bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting xRM in Higher Education: E-Services Outside the Classroom
Authors: Malešević Adam , Barać Dušan , Soleša Dragan , Aleksić Ema , Despotović-Zrakić Marijana
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the role of extended relationship management (xRM) in the higher education ecosystem. With the ultimate goal of the institution’s future sustainable development, the university has developed and implemented a customized model of integrated e-services to foster a relationship with its leading stakeholder group—students. Furthermore, our study introduces a comprehensive model of xRM e-services. The main objective of this paper was to assess students’ behavioral intentions, acceptance, and long-term usage of the xRM e-services. A theoretical model was developed based on the UTAUT2 framework. The evaluation of the acceptance and usage of the xRM e-services was assessed by using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) methodology. The results indicate that factors such as habit and effort expectancy have a significant relationship with students’ behavioral intentions, while there is a strong positive influence of their intentions on actual use of the xRM e-services. The emergence of habit as the strongest predictor of behavioral intention indicates that the digitization of traditional touch-points has become an important part of students’ everyday lives at university.
The Impact of ICT Support and the EFQM Criteria on Sustainable Business Excellence in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Đorđević Aleksandar , Klochkov Yury , Arsovski Slavko , Stefanović Nikola , Shamina Luiza , Pavlović Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

The problem of sustainable business excellence has been investigated according to different aspects in different fields. For a more detailed analysis, it is necessary to develop an integrative sustainable business excellence model, respecting the baseline model of business excellence according to the European Foundation of Quality Management, with the possibility of defining the relationships and levels of significance of different variables. The primary goal of this paper is to present a developed integrative model to simulate the effects of information and communication technologies, and quality and effects of leadership improvement, as independent variables, on sustainable business excellence in higher education institutions, as a dependent variable. The model was developed by applying dynamic system techniques and evaluated by using statistical methods. In the sample of 17 Serbian and 21 Russian universities, the authors analyzed the information and communication support, leadership and quality, and their impact on sustainable business excellence. According to the simulation analysis, it was concluded that the EFQM model of self-assessment could help produce a more customer-oriented culture in HEIs, through ICT support, leadership and quality criteria enhancements.
Socio-Ecological Systems (SESs)—Identification and Spatial Mapping in the Central Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Fürst Christine , Joshi P. K.
Published: July 2021

The Himalaya is a mosaic of complex socio-ecological systems (SESs) characterized by a wide diversity of altitude, climate, landform, biodiversity, ethnicity, culture, and agriculture systems, among other things. Identifying the distribution of SESs is crucial for integrating and formulating effective programs and policies to ensure human well-being while protecting and conserving natural systems. This work aims to identify and spatially map the boundaries of SESs to address the questions of how SESs can be delineated and what the characteristics of these systems are. The study was carried out for the state of Uttarakhand, India, a part of the Central Himalaya. The presented approach for mapping and delineation of SESs merges socio-economic and ecological data. It also includes validation of delineated system boundaries. We used 32 variables to form socio-economic units and 14 biophysical variables for ecological units. Principal component analysis followed by sequential agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was used to delineate the units. The geospatial statistical analysis identified 6 socio-economic and 3 ecological units, together resulting in 18 SESs for the entire state. The major characteristics for SESs were identified as forest types and agricultural practices, indicating the influence and dependency of SESs on these two features. The database would facilitate diverse application studies in vulnerability assessment, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other socio-ecological studies. Such a detailed database addresses particularly site-specific characteristics to reduce risks and impacts. Overall, the identified SESs will help in recognizing local needs and gaps in existing policies and institutional arrangements, and the given methodological framework can be applied for the entire Himalayan region and for other mountain systems across the world.
Social Entrepreneurship Research: Intellectual Structures and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cardella Giuseppina Maria , Hernández-Sánchez Brizeida Raquel , Monteiro Alcides Almeida , Sánchez-García José Carlos
Published: July 2021

Social entrepreneurship (SE) is an emerging research field that has received much scholarly attention in recent years. Given the global scope of this attention, this review explores the existing scientific literature on social entrepreneurship to contribute to a systematization of the research field. Based on the publications in Web of Science and Scopus, a total of 1425 scientific articles were analyzed. We used the bibliometric method to describe the evolution of social entrepreneurship research (e.g., evaluation by years, authors, scientific journal articles, and countries in the SE literature that have had the greatest impact in terms of production). In addition, we used the mapping of knowledge networks through the citations and co-citations analysis to identify schools of thought. A keyword co-occurrence analysis was performed to detect key research topics over the years. The results show that, although the research is still in a nascent phase, it has a multidisciplinary character. Furthermore, social entrepreneurship appears to be a concept closely linked to three schools of thought: commercial entrepreneurship, sustainable entrepreneurship, and social innovation. The keywords analysis allowed us to isolate the constructs that the literature has considered antecedents (e.g., socio-psychological factors) and accelerators (e.g., education, network, culture, and gender) to the development of social entrepreneurial intention. We will further discuss the ways researchers can explore this research field and contribute to the global literature.
Proposed Changes in Polish Agricultural Products Consumption Structure for 2030 Based on Data from 2008–2018
Authors: Kuczuk Anna , Widera Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

