bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of In Situ Urbanization on Housing, Mobility and Employment of Local Residents in China
Authors: Li Yanxu , Xie Zhenfa , Li Bo , Mohiuddin Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Rapid economic growth and infrastructure development force in situ urbanization in locations where people from rural areas gain urban residency without experiencing long-distance geographical relocation. However, the impacts of in situ urbanization on farmers’ and other residents’ well-being remains unclear, and there are some arguments about the idea that “urbanization of people lags behind urbanization of land” in China. Therefore, this study firstly finds a reasonable way to measure in situ urbanization: the transfer of rural-urban division codes. On this basis, by applying the PSM-DID method, we use national census data to explore the impacts of in situ urbanization on farmers from the perspective of housing, mobility and employment. The research results show that after the in situ urbanization, the possibility of farmers moving into non-self-built high-rising buildings increases, while the possibility of farmers leaving the county for employment decreases. Besides, the employment structure in the county where in situ urbanization takes place has shifted from primary industry to secondary and tertiary industry. Moreover, this paper also discusses the spillover effects of in situ urbanization on other residents in the county. Our study shows that in situ urbanization can improve residents’ well-being and offers sustainable land-people integrated urbanization.
Rural Effectiveness Evaluation: A New Way of Assessing Village Development Status
Authors: Wang Yifang , Cheng Linlin , Zheng Yang
Published: July 2022

China is currently at a crucial stage of rural revival and transformation growth. Accurate measurement of rural development status is able to provide decision-making services for rural revitalization plan implementation. To address this issue, combining with effectiveness concepts and on the basis of the widely recognized “production–living–ecology” perspective of rural development in the world, this study proposes an innovative technical evaluating system for rural effectiveness. We constructed a rural effectiveness evaluation index system and measurement model, as well as a four-quadrant approach to identify the effectiveness of villages, selecting Xintai county, a typical resource-depleted city, for empirical analysis to verify the evaluation technical system. The results show that (1) 220 villages had comprehensive effectiveness, accounting for 27.8% of the total; the amount of effectiveness for villages in terms of the production, living, and ecological dimensions were 204, 229 and 195, respectively, and they clearly displayed heterogeneity in terms of spatial distribution. (2) The following are village effectiveness dominant types: the function dominates the comprehensive effectiveness. For each dimension, there is a functionally dominant type. (3) Bivariate Moran’s I analysis revealed the relationships’ internal effectiveness. In the same dimension, there was a conflict between efficiency and function. In each dimension, trade-offs were found between the production function, ecological function, living efficiency, as well as production efficiency, ecological function, and efficiency. Synergies were found among the production function and ecological efficiency. Living efficiency had synergies with production efficiency and ecological efficiency. This research enriched the theoretical approach of assessing rural development status and can help guide the rational conversion of village elements to achieve village transformation and sustainability development, as well as providing technical assistance for the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.
From Photocatalysis to Photo-Electrocatalysis: An Innovative Water Remediation System for Sustainable Fish Farming
Authors: Buoio Eleonora , Cialini Chiara , Cafiso Alessandra , Aidos Lucia , Mazzola Silvia Michela , Rossi Raffaella , Livolsi Simone , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Selli Elena , Bestetti Massimiliano , Franz Silvia , Chiarello Gian Luca , Costa Annamaria , Bazzocchi Chiara
Published: July 2022

In this study, the effects of photo-electrocatalysis (PEC) were evaluated as an innovative application of conventional photocatalysis (PC) to remediate water in a recirculating system for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) culture, in relation to fish welfare and health, with a multidisciplinary approach. Three tanks were employed, equipped with conventional biological filters as a control system, and three tanks equipped with the PEC purification system. The concentrations of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate ions in water were monitored, and the fish’s oxidative damage and stress response were evaluated in parallel. The water of the PEC-treated experimental group showed lower ammonia (TAN) and nitrite concentrations and higher nitrate concentration, possibly deriving from TAN oxidation through PEC, also leading to gaseous N2. Histological analysis did not reveal any pathological alteration in the gills and liver of both groups. The superoxide dismutase (sod1), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) gene expressions were significantly higher in the control group than in the PEC-treated group, while the Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression did not show any difference in the two groups. These results indicate that the use of PEC filters has a positive effect on water quality, compared to the use of conventional biological filters, inducing a high level of welfare in O. mykiss.
Long-Term Degradation Trend Prediction and Remaining Useful Life Estimation for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Cui Lixiang , Huo Haibo , Xie Genhui , Xu Jingxiang , Kuang Xinghong , Dong Zhaopeng
Published: July 2022

