bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of SiO2 Particles on the Relaxation Dynamics of Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR) in the Melt State by Time-Resolved Mechanical Spectroscopy
Authors: Arrigo Rossella , Mascia Leno , Clarke Jane , Malucelli Giulio
Published: January 2021

The rheological behavior of an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) nanocomposite containing 10 wt.% of silica particles was examined by time-resolved mechanical spectroscopy (TRMS), exploiting the unique capability of this technique for monitoring the time-dependent characteristics of unstable polymer melts. The resulting storage modulus curve has revealed a progressive evolution of the elastic component of the composite, associated with slower relaxations of the ENR macromolecular chains. Two major events were identified and quantified: one is associated with the absorption of the epoxidized rubber macromolecules onto the silica surface, which imposes further restrictions on the motions of the chains within the polymer phase; the second is related to gelation and the subsequent changes in rheological behavior resulting from the simultaneous occurrence cross-linking and chain scission reactions within the ENR matrix. These were quantified using two parameters related to changes in the storage and loss modulus components.
Phosphate and Ammonium Removal from Water through Electrochemical and Chemical Precipitation of Struvite
Authors: Rajaniemi Kyösti , Hu Tao , Nurmesniemi Emma-Tuulia , Tuomikoski Sari , Lassi Ulla
Published: January 2021

Batch electrocoagulation (BEC), continuous electrocoagulation (CEC), and chemical precipitation (CP) were compared in struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) precipitation from synthetic and authentic water. In synthetic water treatment (SWT), struvite yield was in BEC 1.72, CEC 0.61, and CP 1.54 kg/m3. Corresponding values in authentic water treatment (AWT) were 2.55, 3.04, and 2.47 kg/m3. In SWT, 1 kg struvite costs in BEC, CEC, and CP were 0.55, 0.55, and 0.11 €, respectively, for AWT 0.35, 0.22 and 0.07 €. Phosphate removal in SWT was 93.6, 74.5, and 71.6% in BEC, CEC, and CP, respectively, the corresponding rates in AWT were 89.7, 77.8, and 74.4%. Ammonium removal for SWT in BEC, CEC, and CP were 79.4, 51.5, and 62.5%, respectively, rates in AWT 56.1, 64.1, and 60.9%. Efficiency in CEC and BEC are equal in nutrient recovery in SWT, although energy efficiency was better in CEC. CP is cheaper than BEC and CEC.
Multiscale Modeling and Recurrent Neural Network Based Optimization of a Plasma Etch Process
Authors: Xiao Tianqi , Ni Dong
Published: January 2021

