bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrete Atomic Transform-Based Lossy Compression of Three-Channel Remote Sensing Images with Quality Control
Authors: Makarichev Victor , Vasilyeva Irina , Lukin Vladimir , Vozel Benoit , Shelestov Andrii , Kussul Nataliia
Published: December 2021

Lossy compression of remote sensing data has found numerous applications. Several requirements are usually imposed on methods and algorithms to be used. A large compression ratio has to be provided, introduced distortions should not lead to sufficient reduction of classification accuracy, compression has to be realized quickly enough, etc. An additional requirement could be to provide privacy of compressed data. In this paper, we show that these requirements can be easily and effectively realized by compression based on discrete atomic transform (DAT). Three-channel remote sensing (RS) images that are part of multispectral data are used as examples. It is demonstrated that the quality of images compressed by DAT can be varied and controlled by setting maximal absolute deviation. This parameter also strictly relates to more traditional metrics as root mean square error (RMSE) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) that can be controlled. It is also shown that there are several variants of DAT having different depths. Their performances are compared from different viewpoints, and the recommendations of transform depth are given. Effects of lossy compression on three-channel image classification using the maximum likelihood (ML) approach are studied. It is shown that the total probability of correct classification remains almost the same for a wide range of distortions introduced by lossy compression, although some variations of correct classification probabilities take place for particular classes depending on peculiarities of feature distributions. Experiments are carried out for multispectral Sentinel images of different complexities.
Influence of Atmospheric Scattering on the Accuracy of Laser Altimetry of the GF-7 Satellite and Corrections
Authors: Yao Jiaqi , Tang Xinming , Li Guoyuan , Chen Jiyi , Zuo Zhiqiang , Ai Bo , Zhang Shuaitai , Guo Jinquan
Published: December 2021

Satellite laser altimetry can obtain sub-meter or even centimeter-scale surface elevation data over large areas, but it is inevitably affected by scattering caused by clouds, aerosols, and other atmospheric particles. This laser ranging error caused by scattering cannot be ignored. In this study, we systematically combined existing atmospheric scattering identification technology used in satellite laser altimetry and observed that the traditional algorithm cannot effectively estimate the laser multiple scattering of the GaoFen-7 (GF-7) satellite. To solve this problem, we used data from the GF-7 satellite to analyze the importance of atmospheric scattering and propose an identification scheme for atmospheric scattering data over land and water areas. We also used a look-up table and a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model to identify and correct atmospheric scattering, for which the availability of land and water data reached 16.67% and 26.09%, respectively. After correction using the MLP model, the availability of land and water data increased to 21% and 30%, respectively. These corrections mitigated the low identification accuracy due to atmospheric scattering, which is significant for facilitating satellite laser altimetry data processing.
Integrating UAVs and Canopy Height Models in Vineyard Management: A Time-Space Approach
Authors: Sassu Alberto , Ghiani Luca , Salvati Luca , Mercenaro Luca , Deidda Alessandro , Gambella Filippo
Published: December 2021

The present study illustrates an operational approach estimating individual and aggregate vineyards’ canopy volume estimation through three years Tree-Row-Volume (TRV) measurements and remotely sensed imagery acquired with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Red-Green-Blue (RGB) digital camera, processed with MATLAB scripts, and validated through ArcGIS tools. The TRV methodology was applied by sampling a different number of rows and plants (per row) each year with the aim of evaluating reliability and accuracy of this technique compared with a remote approach. The empirical results indicate that the estimated tree-row-volumes derived from a UAV Canopy Height Model (CHM) are up to 50% different from those measured on the field using the routinary technique of TRV in 2019. The difference is even much higher in the two 2016 dates. These empirical findings outline the importance of data integration among techniques that mix proximal and remote sensing in routine vineyards’ agronomic practices, helping to reduce management costs and increase the environmental sustainability of traditional cultivation systems.
The Influence of Aerial Hyperspectral Image Processing Workflow on Nitrogen Uptake Prediction Accuracy in Maize
Authors: Nigon Tyler , Paiao Gabriel Dias , Mulla David J. , Fernández Fabián G. , Yang Ce
Published: December 2021

