bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality improvement by application of a revised standard – feasibility studies on 2500 soundings
Authors: Garin Håkan , Franzén Gunilla
Published: January 2024

CPT is a geotechnical investigation method that, depending on the geology, has been proved to be an essential tool to establish the Geotechnical Design Model. However, doubt has been raised about the quality of the data. Hence, the feasibility to use data from CPT to evaluate reliable parameters for the Geotechnical Design Model also needs investigation. Currently, the international standard EN ISO 22476-1 [1] is being revised, and the revised version will be published in winter 2022. It will include new requirements related to quality parameters such as zero stability, zero-shift, temperature, and pore pressure response. In addition, there will be updated requirements related to the calibration of the cone penetrometer. All this is to improve the quality of the CPT data, thereby increasing the reliability of parameters evaluated from CPT. This paper presents a feasibility study. It compares the zero-shift variation depending on the type of cone penetrometer, the operator, and the geology. More than 2 500 soundings from Sweden, Norway and Finland were the basis for this comparison. The results indicate that the data quality is strongly linked to the type of cone penetrometer, its calibration, and the management of the cone penetrometer in the field.
Collapse potential and ultrasonic pulse velocity of loess soils after treatment with expanded perlite and metakaolin
Authors: Khodabandeh Mohammad Ali , Kopecskó Katalin , Nagy Gábor
Published: January 2024

Collapsible soils, including loess, can support heavy loads at their natural humidity but then collapse rapidly and lose a substantial volume when the humidity increases. Soil collapse potential at different immersion stresses was investigated according to ASTM D5333. Different immersion stresses, including 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 kPa, were used to evaluate the stress-strain behavior of soils before and after saturation. The results indicated that soil collapse potential rose with a raising of immersion stress, resulting in the highest soil collapse potential at 500 kPa immersion stress. Furthermore, the effectiveness of expanded perlite and metakaolin in treating loess soils was examined. The results revealed that the soil collapse potential reduced with an increase in perlite and metakaolin up to 8 %. Also, perlite had a more significant impact on the soil collapse potential than metakaolin. The interlocking force between soil particles was enhanced as the perlite quantity rose, and perlite prohibited soil particles from slipping on each other. Metakaolin decreased the soil collapsibility due to the pozzolanic and chemical reactions which increased particle bonding. The ultrasonic pulse velocity of soils decreased as the percentage of perlite increased. Because the perlite was not spread homogeneously, and the waves can be stuck in the heterogeneities, Metakaolin acted as a filler and increased the ultrasonic pulse velocity of the soils.
„Innobyty” – kres antropocentryzmu, początek człowieczeństwa?
Authors: Krajewska Anna
Published: January 2024

Editorial on the concept of other beings (non-human beings) towards the end of anthropocentrism, a new dimension of humanity, devoted to aesthetics related to the creation of ontoepistemology.
Dehumanizing Discourses: Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam Trilogy on Post-Humans
Authors: Poręba Izabela
Published: January 2024

This paper examines four discursive strategies: colonizing, animalizing, infantalizing and (plant) vegetative that characters in Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy use to name the Crakers, post-humans with modified DNA structure. In discussing them, I expose a dehumanizing effect this seemingly neutral processes of naming and describing have. The interpretative findings discussed in this paper constitute a response to largely anthropocentrically oriented extensive criticism on Atwood’s writing. By questioning the neutrality of the narrative through a postcolonial reading of the trilogy, I argue that MaddAddam challenges the divisions between human and non-human. The paper investigates whether these dehumanizing discursive tactics of animalization, colonization, infantilism or vegetation, which are fundamentally oppressive, can become a means of resistance.
Multimodalność wtórna i widzialność tomograficzna na przykładzie Nakarmić kamień Bronki Nowickiej
Authors: Mazur Maciej
Published: January 2024

The research paper presents the concept of secondarily multimodal work, which problematizes the status of e.g.: visual elements added to further editions of an initially monomodal text in the context of its interpretation. This issue is discussed using the example of Bronka Nowicka’s volume To Feed a Stone (2015; 2017), which was expanded in the second edition with photographs and tomographs of the objects described. The analysis shows that some added graphic elements break up the coherence of the narrative and both reinforce and undermine the mimesis in the work. They function based on the principle of a Derridean supplement: they complement and condition the content of the verbal passages. The article concludes with a study of art volumes that are part of Nowicka’s intermedia project focusing on exploring the relationship between image and memory.
Iron role paradox in nerve degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Bolandghamat Samira , Behnam‐Rassouli Morteza
Published: January 2024

Iron accumulates in the neural tissue during peripheral nerve degeneration. Some studies have already been suggested that iron facilitates Wallerian degeneration (WD) events such as Schwann cell de‐differentiation. On the other hand, intracellular iron levels remain elevated during nerve regeneration and gradually decrease. Iron enhances Schwann cell differentiation and axonal outgrowth. Therefore, there seems to be a paradox in the role of iron during nerve degeneration and regeneration. We explain this contradiction by suggesting that the increase in intracellular iron concentration during peripheral nerve degeneration is likely to prepare neural cells for the initiation of regeneration. Changes in iron levels are the result of changes in the expression of iron homeostasis proteins. In this review, we will first discuss the changes in the iron/iron homeostasis protein levels during peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration and then explain how iron is related to nerve regeneration. This data may help better understand the mechanisms of peripheral nerve repair and find a solution to prevent or slow the progression of peripheral neuropathies.
Quasi-Optimality of an AFEM for General Second Order Elliptic PDE
Authors: Pal Arnab , Gudi Thirupathi
Published: January 2024

