bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of low-value stands by corridor method in Left-Bank Forest-Steppe, Ukraine
Authors: Vedmid Mykola , Luk'yanets Volodymyr , Tarnopilska Oksana , Rumiantsev Maksym , Kobets Oleksii , Obolonyk Iryna , Pozniakova Svitlana , Musienko Sergiy 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify the influence of different widths and cardinal directions of felled corridors on the condition and mensuration characteristics of the English oak trees planted there during the conversion of low-value young stands using the corridor method. The study was carried out in oak forests in the forest-steppe zone at a permanent sample plot. The experiment included the conversion of a low-value 8-year-old stand to improve its species composition. The sample plots were laid out in a fertile hardwood forest site. The conversion was realised by felling corridors of various widths (6, 9 and 12 m) and directions and planting English oak trees (Quercus robur L.) within them in rows. For the planted oaks, tending felling was carried out three times: weeding (8 years), cleaning (13 years) and thinning (32 years). A comparative analysis of mensuration characteristics (average height, diameter, growing stock, radial increment, health condition, etc.) was carried out for 32-year-old oak trees grown in the corridors and a part of a low-value stand in the unfelled strips after the tending felling. It was found that the average height and diameter at breast height of oaks in the 6, 9 and 12 m wide corridors of different cardinal directions did not differ significantly. The difference in oak stocks within 6 and 9 m wide corridors of different cardinal directions was also insignificant. The stock differences were statistically significant for 6 and 12 m wide corridors as well as for 9 and 12 m wide ones. The article made recommendations on the width of felled corridors and unfelled strips to effectively convert low-value young stands by the corridor method.
Comparison of vascular plants in herb layers of ecotones in urban and non-urban forests in Brzesko city (Polish Carpathian foreland)
Authors: Fornal-Pieniak Beata , Mandziuk Agnieszka 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Nowadays, human influence is more noticeable in urban and non-urban ecosystems, which, in turn, leads to the transformation of valuable natural resources. This article presents a study on the diversity of species composition of the vascular herb layer species of ecotones in selected urban forests of the city of Brzesko and in forests outside the city. All forests represented the association of oak–hornbeam plant. The results showed that there are inconsistent and consistent vascular plant species with the Tilio-Carpinetum habitat in urban and non-urban forests. Plant species were significantly (c2 test, p < 0.05) found more frequently in the herb layer of non-urban forests than in urban forests. This proves, among other things, that the influence of anthropogenic activity is more on these objects than in forests outside the city.
Coleopterous predators of pine bark beetles in the last years of the outbreak recorded in Ukraine
Authors: Meshkova Valentyna , Vorobei Alla , Omelich Anastasiya 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the species composition of coleopterous predators and their occurrence in different parts of the stem depending on the health condition of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the collapsing foci of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). The research was carried out in 2019–2021 at 38 sample plots located in five State Forestry Enterprises of Sumy region (Ukraine). All sample plots are located in pure Scots pine stands in relatively poor forest site conditions. The relative density of stocking is 0.6–0.7, and the age of stands is between 60 and 110 years. The health condition for each tree was evaluated on visual characteristics by the classes: first – healthy; second – weakened; third – severely weakened; fourth – drying up; fifth – recently died and sixth – died over a year ago. Bark beetles’ nuptial chambers and predators were counted on 25 × 25 cm pallets, which were located at the lower, middle and upper parts of the stem with thin, thick and transitional bark, respectively. The significance of differences in the performance of predator species depending on the tree part, health condition and year was analysed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis (K–W) test. The species composition of predators in different years, stem parts and tree health condition was compared using the Sorensen–Chekanovsky index.
