bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar Ultraviolet Bursts in the Joint Footpoints of Multiple Transition Region Loops
Authors: Hou Zhenyong , Huang Zhenghua , Xia Lidong , Fu Hui , Qi Youqian , Liu Dayang , Tang Ning
Published: August 2021

Solar Ultraviolet bursts (UBs) associated with flux emergence are expected to help understand the physical processes of the flux emergence itself. In the present study, we analyse imaging and spectroscopic observations of a special group of UBs (including twelve of them) occurring in the joint footpoint regions of multiple transition region loops above the flux emerging regions. Consistent with previous studies of common UBs, we found that the spectral characteristics of this group of UBs are varied. Our results show that the responses of UBs in Ni ii, NUV continuum, Mg ii h and O i are originated from locations differ from that emits Si iv. The imaging data show that UBs have connections with the dynamics in the transition region loops. Brightenings starting from UB-regions and propagating along loops can be seen in SJ 1400/1330 Å and AIA 304 Å images and the corresponding time-space images. The apparent velocities are tens of kilometers per second in AIA 304 Å. For symmetry, the brightenings can propagate from the UB-regions towards opposite directions with similar apparent velocities in some cases. Given that these UBs are magnetic reconnection phenomena, we suggest that the propagating brightenings are the signals of the plasma flows resulted from heatings in the UB-regions.
Infinitely Many Solutions for Fractional p-Laplacian Schrödinger–Kirchhoff Type Equations with Symmetric Variable-Order
Authors: Bu Weichun , An Tianqing , Sousa José Vanteler da C. , Yun Yongzhen
Published: August 2021

In this article, we first obtain an embedding result for the Sobolev spaces with variable-order, and then we consider the following Schrödinger–Kirchhoff type equations a+b∫Ω×Ω|ξ(x)−ξ(y)|p|x−y|N+ps(x,y)dxdyp−1(−Δ)ps(·)ξ+λV(x)|ξ|p−2ξ=f(x,ξ),x∈Ω,ξ=0,x∈∂Ω, where Ω is a bounded Lipschitz domain in RN, 1
0 are constants, s(·):RN×RN→(0,1) is a continuous and symmetric function with N>s(x,y)p for all (x,y)∈Ω×Ω, λ>0 is a parameter, (−Δ)ps(·) is a fractional p-Laplace operator with variable-order, V(x):Ω→R+ is a potential function, and f(x,ξ):Ω×RN→R is a continuous nonlinearity function. Assuming that V and f satisfy some reasonable hypotheses, we obtain the existence of infinitely many solutions for the above problem by using the fountain theorem and symmetric mountain pass theorem without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz ((AR) for short) condition.
Integral Equations for Problems on Wave Propagation in Near-Earth Plasma
Authors: Kostarev Danila , Klimushkin Dmitri , Mager Pavel
Published: August 2021

We consider the solutions of two integrodifferential equations in this work. These equations describe the ultra-low frequency waves in the dipol-like model of the magnetosphere in the gyrokinetic framework. The first one is reduced to the homogeneous, second kind Fredholm equation. This equation describes the structure of the parallel component of the magnetic field of drift-compression waves along the Earth’s magnetic field. The second equation is reduced to the inhomogeneous, second kind Fredholm equation. This equation describes the field-aligned structure of the parallel electric field potential of Alfvén waves. Both integral equations are solved numerically.
The Dynamic and Strength Analysis of an Articulated Covered Wagon with the Circular Pipe Design
Authors: Fomin Oleksij , Lovska Alyona , Gerlici Juraj , Fomina Yuliia , Dižo Ján , Blatnický Miroslav
Published: August 2021

An articulated covered wagon design was developed. The wagon feature is that the body-bearing elements are made of circular pipes. This technical solution made it possible to reduce the tare weight of the wagon while ensuring the strength conditions. Mathematical simulation of the dynamic loading of the developed articulated covered wagon design was carried out under the main operating conditions. In the calculations of the observed quantities, an application of symmetry with regard to the longitudinal axis of the wagon was used. The accelerations, as the components of the dynamic load acting on the wagon, were determined. The dynamic loading computer simulation results of the developed wagon design are also presented. The strength analysis of the articulated covered wagon supporting structure made it possible to conclude that the strength indexes were within the allowed limits. The wagon bearing structure was analyzed for fatigue strength. The weld strength analysis results of the most loaded part of the wagon-bearing structure are presented. The results obtained for the desired quantities revealed their symmetrical distribution in the wagon structure. This research will contribute to improving the efficiency of railway transport operation.
Light Cluster Production in Central Symmetric Heavy-Ion Reactions from Fermi to Gev Energies
Authors: Bougault Rémi , Borderie Bernard , Chbihi Abdelouahad , Fable Quentin , Frankland John David , Galichet Emmanuelle , Genard Tom , Gruyer Diégo , Henri Maxime , La Commara Marco , Le Neindre Nicolas , Lombardo Ivano , Lopez Olivier , Pârlog Marian , Pawłowski Piotr , Verde Giuseppe , Vient Emmanuel , Vigilante Mariano
Published: August 2021