During the actual operation of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), degradation is one of the most difficult technical problems to overcome. Predicting the degradation trend and estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) can effectively diagnose the potential failure and prolong the useful life of the fuel cell. To study the degradation trend of the SOFC under constant load conditions, a SOFC degradation model based on the ohmic area specific resistance (ASR) is presented first in this paper. Based on this model, a particle filter (PF) algorithm is proposed to predict the long-term degradation trend of the SOFC. The prediction performance of the PF is compared with that of the Kalman filter, which shows that the proposed algorithm is equipped with better accuracy and superiority. Furthermore, the RUL of the SOFC is estimated by using the obtained degradation prediction data. The results show that the model-based RUL estimation method has high accuracy, while the excellence of the PF algorithm for degradation trend prediction and RUL estimation is proven.
Issue-Based Complexity: Digitally Supported Negotiation in Geodesign Linking Planning and Implementation
Authors: Flint Ashery Shlomit , Steinitz Carl
Published: July 2022

Research regarding the complex issues in planning negotiation is sparse. This article aims to shed light on the characteristics of “the negotiation issue” in planning and how to deal with negotiation-related complexity towards planning implementation. It conceptualizes processes of negotiation that are represented/implemented via graphic and geographic elements, where the topology is a crucial factor. Our case study of the CAMKOX corridor at UCL’s geodesign workshop provides new insights into the potential of digital negotiations for assessing the characteristics of planning negotiation issues and their associated complexity drivers to enhance the quality of spatiality. The findings provide a detailed description of issue-based planning complexity. A shift of focus away from the products of planning to the negotiation process—as the most important consideration in planning—opens the possibility of implementing “shared” interventions on which there is consensus.
Research on the Evolution Characteristics and Synergistic Relationship between HSR Network and Economic Network in Hubei Province
Authors: Lv Yuejiao , Chen Yajuan
Published: July 2022

We construct high-speed railway (HSR) networks for 15 cities in Hubei Province based on the HSR daily operating frequency panel data from 2009 to 2019 and construct economic networks for these cities through a gravity model. Then, we use social network analysis to explore the topological structure and evolutionary characteristics of the HSR and economic networks and use quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) analysis and coupling coordination to analyze the synergistic relationship between the HSR network and economic network. The results show that both the connectivity of the HSR network in Hubei Province and its interactive structure have improved significantly. The development of the HSR network has promoted the interaction of economic networks, but the economic connection among these cities is still weak. Overall, the two networks show a high correlation, but the development trend of both is not clear in the later stage. In general, the province’s level of coupling and coordination has increased, but local disequilibrium still exists.
Abstraction of Interpolative Reich-Rus-Ćirić-Type Contractions and Simplest Proof Technique
Authors: Alansari Monairah , Ali Muhammad Usman
Published: July 2022

The concept of symmetry is a very vast topic that is involved in the studies of several phenomena. This concept enables us to discuss the phenomenon in some systematic pattern depending upon the type of phenomenon. Each phenomenon has its own type of symmetry. The phenomenon that is used in the discussion of this article is a symmetric distance-measuring function. This article presents the notions of abstract interpolative Reich-Rus-Ćirić-type contractions with a shrink map and examines the existence of ϕ-fixed points for such maps in complete metric space. These notions are defined through special types of simulation functions. The proof technique of the results presented in this article is easy to understand compared with the existing literature on interpolative Reich-Rus-Ćirić-type contractions.
Long-Time Bit Storage and Retrieval without Cold Atom Technology
Authors: Friedberg Richard , Manassah Jamal T.
Published: July 2022

We report computer studies showing how the duration of memory for storage and retrieval of a classical bit can be increased to 100 times the decay time of an isolated atom, with no use of high-tech cold-atom preparations recently developed in the light-matter field. We suggest that our low-tech procedure can greatly enlarge the number of experimenters able to enter this field. The role of symmetry in this procedure arises in a careful interplay of incoherent and coherent excitations of a large collection of “two-level” atoms, the level separation being matched by the dominant frequency of the electromagnetic fields (short pulses and continuing field) applied to the system.
Multi-Modal Rigid Image Registration and Segmentation Using Multi-Stage Forward Path Regenerative Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ashfaq Muniba , Minallah Nasru , Frnda Jaroslav , Behan Ladislav
Published: July 2022