In this article, convergence and quasi-optimal rate of convergence of an adaptive finite element method (in short, AFEM) is shown for a general second-order non-selfadjoint elliptic PDE with convection term

b
∈

[

L
∞

⁢

(
Ω
)

]

d

{b\in[L^{\infty}(\Omega)]^{d}}

and using minimal regularity of the dual problem, i.e., the solution of the dual problem has only

H
1

{H^{1}}

-regularity, which extends the result [J. M. Cascon, C. Kreuzer, R. H. Nochetto and K. G. Siebert,
Quasi-optimal convergence rate for an adaptive finite element method,
SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 46 2008, 5, 2524–2550]. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical experiments.
Use of saliva-based qPCR diagnostics for the accurate, rapid, and inexpensive detection of strep throat
Authors: Peachey Madeline H. , Kubow Kristopher E. , Blyer Kristina B. , Halterman Julia A.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Outpatient health care facilities are essential for quickly diagnosing common infectious diseases such as bacterial and viral pharyngitis. The only form of pharyngitis requiring antibiotics is strep throat (ST); however, antibiotic prescription rates are much higher than ST prevalence, suggesting antibiotics are being inappropriately prescribed. Current rapid ST diagnostics may be contributing to this problem due to the low sensitivity and variable specificity of these tests. It is best practice to verify a negative ST diagnosis with a group A Streptococcus (GAS) culture, but many clinics do not perform this test due to the additional cost and 24–72 h required to obtain results. This indicates there is great need for more accurate rapid diagnostic tools in outpatient facilities. We hypothesized that next generation qPCR technology could be adapted to detect GAS DNA from saliva samples (instead of the traditional throat swab) by creating a simple, fast, and inexpensive protocol.

Methods

Saliva specimens collected from patients at James Madison University Health Center were used to test the effectiveness of our Chelex 100-based rapid DNA extraction method, followed by a fast protocol developed for the Open qPCR machine to accurately detect ST.

Results

Our final saliva processing and qPCR protocol required no specialized training to perform and was able to detect ST with 100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity (n=102) in 22–26 min, costing only $1.12 per sample.

Conclusions

Saliva can be rapidly analyzed via qPCR for the accurate and inexpensive detection of ST.
Erosion rate of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy subjected to erosive wear determined by the meta-heuristic (SCA) based ANFIS method
Authors: Yılmaz Serhat , Yıldırım Aygen Ahsen , Feyzullahoğlu Erol
Published: January 2024

AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy is used in different engineering applications. The erosive wear takes places in many machine parts. The prediction of wear amounts for aluminum alloy materials is complicated and nonlinear phenomena. The fuzzy inference systems (FIS) and the artificial neural networks (ANNs) have a series of properties on modeling nonlinear systems. In this study, it was aimed to determine the optimum erosive wear parameters in terms of wear resistance. This study suggests a meta-heuristic (sine–cosine algorithm-SCA) Based ANFIS prediction model for prediction of wear behavior of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy within various impingement pressure, impact velocity, impingement angle and particle sizes. In this study, a model is developed that determines the optimum erosive wear parameters to achieve the minimum wear rate. The erosion rate-SCA Based ANFIS prediction model extracted reasonable results. Estimation capability has been achieved to 99.81 % by the proposed model.
Language ideologies and the use of French in an English-dominant context of Canada: new insights into linguistic insecurity
Authors: Bouchard Marie-Eve
Published: January 2024

Teachers play an essential role in fostering linguistic security in their classrooms. The aim of this study is to identify the language ideologies articulated by teachers in the Francophone schools of the English-dominant context of British Columbia (Canada) in order to explore how the different practices they implement to foster the use of French in their multilingual classrooms and foster linguistic security may interact and expose contradictions. The findings are based on a thematic analysis of interviews with twenty-one French-speaking high school teachers. I argue that linguistic ideologies provide a useful locus for studying the tensions produced by institutional policies and practices and the possible impact on the students’ feelings of linguistic insecurity. Building on excerpts from the interviews, the findings indicate that the practices the teachers use to implement the French-language policy in their classrooms must be examined further as they might be harming the efforts they are making to increase linguistic security. This paper is intended to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the practical process of engaging with linguistic insecurity.
Excise Tax on Alcohol – Fiscal or Non-Fiscal Objective?
Authors:   University of Szczecin, Nawrolska Izabela
Published: January 2024

