bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Developments in Landfilling and Biodegradable Waste Management: A Case Study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Šonský Jan , Vaculík Petr , Kažimírová Viera , Altmann Vlastimil , Zhao Shuran 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In accordance with EU legislation, the Czech Republic has been progressively implementing stringent regulations for the landfilling of municipal waste. The main reason is to facilitate the transition to circular economy and maximise material and energy utilisation. The aim of this study was to provide insights on biodegradable waste management in Czechia and to monitor changes related to landfilling at two distinct landfill sites in the Czech Republic fulfilling new legislation requirements. The analysis, underpinned by monitoring data on the amount and composition of waste landfilled from 2014 to 2023, has delineated a decline in the proportion of biodegradable waste. This trend aligns with that observed in other European countries. Furthermore, reduced energy production with a decreasing proportion of biodegradable waste in municipal solid waste was confirmed. The study points to the need for improved biodegradable waste separation, and it stands as a case study in the formulation of biodegradable waste strategies.
Influence of Chosen Working Parameters of Sprayer on Coefficient of Variation of Transverse Liquid Distribution for Twin Fan Nozzle
Authors: Parafiniuk Stanisław , Nowakowski Tomasz , Koszel Milan , Chlebowski Jarosław , Findura Pavol 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of changes of technical working parameters of a field sprayer on changes of the coefficient of variation for double stream atomisers. The technical parameters were the height and the inclination angle of the sprayer boom and spraying pressure. In the studies, a Drift Guard TwinJet Flat Spray nozzle (DGTJ60 11003 VS) was used. It generated two flat fans of liquid at the spray angle of 110°, directed forward and backward in relation to the direction of sprayer movement. It has a 60° angle between its two fans. The measurement of the coefficient of variation of transverse liquid distribution was done using the Hardi Spray Scanner patternator. The obtained results indicate that the height of field boom setup, the angle of inclination, and their interaction had the strongest influence on the value of the coefficient of variation of transverse liquid distribution for the field boom equipped with the DGTJ60 11003VS nozzle. Field boom setup during the spraying at the height of 0.5–0.6 m, keeping field boom inclination from 0° to 2°, and using the liquid pressure of 0.4 MPa allowed for gaining the lowest values of the coefficient from 5.03% to 6.53%.
Possibilities of Detecting and Evaluating Thermal Defects in Agricultural Building Envelopes Using Simultaneous Infrared Thermography and Computer Modelling
Authors: Junga Petr , Koutný Tomáš , Tichá Zuzana , Kudělka Jan , Mareček Jan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of using two different methods together to detect more accurately and to evaluate thermal defects in the envelope of agricultural buildings. The structure of heated agricultural buildings is significantly influenced by the characteristics of the indoor environment (aggressive gaseous and liquid substances, high humidity, higher heating temperatures, etc.). In this study, research has been conducted that synergistically combines two methods for the evaluation of thermal defects, where the structure is evaluated using infrared thermography and at the same time described as a numerical model for a more detailed identification of envelope defects and thermal bridges. The study confirmed that in agricultural building structures, thermal defects are most commonly found in the areas of window lintels, ceiling and bracing structures, window and door joints, and foundation and floor joints, while the proposed combination of the two methods for assessing thermal defects in structures demonstrated superior performance in terms of accuracy and detail of results obtained compared to the standard partial use of only one of these methods.
Landscape Perception of Children Under the Age of 12 Living in Different Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Januškienė Eglė , Kamičaitytė Jūratė 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Due to the increasing scale of urbanisation, the topic of natural landscape perception is receiving more and more attention. Children who live in the city experience significantly less contact with nature and, due to that, lose connection with it. Therefore, this study aims to determine how the landscape perception of children who live in urban areas differs from that of children who live in rural places. The main findings were obtained using a systematic analysis of the literature. The results of this study show that in rural areas, children often have more space, freedom, and opportunities to experience and get to know the natural landscape and understand its processes, while in cities, children lose their close connection with nature and are constantly exposed to adverse environmental factors. This deterioration of environmental conditions, pollution, and constant noise is already becoming a common phenomenon for children. There is a need to conduct deeper research to understand better how children perceive the natural environment and how it can help preserve a child’s connection with nature in the cities.
Continuous time non-smooth optimization through quasi efficiency
Authors: Kumar Promila , Sharma Bharti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The importance of quasi efficiency lies in its versatile nature as it permits a definite tolerable error that depend on the decision variables. This has been a motivating factor for us to introduce the notion of quasi e cient solution for the non-smooth multiobjective continuous time programming problem. Necessary optimality conditions are derived for this problem. To derive sufficient optimality conditions, the concept of approximate convexity has been extended to continuous case in this paper. A mixed dual is proposed for which weak and strong duality results are proved.
