Initial Stages Of Development Research Articles

The Effect of Ethanol Extracts and Essential Oils Obtained from Different Varieties of Mint on Wood Molding

This paper presents the results of research on the effect of essential oils and ethanol extracts on the growth of mold fungi on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood. The analysis of fungal growth on the microbial medium showed that the degree of inhibition of microorganism growth depends on the amount of the extract added to the medium. At the same time, it was found that the highest dose of the extract, amounting to 5.0 cm3, almost completely inhibited the growth of fungi. In addition, it was found that mint ethanol extracts, the application of which in the wood is at least 40 g/m2, have a fungistatic effect at the initial stage of fungal development. Solutions of essential oils turned out to be more active against fungi, although also in this case the desired biocidal effect was not achieved. Essential oils significantly slowed down the growth of the fungus Ch. globosum, with the strongest fungistatic effect found for ‘Morocco’ spearmint oil (Mentha spicata L.). Despite the fact that in tests on agar-maltose medium, the strongest biocidal activity against Ch. globosum was found for spearmint ‘Crispa’ (Mentha spicata L.) oil, the effect of growth inhibition was not so clearly visible in studies on wood. Essential oils applied to the surface of the wood slowed down the growth of T. viride fungus, but not to the extent that it was found in the case of Ch. globosum. The qualitative and quantitative composition of substances belonging to the group of terpenes and their derivatives was characterized using the GCMS technique. It was shown that the ethanol extracts of mints were dominated by substances belonging to the oxygen-containing monoterpenoid and monoterpene groups. In terms of quality, the composition of essential oils turned out to be richer.

Performance analysis of mmWave/sub-terahertz communication link for 5G and B5G mobile networks

Abstract Millimeter (mmWave) and sub-terahertz communication is a key technology to support high data rate requirements of 5G and B5G mobile networks. However this field is still in its initial development stage because of the various technical difficulties in its practical implementation due to inherently distinct propagation properties of mmWave/sub-terahertz frequencies. A thorough investigation of mmWave/sub-terahertz communication link is required in order to successfully deploy these frequency bands in 5G and B5G mobile networks. This paper investigates the effect of atmospheric conditions like dry air, humidity, rain, snow, fog and foliage on the performance of the mmWave/sub-terahertz link. The work also presents a mathematical analysis of the coverage of mmWave/sub-terahertz communication link and investigates the effect of various parameters like frequency, bandwidth, transceiver antenna gain, path loss coefficient (LOS, NLOS case) and system noise on its performance.

The Spanish experience of future classrooms as a possibility of smart learning environments

Developing advanced technologies and their integration into educational spaces generates new training opportunities. Examples of these are Future Classrooms (FC) and Smart Learning Environments (SLE), two concepts linked to educational innovation through technology but also have their differences. This paper aims to identify the similarities and differences between FC developed in the Spanish formal educational context concerning the theory of SLE. This study follows an exploratory research methodology using an ad hoc questionnaire applied transversally to a representative sample of teachers involved in the SLE (N = 66). SPSS V. 28 software was used. In relation to the results, some statistics (mean, standard deviation, kurtosis and skewness) were used to analyse the developed FC practices and professional satisfaction. In conclusion, the FC are at an initial stage of development in Spain, and although they could represent an approximation to what would be the practical basis of SLE, there are still several aspects to be developed, especially in relation to the technologies used and the dimension of attention to diversity. In relation to SLE technologies, they are related to the automation of certain processes and include artificial intelligence, learning analytics and sensors, among others. On the other hand, these technologies are not widely used in the FC, and the use of other more conventional technological resources, such as interactive whiteboards, online collaborative environments, LMS platforms, etc. In terms of attention to diversity, despite the existence of initiatives to personalise the learning experience in FC, assistive technologies are not considered, nor is automatic personalisation through certain SLE technologies.

Impact of Pre-Sowing Physical Treatments on The Seed Germination Behaviour of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

In the emerging global food scenario, sorghum is a healthy cereal crop used by human beings and has been recognized to have considerable potential to be used in a variety of food products. Germination is a natural processing technique used for the biological activation of grains to improve their nutritional and functional properties. In order to improve the germination of grains, different techniques have been established; therefore, the current study was conducted to analyze the effect of ultrasound and microwave techniques on sorghum grain germination parameters. Overnight steeped sorghum grains were divided into four groups. The first group was not subjected to any treatment. The second group was subjected to ultrasonic treatment, the third group was exposed to microwave treatment, and the fourth group was treated with combined MW & US applications for different intervals. Germinated grains were measured for the shoot length and root length, total weight, germination %, seedling vigor index, and the ratio of root length versus shoot length. It was found that ultrasound-processed treatment US1 (40% amplitude for 5 min) and microwave-processed treatment MW2 (700 W for 5 sec) significantly improved the germination parameters. Pre-sowing physical techniques cause disturbance of the seed coat, which enabled water diffusion into the seeds inducing a higher rate of enzymatic reactions, and the start of the initial development stages consequently resulted in faster and more effective germination.