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to assess the level and structure of excise tax on alcohol in European countries in the context of the implementation of the fiscal objective (increase in budget revenues) and the non-fiscal objective (striving to reduce alcohol consumption by reducing economic availability of alcohol). Research method – In order to illustrate the significance of the impact of alcohol excise taxes on state budget revenues (realization of the fiscal objective), an analysis of the level and structure of alcohol excise taxes in EU countries was carried out. In addition to the traditional tabular and graphical analysis, a study was conducted to determine the impact of excise taxes on the economic availability of alcohol in each country (realization of the non-fiscal objective), taking into account both differences in annual net income expressed in euros and in annual net income expressed in PPS (Purchasing Power Standard) for ethanol. Results – The analysis carried out shows that despite the harmonization of alcohol excise taxes in the European Union (EU) member states, there are numerous differences in the application of excise taxes, in the level of excise-derived budget revenues and in the degree of impact of excise taxes on the economic availability of alcohol. There is still some room in the European alcohol taxation system for further harmonization of rates, harmonization of exemptions and categorization of certain products, and more effective use of this instrument in the alcohol policy of individual countries. Originality /value /implications /recommendations – The originality of the presented approach is due to the comprehensive presentation of the impact of excise taxes on alcohol on the realization of the fiscal and non-fiscal goal in EU countries.
Public Investment at the Local Level under Changing Conditions of Budgetary Economy in Poland
Authors:   Warsaw School of Economics, Opałka Benedykt
Published: January 2024

Purpose – The aim of the article is to identify the scope and directions of changes in the situation of local government budgets and their links with macroeconomic factors, the occurrence of which is associated with the consequences caused by crisis phenomena, as well as to determine the disparity of investment expenditures in local systems in the context of the investment capacity of local government units. Research method – The study applied the method of critical analysis of the literature on the subject, as well as the method of comparative analysis using measures of statistical description in the scope of empirical data collected and own calculations. Results – The consequences of the pandemic crisis phenomena and adverse trends in macroeconomic factors affect the stability of the budgetary economy. It was observed that until 2021, the level of investment expenditures did not decrease, however, negative changes in the structure of expenditure are noticeable in many local government units. Originality /value /implications /recommendations – The analysis of the economic environment indicate the risk of intensification of factors destabilising economic processes. It is necessary to undertake regular analyses with a view to counteracting the further negative changes, in particular in the field of the revenue stability of territorial self-government units, as well as the elimination of excessive spatial diversification of investment capacities on the scale of Poland.
Procedura selekcji projektów unijnych – ocena i możliwości zastosowania w zamówieniach publicznych
Authors:   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Szołno Olga , Kwiatkowska Renata
Published: January 2024

Purpose – The main objective of the study is a multi‑faceted assessment of the process of obtaining EU funds by enterprises and the identification of the possibility of their use in other areas where public entities participate in the project selection process. Research method – To achieve the goal, a targeted review of literature, legal acts, and analysis of documentation of the Regional Operational Program for the Lubelskie Voivodeship for 2014–2020 (RPO LV 2014–2020) were carried out. In addition, individual and unstructured group interviews were conducted, and the method of analysis and logical construction was used. Results – The revealed features of the EU project selection process and the identified possibilities of its adaptation in the area of public procurement for innovations confirm its usefulness as a tool to stimulate sustainable development. Originality/value/implications/recommendations – The study presents an original approach to the evaluation of the selection procedure for projects financed from EU funds, which is carried out to be verified in terms of usefulness in other projects. The postulate of using the procedure in public procurement for innovations formulated in the article is in line with the postulates made by the European Union in the field of quality and innovation in public procurement and the selection of the most economically advantageous tenders instead of those with the lowest price.
Sorption behavior of cesium ions to Mg-containing calcium silicate hydrate in a co-precipitation process
Authors: Seki Tsugumi , Oasa Ryota , Chida Taiji , Niibori Yuichi
Published: January 2024

The sorption behavior of Cs to Mg-containing calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) was examined to consider C–S–H formation under the water-saturated conditions around a radioactive waste repository. The amount of Cs sorption was slightly lower for Mg-containing C–S–H than for C–S–H, because Mg leads to a decrease in sorption sites by facilitating the polymerization of silicate chains. However, the apparent sorption distribution coefficient Kd of Cs on C–S–H with a Ca/Si molar ratio of 0.8 and Mg contents up to 20% was estimated to be 3.4–6.1 mL/g. Furthermore, the amount of Cs sorption was not decreased by the presence of Ba. The apparent Kd obtained in this study was about 10 times higher than that conventionally estimated for host rocks in the plutonic repository, indicating that C–S–H retains the effect of Cs immobilization even when it contains Mg.