Medical image diagnosis and delineation of lesions in the human brain require information to combine from different imaging sensors. Image registration is considered to be an essential pre-processing technique of aligning images of different modalities. The brain is a naturally bilateral symmetrical organ, where the left half lobe resembles the right half lobe around the symmetrical axis. The identified symmetry axis in one MRI image can identify symmetry axes in multi-modal registered MRI images instantly. MRI sensors may induce different levels of noise and Intensity Non-Uniformity (INU) in images. These image degradations may cause difficulty in finding true transformation parameters for an optimization technique. We will be investigating the new variant of evolution strategy of genetic algorithm as an optimization technique that performs well even for the high level of noise and INU, compared to Nesterov, Limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno algorithm (LBFGS), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Single-Stage Genetic Algorithm (SSGA). The proposed new multi-modal image registration technique based on a genetic algorithm with increasing precision levels and decreasing search spaces in successive stages is called the Multi-Stage Forward Path Regenerative Genetic Algorithm (MFRGA). Our proposed algorithm is better in terms of overall registration error as compared to the standard genetic algorithm. MFRGA results in a mean registration error of 0.492 in case of the same level of noise (1–9)% and INU (0–40)% in both reference and template image, and 0.317 in case of a noise-free template and reference with noise levels (1–9)% and INU (0–40)%. Accurate registration results in good segmentation, and we apply registration transformations to segment normal brain structures for evaluating registration accuracy. The brain segmentation via registration with our proposed algorithm is better even in cases of high levels of noise and INU as compared to GA and LBFGS. The mean dice similarity coefficient of brain structures CSF, GM, and WM is 0.701, 0.792, and 0.913, respectively.
A Viscosity Approximation Method for Solving General System of Variational Inequalities, Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Yazdi Maryam , Hashemi Sababe Saeed
Published: July 2022

This paper is devoted to introducing a new viscosity approximation method using the implicit midpoint rules for finding a common element in the set of solutions of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem, the set of solutions of a general system of variational inequalities and the set of common fixed points of a finite family of nonexpansive mappings in a symmetric Hilbert space. Then, we prove a strong convergence theorem regarding the proposed iterative scheme under some suitable conditions on the parameters. Finally, we provide two numerical results to show the consistency and accuracy of the scheme. One of them, moreover, compares the behavior of our scheme with the iterative scheme of Ke and Ma (Fixed Point Theory Appl 190, 2015).
Do Artificial Neural Networks Always Provide High Prediction Performance? An Experimental Study on the Insufficiency of Artificial Neural Networks in Capacitance Prediction of the 6H-SiC/MEH-PPV/Al Diode
Authors: Çolak Andaç Batur , Güzel Tamer , Shafiq Anum , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study a new model that represents the symmetric connection between capacitance–voltage and Schottky diode. This model has a symmetrical shape towards the horizontal direction. In recent times, works conducted on artificial neural network structure, which is one of the greatest actual artificial intelligence apparatuses used in various fields, stated that artificial neural networks are apparatuses that proposal very high forecast performance by the side of conventional structures. In the current investigation, an artificial neural network structure has been generated to guess the capacitance voltage productions of the Schottky diode with organic polymer edge, contingent on the frequency with a symmetrical shape. Of the dataset, 130 were grouped for training, 28 for validation, and 28 for testing. In order to evaluate the effect of the number of neurons on the prediction accuracy, three different models with different neuron numbers have been developed. This study, in which an artificial neural network model, although well-trained, could not predict the output values correctly, is a first in the literature. With this aspect, the study can be considered as a pioneering study that brings a novelty to the literature.
Fractional-View Analysis of Fokker-Planck Equations by ZZ Transform with Mittag-Leffler Kernel
Authors: Saad Alshehry Azzh , Imran Muhammad , Shah Rasool , Weera Wajaree
Published: July 2022

This work combines a ZZ transformation with the Adomian decomposition method to solve the fractional-order Fokker-Planck equations. The fractional derivative is represented in the Atangana-Baleanu derivative. It is looked at with graphs that show that the accurate and estimated results are close to each other, indicating that the method works. Fractional-order solutions are the most in line with the dynamics of the targeted problems, and they provide an endless number of options for an optimal mathematical model solution for a particular physical phenomenon. This analytical approach produces a series type result that quickly converges to actual answers. The acquired outcomes suggest that the novel analytical solution method is simple to use and very successful at assessing complicated equations that occur in related research and engineering fields.
Women in Radiology: Perceived or True Barrier?
Authors: Vernuccio Federica , Crimì Filippo , Pepe Alessia , Quaia Emilio
Published: July 2022

Numbers are facts, and facts need to be publicly discussed for any change to happen [...]
Susceptibilities of the Invasive Fall Armyworm (Spodopterafrugiperda) to the Insecticidal Proteins of Bt maize in China
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Zhang Dandan , Zhao Shengyuan , Wu Kongming
Published: July 2022