A meticulous image processing workflow is oftentimes required to derive quality image data from high-resolution, unmanned aerial systems. There are many subjective decisions to be made during image processing, but the effects of those decisions on prediction model accuracy have never been reported. This study introduced a framework for quantifying the effects of image processing methods on model accuracy. A demonstration of this framework was performed using high-resolution hyperspectral imagery (<10 cm pixel size) for predicting maize nitrogen uptake in the early to mid-vegetative developmental stages (V6–V14). Two supervised regression learning estimators (Lasso and partial least squares) were trained to make predictions from hyperspectral imagery. Data for this use case were collected from three experiments over two years (2018–2019) in southern Minnesota, USA (four site-years). The image processing steps that were evaluated include (i) reflectance conversion, (ii) cropping, (iii) spectral clipping, (iv) spectral smoothing, (v) binning, and (vi) segmentation. In total, 648 image processing workflow scenarios were evaluated, and results were analyzed to understand the influence of each image processing step on the cross-validated root mean squared error (RMSE) of the estimators. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the segmentation step was the most influential image processing step on the final estimator error. Across all workflow scenarios, the RMSE of predicted nitrogen uptake ranged from 14.3 to 19.8 kg ha−1 (relative RMSE ranged from 26.5% to 36.5%), a 38.5% increase in error from the lowest to the highest error workflow scenario. The framework introduced demonstrates the sensitivity and extent to which image processing affects prediction accuracy. It allows remote sensing analysts to improve model performance while providing data-driven justification to improve the reproducibility and objectivity of their work, similar to the benefits of hyperparameter tuning in machine learning applications.
A Most-Unfavorable-Condition Method for Bridge-Damage Detection and Analysis Using PSP-InSAR
Authors: Wang Runjie , Zhang Jiameng , Liu Xianglei
Published: December 2021

The main contribution of this study is to provide a new idea to detect bridge damage by using PSP-InSAR technology. A most-unfavorable-condition method is proposed for bridge-damage detection and analysis. The method can determine the specific damaged location and occurrence time by using the differential deformation values of persistent scatterer (PS) points on bridge piers. Taking Beijing Suzhou Bridge as an experimental area, 96 COSMO-SkyMed time-series SAR images were used from September 2011 to November 2017. Deformation values of PS points around Suzhou Bridge were acquired and analyzed. Experimental results show that in July 2017, the unusual maximum differential deformation value was 25.73 mm. It occurred between piers D3 and D4 of Suzhou Bridge, and it was deduced that the main girder between piers D3 and D4 may have been damaged in July 2017. As a validation, taking the differential deformation value between piers D3 and D4 as an input, the maximum tensile stress, and the maximum compressive stress were calculated as 2.1 MPa and 8.4 MPa, respectively, through a finite element model. The tensile stress exceeded the design value of the concrete, further confirming the damage of the girder between piers D3 and D4. Moreover, all results are consistent with the Suzhou Bridge damage information shown in existing records, which verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method.
Evaluation of BRDF Information Retrieved from Time-Series Multiangle Data of the Himawari-8 AHI
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Jiao Ziti , Zhao Changsen , Guo Jing , Zhu Zidong , Liu Zhigang , Dong Yadong , Yin Siyang , Zhang Hu , Cui Lei , Li Sijie , Tong Yidong , Wang Chenxia
Published: December 2021

Recently, much attention has been given to using geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) meteorological satellite data for retrieving land surface parameters due to their high observation frequencies. However, their bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) information content with a single viewing angle has not been sufficiently investigated, which lays a foundation for subsequent quantitative estimation. In this study, we aim to comprehensively evaluate BRDF information from time-series observations from the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) onboard the GEO satellite Himawari-8. First, ~6.2 km monthly multiangle surface reflectances from POLDER onboard a low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellite with good angle distributions over various land types during 2008 were used as reference data, and corresponding 0.05° high-quality MODIS (i.e., onboard LEO satellites) and AHI datasets during four months in 2020 were obtained using cloud and aerosol property products. Then, indicators of angle distribution, BRDF change, and albedos were retrieved by the kernel-driven Ross-Li BRDF model from the three datasets, which were used for comparisons over different time spans. Generally, the quality of sun-viewing geometries varies dramatically for accumulated AHI observations according to the weight-of-determination, and wide-ranging anisotropic flat indices are obtained. The root-mean-square-errors of white sky albedos between AHI and MODIS half-month data are 0.018 and 0.033 in the red and near-infrared bands, respectively, achieving smaller values of 0.004 and 0.007 between the half-month and daily AHI data, respectively, due to small variances in sun-viewing geometries. The generally wide AHI BRDF variances and good consistency in albedo with MODIS show their potential for retrieving anisotropy information and albedo, while angle accumulation quality of AHI time-series observations must be considered.
Positive Unlabelled Learning for Satellite Images’Time Series Analysis: An Application to Cereal and Forest Mapping
Authors: Desloires Johann , Ienco Dino , Botrel Antoine , Ranc Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Applications in which researchers aim to extract a single land type from remotely sensed data are quite common in practical scenarios: extract the urban footprint to make connections with socio-economic factors; map the forest extent to subsequently retrieve biophysical variables and detect a particular crop type to successively calibrate and deploy yield prediction models. In this scenario, the (positive) targeted class is well defined, while the negative class is difficult to describe. This one-class classification setting is also referred to as positive unlabelled learning (PUL) in the general field of machine learning. To deal with this challenging setting, when satellite image time series data are available, we propose a new framework named positive and unlabelled learning of satellite image time series (PUL-SITS). PUL-SITS involves two different stages: In the first one, a recurrent neural network autoencoder is trained to reconstruct only positive samples with the aim to higight reliable negative ones. In the second stage, both labelled and unlabelled samples are exploited in a semi-supervised manner to build the final binary classification model. To assess the quality of our approach, experiments were carried out on a real-world benchmark, namely Haute-Garonne, located in the southwest area of France. From this study site, we considered two different scenarios: a first one in which the process has the objective to map Cereals/Oilseeds cover versus the rest of the land cover classes and a second one in which the class of interest is the Forest land cover. The evaluation was carried out by comparing the proposed approach with recent competitors to deal with the considered positive and unlabelled learning scenarios.
RS-DARTS: A Convolutional Neural Architecture Search for Remote Sensing Image Scene Classification
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Shanghao , Zhang Yang , Chen Wenbo
Published: December 2021