Graphical abstract
Spór o status ludzkiego embrionu w kontekście rozważań na temat in vitro
Authors: Franczak Wiktoria
Published: January 2024

W artykule wskazano główne kontrowersje, związane z pojęciem embrionu. Wiążą się one ze starciem dwóch koncepcji bioetycznych: świętości życia i nowej etyki jakości życia. Postęp biotechnologiczny w zakresie medycyny stwarza różnorodne możliwości ingerencji lekarzy już w początkowej, embrionalnej fazie życia ludzkiego. Stwarza to wiele dylematów natury moralnoprawnej, stając się przedmiotem sporów w dyskusjach doktrynalnych. Z perspektywy artykułu istotny był problem zdefiniowania istoty człowieczeństwa, w tym również pojęcia „embrion ludzki” - z uwzględnieniem dominujących ujęć: liberalnego (świeckiego) i religijnego (chrześcijańskiego). Kluczowa okazała się więc odpowiedź na pytanie: kim jest człowiek oraz od którego momentu zaczyna się osoba ludzka? Czy embrion jest podmiotem, czy też przedmiotem prawa? Przywołano sposoby definiowania terminu „osoba” w różnych, międzynarodowych aktach prawnych, orzecznictwie i literaturze przedmiotu. Omówiono główne teorie statusu embrionu ludzkiego: koncepcję, na gruncie której embrion traktowany jest jak rzecz, koncepcję przyznającą embrionowi status osoby, oraz koncepcję pośrednią, tzw. „godnościową”. Przedstawiono różne prawne modele ochrony życia ludzkiego Przedmiotem rozważań stało się również zagadnienie zapłodnienia pozaustrojowego in vitro implikowane przyjętym w danym państwie prawnym modelem ochrony życia w jego początkowej (prenatalnej) fazie.
Czy istnieje przestępstwo doskonałe? Omówienie śladów kryminalistycznych ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem ich klasyfikacji
Authors: Legut Patrycja
Published: January 2024

Celem autorki artykułu jest przedstawienie argumentów za tezą, że przestępstwo doskonałe nie istnieje, a ślady kryminalistyczne pozostawione na miejscu zdarzenia są w przeważającej części podstawą do wykrycia i ujęcia sprawcy przestępstwa, przyjmując za kryterium ich klasyfikację. W początkowej części omówiona zostaje problematyka zdefiniowania pojęcia śladu kryminalistycznego, a następnie ich funkcje i podział. Na potrzeby pracy zostały one podzielone według zorganizowania materii tworzącej ślad, miejsca występowania śladów, rodzaju i zakresu badań identyfikacyjnych, sposobu pozostawiania śladów, wielkości obiektów materialnych, kierunku działania wypadkowych sił i działu wiedzy. Do napisania artykułu wykorzystano metodę obserwacji oraz analizy krytycznej, które doprowadziły autorkę do stwierdzenia, że przestępstwo doskonałe nie istnieje, jednak należy pamiętać jak ważny w całym procesie badania śladów jest czynnik ludzki.
A Rare Site of Metachronous Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nutakki Madhuri , V. Murhekar Kanchan. , Sundersingh Shirley , Raja Anand
Published: January 2024

Secondary metastatic involvement of the testis is a rare occurrence, particularly in cases of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We present a case of metachronous contralateral testicular metastasis from RCC in a 55-year-old man, occurring 2 years after radical nephrectomy. Following a thorough evaluation that ruled out systemic disease, the patient underwent a Chevassu procedure and right inguinal orchidectomy. Histopathological analysis confirmed metastatic involvement of the right testis by RCC. Metastasis to the testis from RCC is uncommon, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Isolated metachronous metastasis without systemic involvement is even rarer. This case highlights the importance of considering testicular metastasis in patients with a history of RCC, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and surgical resection when feasible, as it has been associated with prolonged survival.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОБ'ЄКТІВ АВТОМАТИЧНИХ СИСТЕМ КООРДИНУВАЛЬНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ
Authors: Дубна С. М. , Гурський О. О. , Гончаренко О. Є.
Published: January 2024

Представлені особливості об'єктів управління в яких доцільно координувати регульовані змінні в перехідних режимах. Розглянуті відповідні приклади об'єктів та зазначені їх загальні характеристики. Виділений клас об'єктів управління для яких варто синтезувати системи управління, що забезпечують узгодження перехідних процесів.
Метою роботи є підвищення ефективності функціонування певного класу об'єктів управління шляхом застосування систем, що забезпечують координацію регульованих змінних у перехідних режимах. Для досягнення поставленої мети було вирішено задачу пов'язану з виділенням класу об'єктів управління і їх загальних характеристик та особливостей для доцільного застосування алгоритмів координувального управління. Було показано, що ефективність функціонування та ККД деяких об’єктів залежіть від співвідношення регульованих змінних. В якості прикладів указано на співвідношення паливо-повітря у парогенераторах та котельних установках, або співвідношення між швидкістю обертання валу турбокомпресора і кутом установки лопаток вхідного направляючого апарату. Також показані різні структурні схеми об’єктів управління для можливої композиції цих схем у загальну структурну схему автоматичної системи координувального управління.
У результаті проведених досліджень, у процесі виконання поставленої задачі, було визначено загальну структурну схему об'єкта координувального управління та загальні його характеристики. Такі загальні характеристики були визначені на основі розглянутих прикладів об’єктів управління в яких важливо дотримувати деякі співвідношення між регульованими змінними. В якості прикладів було розглянуто: парогенератор з типовою  системою регулювання, газотурбінний та реактивний двигун, холодильну установку з відцентровим компресором. Показано особливості ефективного функціонування розглянутих об'єктів з огляду на аналіз їх загальних характеристик.
AUTOMATED NAVIGATION FOR UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES IN LOGISTICS
Authors: Danylova Oleksandra , Horishna Olha , Onatskyi Vitalii , Burlachenko Ivan , Savinov Volodymyr
Published: January 2024

