bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency Diversity Gain of a Wideband Radar Signal
Authors: Shen Mengmeng , He Feng , Dong Zhen , Chen Xing , Yu Lei , Wu Manqing
Published: December 2021

Wideband radar has high-range directional resolution, which can effectively reduce the fluctuation of echo and improve the detection probability of a target under the same detection probability requirement. In this paper, a unified wideband radar χ2 distribution target model with more practical significance is innovatively established, on which the probability density function and detection probability function of Swerling 0, Swerling II and Swerling IV targets are analyzed, respectively. A generalized “frequency diversity gain” of wideband radar is proposed and defined based on the contradiction between suppression of fluctuation and accumulation loss, which represents the ratio of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) gain between broadband signal and reference bandwidth signal under the same condition (when the reference bandwidth is used, the radar target has only one range unit), and the mathematical relation equation of the target detection performance and signal bandwidth (equivalent to the number of distinguishable range elements of the target) is given. A Monte Carlo simulation experiment is designed. Based on the target model established in this paper, the optimal number of target range units corresponding to different detection probability requirements is obtained, which verifies the correctness of the concept proposed in this paper.
Inversion Evaluation of Rare Earth Elements in Soil by Visible-Shortwave Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Zhaoqiang , Huang Wenxuan , Li Sheng , Ni Bin , Zhang Yalong , Wang Mingwei , Chen Maolin , Zhu Fuxiao
Published: December 2021

According to historical information, more than 300 metal smelting enterprises have been in the southwest of Xiongan for 300 years; however, these polluting enterprises have been gradually closed with the increased intensity of environmental protection. In the paper, 264 soil samples were collected and analyzed in the range of 400 nm–2500 nm by the spectra vista corporation (SVC), and the spectral noise was smoothed by the Savitzky–Golay filter. In order to enhance the spectral differences and curve shapes, mathematical transformations, such as the standard normal variate (SNV), first-order differential (FD), second-order differential (SD), multiple scattering correction (MSC), and continuum removal (CR), were performed on the data, and the correlation between spectral transformation and contents of REEs was analyzed. Moreover, three machine learning models—partial least-squares (PLS), random forest (RF), back propagation neural network (BPNN)—were used to predict the contents of REEs. Experimental results prove that REEs are combined with spectral active substances, such as organic compounds, clay minerals, and iron oxide, and it is possible to determine the contents of REEs using the reflection spectrum. The R2 between the predicted values and measured contents reached 0.986 by using BPNN after FD transformation. More importantly, the predicted values basically agree with the actual situation for CASI/SASI airborne hyperspectral images, and this is an effective technique to obtain the contents of REEs in soil at the study area.
Remotely Sensed Tree Characterization in Urban Areas: A Review
Authors: Velasquez-Camacho Luisa , Cardil Adrián , Mohan Midhun , Etxegarai Maddi , Anzaldi Gabriel , de-Miguel Sergio
Published: December 2021

Urban trees and forests provide multiple ecosystem services (ES), including temperature regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. Interest in ES has increased amongst policymakers, scientists, and citizens given the extent and growth of urbanized areas globally. However, the methods and techniques used to properly assess biodiversity and ES provided by vegetation in urban environments, at large scales, are insufficient. Individual tree identification and characterization are some of the most critical issues used to evaluate urban biodiversity and ES, given the complex spatial distribution of vegetation in urban areas and the scarcity or complete lack of systematized urban tree inventories at large scales, e.g., at the regional or national levels. This often limits our knowledge on their contributions toward shaping biodiversity and ES in urban areas worldwide. This paper provides an analysis of the state-of-the-art studies and was carried out based on a systematic review of 48 scientific papers published during the last five years (2016–2020), related to urban tree and greenery characterization, remote sensing techniques for tree identification, processing methods, and data analysis to classify and segment trees. In particular, we focused on urban tree and forest characterization using remotely sensed data and identified frontiers in scientific knowledge that may be expanded with new developments in the near future. We found advantages and limitations associated with both data sources and processing methods, from which we drew recommendations for further development of tree inventory and characterization in urban forestry science. Finally, a critical discussion on the current state of the methods, as well as on the challenges and directions for future research, is presented.
Development of an Approach to Evaluate Website Effectiveness
Authors: Alsulami Majid H. , Khayyat Mashael M. , Aboulola Omar I. , Alsaqer Mohammed S.
Published: December 2021