The type of acquired food products is a derivative of various factors which depend both on economic aspects and consumer awareness. The purpose of this article is to present possible scenarios of changes in Polish agricultural products consumption structure in 2030 which may be due to increased consumer awareness and a transition to a more sustainable consumption. Suggested scenarios took into account both the supply side of Polish agricultural consumer products and the demand for such products. This study is based on data retrieved from FAOSTAT and Poland’s Central Statistical Office. We demonstrated that domestic agricultural production is capable of supplying Poland’s population with a sufficient amount of high-energy food products and proteins. Moreover, suggested scenarios anticipating reduced consumption of selected types of meat and cereals should not cause energy or protein deficiency. Total available energy (kcal/cap/day) in a scenario with reduced intake of selected animal and plant products (+/−75% scenario) could be 4141 while maintaining a balanced proportion of energy derived from protein (14.5%), animal proteins (48%) and an increase in the share of energy from plant production.
Water Footprint Assessment of Food Loss and Waste Management Strategies in Spanish Regions
Authors: Hoehn Daniel , Margallo María , Laso Jara , Ruiz-Salmón Israel , Fernández-Ríos Ana , Campos Cristina , Vázquez-Rowe Ian , Aldaco Rubén , Quinteiro Paula
Published: July 2021

The availability of freshwater is one of the biggest limitations and challenges of food production, as freshwater is an increasingly scarce and overexploited resource in many parts of the world. Therefore, the concept of water footprint (WF) has gained increasing interest, in the same way that the generation of food loss and waste (FLW) in food production and consumption has become a social and political concern. Along this line, the number of studies on the WF of the food production sector is currently increasing all over the world, analyzing water scarcity and water degradation as a single WF indicator or as a so-called WF profile. In Spain, there is no study assessing the influence of FLW generation along the whole food supply chain nor is there a study assessing the different FLW management options regarding the food supply chain’s WF. This study aimed to assess the spatially differentiated WF profile for 17 Spanish regions over time, analyzing the potential linkages of FLW management and water scarcity and water degradation. The assessment considered compliance and non-compliance with the Paris Agreement targets and was based on the life cycle assessment approach. Results are highlighted in a compliance framework; the scenarios found that anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting (to a lesser extent) had the lowest burdens, while scenarios with thermal treatment had the highest impact. Additionally, the regions in the north of Spain and the islands were less influenced by the type of FLW management and by compliance with the Paris Agreement targets.
Landscape Variables Influence over Active Restoration Strategies of Nothofagus Forests Degraded by Invasive Castor canadensis in Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Pastur Guillermo J. Martínez , Cellini Juan M. , Lencinas María V. , Rosas Yamina M. , Henn Jonathan J. , Peri Pablo L.
Published: July 2021

North American beavers (Castor canadensis) are responsible for the major changes in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, altering riparian forests for the long-term. Passive restoration of the areas affected was ineffective in the medium-term (up to 20 years), being necessary active strategies. Plantations in abandoned ponds were made with Nothofagus pumilio and N. antarctica tree species across Tierra del Fuego island (Argentina). In the first experiment, we analysed the influence of biotic and abiotic factors in three micro-habitats in the impacted areas: front and tail of ponds, and cut not-flooded forest areas. Five-years-old N. pumilio seedlings had 39% survival in front, 21% in tails, and 46% in cut areas at year-3 of the restoration experiments, being negatively influenced by plant cover and soil moisture. Lower growth was recorded during year-1 (0.7–0.9 cm yr−1), but increased on time (1.9 cm yr−1 front, 1.6 cm yr−1 tail, 4.3 cm yr−1 cut areas). A second experiment explores the alternative to substitute the tree species to face the harder conditions of the impact and climate change. For this, we conducted a new plantation at four locations across the main bioclimatic zones, where 10–40 cm N. antarctica plants attained 17% survival in meadows (front and tail) and 30% in cut areas, being higher with larger than smaller plants (25% vs. 18%), and where they are mainly influenced by rainfall (4% in sites <400 mm yr−1 and 41% in >400 mm yr−1). The main damage was detected in the above-ground biomass due to dryness, but root survival allowed the emergence of new shoots in the following growing season. It is necessary to monitor different Nothofagus species across natural environments in the landscape to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of different strategies in restoration plans, considering the selection of climate-resilient tree species.
Influence of the Population Density of Cities on Energy Consumption of Their Households
Authors: Zarco-Periñán Pedro J. , Zarco-Soto Irene M. , Zarco-Soto Fco. Javier
Published: July 2021