Due to the superiority of convolutional neural networks, many deep learning methods have been used in image classification. The enormous difference between natural images and remote sensing images makes it difficult to directly utilize or modify existing CNN models for remote sensing scene classification tasks. In this article, a new paradigm is proposed that can automatically design a suitable CNN architecture for scene classification. A more efficient search framework, RS-DARTS, is adopted to find the optimal network architecture. This framework has two phases. In the search phase, some new strategies are presented, making the calculation process smoother, and better distinguishing the optimal and other operations. In addition, we added noise to suppress skip connections in order to close the gap between trained and validation processing and ensure classification accuracy. Moreover, a small part of the neural network is sampled to reduce the redundancy in exploring the network space and speed up the search processing. In the evaluation phase, the optimal cell architecture is stacked to construct the final network. Extensive experiments demonstrated the validity of the search strategy and the impressive classification performance of RS-DARTS on four public benchmark datasets. The proposed method showed more effectiveness than the manually designed CNN model and other methods of neural architecture search. Especially, in terms of search cost, RS-DARTS consumed less time than other NAS methods.
Determination of Ecdysterone in Dietary Supplements and Spinach by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Grucza Krzysztof , Wicka Mariola , Drapała Aleksandra , Kwiatkowska Dorota
Published: December 2021

Ecdysterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone of the ecdysteroid class. This group is widely marketed to athletes in dietary supplements as a “natural anabolic agent”, advertised to increase strength and muscle mass during resistance training, reduce fatigue and ease recovery. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a straightforward approach for identifying ecdysterone in dietary supplements by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Furthermore, due to the fact that ecdysterone is one of the compounds naturally occurring in spinach, the fit-for-purpose method for extraction and identification of ecdysterone in spinach is proposed. The validity of the developed method was confirmed with the use of a reference standard and the limit of detection (LOD) for ecdysterone was established at 1 mg/g supplement. The presence of ecdysterone was confirmed in all tested supplements at estimated concentrations ranging between 5 mg/g and 383 mg/g.
The End-Purpose of Teaching Social Sciences and the Curricular Inclusion of Social Problems
Authors: Ortega-Sánchez Delfín
Published: December 2021

The most recent scientific literature on the treatment of social problems or controversial social questions in the social sciences classroom and their inclusion into curricula emphasizes the need to introduce students into large-scale social debates where different points of view exist, different interests are at stake, and where it is desirable that they construct their own opinions in that respect from a critical and reasoned perspective [...]
The Acute Effect of Accentuated Eccentric Overloading upon the Kinematics and Myoelectric Activity in the Eccentric and Concentric Phase of a Traditional Bench Press
Authors: Kristiansen Eirik Lindset , Larsen Stian , van den Tillaar Roland
Published: December 2021

The target of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a supramaximal augmented eccentric load on the kinematics and myoelectric activity during the concentric phase of the lift in a traditional bench press. Ten resistance-trained males (age 24 ± 6.4 years, height 1.80 ± 0.07 m, body-mass 87.2 ± 16.9 kg) performed two repetitions at 110/85% of the 1-RM in the dynamic accentuated external resistance (DAER) group and two repetitions at 85/85% of the 1-RM for the control group in a traditional bench press. The barbell kinematics, joint kinematics and myoelectric activity of eight muscles were measured in the eccentric phase and the pre-sticking, sticking and post-sticking regions. The main findings were that the sticking region started at a lower barbell height and that a lower barbell velocity was observed in the sticking region during the second repetition in the DAER condition compared to the control condition. Additionally, the lateral deltoid muscle and clavicle part of the pectoralis were more active during the eccentric loading compared to the control condition for the second repetition. Furthermore, higher myoelectric activity was measured during the second repetition in the sticking region for the eccentric loading condition in both pectoralis muscles, while the sternal parts of the pectoralis and anterior deltoid were more active during the second repetition of the control condition in the post-sticking region. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that the supramaximal loading in the descending phase with 110% of the 1-RM in the bench press does not have an acute and positive effect of enhanced performance in the ascending phase of the lift at 85% of 1-RM. Instead, fatigue occurs when using this eccentric load during a bench press.
Behavior of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Panels under Surface Pressure
Authors: Cakir Ozge Ersu , Cetisli Fatih
Published: December 2021