In this article, we focus on the development of a multiscale modeling and recurrent neural network (RNN) based optimization framework of a plasma etch process on a three-dimensional substrate with uniform thickness using the inductive coupled plasma (ICP). Specifically, the gas flow and chemical reactions of plasma are simulated by a macroscopic fluid model. In addition, the etch process on the substrate is simulated by a kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) model. While long time horizon optimization cannot be completed due to the computational complexity of the simulation models, RNN models are applied to approximate the fluid model and kMC model. The training data of RNN models are generated by open-loop simulations of the fluid model and the kMC model. Additionally, the stochastic characteristic of the kMC model is presented by a probability function. The well-trained RNN models and the probability function are then implemented in computing an open-loop optimization problem, in which a moving optimization method is applied to overcome the error accumulation problem when using RNN models. The optimization goal is to achieve the desired average etching depth and average bottom roughness within the least amount of time. The simulation results show that our prediction model is accurate enough and the optimization objectives can be completed well.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the Pharyngeal Airway after Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery in Patients with Mandibular Prognathism
Authors: Wadhwa Puneet , Jang Hyon-Seok , Park Se-Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Ho , Lee Eui-Seok
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to analyze pharyngeal airflow characteristics and their relationship with the skeletal movement of the maxilla and mandible after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal class III (mandibular prognathism) malocclusion. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was conducted before surgery (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and at least six months after surgery (T2). Digital imaging and communications in medicine files were transferred to InVivo (Anatomage) software to measure the skeletal changes after surgery. The changes in the maxillary and mandibular position, tongue position, and hyoid bone position were analyzed. Patient-specific models were reconstructed using 3D-Doctor software. The models after converting to the stereolithography (STL) file for Ansys integrated computer engineering and manufacturing code for computational fluid dynamics (ICEM CFD), commercial software were used for calculating the geometry, pressure drop and adjusted pressure coefficient value. The total volume of the upper airway including nasal cavity was reduced by 23% immediately after surgery and recovered to 92.2% of the initial volume six months after surgery. The airflow computation analysis showed a decrease in the pressure drop values immediately after surgery and six months after surgery. The adjusted pressure coefficients were slightly different but the change was statistically insignificant. The airflow characteristics computed using the computational fluid dynamics were correlated to the surgical changes. The surgical changes can affect the aerodynamics of the pharyngeal airway. In clinical practice, this knowledge is useful for developing a suitable orthognathic surgery treatment plan.
Quality Assessment of Groundwater Resources in the City of Al-Marj, Libya
Authors: Hamad Jauda R. Jauda , Yaacob Wan Zuhairi , Omran Abdelnaser
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to assess and compare the quality of groundwater in the city of Al-Marj in Libya with the international standard guidelines for drinking water recommended by the World Health Organisation. An evaluation of the groundwater wells in the study area was conducted. Standard techniques, such as Minitab (v. 16) and ArcGIS (v.10.2), were used for the analytics of the physicochemical and biological parameters of the groundwater samples. An assessment of the calculation of groundwater quality was conducted on the basis of temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, total hardness, calcium, potassium, magnesium, ammonia, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate, sodium, copper, iron, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria. Results indicated that most groundwater wells in the study area display a higher concentration of several parameters compared with the permissible limits of drinking water; thus, the water in these wells is chemically and biologically unsafe for drinking purposes. On the basis of the above results, routine water quality monitoring should be performed and additional water filtration plants should be installed by the local government to obtain safe drinking water.
Impact of Using Organic Yeast in the Fermentation Process of Wine
Authors: Nagy Balázs , Varga Zsuzsanna , Matolcsi Réka , Kellner Nikolett , Szövényi Áron , Nyitrainé Sárdy Diána
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to find out what kind of “Bianca” wine could be produced when using organic yeast, what are the dynamics of the resulting alcoholic fermentation, and whether this method is suitable for industrial production as well. Due to the stricter rules and regulations, as well as the limited amount and selection of the permitted chemicals, resistant, also known as interspecific or innovative grape varieties, can be the ideal basic materials of alternative cultivation technologies. Well-designed analytical and organoleptic results have to provide the scientific background of resistant varieties, as these cultivars and their environmentally friendly cultivation techniques could be the raw materials of the future. The role of the yeast in wine production is crucial. We fermented wines from the “Bianca” juice samples three times where model chemical solutions were applied. In our research, we aimed to find out how organic yeast influenced the biogenic amine formation of three important compounds: histamine, tyramine, and serotonin. The main results of this study showed that all the problematic values (e.g., histamine) were under the critical limit (1 g/L), although the organic samples resulted in a significantly higher level than the control wines. The glycerin content correlated with the literature values, since it is well known that the glycerin-pyruvic acid transformation results in a 6–10 g/L concentration.
Assessing the Accuracy of Landsat-MODIS NDVI Fusion with Limited Input Data: A Strategy for Base Data Selection
Authors: Wang Yiting , Xie Donghui , Zhan Yinggang , Li Huan , Yan Guangjian , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: January 2021

Despite its wide applications, the spatiotemporal fusion of coarse- and fine-resolution satellite images is limited primarily to the availability of clear-sky fine-resolution images, which are commonly scarce due to unfavorable weather, and such a limitation might cause errors in spatiotemporal fusion. Thus, the effective use of limited fine-resolution images, while critical, remains challenging. To address this issue, in this paper we propose a new phenological similarity strategy (PSS) to select the optimal combination of image pairs for a prediction date. The PSS considers the temporal proximity and phenological similarity between the base and prediction images and computes a weight for identifying the optimal combination of image pairs. Using the PSS, we further evaluate the influence of input data on the fusion accuracy by varying the number and temporal distribution of input images. The results show that the PSS (mean R = 0.827 and 0.760) outperforms the nearest date (mean R = 0.786 and 0.742) and highest correlation (mean R = 0.821 and 0.727) strategies in both the enhanced spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (ESTARFM) and the linear mixing growth model (LMGM), respectively, for fusing Landsat 8 OLI and MODIS NDVI datasets. Furthermore, base images adequately covering different growth stages yield better predictability than simply increasing the number of base images.
Characterizing Forest Dynamics with Landsat-Derived Phenology Curves
Authors: Rose M. Brooke , Nagle Nicholas N.
Published: January 2021

Landsat is among the most popular satellites used for forest change assessments. Traditionally, Landsat data users relied on annual or biennial images to measure forest recovery after disturbance, a process that is difficult to monitor at broad scales. With the availability of free Landsat data, intra-annual change analyses are now possible. Phenology, the timing of cyclical vegetation events, can be estimated using indices derived from intra-annual remote sensing data and used to classify different vegetation types after a disturbance. We used a smoothed harmonic modelling approach to estimate NDVI and NBR phenology patterns in pre- and post-fire Landsat sample pixels for two forest groups in South Carolina, using nearby unburned samples as an approximate control group. These methods take advantage of all available images collected by Landsat 5, 7, and 8 for the study area. We found that within burned samples, there were differences in phenology for the two forest groups, while the unburned samples showed no forest group differences. Phenology patterns also differed based on fire severity. These methods take advantage of the freely available Landsat archive and can be used to characterize intra-annual fluctuations in vegetation following a variety of disturbances in the southeastern U.S. and other regions. Our approach builds on other harmonic approaches that use the Landsat archive to detect forest change, such as the Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) algorithm, and provides a tool to describe post-disturbance forest change.
A Proof-of-Concept Algorithm for the Retrieval of Total Column Amount of Trace Gases in a Multi-Dimensional Atmosphere
Authors: Doicu Adrian , Efremenko Dmitry S. , Trautmann Thomas
Published: January 2021

