bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership Seen by Neuroscience
Authors: Aboiron Jeremie
Published: February 2022

In this essay, we will explain how neuroscience can be an effective tool for leaders to better manage their organizations through discovery of the human brain and how neurochemicals in the human body drive human behavior. Leadership is becoming more and more important in organizations and team management. Neuroscience can provide many insights into the various ways in which leaders can be more effective. The method used will initially be limited to a literature review. By better understanding the mechanics of neuroscience and how neurochemicals are produced in the body to affect our actions and thinking, individually, employees could use this to enable a boost in productivity. Employers can further use this biological knowledge to create a healthy culture within the organization by ensuring embedded company policies and lead in such a way that employees are happy with. Typically, this all comes back to how the organization is lead, an effective leader would know what is best for each employee and would stimulate this within the organization to balance each employee’s well-being. This essay is an opening to further research on the use of neuroscience in decision-making processes, identifying stressful situations and better preparing leaders to avoid being in a critical situation.
Unbiasing Science by Using Search Engines and Structured Methods – Analyzing or Measuring Scientific Output
Authors: Radtke Uwe
Published: February 2022

Scientific prizes are designed to encourage researchers, while scientific search engines shall support a structured literature review. Both areas are designed to help scientific work. Both should work or be granted unbiased – but depending on the point of view it seems as this is hard to achieve. While prizes are often granted to certain mainly well-known Universities and countries in which the prize was originally founded, scientific search engines have hidden algorithms as well. Searching with identical search parameters will provide different results for scientific texts when using different search engines. Within the article three different ones were explored a bit and one mean to achieve a bit of unbiased usage of the sources is PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The meta-analysis enables each reader to follow the steps and objectivize the findings.
MANEJO NUTRICIONAL E ENRIQUECIMENTO AMBIENTAL NA DISFUNÇÃO COGNITIVA CANINA
Authors: Meneses Rebeca de Sousa , Costa Franciele de Oliveira
Published: February 2022

Síndrome da Disfunção Cognitiva Canina (DCC) é uma doença neurocomportamental que não tem cura e acomete cães idosos com mais de 8 anos de idade. A mudança alimentar com o uso de antioxidantes como o betacaroteno, vitaminas como a E, C e B e minerais como o zinco e magnésio ajudam a reduzir a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e diminuir a deposição das placas beta-amiloiode, e o enriquecimento ambiental é um grande aliado para ajudar na memória e interação social. O presente trabalho teve como o objetivo discutir as estratégias alimentares e de enriquecimento ambiental para prevenção e tratamento da Disfunção Cognitiva Canina. Para atingir o objetivo proposto foi realizado um tipo de estudo descritivo bibliográfico afim de buscar opções de alimentação e enriquecimento ambiental para os cães afetados pela DCC, buscando através da literatura científica estudos atuais acerca do tema. De acordo com as pesquisas foram compilados um total de 15 artigos, esses artigos possuíam informações sobre o tratamento farmacológico com ansiolíticos, do manejo nutricional com alimentação natural e rações, e das formas de enriquecimento ambiental de diversos tipos como o alimentar e cognitivo que devem ser utilizadas para desacelerar a progressão da doença. O uso de antioxidantes e vitaminas neuroprotetoras na dieta é de suma importância pois trazem bons resultados na memória, aprendizagem e imunidade. O enriquecimento ambiental tem que ser composto de atividade física através de passeios diários por caminhos diferentes, interação social com outros animais e pessoas e estimulação cognitiva. Á vista disso a mudança alimentar juntamente com o uso do enriquecimento ambiental são alternativas para desacelerar o avanço da DCC e aumentar a qualidade de vida do cão.
The position of historical geography in Germany: Interview with historical geographer Winfried Schenk (University of Bonn)
Authors: Renes Hans , Egberts Linde
Published: February 2022

The position of historical geography in Germany: Interview with historical geographer Winfried Schenk (University of Bonn)
Neurofeedback (NFB) Training in Aspergers
Authors: Chua Bee Seok
Published: February 2022

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing globally. Due to its high incidence rate reported globally, ASD should be considered as a public health emergency that requires immediate attention to the process of screening, diagnosis, and intervention. This is a preliminary case study to test the efficacy of the neurofeedback technique in helping an Asperger’s child to reduce his pathological symptoms (e.g., sociability, sensory/cognitive awareness, communication/ speech/ language, and physical behaviour). Neurofeedback is brain training based on the operant conditioning concept to regulate brainwave activities voluntarily using audio or visual feedback (real-time). In this study, we conducted neurofeedback training on an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with Aspergers aimed to enhance Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) wave (12 to 15 Hz) and at the same time inhibiting theta wave (4-8 Hz) and high beta wave (22-36Hz) at C4 over the right motor area, with the reference electrode placed on A2 and ground electrode placed on A1. Twenty (20) sessions of neurofeedback training were conducted on the boy’s aims to improve his behaviour and emotional expression, language comprehension. The participant showed observable improvement after 20 sessions of neurofeedback training in sociability and speech/ language or communication subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and parent’s report. This study provided important evidence that neurofeedback training can be employed to improve the child’s Asperger’s symptoms.
Occupational Risk Factors for Seropositive Leptospirosis among Town Service Workers in Northeastern Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Nazri Shafei  , Mohamad Azfar Zainuddin  , Nor Azwany Yaacob  , Zahiruddin Wan Mohammad  , Nabilah Awang  , Siti Asma’ Hassan  , Fairuz Amran  , Aziah Daud
Published: February 2022