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the importance of the affecting parameters on the pressure–displacement relationship of steel fiber reinforced concrete panels. Among these parameters, panel thickness, panel dimensions, material type, and boundary conditions of the panels are the parameters that were examined. In this context, the effects of surface pressure on the steel fiber reinforced concrete panels were investigated. It was observed that as the thickness and the fiber ratio increased, the ultimate bearing capacity increased. It was determined that it may not be enough to support the panels only at the corner points, and intermediate supports are needed. As the support spacing decreased, the absorbed surface pressure increased. In addition, it was concluded that the increase in the amount of steel fiber in the concrete material increased the strength, deflection, and ductility values.
Carbon Footprint Calculator Customized for Rice Products: Concept and Characterization of Rice Value Chains in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wassmann Reiner , Van-Hung Nguyen , Yen Bui Tan , Gummert Martin , Nelson Katherine M. , Gheewala Shabbir H. , Sander Bjoern Ole
Published: December 2021

In this study, we developed user-friendly software (CF-Rice) for calculating the carbon footprints (CF) of rice products. The approach follows the principles of Life Cycle Assessment while incorporating more flexibility for activities specific to rice production. The graphical user interface provides empirical emission and conversion factors obtained from the literature and from primary research studies of rice value chains. CF-Rice also allows the entering of new values for specific processes or practices. Data outputs distinguish among the contributions of individual stages of the value chain as well as different greenhouse gases (GHG), namely, CH4, N2O and CO2. The new tool was then applied to a scenario assessment of rice production in the regional context of Southeast Asia. The CF baseline of a typical rice value chain in the region accounted for a value of around 2300 g CO2e/kgProd. The CF can be reduced by about 27.4% through water-saving practices alone and can further be reduced up to 37.3% through interventions that increase product recovery rates and, thus, reduce food losses. In contrast, straw incorporation into the soil increased the CF by 26.0%. The tool is well suited for impact assessments of advanced practices and technologies of rice value chains.
Silvopastoral Systems Enhance Soil Health in the Amazon Region
Authors: Silva-Olaya Adriana M. , Olaya-Montes Andres , Polanía-Hincapié Karen L. , Cherubin Maurício Roberto , Duran-Bautista Ervin H. , Ortiz-Morea Fausto A.
Published: December 2021

Silvopastoral systems (SPS), an integrated farming system in which tropical grasses are combined with trees and shrubs, have been implemented in the last years in the Amazon region in order to mitigate the impacts generated by the traditional cattle ranching system. However, despite the multiple SPS’s benefits to soil and ecosystem, there is a paucity of comprehensive studies revealing the potential soil health (SH) restoration through SPS. Here, by developing an overall SH index using local native vegetation (Amazon rainforest) as a reference, we aimed to assess SH changes induced by the land transition from the traditional livestock production system to the SPS in the Colombian Amazon region. A chronosequence conformed by three areas: (i) native vegetation, (ii) traditional pasture and (iii) silvopastoral system was established in two study sites located in the Colombian Amazon, specifically in Caquetá State, the second hotspot of deforestation in the Amazon Basin. The results indicated high soil compaction and loss of macrofauna diversity and richness due to pasture management, causing a loss of 9% of soil capacity to function. In contrast, by integrating 31 soil indicators, our SH assessment revealed that SPS was an effective strategy for the recovery of SH, impacting positively multiple soil functions related to nutrient dynamics, water retention and supply, and biological activity.
Physical Education Teachers’ Perceived Digital Competences: Are They Prepared for the Challenges of the New Digital Age?
Authors: Martínez-Rico Gabriel , Alberola-Albors Mauro , Pérez-Campos Carlos , González-García Rómulo J.
Published: December 2021