To control the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), a serious threat to maize production in China, the Chinese government has issued biosafety certificates for transgenic insect-resistant maize expressing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) toxins including Bt-Cry1Ab maize (crop event DBN9936), Bt-Vip3Aa maize (event DBN9501), Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize with superimposed traits (event DBN9936 × DBN9501) and Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize with superimposed traits (event Bt11 × MIR162), but the susceptibility baselines of geographically distinct FAW populations to these events, which form the basis for managing resistance development in the pest to these events, are not clear. We used the diet-incorporated bioassays method to detect the susceptibilities of the seven FAW populations collected from Yunnan, Henan and Hubei provinces in China in 2021 to the insecticidal proteins of the four Bt maize events. The result showed that the susceptibilities of different geographical populations to Bt insecticidal proteins were significantly different. In the seven populations, the range in median lethal concentrations (LC50) of Cry1Ab expressed in DBN9936 was 0.87–2.63 μg/g, 0.14–0.30 μg/g for Vip3Aa expressed in DBN9501, 0.78–1.86 μg/g for Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa expressed in DBN9936 × DBN9501, and 0.36–1.42 μg/g for CryAb+Vip3Aa expressed in Bt11 × MIR162. The growth inhibition responses also showed that the susceptibilities varied with the different median growth inhibitory concentration (GIC50) ranges (0.38–1.22, 0.08–0.28, 0.28–0.87, and 0.24–0.78 μg/g, respectively). The variations in the ranges of the susceptibility baselines of the geographical populations of fall armyworm in China to the insecticidal proteins expressed in the four events provide a scientific basis for monitoring FAW population resistance to Bt maize and managing the populations using different Bt maize events.
Trends in State Anxiety during the Full Lockdown in Italy: The Role Played by COVID-19 Risk Perception and Trait Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Tedaldi Elisa , Orabona Noemi , Hovnanyan Ani , Rubaltelli Enrico , Scrimin Sara
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with mental health outcomes in the general population. This study assessed how state anxiety changed at different time points during the pandemic and how it was influenced by risk perception and trait emotional intelligence (trait EI). The study was conducted online in two data collections, at the beginning (wave 1, N = 1031) and at the end (wave 2, N = 700) of the lockdown. Participants were asked to self-report their state anxiety, risk perception of COVID-19 contagiousness, and trait EI. The interaction between risk perception and wave showed that, in wave 1 (but not in wave 2), anxiety increased as risk perception increased. Further, trait EI by wave interactions showed that effective (vs. ineffective) regulators experienced lower anxiety and this difference was larger in wave 2 than in wave 1. Because of the cross-sectional design of the study and the convenience sample we should be cautious when generalizing the present findings to the entire population. Our findings support the moderating role of trait EI on state anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This knowledge provides further support for the importance of EI in coping with uncertain and stressful environmental conditions such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Lactose Fermenting Bacteria Colonizing Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sickle Cell Disease and Diabetes Mellitus in Mwanza City, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Said Maria M. , Msanga Delfina R. , Mtemisika Conjester I. , Silago Vitus , Mirambo Mariam M. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: July 2022

Rectal carriage of extended spectrum β-lactamase-lactose fermenters (ESBL-LF) is the major risk factor for the development of subsequent endogenous infections. This study determined the patterns and factors associated with the rectal carriage of ESBL-LF among children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) attending clinics at different health care facilities in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children living with HIV (n = 236), DM (n = 42) and SCD (n = 126) between July and September 2021. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Rectal swabs/stool samples were collected and processed to detect the rectal carriage of ESBL-LF following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 13.0. The overall prevalence of ESBL-LF carriage was 94/404 (23.3%). Significantly higher resistance was observed to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from HIV infected children than in non-HIV infected children (p < 0.05). The commonest ESBL allele 45/62 (72.6%) detected was blaCTX-M. Generally, a parent’s low education level was found to be associated with ESBL-LF colonization among children living with HIV; (OR 4.60 [95%CI] [1.04–20], p = 0.044). A higher proportion of ESBL-LF from DM 10/10 (100%) carried ESBL genes than ESBL-LF from HIV 37/56 (66.1%) and SCD 15/28 (53.6%), p = 0.02. There is a need to collect more data regarding trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) prophylaxis and antibiotic resistance to guide the decision of providing SXT prophylaxis in HIV-infected children especially at this time, when testing and treatment is carried out.
Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Eggerthella lenta Bacteriophage PMBT5
Authors: Sprotte Sabrina , Rasmussen Torben S. , Cho Gyu-Sung , Brinks Erik , Lametsch René , Neve Horst , Vogensen Finn K. , Nielsen Dennis S. , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: July 2022