Leptospirosis is speculated to be one of the most prevalent re-emerging zoonotic diseases to date, and town service workers are continuously exposed to occupational hazards that may increase their risk of infection. This study aimed to determine the occupational risk factors for leptospirosis among town service workers in northeastern Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among town service workers from four municipal councils. All sera samples were tested for the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). We found that 82 serum samples from 321 respondents were positive in the MAT (seroprevalence rate of 25.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified overtime work (adj. OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.19, 3.84), contact with animals while working (adj. OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.06, 4.11), sighting of rats at the worksite (adj. OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.11, 4.25) and living less than 200 m from a river (adj. OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.03, 3.28) as risk factors for leptospiral infection. Whereas age (adj. OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93, 0.98), wearing boots while working (adj. OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.25, 0.80) and washing hands with soap after work (adj. OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.10, 0.42) were recognised as protective factors. In conclusion, an association was observed between leptospirosis seropositivity among town service workers and the occupational factors. Prevention and control strategies for leptospirosis will require more focus on curbing the possible sources of leptospirosis transmission and maintaining safe work practices in high-risk working environments.
Artificial Intelligence Implementation In Omani Higher Education; Logistics Studies, Imcoi As A Case Study
Authors:   Foundation Department, International Maritime College Oman (IMCO)., Slimi Zouhaier
Published: February 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI1) in education started over 30 years. Currently, artificial intelligence witnesses’ significant growth in the region to improve the productivity of learning quality. Previous studies revealed artificial intelligence in higher education in different aspects, majors, and countries. This study released the use of artificial intelligence in logistics studies in higher education institutions of Oman, where it took IMCO as a case study. The research paper thoroughly finds out the perfect use of artificial intelligence in logistics studies and the extent of its impact. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the use of AI in logistics study, the pros and challenges of using AI in logistics programs in higher education and suggest some recommendations to better use of AI in logistics study. The survey and interview were the principal methods used to collect primary data, while the secondary data were collected from the literature relevant to the study. The questionnaire was designed by using Office 365 form. The target population of this study was approximately 100 people that included teachers and students in International Maritime College Oman. The findings showed a slight variation in some of the responses, but most supported the previous studies that AI implementation in education is vital.
Effect Of Vertical Irregularity On Fundamental Period And Stability Of Reinforced Concrete Building
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia., Bekele Bereket Netsanet
Published: February 2022

Now a day, many building have not regular configuration both in plan and in elevation due to different functional and aesthetic requirements. Hence, the evaluation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete building with plan and elevation irregularity is required. In this study the evaluation of the effect setback irregularity on fundamental and stability of reinforced concrete. The standards used for analysis of base case building and vertical irregular building using response spectrum analysis (RSA) method are adopted according to the provision of ES EN 1998-1:2015. The evaluation of fundamental period and stability based on the value of sensitive inter-story drift were assessed in detail using seven different building. Story eight and Story twelve reinforced concrete building with different setback irregularity were selected and their responses were compared with the ones of a corresponding base case was done using ETABS 2016.1.0 software. The setback of building is formed by the abrupt reduction in different floor area along the height of the building. The fundamental period and stability of setback buildings was found to be significantly different from the base case building, according to the findings of this study. It was discovered that the fundamental period of rigidity irregular buildings is longer than that of equivalent regular buildings. The fundamental period of a setback structure is shorter than that of a comparable regular structure. The findings reveal that the seismic response variation of setback building from the base case is dependent not only on the size of the irregularity, but also on the placement of the irregularity.
ANALISIS PENGARUH SUKU BUNGA DAN DEPOSITO TERHADAP LABA PADA PT. BANK MANDIRI (PERSERO) CABANG TANJUNG BALAI KARIMUN TAHUN 2015-2018
Authors: Haqiqi Fauzan , Berliana Aulia , Yusmalina Yusmalina , Tegor Tegor
Published: February 2022