36% of the energy consumed and 40% of emissions are due to buildings in the residential and tertiary sectors. These antecedents have forced governments to focus on saving energy and reducing emissions in this sector. To help government decision-making and facilitate energy planning for utilities, this work analyzes the energy consumption that occurs in city buildings. The information used to carry it out is publicly accessible. The study is carried out from the point of view of the population density of the cities, and these are analyzed individually. Furthermore, the area actually occupied by the city has been considered. The results are studied by inhabitant and household. The proposed method has been applied to the case of Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. The results show that the higher the population density, the higher the energy consumption. This occurs both per inhabitant and per household. Furthermore, the consumption of electrical energy is inelastic, which is not the case with the consumption of thermal origin.
Using a Multi-Criteria Model to Assess the Suitability of Potential Sites to Implement Off-Grid Solar PV Projects in South America
Authors: Hinestroza-Olascuaga Laura M. , Carvalho Pedro M. S. , Cardoso de Jesus Célia M. S.
Published: July 2021

The role of the private sector is essential in providing energy access to all by 2030. However, private investors often face the decision problem of deciding where to implement off-grid projects. This selection process can be considered a multifactorial task because it requires accounting not only for local conditions, technical constraints, and economic-financial feasibility but also for socio-cultural dynamics and environmental consequences. In this paper, we implemented a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) to assist in the selection of the most suitable location to implement off-grid solar PV projects in South America. Following a participatory process with the input of a decision-maker representing the private sector, we combined 13 criteria, within 5 dimensions, to evaluate the performance of three potential sites, namely Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. Based on an overall score associated with each alternative, we grouped them into three categories: highly sustainable, sustainable, and unsustainable. As a result, Colombia represents the highest sustainable option for a potential private investor. This methodology provides guidance not only to investors but also to local utility companies and policymakers assessing off-grid locations with electricity access deficits, in developing countries.
UAVs in Disaster Management: Application of Integrated Aerial Imagery and Convolutional Neural Network for Flood Detection
Authors: Munawar Hafiz Suliman , Ullah Fahim , Qayyum Siddra , Khan Sara Imran , Mojtahedi Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Floods have been a major cause of destruction, instigating fatalities and massive damage to the infrastructure and overall economy of the affected country. Flood-related devastation results in the loss of homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure, leaving no means of communication or travel for the people stuck in such disasters. Thus, it is essential to develop systems that can detect floods in a region to provide timely aid and relief to stranded people, save their livelihoods, homes, and buildings, and protect key city infrastructure. Flood prediction and warning systems have been implemented in developed countries, but the manufacturing cost of such systems is too high for developing countries. Remote sensing, satellite imagery, global positioning system, and geographical information systems are currently used for flood detection to assess the flood-related damages. These techniques use neural networks, machine learning, or deep learning methods. However, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) coupled with convolution neural networks have not been explored in these contexts to instigate a swift disaster management response to minimize damage to infrastructure. Accordingly, this paper uses UAV-based aerial imagery as a flood detection method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to extract flood-related features from the images of the disaster zone. This method is effective in assessing the damage to local infrastructures in the disaster zones. The study area is based on a flood-prone region of the Indus River in Pakistan, where both pre-and post-disaster images are collected through UAVs. For the training phase, 2150 image patches are created by resizing and cropping the source images. These patches in the training dataset train the CNN model to detect and extract the regions where a flood-related change has occurred. The model is tested against both pre-and post-disaster images to validate it, which has positive flood detection results with an accuracy of 91%. Disaster management organizations can use this model to assess the damages to critical city infrastructure and other assets worldwide to instigate proper disaster responses and minimize the damages. This can help with the smart governance of the cities where all emergent disasters are addressed promptly.
Conceptualizing Core Aspects on Circular Economy in Cities
Authors: Lakatos Elena Simina , Yong Geng , Szilagyi Andrea , Clinci Dan Sorin , Georgescu Lucian , Iticescu Catalina , Cioca Lucian-Ionel
Published: July 2021

Currently, there are many different interpretations in the literature of what a circular economy is and how it functions. As cities are still facing challenges to become fully sustainable, the need for a comprehensive analysis of how the circular economy can be implemented in urban areas is increasing. This article aims at outlining circular cities by their key characteristics and to further explore and provide a framework for fostering circularity at the city level. In order to achieve this goal, we performed a systematic review and analyzed key papers published in the field of circular economy to determine how circular economy practices form circular cities. We discovered that cities play a focal role in facilitating the transition towards circularity through the closing of the loops, recirculation, technical innovation, policy elaboration and citizens’ support. However, city policymakers are still uncertain about how a circular city looks like and what its purpose is, as views are ranging from a strategic ambition to a niche concept of a smart city. Such uncertainty brings challenges, especially in the transition phase that many cities are in at the moment. This further implies that circular economy applied at the urban level still needs effort and innovation to successfully pass the transition phase from the linear economy. Therefore, lastly, we developed a framework model that can be adapted in other cities to facilitate their transition to circular cities.
Contributions of the Right Prefrontal and Parietal Cortices to the Attentional Blink: A tDCS Study
Authors: Pecchinenda Anna , De Luca Francesca , Monachesi Bianca , Petrucci Manuel , Pazzaglia Mariella , Doricchi Fabrizio , Lavidor Michal
Published: July 2021