Metric correctness of pairwise comparisons in intelligent data analysis
Authors: Dvoenko Sergey D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In modern data analysis and machine learning, data are often represented in the form of pairwise comparisons of the elements of the data set. The pairwise comparisons immediately correspond to the similarity or dissimilarity of objects under investigation, and such a situation regularly arises in the domains of image and signal analysis, bioinformatics, expert evaluation, etc. The practical pairwise comparison functions may be incorrect in terms of potentially using them as scalar products or distances. In contrast to other approaches, we develop in this paper a technique based on the so-called metric approach, which proposes to modify the values of empirical functions so as to get scalar products or distances. The methods for obtaining the correct matrices of pairwise comparisons and for improving their conditionality are developed here.
Small degree Salem numbers with trace −3
Authors: Sac-Épée Jean-Marc 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The contribution of this work is to provide tables of Salem numbers with trace −3 and small degrees, namely degrees 2d = 34, 36, 38, and 40. The implemented method also generates a list of totally positive polynomials of degrees d = 17, 18, 19, and 20, with trace 2d − 3, a single root strictly greater than 4, and all other roots strictly between 0 and 4.
Definitions of Creativity by Kindergarten Stakeholders: An Interview Study Based on Rhodes’ 4P Model
Authors: Yeung Jerry , Bautista Alfredo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In 2017, Hong Kong included the notion of creativity in its official kindergarten curriculum framework. However, the curriculum did not define what creativity means in relation to 3- to 6-year-old children. Stakeholders such as teacher educators, kindergarten principals, and teachers may have different understandings of creativity, possibly leading to difficulties in implementing this notion into practice. We adopted Rhodes’ 4P model to examine Hong Kong kindergarten stakeholders’ definitions of creativity in relation to young children. We posed two research questions: (1) What are the themes and elements that Hong Kong kindergarten stakeholders refer to in their responses when defining the notion of creativity? (2) How do these stakeholders differ in their responses when defining this notion? We asked 50 kindergarten stakeholders (20 teacher educators, 10 principals, and 20 teachers) to define the notion of creativity using their own words. Content analysis, descriptive statistics, and multiple Fisher’s exact tests (2 × 2) were used to analyze their responses. We found that all stakeholders possessed a partial understanding of creativity, especially teachers. Stakeholders’ definitions mainly focused on the importance of creative processes. Other components such as the learning environment, the traits of a person, and the creation of products were rarely alluded to in their definitions. We conclude that there is an urgent need to explicitly articulate and conceptualize the notion of creativity in kindergarten curriculum frameworks, such as Hong Kong’s curriculum Guide. This would allow stakeholders to find common ground in the teaching and learning of creativity. Implications for the enhancement of creativity education are discussed.
Neodymium and zinc stimulate growth, biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of lettuce plants in hydroponics
Authors: Rueda-López Imelda , Trejo-Téllez Libia I. , Gómez-Merino Fernando C. , Peralta-Sánchez María G. , Ramírez-Olvera Sara M. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
We evaluated the effects of neodymium (0.000, 2.885, 5.770 and 8.655 mg · L−1) and zinc (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg · L−1), as well as their interaction on lettuce plants in hydroponics. Applications of 2.885 mg Nd · L−1 and 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 increased plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, as well as fresh and dry stem, root and total biomasses. Root volume was greater in plants treated with 2.885 mg Nd · L−1. With 0.1 mg Zn · L−1, plant height, leaf area and fresh stem, root and total biomass were greater, while applying 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 increased the ratio of dry biomass of stems and roots. Plants exposed to 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 exhibited greater leaf length. The ratios of fresh and dry biomass of stems and roots increased in plants treated with 8.655 mg · L−1 Nd + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1. Dry biomass weights of stems, roots and total were the highest in plants treated with 20 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.1 mg Zn · L−1. Nd significantly increased foliar concentration of N, P and K. Hence, Nd and Zn improve growth and nutrition.