Bank merupakan lembaga keuanganiatau perusahaan yangibergerak di bidang keuangan yang menyediakaniberbagai jasa keuangan. Kegiatan penghimpun dana merupakan mengumpulkan dana masyarakat dalam bentuk simpanan, tabungan dan deposito. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui seberapa besar Pengaruh Suku Bunga dan Deposito terhadap Laba ada PT. BankiMandirii(Persero)icabang Tanjung Balai Karimun. Metode Penelitian kuantitatif yaitu penelitian yang menekankan pada pengujian teori melalui pengukuran variabel-variabel penelitian dengan angka dan melakukan analisis data dengan prosedur statistik. Hasil Penelitian: Hipotesis 1): Diterima yaitu Suku Bunga secara parsial memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap Laba pada Bank Mandiri Cabang Tanjung Balai Karimun. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan nilai signifikansi 0.010 kurang dari taraf nyata 0.05 atau (0.010 < 0.05). Hipotesis 2: Diterima yaitu Deposito secara parsial memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap Laba pada Bank Mandiri Cabang Tanjung Balai Karimun. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan nilai signifikansi 0.000 kurang dari taraf nyata 0.05 atau (0.000 < 0.05). Hipotesis3 : Diterima, yaitu secara simultan menunjukan bahwa Suku Bunga dan Deposito berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Laba. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan nilai signifikan kurang dari taraf nyata 0.05 atau (0.00 < 0.05) dan memiliki nilai iF hitung sebesar 52.096.
KEBERDAYAAN PETANI DALAM OPTIMALISASI PEMATANG SAWAH DI KECAMATAN MAJALENGKA KABUPATEN MAJALENGKA
Authors: Parwati Fitria Dwi Ayu , Hartono Rudi , Anwarudin Oeng
Published: February 2022

Farmers who control pests and diseases chemically. In fact, the spirit of sustainable agriculture aims to use such environmentally friendly materials as biological pest control by using crop crops planted by crops. It aims to analyze the descriptive levels of farmer's empowerment, relevant factors and strategies that can be done to increase farmer's empowerment in the optimization of rice cattle. Research is carried out in Germany magazine magazine holds April to July 2019. Population is an active farm rice farmer in farm groups of 302. The sample prescribed by 77 people is using random sampling cluster technique. Independent variables include farmers' characteristics, government education and support and dependent variables - the farmers' empowerment. The analytical techniques used are descriptive and syntax of rank spearman. Studies show that farmers' empowerment levels in the optimization of rice culture are category. A factor associated with farmer's empowerment in the optimization of farm cattle is formal education, prolonged effort, farmer status, training and government support. A strategy that can be done to increase farmer's empowerment is by increasing government training and support activities.
Minat Pemuda Tani Pada Usahatani Sayuran Semusim di Kecamatan Cipaku Kabupaten Ciamis, Jawa Barat
Authors: Rosliana Eka , Sulistyowati Dwiwanti , Pradiana Wida
Published: February 2022

Qualified human resources and commitment in creating a quality agricultural sector is one of thesuccess factors of sustainable agricultural development. But the current agricultural condition faces a serious problem, the number of young farmers is decreasing. This condition applies in Ciamis regency where the agricultural sector is still the driver of the economic wheel, so the influence on the rate of economic growth is very significant, especially in Cipaku District which has an area of 6,569 ha of agricultural land consisting of dry land and rice fields. However, the interest of the younger generation / youth to cultivate the land is very small, this is due to the perception of farming activities and the fate of farmers are very bleak. In addition, the population working in the agricultural sector is very limited both the main actors and businesses. Especially for the horticultural sector, the role of the main actors was 1,098 (11.7%) and businesses only 164 people (1.7%). This condition has an impact on the sustainability of farming in cipaku subdistrict, because it is actually very dependent on the interest of its youth to continue their parents' profession. The purpose of this research is to describe the interests of farmers, analyze related factors and strategies to increase the interest of farm youth. The analysis used Rank Spearmen and Kendall's W. Analysis shows that the interest of youth farmers in vegetable farming season is relatively high, as well as factors related to the source of information, counseling activities and government support so the interest of farm youth can be improved by carrying out counseling activities as needed
Linking Switzerland's PM10 and PM2.5 oxidative potential (OP) with emission sources
Authors: Grange Stuart Kenneth , Uzu Gaëlle , Weber Samuël , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Hueglin Christoph
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Particulate matter (PM) is the air pollutant which causes the greatest deleterious heath effects across the world and PM is routinely monitored within air quality networks where PM mass according to its size, and sometimes number are reported. However, such measurements do not provide information on the biological toxicity of PM. Oxidative potential (OP) is a complementary metric which aims to classify PM in respect to its oxidising ability in lungs and is being increasingly reported due to its assumed relevance concerning human health. Between June, 2018 and May, 2019, an intensive filter-based PM sampling campaign was conducted across Switzerland in five locations which involved the quantification of a large number of PM constituents and OP for both PM10 and PM2.5. OP was quantified by three assays: ascorbic acid (AA), dithiothreitol (DTT), and dichlorofluorescein (DCFH). OPv (OP by air volume) was found to be variable in time and space with Bern-Bollwerk, an urban-traffic sampling site having the greatest levels of OPv among the Swiss sites (especially when considering ), with more rural locations such as Payerne experiencing lower OPv. However, urban-background and suburban sites did experience significant OPv enhancement, as did the rural Magadino-Cadenazzo site during wintertime because of high levels of wood smoke. The mean OP ranges for the sampling period were: 0.4–4.1, 0.6–3.0, and 0.3–0.7 nmol min−1 m−3 for the , , and respectively. A source allocation method using positive matrix factorisation (PMF) models indicated that although all PM10 and PM2.5 sources which were identified contributed to OPv on average, the anthropogenic road traffic and wood combustion sources had the greatest OPm potency (OP per PM mass). A dimensionality reduction procedure coupled to multiple linear regression modelling consistently identified a handful of metals usually associated with non-exhaust emissions, namely: copper, zinc, iron, tin, antimony and somewhat manganese and cadmium as well as three specific wood burning-sourced organic tracers – levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan (or their metal substitutes: rubidium and potassium) were the most important PM components to explain and predict OPv. The combination of a metal and a wood burning specific tracer led to the best performing linear models to explain OPv. Interestingly, within the non-exhaust and wood combustion emission groups, the exact choice of component was not critical, the models simply required a variable to be present to represent the emission source or process. The modelling process also showed that  may be a more specific metric for OP than the other assays employed in this work. This analysis strongly suggests that the anthropogenic and locally emitted road traffic and wood burning sources should be prioritised, targeted, and controlled to gain the most efficacious decrease in OPv, and presumably biological harm reductions in Switzerland.
Measurement Report: Spectral and statistical analysis of aerosol hygroscopic growth from multi-wavelength lidar measurements in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Sicard Michaël , Fortunato dos Santos Oliveira Daniel Camilo , Muñoz-Porcar Constantino , Gil-Díaz Cristina , Comerón Adolfo , Rodríguez-Gómez Alejandro , Dios Otín Federico
Published: February 2022