Correlations and clustering are of great importance in the study of the Nuclear Equation of State. Information on these items/aspects can be obtained using heavy-ion reactions which are described by dynamical theories. We propose a dataset that will be useful for improving the description of light cluster production in transport model approaches. The dataset combines published and new data and is presented in a form that allows direct comparison of the experiment with theoretical predictions. The dataset is ranging in bombarding energy from 32 to 1930 A MeV. In constructing this dataset, we put in evidence the existence of a change in the light cluster production mechanism that corresponds to a peak in deuteron production.
The Approximation of the Nonlinear Singular System with Impulses and Sliding Mode Control via a Singular Polynomial Fuzzy Model Approach
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zhang Yi , Jin Zhenghong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the Singular-Polynomial-Fuzzy-Model (SPFM) approach problem and impulse elimination are investigated based on sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear singular system (NSS) with impulses. Considering two numerical examples, the SPFM of the nonlinear singular system is calculated based on the compound function type and simple function type. According to the solvability and the steps of two numerical examples, the method of solving the SPFM form of the nonlinear singular system with (and without) impulse are extended to the more general case. By using the Heine–Borel finite covering theorem, it is proven that a class of nonlinear singular systems with bounded impulse-free item (BIFI) properties and separable impulse item (SII) properties can be approximated by SPFM with arbitrary accuracy. The linear switching function and sliding mode control law are designed to be applied to the impulse elimination of SPFM. Compared with some published works, a human posture inverted pendulum model example and Example 3.2 demonstrate that the approximation error is small enough and that both algorithms are effective. Example 3.3 is to illustrate that sliding mode control can effectively eliminate impulses of SPFM.
Indirect Effect of Pesticides on Insects and Other Arthropods
Authors: Sánchez-Bayo Francisco
Published: August 2021

Pesticides released to the environment can indirectly affect target and non-target species in ways that are often contrary to their intended use. Such indirect effects are mediated through direct impacts on other species or the physical environment and depend on ecological mechanisms and species interactions. Typical mechanisms are the release of herbivores from predation and release from competition among species with similar niches. Application of insecticides to agriculture often results in subsequent pest outbreaks due to the elimination of natural enemies. The loss of floristic diversity and food resources that result from herbicide applications can reduce populations of pollinators and natural enemies of crop pests. In aquatic ecosystems, insecticides and fungicides often induce algae blooms as the chemicals reduce grazing by zooplankton and benthic herbivores. Increases in periphyton biomass typically result in the replacement of arthropods with more tolerant species such as snails, worms and tadpoles. Fungicides and systemic insecticides also reduce nutrient recycling by impairing the ability of detritivorous arthropods. Residues of herbicides can reduce the biomass of macrophytes in ponds and wetlands, indirectly affecting the protection and breeding of predatory insects in that environment. The direct impacts of pesticides in the environment are therefore either amplified or compensated by their indirect effects.
Balancing Asymmetric Dark Matter with Baryon Asymmetry and Dilution of Frozen Dark Matter by Sphaleron Transition
Authors: Chaudhuri Arnab , Khlopov Maxim Yu.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the effect of electroweak sphaleron transition and electroweak phase transition (EWPT) in balancing the baryon excess and the excess stable quarks of the 4th generation. Sphaleron transitions between baryons, leptons and the 4th family of leptons and quarks establish a definite relationship between the value and sign of the 4th family excess and baryon asymmetry. This relationship provides an excess of stable U¯ antiquarks, forming dark atoms—the bound state of (U¯U¯U¯) the anti-quark cluster and primordial helium nucleus. If EWPT is of the second order and the mass of U quark is about 3.5 TeV, then dark atoms can explain the observed dark matter density. In passing by, we show the small, yet negligible dilution in the pre-existing dark matter density, due to the sphaleron transition.
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Based Serological Immunoassays for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in COVID-19 Convalescent Patients and Vaccinated Population
Authors: Yin Qiangling , Zhang Yecheng , Lian Lijun , Qu Yuanyuan , Wu Wei , Chen Zhen , Pei Rongjuan , Chen Tingyou , Sun Lina , Li Chuan , Li Aqian , Li Jiandong , Li Dexin , Wang Shiwen , Guan Wuxiang , Liang Mifang
Published: August 2021