A comprehensive review on estimation of equivalent static wind loads on long-span roofs

Equivalent static wind load (ESWL) is helpful information for designing wind-sensitive structures since it converts complex wind-induced structural dynamic analysis into a simplified static analysis and facilitates combination of other loads or actions in structural designs. In recent years, there have been a growing number of long-span roof structures, most of which are sensitive to wind actions. Indeed, the accurate determination of ESWLs has been a primary concern in their wind-resistant design. Although some significant progress has been made on this topic, there are various issues to be addressed or improved due to a variety of reasons. With the further development of long-span roofs, there will be higher requirements for their ESWLs. This paper first combs through the existing representative methods depending on wind-induced structural responses (WISRs) and wind-induced structural stability (WISS), where the ESWLs linked with the former are the mainstream and the ones concerned with the latter are still somewhat in their initial stages of development. In each broad category, some momentous tactics of mathematics and mechanics are utilized to derive different methods. In the conclusion, this paper finally summarizes the existing achievements, highlights the technical challenges that hinder the current methods from being widely adopted and proposes some latent solutions for the future research. This review paper is anticipated to be a comprehensive reference for researchers and professionals in this field of study.

Comparative gene expression in cotton fibres of interspecific lines developed through tri-species (G. hirsutum, G. arboreum &G. anomalum)

Development of superior quality cotton varieties is the only way to meet the demand for the fast-growing textile sector. Fifty interspecific lines were screened to select the diverse lines for expression analysis. Comparative expression and promoter analysis were carried out to comprehend the role of fibre genes (APX1, ATP Synthase, and GhMYB 25-like) in three interspecific lines (SL-19, SL-79 and SL-369) and three Gossypium species (Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum &Gossypium anomalum). Among the interspecific lines, the maximum expression was noted in SL-19 for all fibre genes with varying levels at different fibre developmental stages while minimum fibre genes transcripts were present in SL-3.69. Among the species, maximum expression was noted in G. hirsutum while the minimum was noted in G. anomalum. The GhMYB25-like gene was involved in fibre initiation, showing its maximum expression at initial fibre development stages (0 & 5 DPA). APX1 and ATP synthase genes were involved in fibre elongation with more expression at 10 DPA & 15 DPA. Moreover, the identification of various important promoters in APX1, ATP synthase &GhMYB25-like genes was done which makes it an important tool for engineering extra-long fibre traits leading to the development of high-quality cotton varieties.

Toxicity of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) to the early stages of development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum, an endangered endemic species of Southern Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) toxicity at 65, 650, and 6500 μg L−1 to the initial stages of development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum, an endangered endemic species from the Iguaçu River, assessing hatching, survival, total larval length, deformities, oxidative stress biochemical biomarkers, and neurotoxicity. Overall, looking at the sum of responses through the integrated biomarker response, the species was more sensitive to AMPA than GLY, especially at the lower concentration of 65 μg L−1, which induced mortality, deformities, underdevelopment, and oxidative stress. Considering the risk of exposure and the importance of conservation of the highly endemic ichthyofauna of this basin, it is urgent to investigate and regulate both GLY and AMPA levels at the Iguaçu River to protect not only this species, but the entire ecosystem.

Developing International Education - Classified Display of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Gardens Museum

Background and Aim: Promoting the development of international education is an important international education trend in the world today. It has had or is having a far-reaching impact on the education of all countries in the world, whether it is formal education or non-formal education (Gu, M., 2020). The "Course Plan for Technicians in Museums and Exhibition Halls" is mentioned in the book "Classification of International Education Standards" prepared by the UNESCO Education Statistics Bureau (1998). It can be seen that as early as the initial stage of international education development, the international education undertakings responsible for education, cultural inheritance, and exchange have attracted long-term attention to the museum industry. The combination of international education and museum display education can develop the way of international education, improve the exchange channels of international education, use the intuition and authenticity of museum display education, and improve the communication channels and paths of Chinese culture, which is an important way to improve the soft power of modern countries. Materials and Methods: This study uses descriptive research methods and attribute classification methods to try to classify garden cultural relics. The descriptive research method is simple. It interprets existing phenomena, laws, and theories through its understanding and verification, raises questions in a targeted way, and reveals the drawbacks. The law of attribute classification takes the social and scientific and cultural attributes of cultural relics as the standard to classify cultural relics. That is, the classification method is based on the nature of cultural relics. Cultural relics are the relics of human social activities and have cultural attributes. Therefore, when using the attribute classification method, this study clarifies the use and deep meaning of cultural relics to accurately confirm their nature, and then carry out research. Results: The development of international education is the evolution trend of education for the world and the public. Make good use of the current museum public service facilities education platform to build good communication and communication channels, which is conducive to the development of international education. Conclusion: Based on the existing collection classification principles and characteristics, we will innovate the classification display method, make new attempts to improve the classification display education method, and build a collection classification system in line with the functional positioning, collection attributes, and development planning of the library. It is a useful attempt to combine international education with museum education and museum classification to improve the mode of museum education, implement the essence of the curriculum plan of international education development museums and exhibition halls into specific practical work, and enrich the content of museum education through new exhibition classification.