In the collapsing foci of bark beetles, the health condition of Scots pine in 2019–2021 tended to worsen. The infestation density of Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal, 1827) and Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1767) was 0.62 ± 0.032 and 0.64 ± 0.017 nuptial chambers per 1 dm2, respectively, and also decreased in 2019–2021. In the galleries of bark beetles, seven species of coleopterous predators were collected: Aulonium ruficorne (Olivier, 1790) (Zopheridae), Platysoma elongatum (Leach, 1817) (Histeridae), Rhizophagus depressus (Fabricius, 1792) (Monotomidae), Corticeus pini (Panzer, 1799) (Tenebrionidae), Thanasimus formicarius (Linnaeus, 1758), Thanasimus femoralis (Zetterstedt, 1828) (Cleridae) and Salpingus ruficollis (Linnaeus, 1761) (Salpingidae). Two more species – Glischrochilus quadripunctatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nitidulidae) and Pytho depressus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Pythidae) – were singly collected in the foci. T. formicarius and P. elongatum were the most abundant. The ratio of predator–prey significantly increased from the upper to the lower part of the stem with thick bark. It, however, decreased in this stem part from the fourth to the sixth class of the health condition of the host tree.
Lelliottia nimipressuralis (Carter 1945) Brady et al. 2013 as the causative agent of bacterial wetwood disease of common silver fir (Abies alba mill.)
Authors: Kulbanska Ivanna M. , Plikhtyak Petro P. , Shvets Maryna V. , Soroka Myroslava I. , Goychuk Anatoliy F. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In recent decades, in many regions of the planet, there has been a widespread deterioration in the health condition and dieback of dark coniferous forests, caused by the combined action of various stress factors of biotic and abiotic origin. Forests with the participation of species of the genus Abies Mill. are particularly prone to degradation and dieback. The aim of the research is to study the symptoms of bacterial wetwood disease of Abies alba in the Ivano-Frankivsk region (state enterprise ‘Kutske forestry’) and to determine the anatomical, morphological and cultural properties of the pathogen. Some of the common symptoms of the disease include cracks and ulcers on the trunks with exfoliated rhytidome and exudate secretion, massive development of epicormic shoots, saturated xylem and phloem, wet rot with a characteristic odour of fermentation and pathological nucleus.
Based on the syntaxonomic analysis of fir forests, an attempt has been made to identify the objective causes that lead to excessive development of phytopathogens and dieback of Abies alba. Our research established that the primary cause of dieback of Abies alba Mill. forests is a systemic, vascular–parenchymal disease known as bacterial wetwood of fir, which affects all plant tissues at all stages of ontogenesis. We isolated and experimentally confirmed that the causative agent of the disease is a phytopathogenic bacterium Lelliottia nimipressuralis (Carter 1945) Brady et al. 2013, which also causes bacterial wetwood in many species of forest woody plants, and also studied its common morphological, physiological and biochemical properties.
Degradation of mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with cork oak and understory vegetation by the anthropogenic factors
Authors: Ksentini Hana , Amel Meddad-Hamza , Arifa Beddiar 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests are ecosystems of high environmental and socioeconomic value in the Mediterranean basin. However, in Algeria, the cork oak forests are highly threatened by repeated fires, overgrazing and the anthropogenic pressure that weaken the ecosystem of cork oak and affect its natural regeneration. This degradation results in an alteration of many ecological components of the cork oak, such as fungal communities in the soil. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the effects of cork oak stand degradation on the diversity of mycorrhizal communities associated with Quercus suber and some of its understory shrubs (Cistus monspeliensis, Lavandula stoechas and Thymus vulgaris) in the forest of Brabtia (northeastern Algeria).For this purpose, two sites were chosen: one degraded by the anthropogenic factors and the other non-degraded one. Moreover, it is suggested that some plants of the understory shrub vegetation of cork oak, such as the cistus, lavender and thyme, prove to be favourable to the juvenile growth of this tree.
The results obtained showed that the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) root colonization of cistus was higher compared to that of cork oak in both stations. The estimation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization showed significantly higher levels in the roots of cork oak, cistus, lavender and thyme in the degraded station compared with the non-degraded stations. In contrast, the rhizosphere soils of cork oak and cistus had low number of AM propagules and fungal spores, while under the roots of lavender and thyme, these two parameters were greatly improved with the abundance of the genera Glomus and Gigaspora. These results underline the need to take into account the plant–fungus interactions in the development of restoration strategies of the degraded soils and forest ecosystems.