The AB refers to the performance impairment that occurs when visual selective attention is overloaded through the very rapid succession of two targets (T1 and T2) among distractors by using the rapid serial visual presentation task (RSVP). Under these conditions, performance is typically impaired when T2 is presented within 200–500 ms from T1 (AB). Based on neuroimaging studies suggesting a role of top-down attention and working memory brain hubs in the AB, here we potentiated via anodal or sham tDCS the activity of the right DLPFC (F4) and of the right PPC (P4) during an AB task. The findings showed that anodal tDCS over the F4 and over P4 had similar effects on the AB. Importantly, potentiating the activity of the right frontoparietal network via anodal tDCS only benefitted poor performers, reducing the AB, whereas in good performers it accentuated the AB. The contribution of the present findings is twofold: it shows both top-down and bottom-up contributions of the right frontoparietal network in the AB, and it indicates that there is an optimal level of excitability of this network, resulting from the individual level of activation and the intensity of current stimulation.
Paternal Fenitrothion Exposures in Rats Causes Sperm DNA Fragmentation in F0 and Histomorphometric Changes in Selected Organs of F1 Generation
Authors: Yusoff Nur Afizah , Taib Izatus Shima , Budin Siti Balkis , Mohamed Mahaneem
Published: July 2021

The adverse effects of maternal pesticides exposure on the progeny is very well established. However, the impact of paternal exposure to pesticides such as Fenitrothion (FNT) on the histomorphometry of progeny’s organs in unexposed mothers are much less well studied. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of paternal FNT exposure on the sperm quality of the parent rat and its effects on the histomorphometry of the progeny’s organs. Randomly, male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) categorized as F0 were distributed equally into three groups namely Control, FNT-10, and FNT-20. Control received 1 mL/kg corn oil while FNT-10 and FNT-20 received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of FNT, respectively, via oral force feeding for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, male rats were mated with unexposed female rats and the male rats were sacrificed to obtain sperm for sperm characterization and DNA damage evaluation. Meanwhile, the rats’ progeny (F1) namely pControl, pFNT-10, and pFNT-20 were left to grow until postnatal day 70 before being sacrificed to obtain the matured organs for histology and morphometric analysis. Our results showed that both doses of FNT reduced sperm quality and caused DNA fragmentation in F0 rats compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The number of Leydig cells as well as the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and glomerulus of the pFNT-20 group had significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared with the pControl group. The Bowman’s space of the pFNT-20 group had significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with the pFNT-10 and pControl groups. Therefore, paternal exposure to FNT reduced the sperm quality and increased sperm DNA fragmentation in F0 male Sprague Dawley rats and altered the histology and morphometry of the selected organs in the F1 progeny.
Astro-Particle Physics at INFN
Authors: Cremonesi Oliviero
Published: July 2021

In Italy, INFN coordinates the research in the field of astro-particle physics. The supported experimental activities include the study of the cosmic radiation, the search of gravitational waves, the study of dark universe, general and quantum physics, and the study of the neutrino properties. A rich program of experiments installed on the earth, in the space, and underground or underwater is being supported to provide a possible answer to some of the most relevant open questions of particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. A short overview of the ongoing effort is presented.
Defense-Related Gene Expression Following an Orthotospovirus Infection Is Influenced by Host Resistance in Arachis hypogaea
Authors: Catto Michael A. , Shrestha Anita , Abney Mark R. , Champagne Donald E. , Culbreath Albert K. , Leal-Bertioli Soraya C. M. , Hunt Brendan G. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: July 2021

Planting resistant cultivars is the most effective tactic to manage the thrips-transmitted tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in peanut plants. However, molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to TSWV in resistant cultivars are unknown. In this study, transcriptomes of TSWV-susceptible (SunOleic 97R) and field-resistant (Tifguard) peanut cultivars with and without TSWV infection were assembled and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared. There were 4605 and 2579 significant DEGs in SunOleic 97R and Tifguard, respectively. Despite the lower number of DEGs in Tifguard, an increased proportion of defense-related genes were upregulated in Tifguard than in the susceptible cultivar. Examples included disease resistance (R) proteins, leucine-rich repeats, stilbene synthase, dicer, and calmodulin. Pathway analysis revealed the increased downregulation of genes associated with defense and photosynthesis in the susceptible cultivar rather than in the resistant cultivar. These results suggest that essential physiological functions were less perturbed in the resistant cultivar than in the susceptible cultivar and that the defense response following TSWV infection was more robust in the resistant cultivar than in the susceptible cultivar.
In Memory of Michael G. Rossmann: A Wise Man with a Forever Young Heart
Authors: Xiao Chuan (River)
Published: July 2021