The development of information and communication technologies impose great changes that require teachers to be constantly updated. Therefore, it is interesting to analyze the Digital Competence perceived by teachers and their ability to use digital devices in the classroom. The aim of this study is to investigate the technological resources and difficulties that Physical Education teachers have in schools, in addition to the training and methodological strategies required to adequately teach Physical Education classes in present times. For this, through a previously validated survey, we will observe the Digital Competence of teachers and whether there are differences between genders, according to age and teaching experience. A survey has been undertaken by 50 Physical Education teachers of secondary school students. The results show statistically significant differences according to teaching experience and age. In addition, younger teachers have a better perception of their ability to apply Digital Competence in the Physical Education classroom setting.
The Impact of Sustainability and Leadership on the Innovation Management of Michelin-Starred Chefs
Authors: Mrusek Natascha , Ottenbacher Michael C. , Harrington Robert J.
Published: December 2021

This study considers relationships among leadership styles and skills (sustainability leadership, innovation leadership and sustainable innovation) as drivers of sustainable innovation capability in the Michelin-starred restaurant context. The study used semi-structured qualitative interviews with a sample of nine chefs in Germany. The purpose was to examine the impact of sustainability and leadership on the innovation management of Michelin-starred chefs and to determine crucial aspects impacting haute cuisine innovations. Following earlier research, the findings indicate that a holistic view of sustainability is held by high-end chefs in this sector with considerations for the four main pillars (environmental, social, economic, cultural). Leadership style was seen as key to innovation management in the haute cuisine context. However, the interviews revealed that the issue of environmental sustainability was perceived to be of lessor significance when considering innovations in haute cuisine, due to customer expectations and insufficient legislation or government incentives. The external factors of market demand, involvement by a variety of stakeholders, and guest values/needs were viewed as key determinants of innovation type, success and directions. The internal factors of fitting with the business vision, brand loyalty of consumers, and employee skills and engagement were identified as key drivers of innovation decisions and success.
Influence of Printing Technique and Printing Conditions on Prints Recycling Efficiency and Effluents Quality
Authors: Vukoje Marina , Bolanča Mirković Ivana , Bolanča Zdenka
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the conventional offset printing technique and digital electrophotography printing with liquid toner (LEP) on some optical properties of recycled fibres. A series of LEP prints was made with the variation of the negative voltage of the developing drum (−200 V, −280 V, −350 V, and −430 V) after calibration of the machine and achieving standard densitometry values. Besides deinkability aspects, the quality of wastewater effluents after process of prints recycling was observed in order to make a conclusion regarding how different printing techniques, conditions in printing process, and different types of inks can affect the wastewater effluents. Results of image analysis showed that by increasing the negative voltage of developing drum in LEP printing technique, the formation of large ink particles on handsheet from recycled pulp increases. Depending on the size of the negative voltage of the developing drum, under the same experimental conditions, handsheets made from LEP recycled fibres have lower whiteness gain, brightness gain, and ΔERIC of handsheets compared to those made from the offset prints. In addition, a certain correlation was found between IEERIC (ink elimination), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total organic carbon (TOC) of wastewater effluents after recycling of LEP prints and offset prints as well. Organic water pollution parameters (COD and TOC) showed higher values in wastewater after recycling of offset prints compared to recycling of LEP prints.
Opportunities to Increase Financial Well-Being by Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance with Respect to Improving Financial Literacy under COVID-19: The Case of Latvia
Authors: Mavlutova Inese , Fomins Andris , Spilbergs Aivars , Atstaja Dzintra , Brizga Janis
Published: December 2021

The latest studies reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed investors in developed economies to focus more on the value attached to environmental and social responsibilities. Unfortunately, socially responsible investment and compliance with environmental, social and governance criteria are not given enough priority in Latvia at present. The purpose of the study is to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the willingness of Latvians to invest in assets that meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and factors influencing investors’ choice based on their financial literacy. Different views on sustainable investments, socially responsible investments and the relevance of environmental, social and governance criteria from private investors’ perspectives were analyzed to identify factors influencing investment decisions in favour of sustainable investments. Quantitative analysis was carried out to reveal the regularities between financial literacy, the willingness to invest to meet the ESG criteria and the level of education and income of the Latvian population, as well as their savings/investment experience. Such statistical methods as descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were applied to perform an analysis of the results. The authors’ findings include the importance of sustainable investing to Latvian society, changes of attitude towards ESG investing in different private investors’ groups under the COVID-19 crisis, and the effects of these changes on the financial well-being of the population and, on the basis of these findings, have come to the conclusion that the willingness to invest in the assets that follow environmental, social and governance criteria depends on the level of education, savings/investment experience and income level.
A Sustainability-Based Risk Assessment for P3 Projects Using a Simulation Approach
Authors: Bakhtawar Beenish , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Arshad Husnain , Tariq Salman , Mazher Khwaja Mateen , Zayed Tarek , Akhtar Naheed
Published: December 2021