An algorithm for the retrieval of total column amount of trace gases in a multi-dimensional atmosphere is designed. The algorithm uses (i) certain differential radiance models with internal and external closures as inversion models, (ii) the iteratively regularized Gauss–Newton method as a regularization tool, and (iii) the spherical harmonics discrete ordinate method (SHDOM) as linearized radiative transfer model. For efficiency reasons, SHDOM is equipped with a spectral acceleration approach that combines the correlated k-distribution method with the principal component analysis. The algorithm is used to retrieve the total column amount of nitrogen for two- and three-dimensional cloudy scenes. Although for three-dimensional geometries, the computational time is high, the main concepts of the algorithm are correct and the retrieval results are accurate.
Matching Large Baseline Oblique Stereo Images Using an End-to-End Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yao Guobiao , Yilmaz Alper , Zhang Li , Meng Fei , Ai Haibin , Jin Fengxiang
Published: January 2021

The available stereo matching algorithms produce large number of false positive matches or only produce a few true-positives across oblique stereo images with large baseline. This undesired result happens due to the complex perspective deformation and radiometric distortion across the images. To address this problem, we propose a novel affine invariant feature matching algorithm with subpixel accuracy based on an end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN). In our method, we adopt and modify a Hessian affine network, which we refer to as IHesAffNet, to obtain affine invariant Hessian regions using deep learning framework. To improve the correlation between corresponding features, we introduce an empirical weighted loss function (EWLF) based on the negative samples using K nearest neighbors, and then generate deep learning-based descriptors with high discrimination that is realized with our multiple hard network structure (MTHardNets). Following this step, the conjugate features are produced by using the Euclidean distance ratio as the matching metric, and the accuracy of matches are optimized through the deep learning transform based least square matching (DLT-LSM). Finally, experiments on Large baseline oblique stereo images acquired by ground close-range and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and comprehensive comparisons demonstrate that our matching algorithm outperforms the state-of-art methods in terms of accuracy, distribution and correct ratio. The main contributions of this article are: (i) our proposed MTHardNets can generate high quality descriptors; and (ii) the IHesAffNet can produce substantial affine invariant corresponding features with reliable transform parameters.
Seasonal Variation of GPS-Derived the Principal Ocean Tidal Constituents’ Loading Displacement Parameters Based on Moving Harmonic Analysis in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhou Maosheng , Liu Xin , Yuan Jiajia , Jin Xin , Niu Yupeng , Guo Jinyun , Gao Hao
Published: January 2021

The classical harmonic analysis (CHA) method only can be used to obtain the harmonic constants (amplitude and phase) of ocean tide loading displacement (OTLD). In fact, there are significant seasonal variations in the harmonic constants of OTLD. A moving harmonic analysis (MHA) method is proposed, which can effectively capture the seasonal variation of OTLD parameters. Based on 5 years of kinematic coordinate time series in direction U of six Global Positioning System (GPS) stations in Hong Kong, the MHA method is used to explore the seasonal variation of the OTLD parameters of the 6 principal tidal constituents (M2, S2, N2, K1, O1, Q1). The influence of mass loading on the seasonal variation of OTLD parameters is analyzed. The results show that there are obviously seasonal variations in OTLD parameters of the 6 principal tidal constituents in Hong Kong. The OTLD’s amplitude’s changes of the 6 principal tidal constituents are around 4–25.1% and the oscillation ranges of OTLD’s phase parameters vary from 8.8° to 20.4°. Among the seasonal variations of OTLD parameters, the annual signal, the semi-annual signal, and the ter-annual signal are the most significant. By analyzing the influence of atmospheric loading on the seasonal variation of OTLD parameters, it is found that atmospheric loading has certain contribution to the seasonal variation of OTLD parameters. Hydrological loading and non-tidal ocean loading have little influence on the seasonal variation of OTLD parameters.
Structured Object-Level Relational Reasoning CNN-Based Target Detection Algorithm in a Remote Sensing Image
Authors: Cheng Bei , Li Zhengzhou , Xu Bitong , Yao Xu , Ding Zhiquan , Qin Tianqi
Published: January 2021

