzymes at the molecular level
Authors: Manoj Kelath Murali , Jaeken Laurent , Bazhin Nikolai Mikhailovich , Tamagawa Hirohisa , Kavdia Mahendra , Manekkathodi Afsal
Published: December 2023

Bioenergetics is the study of how life-activities are powered within the cell. This also deals with the interactive exchange of matter/radiation between cellular components and their environment, and the accompanying changes thereof. The acclaimed bioenergetics paradigm has relied on “electron transport chains” and selective/stoichiometric electrogenic “ion-pumping” mediated by vectorial protein-embedded membranes. Therein, an electrochemical gradient was deemed to be the driving force for chemical reactions leading to ATP production, physical thermogenesis by uncoupling proteins, and complex electromechanical processes like information relay along the axon. On one hand, this vitally deterministic perception requires the membrane proteins to “intelligently” manipulate ion-fluxes and generate/harness an electrochemical gradient by a gambit-type logic. At the other hand, it also seeks that the same gradient should cyclically control the membrane-proteins’ activity. Our recent pursuits have questioned such traditional perspectives and advocated the alternate explanation of murburn concept, leading to a revamping of the macroscopic treatments of overall thermodynamic, kinetic, mechanistic, and evolutionary (probability) considerations. The current review aims to consolidate the murburn paradigm of bioenergetics, wherein murzymes initiate redox processes by effective charge separation and diffusible reactive species formation, enabling cells to work as simple chemical engines. Herein, we discuss the reaction chemistry of some simple enzyme systems and also delve into protein complex arrays mediated powering routines like mitochondrial respiration-thermogenesis and chloroplast-centered photosynthesis. Furthermore, we remark that the “water–ion–molecules” phase continuum is actually discretized into dynamically fluctuating coacervates and express concern over the marginalization of sound chemico-physical ideas by the bioenergetics community.
Large-eddy simulations of turbulent flows in arrays of helical- and straight-bladed vertical-axis wind turbines
Authors: Gharaati Masoumeh , Wei Nathaniel J. , Dabiri John O. , Martínez-Tossas Luis A. , Yang Di
Published: December 2023

Effects of helical-shaped blades on the flow characteristics and power production of finite-length wind farms composed of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are studied numerically using large-eddy simulation (LES). Two helical-bladed VAWTs (with opposite blade twist angles) are studied against one straight-bladed VAWT in different array configurations with coarse, intermediate, and tight spacings. Statistical analysis of the LES data shows that the helical-bladed VAWTs can improve the mean power production in the fully developed region of the array by about 4.94%–7.33% compared with the corresponding straight-bladed VAWT cases. The helical-bladed VAWTs also cover the azimuth angle more smoothly during the rotation, resulting in about 47.6%–60.1% reduction in the temporal fluctuation of the VAWT power output. Using the helical-bladed VAWTs also reduces the fatigue load on the structure by significantly reducing the spanwise bending moment (relative to the bottom base), which may improve the longevity of the VAWT system to reduce the long-term maintenance cost.
Disentangling stress and strain effects in ferroelectric HfO2
Authors: Song Tingfeng , Lenzi Veniero , Silva José P. B. , Marques Luís , Fina Ignasi , Sánchez Florencio
Published: December 2023

Ferroelectric HfO2 films are usually polycrystalline and contain a mixture of polar and nonpolar phases. This challenges the understanding and control of polar phase stabilization and ferroelectric properties. Several factors, such as dopants, oxygen vacancies, or stress, among others, have been investigated and shown to have a crucial role on optimizing the ferroelectric response. Stress generated during deposition or annealing of thin films is a main factor determining the formed crystal phases and influences the lattice strain of the polar orthorhombic phase. It is difficult to discriminate between stress and strain effects on polycrystalline ferroelectric HfO2 films, and the direct impact of orthorhombic lattice strain on ferroelectric polarization has yet to be determined experimentally. Here, we analyze the crystalline phases and lattice strain of several series of doped HfO2 epitaxial films. We conclude that stress has a critical influence on metastable orthorhombic phase stabilization and ferroelectric polarization. On the contrary, the lattice deformation effects are much smaller than those caused by variations in the orthorhombic phase content. The experimental results are confirmed by density functional theory calculations on HfO2 and Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 ferroelectric phases.
Nickel and copper complexation by natural dissolved organic matter – titration of two contrasting lake waters and comparison of measured and modelled free metal ion concentrations
Authors: Mueller Kristin K. , Couture Raoul-Marie , Fortin Claude , Campbell Peter G. C.
Published: December 2023

