bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Hierarchical Model in Ensemble Environment for Road Detection Application
Authors: Gu Yang , Si Bingfeng , Liu Bushi
Published: March 2021

As a popular research direction in the field of intelligent transportation, road detection has been extensively concerned by many researchers. However, there are still some key issues in specific applications that need to be further improved, such as the feature processing of road images, the optimal choice of information extraction and detection methods, and the inevitable limitations of detection schemes. In the existing research work, most of the image segmentation algorithms applied to road detection are sensitive to noise data and are prone to generate redundant information or over-segmentation, which makes the computation of segmentation process more complicated. In addition, the algorithm needs to overcome objective factors such as different road conditions and natural environments to ensure certain execution efficiency and segmentation accuracy. In order to improve these issues, we integrate the idea of shallow machine-learning model that clusters first and then classifies in this paper, and a hierarchical multifeature road image segmentation integration framework is proposed. The proposed model has been tested and evaluated on two sets of road datasets based on real scenes and compared with common detection methods, and its effectiveness and accuracy have been verified. Moreover, it demonstrates that the method opens up a new way to enhance the learning and detection capabilities of the model. Most importantly, it has certain potential for application in various practical fields such as intelligent transportation or assisted driving.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Deep Convection Observed along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Authors: León-Cruz José Francisco , Carbajal Henken Cintia , Carbajal Noel , Fischer Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Complex terrain features—in particular, environmental conditions, high population density and potential socio-economic damage—make the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) of particular interest regarding the study of deep convection and related severe weather. In this research, 10 years of Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud observations are combined with Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) rainfall data to characterize the spatio-temporal distribution of deep convective clouds (DCCs) and their relationship to extreme precipitation. From monthly distributions, wet and dry phases are identified for cloud fraction, deep convective cloud frequency and convective precipitation. For both DCC and extreme precipitation events, the highest frequencies align just over the higher elevations of the TMVB. A clear relationship between DCCs and terrain features, indicating the important role of orography in the development of convective systems, is noticed. For three sub-regions, the observed distributions of deep convective cloud and extreme precipitation events are assessed in more detail. Each sub-region exhibits different local conditions, including terrain features, and are known to be influenced differently by emerging moisture fluxes from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The observed distinct spatio-temporal variabilities provide the first insights into the physical processes that control the convective development in the study area. A signal of the midsummer drought in Mexico (i.e., “canícula”) is recognized using MODIS monthly mean cloud observations.
Geometry-Aware Discriminative Dictionary Learning for PolSAR Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Yachao , Lai Xuan , Xie Yuan , Qu Yanyun , Li Cuihua
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose a new discriminative dictionary learning method based on Riemann geometric perception for polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image classification. We made an optimization model for geometry-aware discrimination dictionary learning in which the dictionary learning (GADDL) is generalized from Euclidian space to Riemannian manifolds, and dictionary atoms are composed of manifold data. An efficient optimization algorithm based on an alternating direction multiplier method was developed to solve the model. Experiments were implemented on three public datasets: Flevoland-1989, San Francisco and Flevoland-1991. The experimental results show that the proposed method learned a discriminative dictionary with accuracies better those of comparative methods. The convergence of the model and the robustness of the initial dictionary were also verified through experiments.
Wind Turbine Main Bearing Fault Prognosis Based Solely on SCADA Data
Authors: Encalada-Dávila Ángel , Puruncajas Bryan , Tutivén Christian , Vidal Yolanda
Published: March 2021

