bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defence Expenditure and Economic Growth: A Cross-Country Analysis of Peaceful and Conflict-Prone Countries
Authors: Arya Narendra Kumar , Pradhan Kailash Chandra , Mohapatra Sonali Madhusmita 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study uniquely examines the relationship between GDP growth and several key variables, including gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), secondary school enrollment, military expenditure, and innovation (measured by patents), in 13 peaceful countries and 8 conflict-prone countries from 2007 to 2022, as categorized by the Global Peace Index (GPI). To evaluate long-run effects, the analysis utilizes panel fixed-effects models, panel regression with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The findings from the panel regression models show that GFCF strongly boosts GDP in peaceful nations, with weaker effects in conflict-prone regions. While education is not a significant driver in peaceful countries, it is vital for growth in conflict-affected areas. Military spending has minimal impact in peaceful nations but significantly hampers growth in conflict-prone countries. Innovation, indicated by patents, contributes positively to economic growth across all countries. The panel ARDL and asymmetric ARDL models show that innovation drives short-run growth in peaceful countries, while military expenditure inhibits it in conflict-prone regions. Long-run findings confirm that GFCF is critical to growth across all nations. Policy recommendations include reducing military spending, fostering education, promoting innovation, and ensuring stable governance.
JEL Classification: O11, O31, O57
Novel detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Hippobosca equina from horses in Spain
Authors: Dorrego-Rodriguez Abel , Gago Paloma , Olvera-Maneu Sergi , Jose-Cunilleras Eduard , De Cárdenas Lucía , Mantje Erik , Raez Alejandra , Gonzalez Sergio , Cruz-Lopez Fatima 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Hippoboscid flies are obligate hematophagous Diptera that infest mammals and birds worldwide. Hippobosca equina, commonly known as the forest fly, primarily affects horses and is considered both a mechanical and/or biological vector of various bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by three intra-erythrocytic hemoprotozoans: Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and the recently identified species Theileria haneyi. To date, no studies have reported the detection of any Piroplasmida in H. equina. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of T. equi and B. caballi in forest flies infesting horses in endemic areas, identified using molecular techniques.
Methods
A total of 170 forest flies were collected from 35 Equidae across five locations in Spain (Segovia, Madrid, Toledo, and Menorca Island). Blood samples for equine piroplasmosis (EP) testing were drawn from 27 examined horses. All insects were identified both morphologically and molecularly, and genomic DNA from each fly and their equine host blood samples was screened for EP using real-time and nested PCR. Phylogenetic analyses were performed on all obtained T. equi and B. caballi sequences.
Results
All collected hippoboscids were identified as H. equina using a stereomicroscope and taxonomic keys, as well as by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Molecular screening detected T. equi DNA in 19 of 170 (11.2%) collected forest flies and B. caballi DNA in 2 of 170 (1.2%). All EP-positive flies were collected from EP-positive horses, with sequences from the flies and their equine hosts being identical. Two distinct T. equi and two B. caballi sequences were identified.
Conclusions
This study is the first to report the detection of T. equi and B. caballi in H. equina collected from horses. Given that approximately one-quarter of the flies sampled from EP-positive horses tested positive for the disease, sampling forest flies could be a practical method for detecting equine piroplasmosis in feral horse populations. Experimental transmission studies are required to assess the vector competence of H. equina for EP and other equine diseases.
Identification of Collided Vehicles in Indian Traffic Accidents using Hierarchical Deep Learning Framework
Authors: Porwal Shrusti , Khandelwal Yash , Malik Mukul , Singh Preety , Bansal Anukriti 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), accurately detecting accidents and identifying the vehicles involved is crucial for assessing accident severity. This paper focuses on the challenge of vehicle identification in accidents on Indian roads. We introduce a hierarchical detection model where an image is first analyzed for accident detection, and if an accident is detected, it is further processed to identify the involved vehicles in collision. We implemented various YOLOv8 model variants for accident and vehicle detection, finding that YOLOv8m performed best with an F1-score of 0.824 for accident detection and 0.827 for vehicle detection. The outputs of these detection units are integrated to identify collided vehicles, achieving an F1-score of 0.716 for this task.
Effects of maize/soybean intercropping on soil nitrogen mineralization and fungal communities
Authors: Liu Yalin , Fan Yuanyuan , Kuzyakov Yakov , Dai Jie , Zhang Chaochun , Li Chunjie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
Maize/soybean intercropping has many advantages in soil nitrogen (N) use compared with monocultures. However, whether fungi increase the mineralization of soil organic N in intercropping remains unknown. We hypothesized that the fungal-mediated N mineralization in intercropping increases soil mineral N.