The use of ground-based courier robots is widespread in the systems that integrate the complex automation of transportation management. Most often, the robot's main problems are finding and avoiding obstacles on the way during cargo transportation. Many computing resources are used to model the route taking into account the features of the terrain during logistic navigation. In research, the choice of gear motors, motor drivers, microcontrollers, and microcomputers was justified to ensure movement. To ensure effective autonomous navigation, the robot must contain ToF, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, GPS modules, cameras, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer. The selected combination of the investigated hardware components will allow for accurately determining the location of the vehicle. The article analyses the components of the robot. The principle of operation of drivers and engines is defined. Two models of drivers and two models of engines were considered. A schematic of the device with all connected sensors, a controller, and a microcomputer was developed. The principle of interaction of all system components to ensure autonomous navigation was developed. For the long-term operation of the system with autonomous navigation, the power supply system and the capacity of the necessary battery were calculated. A neural network was created and used for object detection. For neural network calculations, a server-side was created that receives frames from the device's camera and returns data on detected objects to the autonomous vehicle.
ALGORITHM AND SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION OF MODELS FOR PROGRAM CODE COMPARISON ON THE EXAMPLE OF C-LIKE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
Authors: Koshovyi R. V. , Kirei K. O.
Published: January 2024

This scientific work introduces an innovative algorithm and its software implementation for addressing the issue of detecting code similarities and identifying instances of code borrowings in software solutions. This development, pre sented in both finished and abstract forms, has the potential to revolutionize the way educators and institutions approach evaluating the creative solutions of student-programmers. The algorithm is designed to automate checks on software solutions submitted by students for various programming challenges, competitions, and Olympiads. The tool provides an effective means of detecting code similarities and flagging potential instances of plagiarism, allowing instructors to ensure that the submissions are original and the result of conscientious efforts. The work presents two examples of creative tasks that require careful evaluation for code similarity, providing concrete illustrations of how the algorithm works in practice. The algorithm itself is described in detail, and parts of the software code implementation in C# programming language are provided, enabling interested parties to explore the tool's technical workings. The results of testing and analysis of the algorithm are presented, with the work highlighting the potential of the tool to automate time-consuming and resource-intensive evaluations of software solutions. Visualizations of the test results provide clear and concise insights into the efficacy of the algorithm, enabling educators to assess the originality of the solutions with ease. Overall, the work is an invaluable contribution to the field of software development, providing educators with an innovative tool for ensuring the originality of software solutions submitted by students. With the growing need for transparency and academic integrity in higher education, this development has significant potential to transform the way institutions approach software solution evaluations, empowering students to pursue creative problem-solving with confidence. All of this can be achived by this algorithm being implemented in the future in bigger application as it`s main or side feature.
INVESTING IN CRYPTOCURRENCY AS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY OF FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS
Authors: Ashurbayli Nigar , Yusifov Ali
Published: January 2024

In the realm of finance, cryptocurrency has emerged as a captivating alternative to traditional investment avenues, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. Its decentralized nature, unfettered by government or financial institution control, presents a unique proposition in the world of wealth management. The allure of cryptocurrency lies in its potential for substantial returns. Its value has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, offering investors the prospect of significant financial gains. Additionally, cryptocurrency serves as a valuable tool for portfolio diversification, as its performance is often uncorrelated with traditional asset classes. Moreover, cryptocurrency boasts portability and accessibility, making it a convenient and inclusive investment option. Its digital nature allows for seamless storage and transferability, while its global reach enables anyone with an internet connection to participate in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. However, alongside these potential benefits, cryptocurrency also harbors inherent risks. Its volatility poses a challenge, as its value can fluctuate dramatically in a short period. Regulatory uncertainty looms, as governments worldwide grapple with the implications of cryptocurrency and may impose restrictive measures. Furthermore, security concerns persist, as cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets have fallen prey to cyberattacks, jeopardizing investors' assets. In light of these considerations, investing in cryptocurrency demands a thoughtful approach. Investors must carefully assess their risk tolerance and align their investment goals with the inherent risks associated with cryptocurrency. Thorough research and a well-diversified portfolio are crucial for navigating the complexities of this emerging asset class. The purpose of the article is to analyze the profitability and safety of investments in cryptocurrency and study the different methods associated with it.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES AIMED AT ENSURING THE SECURITY OF BANKING INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR IT SYSTEMS
Authors: Butcovan Marinela Adriana , Ivan Rica
Published: January 2024

With the development of the banking system, its security and, implicitly,security polic ies emerged as cr itical factors in the entire banking s ector . In the context of thecurrent technological development, the vulnerability of banking institutions has increaseddramatically . For both bank employee s and customer s , cybersecurity, operational securityand data privacy have become top priorities. Th erefore , a central concern for banks is theprompt detection of threats and the development of measures aimed ateliminat ing such dangers , which might both considerably increas e the level of security in thebanking sector.
THE GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATION OF THE ZANGAZUR CORRIDOR: A DRIVER FOR REGIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND LINKAGE
Authors: Gulahmadov Muhammad , Hajiyeva Nargiz
Published: January 2024