As stated by the European Academy of Wind Energy (EAWE), the wind industry has identified main bearing failures as a critical issue in terms of increasing wind turbine reliability and availability. This is owing to major repairs with high replacement costs and long downtime periods associated with main bearing failures. Thus, the main bearing fault prognosis has become an economically relevant topic and is a technical challenge. In this work, a data-based methodology for fault prognosis is presented. The main contributions of this work are as follows: (i) Prognosis is achieved by using only supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data, which is already available in all industrial-sized wind turbines; thus, no extra sensors that are designed for a specific purpose need to be installed. (ii) The proposed method only requires healthy data to be collected; thus, it can be applied to any wind farm even when no faulty data has been recorded. (iii) The proposed algorithm works under different and varying operating and environmental conditions. (iv) The validity and performance of the established methodology is demonstrated on a real underproduction wind farm consisting of 12 wind turbines. The obtained results show that advanced prognostic systems based solely on SCADA data can predict failures several months prior to their occurrence and allow wind turbine operators to plan their operations.
A Miniature Bio-Photonics Companion Diagnostics Platform for Reliable Cancer Treatment Monitoring in Blood Fluids
Authors: Chatzipetrou Marianneza , Gounaridis Lefteris , Tsekenis George , Dimadi Maria , Vestering-Stenger Rachel , F. Schreuder Erik , Trilling Anke , Besselink Geert , Scheres Luc , van der Meer Adriaan , Lindhout Ernst , G. Heideman Rene , Leeuwis Henk , Graf Siegfried , Volden Tormod , Ningler Michael , Kouloumentas Christos , Strehle Claudia , Revol Vincent , Klinakis Apostolos , Avramopoulos Hercules , Zergioti Ioanna
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present the development of a photonic biosensor device for cancer treatment monitoring as a complementary diagnostics tool. The proposed device combines multidisciplinary concepts from the photonic, nano-biochemical, micro-fluidic and reader/packaging platforms aiming to overcome limitations related to detection reliability, sensitivity, specificity, compactness and cost issues. The photonic sensor is based on an array of six asymmetric Mach Zender Interferometer (aMZI) waveguides on silicon nitride substrates and the sensing is performed by measuring the phase shift of the output signal, caused by the binding of the analyte on the functionalized aMZI surface. According to the morphological design of the waveguides, an improved sensitivity is achieved in comparison to the current technologies (<5000 nm/RIU). This platform is combined with a novel biofunctionalization methodology that involves material-selective surface chemistries and the high-resolution laser printing of biomaterials resulting in the development of an integrated photonics biosensor device that employs disposable microfluidics cartridges. The device is tested with cancer patient blood serum samples. The detection of periostin (POSTN) and transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBI), two circulating biomarkers overexpressed by cancer stem cells, is achieved in cancer patient serum with the use of the device.
A UAV Maneuver Decision-Making Algorithm for Autonomous Airdrop Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Kun , Zhang Zhenchong , Liu Zekun , Hua Shuai , He Jianliang
Published: March 2021

How to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) safely and efficiently in an interactive environment is challenging. A large amount of research has been devoted to improve the intelligence of a UAV while performing a mission, where finding an optimal maneuver decision-making policy of the UAV has become one of the key issues when we attempt to enable the UAV autonomy. In this paper, we propose a maneuver decision-making algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning, which generates efficient maneuvers for a UAV agent to execute the airdrop mission autonomously in an interactive environment. Particularly, the training set of the learning algorithm by the Prioritized Experience Replay is constructed, that can accelerate the convergence speed of decision network training in the algorithm. It is shown that a desirable and effective maneuver decision-making policy can be found by extensive experimental results.
ARETT: Augmented Reality Eye Tracking Toolkit for Head Mounted Displays
Authors: Kapp Sebastian , Barz Michael , Mukhametov Sergey , Sonntag Daniel , Kuhn Jochen
Published: March 2021

Currently an increasing number of head mounted displays (HMD) for virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are equipped with integrated eye trackers. Use cases of these integrated eye trackers include rendering optimization and gaze-based user interaction. In addition, visual attention in VR and AR is interesting for applied research based on eye tracking in cognitive or educational sciences for example. While some research toolkits for VR already exist, only a few target AR scenarios. In this work, we present an open-source eye tracking toolkit for reliable gaze data acquisition in AR based on Unity 3D and the Microsoft HoloLens 2, as well as an R package for seamless data analysis. Furthermore, we evaluate the spatial accuracy and precision of the integrated eye tracker for fixation targets with different distances and angles to the user (n=21). On average, we found that gaze estimates are reported with an angular accuracy of 0.83 degrees and a precision of 0.27 degrees while the user is resting, which is on par with state-of-the-art mobile eye trackers.
Unscented Particle Filter Algorithm Based on Divide-and-Conquer Sampling for Target Tracking
Authors: Du Sichun , Deng Qing
Published: March 2021

Unscented particle filter (UPF) struggles to completely cover the target state space when handling the maneuvering target tracing problem, and the tracking performance can be affected by the low sample diversity and algorithm redundancy. In order to solve this problem, the method of divide-and-conquer sampling is applied to the UPF tracking algorithm. By decomposing the state space, the descending dimension processing of the target maneuver is realized. When dealing with the maneuvering target, particles are sampled separately in each subspace, which directly prevents particles from degeneracy. Experiments and a comparative analysis were carried out to comprehensively analyze the performance of the divide-and-conquer sampling unscented particle filter (DCS-UPF). The simulation result demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can improve the diversity of particles and obtain higher tracking accuracy in less time than the particle swarm algorithm and intelligent adaptive filtering algorithm. This algorithm can be used in complex maneuvering conditions.
A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems
Authors: González-Cañete Francisco Javier , Casilari Eduardo
Published: March 2021