Extreme Rainfall-Runo Events Modeling Using HEC-HMS Model for Oued El Hachem Watershed, Northern Algeria
Authors: Haddad Ali 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Flood forecasting has become necessary for dam management during extreme hydrological events. The lack of streamflow data in ungauged watersheds of arid and semi-arid regions makes the assessment of water resources di cult. In this paper, the Hydrologic Modeling System developed by the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC-HMS) was applied to the Oued El Hachem watershed. Calibration and validation of the model have been performed, taking into account the lag time and the curve number CN that is expressed as a function of soil group, land use and antecedent runo condition. The model was evaluated on the basis of the coe cient of determination, the Nash Sutcli e E ciency (NSE), and the percentage di erences between peak and volume. Performance indices of calibration showed a good agreements between observed and computed flows. The validation of the model has given satisfactory results. The calibrated model can be used to manage the dam of Boukerdane during extreme rainfall events by forecasting the induced hydrographs from which adequate procedures will be operated in order to ensure the safety of the dam against possible overtopping.
Globalization, Transportation and Marketing of Goods Made in Africa: The New Paradigm
Authors: Imide Israel O. , University Edih O. , Osadume Richard C. , Fidelia Igemohia 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Globalization has brought compelling changes to the world transport systems and ways through which domestic goods are marketed. The main objective of this research is to determine the effect of globalization and transport mode on the marketing of goods made in Africa and the difference in consumer choice for imported products and domestic goods. A 10-item validated structured questionnaire was administered to 300 civil servants of selected parastatals from five states in Nigeria. The feedback statistics showed that a total number of 280 (93.3%) questionnaires were retrieved and 20 (6.7%) were rejected. The results obtained were subjected to analytical procedures of correlation and multiple regression. The study used clothing as research sample to test the effect of globalization and transportation mode on consumer preference for imports over local products and vice-versa. It was found that globalization and chosen transportation mode have a significant effect on marketing of goods made in Africa and on consumer preference. The resultant effects were numerous including capital flight, development of new markets, transport-induced costs, etc. The study recommends governments in Africa to re-orient the African population to appreciate and patronize domestic goods, and implement appropriate modern transportation systems, and ICT tools to promote domestic goods.
Production of pumice-containing nanofibers by electrospinning technique
Authors: Kılıçer Ali 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The scope of the study involves identifying the optimal means to effectively use the electrospinning technique to obtain pumice-containing nanofibers. Nanofiber containing pumice in a solution was electrospun to obtain smooth, cylindrical, bead-free, and ultrafine nanomaterials.
The study also analyzed the molecular [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)], thermal [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)], zeta potential, size, polydispersity index [dynamic light scattering (DLS)], and surface [scanning electron microscope (SEM)] parameters of the pumice-containing nanofibers having JP6 (applied voltage: 6 kV) and JP12 (12 kV) properties. While the distance (10 cm), flow rate (0.8 mL/h), and other parameters of the electrospinning process were fixed, two different voltages were applied to obtain the pumice-containing nanofiber. The average diameter of the nanoencapsulated pumice produced at 6 kV was defined as 98.6 nm in gelatin nanomats with 31.8 nm. The average diameter of the nanocapsule pumice produced under a 12 kV voltage was found to be 85.8 nm, and the average diameter of the nanomats (non–nanoencapsulated) was 35.2 nm. The average zeta potential values of the pumice-containing nanofiber were also determined in the nanosize range. The JP6 and JP12 PDI values were determined as 0.165 and 0.566, respectively. Peaks characteristic of pumices as defined in the literature were observed in the FTIR results, while DSC analysis results revealed strong endo- and exothermic peaks. As a result of this study, it has been proved that pumice can be reduced to nanosize with the electrospinning technique and it is nanoencapsulated in nanofiber. When the obtained pumice-containing nanofiber was examined, it was determined that the surface area of the nanofiber was large and resistant to thermal heat.