Eggerthella lenta is a common member of the human gut microbiome. We here describe the isolation and characterization of a putative virulent bacteriophage having E. lenta as host. The double-layer agar method for isolating phages was adapted to anaerobic conditions for isolating bacteriophage PMBT5 from sewage on a strictly anaerobic E. lenta strain of intestinal origin. For this, anaerobically grown E. lenta cells were concentrated by centrifugation and used for a 24 h phage enrichment step. Subsequently, this suspension was added to anaerobically prepared top (soft) agar in Hungate tubes and further used in the double-layer agar method. Based on morphological characteristics observed by transmission electron microscopy, phage PMBT5 could be assigned to the Siphoviridae phage family. It showed an isometric head with a flexible, noncontractile tail and a distinct single 45 nm tail fiber under the baseplate. Genome sequencing and assembly resulted in one contig of 30,930 bp and a mol% GC content of 51.3, consisting of 44 predicted protein-encoding genes. Phage-related proteins could be largely identified based on their amino acid sequence, and a comparison with metagenomes in the human virome database showed that the phage genome exhibits similarity to two distantly related phages.
Genomic Diversity of Torque Teno Virus in Blood Samples from Febrile Paediatric Outpatients in Tanzania: A Descriptive Cohort Study
Authors: Laubscher Florian , Hartley Mary-Anne , Kaiser Laurent , Cordey Samuel
Published: July 2022

Torque teno virus (TTV) is considered to be an ubiquitous member of the commensal human blood virome commonly reported in mixed genotype co-infections. This study investigates the genomic diversity of TTV in blood samples from 816 febrile Tanzanian children. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing was used to screen for TTV in individual blood samples from a cohort of 816 febrile Tanzanian paediatric outpatients. For positive samples, the number of TTV species and genotypes present were evaluated. We investigate the linear relationship between individual TTV diversity and the patient age by linear regression. TTV was detected in 97.2% of sera. ORF1 analysis revealed the presence of 149 genotypes from 38 species, suggesting the presence of 13 new species. These genotypes were mostly present as co-infections with a median of 11 genotypes/subject (range: 1–71). In terms of species, we found a median of nine species/subject (range: 1–29). We further show a significant association between the diversity of co-detected TTV and the age of the subjects (p value < 0.0001). This study shows that significant TTV genomic diversity is acquired by the age of five and that this diversity tends to increase with age, which indicates a repetitive TTV acquisition during the first months/years of life.
Intelligent Prediction Method for Waterlogging Risk Based on AI and Numerical Model
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Yesen , Zheng Jingwei , Chai Fuxin , Ren Hancheng
Published: July 2022

Numerical simulation models are commonly used to analyze and simulate urban waterlogging risk. However, the computational efficiency of numerical models is too low to meet the requirements of urban emergency management. In this study, a new method was established by combining a long short-term memory neural network model with a numerical model, which can quickly predict the waterlogging depth of a city. First, a numerical model was used to simulate and calculate the ponding depth of each ponding point under different rainfall schemes. Using the simulation results as training samples, the long short-term memory neural network was trained to predict and simulate the waterlogging process. The results showed that the proposed “double model” prediction model appropriately reflected the relationship between the changes in waterlogging depth and the temporal and spatial changes in rainfall, and the accuracy and speed of computation were higher than those of the numerical model alone. The simulation speed of the “double model” was 324,000 times that of the numerical model alone. The proposed “double model” method provides a new idea for the application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of disaster prevention and reduction.
Prospective Water Balance Scenarios (2015–2035) for the Management of São Francisco River Basin, Eastern Brazil
Authors: Bettencourt Pedro , de Oliveira Rodrigo Proença , Fulgêncio Cláudia , Canas Ângela , Wasserman Julio Cesar
Published: July 2022

The need for renewed and healthier water resources pushes human society to develop new management procedures that warrant provisions and that are compatible with the population and economic growth. The São Francisco River is one of the main surface water resources in Brazil and is facing environmental challenges that threaten its sustainability. In the scope of growing conflicts over water resources in the São Francisco River Basin, the present research applied surface and groundwater balances for the current situation and for three prospective water demand scenarios (a pessimistic, an optimistic and an equilibrated) referring to 2025 and 2035, considering the multiple uses of the basin. For the surface water balance, the AcquaNet Decision Support System was used, whereas for the groundwater balance, the relationship between the withdrawal flow for consumptive uses and the exploitable flow was applied. The results evidenced that there are scenarios in which the available surface water resources will not be sufficient to satisfy the demanded projections. The groundwater balance was characterized as more favourable; however, the lack of knowledge creates uncertainties about these resources. Beyond its limitations, research was able to define geographical water availability and balance, allowing the indication of precise management procedures.
Assessment of Water Quality Indicators in the Orla River Nitrate Vulnerable Zone in the Context of New Threats in Poland
Authors: Kupiec Jerzy Mirosław , Staniszewski Ryszard , Kayzer Dariusz
Published: July 2022