The development of rapid serological detection methods re urgently needed for determination of neutralizing antibodies in sera. In this study, four rapid methods (ACE2-RBD inhibition assay, S1-IgG detection, RBD-IgG detection, and N-IgG detection) were established and evaluated based on chemiluminescence technology. For the first time, a broadly neutralizing antibody with high affinity was used as a standard for the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific neutralizing antibodies in human sera. Sera from COVID-19 convalescent patients (N = 119), vaccinated donors (N = 86), and healthy donors (N = 299) confirmed by microneutralization test (MNT) were used to evaluate the above methods. The result showed that the ACE2-RBD inhibition assay calculated with either ACE2-RBD binding inhibition percentage rate or ACE2-RBD inhibiting antibody concentration were strongly correlated with MNT (r ≥ 0.78, p < 0.0001) and also highly consistent with MNT (Kappa Value ≥ 0.94, p < 0.01). There was also a strong correlation between the two evaluation indices (r ≥ 0.99, p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, S1-IgG and RBD-IgG quantitative detection were also significantly correlated with MNT (r ≥ 0.73, p < 0.0001), and both methods were highly correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.95, p < 0.0001). However, the concentration of N-IgG antibodies showed a lower correlation with the MNT results (r < 0.49, p < 0.0001). The diagnostic assays presented here could be used for the evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunization effect and serological diagnosis of COVID-19 patients, and could also have guiding significance for establishing other rapid serological methods to surrogate neutralization tests for SARS-CoV-2.
A Pigeon-Derived Sub-Genotype XXI.1.2 Newcastle Disease Virus from Bangladesh Induces High Mortality in Chickens
Authors: Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Barman Lalita Rani , Mumu Tanjin Tamanna , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul
Published: August 2021

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a significant pathogen of poultry; however, variants also affect other species, including pigeons. While NDV is endemic in Bangladesh, and poultry isolates have been recently characterized, information about viruses infecting pigeons is limited. Worldwide, pigeon-derived isolates are commonly of low to moderate virulence for chickens. Here, we studied a pigeon-derived NDV isolated in Bangladesh in 2010. To molecularly characterize the isolate, we sequenced its complete fusion gene and performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. We further studied the biological properties of the virus by estimating mean death time (MDT) and by experimentally infecting 5-week-old naïve Sonali chickens. The studied virus clustered in sub-genotype XXI.1.2 with NDV from pigeons from Pakistan isolated during 2014–2018. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed a polybasic fusion protein cleavage site motif, typical for virulent NDV. The performed in vivo pathogenicity testing showed a MDT of 40.8 h, and along with previously established intracerebral pathogenicity index of 1.51, these indicated a velogenic pathotype for chickens, which is not typical for pigeon-derived viruses. The experimental infection of chickens resulted in marked neurological signs and high mortality starting at 7 days post infection (dpi). Mild congestion in the thymus and necrosis in the spleen were observed at an advanced stage of infection. Microscopically, lymphoid depletion in the thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius were found at 5 dpi, which progressed to severe in the following days. Mild to moderate proliferation of glial cells was noticed in the brain starting at 2 dpi, which gradually progressed with time, leading to focal nodular aggregation. This study reports the velogenic nature for domestic chickens of a pigeon-derived NDV isolate of sub-genotype XXI.1.2. Our findings show that not all pigeon-derived viruses are of low virulence for chickens and highlight the importance of biologically evaluating the pathogenicity of NDV isolated from pigeons.
Astrovirus in Reunion Free-Tailed Bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui)
Authors: Joffrin Léa , Hoarau Axel O. G. , Lagadec Erwan , Köster Marie , Ramanantsalama Riana V. , Mavingui Patrick , Lebarbenchon Camille
Published: August 2021

Astroviruses (AstVs) are RNA viruses infecting a large diversity of avian and mammalian species, including bats, livestock, and humans. We investigated AstV infection in a free-tailed bat species, Mormopterus francoismoutoui, endemic to Reunion Island. A total of 380 guano samples were collected in a maternity colony during 38 different sampling sessions, from 21 June 2016 to 4 September 2018. Each sample was tested for the presence of the AstV RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) gene using a pan-AstV semi-nested polymerase chain reaction assay. In total, 27 guano samples (7.1%) tested positive, with high genetic diversity of the partial RdRp gene sequences among positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected viruses were genetically related to AstVs reported in rats, reptiles, dogs, and pigs, but did not cluster with AstVs commonly found in bats. Although more investigations need to be conducted to assess the prevalence of infected bats in the studied population, our findings show that Reunion free-tailed bats are exposed to AstVs, and suggest that cross-species transmission may occur with other hosts sharing the same habitat.
Gender Disparity in Host Responses to Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Series
Authors: Bashir Hamidu Rukaiya , Chalikonda Divya M. , Hann Hie-Won
Published: August 2021