Evaluation and Improvement of a Plastic Production System Using Integrated OEE Methodology: A Case Study
Authors: ALMashaqbeh Sahar , Hernandez Eduardo Munive 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a key indicator to measure the effectiveness of production systems. This paper aims to evaluate and improve a plastic production line based on OEE evaluation. An integrated framework is proposed to enhance the production system efficiency. This paper presents the data for a Plastic production line in Jordan under real working conditions. The data covers three months. A framework process to improve the OEE of the Plastic production system was proposed. Six major stoppage losses were inspected with the help of Pareto analysis. Furthermore, the actual availability, efficiency, and quality rate measures, together with the whole OEE for each working day, week, and month of the production line were shown. The methodology is based on determining the OEE of a Plastic production line after determining the causes of failures. The fishbone diagram tool is used to determine the root causes of failures. To improve the OEE measure, several losses are identified. The results reveal that the company should improve its policy to improve the production line’s performance and reduce losses. Top management should also pay attention to reducing the speed losses, which consist of 58.1%, and eliminate the planned and unscheduled disruptions covering 12.73% of all losses. This can be achieved by establishing a proper operation management procedure and strategy. This, in turn, optimized the equipment’s effectiveness. The quality procedure should include the changeover program that may be executed every day. Similarly, all preventive maintenance procedures for the six machines should be properly executed in predetermined intervals. There are several limitations in the research. Firstly, the research case study is only the plastic production system. Secondly, the research is related to the downtime or stoppage by analyzing it using fishbone diagram. Further, supported by other techniques such as the Pareto chart, six big losses analyses and CED. This research conducted on a Plastic industry. However, similar studies can be carried out in future in other manufacturing industries like electronic, pharmaceutical, textile industries, etc., and service industry. However, as future research work the contributions of this paper with other lean manufacturing concept like six sigma, quality function deployment, TQM, and just-in-time manu-facturing, can also be conducting to assess the overall production line efficiency. On the other hand, several statistical tests can be implemented based on data collected of TPM performance indicators. The proposed method supports policymakers in their decision-making process on the operations management line. Further-more, it improves the production systems’ productivity quality, and performance, reducing unplanned stop-pages and breakdowns, and reducing maintenance costs.
Insights into patient awareness and preferences in medical imaging procedures involving ionizing radiation
Authors: Mavrodinova Stanislava , Chernogorova Yanita 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the landscape of medical imaging, offering a multitude of modalities. However, this progress is not always fully traceable to patients, necessitating studies in this area to bridge the gap between technological advancements and patients’ insights. This study delves into patient awareness, preferences, and understanding concerning radiation risk in medical imaging procedures using ionizing radiation.

Material and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 152 patients in Bulgaria who underwent X-ray procedures to gauge their insights into medical imaging. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 20.0, computing frequencies and percentages for categorical variables like gender, age, and education.

Results: Significant correlations were found between gender and the need for knowledge related to radiation risks (χ2 = 4.622, p = 0.032), as well as patient understanding of radiation dose information and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 10.800; p = 0.020). Female participants showed higher awareness levels in these areas compared to male participants. Younger patients, notably aged 36-50 (52.6%), comprised a significant portion undergoing X-ray imaging, diverging from global trends. Age correlated with the frequency of X-ray examinations (χ2 = 171.256; p = 0.000) and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 8.324; p = 0.016), with older patients favoring informed decisions with physician input. Education levels significantly influenced radiation risk awareness (χ2 = 7.084, p = 0.008) and understanding of radiation dose information (χ2 = 14.752, p = 0.001). Patients with higher education levels demonstrated a significantly better understanding of absorbed radiation doses compared to those with secondary education. These findings highlight the influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, and education on patient awareness, knowledge acquisition, and decision-making processes regarding medical imaging and radiation risks.

Conclusions: Tailored communication strategies, informed consent practices, and ongoing specialist education are crucial to enhancing patient awareness, optimizing decision-making processes, and ensuring radiation safety in medical imaging. Implementation of electronic health records can further improve radiation exposure monitoring, aligning with evolving technological standards and patient needs.
Effect of acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint on the cardiovascular system of healthy individuals
Authors: Saleem Ali Fouad , Al-Wahab Zainab Nazar , Al-Gailani Bassam Talib 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Clinical and experimental observations show that acupuncture has been utilized as adjuvant therapy for a number of conditions, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, dysrhythmia, and myocardial infarction.

Objective: To determine the cardiovascular (CV) reactivity in terms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) in response to acupuncture stimulation of the Shaofu (HT8) acupoint

Methods: Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, PWV, and LVET were recorded in 8 healthy subjects (age 20 years) in a supine position after 10 minutes of rest, 20 minutes after needle stimulation of Shaofu acupoint, and 10 minutes after removal of the acupuncture needle. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Results: SBP, DBP, HR, PWV, and LVET all remained on the same levels during acupuncture intervention and after the removal of the acupuncture needle relative to baseline values.

Conclusion: Acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint has no CV effects.