Whenever I think about Michael’s passing, a sad feeling still strikes me [...]
Concepts to Reveal Parvovirus–Nucleus Interactions
Authors: Mattola Salla , Hakanen Satu , Salminen Sami , Aho Vesa , Mäntylä Elina , Ihalainen Teemu O. , Kann Michael , Vihinen-Ranta Maija
Published: July 2021

Parvoviruses are small single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses, which replicate in the nucleoplasm and affect both the structure and function of the nucleus. The nuclear stage of the parvovirus life cycle starts at the nuclear entry of incoming capsids and culminates in the successful passage of progeny capsids out of the nucleus. In this review, we will present past, current, and future microscopy and biochemical techniques and demonstrate their potential in revealing the dynamics and molecular interactions in the intranuclear processes of parvovirus infection. In particular, a number of advanced techniques will be presented for the detection of infection-induced changes, such as DNA modification and damage, as well as protein–chromatin interactions.
Antivirals against the Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Battisti Verena , Urban Ernst , Langer Thierry
Published: July 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that has re-emerged in recent decades, causing large-scale epidemics in many parts of the world. CHIKV infection leads to a febrile disease known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is characterised by severe joint pain and myalgia. As many patients develop a painful chronic stage and neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are available, the development of a potent CHIKV inhibiting drug is crucial for CHIKF treatment. A comprehensive summary of current antiviral research and development of small-molecule inhibitor against CHIKV is presented in this review. We highlight different approaches used for the identification of such compounds and further discuss the identification and application of promising viral and host targets.
COVID-19 Pandemic Optimism and Vaccine Willingness among an Online Sample of US Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Stephenson Rob , Sullivan Stephen P. , Pitter Renee A. , Hunter Alexis S. , Chavanduka Tanaka MD
Published: July 2021

This paper presents data from an online sample of U.S gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), to explore the factors associated with three dimensions of vaccine beliefs: perception of the likelihood of a COVID-19 vaccine becoming available, perception of when a COVID-19 vaccine would become available, and the likelihood of taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Data are taken from the Love and Sex in the Time of COVID-19 study, collected from November 2020 to January 2021. A sample of 290 GBMSM is analyzed, modeling three binary outcomes: belief that there will be a COVID-19 vaccine, belief that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in 6 months, and being very likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast to other studies, Black/African Americans and GBMSM living with HIV had higher levels of pandemic optimism and were more likely to be willing to accept a vaccine. Men who perceived a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among their friends and sex partners, and those who had reduced their sex partners, were more likely to be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine. There remained a small percentage of participants (14%) who did not think the pandemic would end, that there would not be a vaccine and were unlikely to take a vaccine. To reach the levels of vaccination necessary to control the pandemic, it is imperative to understand the characteristics of those experiencing vaccine hesitancy and then tailor public health messages to their unique set of barriers and motivations.
Analysis of Flood Fatalities in the United States, 1959–2019
Authors: Han Zhongyu , Sharif Hatim O.
Published: July 2021

Flooding is one of the main weather-related disasters that cause numerous fatalities every year across the globe. This study examines flood fatalities reported in the contiguous United States (US) from 1959 to 2019. The last two decades witnessed major flood events, changing the ranking of the top states compared to previous studies, with the exception of Texas, which had significantly higher flood-related fatalities than any other state. The rankings of counties within some states changed as well. The study aims to improve understanding of the situational conditions, demographics, and spatial and temporal characteristics associated with flood fatalities. The analysis reveals that flash flooding is associated with more fatalities than other flood types. In general, males are much more likely to be killed in floods than females. The analysis also suggests that people in the age groups of 10–19, 20–29, and 0–9 are the most vulnerable to flood hazard. Purposely driving or walking into floodwaters accounts for more than 86% of total flood fatalities. Thus, the vast majority of flood fatalities are preventable. The results will help identify the risk factors associated with different types of flooding and the vulnerability of the exposed communities.
Drainage of a Water Tank with Pipe Outlet Loaded by a Passive Rotor
Authors: Elgamal Mohamed , Kriaa Karim , Farouk Mohamed
Published: July 2021