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignant tumor with high mortality worldwide. One remarkable clinical feature of HBV-related HCC is that the risk of development is higher in males and postmenopausal females compared to other females. Increasing evidence also indicates that the prognosis of HBV-associated HCC may involve gender disparity, with females having more favorable outcomes. The proposed mechanism of this gender disparity is thought to be complex and multifactorial. Attributions have been made to gender differences in behavioral risk factors, host stress, immune response, psychology, metabolic risk factors, tumor biology, and hormonal factors. Gender disparities in hormonal factors and stress with consequent incited inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV-related HCC is a particularly burgeoning area of investigation. Clarifying these mechanisms could provide insight into HBV-related HCC pathogenesis, and potentially provide a target for prevention and treatment of this disease. Reported herein is a case series involving two families affected by vertically transmitted chronic hepatitis B, longitudinally observed over multiple decades, with family members demonstrating discordant outcomes related to HCC, with worse outcomes among affected males. As a supplement to this case, we review the currently available literature on gender differences in outcomes from HBV-related HCC. In reporting this case series, we aim to add our important observation to the current literature and highlight the need for further research in the mechanisms involved in gender disparity in the prognosis of HBV-related HCC.
Design of a Bidirectional Wireless Power Transfer System for Vehicle-to-Home Applications
Authors: Bertoluzzo Manuele , Giacomuzzi Stefano , Kumar Abhay
Published: August 2021

Energy storage plays a fundamental role in balancing the power fluctuations induced by the distributed generation of renewable energy sources. In this scenario, electric vehicles can strongly contribute to exchange power with the grid through their on-board batteries. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be discharged, injecting active power into the grid, provided that its state of charge will be restored before vehicle utilization. This paper presents a comprehensive step-by-step design of a wireless charger for a Vehicle-to-Home application. The design procedure begins from the constraints disposed by the Italian reference technical rules for Low Voltage utilities and by the standard SAE J2954 for Wireless Power Transfer for electric vehicles. The selection of the output power of the battery is followed by the power sizing of each stage of the bidirectional wireless charger.
Effect of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) and SP600125, a JNK Inhibitor, on Wnt Signaling in Canine Prostate Cancer Growth and Bone Metastases
Authors: Supsavhad Wachiraphan , Hassan Bardes B. , Simmons Jessica K. , Dirksen Wessel P. , Elshafae Said M. , Kohart Nicole A. , Demirer Aylin A. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: August 2021

Human Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) upregulates a noncanonical Wnt/JNK pathway, resulting in osteoclast stimulation, cell proliferation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Ace-1-Dkk-1, a canine prostate cancer (PCa) cell line overexpressing Dkk-1, was used to investigate Wnt signaling pathways in PCa tumor growth. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, was used to examine whether it would decrease tumor growth and bone tumor phenotype in canine PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Ace-1-VectorYFP-Luc and Ace-1-Dkk-1YFP-Luc cells were transplanted subcutaneously, while Ace-1-Dkk-1YFP-Luc was transplanted intratibially into nude mice. The effects of Dkk-1 and SP600125 on cell proliferation, in vivo tumor growth, and bone tumor phenotype were investigated. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt/JNK-related genes were measured using RT-qPCR. Dkk-1 significantly increased the mRNA expression of Wnt/JNK-signaling-related genes. SP600125 significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of osteoblast differentiation genes and downregulated osteoclastic-bone-lysis-related genes in vitro. SP600125 significantly decreased tumor volume and induced spindle-shaped tumor cells in vivo. Mice bearing intratibial tumors had increased radiographic density of the intramedullary new bone, large foci of osteolysis, and increased cortical lysis with abundant periosteal new bone formation. Finally, SP600125 has the potential to serve as an alternative adjuvant therapy in some early-stage PCa patients, especially those with high Dkk-1 expression.
First Insight into Groundwater Copepods of the Polish Lowland
Authors: Karpowicz Maciej , Smolska Sabina , Świsłocka Magdalena , Moroz Joanna
Published: August 2021

Our results are the first insight into groundwater copepods of the Polish Lowland. The sampling was conducted in 28 wells in north-eastern Poland, and Copepoda were present in 16 wells. We have identified six Copepoda species and one Cladocera. We have classified four species as stygophiles—Eucyclops serrulatus, Diacyclops bisetosus, Diacyclops crassicaudis, and Cyclops furcifer. These species were frequently found in studied wells of different regions of north-eastern Poland, often in high numbers, and females with egg sacs were observed. We present a detailed morphological description of these species, together with molecular characteristics based on mitochondrial DNA markers (COI gene) for E. serrulatus, D. bisetosus, and D. crassicaudis, and 12S ribosomal RNA for C. furcifer. We also present the development of abnormal structures in one specimen of D. crassicaudis, where the upper part of furcal rami was fused to form a single plate.
Effectiveness of Advanced Oxidation Processes in Wastewater Treatment: State of the Art
Authors: Bermúdez Laura Antiñolo , Pascual Jaime Martín , Martínez María del Mar Muñio , Poyatos Capilla Jose Manuel
Published: August 2021