Methods
Soil was sampled in a 13-year field experiment with monocultured maize, monocultured soybean and maize/soybean intercropping without N input (N0) and with 180 kg N ha− 1 input (N180). The net N mineralization, N mineralization-related enzymes (urease and protease) and fungal communities were analyzed to show whether N mineralization occurred and the role of fungi in N mineralization.
Results
Based on the long-term experiment, the redundancy analysis showed that the soil chemical properties and enzyme activities explained 67.92% of the total variation of fungal communities. Intercropping increased the net mineral N content by 1.6 times compared to monocultured maize, mainly due to the increase in net ammonium content, the richness and diversity of fungal communities were not affected by intercropping under N0. There is no correlation between the net mineral N content and the relative abundance of fungal communities in different crop systems, but the net mineral N content was increased with the relative abundance of Glomeromycota under N180 (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
Maize/soybean intercropping increased the net N mineralization without affecting the soil fungal communities under no N input. The increased relative abundance of Glomeromycota under N input has potential to increase net N mineralization regardless of crop systems. This study provides evidence of N mineralization driven by intercropping under no N input. However, further research is needed to explore the microbial mechanism of N mineralization.
Fundamental spatiotemporal studies in heterogenous fire Spread: Instability Mechanisms and Dynamic Mode Selection
Authors: Malhotra Vinayak , Selvakumaran Thunaipragasam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Severe issues related to the fire-spreading phenomenon have led researchers worldwide to try different approaches for simplification. The increase in fire-related accidents has escalated the need for better operating solutions. The work presents, experimental simulations conducted on transitional fire spread to improve knowledge of spread of heterogeneous fires in both space & time. Homemade matchsticks were used as pilot fuel and external energy sources. Different configurations were tested, at varying surface orientations with a fixed number of external energy sources per direction. The effect and spreading phenomenon were observed in pilot fuel ignition and change in spreading rate with insight into localized & global burning. To gain true replication, experiments were conducted on dynamic models linear time-invariant (LTI), linear time- variant(LTV), & effect of spatial non-linearity was studied on non-linear dynamic models viz., NLTI (Non- linear time-invariant) & NLTV (Non-linear time variant) to determine spreading fire behavior & features. Additionally, important probable like, effect of phosphate was examined. The results were compared with single fuel burning to get better insight into external heat source & heat sink effect in both singular & coupled modes. The results reflect turbulent nature of fire spread & disorderly burning process. The spread rate analysis highlights distinct heat source & sink effect, uncertainty involved with collective burning along with combustion instability in form of irregular energy transfer. The results can be utilized in designing effective fire suppressants & retardants within given fire safety norms.
Comprehensive study of Design attributes for sustainable packaging design: Analytical techniques and expert validation
Authors: Singh Taruna , Singari Ranganath M. , Singh Sumer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A significant shift toward incorporating sustainable practices into packaging design with the increasing concerns about environmental sustainability. Sophisticated frameworks or tactics are necessary to lessen the increasing environmental impact of packaging waste. However, there are numerous opportunities to reduce waste and use more sustainable packaging design (SPD) techniques despite these initiatives. To address the need for a holistic strategy, this study introduces a comprehensive approach to sustainable packaging design. This technique covers packaging systems and packaged goods across the entire supply chain starting from the producer to the final consumer. This is presented as a strategic blueprint that aims to achieve not only more efficient but also more sustainable. It will provide a holistic perspective based on identified attributes on what constitutes a sustainable packaging solution. The approach incorporates several distinct analytical methods that ensure cost-effectiveness. The methodology is intended to be a practical tool for the packaging Industry and designers who seek to enhance sustainability within their packaging systems. Experts were selected from industry, academia and entrepreneurial background to enhance robustness of the proposed methodology. Moreover, attributes of this framework were validated on the Kano model that analysed whether its strength and relevance possessed significant impacts towards sustainable packaging design. The findings of this research will contribute to the development of a comprehensive framework for sustainable packaging design. These attributes will offer valuable guidance to manufacturers, designers, and companies seeking to prioritize sustainability in their operations. By providing a structured approach to decision-making, it aims to empower stakeholders to make well-informed choices that align with environmental goals and improve the overall sustainability of packaging systems.