This research delves into the geopolitical role of the Zangazur Corridor in the recently liberated territories of Azerbaijan, examining its potential as a catalyst for regional development and enhanced connectivity. Employing the gravity model, the study investigates the corridor's influence on economic growth, trade facilitation, and geopolitical dynamics among Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and Türkiye. The comprehensive methodology incorporates a detailed literature review, geopolitical analyses, and economic assessments. Through this approach, the study amalgamates historical, economic, and geopolitical insights, comprehensively understanding the corridor's implications on regional integration. The main results underscore the Zangazur Corridor as a transformative conduit, pivotal in fostering economic opportunities and enhancing regional connections. It depicts the corridor's capacity to fortify trade routes, reshape infrastructure, and bolster regional cooperation. The study also explores the geopolitical implications, presenting the challenges and opportunities arising from this infrastructure project. This article offers a nuanced understanding of the corridor's potential transformative impact on economic synergies within the South Caucasus nations. It culminates in a comprehensive evaluation of the Zangazur Corridor's role in the region's economic and geopolitical landscape.
ESTIMATION OF REGIONAL INNOVATION ACTIVITY
Authors: Huseynova Arzu , Mazanova Ophelya
Published: January 2024

In the article, the estimation of the regional innovation activity, the general methodology of the estimation of the innovation development of the regions in this direction were analyzed by the author. The innovation index was formed based on the principles accepted in the international world to assess the innovation potential. According to the comparative evaluation of Azerbaijan's innovation potential, an innovation index was found for each region, zones were ranked according to this index, and cluster analysis was conducted. The selected system of indicators allows us to evaluate the level of innovation development in different areas, and to analyze the factors affecting the innovation index in the regions.
Assessment of the relationship between smoking and meniscal injury
Authors: Şirik Mehmet , Yetkin Duygu İmre , İnan İbrahim
Published: January 2024

Abstract Objective: To determine whether being a smoker and the years of smoking correlate with the presence and degree of meniscal injury. Materials and Methods: Individuals who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee were divided into two groups: smokers and nonsmokers. For each smoker, the total smoking history was calculated by multiplying the daily consumption (packs/day) by the years of smoking, and the result is expressed as pack-years. In the evaluation of meniscal injury, the grade of injury was recorded. The thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, as an indicator of obesity, was measured at the medial knee on axial plane images. The relationships that smoking and obesity had with meniscal injury were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 156 individuals were included in the study. The smoker group consisted of 48 individuals (30.8%), and the nonsmoker group consisted of 108 (69.2%). The meniscus was normal in one (2.1%) of the smokers and in 32 (29.6%) of the nonsmokers (p < 0.0001). The median subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was 23 mm and 24 mm in the smokers and nonsmokers, respectively (p = 0.900). A moderate but statistically significant correlation was observed between packs/day and injury grade, as well as between pack-years and injury grade (r = 0.462, p = 0.001 and r = 0.523, p = 0.001, respectively). Smoking and age significantly increased the risk of meniscal injury, by 31.221 times (p = 0.001) and 1.076 times (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that current smoking and smoking history correlate significantly with meniscal injury grade.
Calibration of SARRA-H model for climatic risk zoning of cowpea in Eastern Amazon
Authors: Souza Paulo J. O. P. , Pinto João V. de N. , Nunes Hildo G. G. C. , Souza Everaldo B. de , Santiago Alailson V. , Fernandes Gabriel S. T. , Rua Matheus L. , Farias Vivian D. da S. , Sousa Denis de P.
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT This study aimed to calibrate and test the SARRA-H (Système d’Analyse Régionale des Risques Agroclimatologiques) crop model for cowpea, as well as conducting a climate risk zoning for this crop in a region located in Eastern Amazon, allowing the identification of locations and sowing dates that favor the production considering both the water deficit and the probability of occurrence of severe rains during the harvest period. The model was calibrated and validated with data from experiments conducted between 2013 and 2016 in the municipality of Castanhal, PA, Brazil. Low climate risk areas were defined as those that had a water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) greater than or equal to 0.5 in the reproductive phase combined with the occurrence of rainfall below 20 mm at the harvest for, at least, 80% of the years for which planting was simulated. The model was able to simulate the water balance, growth and development of cowpea under the climate and soil conditions of the studied location with high precision and accuracy. The optimal period for sowing cowpea comprises the interval between June 5th and 25th for regions located above 2° S and between March 25th and April 15th for regions below 2º S.
Quality of packaged refrigerated biofortified sweet potato cultivars
Authors: Barbosa Ewerton da S. , Costa Pablo R. da , Brito Fred A. L. de , Assis Joan C. S. de , Marcelino Ariel S. de A. N. , Santos Valecia N. , Silva Lucio J. V. , Silveira Flávio P. da M. , Barros Júnior Aurélio P. , Simões Adriano do N.
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT Combining refrigeration with packaging is a commonly used technique for fruits intended for export. Thus, the objective of this study was to adapt the post-harvest management of biofortified sweet potato cultivars, using packaging and refrigeration, focused on reaching distant export markets while maintaining the commercial quality. Sweet potatoes of the cultivars BRS-Amélia and Beauregard were selected after harvesting, washed, and packaged. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 4 × 7 factorial arrangement consisted of 4 treatments (cultivar BRS-Amélia with and without packaging; and cultivar Beauregard with and without packaging) and 7 evaluations under storage conditions: at 0, 7, 14 (under refrigeration at approximately 8 °C), 17, 20, 23, and 26 days (under room temperature conditions at approximately 25 °C). Each experimental unit contained 500 g of tubbers. The results showed that the refrigerated storage combined with packaging extended the shelf life of the evaluated sweet potatoes: 17 days for BRS-Amélia and 26 days for the cultivar Beauregard. The BRS-Amélia cultivar maintained higher firmness, soluble solids and carbohydrate contents, chroma, and antioxidant activity (FRAP method), and total phenolic contents, in both raw and cooked tissues. The cultivar Beauregard presented less dehydration and greater stability in vitamin C, total phenolic, total carotenoid, soluble carbohydrate, and starch contents in raw and cooked potatoes. Therefore, the combination of packaging and refrigeration preserved the commercial quality of biofortified sweet potatoes for export markets.
AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE CASTILHO PARA AS LETRAS E AS ARTES EM SÃO MIGUEL (1847-1850)
Authors: Castro César Augusto , Boto Carlota
Published: January 2024