Integrating sustainability in the risk management process is an emergent problem, especially for efficient infrastructure delivery. For the case of complex projects like public–private partnerships (P3), traditional management practices offer a limited capacity to address long-ranging risk impacts on the social, economic, and environmental fabric within and around the project boundaries. Although P3 projects are objective-based contracts, present risk models rarely delineate risk impacts on focused project objectives. The relevant studies are very scarce creating a limited understanding of available approaches to conducting sustainability-based risk management for P3 projects. As risk and sustainability are two inherently subjective concepts with multiple interpretations, their combined assessment within a single framework demands a pragmatic approach. Therefore, the current study presents a model for conducting a sustainability-based risk assessment of P3 infrastructure projects through global data. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to further define the probabilistic risk ranges and risk ranks over relevant triple-bottom-line-based sustainability indicators for highway sector P3 projects. Findings are further demonstrated through two highway case studies and relevant mitigation strategies are also suggested. In the end, an implementation framework and future recommendations for the application of study findings on actual projects are also suggested. The study has useful implications for practitioners and researchers alike aiming for the delivery of sustainable complex projects.
Financial Constraints, Corporate Savings and Labor Income Share—Based on China’s Economic Transition
Authors: Ma Jing , Zhao Qiuyun , Li Qing , Yang Hao
Published: December 2021

What causes are responsible for China’s declining labor income share? We investigate this phenomenon in depth from the standpoint of financial constraints. By summarizing the stylized facts of China’s economy, this paper demonstrates that as China’s economy transforms, the financial market’s imperfections lead to more efficient (non-state-owned) enterprises inclined to use corporate savings for the purpose of “crowding out” workers’ remuneration for endogenous financing, resulting in a rising savings rate and a declining share of labor income. On this foundation, we construct a more general theoretical model regarding China’s economic transformation, propose research propositions, and conduct an empirical study utilizing the Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database from 1999 to 2007. The findings show a strong negative relationship between the financial market imperfections and the labor income share, with a 1% increase in financial constraints reducing labor income share by 0.051%. The rise in savings as a result of the financial restrictions works as a mediator variable in this process. Furthermore, our prediction for the path of the labor income share suggests that China’s savings rate would decline after reaching its peak, while the labor income share will bottom out and rebound by the end of the country’s economic transition. This study uses firm-level micro-data to reveal the internal mechanism of financial constraints lowering labor income share, which is a useful supplement to the existing literature. It also provides empirical evidence and policy options for developing countries to reform their financial systems and increase labor income share in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Social Responsibility of Mining Companies at a Time of COVID-19: Dear Shareholders!
Authors: Jindřichovská Irena , Eckert Eva
Published: December 2021

This paper examines annual reports (ARs) of multinational mining companies Glencore, Rio Tinto and BHP framed by the challenge of COVID-19 in 2020. We apply a linguistic analysis to screening the letters of chairmen and CEOs that encapsulate an ideology of mining, prioritize the message of sustained and prospective financial success, and display commitment to employees and communities. Using critical discourse analysis, we explore how corporations involved in destructive activities managed to mask the nature of their conduct and promote positive PR when expected to document an on-the-ground involvement with employees and local communities due to the global pandemic. We accounted for the ideology of mining natural resources, the central message foregrounded in the reports, the selection and distribution of key topics and keywords, and relexicalization of critical concepts and descriptions. The CDA revealed “smart management” of COVID-19 aimed to hide facts related to the destruction of the environment and to manipulate people in exchange for education, financial rewards and social improvement. The critical contribution of our paper is that the COVID-19 crisis became an opportunity for corporations to display resilience as well as to manage, dominate and render local populations dependent and vulnerable.
Metal Rod Surfaces after Exposure to Used Cooking Oils
Authors: Bruun Nina , Lehmusto Juho , Hemming Jarl , Tesfaye Fiseha , Hupa Leena
Published: December 2021

Used cooking oils (UCOs) have a high potential as renewable fuels for the maritime shipping industry. However, their corrosiveness during storage and usage are some of the concerns yet to be investigated for addressing compatibility issues. Thus, the corrosion of steels and copper exposed to the UCOs was studied through the immersion of metal rods for different periods. The changes on the rod surfaces were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). After the immersion, the copper concentration dissolved in the bio-oils was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The free fatty acids and glycerides were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The acid number (AN), water concentration, as well as density and kinematic viscosity of the bio-oils were determined with standard methods. The UCOs with the highest water content were corrosive, while the oils with lower water concentrations but higher ANs induced lower corrosion. After mixing two different UCOs, the metal corrosion decreased with an increasing concentration of the oil with lower corrosive properties. The lower corrosion properties were most likely due to the monounsaturated fatty acids, e.g., oleic acid in oils. These acids formed a barrier layer on the rod surfaces, thereby inhibiting the permeation of oxygen and water to the surface. Even adding 0.025 wt% of tert-butylamine decreased the corrosivity of UCO against polished steel rod. The results suggested that mixing several oil batches and adding a suitable inhibitor reduces the potential corrosive properties of UCOs.
Regular Frames for Spherically Symmetric Black Holes Revisited
Authors: Toporensky Alexey V. , Zaslavskii Oleg B.
Published: December 2021