The optimal design of pipe outlets is an essential objective for many engineering projects. For the first time, this paper reports the results of a laboratory investigation on the effect of using a passive rotor (added at the pipe outlet) on the outlet performance. Different sizes and numbers of blades of rotors were considered. Through the Tracker software package, video and image processing techniques were applied to capture the temporal variations of the tank water depth and the passive rotor’s angular speed. In addition, a normalized average drainage rate (NADR) parameter is defined to quantify the changes in the tank drainage rate as a result of passive rotor utilization. It is noted that adding a 4-bladed symmetric passive rotor will increase NADR by up to 9.0%. The study also shows that the highest increase in NADR is attained when the rotor diameter size is approximately 1.73 times the pipe outlet’s diameter for the case of symmetric 4-blade rotors, and the corresponding average tip rotor speed ratio is 1.65. It is also found that using an asymmetric 3-blade rotor has a negative impact on the NADR due to the significant perturbation produced by the rotor asymmetry.
Experimental Analysis of Incipient Motion for Uniform and Graded Sediments
Authors: Khosravi Khabat , Chegini Amir H. N. , Mao Luca , Rodriguez Jose F. , Saco Patricia M. , Binns Andrew D.
Published: July 2021

So far, few studies have focused on the concept of critical flow velocity rather than bed shear stress for incipient sediment motion. Moreover, few studies have focused on sediment mixtures (graded sediment) and shape rather than uniform sediment for incipient motion condition. Different experiments were conducted at a hydraulic laboratory at the University of Guilan in 2015 to determine hydraulic parameters on the incipient motion condition. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparison between uniform and graded sediments, and a comparison between round and angular sediments. Experiments included rounded uniform bed sediments of 5.17, 10.35, 14 and 20.7 mm, angular uniform sediment of 10.35 mm, and graded sediment. Results demonstrated that angular sediment has a higher critical shear velocity than rounded sediment for incipient motion. Results also showed that for a given bed sediment, although critical shield stress and relative roughness increased with the bed slope, the particle Froude number (based on critical velocity) decreased. In terms of the sediment mixture, the critical shear stress (Vc*) was higher for the graded sediment than for the three finer uniform sediment sizes. The finer fractions of the mixture have a higher particle Froude number than their corresponding uniform sediment value, while the coarser fractions of the mixture showed a lower stability than their corresponding uniform sediment value. Results demonstrated that the reduction in the particle Froude number was more evident in lower relative roughness conditions. The current study provides a clearer insight into the interaction between initial sediment transport and flow characteristic, especially particle Froude number for incipient motion in natural rivers where stream beds have different gravel size distribution.
Social value of regional tax potential: experience of Montenegro
Authors: Novikov Dmitry
Published: July 2021

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the taxation system in Montenegro. The social signifi cance of the tax potential of this region is demonstrated. The features of taxation in Montenegro are described.

Full text translation in English (pp. 87-96 of this issue): https://panor.ru/articles/social-significance-of-regional-tax-potential-experience-of-montenegro/48148.html
Increasing the heat resistance of cast nickel-based complex alloyed alloys due to the influence of the redistribution of alloying elements between the γ-solid solution and the strengthening intermetallic γ'-phase
Authors: Gubanov O.M. , Gadalov V.N. , Skripkina Yu.V. , Makarova I.A.
Published: July 2021

The analysis of alloying of the chemical and phase composition of domestic and foreign cast heat-resistant alloys with a nickel matrix is carried out; the tendency to increase the level of heat-resistant properties of cast nickel alloys due to more complex alloying is traced. Recently, expensive rhenium, ruthenium, hafnium, and dysprosium have increasingly been used as alloying elements. The positive effect of these elements on the thermal stability of the γ-matrix and the strengthening γ'-phase is established. The above elements inhibit diffusion processes, thereby increasing the creep resistance of alloys at high temperatures and loads. The evaluation of heatresistant nickel alloys obtained by directional crystallization is given. It is established that the most significant parameters of the phase composition of the studied alloys are the distribution coefficients of alloying elements between the γ' and γ-phases (Ki). The basic principles of balanced alloying, which are used to select the optimal chemical composition of heat-resistant nickel alloys, are formulated. To achieve the maximum heat resistance parameters in the selected heat-resistant nickel alloys alloying system, the calculated value γ/γ' defined by “misfit” was used, which is calculated by the formula: Δа = (аγ-аγ')/ аγ, where аγ and аγ' are the lattice periods of γ and γʹ-phases. Thus, the calculated Δа should be positive for аγ> аγ' and at least two to three times more than for single-crystal heat-resistant nickel alloys with a traditional alloying system, for which Δа = (0.1-0.2) or more. It is shown that misfit (γ/γ') is mainly determined by those alloying elements that increase the аγ most significantly. These elements are Re, Pu, Mo, W, Nb, and Ta in ascending order of influence on the lattice period (аγ) of the phase.
Effect of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Elderly Stage II High-Risk Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Yujin , Park Inseok , Cho Hyunjin , Gwak Geumhee , Yang Keunho , Bae Byung-Noe
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is recommended for patients with stage II colorectal cancer with adverse features. However, the effect of adjuvant treatment in elderly patients with high-risk stage II colorectal cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes in elderly high-risk stage II colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative resection with or without AC.Methods: Patients aged over 70 years having stage II colorectal adenocarcinoma with at least 1 adverse feature who underwent radical surgery between 2008 and 2017 at a single center were included. We compared recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between patients who received more than 80% of the planned AC cycle (the AC+ group) and those who did not receive it (the AC− group).Results: The AC+ and AC– group contained 46 patients and 50 patients, respectively. The log-rank test revealed no significant intergroup differences in RFS (P = 0.083) and OS (P = 0.122). In the subgroup of 27 patients with more than 2 adverse features, the AC+ group (n = 16) showed better RFS (P = 0.006) and OS (P = 0.025) than the AC− group. In this subgroup, AC was the only significant factor affecting RFS in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.023). AC was significantly associated with OS (P = 0.033) in the univariate analysis, but not in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.332).Conclusion: Among elderly patients with stage II high-risk colorectal cancer, the AC+ group did not show better RFS or OS than the AC− group. However, selected patients with more than 2 adverse features might benefit from AC.
Efeito da Internet sobre o comércio internacional
Authors:   , Fernandes Caio Cezar
Published: July 2021