Deep learning technology has been extensively explored by existing methods to improve the performance of target detection in remote sensing images, due to its powerful feature extraction and representation abilities. However, these methods usually focus on the interior features of the target, but ignore the exterior semantic information around the target, especially the object-level relationship. Consequently, these methods fail to detect and recognize targets in the complex background where multiple objects crowd together. To handle this problem, a diversified context information fusion framework based on convolutional neural network (DCIFF-CNN) is proposed in this paper, which employs the structured object-level relationship to improve the target detection and recognition in complex backgrounds. The DCIFF-CNN is composed of two successive sub-networks, i.e., a multi-scale local context region proposal network (MLC-RPN) and an object-level relationship context target detection network (ORC-TDN). The MLC-RPN relies on the fine-grained details of objects to generate candidate regions in the remote sensing image. Then, the ORC-TDN utilizes the spatial context information of objects to detect and recognize targets by integrating an attentional message integrated module (AMIM) and an object relational structured graph (ORSG). The AMIM is integrated into the feed-forward CNN to highlight the useful object-level context information, while the ORSG builds the relations between a set of objects by processing their appearance features and geometric features. Finally, the target detection method based on DCIFF-CNN effectively represents the interior and exterior information of the target by exploiting both the multiscale local context information and the object-level relationships. Extensive experiments are conducted, and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed DCIFF-CNN method improves the target detection and recognition accuracy in complex backgrounds, showing superiority to other state-of-the-art methods.
Investigating the Determinants and Barriers of Purchase Intention of Innovative New Products
Authors: An Daeseong , Ji Seonggoo , Jan Ihsan Ullah
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the purchase intention of innovative new product (e.g., Galaxy Fold) by integrating behavioral reasoning theory (BRT) to the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) to test the relative influence of reasons for and reasons against adoption on purchase attitude and purchase intention of Korean consumers. A quantitative research method via an online survey was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. The sample of the study was 242 Korean consumers who participated in the online survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted by using AMOS 21.0 to test the proposed relationships. The findings showed that value for changes positively related to the reasons for adoption and negatively related to reasons against adoption. Reasons for adoption (e.g., relative advantage, compatibility, simplicity) have a significant positive effect on the purchase attitude, and reasons against adoption (e.g., price barrier, performance barrier, usage barrier) have a significant negative effect on the purchase attitude. Finally, purchase attitude has a significant positive relationship to the purchase intention of innovative new product. The findings of this study offer significant theoretical and managerial contributions in the context of sustainable innovative new product development.
Is It a Good Idea for Chemistry and Sustainability Classes to Include Industry Visits as Learning Outside the Classroom? An Initial Perspective
Authors: González-Peña Omar Israel , Peña-Ortiz María Olivia , Morán-Soto Gustavo
Published: January 2021

Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) activities are part of pedagogical methodologies that are currently applied in the development of student skills. The objective of this study is to determine the perceptions of faculty and undergraduate students concerning industrial visits and define the advantages and disadvantages of these activities. A survey was designed with 17 questions, from a sample of 296 students and 32 professors from various chemistry and sustainability courses. The statistical samples correspond to a population of 2275 students and 246 professors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare participant perceptions on industrial visits, as LOtC activities. Results indicated a positive perception for making industrial visits, generating more interest in the class material and helping students acquire knowledge. Despite this positive perception, it was found that professors are unlikely to organize industrial visits frequently due to the work required to plan, perform, and evaluate these activities. This issue suggests that approximately 40% of the students may lose the advantages that LOtC activities could offer. Professors must be motivated and supported by administrators to include industrial visits in their courses as a teaching strategy to provide a beneficial experience to the majority of students enrolled in chemistry and sustainability undergraduate programs.
Addressing the Urban Heat Islands Effect: A Cross-Country Assessment of the Role of Green Infrastructure
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Wolf Franziska , Castro-Díaz Ricardo , Li Chunlan , Ojeh Vincent N. , Gutiérrez Nestor , Nagy Gustavo J. , Savić Stevan , Natenzon Claudia E. , Quasem Al-Amin Abul , Maruna Marija , Bönecke Juliane
Published: January 2021

The Urban Heat Islands (UHI) effect is a microclimatic phenomenon that especially affects urban areas. It is associated with significant temperature increases in the local microclimate, and may amplify heat waves. Due to their intensity, UHI causes not only thermal discomfort, but also reductions in the levels of life quality. This paper reviews the important role of green infrastructure as a means through which the intensity of UHI may be reduced, along with their negative impact on human comfort and wellbeing. Apart from a comprehensive review of the available literature, the paper reports on an analysis of case studies in a set of 14 cities in 13 countries representing various geographical regions and climate zones. The results obtained suggest that whereas UHI is a common phenomenon, green infrastructure in urban areas may under some conditions ameliorate their impacts. In addition, the study revealed that the scope and impacts of UHI are not uniform: depending on peculiarities of urban morphologies, they pose different challenges linked to the microclimate peculiar to each city. The implications of this paper are threefold. Firstly, it reiterates the complex interrelations of UHIs, heat waves and climate change. Secondly, it outlines the fact that keeping and increasing urban green resources leads to additional various benefits that may directly or indirectly reduce the impacts of UHI. Finally, the paper reiterates the need for city planners to pay more attention to possible UHI effects when initiating new building projects or when adjusting current ones.
Return to the Native Earth: Historical Analysis of Foreign Influences on Traditional Architecture in Burkina Faso
Authors: Lidón de Miguel María , Vegas Fernando , Mileto Camilla , García-Soriano Lidia
Published: January 2021