We consider a space-time of a spherically symmetric black hole with one simple horizon. As a standard coordinate frame fails in its vicinity, this requires continuation across the horizon and constructing frames which are regular there. Up to now, several standard frames of such a kind are known. It was shown in the literature before, how some of them can be united in one picture as different limits of a general scheme. However, some types of frames (the Kruskal–Szekeres and Lemaître ones) and transformations to them from the original one remained completely disjoint. We show that the Kruskal–Szekeres and Lemaître frames stem from the same root. Overall, our approach in some sense completes the procedure and gives the most general scheme. We relate the parameter of transformation e0 to the specific energy of fiducial observers and show that in the limit e0→0, a homogeneous metric under the horizon can be obtained by a smooth limiting transition.
Characterization of Trophic Structure of Fish Assemblages in the East and South Seas of Korea Based on C and N Stable Isotope Ratios
Authors: Shin Donghoon , Park Tae Hee , Lee Chung-Il , Hwang Kangseok , Kim Doo Nam , Lee Seung-Jong , Kang Sukyung , Park Hyun Je
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to assess seasonal variation in the food-web structure of fish assemblages in the East (two sites) and the South (one site) Seas of Korea, and to compare the isotopic niche areas between the regions. To do this, we analyzed the community structures and the δ13C and δ15N values for fish assemblages, and their potential food sources collected during May and October 2020. There were spatial differences in the diversity and dominant species of fish assemblages between the two seas. The fish assemblages in the South Sea had relatively wide ranges of δ13C and δ15N (−22.4‰ to −15.3‰ and 7.4‰ to 13.8‰, respectively) compared to those (−22.1‰ to −18.0‰ and 9.8‰ to 13.6‰, respectively) in the East Sea. The δ13C and δ15N values of suspended particulate organic matter, zooplankton, and fish assemblages differed significantly among sites and between seasons (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05, in all cases). Moreover, isotopic niche indices were relatively higher in the South Sea compared to those in the East Sea. Such differences in food-web characteristics among sites are likely due to the specific environmental effects (especially, major currents) on the differences in the species compositions and, therefore, their trophic relationships. Overall, these results allow for a deeper understanding of the changing trophic diversity and community structure of fish assemblages resulting from climate variability.
Influence of Multi-Layered Structure of Vadose Zone on Ecological Effect of Groundwater in Arid Area: A Case Study of Shiyang River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Cui Haohao , Zhang Guanghui , Wang Jinzhe , Wang Qian , Lang Xujuan
Published: December 2021

The natural vegetation in arid areas of northwest China is strongly dependent on the availability of groundwater. Significantly, capillary water plays an essential role in regulating the ecological groundwater level in the multilayered structure of the vadose zone. The soil-column test and field survey in the lower reaches of the Shiyang River Basin were conducted to investigate the influence of the multi-layered structure of the vadose zone on maintaining the ecological effect of groundwater. Based on the field survey, the results show that the depth of groundwater is 3.0 m, and the rising height of capillary water is 140 cm. In the soil-column test, the height of the wetting front of the column was 125 cm. During the water releasing test, the water held by the vadose zone was 182.54 mm, which would have maintained Haloxylon’s survival in a growing season. Therefore, the multi-layered structure of the vadose zone extends the ecological groundwater depth and consequently enhances the ecological function of groundwater. Importantly, with a lower groundwater level, the clay soil layer within the rising height range of the original capillary water would hold more water and maintain a higher water content for a certain period to supply surface vegetation.
Unity and Difference of Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Support Strategy for Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: National Recommendations and Recommendations of ESPEN
Authors:   A.S. Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, Kuzmina T.N. , Nikolskaya K.A. , Kiryukova M.A. , Malykh M.V. , Chebotareva M.V. , Kucheryavyi Yu.A. , Bordin D.S. ,   Scientific Research Institute of Healthcare and Medical Management of the Moscow City Health Department,   Ilyinsky Hospital,   Tver State Medical University,   A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
Published: December 2021

Nutritional support is one of the additional treatment methods for the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency consequences in chronic pancreatitis. Nutritional insufficiency risk assessment in these patients, timely diagnosis, and its correction are based on the use of the most optimal methods and treatment schemes. The article presents an overview and analysis of the European Association for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recently published guidelines on nutritional support in chronic pancreatitis
Adjuvant Therapy for Uterine Fibroids and Genital Endometriosis
Authors:   V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Kuznetsova I.V.
Published: December 2021