Over the last few years, the use of smartwatches in automatic Fall Detection Systems (FDSs) has aroused great interest in the research of new wearable telemonitoring systems for the elderly. In contrast with other approaches to the problem of fall detection, smartwatch-based FDSs can benefit from the widespread acceptance, ergonomics, low cost, networking interfaces, and sensors that these devices provide. However, the scientific literature has shown that, due to the freedom of movement of the arms, the wrist is usually not the most appropriate position to unambiguously characterize the dynamics of the human body during falls, as many conventional activities of daily living that involve a vigorous motion of the hands may be easily misinterpreted as falls. As also stated by the literature, sensor-fusion and multi-point measurements are required to define a robust and reliable method for a wearable FDS. Thus, to avoid false alarms, it may be necessary to combine the analysis of the signals captured by the smartwatch with those collected by some other low-power sensor placed at a point closer to the body’s center of gravity (e.g., on the waist). Under this architecture of Body Area Network (BAN), these external sensing nodes must be wirelessly connected to the smartwatch to transmit their measurements. Nonetheless, the deployment of this networking solution, in which the smartwatch is in charge of processing the sensed data and generating the alarm in case of detecting a fall, may severely impact on the performance of the wearable. Unlike many other works (which often neglect the operational aspects of real fall detectors), this paper analyzes the actual feasibility of putting into effect a BAN intended for fall detection on present commercial smartwatches. In particular, the study is focused on evaluating the reduction of the battery life may cause in the watch that works as the core of the BAN. To this end, we thoroughly assess the energy drain in a prototype of an FDS consisting of a smartwatch and several external Bluetooth-enabled sensing units. In order to identify those scenarios in which the use of the smartwatch could be viable from a practical point of view, the testbed is studied with diverse commercial devices and under different configurations of those elements that may significantly hamper the battery lifetime.
Irrigation with Coalbed Methane Co-Produced Water Reduces Forage Yield and Increases Soil Sodicity However Does Not Impact Forage Quality
Authors: Poudyal Shital , Zheljazkov Valtcho D.
Published: March 2021

The extraction of coalbed methane produces a significant amount of coalbed methane co-produced water (CBMW). Coalbed methane co-produced water is often characterized by high levels of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na) and bicarbonate (HCO−3) and if used for irrigation without treatment, it may be detrimental to the surrounding soil, plants and environment. CBMW ideally should be disposed of by reinjection into the ground, but because of the significant cost associated, CBMW is commonly discharged onto soil or water surfaces. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of the CBMW (with TDS value of <1500 ppm) at various blending ratios with fresh water on the yield and quality of representative forage crops [i.e., oat (Avena sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)]. Various blends of CBMW with fresh water reduced fresh and dry weight of alfalfa by 21.5–32% and 13–30%, respectively, and fresh and dry weight of oat by 0–17% and 0–14%, respectively. Irrigation with various blends of CBMW and fresh water increased soil pH and soil sodium adsorption ratio. However, forage quality parameters such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and relative feed value (RFV) of both forage crops remained unaffected.
Risk Analysis of Regions with Suspicious Illegal Logging and Their Trade Flows
Authors: Lin Jiunn-Cheng , Lee Jun-Yen , Liu Wan-Yu
Published: March 2021

To eradicate illegally harvested wood sources in its domestic market, it is critical to conduct risk assessments on wood sourcing in regions with illegal loggings. It is not reliable to use a single indicator to analyze suspicious illegal logging. This study integrates three key global indicators: CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index), HDI (Human Development Indicator), and WGI (The Worldwide Governance Indicators) by applying the entropy weight method to establish a new risk indicator to rank suspicious illegal logging regions. This study aims to establish better risk indicators by considering more factors to assess the risks of illegal logging and its trade flow more reliably. By analyzing roundwood production, Myanmar, Congo, and Nigeria are rated high-risk. Countries such as the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Finland are rated low-risk.
Key Soft Skills in the Orientation Process and Level of Employability
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Ana , Sierra Sánchez Verónica , Falcón Linares Carolina , Latorre Cosculluela Cecilia
Published: March 2021

We understand soft skills as an integrated set of knowledge, skills and values that facilitate the effective, affective and efficient development of a skill or activity. The objective of this study was to identify the soft skills that are most often used in the orientation process and those that improve employability, according to Spanish counselors. A qualitative methodology was used. The participants (n = 57) were orientation professionals. A total of 273 interviews were conducted over five years. The results and conclusions show that communication and decision-making are the most important competencies in the orientation process and at the level of employability, followed by intrapersonal skills, skills in interpersonal relationships, teamwork, problem solving, adaptation to new situations, creativity and leadership.
Different Levels of Smart and Sustainable Cities Construction Using e-Participation Tools in European and Central Asian Countries
Authors: Alcaide Muñoz Laura , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro
Published: March 2021