Resumo No presente artigo, discutem-se a trajetória e as contribuições de António Feliciano de Castilho para as letras e as artes na Ilha de São Miguel, nos Açores, no período de 1847 a 1850. Trata-se de um estudo histórico-documental e bibliográfico de dados garimpados em diferentes fontes, como jornais, correspondências, artigos e livros. Destaca-se que a presença desse intelectual nos Açores foi importante para o desenvolvimento cultural, artístico e instrutivo da ilha com a promoção de atividades diversas, como a criação da Sociedade das Letras e Artes, a realização de exposições da indústria micaelense, a atuação como tipógrafo e redator de periódicos e, em especial, a abertura de escolas para atender as populações menos favorecidas com o Método Português de Leitura.
MERITOCRACIA, EXCELÊNCIA E EXCLUSÃO ESCOLAR: UMA SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Ferreira Marylin Regal , Alves José Matias , Palmeirão Cristina
Published: January 2024

Resumo A meritocracia escolar é um mecanismo de distinção de alunos com supostos benefícios para a motivação e o reconhecimento do esforço, mas também com uma dimensão negativa associada à intensificação e estratificação das desigualdades. Assim, o principal objetivo deste estudo é a análise da literatura sobre meritocracia escolar e as lógicas de ação das escolas nesse contexto. O método adotado é uma scoping review, com a pretensão de selecionar, analisar e sintetizar a literatura encontrada em quatro bases de dados: Web of Science, Scopus, RCAAP e Google Scholar. Os resultados mostram uma necessidade de reflexão sobre os conceitos de justiça e exclusão escolar, associada à ideologia meritocrática na lógica da igualdade de oportunidades.
USO DE DISPOSITIVOS MÓVILES ENTRE LOS JÓVENES: HACIA UNA REGULACIÓN MULTINIVEL
Authors: Álvarez-López Gabriel , Villar L. Belén Espejo , Herrero Luján Lázaro , Caballero-Juliá Daniel
Published: January 2024

Resumen Este trabajo analiza el perfil de uso de los dispositivos móviles en los jóvenes para determinar la necesidad de su regulación en el centro escolar. Se diseñó un cuestionario que obtuvo 2,076 respuestas válidas de jóvenes entre 12 y 18 años del territorio español. El análisis multivariante -mediante el empleo de árboles de segmentación siguiendo el método Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID)- evidenció, con diferencias de género, un uso preferente del teléfono móvil, bajo la asunción de su utilidad para el aprendizaje, aunque reconocen que dedican más tiempo del recomendable a su uso social; además, revela la ausencia de limitación en el uso por parte de los centros. Estos resultados invitan a reflexionar sobre la conveniencia de estrategias de regulación multinivel que garantice un uso responsable en entornos educativos.
Advanced Electron Microscopy Characterisation of Aluminium-Oxygen Coordination in Catalyst Supports
Authors: Tran Trung D. , Macleod Norman , Bell Tamsin , Zheng Angela , Rivas Maria Elena , Ozkaya Dogan
Published: January 2024

Performance of alumina-supported catalyst systems are significantly affected by how the tetrahedral (Al-O4) and octahedral (Al-O6) coordination are mixed and blended with each other. Characterisation of aluminium-oxygen coordination is thus important to understand how catalysts interact with alumina at the microscopic level. Here we report the application of two advanced electron microscopy techniques on aluminium-oxygen coordination. The first technique is electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) that can reveal detailed electronic structure profile of aluminium valence band to analyse how aluminium is coordinated by oxygen. The second technique is pair distribution function (PDF) based on electron diffraction (ED), employed to measure aluminium-oxygen bond lengths associated with the coordination geometry.
Excavations at Khirbet Safra and the Report on the Oven from House B.2
Authors: Gregor Paul Z. , Glazer Eva Katarina
Published: January 2024