Environmental context Natural dissolved organic matter strongly influences the biogeochemistry and bioavailability of trace metals in natural waters. Chemical equilibrium models are often used to predict the relative importance of the free metal cation, a recognised indicator of the metal’s bioavailability. Here we show how the nature of the organic matter varies between two lakes, affecting the measured speciation of copper and nickel, a result that challenges existing chemical equilibrium models. Rationale Thermodynamic models such as the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) are often used to estimate the binding of cations by dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural aquatic systems. Such models require as input data the quantity of DOM but do not consider its quality. Using two well-characterised lakewater samples, we demonstrate, for realistic environmental conditions, that the conditional binding parameters for the complexation of Ni and Cu with natural DOM vary between lakes and we relate these differences to the spectroscopic quality of the DOM. Methodology Waters from two lakes with contrasting types of DOM were titrated with Cu and Ni and the conditional binding parameters were calculated using a two-site ligand model, with associated conditional stability constants implemented in PHREEQC v.3.1.2, and compared between lakes and between metals. The titration curves for each lake were compared to those predicted by WHAM v7.05. Results Binding affinities and capacities of DOM for Cu and Ni were found to differ not only between metals, but also between lakes. Discussion Overall, the titration results suggest that the more aromatic humic-like DOM from allochthonous sources may have a significantly higher complexation affinity for Ni than the more protein-like DOM from autochthonous sources. The differing behaviour of Ni and Cu in the two lakes suggests that they are binding to different types of binding sites within the DOM matrix. More data with various natural DOM samples are needed to capture the diversity of metal–DOM interactions and to improve our ability to predict metal speciation in natural waters.
Nanocolloidal hydrogel mimics the structure and nonlinear mechanical properties of biological fibrous networks
Authors: Prince Elisabeth , Morozova Sofia , Chen Zhengkun , Adibnia Vahid , Yakavets Ilya , Panyukov Sergey , Rubinstein Michael , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: December 2023

Fibrous networks formed by biological polymers such as collagen or fibrin exhibit nonlinear mechanical behavior. They undergo strong stiffening in response to weak shear and elongational strains, but soften under compressional strain, in striking difference with the response to the deformation of flexible-strand networks formed by molecules. The nonlinear properties of fibrous networks are attributed to the mechanical asymmetry of the constituent filaments, for which a stretching modulus is significantly larger than the bending modulus. Studies of the nonlinear mechanical behavior are generally performed on hydrogels formed by biological polymers, which offers limited control over network architecture. Here, we report an engineered covalently cross-linked nanofibrillar hydrogel derived from cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin. The variation in hydrogel composition provided a broad-range change in its shear modulus. The hydrogel exhibited both shear-stiffening and compression-induced softening, in agreement with the predictions of the affine model. The threshold nonlinear stress and strain were universal for the hydrogels with different compositions, which suggested that nonlinear mechanical properties are general for networks formed by rigid filaments. The experimental results were in agreement with an affine model describing deformation of the network formed by rigid filaments. Our results lend insight into the structural features that govern the nonlinear biomechanics of fibrous networks and provide a platform for future studies of the biological impact of nonlinear mechanical properties.
Rational design of proteasome inhibitors based on the structure of the endogenous inhibitor PI31/Fub1
Authors: Velez Benjamin , Razi Aida , Hubbard Robert D. , Walsh Richard , Rawson Shaun , Tian Geng , Finley Daniel , Hanna John
Published: December 2023

Proteasome inhibitors are widely used anticancer drugs. The three clinically approved agents are modified small peptides that preferentially target one of the proteasome’s three active sites (β5) at physiologic concentrations. In addition to these drugs, there is also an endogenous proteasome inhibitor, PI31/Fub1, that enters the proteasome’s interior to simultaneously yet specifically inhibit all three active sites. Here, we have used PI31’s evolutionarily optimized inhibitory mechanisms to develop a suite of potent and specific β2 inhibitors. The lead compound strongly inhibited growth of multiple myeloma cells as a standalone agent, indicating the compound’s cell permeability and establishing β2 as a potential therapeutic target in multiple myeloma. The lead compound also showed strong synergy with the existing β5 inhibitor bortezomib; such combination therapies might help with existing challenges of resistance and severe side effects. These results represent an effective method for rational structure-guided development of proteasome inhibitors.