Currently, one of the most serious threats to the environment in rural areas is industrial livestock production, which generates a significant amount of chemical and biological pollution. It causes pollution of waters, affects biodiversity, and has an impact on the climate. Research was carried out in the Orla River (Poland) with a catchment area of 1.546 km2. Studies were concentrated on pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and other factors. Analyses were conducted on the area of livestock buildings in two buffer zones, 1 and 3 km wide, respectively, and included the abundance of phosphorus and potassium in soil as well as its potential impact on the quality of river water. Seasonal variability was observed for nutrients. In the winter period the highest concentrations of nitrates were observed, while in the summer this was the case for phosphates and total phosphorus. The highest concentrations of nutrients occurred in 2012, particularly total and ammonium nitrogen. There was a positive correlation between livestock building area and parameters such as ammonium, organic, and total nitrogen in the 1 km buffer, as well as organic and total nitrogen, potassium and dissolved oxygen in the 3 km buffer. Negative correlation in the case of pH was observed in both buffer zones. Relationships were found between the area of livestock buildings and parameters analyzed during seasons.
Simulating the Effects of Agricultural Adaptation Practices onto the Soil Water Content in Future Climate Using SWAT Model on Upland Bystra River Catchment
Authors: Badora Damian , Wawer Rafał , Nieróbca Anna , Król-Badziak Aleksandra , Kozyra Jerzy , Jurga Beata , Nowocień Eugeniusz
Published: July 2022

The article presents predicted changes in soil water content in the Bystra river catchment (eastern Poland) for various scenarios of climate change and adaptation practices obtained on the basis of a SWAT model simulation for three regional climate models driven by the global climate model EC-EARTH for the years 2041–2050 and the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 RCP scenarios. Climate scenarios were put against five adaptation scenarios presenting changes in land use and protective measures compared against a zero scenario of BaU (Business as Usual) kept in the future climate. Adaptation scenarios 1–5 are modifications of Scenario 0 (S-0). The 0–5 scenarios’ analysis was based on comparing soil water content and total runoff, sediment yield, actual evapotranspiration. The first adaptation scenario (AS-1) assumes an increase in afforestation on soils from the agricultural suitability complex of soil 6–8 (semi-dry, permanent dry, semi-wet). The second adaptation scenario (AS-2) assumes the creation of a forested buffer for the Bystra River and its tributaries. The third adaptation scenario (AS-3) shows one of the erosion prevention practices, the so-called filter strips. The fourth adaptation scenario (AS-4) assumes the reduction in plowing on arable land. The fifth adaptation scenario (AS-5) involves increasing soil organic carbon to 2%. Simulations revealed that each of the adaptation scenarios 1, 2, 3, 5 does not generally contribute to increasing the water content in soil on BARL (spring crops), CANP (rape), WWHT (winter crops), CRDY (other crops) on arable lands (which together account for over 50% of the catchment area). However, they can contribute to the reduction in sediment yield, total runoff and changes in actual evapotranspiration. The adaptation scenario 4 (AS-4) shows a slight increase in the soil water content on Bystra catchment in the 2041–2050 perspective. Scenario 4 indicated a slight increase in total runoff and a decrease in sediment yield, which in combination with slightly higher water content reflects the protective role of plant residue mulch, lowering the evaporation from the bare soil surface during warm seasons. The no-till adaptation practice had the highest effect in positively affecting water balance at the catchment scale among the adaptation scenarios considered.
Assessing the Impact of the Strictest Water Resources Management Policy on Water Use Efficiency in China
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Zhao Yuntong , Wang Nina , Song Tao , Song Zhe
Published: July 2022

The strictest water resources management policy plays a critical role in response to the challenge of water shortage, water security, and sustainable water development in China. Despite the varied analyses of the strictest water resources management policy, the relations between the strictest water resources management policy and water use efficiency remain under-researched. This study uses an interval event-analysis method to assess the strictest water resources management policy’s impact on water use efficiency in China based on data from 2007 to 2020. In addition, the study breaks down water use efficiency into eight indicators and divides the strictest water management policy into “pre-, middle, and post-” phases. The research results show the strictest water resources management policy has a significant positive effect on water use efficiency. Further research shows the total water consumption control system and water efficiency control system have the most significant effect. The strictest water resources management policy has a lasting impact on water use efficiency. This study contributes to the global knowledge body of water governance and provides a reference value for water policy decision-making and optimization in other countries.
Dual-Diameter Laterals in Center-Pivot Irrigation System
Authors: Baiamonte Giorgio
Published: July 2022