The internet has been used by individuals, organizations, and governments for business, sports, health, banking, advertisement, education, and other services. Many websites have been developed and designed in the last several decades. However, most have not been developed and designed according to a shared set of design standards. Consequently, there is a need for an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a website. A literature review was conducted to develop such an approach. Four experts were then consulted to inspect and evaluate the approach, and a questionnaire was completed by three categories: Internet users, website developers, and others to determine its final version. This research resulted in the development of an approach to evaluate website effectiveness, composed of three major criteria: design, content, and functionality, and 17 sub-criteria. The significance of this new approach is that it allows stakeholders to evaluate their websites and determine how to improve them in order to achieve their vision and mission.
The Effects of Land-Use Change/Conversion on Trade-Offs of Ecosystem Services in Three Precipitation Zones
Authors: Feng Qiang , Dong Siyan , Duan Baoling
Published: December 2021

Revealing the spatial differentiation of ecosystem service (ES) trade-offs and their responses to land-use change along precipitation gradients are important issues in the Loess Plateau of China. We selected three watersheds called Dianshi (300 mm < MAP (mean annual precipitation) < 400 mm), Ansai (400 mm < MAP < 500 mm), and Linzhen (500 mm < MAP < 600 mm). A new ES trade-off quantification index was proposed, and quantile regression, piecewise linear regression, and redundancy analysis were used. The results were as follows. (1) Carbon sequestration (TC) and soil conservation (SEC) increased, but water yield (WY) decreased in the three watersheds from 2000 to 2018. (2) The effect of forests on trade-offs was positive in three watersheds, the main effect of shrubs was also positive, but the negative effect appeared in the TC-WY trade-off in Ansai. Grassland exacerbated trade-offs in Dianshi, whereas it reduced trade-offs in Ansai and Linzhen. These effects exhibited respective trends with the quantile in the three watersheds. (3) There were threshold values that trade-offs responded to land-use changes, and we could design land-use conversion types to balance ESs. In general, the water consumption of grass cannot be ignored in Dianshi; shrubs and grass are suitable vegetation types, and forests need to be restricted in Ansai; more forests and shrubs can be supported in Linzen due to higher precipitation, but the current proportions of forests and shrubs are too high. Our research contributes to a better understanding of the response mechanisms of ES trade-offs to land-use changes.
Circular Business Processes in the State-of-the-Practice: A Survey Study
Authors: van Engelenhoven Tanja , Kassahun Ayalew , Tekinerdogan Bedir
Published: December 2021

Despite increasing global environmental concerns, we continue to consume large amounts of products with little regard to what happens before, during, and after their use. Roughly one-third of the food produced is wasted. Because the world’s population is expected to grow to 10 billion by 2050, adopting circular economy practices will become essential. The transition towards a circular economy requires adopting business processes that support circular economy practices across supply chains. Currently, the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model is the most widely used, and widely known, approach for studying and evaluating supply chain business processes. It is, however, unclear to what extent circular principles are included in the SCOR model. Past studies indicating missing processes for circular supply chain management in the SCOR model have made limited efforts in capturing the current state-of-the-practice. We conducted an online survey of 60 companies engaged in 14 different types of economic activities to study the SCOR level 2 business processes adopted in practice. In addition to the 22 level 2 business processes documented in SCOR, we identified six additional level 2 circular business processes that the respondents recognized as being commonly applied within their businesses. The results clearly show that the current SCOR model does not fully represent circular business processes in the state-of-the-practice.
Subjective and Objective Insecurity in Spanish Cities
Authors: Huesca González Ana María , Grimaldo-Santamaría Rolando-Oscar , Quicios García María del Pilar
Published: December 2021