Learning from the sustainability of traditional architecture, as a solution to the current ecological crisis, seems more challenging in societies where a cultural imposition has occurred. In Burkina Faso, vernacular architecture has experienced a process of transformation, still in course, relying heavily on foreign resources and losing its adaptation to environmental conditions. As in other contexts, the dynamics of transformation are being examined. Joining this line of work, this research aims to explain the causes of the current local perception of traditional building techniques in Burkina Faso in order to consider how a sustainable development of its architecture would be possible. To this end, a historical analysis is conducted by reviewing the literature, consulting historical documents and collecting data during two stays in 2018. The study shows how earth has ceased to be appreciated by progressively becoming associated with “non-definitive constructions”; this perception is due to the narratives put forward by foreign agents since the end of the 19th century. The sustainable development of architecture in Burkina Faso seems to demand a return to the use of earth, local resource par excellence, but this will only be possible if the devaluation of this building material is reversed.
A Text-Mining Analysis on the Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive: Bringing Value Creation for Stakeholders into Accounting
Authors: Fiandrino Simona , Tonelli Alberto
Published: January 2021

The recent Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) aims to enhance adequate non-financial information (NFI) disclosure and improve accountability for stakeholders. This study focuses on this regulatory intervention and has a twofold objective: First, it aims to understand the main underlying issues at stake; second, it suggests areas of possible amendment considering the current debates on sustainability accounting and accounting for stakeholders. In keeping with these aims, the research analyzes the documents annexed to the contribution on the Review of the NFRD by conducting a text-mining analysis with latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) probabilistic topic model (PTM). Our findings highlight four main topics at the core of the current debate: quality of NFI, standardization, materiality, and assurance. The research suggests ways of improving managerial policies to achieve more comparable, relevant, and reliable information by bringing value creation for stakeholders into accounting. It further addresses an integrated logic of accounting for stakeholders that contributes to sustainable development.
Online Foreign Language Learning in Higher Education and Its Correlates during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maican Maria-Anca , Cocoradă Elena
Published: January 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online learning of foreign languages at higher education level has represented a way to adapt to the restrictions imposed worldwide. The aim of the present article is to analyse university students’ behaviours, emotions and perceptions associated to online foreign language learning during the pandemic and their correlates by using a mixed approach. The research used the Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) scale and tools developed by the authors, focusing on task value, self-perceived foreign language proficiency, stressors and responses in online foreign language learning during the pandemic. Some of the results, such as the negative association between anxiety and FLE, are consistent with those revealed in studies conducted in normal times. Other results are novel, such as the protective role of retrospective enjoyment in trying times or the higher level of enjoyment with lower-achieving students. Reference is made to students’ preferences for certain online resources during the pandemic (e.g., preference for PowerPoint presentations) and to their opinions regarding the use of entirely or partially online foreign language teaching in the post-COVID period. The quantitative results are fostered by the respondents’ voices in the qualitative research. The consequences of these results are discussed with respect to the teacher-student relationship in the online environment and to the implications for sustainable online foreign language learning.
Properties of Quantizer and Dequantizer Operators for Qudit States and Parametric Down-Conversion
Authors: Adam Peter , Andreev Vladimir A. , Man’ko Margarita A. , Man’ko Vladimir I. , Mechler Matyas
Published: January 2021

We review the method of quantizers and dequantizers to construct an invertible map of the density operators onto functions including probability distributions and discuss in detail examples of qubit and qutrit states. The biphoton states existing in the process of parametric down-conversion are studied in the probability representation of quantum mechanics.
Intra-Day Variability Observations of Two Dozens of Blazars at 4.8 GHz
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Xin , Chang Ning , Liu Jun , Cui Lang , Yang Xiaofeng , Krichbaum Thomas
Published: January 2021

Two dozens of radio loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have been observed with Urumqi 25 m radio telescope in order to search for intra-day variability (IDV). The target sources are blazars (namely flat spectrum radio quasars and BL Lac objects) which are mostly selected from the observing list of RadioAstron AGN monitoring campaigns. The observations were carried out at 4.8 GHz in two sessions of 8–12 February 2014 and 7–9 March respectively. We report the data reduction and the first results of observations. The results show that the majority of the blazars exhibit IDV in 99.9% confidence level, some of them show quite strong IDV. We find the strong IDV of blazar 1357 + 769 for the first time. The IDV at centimeter-wavelength is believed to be predominately caused by the scintillation of blazar emission through the local interstellar medium in a few hundreds parsecs away from Sun. No significant correlation between the IDV strength and either redshift or Galactic latitude is found in our sample. The IDV timescale along with source structure and brightness temperature analysis will be presented in a forthcoming paper.
The Full Region of N-Terminal in Polymerase of IBDV Plays an Important Role in Viral Replication and Pathogenicity: Either Partial Region or Single Amino Acid V4I Substitution Does Not Completely Lead to the Virus Attenuation to Three-Yellow Chickens
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Huang Yu , Ji Zhonghua , Chen Guo , Zhang Yan , Qiao Yuanzheng , Shi Mengya , Li Min , Huang Teng , Wei Tianchao , Mo Meilan , He Xiumiao , Wei Ping
Published: January 2021

Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) has haunted the poultry industry with severe, prolonged immunosuppression of chickens when infected at an early age and can easily lead to other secondary infections. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms could lead to effective prevention and control of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). Evidence suggests that the N-terminal domain of polymerase in segment B plays an important role, but it is not clear which part or residual is crucial for the pathogenicity. Using a reverse genetics technique, a molecular clone (rNN1172) of the parental vvIBDV strain NN1172 was generated, and its pathogenicity was found to be the same as the parental virus. Then, three recombinant chimeric viruses were rescued based on the rNN1172 and substituted with the counterparts in the N-terminal domain of the attenuated vaccine strain B87: the rNN1172-B87VP1a (substituting the full region of the 1–167 aa residuals), the rNN1172-B87VP1a∆4 (substituting the region of the 5–167 aa residuals), and the rNN1172-VP1∆4 (one single aa residual substitution V4I), to better explore the role of the N-terminal domain of polymerase on the viral pathogenicity. Interestingly, all these substitutions played different roles in the viral pathogenicity: the mortality of the rNN1172-B87VP1a-challenged chickens was significantly reduced from 30% to 0%. No obvious lesion was found in the histopathological examination, and the lowest viral genome copy number was also detected in the bursa when compared to the parental and two other recombinant viruses. The mortalities caused by rNN1172-B87VP1a∆4 and rNN1172-B87VP1∆4, respectively, were all reduced to 10% and had a delayed onset of death. Our results also revealed that the pathogenicity of the IBDV was consistent with the viral replication efficiency in vivo (bursae). This study demonstrated that the full region of the N-terminal of polymerase plays an important role in viral replication and pathogenicity, but the substitutions of its partial region or a single residual do not completely lead to the virus attenuation to Three-Yellow chickens, although that significantly reduces its pathogenicity.
Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination in Japan
Authors: Yoda Takeshi , Katsuyama Hironobu
Published: January 2021

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are being developed by many countries for the safety of their population. However, people of various nations have revealed hesitancy towards being vaccinated, citing reasons such as side effects, safety, a lack of trust in vaccine effectiveness, etc. This study aimed to explore the willingness of people in Japan to be vaccinated or not be vaccinated and the reasons for either decision. A sample of 1100 respondents was drawn from an internet research panel, and a questionnaire survey was administered to evaluate their willingness to be vaccinated by gender, age group, place of living, and underlying illness history. After using descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test to evaluate categorical variables, 65.7% of the participants indicated a willingness to be vaccinated; among them were older age groups, those in rural areas, and those with underlying medical conditions. In addition, males showed less hesitancy towards being vaccinated. Although selectivity bias exists, this study is the first to examine the willingness of Japanese people to be vaccinated. Since vaccine hesitancy and refusal ratio were found to be higher in Japan than in other countries, policy efforts are needed to make the country’s vaccination program viable.
THE RESEARCH OF THE THERMOLYSIS PRODUCTS OF CESIUM TUNGSTOPHOSPHATES
Authors: Moroz Y. , Lozynskyy M. , Lopanov A. , Chebyshev K. , Burkhovetsky V.
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the synthesis, study of thermal decomposition and identification of the thermolysis products of cesium tungstophosphates that are promising compounds in the field of materials science, catalysis and other fields of science and technology.

Compounds with the Keggin anion structure are synthesized from aqueous solutions: Cs3[PW12O40] ∙ 9H2O; Cs5Na2[PW11O39(H2O)] ∙ 5H2O and Cs5[PW11O39Ni0,5Cu0,5(H2O)] ∙ 4H2O. The processes of their thermal decomposition are investigated and some regularities of their thermolysis are established. Thermolysis products are identified: Cs3PW12O40, phases with the structure of pyrochlore and hexagonal tungsten bronze of the composition Cs10/13Na4/13P2/13W22/13O6 and Cs10/13P2/13Ni1/13Cu1/13W22/13O6. The unit cell parameters of the phase with the pyrochlore structure are determined. Research results confirm that phosphorus, nickel and copper ions are included in the structure of pyrochlore and hexagonal tungsten bronze. Phases similar to this chemical composition are not previously known in the literature. The studied tungstophosphates and their thermolysis products are promising compounds for obtaining heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of organic compounds and selective sorbents. The research results can be useful for predicting the thermal properties and phase composition of thermolysis products of similar polyoxometallates in order to obtain new compounds with the structure of pyrochlore and hexagonal tungsten bronze, as well as composite materials based on them.
PRINCIPLES OF ALGORITHMIC FORMATION IN DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR TEMPORARY ARCTIC SETTLEMENT
Authors: Zhukovskaya D. , Ivchenko A.
Published: January 2021

One of the special aspects of the Arctic region is the predominance of the rotational settlement. This article studies the types and principles of the formation of settlement systems in the Arctic zones as well as the factors that form the subject-spatial decisions in them. A distinctive characteristic of this form is the "sprouting" of domiciled settlements from temporary settlements as well as the simultaneous appearance of such a phenomenon as "dead cities". This influenced many life areas of the local population: from urban planning plans and housing construction technologies to the peculiarities of formation of subcultures and regional identity. By the example of subject-spatial complexes of temporary mobile settlements in the Arctic region, it is proposed to consider the time cycle as an object of design and its impact on the socio-cultural aspect of the life of the foreign-born population. A design concept for the self-organization of the system in the life cycle was proposed. Methods of spatial modeling were considered on the example of an engineering system for object modeling, where the feature is the presence of unified modular elements with an original mechanical detachable interface.