Characterization of the secondary structure, renaturation and physical ageing of gelatine adhesives
Authors: Pulidori Elena , Duce Celia , Bramanti Emilia , Birolo Leila , Cipolletta Brunella , Ioio Laura Dello , Bonaduce Ilaria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Animal glues have been used for centuries, but their popularity decreased in the 20th century with the rise of synthetic adhesives, leading to their current primary use in restoration. Despite this decline, gelatine, derived from denatured and partially hydrolysed collagen, has gained popularity in various applications. This study focuses on gelatinous glue samples derived from animal bone and hide tissues, examining their secondary structure and thermal properties to identify structure-property correlations. Infrared spectroscopy analysis has revealed differences in the secondary structures, with hide glues exhibiting more β-structures than bone glues, indicating a higher degree of aggregation. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry also have highlighted differences between hide and bone glues, showing that the latter are more hydrolysed. Furthermore, the calorimetric curves have showed different values of denaturation enthalpy thus indicating a different degree of gelatine renaturation. Additionally, the calorimetric analysis has demonstrated the physical ageing of gelatinous glue samples, a key factor in maintaining adhesive properties for long-term use under specific storage conditions. In a context prioritizing the use of waste biomass over fossil fuels, understanding the properties of gelatine in glues is crucial for enhancing their performance and promoting their adoption as sustainable alternatives to non-renewable adhesives.
UAV Mobile Channel Adaptation Using AI
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymyr , Grekhov Andrii , Kondratiuk Vasyl 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The aim of this work is to implement the adaptation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communication channel using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Simulation was provided on the base of original model for communication channel “Ground Control Station – Satellite Transponder – Aerial Relay Drone – UAV”, which was designed using MATLAB Simulink software. Dependences of the Bit Error Rate (BER) on Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for different data rates, BER on Ground Control Station antenna diameter and BER on “Satellite Transponder” and “Aerial Relay Drone” amplifiers nonlinearity were obtained and analysed. The program code for training a linear regression model for predicting BER based on the obtained data is presented. The trained model adaptively changes SNR to find the optimal value at different Data Rates. The BER, SNR, and Data Rate dependences on time during channel adaptation are plotted.
Metals and proteins like phytochelatin in mangrove in a tropical estuary impacted by zinc smelter industry residues, southeast, Brazil
Authors: Kütter Vinicius Tavares , Pires Alina Criane Oliveira , Costa Ingrid Tavares , Montes-Bayón Maria , Sanz-Medel Alfredo , Oliveira Cristiane Pereira , Machado Wilson , Filho Emmanoel Vieira Silva 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Mangrove forests represent an important environment for the biogeochemistry process. They can act as a bioaccumulator of metals by removing from the sediment. Phytochelatins, on the other hand, play an important role in the plant's detoxification mechanism by absorbing metals that are not essential to its physiology. Sepetiba bay is historical higher metals impacted by zinc smelter industry residues. The aim of the study was evaluating the metals contamination and arsenic loke phytochelatin in mangrove and fern (leaves, flowers and branches and root) in the smelter industry residues site. The total element content in plants was determined by ICP-MS and the determination of phytochelatins was carried out by SEC-HPLC-ICP-MS. The highest concentration of As (34.81 mg kg− 1) was detected in the leaves of the fern. Zn reached 287.91 mg kg− 1 in the roots and Cd did not exceed 3 mg.kg− 1 in the plant compartments. High concentrations of As in mangrove were reported only in flowers (6.1 mg kg− 1). The metals concentrations indicate a dilution gradient from the Cia Mercantil Ingá waste to bay. The mangrove in channel Arapucaia, showed highest concentrations of Fe and Mn can be are related to the influence of drainage from the ore port and coal terminal. In fern species, biomolecule analyzes demonstrate the existence of two different chemical species of As in the plant structure, while for Mangrove, three chemical species were found in the leaves and other two in flowers and branches.
Palliative status of patients with chronic heart failure: relationship with body composition parameters, clinical and laboratory parameters
Authors: Shevtsova V. I. , Pashkova A. A. , Krasnoruckaya O. N. 