This article related crime rates to social risk factors and to the feeling of insecurity in Spain. The first finding of this study, financed by National I + D Plan CSO2016-77549-P, AEI-FEDER, was the direct relation between crime rates and some sociodemographic factors such as population, unemployment, urban land area, and hotel occupancy, based on the question of which social risk factors correlate to crime rates. The second finding was that social factors drive citizens’ feelings of insecurity, according to whether feelings of insecurity are linked to crime rates or perceived risk factors. The research was based on a quantitative methodology, using two data sources: reworked official statistics treated by HJ-Biplot analysis; a 2019 CATI survey with N = 3904, sample error between 5.2% and 3.7% according to territory, 95% confidence level. The main conceptual conclusion of the study was the link between well-being and security. The main methodological contribution was the application of HJ-Biplot analysis to the social sciences.
Transportation Infrastructure Construction and High-Quality Development of Enterprises: Evidence from the Quasi-Natural Experiment of High-Speed Railway Opening in China
Authors: Zhao Tianjiao , Xiao Xiang , Dai Qinghui
Published: December 2021

High-quality development of the economy is an important guarantee for economic and business sustainability, and the construction of transportation infrastructure is an important channel to achieving high-quality development. Thus, we take the opening of China’s high-speed railway (HSR) as a quasi-natural experiment and use the difference-in-difference model to explore the impact and mechanism of HSR on firms’ high-quality development. By using the total factor productivity of enterprises as the proxy for high-quality development, the empirical results show that: (1) the opening of the HSR can significantly promote high-quality development of enterprises; (2) the quality of information disclosure plays a mediating role in such relationships; and (3) the impact of HSR on enterprises’ high-quality development is more significant for enterprises that are located in cities with better business environments. Overall, this research indicates that local infrastructure construction is an important factor to achieve high-quality development of enterprises as well as economic sustainability that cannot be ignored, and this conclusion will be helpful for corporate managers in enhancing the quality of information disclosure, as well as for local governments to attach more importance to optimizing business environments to achieve high-quality development and economic sustainability.
Ski Tourism: A Case Study as a Booster for the Economic Development of Chongli, in China
Authors: Li Jianxia , Cernaianu Sorina , Sobry Claude , Liu Xijia
Published: December 2021

Chongli, an internationally renowned ski mecca, is famous for hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics. As a booster of local economic development, ski tourism facilitates Chongli in moving away from poverty, and provides a new model for the economic development of other impoverished areas in China. The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of ski tourism in Chongli on local economic development in detail, to clarify the relationship between ski tourism and its related industries, and propose improvement measures, using the methods of the literature review, Delphi and investigation. This paper presents a detailed analysis of indicators which reflect ski tourism and its economic development, and calculates the degree of influence of skiing tourism on local economic development. The results show that, except for transportation, storage and postal services, the local economy of Chongli is positively affected by the income of ski tourism and the number of ski tourists. The influence coefficient of ski tourism has exceeded the average level of social influence. Based on the place of ski tourism in Chongli, some strategies, such as extending the industrial chain and improving product quality to strengthen the economic impact of ski tourism, are proposed.
Green Taxation Promotes the Intelligent Transformation of Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises: Tax Leverage Theory
Authors: Yu Longzhen , Zhu Jianhua , Wang Zhixian
Published: December 2021