In recent years, many scientific studies have focused their efforts on quantifying the different types of pollutants that are not removed in wastewater treatment plants. Compounds of emerging concern (CECs) have been detected in different natural environments. The presence of these compounds in wastewater is not new, but they may have consequences in the future. These compounds reach the natural environment through various routes, such as wastewater. This review focuses on the study of tertiary treatment with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the degradation of CECs. The main objective of the different existing AOPs applied to the treatment of wastewater is the degradation of pollutants that are not eliminated by means of traditional wastewater treatment.
Detecting and Attributing Evapotranspiration Deviations Using Dynamical Downscaling and Convection-Permitting Modeling over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dan Jingyu , Gao Yanhong , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2021

Terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) exerts considerable impacts on the local climate and the water cycle. However, the high-altitude, mountainous areas over the TP pose a challenge for field observations. To finely capture its ET characteristics, we employed dynamical downscaling modeling (DDM) with a 28 km resolution and convection-permitting modeling (CPM) with a 4 km resolution in a normal climatology year, 2014. The benchmark data were the surface energy balance–based global land ET dataset (EB). Other compared data included the Global Land-Surface Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and two reanalysis datasets: ERA-Interim and ERA5. Results showed that EB exhibits a gradient from the southeastern to northwestern TP, which is in line with the precipitation pattern. GLDAS generally reproduces the annual mean magnitude and pattern but poorly represents the seasonal variations. DDM and CPM perform well in the monsoon season but underestimate ET in the non-monsoon season. The two reanalysis datasets greatly overestimate the ET in the monsoon season, but ERA-Interim performs well in the non-monsoon season. All five datasets underestimate the ET over tundra and snow/ice areas, both in the annual and seasonal means. ET deviations are dominated by precipitation deviations in the monsoon season and by surface net radiation deviations in the non-monsoon season.
Effects of Sediments Phosphorus Inactivation on the Life Strategies of Myriophyllum spicatum: Implications for Lake Restoration
Authors: Lin Zhenmei , Zhong Chen , Yu Guolong , Fu Yishu , Guan Baohua , Liu Zhengwen , Yu Jinlei
Published: August 2021

Eutrophication often results in the loss of submerged vegetation in shallow lakes and turns the lake to be a turbid state. Recovery of submerged macrophytes is the key in the restoration of shallow eutrophic lakes to create a clear water state. However, internal loading control was considered as the critical process for the recovery of submerged macrophytes in shallow lakes after the external nutrient reduction. Phoslock® (Lanthanum modified bentonite) is a useful passivation material in controlling the internal loadings (release of phosphorus from the sediments), which was applied to restore the eutrophic lakes. However, the effects of Phoslock® on the growth and life strategies of submerged macrophytes are less focused so far. In the present study, we studied the responses in the growth and morphological characteristics of Myriophyllum spicatum to the addition of Phoslock® to the sediments. Our results showed that the addition of Phoslock® significantly decreased the contents of bioavailable forms of phosphorus in the sediments, such as redox-sensitive phosphorus bound to Fe and Mn compounds (BD–P), phosphorus bound to aluminum (Al–P) and organic phosphorus (Org–P). However, the concentration of the non-bioavailable forms of phosphorus in the sediments, such as calcium bound phosphorus (Ca–P), increased significantly in the Phoslock® treatments compared with the controls. At the end of the experiments, the total biomass, aboveground biomass and relative growth rate (RGR) of M. spicatum decreased significantly in the Phoslock® mesocosms compared with the controls. In contrast, the wet root biomass, root–shoot biomass ratio, root numbers and root length of M. spicatum were significantly higher in the Phoslock® treatments than that in the controls. Our results indicated that the growth of M. spicatum was suppressed by the addition of Phoslock®, and thus the biomass was decreased; however, the increase of root biomass might be beneficial to the inhibition of phosphorus release and resuspension of sediments and to the restoration of the lake ecosystem.
Construction of a Near-Natural Estuarine Wetland Evaluation Index System Based on Analytical Hierarchy Process and Its Application
Authors: Sun Jiajun , Han Yangyang , Li Yuping , Zhang Panyue , Liu Ling , Cai Yajing , Li Mengxiang , Wang Hongjie
Published: August 2021