Abstract. This paper presents the estimation of the hygroscopic growth parameter of atmospheric aerosols retrieved with a multi-wavelength lidar, a micro pulse lidar and daily radiosoundings in the coastal region of Barcelona, Spain. The hygroscopic growth parameter, γ, parametrizes the magnitude of the scattering enhancement in terms of the backscatter coefficient following Hänel parametrization. After searching for time co-located lidar and radiosoundings measurements, a strict criterion-based procedure (limiting the variations of magnitudes such as water vapor mixing ratio, potential temperature, wind speed and direction) is applied to select only cases of aerosol hygroscopic growth. A spectral analysis (at the wavelengths of 355, 532 and 1064 nm) is performed with the multi-wavelength lidar, and a climatological one, at the wavelength of 532 nm, with the database of both lidars. The spectral analysis shows that below 2 km (regime of local pollution and sea salt) γ decreases with increasing wavelengths. This behaviour can be attributed to the aerosol size: the smaller the aerosol, the more hygroscopic. Above 2 km (regime of regional pollution and residual sea salt) the values of γ at 532 nm are nearly the same than below 2 km, and its spectral behaviour is flat. This analysis and others from the literature are put together in a table presenting, for the first time, a spectral analysis of the hygroscopic growth parameter of a large variety of atmospheric aerosol hygroscopicities going from low (pure mineral dust, γ < 0.2) to high (pure sea salt, γ > 1.0) hygroscopicity. The climatological analysis shows that, at 532 nm, γ is rather constant all year round and has a large monthly standard deviation suggesting the presence of aerosols with different hygroscopic properties all year round. The annual γ is 0.55 ± 0.23. The height of the hygroscopic layers shows an annual cycle with a maximum in summer and a minimum in winter. Former works describing the presence of re-circulation layers of pollutants injected at various heights above the PBL may explain why γ, unlike the height of the hygroscopic layers, is not season-dependent. The sub-categorization of the whole database into No cloud and Below-cloud cases reveals a large difference of γ in autumn between both categories (0.71 and 0.33, respectively), possibly attributed to a depletion of inorganics at the point of activation into cloud condensation nuclei in the Below-cloud cases. Our work calls for more in-situ measurements to synergetically complete such studies based on remote sensing.
DINOSTRAT: a global database of the stratigraphic and paleolatitudinal distribution of Mesozoic–Cenozoic organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts
Authors: Bijl Peter K.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Mesozoic–Cenozoic organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst)
biostratigraphy is a crucial tool for relative and numerical age control in
complex ancient sedimentary systems. However, stratigraphic ranges of
dinocysts are found to be strongly diachronous geographically. A global
compilation of state-of-the-art calibrated regional stratigraphic ranges
could assist in quantifying regional differences and evaluating underlying
causes. For this reason, DINOSTRAT is here introduced – an open-source,
iterative, community-fed database intended to house all regional
chronostratigraphic calibrations of dinocyst events (https://github.com/bijlpeter83/DINOSTRAT.git, last access: 1 February 2022​​​​​​​) (DOI – https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5772616, Bijl, 2021). DINOSTRAT version 1.0
includes >8500 entries of the first and last occurrences
(collectively called “events”) of >1900 dinocyst taxa and
their absolute ties to the chronostratigraphic timescale of Gradstein et
al. (2012). Entries are derived from 199 publications and 188 sedimentary
sections. DINOSTRAT interpolates paleolatitudes of regional dinocyst events,
allowing evaluation of the paleolatitudinal variability in dinocyst event
ages. DINOSTRAT allows for open accessibility and searchability, based on region,
age and taxon. This paper presents a selection of the data in DINOSTRAT:
(1) the (paleo)latitudinal spread and evolutionary history of modern
dinocyst species, (2) the evolutionary patterns and paleolatitudinal spread
of dinocyst (sub)families, and (3) a selection of key dinocyst events which are
particularly synchronous. Although several dinocysts show – at the
resolution of their calibration – quasi-synchronous event ages, in fact many
species have remarkable diachroneity. DINOSTRAT provides the data storage
approach by which the community can now start to relate diachroneity to (1)
inadequate ties to chronostratigraphic timescales, (2) complications in
taxonomic concepts, and (3) ocean connectivity and/or the affinities of taxa
to environmental conditions.
Cosmogenic 3He paleothermometry on post-LGM glacial bedrock within the central European Alps
Authors: Gribenski Natacha , Tremblay Marissa M. , Valla Pierre G. , Balco Greg , Guralnik Benny , Shuster David L.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Diffusion properties of cosmogenic 3He in quartz at Earth’s surface temperatures offer the potential to reconstruct the evolution of past in-situ temperatures directly from formerly glaciated areas, information important for improving our understanding of glacier-climate interactions. In this study, we apply cosmogenic 3He paleothermometry on rock surfaces gradually exposed since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the Holocene period along two deglaciation profiles in the European Alps (Mont Blanc and Aar massifs). Laboratory experiments conducted on one representative sample per site indicate significant variability in 3He diffusion kinetics between the two sites, with quasi linear Arrhenius behavior observed in quartz from the Mont Blanc site and complex Arrhenius behavior observed from the Aar site, which we interpret to indicate the presence of multiple diffusion domains (MDD). Assuming that same diffusion kinetics apply to all quartz samples along each profile, predictive simulations indicate that 3He abundance in all the investigated samples should be at equilibrium with present-day temperature conditions. However, measured natural 3He concentrations in samples exposed since before the Holocene indicate an apparent 3He thermal signal significantly colder than today. This observed 3He thermal signal cannot be explained with a realistic post-LGM mean annual temperature evolution in the European Alps at the study sites. One hypothesis is that the diffusion kinetics and MDD model applied may not provide sufficiently accurate, quantitative paleo-temperature estimates in these samples; thus, whereas pre-Holocene 3He thermal signal is indeed preserved in the quartz, the helium diffusivity would be lower at Alpine surface temperatures than our diffusion models predict. Alternatively, if the modeled helium diffusion kinetics is accurate, the observed 3He abundances may reflect complex geomorphic/paleoclimatic evolution with much more recent ground temperature changes associated with the degradation of alpine permafrost.
Spin relaxation: is there anything new under the Sun?
Authors: Rodin Bogdan A. , Abergel Daniel
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Spin relaxation has been at the core of many studies since the early days of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the underlying theory worked out by its founding fathers. This Bloch–Redfield–Abraham relaxation theory has been recently reinvestigated (Bengs and Levitt, 2020) in the perspective of Lindblad theory of quantum Markovian master equations in order to account for situations where the widely used semi-classical relaxation theory breaks down. In this article, we review the conventional approach of quantum mechanical theory of NMR relaxation and show that, under the usual assumptions, it is equivalent to the Lindblad formulation. We also comment on the debate on semi-classical versus quantum versions of spectral density functions involved in relaxation.
Are the Rich less Prone to Flooding? A Case Study on Flooding in the Southern Taiwan during Typhoon Morakot and Typhoon Fanapi
Authors: Kuo Yen-Lien , Liu Ya-Ming , Chu Hone-Jay , Lee Hung-Ching
Published: February 2022