Electrical resistance and self-sensing properties of pressure-sensitive materials with graphite filler in Kuralon fiber concrete
Authors: Cheng An , Lin Wei-Ting , Fiala Lukáš , Hotěk Petr , Chao Sao-Jeng , Hsu Hui-Mi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate conductivity behavior of concrete containing graphite and its sensitivity to the effects of pressure. Graphite powder was added to concrete to replace partial cement (4 wt.%, 8 wt.%, 12 wt.%, and 16 wt.%) as conductive fillers with a water-to-cementitious ratio of 0.45. Specimens with 0.5 vol.% Kuralon fibers were treated to enhance the performance of self-sensing properties to investigate the influence of graphite and fiber contents on electrical resistivities. The relationship between the axial load and changes in resistivity was determined using cyclic loading tests, indicating the existence and development of internal cracking in concrete. The results indicated that the compressive strength presented a linear decline proportional to the addition of graphite. Specimens with 8% graphite reached the lower bound of self-sensing properties, and with an increase in the amount of graphite, resistivity gradually decreased. In the cyclic loading tests, specimens containing >8% graphite were able to better reflect the relationship between loading and resistivity. Kuralon fibers in concrete had further improvement in resistance and self-sensing properties. In inclusion, the mixture with 8% graphite provided the best self-sensing properties to warn for preventing the effects of cracking, as well as achieved better mechanical properties.
Single-source three-phase switched-capacitor-based MLI
Authors: Jena Kasinath , Gupta Krishna Kumar , Bhatnagar Pallavee , Jain Sanjay K , Stala Robert , Waradzyn Zbigniew , Piróg Stanisław , Penczek Adam , Mondzik Andrzej , Skała Aleksander 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This article proposes a novel three-phase inverter based on the concept of switched capacitors (SCs), which uses a single DC source. A three-phase, seven-level line-to-line output voltage waveform is synthesised by the proposed topology, which includes eight switches, two capacitors, and one diode per phase leg. The proposed topology offers advantages in terms of inherent voltage gain, lower voltage stresses on power switches, and a reduced number of switching components. Additionally, the switched capacitors are self-balanced, thereby eliminating the need for a separate balancing circuit. The proposed structure and its operating principle, the self-balancing mechanism of the capacitors, and the control strategy are all thoroughly explained in the article. The proposed topology has also been compared with some recent SC topologies. Lastly, the proposed topology has been shown to be feasible through simulation and experimentation.
Innovative NPK Fertilizers based on Polyacrylamide and Polyvinyl Alcohol with Controlled Release of Nutrients
Authors: Białkowska Anita , Borycka Bożena , Bakar Mohamed , Rzany Agnieszka 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The aim of the present work was the preparation and properties evaluation of two innovative fertilizers based on multicomponent polymers characterized by a controlled release of nutrients. One method was based on a multi-component liquid containing different amounts of microelements NPK 12-5-6 fertilizers with polyacrylamide hydrogel beads. The second method concerned the cross-linking of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol with multi-component NPK fertilizers. Polyacrylamide-based compositions with the highest amount of NPK salts as well as polyvinyl alcohol-based fertilizers in dense gel form, based on 60 phr crosslinking concentrate have shown optimal properties. Regardless of the type of fertilizers used, their components were released slowly. The obtained fertilizers were classified according to the kinetics of nutrient release. Fertilizers made from polyacrylamide based fertilizers have been classified into a group of controlled release fertilizers (CRF), while those made from biodegradable environmentally friendly polyvinyl alcohol have been defined as slow released fertilizers (SRF).
Adsorption of CO2 by surface modified coal-based activated carbons: kinetic and thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Xinzhe Liu , Mingyang Zhang , Juan Chen , Zhengyu Hu , Shuaifei Xian , Mingxuan Tang , Chenchen Zhang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The effects of different surface modifiers on the CO2 adsorption capacity of coal-based activated carbons were studied, and the diffusion behavior, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of CO2 in activated carbons were analyzed. The results show that compared with ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylenediamine and zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide can greatly improve CO2 adsorption capacity. The adsorption rate is faster, and the adsorption capacity is larger, with the maximum CO2 adsorption capacity being 33.54 mL/g. Fick's law can well describe the diffusion behavior of CO2 in activated carbon. The addition of a surface modifier can increase the diffusion coefficient. The diffusion of CO2 in activated carbon falls into the category of crystal diffusion. The adsorption kinetics of CO2 before and after surface modification follow the Bangham equation. During the adsorption process, δ H < 0, δ G < 0, δ S < 0. Surface modification can reduce adsorption heat and promote adsorption, and the adsorption process is dominated by physisorption.