Published: December 2024

Objective: to determine the relationship between parameters body composition, clinical status, laboratory parameters and severity of painful symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure.Materials and methods: the study involved 298 patients with CHF. The body composition was assessed: the presence of sarcopenia and obesity (with the calculation of the muscle mass index IMM/BMI), functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, markers galectin-3, hsСRP, Na-proBNP, Bartel index. A 10-point Edmont scale was used to assess the severity of painful symptoms. A factor analysis was performed, as well as a Pearson correlation analysis.Results: the study revealed 5 components: A factor of adequacy of muscle functions, a factor of systolic dysfunction, a factor of impaired functional status, a factor of functional activity, and an age factor. The conducted correlation analysis showed the presence of links between the components and the severity of painful symptoms of moderate and mild severity.Conclusion: the body composition of patients is associated with the severity of painful symptoms in patients with CHF who need palliative care. It is necessary to take into account body composition when developing algorithms for managing patients with CHF at the stage of palliative care.
Morphological characteristics of the lungs in COVID-19 patients with diseases of the blood system
Authors: Nevzorova V. A. , Tal'ko A. V. , Kotsyurbiy E. A. , Parinov V. Yu. , Putiy Z. E. 
Published: December 2024

Aim: To study the variants of morphological changes in the lung using material from pathological autopsies of patients with blood diseases who died of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: A retrospective morphological analysis of histological preparations of lung tissue was performed in a cohort of patients with blood diseases, using standard histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin and assessment of the state of alveolocytes of type 1 and 2, Mallory and Van Gieson staining to assess the state of connective tissue. The leukocyte profile of the lung tissue was studied by immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies of differentiation clones (CD) 4, 8, 20, 34 and collagen type IV.Results: 22 fatal cases of patients with blood diseases who died of COVID-19 were analysed (13 men and 9 women); the mean age was 63 years. The selected cohort included non-neoplastic (myelodysplastic syndrome with multilineage dysplasia) and neoplastic blood disorders (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, multiple myeloma). Morphometric analysis revealed certain differences in the condition of the lung tissue. In the group with myelodysplasia, the morphological picture of lung tissue damage in COVID-19 is characterised by the destruction of alveolar tissue, the presence of single alveolocytes and the absence of neutrophils and macrophages. In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a disruption in the formation of hyaline membranes and the development of mycetomas, the appearance of lymphocytes of different sizes were observed. In lymphoma, the development of thrombus formation was observed against a background of decollagenisation of the vessel wall. In multiple myeloma, multinucleated alveolocytes formed as a result of viral metamorphosis were seen. In untreated patients, blasts were detected at the onset of acute myeloid leukaemia. Despite the diversity of the cohort, the immune response showed a universal response in the form of disappearance of CD4 and expression of CD8 and CD34 leukocytes in all cases considered. An individual feature in multiple myeloma was the positive expression of CD20+ leukocytes in lung tissue.Conclusions: Lung damage in COVID-19 is characterised by differences in the state of the morphological picture depending on the oncohematological disease and the universality of the immune response, with a difference in patients with multiple myeloma in the form of increased expression of CD20+, probably due to the pathogenesis of myeloma and the accumulation of pathological clones of leukocytes.
Results of regional care for patients with cirrhosis of the liver in the outcome of viral hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antiviral drugs
Authors: Pak E. S. , Korobka R. V. , Pasechnikov V. D. , Kostrykin M. Yu. , Bukhtin O. V. , Mikutin A. V. , Shapovalov A. M. , Lageza A. B. , Novikova G. V. , Pasechnikov D. V. , Agabekyan V. S. 
Published: December 2024

Objective: to assess the effect of antiviral therapy on the clinical course and survival in patients with cirrhosis of the liver in the outcome of chronic viral hepatitis C.Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 325 patients with cirrhosis of the liver in the outcome of chronic viral hepatitis C, who were on the waiting list for liver transplantation from 2014 to 2024. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who received antiviral therapy (n=273), and patients who did not receive antiviral therapy (n=52).Results: in the group of patients who received antiviral therapy, 219 (80.2%) patients were alive at the time of the diagnosis, including 57 (20.8%) people achieved liver function compensation and were excluded from the waiting list for liver transplantation; 42 (15.3%) patients underwent liver transplantation. The dynamics of clinical and laboratory indicators in patients from this group improved. In the group of patients who did not receive antiviral therapy, 2 (3.8%) patients were alive at the time of the examination, none of the patients had achieved liver function recompensation. The dynamics of clinical and laboratory indicators in patients of this group worsened.Conclusion: antiviral therapy has a positive effect on the survival of patients with cirrhosis of the liver in the outcome of chronic viral hepatitis C, as well as on the clinical course and laboratory parameters, which necessitates the earliest possible implementation of this therapy. Clinical and laboratory monitoring of these patients is also needed to prevent re-infection with viral hepatitis C, early detection of decompensation of liver function, and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.