Cities are developing strategies to deal with the complex challenges of global change and sustainability. These initiatives have involved the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a good driver for achieving sustainability because digital transformation can boost sustainable development strategies, providing opportunities to accelerate transformation. Smart City (SC) models built on empowering people in making public decisions favor access to sustainable development solutions based on knowledge and innovation. Nonetheless, SC experiences around the world denote divergent conceptions of SCs which could lead to different SCs construction. It deserves a more thorough understanding of the nature of collaboration in different settings. Therefore, this paper contributes to the debate on the different uses of ICTs in SCs construction in developing vs. developed countries, by examining the use of ICTs for creating collaborative environments in a sample of SCs in different countries, depending on their economic level, and seeking to identify differences in the objectives pursued by city governments with the use of these technologies. To achieve this aim, e-participation platforms, apps or social media platforms (European and Central Asia SCs) are examined for identifying SCs construction differences between developed vs. developing countries. The findings of this paper put an emphasis on the need for taking into account the differences among SCs in developed vs. developing countries when raking or when performance measurement is designed, because the assessment should be tailored to the cities’ particular visions and priorities for achieving their objectives.
Criticality and Life-Cycle Assessment of Materials Used in Fuel-Cell and Hydrogen Technologies
Authors: Mori Mitja , Stropnik Rok , Sekavčnik Mihael , Lotrič Andrej
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to obtain relevant data on materials that are the most commonly used in fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies. The focus is on polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, polymer-electrolyte-membrane water electrolysers and alkaline water electrolysers. An innovative, methodological approach was developed for a preliminary material assessment of the four technologies. This methodological approach leads to a more rapid identification of the most influential or critical materials that substantially increase the environmental impact of fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies. The approach also assisted in amassing the life-cycle inventories—the emphasis here is on the solid-oxide fuel-cell technology because it is still in its early development stage and thus has a deficient materials’ database—that were used in a life-cycle assessment for an in-depth material-criticality analysis. All the listed materials—that either are or could potentially be used in these technologies—were analysed to give important information for the fuel-cell and hydrogen industries, the recycling industry, the hydrogen economy, as well as policymakers. The main conclusion from the life-cycle assessment is that the polymer-electrolyte-membrane water electrolysers have the highest environmental impacts; lower impacts are seen in polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells and solid-oxide fuel cells, while the lowest impacts are observed in alkaline water electrolysers. The results of the material assessment are presented together for all the considered materials, but also separately for each observed technology.
Perceptions of Green User Entrepreneurs’ Performance—Is Sustainability an Asset or a Liability for Innovators?
Authors: Möller Jana , Herm Steffen
Published: March 2021

User entrepreneurs rely on regular consumers when starting their business, for example, when raising creative and financial support. This research examines regular consumers’ opinions with regard to the future business performance of green vs. non-green user entrepreneurs. We build on previous consumer behavior research on consumers’ performance perceptions. Specifically, consumers perceive products that use green, environmentally friendly technologies as having inferior performance compared to products that use traditional technologies. We investigate whether this so called “sustainability liability” effect can also be found in consumers’ perceptions of green user entrepreneurs’ performance. We ran an online scenario experiment with regular consumers who assessed the business performance of several (green vs. non-green) user entrepreneurs. Results reveal a “sustainability asset” effect for perceptions of green user entrepreneurs, such that consumers with strong environmental values perceived the business performance of green user entrepreneurs as superior compared to non-green user entrepreneurs. Consumers with weak environmental values perceived green and non-green entrepreneurs as equally performant. We discuss possible explanations of our findings. Furthermore, we propose potential consequences of our results both for consumers’ intentions to support user entrepreneurs as well as for user entrepreneurs’ motivation to engage in green innovations.
A Decision-Making Model on the Impact of Vehicle Use on Urban Safety
Authors: Masłowski Dariusz , Dendera-Gruszka Małgorzata , Kulińska Ewa
Published: March 2021

In the current era of urban development, people are already using electric vehicles more and more often for transport purposes, which reduces negative impacts on the environment. However, there are still vehicles in towns and cities that run on ordinary internal combustion engines. Performing optimization measures on the operation of these vehicles improves their performance, which can result in positive sustainable development effects. This article presents measures to reduce the wear and tear of urban vehicles and outlines a decision model to determine which of the vehicle parts described suffer the most frequent wear and tear under urban conditions. The article presents a list of structural elements that are most affected by urban traffic, as well as corrective actions to improve such specialized vehicles. Based on the decision analysis, Rule 1 was eliminated as having the least significant impact on vehicle wear and tear, and the least significant impact on urban safety. On the other hand, the most worn-out elements were found to be gearboxes, clutches, bus levelling electronics, and brake pads and discs. The decision-making model made it possible to identify the factors which have the greatest impact on reducing safety in urban spaces.
Co-Occurrence of Regulated and Emerging Mycotoxins in Corn Silage: Relationships with Fermentation Quality and Bacterial Communities
Authors: Gallo Antonio , Ghilardelli Francesca , Atzori Alberto Stanislao , Zara Severino , Novak Barbara , Faas Johannes , Fancello Francesco
Published: March 2021