Abstract. The study uses Taiwan as an example to explore whether the budget allocation of risk reduction depends on income-related political power. Specifically, we empirically examine the effect of household income on the probability of flooding. Beginning in 2006, the government implemented an 8-year project referred to as the “Regulation Project for Flood-Prone Areas” with a budget of NT$115.9 billion (US$3.86 billion). Over half of the budget was allocated to local authorities in southern Taiwan to help them carry out flood risk mitigation projects. As it was not clear how the local authorities set their priorities in allocating their budgets, this study investigates whether high-income individuals may have used their political influence to influence the budget allocation to improve the flood risk reduction facilities in their communities. Villages, whose average household income was within the top 10 % in the county or city, were selected as high-income villages and assigned to the treatment group, whereas other villages were included in the control group. The results using propensity score matching (PSM) show that the flood probability of the high-income group (13 % and 16.9 %, respectively) was lower than that of low-income group (22 % and 28 %) during Typhoon Morakot and Typhoon Fanapi, suggesting that high-income areas are less prone to flooding, which might stem from their political power.
Efficient probabilistic inversion for induced earthquake parameters in 3D heterogeneous media
Authors: Masfara La Ode Marzujriban , Cullison Thomas , Weemstra Cornelis
Published: February 2022

Abstract. We present an efficient probabilistic workflow for the estimation of source parameters of induced seismic events in three-dimensional heterogeneous media. Our workflow exploits a linearized variant of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm. Compared to traditional Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, HMC is highly efficient in sampling high-dimensional model spaces. Through a linearization of the forward problem around the prior mean (i.e., the "best" initial model), this efficiency can be further improved. We show, however, that this linearization leads to a performance in which the output of an HMC chain strongly depends on the quality of the prior; in particular, because not all (induced) earthquake model parameters have a linear relationship with the recordings observed at the surface. To mitigate the importance of an accurate prior, we integrate the linearized HMC scheme into a workflow that (i) allows for a weak prior through linearization around various (initial) centroid locations, (ii) is able to converge to the mode containing the model with the (global) minimum misfit by means of an iterative HMC approach, and (iii) uses variance reduction as a criterion to include the output of individual Markov chains in the estimation of the posterior probability. Using a three-dimensional heterogeneous subsurface model of the Groningen gas field, we simulate an induced earthquake to test our workflow. We then demonstrate the virtue of our workflow by estimating the event's centroid (three parameters), moment tensor (six parameters), and the earthquake's origin time. We find that our workflow is able to recover the posterior probability of these source parameters rather well, even when the prior model information is inaccurate, imprecise, or both inaccurate and imprecise.
Deportacje mieszkańców dawnego powiatu olsztyńskiego
w 1945 r. do pracy w ZSRR
Authors: Chłosta Jan
Published: February 2022

Artykuł przedstawia obszerną listę zaginionych mieszkańców z powiatu olsztyńskiego, deportowanych w 1945r. w ciężkich warunkach do katorżniczej pracy w ZSRR. Listę sporządził urodzony w 1943 r. w Jarotach, dzisiejszej dzielnicy Olsztyna, Klaus Josef Schwittay, na podstawie informacji pozyskanych z Niemieckiego Czerwonego Krzyża w Monachium. Autor uzupełnił listę szczegółami co do dalszego losu wspomnianych osób po aresztowaniu przez wojska sowieckie. Pozyskane informacje zostały opracowane, usystematyzowane i uaktualnione m.in. o obecne nazwy miejscowości oraz poprzedzone rozbudowanym wstępem. Artykuł nawiązuje do publikacji autora z 2004 roku z "Rocznika Mazurskiego" o tej samej tematyce znacznie go poszerzając.
Paweł Piotr Warot, Wojewódzki Urząd Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego w Olsztynie. Struktury-kadra-działalność, Instytut Pamięci Narodowej w Białymstoku, Białystok-Warszawa 2021, ss. 939.
Authors: Ślaski Marcin
Published: February 2022

Książka autorstwa Pawła Piotra Warota to pierwsza próba tak szerokiej charakterystyki działalności organów bezpieczeństwa publicznego Warmii i Mazur na poziomie wojewódzkim. Przedstawia ona nie tylko ludzi, którzy tworzyli – tajną policję polityczną i jej strukturę, ale jednocześnie prezentuje mechanizmy funkcjonowania komunistycznego aparatu represji w województwie olsztyńskim. Pytania badawcze jakie stawiał sobie autor mierząc się ze stworzeniem kompletnej monografii WUBP/WUdsBP w Olsztynie mogły brzmieć w ten sposób - jak wyglądała struktura aparatu bezpieczeństwa na Warmii i Mazurach? Kim byli ludzie, którzy zasilali kadry miejscowego urzędu bezpieczeństwa? Jak odnaleźli się w nowej powojennej rzeczywistości na Ziemiach Odzyskanych? Jak wyglądała skala represji wobec przeciwników politycznych? W jakich warunkach bytowych funkcjonowali więźniowie urzędu? Można założyć, że autor udzielił odpowiedzi na te pytania w takim stopniu, na ile pozwoliła mu na to dostępna baza źródłowa.
Threshold Effects of Oil Price and Oil Export on Trade Balance in Africa
Authors: Bala Umar , Chin Lee , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: February 2022

The impact of various macroeconomics variables on trade deficit has been studied in large OPEC (e.g., United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia); however other African countries are still needed to be studied. This study uses the transmission oil price (OP) changes to various economic sectors to examine the threshold effects of OP and oil export on trade balance in African OPEC members (Algeria, Angola, Libya and Nigeria). This study applied Pedroni cointegration test to establish the cointegration relationship among different macroeconomics variables by using three different proxies of OP. The dynamic panel models were used to examine the long-run impact of OP changes and threshold analysis. The study found that increase in OP and oil export positively encouraged import while exchange rate depreciation is significantly discouraged import. The study found that the threshold effect of oil export on the trade balance, when oil export is above a certain threshold, the impact is higher than below threshold. The aforementioned countries have to take into account that there is a threshold level and can increase oil export to improve the trade balance.
The Impact of Natural Disasters and Climate Change on Agriculture: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Tariq Iqbal , Anwar Sofia , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan , Nadeem Abdul Majeed
Published: February 2022