The reproductive system organs’ diseases associated with pathological proliferation have common pathogenetic characteristics due to epigenetic changes in cell populations. With a sufficiently large arsenal of drugs for the treatment of patients with proliferative diseases, there remains dissatisfaction with its results both in terms of achieving the current effect and in terms of reducing long-term risks due to the tendency to the uncontrolled cell growth. In this regard, the search for ways to correct the lifestyle in order to increase the effectiveness of the applied therapies and improve the prognosis of the health of women with diseases associated with excessive proliferation becomes relevant. First of all, we are talking about rational nutrition, which should include the subsidy of biologically active substances known as phytoprotectors of tumor and inflammatory processes. Such biologically active substances include indole-3-carbinol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which have long been used as dietary supplements in gynecological practice
Optimization of the Tactics of Examination and Treatment of Women of Reproductive Age with Cervical Pathology in Chronic Cervicitis and Vaginitis
Authors:   V.I. Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Stolyarova U.V. , Rogozhina I.Ye. , Skupova I.N. , Kuznetsova M.V. , Kuznetsov N.S. , Asyrkin A.S.
Published: December 2021

The article is a description of the effectiveness of treatment of patients of reproductive age with chronic nonspecific exo-, endocervicitis and vaginitis in the presence of benign and precancerous diseases of the cervix of the uterus of mild degree. Comparative characteristics of the use of the combined preparation for intravaginal administration Elzhina and intravaginal administration of metronidazole with oral fluconazole were carried out. The advantages of using the drug Elzhina in terms of preoperative preparation over the use of radio wave excisional and surgical methods of treatment are noted. The efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the therapy were also evaluated in both treatment options. It is noted that the drug containing ornidazole 500 mg, prednisolone 3 mg, econazole 150 mg, neomycin 65 000 IU, will reduce the severity of inflammatory processes, which has a beneficial effect on the results of radio wave and surgical methods for the treatment of benign and precancerous diseases of the cervix. Against the background of chronic, long-term nonspecific exo-, endocervicitis and vaginitis
THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN WRITING ACHIEVEMENT OF INDONESIAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Ningrum Ary Setya Budhi , Rohmah Galuh Nur
Published: December 2021

Writing is one of productive skills in English learning. This activity can be influenced by another psychological factor such as self-efficacy. It is a psychological factor that is related to someone belief in doing something successfully. This research aims at investigating the correlation between self-efficacy and writing achievement. This research uses correlation quantitative as the research design. The participants are 110 students of the tenth grade students of MAN 1 Kota Kediri. To get data, the instruments used are self-efficacy questionnaire and writing test. The result of this research revealed that there is no significant correlation between self-efficacy and writing achievement.
ENGLISH COMMUNICATION NEEDS ANALYSIS OF THE OJEK ONLINE DRIVERS COMMUNITY IN BANYUWANGI REGENCY
Authors: Halim Abdul , Lestari Sutami Dwi
Published: December 2021

Online motorcycle taxi is a transportation mode that is also developing in the Banyuwangi regency. The development of regional tourism is the potential for foreign tourists as users of the services. This study aims to analyze the need for communication in English among online motorcycle taxi drivers in Banyuwangi . The study was conducted with a direct survey of 20 male drivers. The selection of respondents was done by using the snow ball method. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire containing 7 questions, each of which has 4 answer choices. Questionnaire data are grouped according to answers and analyzed according to existing theories. The results showed that online motorcycle taxi drivers need to improve communication skills in English for services to foreign tourists.
INVESTIGATING THE HISTORY OF EAST SAKERTA VILLAGE AS A POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION IN WEST JAVA
Authors: Maudiarti Santi , Adriani Hanni
Published: December 2021

The tourism industry is one of the primary needs for the life of modern society today. Because of these factors, it makes the need for recreation or tourism increases. East Sakerta Tourism Village is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Kuningan Regency. This village has a long history and interesting community culture, but not many people know about it. This study aims to investigate the history of the East Sakerta Village as a popular tourist destination in West Java. The research method used is a qualitative method. This data collection method is carried out using the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method. Primary data collection was carried out directly and purposive sampling by interviewing key people, namely the village government apparatus, tourism community leaders (kompepar), and the community. FGD method was used to find out about the history, legends, and culture of the East Sakerta Village. The results of FGD findings consist of the religion, the history of the village, the local culture, the historical sites, the myths and legend, and the philosophy of Sakerta Timur Village. The philosophy concept is "Tumaritis" which is a village in the Sundanese and Javanese puppet which has a philosophy of mutual protection, security, and prosperity.