The Oxygen Reduction Activity of Nitrogen-doped Graphene
Authors: Jian-feng Liu , Ge Sun , Ting Wang , Kai Ning , Bin-xia Yuan , Wei-guo Pan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Graphite nitrogen, pyridine nitrogen and pyrrole nitrogen are the main nitrogen types in nitrogen-doped graphene materials. In order to investigate the mechanism of the oxygen reduction activity of nitrogen-doped graphene, several models of nitrogen-doped graphene with different nitrogen contents and different nitrogen types are developed. The nitrogen content is varied from 1.3 at% to 7.8 at%, and the adsorption energy is calculated according to the established models, then the band gaps are analyzed through the optimization results, so as to compare the magnitude of the conductivity. Finally, the oxygen reduction activity of graphite nitrogen-doped graphene (GNG) is found to be better than pyridine nitrogen-doped graphene (PDNG) and pyrrole nitrogen-doped graphene (PLNG) when the nitrogen content is lower than 2.6 at%, and the oxygen reduction activity of PDNG is the best when the nitrogen content was higher than 2.6 at%.
Comparison of scoring systems for predicting remission of type 2 diabetes in sleeve gastrectomy patients
Authors: Baldane Suleyman , Celik Murat , Korez Muslu Kazim , Baldane Emine Gul , Yilmaz Huseyin , Abusoglu Sedat , Kebapcilar Levent , Alptekin Husnu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to compare the predictive capacity of ABCD, DiaRem2, Ad-DiaRem, and DiaBetter scoring systems for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission in Turkish adult morbidly obese patients who underwent SG.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 80 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) operation who were diagnosed with T2DM preoperatively, and had at least one-year follow-up after surgery. Because bariatric surgery is performed on patients with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) or class II obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) with obesity releated comorbid conditions in our hospital, our study cohort consisted of these patients.

Results: The diagnostic performance of the DiaBetter, DiaRem2, Ad-DiaRem and ABCD for identifying diabetes remission, assessed by the AUC was 0.882 (95% CI, 0.807–0.958, p < 0.001), 0.862 (95% CI, 0.779-0.945, p < 0.001), 0.849 (95% CI, 0.766–0.932, p < 0.001) and 0.726 (95% CI, 0.601–0.851, p = 0.002), respectively. The AUCs of the Ad-Diarem, DiaBetter and DiaRem2 were statistically higher than AUC of the ABCD (all p-value < 0.001). Besides, there was no statistically significant difference in AUCs of the Ad-Diarem, DiaBetter and DiaRem scores (all p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion: Ad-Dairem, DiaBetter and DaiRem scoring systems were found to provide a successful prediction for diabetes remission in sleeve gastrectomy patients. It was observed that the predictive power of the ABCD scoring system was lower than the other systems. We think that the use of scoring systems for diabetes remission, which have a simple use, will become widespread.
Definition of Indicators for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Resilience in Italy
Authors: Marchetti Noemi , Marincioni Fausto 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The 30 January 2020 the World Health Organization declared the beginning of a global pandemic emergency. Italy was among the first European Countries to be severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus. This short communication describes the organisation of a project investigating different responses to the pandemics, studying the assessment of local and national Health Systems resilience to a biologic hazard such is a Coronavirus. Preliminary results highlighted a fragmented response to the epidemics across the Italian territory probably connected to different public health policies or local emergency management models. The implementation of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is provided to study which are the main important indicators to be considered in the pandemic management. The analysis highlights the successful and effective measures for pandemic planning considering different systems: health, economic, political, socio-psychological, demographic, and emergency.