Sixty-four corn silages were characterized for chemicals, bacterial community, and concentrations of several fungal metabolites. Silages were grouped in five clusters, based on detected mycotoxins, and they were characterized for being contaminated by (1) low levels of Aspergillus- and Penicillium-mycotoxins; (2) low levels of fumonisins and other Fusarium-mycotoxins; (3) high levels of Aspergillus-mycotoxins; (4) high levels of non-regulated Fusarium-mycotoxins; (5) high levels of fumonisins and their metabolites. Altersetin was detected in clusters 1, 3, and 5. Rugulusovin or brevianamide F were detected in several samples, with the highest concentration in cluster 3. Emodin was detected in more than 50.0% of samples of clusters 1, 3 and 5, respectively. Kojic acid occurred mainly in clusters 1 and 2 at very low concentrations. Regarding Fusarium mycotoxins, high occurrences were observed for FB3, FB4, FA1, whereas the average concentrations of FB6 and FA2 were lower than 12.4 µg/kg dry matter. Emerging Fusarium-produced mycotoxins, such as siccanol, moniliformin, equisetin, epiequisetin and bikaverin were detected in the majority of analyzed corn silages. Pestalotin, oxaline, phenopirrozin and questiomycin A were detected at high incidences. Concluding, this work highlighted that corn silages could be contaminated by a high number of regulated and emerging mycotoxins.
Nebulized CLODOS Technology Shows Clear Virucidal Properties against the Human Coronavirus HCoV-229E at Non-Cytotoxic Doses
Authors: Andreu Sabina , Ripa Inés , Bello-Morales Raquel , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: March 2021

The emergent human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its high infectivity rate has highlighted the strong need for new disinfection systems. Evidence has proven that airborne transmission is an important route of spreading for this virus. Therefore, this short communication introduces CLODOS Technology®, a novel strategy to disinfect contaminated surfaces. It is a product based on stable and 99% pure chlorine dioxide, already certified as a bactericide, fungicide and virucide against different pathogens. In this study, CLODOS Technology®, by direct contact or thermonebulization, showed virucidal activity against the human coronavirus HCoV-229E at non-cytotoxic doses. Different conditions such as nebulization, exposure time and product concentration have been tested to standardize and optimize this new feasible method for disinfection.
Blockers of the SARS-CoV-2 3a Channel Identified by Targeted Drug Repurposing
Authors: Tomar Prabhat Pratap Singh , Krugliak Miriam , Arkin Isaiah T.
Published: March 2021

The etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. As a member of the Coronaviridae, the enveloped pathogen has several membrane proteins, of which two, E and 3a, were suggested to function as ion channels. In an effort to increase our treatment options, alongside providing new research tools, we have sought to inhibit the 3a channel by targeted drug repurposing. To that end, using three bacteria-based assays, we screened a library of 2839 approved-for-human-use drugs and identified the following potential channel-blockers: Capreomycin, Pentamidine, Spectinomycin, Kasugamycin, Plerixafor, Flumatinib, Litronesib, Darapladib, Floxuridine and Fludarabine. The stage is now set for examining the activity of these compounds in detailed electrophysiological studies and their impact on the whole virus with appropriate biosafety measures.
Shoreline Solutions: Guiding Efficient Data Selection for Coastal Risk Modeling and the Design of Adaptation Interventions
Authors: Acosta-Morel Montserrat , McNulty Valerie Pietsch , Lummen Natainia , Schill Steven R. , Beck Michael W.
Published: March 2021

The Caribbean is affected by climate change due to an increase in the variability, frequency, and intensity of extreme weather events. When coupled with sea level rise (SLR), poor urban development design, and loss of habitats, severe flooding often impacts the coastal zone. In order to protect citizens and adapt to a changing climate, national and local governments need to investigate their coastal vulnerability and climate change risks. To assess flood and inundation risk, some of the critical data are topography, bathymetry, and socio-economic. We review the datasets available for these parameters in Jamaica (and specifically Old Harbour Bay) and assess their pros and cons in terms of resolution and costs. We then examine how their use can affect the evaluation of the number of people and the value of infrastructure flooded in a typical sea level rise/flooding assessment. We find that there can be more than a three-fold difference in the estimate of people and property flooded under 3m SLR. We present an inventory of available environmental and economic datasets for modeling storm surge/SLR impacts and ecosystem-based coastal protection benefits at varying scales. We emphasize the importance of the careful selection of the appropriately scaled data for use in models that will inform climate adaptation planning, especially when considering sea level rise, in the coastal zone. Without a proper understanding of data needs and limitations, project developers and decision-makers overvalue investments in adaptation science which do not necessarily translate into effective adaptation implementation. Applying these datasets to estimate sea level rise and storm surge in an adaptation project in Jamaica, we found that less costly and lower resolution data and models provide up to three times lower coastal risk estimates than more expensive data and models, indicating that investments in better resolution digital elevation mapping (DEM) data are needed for targeted local-level decisions. However, we also identify that, with this general rule of thumb in mind, cost-effective, national data can be used by planners in the absence of high-resolution data to support adaptation action planning, possibly saving critical climate adaptation budgets for project implementation.
Forested Riparian Zones Provide Important Habitat for Fish in Urban Streams
Authors: Kupilas Benjamin , Burdon Francis , Thaulow Jens , Håll Johnny , Mutinova Petra , Forio Marie , Witing Felix , Rîșnoveanu Geta , Goethals Peter , McKie Brendan , Friberg Nikolai
Published: March 2021