A key issue that concerns governments is how to formulate optimal technology subsidies and green tax standards to promote the intelligent transformation of manufacturing enterprises. In this work, the Pollutant Emission Indicator Trading Mechanism (PEITM) is proposed, and green taxes are divided into Tax of Pollutant Emissions (TPE) and the Tax of Excess Pollutant Emissions (TEPE). On this basis, we study the impact of green taxes and technology subsidies on the intelligent transformation of enterprises in different manufacturing environments from the government’s perspective and provide the optimal government subsidy scheme under different green tax policies. Although it seems counter-intuitive, enterprises’ usual responses to increases in TPE and TEPE are non-monotonic. Moreover, we find a threshold effect for the government’s green taxation. Blindly increasing or reducing taxes may not promote intelligent transformation, but instead force enterprises towards negative choices. Lastly, an effective measure for the government to promote the intelligent transformation of manufacturing enterprises is proposed: by properly adjusting TPE and TEPE, governments can produce more cost-effective intelligent products than ordinary ones. Consequently, intelligent products will sell better than ordinary products, and manufacturing enterprises will be able to consciously carry out intelligent transformation to remain viable.
A Comprehensive Review on Sustainable Aspects of Big Data Analytics for the Smart Grid
Authors: Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar , Kasinathan Padmanathan , Madurai Elavarasan Rajvikram , Ramanathan Vinoth , Anandan Ranjith Kumar , Subramaniam Umashankar , Ghosh Aritra , Hossain Eklas
Published: December 2021

The role of energy is cardinal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the enhancement and modernization of energy generation and management practices. The smart grid enables efficient communication between utilities and the end- users, and enhances the user experience by monitoring and controlling the energy transmission. The smart grid deals with an enormous amount of energy data, and the absence of proper techniques for data collection, processing, monitoring and decision-making ultimately makes the system ineffective. Big data analytics, in association with the smart grid, enable better grid visualization and contribute toward the attainment of sustainability. The current research work deals with the achievement of sustainability in the smart grid and efficient data management using big data analytics, that has social, economic, technical and political impacts. This study provides clear insights into energy data generated in the grid and the possibilities of energy theft affecting the sustainable future. The paper provides insights about the importance of big data analytics, with their effects on the smart grids’ performance towards the achievement of SDGs. The work highlights efficient real-time energy data management involving artificial intelligence and machine learning for a better future, to short out the effects of the conventional smart grid without big data analytics. Finally, the work discusses the challenges and future directions to improve smart grid technologies with big data analytics in action.
The Contribution of Online Reviews for Quality Evaluation of Cultural Tourism Offers: The Experience of Italian Museums
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Brambilla Marco , Pavanetto Silvio , Riva Paola
Published: December 2021

In the cultural tourism field, there has been an increasing interest in adopting data-driven approaches that are aimed at measuring the service quality dimensions through online reviews. To date, studies measuring quality dimensions in cultural tourism settings through content analysis of online user-generated reviews are mainly based on manual approaches. When the content analysis is automated, these studies do not compare different analytical approaches. Our paper enters this field by comparing two different automated content analysis approaches to evaluate which of the two is more adequate for assessing the quality dimensions through user-generated reviews in an empirical setting of 100 Italian museums. Specifically, we compare a ‘top-down’ content analysis approach that is based on a supervised classification built on policy makers’ guidelines and a ‘bottom-up’ approach that is based on an unsupervised topic model of the online words of reviewers. The resulting museum quality dimensions are compared, showing that the ‘bottom-up’ approach reveals additional quality dimensions compared with those obtained through the ‘top-down’ approach. The misalignment of the results of the ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches to quality evaluation for museums enhances the critical discussion on the contribution that data analytics can offer to support decision making in cultural tourism.
The Efficacy of a Smectite-Based Mycotoxin Binder in Reducing Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on Performance, Health and Histopathology of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Zabiulla Ismail , Malathi Venkataramaiah , Swamy H. V. L. N. , Naik Jaya , Pineda Lane , Han Yanming
Published: December 2021