This study shows the effect of natural disasters, rainfall, temperature, economic growth, renewable energy, and contributing family workers on the agricultural development index in 101 countries of all income groups (i.e., 24 high, 29 upper-middle, 32 lower-middle, and 16 low). It develops a new agricultural development index using a standard procedure. The two-step generalized method of moments depicts revealed the adverse consequences of natural disasters on agriculture. Renewable energy showed a favorable impact on agricultural development in all panels. Contrarily, the reduction in agricultural development was reported due to an increase in temperature in all panels. Agricultural development increased due to economic growth in all panels. It is required to increase disaster resilience to minimize disaster-related losses. It is recommended to increase renewable energy use for agricultural development. Policymakers should make strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming.
THE NEED OF USE THE "PROGRESSIVE MODEL" OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM (ACADEMIC STAFF COMPETITION-ATTESTATION ASSESSMENT
Authors: Goroshidze George
Published: February 2022

The article considers the most acute problem of the higher education system - a competitive assessment of the teaching staff. The seriousness of this problem is associated with negative processes that often occur due to improper operation of the criteria system during the competition. The solution to these difficulties consists in developing an adequate model for assessing the academic staff and creating on its basis a balanced system of assessment criteria. The article proposes a “progressive model” for assessing the academic staff and a set of criteria for evaluating the work within this model, which allows a comprehensive assessment of the work done by all existing categories of teaching staff. This approach allows more efficient development of academic work and scientific fields by preserving human capital.
The content of non-ionized ammonia in the surface waters from the Danube and Black Seas hydrographical basin
Authors:   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Sandu Maria , Tarita Anatol ,   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova
Published: February 2022

In the study is evaluate the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the waters of some rivers of the Danube and Black Sea river basin. In most of the water samples studied, the content of non-ionized ammonia varied in different years from less than 0.025 mg/dm3 to very high 6,15 (r. Cahul, s. Gavanoasa) – 6,81 mg/dm3 (r Cogâlnic, Cimișlia), being higher downstream of cities compared to the upstream one. For example. at a temperature of 50C: Cogâlnic district (Hâncești town) more than 300 times, Cimișlia 59 times, and at 150C, respectively - 323 times and 57 times.
Self-purification capacity of small rivers water from the Republic of Moldova
Authors:   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Sandu Maria , Tarita Anatol ,   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Lungu Marina ,   Environmental Agency, Republic of Moldova, Mosanu Elena ,   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova
Published: February 2022

In the study is evaluate the self-purification capacity of small river waters through the CBO5 / CCO-Cr ratio. In the Dniester river basin waters with the value of selfpurification capacity <0,2 were highlighted in 44%, between 0,2-0,4 - 50%, and with a value > 0,4 in only 6% of sources. In the Prut river basin with CA between 0,2-0,4 were highlighted 71,5% of samples, and with the value >0,4 was water in 28,5% of sources. In the Danube-Black Sea basin with CA <0,1 there were 39% of samples, with CA 0,10,2 in 42% of sources, with the value 0,2-0,4 in 15% of sources and >0,4 being in a single source (3%).
Deep erosion (gullies) within the Lower Bic Plane – general aspects and space distribution
Authors:   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Cantir Angela
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to present the general aspects of one of the most important geomorphological processes highlighted in the Lower Bic Plain. The given process affects 1440.33 ha of the total area of the investigated territory. The typology and the spatial distribution of this process are just a few of the aspects presented in the given article and are generated by a geomorphological inventory of the territories affected by this process. The mapping and inventory of the deep erosion process are the basic elements in the analysis of the temporal patterns of the affected lands and of the negative consequences of this process on the study area.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of linear erosion in the Republic of Moldova
Authors:   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Boboc Nicolae
Published: February 2022

In erosion studies, special attention was paid to identifying the characteristics of linear erosion formations. Based on different information sources (cartographic materials, aerial photographs with different years of publication, land cadasters, bibliographic sources, field research, etc.) was assessed the spatial dynamics (ravins density and raven`s formation indices by geomorphological and territorial administrative units) and temporal dynamics of morphometric and quantitative characteristics the ravines in the space of Bessarabia from the middle of the XIX century and the Republic of Moldova in the second half of the XX century, and until 2020. The results of the possible influence of agricultural activities, including arable land on the processes of the linear erosion in the middle of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century, were modeled using GIS techniques.
Vulnerability of forest ecosystems under the impact of climate change (case study Southeast Republic of Moldova
Authors:   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Nedealcov Maria , Donica Ala ,   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova, Grigoras Nicolae ,   Institute of Ecology and Geography, Republic of Moldova
Published: February 2022

The forest ecosystems in the South-Eastern part of the country are distinguished by rich biological diversity, with rare species, located at the limit of their natural distribution area, induced by the presence of the territory at the contact of several biogeographical regions. Under the impact of current environmental changes, the sensitivity of forest ecosystems to climate change directly related to their ability to respond / adapt to these changes. The concomitant use of the eco-climatic indices De Martonne Aridity Index (IM) and the Ellenberg Coefficient (EQ) give the estimation of the exposure of tree mesophilic species to the aridization of the regional climate. It established that the forest ecosystems in the region have a high level of vulnerability to climate aridity, with tendencies towards a very high level of vulnerability - conditions that induce a lasting deficit in humidity and, respectively, forest degradation. Accelerated climate change trends will modify the sensitivity of forest species to water scarcity (increased risk), changes in the compositional structure of those ecosystems and chorological movements of species (from mesophilous deciduous forests in the temperate zone will move to climatic conditions specific to the growth and development of arid oak forests, with thermophilic species). We consider that the results are of practical interest in the sustainable management of the forestry sector.
Photo-catalytic oxidation with the Fenton reagent of anionic surfactant 2- ethyl-hexyl natrium sulphate
Authors:   Moldova State University, Porubin-Schimbator Veronica , Gonta Maria ,   Moldova State University, Mocanu Larisa ,   Moldova State University
Published: February 2022