Comparative Analysis of Game Development Tools

This article discusses several engines used for game development. Developers use game engines as a tool to manage complex aspects of the gameplay. The article describes several engines: Unity, Unreal Engine and Cry Engine to choose the best one for the initial stages of development. Research has shown that Unity is a suitable engine for small development teams, Unreal Engine is designed to develop high-quality games with intense graphics, while the feature of Cry Engine is to create realistic natural environments.

Woody species succession and spontaneous forest development in post-mining sites after coal mining in the Czech Republic

There is little information about long-term spontaneous forest development after industrial disturbances. A field study was done along the chronosequence of unreclaimed post-mining sites (12, 25, 32, 60 and 90 years old), developing by spontaneous succession in the northwestern Czech Republic. Initial stages of forest development (12- to 60-yr-old) were dominated mainly by silver birch (Betula pendula) goat willow (Salix caprea) and aspen (Populus tremula), Norway spruce (Picea abies) also established naturally in the intermediate stages of succession. A 90-yr-old site was close to the expected climax forest with 21 woody species dominated by European oak (Quercus robus L.), supplemented by beech (Fagus sylvatica). The youngest and oldest sites were more diverse and richer sites in woody species than others, as expressed by the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices. Conversely, spatial heterogeneity (aggregation) increased with increasing age; however, it became lower at the age of 90 years. Woody species in the understory were more diverse than in the tree layer. Overall, our study found that spontaneous processes can lead to the development of the late-successional forest in fewer than 100 years in Central Europe.

Improving urban energy efficiency: What role does the digital economy play?

The digital economy (DEY) has emerged as a critical tool for promoting sustainable urban development through digital transformation. This study examines the effect of DEY on urban energy efficiency in China, employing data from 279 cities between 2011 and 2019. The estimation results of this study reveal a U-shaped relationship between DEY and urban energy efficiency. Specifically, in its initial development stage, DEY reduces energy efficiency, but as it matures, DEY ultimately leads to an improvement in energy efficiency. Moreover, the dynamic threshold model indicates that the U-shaped effects of DEY on energy efficiency depend on industrial structure upgrading, greening urban areas, and the financial support of governments. The results of the Spatial Durbin model confirm that DEY has a spatial spillover effect on urban energy efficiency, but only when the economic distance between cities is taken into account. Finally, the results of the panel vector autoregression model illustrate a long-term bidirectional causality between DEY and urban energy efficiency. According to these findings, this study suggests several specific recommendations for DEY and sustainable urban development.

Quantifying the ultraviolet-induced fluorescence intensity in green mould lesions of diverse citrus varieties: Towards automated detection of citrus decay in postharvest

Citrus fungal infections developing during fruit storage and transportation can cause significant economic losses after harvest. The most important is caused by the fungus Penicillium digitatum, which infects the fruit through rind wounds and causes a rot lesion. The symptoms of decay are difficult to notice by the human eye in the initial stages of decay development because the colour of the lesion is very similar to that of the healthy rind. One method to detect this disease early is to illuminate the fruit with ultraviolet (UV) light since the disease causes visible fluorescence. Manual inspection exposes the workers to UV light, which is dangerous for their skin and eyes. An alternative is to use artificial vision systems. But not all varieties show the same level of fluorescence, and even some do not produce this phenomenon, making it challenging to create effective automatic detection systems based on image analysis. This work has studied and determined the fluorescence level of 104 varieties of oranges and mandarins using hyperspectral and colour imaging. The samples were inoculated with spores of the P. digitatum in controlled conditions. Images were captured exposing the fruit under UV light (380 nm) using a colour camera and a hyperspectral imaging system. The fluorescence level of each variety was measured using three colour coordinates and the hyperspectral images. Best correlations between the spectral and the colour-based systems were achieved using the green (G) colour coordinate of the RGB colour space (R2 =0.85). Navel and common oranges emit the most fluorescence, while 16 varieties (mostly blood oranges and other mandarins) have very low or undetectable fluorescence.