Design strategies to enhance modern irrigation practices, reduce energy consumption, and improve water use efficiency and crop yields are fundamental for sustainability. Concerning Center-Pivot Irrigation Systems, different design procedures aimed at optimizing water use efficiency have been proposed. Recently, following a gradually decreasing sprinkler spacing along the pivot lateral with constant diameter and sprinkler flow rate, a new design method providing a uniform water application rate has been introduced. However, no suggestions were given to design multiple-diameter laterals characterized by different values of the inside pipe diameter. In this paper, first the previous design procedure is briefly summarized. Then, for the dual-diameter center pivot laterals a design procedure is presented, which makes it possible to determine pipe diameters that always provide sprinkler pressure heads within an admitted range. The results showed that for the assigned input parameters, many suitable solutions can be selected. The lateral pressure head distributions were compared to those derived by the common numerical step by step solutions, validating the suggested simplified procedure. An error analysis was performed, showing that the relative error, in pressure heads, RE, was less than 2.3%. If imposing the mean weight diameter, Dm, equal to its minimum value, the optimal pressure head tolerance of the outer lateral, δI, amounting to about 2%, with the RE in pressure heads being less than 0.4%, which makes the suggested procedure very accurate. Several applications were performed, compared, and discussed.
Dynamic Analysis in Surface Water Area and Its Driving Factors in Northeast China from 1988 to 2020
Authors: Shan Wei , Qiu Lisha , Guo Ying , Zhang Chengcheng , Ma Min
Published: July 2022

The spatiotemporal changes in surface water area (SWA) in the basins of Northeast China have far-reaching impacts on their economic, agricultural, and social development and ecological sustainability. However, the long-term variation characteristics of water bodies in the Northeast basin and its main driving factors are still unclear. Based on the global surface water dataset, combined with the Meteorological and Vegetation Normalized Index (NDVI) datasets, this study used linear regression and correlation analysis to investigate the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of surface water in Northeast China and its driving factors from 1988 to 2020. The results show that (1) the seasonal surface water area (SSWA) and permanent surface water area (PSWA) in Northeast China increased at the rates of 58.408 km2/ year and 169.897 km2/ year, respectively, from 1988 to 2020. Taking 2000 as the node, PSWA and SSWA showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. (2) Changes in surface water types in each basin have significant space–time differences, and the transition between water bodies is dominated by the addition and reduction of seasonal water bodies. PSWA decreased significantly in western basins such as the Ulagai River Basin, the Otindag Desert, and the Liao River Basin, but increased significantly in the Songhua River Basin. (3) The driving forces of surface water change in different basins are different. Temperature and NDVI play a leading role in the change of SWA in the western arid region; permafrost degradation under the condition of air temperature rise is an indispensable factor affecting SWA change in the Argun River Basin; the eastern basin with a larger surface water area responded more strongly to changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration. Land-use conversion and water conservancy project construction were the main reasons for the increase of SWA in the Songhua River Basin under reduced precipitation. This research provides a reference for the in-depth study of the characteristics of surface water resources in Northeast China and has important practical significance for the scientific management of water resources in the basin.
Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Bio-Insights of Honey-Produced α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharmila Mohamed , Mani Ramasamy Jothi , Parvathiraja Chelliah , Kader Sheik Mohammed Abdul , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Islam Md Ataul , Lai Wen-Cheng
Published: July 2022

Iron oxide nanoparticles are produced using simple auto combustion methods with honey as a metal-stabilizing and -reducing agent. Herein, α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles are produced using an iron nitrate precursor. These prepared samples are analyzed by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, UV-DRS, and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD results confirm a rhombohedral structure with an R3c¯ space group single-phase formation of α-Fe2O3 in all samples. FESEM images reveal the different morphologies for the entire three samples. TEM analysis exhibits spherical shapes and their distribution on the surfaces. XPS spectroscopy confirms the Fe-2p and O-1s state and their valency. The VSM study shows strong ferromagnetic behavior. The prepared α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles exhibit exceptional charge carriers and radical production. The prepared sample retains excellent photocatalytic, antifungal and antibacterial activity.
Influence of Climate and Land Cover/Use Change on Water Balance: An Approach to Individual and Combined Effects
Authors: Martínez-Retureta Rebeca , Aguayo Mauricio , Abreu Norberto J. , Urrutia Roberto , Echeverría Cristian , Lagos Octavio , Rodríguez-López Lien , Duran-Llacer Iongel , Barra Ricardo O.
Published: July 2022

Land use/cover change (LUCC) and climate change (CC) affect water resource availability as they alter important hydrological processes. Mentioned factors modify the magnitude of surface runoff, groundwater recharge, and river flow among other parameters. In the present work, changes that occurred in the recent decades at the Quino and Muco river watersheds in the south-central zone of Chile were evaluated to predict future cover/use changes considering a forest expansion scenario according to Chilean regulations. In this way an expansion by 42.3 km2 and 52.7 km2 at Quino and Muco watersheds, respectively, was predicted, reaching a watersheds’ occupation of 35.4% and 22.3% in 2051. Additionally, the local climatic model RegCM4-MPI-ESM-MR was used considering periods from 2020–2049 and 2050–2079, under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Finally, the SWAT model was applied to assess the hydrological response of both watersheds facing the considered forcing factors. Five scenarios were determined to evaluate the LUCC and CC individual and combined effects. The results depict a higher sensitivity of the watersheds to CC impacts, where an increase of evapotranspiration, with a lessening of percolation, surface flow, lateral flow, and groundwater flow, triggered a water yield (WYLD) decrease in all predicted scenarios. However, when both global changes act synergistically, the WYLD decreases considerably with reductions of 109.8 mm and 123.3 mm at the Quino and Muco watersheds, respectively, in the most extreme simulated scenario. This water scarcity context highlights the necessity to promote land use management strategies to counteract the imminent effects of CC in the watersheds.
Strategic Design and Delivery of Integrated Catchment Restoration Monitoring: Emerging Lessons from a 12-Year Study in the UK
Authors: Spray Chris , Black Andrew , Bradley David , Bromley Chris , Caithness Fiona , Dodd Jennifer , Hunt James , MacDonald Alan , Martinez Romero Roberto , McDermott Tommy , Moir Hamish , Quinn Lorraine , Reid Helen , Robertson Hamish
Published: July 2022