The degradation and mineralization process of the anionic surfactant sodium 2ethylhexyl sulfate (2-EHS) was studied using the photo-catalytic oxidation process with Fenton reagent. As a result of the scientific research it has been found that the efficiency of degradation of the surfactant 2-EHS depends on the pH of the reaction medium. It was found that in the pH=2-2.5 range the residual concentration of the 2-EHS is minimal and increases with increasing pH, an important role in these processes is belongs to [Fe2+] and [H2O2]. The optimal conditions for carrying out the photocatalytic degradation of the 2-EHS were determined: [H2O2] = 0.3 mM, [Fe2+] = 0.8 mM, pH = 2.5. It was established that under such conditions the Fenton photo-catalytic oxidation process proceeds with an efficiency of 95%.
Assessment of Tear Production among Adults with Pterygium
Authors: Y.C. Azuamah, , N.P. Abadom, , E.C. Esenwah,
Published: February 2022

Pterygium is a wing-shaped fibrovascular proliferation that develops over the conjunctiva. This study was carried out to compare the tear production among adult patients with pterygium and a control group. A total of 92 subjects were used for this study which comprised of 52 pterygium subjects and 40 control groups. The tear film production was measured using Schirmer’s test strips and the length of pterygium was measured using PD rule. Visual acuity and external examination were taken on all subjects before tear production measurement. Results showed that for pterygium subjects, tear production of 0-10mm had the highest frequency of 35(67.31%) followed by 11 – 20mm with the frequency of 15(28.85%) and 21 – 30mm with the least frequency of 2(3.85%). For control subjects, tear production of 11 – 20mm had the highest frequency of 24(60%) followed by 21 – 30mm with the frequency of 7(1.75%), 0 – 10mm with frequency of 6(15%) and 31 – 40mm with the least frequency of 3(7.5%). The mean tear production values of pterygium and control subjects were 10.40±5.65mm and 17.65±7.83mm respectively. SPSS version 23 data analysis using the independent sample T-test at 0.05 level of significance showed a significant reduction (P ˂ 0.05) in tear production among pterygium subjects. It was concluded that people with pterygium are more susceptible to dry eye. Public awareness of pterygium and the use of lubricating eye drops were recommended.

Keywords: Pterygium, Dry Eye, Tears, Tear film, Tear production, Conjunctiva.
Происхождение социальной политики в Германии
Authors: Подольский Вадим Андреевич
Published: February 2022

Решение о введении обязательного страхования в Германии в 1880-е годы определило развитие социальной политики в Европе и других регионах на последующее столетие. Если реформы 1880-х хорошо известны в отечественной и зарубежной науке, то более ранние меры социальной политики в Германии изучены меньше. Цель настоящей статьи – рассмотреть всю историю становления социальной политики в Германии до конца XIX века. Опираясь на сравнительно-исторический подход, анализ правовых документов и институтов, статья показывает формирование норм и практик социальной политики в Германии и их значение. Созданная в 1880-е система была основана на восходящих к средневековью принципах корпоративной солидарности и взаимопомощи, а также городских программах поддержки нуждающихся. Представленные сведения о истории социальной поддержки в Германии представляют ценность для изучения социальной политики, благотворительности, самоорганизации.

Статья подготовлена при финансовой поддержке в рамках выполнения ГЗ (государственного задания) ГАУГН по теме «Современное информационное общество и цифровая наука: когнитивные, экономические, политические и правовые аспекты» (FZNF-2020-0014)
Особенности внутренней политической ситуации в Ираке в период с 1920 по 2003 гг.
Authors: Хасан Джанаби Якуб Сабих , Надир Эддин Мохаммед Салах
Published: February 2022

Данное исследование призвано прояснить детали наиболее важных этапов изменений во внутренней политике Ирака с 1920 по 2003 годы. На протяжении почти всего XX столетия Ирак подвергался многократным сменам власти, а также влиянию событий, имевших место в других государствах региона, что в сумме привело страну к внутреннему хаосу и нестабильности, сопровождавшимися продолжительными раздорами среди этнических, религиозных и социальных групп. В ходе работы были проанализированы ранее не упоминавшиеся источники, что позволило получить новые подробности о предмете исследования. Дополнительные детали событий и точки зрения на них позволили ещё раз оценить влияние различных факторов на создание обстановки в стране и на развитие её отношений с внешним миром. Становится более заметна неспособность Ирака своими силами справиться с нарастающим внутренним кризисом, что привело мировое сообщество к принятию решения о вынужденном внешнем вмешательстве.