Riparian zones form a boundary between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with disproportionate influences on food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning in both habitats. However, riparian boundaries are frequently degraded by human activities, including urbanization, leading to direct impacts on terrestrial communities and indirect changes that are mediated through altered connectivity with adjacent aquatic ecosystems. We investigated how riparian habitat influences fish communities in an urban context. We electrofished nine urban site pairs with and without forested riparian buffers, alongside an additional 12 sites that were located throughout the river networks in the Oslo Fjord basin, Norway. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) were the dominant fish species. Riparian buffers had weak positive effects on fish densities at low to moderate levels of catchment urbanization, whereas fish were absent from highly polluted streams. Subtle shifts in fish size distributions suggested that riparian buffers play an important role in metapopulation dynamics. Stable isotopes in fish from buffered reaches indicated dietary shifts, pointing to the potential for a greater reliance on terrestrial-sourced carbon. Combining these results, we postulate that spatially-mediated ontogenetic diet shifts may be important for the persistence of brown trout in urban streams. Our results show that using a food web perspective is essential in understanding how riparian buffers can offset impacts in urban catchments.
Developing Pseudo Continuous Pedotransfer Functions for International Soils Measured with the Evaporation Method and the HYPROP System: II. The Soil Hydraulic Conductivity Curve
Authors: Singh Amninder , Haghverdi Amir , Öztürk Hasan Sabri , Durner Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Direct measurement of unsaturated hydraulic parameters is costly and time-consuming. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are typically developed to estimate soil hydraulic properties from readily available soil attributes. For the first time, in this study, we developed PTFs to estimate the soil hydraulic conductivity (log(K)) directly from measured data. We adopted the pseudo continuous neural network PTF (PCNN-PTF) approach and assessed its accuracy and reliability using two independent data sets with hydraulic conductivity measured via the evaporation method. The primary data set contained 150 international soils (6963 measured data pairs), and the second dataset consisted of 79 repacked Turkish soil samples (1340 measured data pairs). Four models with different combinations of the input attributes, including soil texture (sand, silt, clay), bulk density (BD), and organic matter content (SOM), were developed. The best performing international (root mean square error, RMSE = 0.520) and local (RMSE = 0.317) PTFs only had soil texture information as inputs when developed and tested using the same data set to estimate log(K). However, adding BD and SOM as input parameters increased the reliability of the international PCNN-PTFs when the Turkish data set was used as the test data set. We observed an overall improvement in the performance of PTFs with the increasing number of data points per soil textural class. The PCNN-PTFs consistently performed high across tension ranges when developed and tested using the international data set. Incorporating the Turkish data set into PTF development substantially improved the accuracy of the PTFs (on average close to 60% reduction in RMSE). Consequently, we recommend integrating local HYPROPTM (Hydraulic Property Analyzer, Meter Group Inc., USA) data sets into the international data set used in this study and retraining the PCNN-PTFs to enhance their performance for that specific region.
The influence of compound feed with the enzyme Axtra XAP 101 on the growth, feed conversion and livability of broiler chickens
Authors: Krotova N. Yu. , Lavrentiev A. Y. , Sherne V. S.
Published: March 2021

The poultry industry in Russia has significant prospects for the development of domestic production of eggs and poultry meat. Insufficient attention is paid to the practical application of enzyme drugs, although numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of these substances in feeding animals and poultry. The purpose of the research was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using the multi-enzyme drug Axtra XAP 101 produced by DuPont as part of compound feed for growing broiler chickens. A scientific and economic experiment has been carried out and various doses of the multi-enzyme drug Axtra XAP 101 have been experimentally studied as part of compound feed and the optimal dose in the amount of 7–9 % of the dry matter of the compound feed has been identified. Multi-enzyme drug Axtra XAP 101 influences on indices of meat productivity of broiler chickens. It has been found that this drug increases the average daily increase in live weight of broiler chickens, reduces feed conversion and has a positive effect on the livability of livestock. The highest value for livestock livability has been observed in the 3rd experimental group, where it was 97,67 %, which was by 0,32 % higher than in the control group, by 0,5 % higher than in the 1st experimental group and by 0,57 % higher than in the 2nd experimental group. The European productivity index was the highest in the 3rd experimental group and amounted to 412 points. This indicator was higher than in other groups: higher than the control group by 20 points, the 1st experimental group – by 12 points, the 2nd experimental group – by 5 points. Thus, the effect of using enzymes in wheat and barley diets is to increase and equalize the nutritional value of different varieties and batches of grain. Changing the location and mechanism of microbial fermentation as a result of adding an enzyme also has a positive effect on the health of poultry.
Mineral additives for rearing young cattle
Authors: Karmatskikh Yu. A. , Kostomakhin N. M.
Published: March 2021