Despite growing interest in river and catchment restoration, including a focus on nature-based solutions, assessing effectiveness of restoration programmes continues to prove a challenge. The development of the Eddleston Water project, the Scottish Government’s empirical study of the impact of implementing natural flood management measures on flood risk and habitat restoration, provides the opportunity to review restoration monitoring at a strategic and operational level for this long-running catchment restoration programme. The project has implemented an extensive range of restoration measures along the river and across the 69 km2 catchment. This paper reviews the monitoring strategy and assesses both how the monitoring network developed meets its strategic aims and what subsequent changes were made in monitoring design and implementation. Covering hydrology, hydromorphology and ecology, we explore how all three are integrated to provide a comprehensive assessment of restoration success. Lessons to help inform other river rehabilitation monitoring programmes include the importance of a scoping study and capturing the full range of environmental variables pre-restoration; the limitations of BACI designs; and the need to focus integrated monitoring on a process-based framework and impact cascade, whilst also covering the full trajectory of recovery.
The effect of the distraction of thought by music on pain relief in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Torki Maasoumeh , Heidari Haydeh , Norian Kobra , Rabieie Leila , Sedehi Morteza
Published: July 2022

Background and aims: The distraction of thought is a technique in which a pleasant stimulus is presented to the patient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the distraction of thought by music on pain relief in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 120 patients referring to Ayatollah Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord for ESWL in 2019. Patients were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. In addition to routine care, the experimental group received the natural sound of the event, along with its beautiful scenery, while the control group only received routine care. The pain score was measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS (version 18) using paired and independent t-tests and Tukey’s test. Results: The two groups were significantly different in terms of pain changes (P=0.007). The mean difference in addictive drug consumption between the control and experimental groups was significant (P=0 004). Conclusion: Thought distraction by music reduces pain and narcotic use of analgesics by the patients under ESWL.
Modern trends in building low-code platforms
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Rogozov Y.I. , Lapshin V.S. , Kucherov S.A. , Borovskaya M.A.
Published: July 2022

The paper deals with the problems of developing BPM systems using Low-Code platforms. To find solutions to the identified problems, a study of trends in the processes of building Low-Code platforms was carried out. A two-level method for building a Low-Code platform is proposed, in which there is a subject and proto-subject level. It is assumed that at the subject level, the implementation of the functionality of the Low-Code platform is performed based on the method for solving a specific business problem, defined by users at the proto-subject level. The main feature of the proposed method is that the method for solving a specific business problem is converted into a methodology for constructing a subject-level functionality. An example of the implementation of the proposed method for building a platform is considered.
Using a social network parser for modeling of organizing systems
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Muntyan E.R. , Kolodenkova A.E.
Published: July 2022

to improve the efficiency of the organizational systems modeling environment, the use of a software parser is proposed. The parser allows you to automate the process of obtaining and storing information from social networks. The stored information about the network users, their groups and relationships is presented in the form of graph data structures. The modeling environment of organizational systems is based on fuzzy GH-graphs, which differ from the known ones in that they allow taking into account, in addition to the same and different types of connections, multiple connections in the form of a vector. The paper notes the advantages of GH-graphs due to the use of connections in the form of a vector, which reduces the time spent on calculations on graphs and at the same time takes into account the necessary relationships in the system.
About the two fundamental approaches for the implementation of efficient and universal cubature calculation devices
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Krivsha N.S. , Butenkov S.A. , Krivsha V.V.
Published: July 2022

Presented paper is deals with the fundamental approaches to the numerical integration algorithms. Against the program units approach, the typical electronic devices with the FPGA units need the application of the electronic macro units. The new approach to the high-level structure modeling for the computing structures over the numerical fields. For the structures, obtained by the high-level modeling the special programming language COLAMO has been used in the implementation. The new approach provides the FPGA-based universal computing devices for the multidimensional cubature formulas for the very wide domain of engineering problems.