It has been five years since Andrews University started excavating Khirbet Safra in Jordan under the supervision of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan. Archaeological excavations in modern-day Jordan have increased in recent decades, providing invaluable information about ancient societies. That is especially the case with the Iron Age I. Our knowledge about that period has been updated with recent research and Khirbet Safra is one of many newly opened sites that has shared light on the subject. Although the preliminary results of the excavations have just started to get published, the authors wanted to present the current results of the excavations to promote the site among the Croatian public and interested readers. That is why this paper will bring an update on the Khirbet Safra excavations but also it will provide a preliminary report on the oven that was found in House B.2. A short analysis of the taboon type oven and its contextual analogies will bring forth a better understanding of household activities in the Iron Age I in the southern Levant.
Grčki počasni javni natpis iz Vranjica iz 4. stoljeća prije Krista
Authors: Marohnić Jelena
Published: January 2024

U Vranjicu je 2006. godine pronađen fragment dotad nepoznatoga grčkog javnog natpisa (RADIĆ ROSSI 2008), a preliminarno je čitanje objavljeno 2012. godine (KUNTIĆ-MAKVIĆ I MAROHNIĆ 2010). Datira se u 4. stoljeće prije Krista. U radu donosimo epigrafsku analizu i komentar te natpis interpretiramo kao počasni javni natpis.
Rural Landscapes of Roman (northern) Liburnia: Diachronic Development of Organisation and the Economy in Extra-Urban Territories in the Light of Recent Archaeological Research
Authors: Konestra Ana , Lipovac Vrkljan Goranka , Welc Fabian
Published: January 2024

The archaeology of Roman rural landscapes in the province of Dalmatia, and espe¬cially northern Liburnia, has until recently focused on single-site or single-monument analyses, allowing for only geographically patchy and chronologically limited conclu¬sions. Considering the results of recent research in the wider Kvarner and sub-Velebit area, the paper discusses issues of Roman extra-urban territorial organisation, the formation and evolution of settlement and economies on rural estates. Using several case studies, the role of indigenous residents and immigrants in the organisation of the countryside during the early Imperial era is addressed, testifying to a diversified social structure of both landowners and the employed workforce. Later developments in rural settlement are analysed through the prism of newly emergent geopolitical factors emerging in the region from the 3rd century onward. The Christianisation of rural areas and associated novel social practices, and possibly new forms of habita¬tion, are also covered. Finally, the final phases of use of rural sites can now be more cogently discussed thanks to new data from several, mainly insular sites.
Effect of coagulants and flocculants in the removal of turbidity from polluted river waters
Authors: Oré Cierto Luis Eduardo , Evangelista Medina Elvis Mariano , Arostegui Poma Jocep Máximo , Loarte Aliaga Wendy Caroline , Oré Cierto Juan Daniel , Quispe Trinidad Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2024

The objective of the research work was to evaluate coagulants and flocculants in the removal of turbidity from polluted river waters, three natural coagulants were used: Moringa oleífera, Musa paradisiaca (silk variety banana pith), Theobroma Cacao (Cacao mucilage of the Criollo variety ) and aluminum sulfate (Al2SO4) at a single concentration of 50 ppm and through a jar test, a rapid mixture of 200 rpm for 1 min was established, then at 45 rpm for 15 min and a sedimentation time of 15 min. The behavior of the water quality indicators was obtained as a result: turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD5), electrical conductivity, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids, before and after carrying out the treatments, using the Duncan test. determined the best treatment for Moringa oleifera presenting an average turbidity removal of 92.15% and aluminum sulfate an average turbidity removal of 90.70%, concluding that Moringa oleifera is an alternative to replace aluminum sulfate due to its reduced toxicity and environmental viability.
Productive behavior of piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus) fed concentrates with an inclusion of six natural flavorings and one commercial synthetic flavoring
Authors: José Herrera Juan , Rivera Valeria , Obando Alexander
Published: January 2024

Natural additives can provide positive characteristics that help make animal feed more palatable, thereby increasing feed intake and improving productivity. In this study, 260 piglets from 14 to 56 days of age were monitored, with an initial weight of 4.34 ± 0.75 kilograms. There were 6 treatments with natural flavorings with pro-nutrients, plus 1 treatment with a commercial product, and 1 control without flavorings. The average daily feed consumption per piglet was between 408 and 525 g, the average final weights between 19.90 and 26.30 kg, the average daily weight gains between 0.367 and 0.517, and the average feed conversions were between 0.988 and 1.195. Feeding costs averaged between 0.78 and 0.94 dollars. It was observed that the best values for live weight gain and feed conversion index, and decreasing production costs, were for treatments that included natural flavorings. It is recommended to study the use of these aromas in the growth and fattening stages.