As transformações no comércio internacional geraram uma maior integração produtiva e comercial entre países, inclusão de economias em nichos de mercados especializados, ampliação da escala de produção, economias de escala de empresas internacionais e fragmentação das cadeias de suplementos ou de insumos intermediários. Dentro desse panorama, o surgimento da Internet a partir da década de 90, junto com a propagação da globalização, propulsionaram a disseminação das TICs (Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação) nos setores e nações, que podem proporcionar maior fluxo de informações com intuito de interromper barreiras de entrada ao mercado, com a diminuição dos custos atrelados ao comércio. O objetivo principal desse trabalho é analisar o efeito da Internet no comércio internacional levando em conta um grupo de países em distintos estágios de desenvolvimento, para o período de 2000 à 2016. Mais especificamente, este estudo aborda a penetração da Internet como instrumento de diminuição das barreiras comerciais, juntamente com a evolução tecnológica das telecomunicações. A hipótese é que a penetração da Internet, juntamente com a evolução tecnológica das telecomunicações, influenciou positivamente no fluxo do comércio, diminuindo o efeito das barreiras comerciais entre países, sejam elas referentes a distância linguística, cultural ou informacional. Os resultados apontam que, para o fluxo comercial agregado estimado via PPML, ao dobrar as redes de assinatura de banda larga entre pares de países, ceteris paribus, ocasionaria o aumento de 0,70% no fluxo comercial entre eles. Para o setor primário, o mesmo choque acarretaria o aumento de 5,30% do fluxo comercial. A ampliação das redes de banda larga não depende de nenhum tipo de relação histórica ou política entre países, sendo necessário apenas a disposição do país em expandir suas redes de Internet. O ganho de comércio evidenciado no choque aponta um possível instrumento para países dependentes das exportações de bens pertencentes ao setor primário (de sua maioria bens homogêneos). A distância geográfica, proxy para todos os custos comerciais, entrega evidências nas quais incidem efeitos menores nos fluxos comerciais de bens manufaturados, graças a adoção tecnológica e a fragmentação produtiva, quando comparados com grandes setores da agricultura, energia e mineração, intensivos em bens homogêneos.
Resource allocation and finite block length regime
Authors:   , Coutinho Yan Furtado
Published: July 2021

This thesis aims to introduce enhanced versions of the Temporal Compressive Resource Allocation technique, which is used for resource allocation (bits and transmission power) in multi-carrier data communication systems for application in Power Line Communication and to discuss the finite block length regime in single-carrier digital data communication systems when the receiver is unaware of the transmission power and may be unaware of the communication channel. In this sense, the resource allocation problem is first formulated and a review of the original technique is shown, highlighting the favorable points of the technique and the possible suggested enhancements. Thus, the proposed enhancements are accomplished through the introduction of two changes that increase the effectiveness of the resource allocation process when the maximization of the data rate is desired. The first change refers to the use of the minimum signal-to-noise ratio of each set of microslots to avoid peaks in the symbol error rate in some microslots associated with the mains frequency in electrical power networks. The second change imposes the use of the normalized signal-to-noise ratio matrix to estimate the correlation between microslots since it is considered a more reliable parameter to provide this type of information because it is the result of less processing. Numerical results, based on a comparison between the partial enhanced version, a complete enhanced version, and the original technique, show that both enhanced versions are able to guarantee the symbol error rate upper bound with reduced data rate penalty compared to the original technique. In addition, it is possible to notice that the use of the normalized signal-to-noise ratio matrix results in a greater reduction in computational complexity. In the sequel, the problem of data transmission through blocks of finite length is formulated in single-carrier digital data communication systems in a scenario in which the receiver must estimate the transmission power and the additive noise power considering blocks of symbols of finite length, which generates randomness in the calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver. To circumvent this problem, it is proposed the use an extra gap factor to minimize the impact of such randomness and to statistically evaluate the consequences of using blocks of finite length by modeling a random variable when considering the 푀-QAM and 푀-PAM constellations. Numerical analyses show that when the receiver is aware of the communication channel, high values of the extra gap factor are necessary to ensure reliable data communication. On the other hand, when the communication channel is unknown by the receiver, blocks of greater lengths or greater values of the extra gap factor are crucial to ensure the reliability of data communication, especially in the presence of a malicious device, which is capable of overhearing the signal transmitted between two legitimate nodes that belong to the data network.
Learner Autonomy and Internal Locus of Control: Influential Factors in EFL Context
Authors: Aghayani Behnam
Published: July 2021