The study used the methods of historical, cultural, and systems analysis, a systematic approach to design, scenario modeling, conceptual forecasting based on synergetic theory (theory of self-organization of systems), structural and spatial modeling.
VERTICAL GARDENING IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AS A METHOD OF REDUCING ECOLOGICAL STRESS
Authors: Kostina E. , Mironenko O. , Milavski S.
Published: January 2021

In the context of the constant development of society, the modern environment is very important for a modern person. A city is a space that should provide a comfortable life. Also, it is a place where a society develops, communicates and interacts. In an urbanized city, building system is becoming increasingly impact, as the population is constantly increases. The construction of new residential areas, public buildings, industrial enterprises requires more and more “green” areas to clear. This negatively affects the comfortable living of a person in the city.

In this article such gardening method in the structure of a modern city as vertical gardening, as an alternative to horizontal gardening was studied. Different variations of vertical gardening as well as international examples were discussed.

Based on the study carried out, the conclusion on a positive effect of vertical gardening on the physical and psychological health of a person, on environment improvement, generally, as well as on increasing the aesthetic attraction of urban spaces.
Role of Institutions in Combating the Effects of Flood Hazard in Punjab-A Case Study of District Chiniot
Authors: Shah Syed Javed Hussain
Published: January 2021

Naturally occurring events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods etc. cast great impact on physiography of land and lives of the people. Floods are the most common of all the natural hazards. Physical, social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities make the developing countries more susceptible to disasters as compared to the developed countries which have great sources and resources to cope with any disastrous situation. Pakistan is one of the most flood prone countries of South Asia and a number of floods have caused significant damage and loss both physically and economically particularly during the floods of 1950, 1992, 1998, 2010, 2011 and 2014.Theses floods are primarily caused by the heavy monsoon rainfalls accompanied by snow melting in the northern mountainous areas of the country. Among all the provinces, Punjab is most prone to floods and faces great damage and loss because it is the home of more than half of the country’s population. As it is densely populated, so the destruction here is more than other provinces. Besides, Punjab’s geographic location and climatic conditions make it more vulnerable to monsoon floods. Primary data from a field survey of the case study area through a questionnaire was obtained while the related secondary data was derived from different published government’s reports, journals and already done work related to the topic. For graphical representation of work done, simple statistical techniques attributed with descriptive research were followed. This research is aimed to have an inner look into the structures and functions of the institutes which are working to combat the effects of floods in Pakistan. The main purpose of this study is to find out the plans and strategies of different institutions to combat the effects of floods.
Mācību grāmata kā nozīmīgs terminoloģijas resurss: Luda Bērziņa “Ievads latviešu tautas dzejā”
Authors: Helviga Anita
Published: January 2021

Keywords: Ludis Bērziņš, textbook, folklore studies, dainology, resource of terminology

The personality of Ludis Bērziņš (1870–1965) in Latvian culture has been characterised using such words as poet, theologian, pedagogue, and even scientist. The initiative for this study is based on Bērziņš’ pedagogical work and research, which resulted in a textbook being an important resource of terminology for Latvian folklore studies. The study is dedicated to the 150-year remembrance of Bērziņš and the 80th anniversary since the publication of his monograph on the metrics and stylistics of folk songs Ievads latviešu tautas dzejā (Introduction to Latvian Folk Poetry, 1940).
The article aims to characterise Bērziņš’ book as an important terminology resource for folklore studies by undertaking the following tasks: mapping out the terminological situation of the era and the field, highlighting the power of the author’s research and pedagogical work experience, underpinning the nature of the book while also analysing it as a textbook, highlighting the main features of the book and describing the author’s quest in terms of terminological solutions.
Desenvolvimento de mudas de baru em resposta a diferentes volumes de tubetes e doses de adubo de liberação lenta
Authors: Aguilar Marcos Vinícius Miranda , Massad Marília Dutra , Dutra Tiago Reis , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Menezes Eduarda Soares , Santos Aline  Ramalho dos
Published: January 2021