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the efficacy of a smectite-based clay binder (Toxo-MX) in reducing the toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with ten replicates of 15 birds each in a 42-day feeding experiment. The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC, a basal diet with no AFB1 and binder), a positive control (PC, a basal diet contaminated with 500 ppb of AFB1) and a smectite-based mycotoxin binder(Toxo-MX, PC with smectite clay binder). AFB1 challenge resulted in 14 to 24% depression in growth performance, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), organ enlargement and immuno-suppression.As compared to PC, feeding of Toxo-MX improved the final weight (15%; p < 0.0001), average daily gain (ADG) (15%; p < 0.001) and feed efficiency of broilers (13%; p < 0.0003) but did not have any effects on liver enzyme activities. Supplementation of smectite claysignificantly increased serum globulin levels and reduced the weight of the liver (p < 0.05) as compared to AFB1-fed broiler chickens. The severity of lesions (inflammatory and degenerative changes) observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lymphoid organs in PC birds was reduced by feeding smectite clay. The immuno-suppression caused by AFB1 was moderately ameliorated in Toxo-MX groupby stimulating the production of antibodies against IBD at day 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of a smectite-based mycotoxin binder to the diet containing AFB1 improved growth performance, reduced toxicological effects in liver and improved humoral immune response in broilers, suggesting its protective effect against aflatoxicosis.
Practices and Barriers to Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Louisville, Kentucky
Authors: Whittinghill Leigh , Sarr Sait
Published: December 2021

As urban populations increase, there is growing interest in developing innovative technologies, sustainable urban farming practices, policy measures, and other strategies to address key barriers in urban agriculture that impede improved food security and sustained urban livelihoods. We surveyed forty urban farmers and gardeners (growers) in Louisville, Kentucky, for base-level information to assess their agricultural practices and the various factors or key barriers that could influence such practices. Secondary objectives were identifying areas where practices could be improved, and identifying opportunities for research, outreach, and incentives for urban growers to transition to more sustainable and higher-yielding practices. The majority of these urban growers were white females, were more diverse than Kentucky farmers, and attained a higher degree of education than Kentucky residents as a whole. Most were engaged in urban agriculture for non-commercial reasons, and 11% were full-time urban growers operating farms for profit. Smaller farms were less likely to be operated for profit or have farm certifications than medium-sized or larger farms (Chi-squared = 14.459, p = 0.042). We found no significant differences among farm sizes in terms of whether growers rented or owned the land they were on (Chi-squared = 9.094, p = 0.168). The most common sustainable practices recorded were composting (60%), crop rotation (54%), polyculture (54%), organic farming (49%), and low or no-till (46%). The least common practices were alley cropping (5%), plasticulture (3%), and hydroponics (3%). Small farms were less likely to use crop rotation than medium-sized or large farms (Chi-squared = 13.548, p = 0.003), and farms responding to the survey in the latter part of the data collection were less likely to use compost than expected based on responses from the early part of data collection (Chi-shared = 5.972, p = 0.014). Challenges faced by these growers included limited space, accessibility to farm certification, presence of pests and diseases, and lack of record keeping and soil testing for fertility and contamination. Our study documents the need for more farm certification, education, outreach, training, research, investment, innovative ideas and solutions, collaboration among stakeholders, and better access to land through favorable urban policies and local support.
Identification of a New Badnavirus in the Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) Tree and Establishment of a LAMP-LFD Assay for Its Rapid and Visual Detection
Authors: Lu Huixin , Tang Jintian , Sun Kai , Yu Xiaoping
Published: December 2021

The Chinaberry tree, a member of the Meliaceae family, is cultivated in China for use in traditional medicines. In 2020, Chinaberry trees with leaf deformation symptoms were found in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. In order to identify possible pathogenic viruses, a symptomatic sample was subjected to deep sequencing of small interfering RNAs. Assembly of the resulting sequences led to the identification of a novel badnavirus, provisionally designated Chinaberry tree badnavirus 1 (ChTBV1). With the recent development of China’s seedling industry and increasing online shopping platforms, the risk of tree virus transmission has increased substantially. Therefore, it is important to detect the occurrence of ChTBV1 to ensure the safety of the Chinaberry tree seedling industry. Here, we describe the development and validation of a sensitive and robust method relying on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, targeting a 197 nt region, to detect ChTBV1 from Chinaberry tree leaves. The LAMP assay was also adapted for rapid visualization of results by a lateral flow dipstick chromatographic detection method.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Alternative Splicing during Host-Virus Interactions in Chicken
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Sun Yingjie , Qiu Xusheng , Meng Chunchun , Song Cuiping , Tan Lei , Liao Ying , Liu Xiufan , Ding Chan
Published: December 2021