Considering the significant role of learner autonomy and internal locus of control in language learning process, the present study attempted to investigate the correlation between EFL learners’ autonomy and internal locus of control. To achieve such aim, a sample of 95 Iranian EFL learners both male (n=33) and female (n=62) participated in this study. The instruments used in the present study were learner autonomy questionnaire (Learner Autonomy Perception Questionnaire) and internal locus of control questionnaire (Internal Locus of Control Index). The findings indicated a significant positive correlation among EFL learners’ autonomy and their internal locus of control. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of learner autonomy and internal locus of control in the foreign language learning and also aims to raise EFL teachers’ awareness of the importance of these two key factors in the EFL context. The suggestions related to the findings of the current study are discussed at the end of study.
Pelaksanaan Ibadah Minggu (Live Recording & Live Streaming) di GPIB Bahtera Hayat Surabaya
Authors: Pattiasina Timothy John , Sutjiadi Raymond , Noviadji Benny Rahmawan , Trianto Edwin Meinardi , Adiwena Briantito , Bangsawan Arjuna , Setyoadi Eddy Triswanto
Published: July 2021

GPIB (Gereja Protestan di Indonesia bagian Barat) adalah bagian dari GPI (Gereja Protestan Indonesia) yang dulunya bernama Indische Kerk. Saat ini GPIB sendiri memiliki 326 gereja yang bernaung dalam kelompok musyawarah pelayanan (Mupel) GPIB. Salah satunya adalah GPIB Bahtera Hayat Surabaya. GPIB Bahtera Hayat Surabaya yang berkedudukan di daerah Surabaya bagian Utara memiliki jumlah anggota jemaat sekitar 663 jiwa. Pada saat merebaknya kasus Corona Virus Diseases 2019, atau lebih dikenal dengan sebutan COVID-19 di Indonesia, khususnya di Surabaya pada awal bulan Maret tahun 2020, berdampak pada pelaksanaan Ibadah Minggu di gereja tersebut. Banyak anggota jemaat yang menjadi khawatir untuk hadir beribadah dan memilih untuk tidak mengikuti Ibadah Minggu di GPIB Bahtera Hayat Surabaya. Berdasarkan hal tersebut GPIB Bahtera Hayat Surabaya mencoba untuk mengembangkan konsep baru untuk pelayanan ibadah minggu mereka dalam bentuk live recording dan live streaming.
Characterization of isolated compounds from Morus spp. and their biological activity as anticancer molecules
Authors: Rao Rao Shimoga Janakirama Aditya , Mathad Shivayogi Suma , Kolkar Satyanarayana Jamuna , Chapeyil Kumaran Ramesh
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The genus Morus is well known for its medicinal benefits from time immemorial. The present work reported the health-promoting properties of the biologically active molecules present in different species of the genus Morus. Methods: Different solvent extracts of the three plant species of Morus were investigated initially for their antioxidant effects, followed by in vitro anticancer studies against MCF7 and 3T3 cell lines along with their bioactive isolates viz. cathafuran-B, moracin-M, and Ursolic acid. Further, in silico docking studies were performed for the isolated compounds to predict their probable mode of interaction with P38Map Kinase. Results: The results indicated that all three species under study possessed remarkable antioxidant effects which are supported by a linear and positive correlation between different antioxidant activities. The in vitro cell antiproliferative test indicated that the cell survivability decreased with an increase in the concentration of extracts and compounds. Among the extracts, M. laevigata methanol extract showed 21.57, 6.27% of cell survival against MCF7 and 3T3 cell lines at 800 µg/mL concentration while among the isolated compounds, ursolic acid showed 8.46, 17.58% of cell survival at 200 µg/mL concentration. Among the three compounds docked, ursolic acid showed greater binding affinity towards the target protein in terms of its binding energy (-9.97 kJ/mol) compared to Cathafuran B (-8.35 kJ/mol) and Moracin M (-6.91 kJ/mol). Conclusion: The study generated interesting results in terms of health benefits of Morus species by documenting their antioxidant and anticancer activities, thereby validating the folk claims of therapeutic benefits of mulberry.