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a produção e a qualidade de mudas de baru em resposta a diferentes volumes de tubetes e aplicação de doses de Osmocote®. Foi adotado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, no esquema fatorial 3 x 5, sendo estudados três volumes de tubetes (55, 180 e 280 cm3) e cinco doses de Osmocote® (0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0 e 12,0 g dm-3), do Osmocote® MiniPrill Controlled Realise 19-06-10, com liberação de 3 a 4 meses. Cada unidade experimental foi constituída por 10 mudas. Foram avaliados aos 120 dias a altura (H; cm), diâmetro do coleto (DC, mm), matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA; g planta-1), matéria seca da raiz (MSR; g planta-1) e matéria seca total (MST = MSPA + MSR; g planta-1), além das relações H/DC, H/MSPA, MSPA/MSR e Índice de Qualidade de Dickson (IQD). O tubete de 280 cm³ proporcionou maior crescimento inicial e produção de massa seca às mudas de Dipteryx alata (Vogel), conferindo um padrão de qualidade superior. As mudas de baru responderam ao uso do adubo de liberação lenta Osmocote®, apresentando melhores crescimento e padrão de qualidade sob doses entre 4,35 e 5,29 g dm-3.
Spatial distribution of coffee crop productivity in Minas Gerais over time
Authors: Serenini Renan , Ramos Patrícia de Siqueira , Frias Lincoln
Published: January 2021

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer and the state of Minas Gerais is responsible for half of the Brazilian production. However, productivity is unevenly distributed throughout the state. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of coffee productivity in Minas Gerais from 2002 to 2017, a valuable information to identify regions where coffee production may be more promising in the future. This paper investigates the existence of spatial dependence of productivity between regions (using Moran's I), its dynamics throughout the period and the presence of clusters of high and low productivity (using local Moran's I). The results show that the spatial dependence of productivity was stronger from 2002 to 2009 than between 2010 and 2017. Some regions with small coffee areas but high productivity have stopped producing the crop whereas some of those with large areas but low productivity increased their productivity levels. Therefore, there is a tendency of homogenization of productivity in Minas Gerais, with values close to 30 bags per hectare.
APLIKASI BANYUMAS PANTAU WARGA GUNA MENDATA WARGA ORANG DALAM PANTAUAN (ODP) BERBASIS ANDROID DI KABUPATEN BANYUMAS
Authors: Azis Abdul , Riyanto  , Damai Trian
Published: January 2021

COVID 19 merupakan virus yang penyebarannya sangat cepat di Indonesia data terbaru yang dikutip pada Hari Minggu, tanggal 12 April 2020 Menunjukan Populasi Masyarakat yang terkena ( Positif ) Virus Corona adalah 3.842 Orang, data dalam perawatan sebanyak 3.229 Orang, data Masyarakat yang sembuh sebanyak 286 Orang dan Data Masyarakat yang meninggal sebanyak 327 orang. Provinsi Jawa tengah memiliki ODP sebanyak 20.538 orang dan Kabupaten Banyumas memiliki ODP sebanyak 1.766 orang, ini dikarenakan banyak pemudik yang mencari nafkah di DKI Jakarta atau Kota Lainnya dan pulang dari tempat kerja mereka sehingga virus Covid 19 menyebar cepat di Provinsi Jawa Tengah dan menyebar juga di Kabupaten Banyumas. Dari data ODP diatas pemerintah banyumas berdiskusi dengan peneliti selaku akademisi dalam bidang Mobile (Android), dan telah diputuskan hasil diskusi tersebut adalah sebuah strategi agar data ODP dapat dipantau secara kondusif dan terarah. Strateginya adalah dengan melakukan pendataan warga desa di Setiap Kelurahan/Desa dengan membentuk Tim khusus (ASN) yaitu Tim Koordinator, Tim Pemantau. Serta Tim Dinas Kesehatan (DINKES) dan Tim Dinas Sosial (DINSOS) yang di pantau langsung menggunakan Smatphone Andorid.
IKLIM ORGANISASI SEKOLAH, SEMANGAT KERJA, DAN KUALITAS KEHIDUPAN KERJA PADA GURU
Authors: Rini Quroyzhin Kartika , Sidhiq Amaran
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar kontribusi iklim organisasi sekolah dan semangat kerja guru terhadap kualitas kehidupan kerja guru SMA Negeri di Kota Bogor. Penelitian ini mengambil sampel penelitian 166 orang guru yang terdapat di SMA Negeri kota Bogor. Pengambilan sampel diambil secara acak sederhana dari 9 SMA Negeri di kota Bogor. Untuk mengukur iklim organisasi sekolah, semangat kerja dan kualitas kehidupan kerja, peneliti menggunakan skala iklim organisasi sekolah, skala semangat kerja dan skala kualitas kehidupan kerja. Teknik analisis regresi menunjukkan bahwa iklim organisasi dan semangat kerja memengaruhi kualitas kehidupan kerja guru sebesar 61.4%. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini telah membuktikan adanya kontribusi iklim organisasi sekolah dan semangat kerja terhadap kualitas kehidupan kerja pada guru SMA Negeri di kota Bogor, sedangkan 38.6% dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor yang lain. Selanjutnya, diketahui pula bahwa iklim organisasi sekolah, semangat kerja dan quality of work life pada guru dalam penelitian ini tergolong dalam kategori tinggi. Artinya, guru SMA Negeri Bogor memiliki quality of work life dan semangat kerja yang tinggi, serta merasakan adanya iklim organisasi di sekolah masing-masing.