A rational system of rearing of replacement heifers taking into account their biological characteristics, should contribute to normal growth, development, the formation of high productivity and a strong constitution, and the extension of their longevity. The use of intensive rearing has a positive eff ect on the natural resistance of replacement young cattle. The purpose of the researches was to analyze the use of bentonite clay as a mineral additive in the rearing of young cattle. Scientifi c and economic experiment has been carried out on heifers of Black-and-White breed in the pasture period. Two groups of heifers have been formed based on the principle of analogous pairs, taking into account their origin, age, body weight and health status. Animals of both groups have been received the main economic ration during the rearing period, while heifers of the experimental group have been received a bentonite additive of 50 g (2,0 %) per head per day, control animals did not receive this additive. Experiment has shown that the experimental animals had a high growth rate. Up to 3 months of age the live weight of animals in both groups increased almost evenly. The average daily gain was in the range of 600–900 g. At the age of 4 months the average daily gain in body weight was 550 g in the control group, and 800 g in the experimental group. The diff erence between the groups was 250 g or 45,45 %. The highest average daily gain at the age of 6 months was in the animals of the experimental group and amounted to 1060 g, which was by 127 g or 13,61 % more than in the control group. Feed costs in the control group amounted to 6411,92 rubles, in the experimental group 6392,22 rubles, which was 19,70 rubles or 0,31 % less than in the control group. Thus, there were no signifi cant diff erences in the cost of feed between the groups. The prime-cost of 1 kg of live weight gain of heifers in the experimental group was less by 7,02 rubles or 9,26 %. In general, the level of profi tability of rearing of heifers in the experimental group was higher by 12,11 %, compared to the control group.
Meat productivity of sheep of Edilbaevskaya breed when using the probiotic Bacell
Authors: Shutova O. A. , Konik N. V.
Published: March 2021

Lamb meat is quite valuable in terms of food and a popular type of meat. Therefore, increasing the volume of its production is becoming one of the most important problems, both in our country and abroad. Studies by many scientists have proved that the best is considered to be lamb at the age of lambs 6-8 months. The purpose of the researches was to study the possibility of increasing the meat productivity of young sheep of Edilbaevskaya breed and increasing the nutritional value of meat through the use of the probiotic drug Bacell. Scientific and production experiment in the study of meat productivity of Edilbaevskaya sheep breed using probiotic Bacell has been carried out in the APC “Vladimirovsky” in the Akhtubinsky district in the Astrakhan region. In order to evaluate the potential of meat productivity of young sheep in a commercial herd after lambing 3 groups of ewes with 2-week-old lambs have been formed: the control group of animals was reared using traditional technology adopted in the farm, the 1st experimental group was reared and fed intensively due to additional feeding of grain mixtures, the 2nd experimental group was reared similarly to the 1st experimental, but additionally received the probiotic drug Bacell. By the end of fattening (6 months) the difference in slaughter weight in favor of rams of the 2nd experimental group compared to the 1st experimental group was 2,3 % (P ≥ 0,95) and 4,1 % (P ≥ 0,99) compared to the control group. Also, there was an age-related increase in the slaughter yield, which was for the analyzed period in the rams of the 2nd experimental group by 1 abs.%, and in the 1st experimental group by 1,8 abs. %, in the control group by 2,6 abs. %. The profit has been received from the rams of the 2nd experimental group was at the age of 4 months – 3281,6 rubles, and it was higher than the profit from animals of the control and 1st experimental groups by 1093,2 and 828 rubles. At the age of 6 months this difference was 714,0 and 316,8 rubles. As a result of the conducted researches, the expediency of using probiotic Bacell as a feed additive in the rations of young sheep of Edilbaevskaya breed has been proved.
Technologies for milking cows in order to obtain high-quality milk
Authors: Kostomakhin N. , Kostomakhin M.
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the main types of milking cows and milking parlors, some of the basics of cow milking technology in order to obtain high-quality milk.
Internal control as a factor in detecting bankruptcy of a commercial organization in the current economic environment
Authors:   FSBEI HE Stavropol SAU, Frolov Alexander Vitalyevich , Kostyukova Elena Ivanovna ,   FSBEI HE Stavropol SAU
Published: March 2021