Mineral Composition, Nitrogen Distribution of Goat’s Milk Produced under Algerian Steppe Condition across Lactation Stage
Authors: Chenouf Amel , Yabrir Benalia , Khirani Ali , Boukerch Amina , Hakem Ahcen , Houali Karim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Goat milk constitutes a well-priced source of minerals and proteins for a large rural population, particularly those living in the mountains and whose access to state-subsidized milk is very limited. This study aims at assessing the mineral composition and nitrogen distribution of goat milk produced by the Algerian Arabia breed and estimating how lactation stage affects these elements. Thirteen individual Arabia goat milks were collected and analyzed three times during the lactation period (early, mid, and late). Minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and nitrogen fractions using the Kjeldahl method. The findings of the research showed that casein, whey, and milk protein content had respective mean values of 2.95, 0.74, and 3.54 g 100 ml−1, respectively. The highest levels of minerals were found for calcium (537 μg ml−1), and sodium (336 μg ml−1). The average trace mineral concentration was between 1.78 μg ml−1 (Fe) and 0.007 μg ml−1 (Cs). Heavy metal concentrations were assessed to be 0.057 μg ml−1 for Pb and 0.009 μg ml−1 for Cd. An important effect of stage of lactation (p < 0.05) was observed on only K, Fe, and Na mineral components, whereas nitrogen distribution was not affected. As the lactation period progressed, the variation of these components was not constant and fluctuated across lactation stages.
A Review on Climate Change, Credit Risk and Agriculture
Authors: Céu Mário Santiago , Gaspar Raquel Medeiros 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its implications for both agricultural firms and capital lenders. This systematic literature review aims to elucidate emerging trends in addressing climate-related risks in agriculture and credit sectors. Drawing from a rigorous analysis of 39 articles sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, three key thematic dimensions have emerged: (i) agricultural lending and credit risk, (ii) green principles and sustainability, and (iii) the context of developing countries. From the impact of climate change on the recoverability of loans to the imperative of transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable economy, alongside the nuanced challenges faced by agriculture in developing countries, we analyzed prominent and recent literary approaches. The findings underscore the need to integrate climate change considerations into agricultural and credit policies. Policymakers and financial institutions should prioritize climate education for farmers and promote sustainable financial approaches. Anticipated climate risks will impact lenders’ capital reserves, necessitating portfolio adjustments. A deep understanding of climate change’s interplay with agriculture lending and credit risk is vital, urging proactive policy and practice. Addressing climate challenges in agriculture demands a multifaceted strategy encompassing tailored credit policies, improved access to credit, financial empowerment, and the mitigation of social inequalities. This review highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies to mitigate climate risks and ensure a resilient agricultural sector, emphasizing the crucial role of research and policy interventions in navigating the complex landscape of climate change impacts on agriculture.
Mobile Phosphorus Presence of Typical Chernozems on Fertiliser System
Authors: Voytovyk Мihaylo , Butenko Andrii , Prymak Іvan , Tkachenko Mykola , Mishchenko Yurii , Tsyuk Оleksiy , Panchenko Оleksandr , Kondratiuk Irina , Havryliuk Oleksandr , Sleptsov Yurii , Polyvanyi Anton 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Due to the systematic utilisation of substantial amounts of phosphorus fertilisers on agricultural crops in crop rotation, the amount of available phosphate compounds increases in the soil. It ensures the maximum increase in crop yields. The study of the phosphate level in chernozem soils in various agrocenoses is really up-to-date. The gist of our research was to determine the specifics of providing mobile phosphorus in typical chernozem in field crop rotation, especially in sunflower, varying according to fertilisation systems in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The assessment of mobile phosphorus content was conducted using the Chirikov method, which involves extracting mobile phosphorus compounds from the soil using a solution containing acetic acid (CH3COOH) at a concentration of 0.5 mol dm−3, with a soil–to–solution ratio of 1:25. Phosphorus was determined with the spectrophotocolorimetric method, which is based on the colour intensity of the phosphorus-molybdenum complex.
Our investigations showed that the typical low-humus chernozems have considerable reservoirs of potentially exploitable phosphorus for plant nourishment. We established that the mineral and organic-mineral fertilisation system leads to a greater use of mobile phosphorus with agricultural crops of crop rotation resulting in the formation of elevated phosphate content in the chernozem soil. By the end of the second rotation, the organic-mineral fertilisation system variant displayed the greatest concentration of mobile phosphorus within the 0–25 cm soil depth, marking a surge of 15.6 mg kg−1 compared to the unfertilised variant. In the period of sunflower germination, the content of mobile phosphates increased in the soil layers at depths of 0–25 cm and 25–50 cm in the variant of the mineral fertilisation system on 17.6 and 22.2 mg kg−1 of soil compared to the alternative without the fertiliser. In the sunflower’s ripening period, the mobile phosphorus concentration in the soil at 0–25 cm depth increased significantly in the variant of organic-mineral fertilisation system by 12.0 mg kg−1 and mineral fertilisation by 14.7 mg kg−1 of soil if compared with the variant lacking the fertiliser. In the variant of the mineral fertilisation system, the amount of mobile phosphorus increased in the 0–30 cm soil depth by 18.7 mg kg−1 of soil in two crop rotations compared to the beginning of the first crop rotation.