Yin Yang 1 controls cerebellar astrocyte maturation.

Diverse subpopulations of astrocytes tile different brain regions to accommodate local requirements of neurons and associated neuronal circuits. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms governing astrocyte diversity remain mostly unknown. We explored the role of a zinc finger transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) that is expressed in astrocytes. We found that specific deletion of YY1 from astrocytes causes severe motor deficits in mice, induces Bergmann gliosis, and results in simultaneous loss of GFAP expression in velate and fibrous cerebellar astrocytes. Single cell RNA-seq analysis showed that YY1 exerts specific effects on gene expression in subpopulations of cerebellar astrocytes. We found that although YY1 is dispensable for the initial stages of astrocyte development, it regulates subtype-specific gene expression during astrocyte maturation. Moreover, YY1 is continuously needed to maintain mature astrocytes in the adult cerebellum. Our findings suggest that YY1 plays critical roles regulating cerebellar astrocyte maturation during development and maintaining a mature phenotype of astrocytes in the adult cerebellum.

Green finance development drives renewable energy development: Mechanism analysis and empirical research

Different from the existing studies, this study find the two paths that green finance development (GFD) affects renewable energy development are the clean biased technical progress path and financial constraint path, and at its different stages, there are significant differences in driving effects of GFD and government policies. Through empirically analyzing impact of GFD on renewable energy development with mediation effect model and China's provincial panel data in 2007–2019, this study obtains following conclusions: On the one hand, GFD can promote energy technology innovation to bias to clean energy technology. On the other hand, it can ease the enterprises' finance constraint, thus promotes renewable energy development. In initial stage of renewable energy development, government's supporting policy is the key driving factor, and role of GFD is weak. In growth stage of renewable energy development (accounting for more than 20%), GFD significantly promotes renewable energy development, and driving role of government supporting policy has gradually weakened. In view of above results, the policy recommendations of this paper are, first, government departments and financial institutions should form joint force to promote the growth of green finance scale. Second, balance administrative means and market tools according to the regional renewable energy development stage.

NATURAL REGENERATION IN MIXED PLANTING FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IN THE COASTAL PLAIN OF PARANÁ STATE, BRAZIL

Pastures occupy approximately 20% of the Brazilian territory and a significant part of these areas are degraded and have legal environmental liabilities. Ecological restoration is necessary to remedy this liability. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a forest restoration planting in an area previously used as buffalo pasture, through floristic and phytosociological parameters of natural regeneration. The study area was densely populated by invasive exotic grasses (Urochloa spp.) until 2006, when, after eliminating the grasses, six native tree species were planted at 2.5 × 1.6 m spacing. A total of 73 terrestrial plant species were found, the most important being Alchornea glandulosa Poepp. & Endl. - heliophilous, which showed high abundance in all strata. The restoration methodology employed was effective in triggering natural succession in the study area, resulting, after 12 years, in floristic and structural parameters consistent with the initial stage of development of the alluvial Dense Ombrophylous Forest. It is inferred that the well-preserved landscape in the region has been determinant in providing the propagules and dispersers that made the observed species richness possible, while the planting tends to have contributed with the control of grasses and with the recovery of the forest environment, facilitating the arrival and development of these propagules. Evidence of soil degradation by use as pasture was observed, and in former buffalo bathing areas neither restoration planting nor natural regeneration developed.

A numerical investigation on electron runaway threshold at the initial stage of atmospheric streamer development

Pre-ionization caused by runaway electrons is an important mechanism for negative streamer development. The aim of this paper is to investigate the runaway criteria and overvoltage threshold of electrons at the initial stage of streamer development in air, with the self-developed 3D particle-in-cell with Monte Carlo Collision code. First, numerical simulations are performed with fixed number of electrons to study the runaway criteria in nonrelativistic cases. This method takes the stochastic fluctuations of collisions into account and solves the major shortcomings of theoretical approach. The simulated critical electric field is less than that of the theoretical approach, and the amplitude of the difference increases with electron energy, due to the “tunneling effect” caused by the stochastic fluctuations of collisions. Then, simulations of negative streamers at various applied voltages are performed to investigate the overvoltage threshold. A more intuitive method, searching energetic electrons in front of the negative streamer head, which corresponds to the nature of runaway electrons, is applied to determine the generation of runaway electrons. Electrons that escaped a certain distance ahead of the streamer can be observed at 30 kV. Thus, the overvoltage threshold for runaway electrons can be roughly estimated as 3.3 in our simulations, which is about three times less than the previously published one. At last, with the redefined overvoltage threshold, the figure of regions of breakdown development for various mechanisms depending upon the overvoltage in air is updated.