Nutrients carried in upstream rivers to lakes are the main cause of eutrophication. Building near-natural estuarine wetlands between rivers and lakes is an effective way to remove pollutants and restore the ecology of estuarine areas. However, for the existing estuarine wetland ecological restoration projects, there is a lack of corresponding evaluation methods and index systems to make a comprehensive assessment of their restoration effects. By summarizing a large amount of literature and doing field research, an index system was constructed by combining the characteristics of the near-natural estuarine wetlands themselves. It covered environmental benefits, technical management and maintenance, and socio-economic functions, and contained 3 systems, 7 criteria, and 16 indicators. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the weights of each indicator. The top 5 indicators in order of importance were habitat diversity, total phosphorus (TP), coverage of aquatic plants, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and adaptation to the surrounding landscape. The above evaluation system was used for the comprehensive evaluation of the water purification project in the Fuhe estuarine wetland, Hebei Province, as an example. The results showed that the comprehensive score of the Fuhe estuarine wetland at this stage was 4.1492, and the evaluation grade was excellent. The effect of water purification and ecological restoration was good, and the selected technology was suitable and stable in operation. It had a greater positive impact on the surrounding economy and society and can be promoted and applied. The research results were important for clarifying the advantages and defects of the project and developing efficient and advanced restoration technologies.
Assessment of Trophic Responses of a Reservoir to Seasonal and Annual Variations in Monsoon
Authors: Kim Su-mi , Kim Hyun-su
Published: August 2021

The variations in water quality parameters and trophic status of a multipurpose reservoir in response to changing intensity of monsoon rain was investigated by applying a trophic state index deviation (TSID) analysis and an empirical regression model to the data collected in two periods from 2014 to 2017. The reservoir in general maintained mesotrophic conditions, and Carlson’s trophic state index (TSIc) was affected most by TSITP. Nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphorus, did not show strong correlations with precipitation, particularly in the period with weak monsoon, and a significant increase in total phosphorus (TP) was observed in Spring 2015, indicating the possibility of internal phosphorus loading under decreased depth and stability of water body due to a lack of precipitation. TSIChl was higher than TSISD in most data in period 1 when a negligible increase in precipitation was observed in the monsoon season while a significant fraction in period 2 showed the opposite trend. Phytoplankton growth was not limited by nutrient limitation although nutrient ratios (N/P) of most samples were significantly higher than 20, indicating phosphorus-limited condition. TSID and regression analysis indicated that phytoplankton growth was limited by zooplankton grazing in the Spring, and that cell concentrations and community structure in the monsoon and post-monsoon season were controlled by the changing intensity of the monsoon, as evidenced by the positive and negative relationships between community size and cyanobacterial population with the amount of precipitation in the Summer, respectively. The possibility of contribution from internal loading and an increase in cyanobacterial population associated with weak monsoon, in addition to potential for nutrient enrichment in the post-monsoon season, implies a need for the application of more stringent water quality management in the reservoir that can handle all potential scenarios of eutrophication.
Designing for People’s Safety on Flooded Streets: Uncertainties and the Influence of the Cross-Section Shape, Roughness and Slopes on Hazard Criteria
Authors: David Luís Mesquita , Carvalho Rita Fernandes de
Published: August 2021

Designing for exceedance events consists in designing a continuous route for overland flow to deal with flows exceeding the sewer system’s capacity and to mitigate flooding risk. A review is carried out here on flood safety/hazard criteria, which generally establish thresholds for the water depth and flood velocity, or a relationship between them. The effects of the cross-section shape, roughness and slope of streets in meeting the criteria are evaluated based on equations, graphical results and one case study. An expedited method for the verification of safety criteria based solely on flow is presented, saving efforts in detailing models and increasing confidence in the results from simplified models. The method is valid for 0.1 m2/s ≤h.V≤ 0.5 m2/s. The results showed that a street with a 1.8% slope, K≈ 75 m1/3s−1 and a rectangular cross-section complies with the threshold h.V = 0.3 m2/s for twice the flow of a street with the same width but with a conventional cross-section shape. The flow will be four times greater for a 15% street slope. The results also highlighted that the flood flows can vary significantly along the streets depending on the sewers’ roughness and the flow transfers between the major and minor systems, such that the effort detailing a street’s cross-section must be balanced with all of the other sources of uncertainty.
Comparing Bayesian Model Averaging and Reliability Ensemble Averaging in Post-Processing Runoff Projections under Climate Change
Authors: Duan Kai , Wang Xiaola , Liu Bingjun , Zhao Tongtiegang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the strength and limitations of two widely used multi-model averaging frameworks—Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and reliability ensemble averaging (REA), in post-processing runoff projections derived from coupled hydrological models and climate downscaling models. The performance and weight distributions of five model ensembles were thoroughly compared, including simple equal-weight averaging, BMA, and REAs optimizing mean (REA-mean), maximum (REA-max), and minimum (REA-min) monthly runoff. The results suggest that REA and BMA both can synthesize individual models’ diverse skills with comparable reliability, despite of their different averaging strategies and assumptions. While BMA weighs candidate models by their predictive skills in the baseline period, REA also forces the model ensembles to approximate a convergent projection towards the long-term future. The type of incorporation of the uncertain future climate in REA weighting criteria, as well as the differences in parameter estimation (i.e., the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm in BMA and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling method in REA), tend to cause larger uncertainty ranges in the weight distributions of REA ensembles. Moreover, our results show that different averaging objectives could cause much larger discrepancy than that induced by different weighting criteria or parameter estimation algorithms. Among the three REA ensembles, REA-max most resembled BMA because the EM algorithm of BMA converges to the minimum aggregated error, and thus emphasize the simulation of high flows. REA-min achieved better performance in terms of inter-annual temporal pattern, yet at the cost of compromising accuracy in capturing mean behaviors. Caution should be taken to strike a balance among runoff features of interest.
Feed additive based on biologically active substances for fattening steers
Authors: Farkhutdinova A. R. , Sabitov M. T.
Published: August 2021