The article presents acute problems that arise in modern enterprises in the Russian Federation. The main problem is that owners do not understand the importance of planning financial results. Often companies face crises, fall into a financial «moat», thereby losing their solvency, in other words, go through bankruptcy procedure. The main stages of diagnostics construction and implementation of bankruptcy procedure are considered; as well as indicators that characterize the financial condition of a commercial organization, their relevance and significance for the analysis of the financial condition of an economic entity. In modern practice, many models of bankruptcy assessment and analysis are used, based on various principles and methods. The analysis of theoretical and practical information, as well as the factor of detecting bankruptcy, is carried out. The purpose of internal audit is to identify the actual situation, conduct an expert assessment and draw up a plan to improve the situation.
Analysis and assessment of personnel security of agricultural enterprises
Authors:   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Khoruzhy Lyudmila Ivanovna , Tryastsina Nina Yuiryevna ,   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the analysis and assessment of personnel security at enterprises of the agro-industrial complex. A system of indicators of personnel security is proposed to assess its level and use in the development of personnel policy. The results obtained can be used in the implementation of a system for ensuring economic security for the sustainable development of organizations in the agricultural sector.
https://panor.ru/articles/analiz-i-otsenka-kadrovoy-bezopasnosti-predpriyatiy-apk/58194.html
Authors:   Buryat State Agricultural Academy named after V.R. Filippov 670034, Republic of Buryatia, Ulan-Ude,, Zhargalova Sesegma Vladimirovna , Bazarova Maria Urbinovnа ,   Buryat State Agricultural Academy named after V.R. Filippov 670034, Republic of Buryatia, Ulan-Ude,, Gomboeva Alla Nikolaevna ,   Buryat State Agricultural Academy named after V.R. Filippov 670034, Republic of Buryatia, Ulan-Ude
Published: March 2021

The article considers the place of agriculture in the economy, the structure of agricultural products in general and by category of farms in the Russian Federation and in the Republic of Buryatia. The dynamics of physical volumes of agricultural products is presented, availability and efficiency of use of production resources are analyzed, the level of self-sufficiency of the Republic of Buryatia in the main types of agricultural products is studied.
Intervención terapéutica del fenómeno de normalización forzada: un estudio de caso clínico
Authors: Rojas-Valverde Luis Diego , Rojas-Valverde Daniel
Published: March 2021

La psicosis en la epilepsia es un síndrome asociado a una actividad eléctrica cerebral paroxística según su aparición temporal. Cuando los síntomas psicóticos aparecen de forma paradójica después de la desaparición o compensación de la actividad epileptogénica se conoce como: fenómeno de normalización forzada (FNF), esta condición es poco común y dificulta su identificación, tratamiento y seguimiento médico. En el presente estudio se describe el caso clínico de una persona de sexo femenina de 63 años de edad, con historia epiléptica de 46 años de data, quien acude a consulta de emergencia con el diagnóstico de epilepsia refractaria y síndrome cerebeloso. Durante el internamiento presenta un cuadro psicótico reincidente, que se identifica como FNF, se logra tratar de forma exitosa posterior a la prescripción antipsicótica con risperidona matutina 0,5-1mg/día y nocturna de 2mg/día, luego se le otorga el alta médica.
KOMODIFIKASI KONTROVERSI ROCKY GERUNG DALAM PROGRAM KUPAS TUNTAS CNN INDONESIA
Authors: Adiputro Budi , Sunarwan Wahyudi
Published: March 2021

Abstrak

Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk melihat bagaimana tayangan talkshow dengan menampilkan narasumber dan kontroversi dalam Program Kupas Tuntas CNN Indonesia dikemas dan dikomodifikasi sehingga lembaga mendapatkan keuntungan yang dapat dilihat dari representasi rating dan tanggapan pemirsa. Dalam konteks ekonomi politik komunikasi, penelitian kualitatif ini menggunakan pendekatan paradigma kritis yang menggunakan pandangan Mosco terkait komodifikasi isi berita, komodifikasi khalayak dan komodifikasi pekerja media. Televisi telah membangun konstruksi realitas empirik menjadi realitas tayangan. Akibatnya, dalam banyak hal, identitas dalam masyarakat kontemporer baik yang modern maupun pasca-modern semakin dijembatani oleh citra media yang memberikan model dan gagasan ideal yang dapat dijadikan contoh identitas pribadi. Masyarakat menyukai kontroversi yang selalu dapat dipertanyakan dan diperdebatkan dan tidak pernah memuaskan khalayak. Inilah yang dikomodifikasi oleh media untuk mendapatkan keuntungan bisnis dalam konteks ekonomi politik media. Hadirnya Rocky Gerung dalam program Kupas Tuntas CNN Indonesia terbukti telah membantu meningkatkan awareness dan tingkat kepemirsaan program ini. Kontroversi dan perdebatan dari tayangan ini juga direplikasi di berbagai platform media sosial lain. Maka dapat dikatakan relasi antara Rocky Gerung dan industri media khususnya televisi adalah relasi yang saling menguntungkan.

Kata kunci: Komodifikasi, televisi, kontroversi, khalayak, isi berita.