Legal nature and types of digital assets in the activities of technology-oriented startups

Digital assets play an increasingly important role in people's lives and are ever more often becoming the basis for launching business. The prospects that digital assets open for identifying new sources of profit are stimulating the intensive development of technologyoriented startups. However, despite the active spread of relations arising from digital assets, legal regulation in this area is only at the initial stage of development. The concept and legal nature of digital assets remain unclear at the legislative level in most countries of the world. In the legal doctrine, there are active discussions on the legal nature of digital assets, but it still has neither a clear definition of its essence nor a clear delineation of the objects covered by this concept. Such legal uncertainty makes it much more difficult to run a business based on the use of digital assets. Therefore, the aim of this study is, first, to define the concept and fields of emergence of technology-oriented startups and the types of digital assets used in their activities. Secondly, the article looks into the legal nature of digital assets and considers the possibility to recognize digital assets as a type of property. The recognition of digital assets as a special type of property allows applying to them provisions on the right to ownership, which guarantee the highest degree of protection and best ensure the interests of their owners.

Моделирование напряженного состояния концевой радиусной фрезы при формообразовании сложной поверхности

The paper presents results of simulating stress state in the cutting edge zone of the radial end milling cutter with the given tool orientation along the transverse angle. Simulation involved calculating the cutting forces in the ABAQUS program, converting them into loads acting on the tool surface, determining the contact zone of the tool front surface with chips based on the cutting theory and calculating stresses with the uniform load distribution in the considered tool section. Results of the preliminary calculations are provided. Distribution curves of the equivalent, normal and shear stresses in the cutting edge zone of the radial end milling cutter obtained using hardware of the ANSYS finite element analysis system were constructed. Simulation results allow further research to study the tool orientation and the cutting conditions influence on the tool stress state in shaping the complex surfaces. Determination of the machined surface zones, where the calculated stress values exceed the critical values, using the model makes it possible already at the initial stage of the technological process development to exclude destruction of the tool cutting edges and to achieve maximum productivity in shaping the complex surfaces.

Changes of soil organic matter stock in meadow ecosystems in the south of Western Siberia

The study was conducted on the Baraba plain in the southern part of Western Siberia. Soil samples in meadow ecosystems that are at different stages of succession after drying of the lake bottom were analyzed. The conducted research allowed us to establish that the content of soil organic matter and microbial biomass (the active part of soil organic matter) in successional ecosystems formed in the floodplain of the drying salt lake gradually increases and in the last stages of development reaches the values of zonal chernozem soils. The process of accumulation of carbon stocks of humus and microbial biomass slows down against the background of a high concentration of salts in individual horizons of young soil profiles. This may be the reason for the revealed pattern, according to which the main carbon stock of humus and microbial biomass are concentrated in the upper (0-10 cm) layer of the emerging soils. This is especially noticeable at the very first initial stage of soil development and the next stage of the salicornia community (Salicornia perennans). In the last stages of succession, solonetz and chernozem-meadow soils are formed under meadow ecosystems. The carbon stock of humus and microbial biomass at these stages of soil development significantly increase against the background of active processes of reducing the amount of salts in the profiles of meadow soils. And only at these last stages there is a significant increase in carbon stocks of humus and microbial biomass in a layer of 10-20 cm.

Разработка и апробация методики численного моделирования аэроупругого состояния крыла на основе методов конечных элементов и контрольных объемов

The paper considers a current trend in designing structural elements for the modern airliners. Calculation of the aerodynamic loads acting on the aircraft in flight is of primary interest at the initial design and development stages. Based on the experimental data, a CAD model was developed, and a computational grid for the CFD solver and the finite element model were constructed. The proposed technique for determining external loads on the airframe is based on the coupled solution of the aerodynamics and strength dynamic models. When using this technique, the serial data exchange between the solvers was actually implemented making it possible to simulate various periodic processes, including the structural vibrations. This work studies aerodynamic characteristics and eigenforms of the loaded wing using the example of the wing blowing calculated repetition in a cryogenic wind tunnel. The purpose of the work is to develop and test a technique for numerical simulation of the wing aeroelastic state, which allows performing calculations to determine the loads on both the lightly loaded elements and the critical units, including the wing box and the empennage. The results obtained testify to applicability of the developed technique at the transonic speeds, as well as a good convergence of the mathematical simulation results with the experimental data.