The modern agricultural market offers a wide range of products designed for a highly effective and most importantly safe increase in growth indicators, the level of development and the degree of productivity of domestic animals. The leading role in achieving the highest quality result is played by a competent choice of feed additives. The purpose of the research was to study the use of a feed additive based on biologically active substances (BAS) in the fattening of steers. The effect of the feed additive based on a natural, balanced, natural complex of biologically active substances such as vitamins B, C, PP, tryptophan (with oral administration bioavailability reaches 90 %), antioxidants, essential and free amino acids, enzymes and trace element salts on the growth and development of young cattle of Black-and-White breed has been studied. The steers of the control group received the main diet, and the animals of the experimental group in addition to the main diet received the feed additive consisting of vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and trace element salts. It has been found by the studies that the use of the test feed additive based on BAS provides an improvement in the digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in the diet, which contributed to the increase in the average daily live weight gain in the experimental group by 263 g or 25 %, the decrease in feed consumption for 1 kg of gain and the improvement in blood biochemical parameters, such as inorganic phosphorus, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase within physiological norms. In order to balance the diets of 9-monthold steers by biologically active substances and improve the physiological and biochemical status, the digestibility of nutrients that contribute to the increase in the average daily weight gain, it is recommended to use the feed additive based on BAS with drinking water.
Cybersecurity and modern forms of interstate confrontation
Authors: Surma I.V.
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the sphere of confrontation has signifi cantly expanded due to the increasing share of political and diplomatic, economic, information, cybernetic, psychological means and methods of implementing political goals in international confrontation. The author declares that today information and communication technologies are often used to interfere in the internal aff airs of sovereign states, and the goal of destabilizing the socio-political situation in the state is to generate protest potential in society and create a political singularity, which leads to the infl ation of power in this country and its discredit. The article deals with modern forms of interstate confrontation with the use of violent changes in the global political landscape using the capabilities of modern information and communication technologies. It is emphasized that the global confrontation has acquired a permanent character and periodically escalates to extremely dangerous levels when using hybrid forms of confrontation between states and their coalitions. The author notes that in the modern world, the use of innovative, and fi rst of all, information and communication technologies, for violent infl uence on the opposing side, has accelerated unprecedented. It is shown that in recent years, the world economy has been constantly tested by sanctions wars, and the sanctions war is mostly understood as the introduction of a regime of economic sanctions against a state in circumvention of international law, that is, outside the procedure provided for and defi ned by the UN, and the postulate of forcibly reshaping the world political landscape with a noble goal leads only to increased confrontation and confrontation. The article identifi es the current problem areas and threats that are already being implemented today and those that are possible in the future with the development of information and communication technologies.
Will Biden could withdraw the US forces from Afghanistan?
Authors: Ivanov Stanislav Mikhailovich
Published: August 2021

The article analyzes the military operation of the United States and its NATO allies in Afghanistan, which lasted for 20 years, and the prospects for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from this country. The author states that the new US President D. Biden does not abandon the foreign policy course pursued by his predecessors earlier to reduce the US military presence in Afghanistan. Moreover, the new president reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agreement between the United States and the opposition Taliban, reached in the Qatari capital of Doha in February 2020, which provides for the withdrawal of US troops and their NATO allies from the country. However, the author comes to the conclusion that due to a number of objective and subjective factors, the timing of the final withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan may be postponed indefinitely, and even the deadline recently declared by the White House on September 11, 2021, may be far from final and may be repeatedly subjected to revisions. The main obstacle to the implementation of this important clause of the bilateral agreement is the lack of progress in negotiations between the Taliban representatives and the central government, as well as the lack of security guarantees for the withdrawn contingent of the US Armed Forces, NATO and the remaining staff of Western foreign missions in Afghanistan. Not only the radical Taliban wing, but also a number of current ministers in Kabul are trying to sabotage the conclusion of a second peace agreement and the subsequent integration of the Taliban into power. Without a lasting agreement between the Taliban and the central authorities in Kabul and the formation of a new coalition government, the likelihood of a resumption of civil war in the country will remain. New terrorist attacks and outbursts of violence on the part of the radical wing of the Taliban movement against the central government and foreign troops are not excluded. The penetration of Islamic State gangs into Afghanistan, which can undermine the stability of the military-political situation from within and provoke new armed conflicts, also carries certain risks. Much will also depend on the position of one of the main external players in Afghan affairs — Islamabad. Time will show whether Pakistan will be ready to take on part of the functions of a peaceful settlement within the Afghan conflict. The US administration would like more participation in stabilizing the further situation in Afghanistan from other regional forces (China, Russia, India, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan).
Digital diplomacy — diplomacy of the future
Authors: Zaemsky Vladimir F. , Karpovich Oleg G.
Published: August 2021

This article examines the challenges and threats faced by Russian diplomacy in the modern world, in the context of new global changes (the COVID-19 pandemic, the global financial, economic and energy crisis, attempts to reformat the existing system of international relations). Diplomacy is being radically transformed before our eyes. In the face of new challenges, its structure and methods are changing, and new directions are emerging. Our modern world is filled with names — humanitarian, digital, scientific, integration, cultural, public, sports diplomacy. At the same time, it is not certain that the essential content of diplomacy — the construction of relations and their management — will be carried out without direct personal contact. Interpersonal contact has always been the foundation of diplomacy. The authors present proposals for the formation of Russia's foreign policy position in relation to the most important problems of modern development through the prism of positioning our country as an independent center of power. The article analyzes new opportunities and technologies for use by the diplomatic departments of various states in the course of carrying out current activities in the field of international relations. It is impossible to imagine the life of any modern society without social networks - a structure based on the contacts of individuals with each other, the exchange of various information, the discussion of pressing issues. For a modern person, the use of a social network is quite a familiar phenomenon, and for diplomats it is not so much a form of communication with thousands of strangers, as an understanding of what is happening in their country of residence, how citizens react to the decisions and actions of the foreign ministry, a free ideological space that can be used as a means of influencing public opinion, creating a positive image of their country abroad. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the Internet and social networks has increased significantly (online work, study, conferences, meetings, entertainment, etc.).
The basics of modern Spanish and Latin American public diplomacy
Authors: Zakharchenko Margarita I.
Published: August 2021

At the present stage, there is an increase in scientific attention to the phenomenon of public diplomacy and an increase in practical interest in its applied application. This trend is explained both by the development of new communication technologies and by the desire of various states to diversify the formats of cross-border communications, intensify activities to increase the attractiveness of their foreign policy in the eyes of the foreign public, and improve their international image. Another trend can be observed related to the application of the resources of public diplomacy in a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of "hard-power" scenarios in the narrow national interests of individual states. This trend raises the question of the potential role of public diplomacy as an avant-garde instrument of "hard power". Note that the socio-cultural, religious, political and ideological (historical) relationship between Spain and the states of Latin America is a necessary subject of research in the field of interdisciplinary academic discourse. The purpose of this article is to determine the meaning of public diplomacy in the relationship between modern Spain and the states of Latin America, using a synthetic, comparative and general scientific political science approach.
Features of innovative marketing in modern international chaordic business environment
Authors: Burenin Vladimir Arsenievich , Burenina Elizaveta Vladimirovna
Published: August 2021

The article examines new scientifi c and practical factors of modern innovative marketing, which must be taken into account by Russian companies working with innovative projects in international business. The main problem areas for the development and management of modern innovative activities, in terms of marketing operations, in the modern international chaordic business environment are described. The main provisions and principles of new eff ective innovative thinking (quantum thinking), which should be taken into account when solving the problems of creating new highly competitive innovative products, are stated.The peculiarities of the modern chaordic business environment, in which the creation and promotion of innovations to the market takes place, create the need for innovative marketers to use new tools (responses) to new challenges for innovative processes. Some of which are discussed in the article. Using the principle of polyprofessionalism in innovative marketing as a functional system that provides for the simultaneous use and interaction of subsystems of various, conditionally divided, professional areas of analytical activity (marketing research strategy, forecasting, psychology and sociology of consumption, systems engineering, commercialization, etc.). Therefore, in modern marketing of innovative products, it is necessary to develop polyprofessional competence among marketers, the productive development of which leads to the acquisition of polyprofessionalism, where not just professional competence is needed, but a multitude of competencies combined into a common space of professional competencies necessary for the implementation of an innovative idea. In a chaordic business environment, continuous (iterative) marketing is required at all stages of creating a future innovation or innovative project. Discrete presales marketing is cheaper in an operational sense, but disastrous in a strategic sense. This requires the use of "parallel business thinking", which simultaneously uses the forms of "Pareto", also the so-called "Newtonian" thinking, and "quantum" thinking. In a chaordic business environment (which is becoming dominant today), it is important to learn to operate simultaneously (in parallel) with two types of business thinking — "Pareto, Newtonian" and "quantum".