The chicken is a model animal for the study of evolution, immunity and development. In addition to their use as a model organism, chickens also represent an important agricultural product. Pathogen invasion has already been shown to modulate the expression of hundreds of genes, but the role of alternative splicing in avian virus infection remains unclear. We used RNA-seq data to analyze virus-induced changes in the alternative splicing of Gallus gallus, and found that a large number of alternative splicing events were induced by virus infection both in vivo and in vitro. Virus-responsive alternative splicing events preferentially occurred in genes involved in metabolism and transport. Many of the alternatively spliced transcripts were also expressed from genes with a function relating to splicing or immune response, suggesting a potential impact of virus infection on pre-mRNA splicing and immune gene regulation. Moreover, exon skipping was the most frequent AS event in chickens during virus infection. This is the first report describing a genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing in chicken and contributes to the genomic resources available for studying host–virus interaction in this species. Our analysis fills an important knowledge gap in understanding the extent of genome-wide alternative splicing dynamics occurring during avian virus infection and provides the impetus for the further exploration of AS in chicken defense signaling and homeostasis.
The Importance of Nanocarrier Design and Composition for an Efficient Nanoparticle-Mediated Transdermal Vaccination
Authors: Valdivia-Olivares Rayen Yanara , Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Álvarez-Figueroa María Javiera , Kalergis Alexis M. , González-Aramundiz José Vicente
Published: December 2021

The World Health Organization estimates that the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus claimed more than 3 million lives in 2020 alone. This situation has highlighted the importance of vaccination programs and the urgency of working on new technologies that allow an efficient, safe, and effective immunization. From this perspective, nanomedicine has provided novel tools for the design of the new generation of vaccines. Among the challenges of the new vaccine generations is the search for alternative routes of antigen delivery due to costs, risks, need for trained personnel, and low acceptance in the population associated with the parenteral route. Along these lines, transdermal immunization has been raised as a promising alternative for antigen delivery and vaccination based on a large absorption surface and an abundance of immune system cells. These features contribute to a high barrier capacity and high immunological efficiency for transdermal immunization. However, the stratum corneum barrier constitutes a significant challenge for generating new pharmaceutical forms for transdermal antigen delivery. This review addresses the biological bases for transdermal immunomodulation and the technological advances in the field of nanomedicine, from the passage of antigens facilitated by devices to cross the stratum corneum, to the design of nanosystems, with an emphasis on the importance of design and composition towards the new generation of needle-free nanometric transdermal systems.
Predicting Dynamic Clinical Outcomes of the Chemotherapy for Canine Lymphoma Patients Using a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Koo Jamin , Choi Kyucheol , Lee Peter , Polley Amanda , Pudupakam Raghavendra Sumanth , Tsang Josephine , Fernandez Elmer , Han Enyang James , Park Stanley , Swartzfager Deanna , Qi Nicholas Seah Xi , Jung Melody , Ocnean Mary , Kim Hyun Uk , Lim Sungwon
Published: December 2021

First-line treatments of cancer do not always work, and even when they do, they cure the disease at unequal rates mostly owing to biological and clinical heterogeneity across patients. Accurate prediction of clinical outcome and survival following the treatment can support and expedite the process of comparing alternative treatments. We describe the methodology to dynamically determine remission probabilities for individual patients, as well as their prospects of progression-free survival (PFS). The proposed methodology utilizes the ex vivo drug sensitivity of cancer cells, their immunophenotyping results, and patient information, such as age and breed, in training machine learning (ML) models, as well as the Cox hazards model to predict the probability of clinical remission (CR) or relapse across time for a given patient. We applied the methodology using the three types of data obtained from 242 canine lymphoma patients treated by (L)-CHOP chemotherapy. The results demonstrate substantial enhancement in the predictive accuracy of the ML models by utilizing features from all the three types of data. They also highlight superior performance and utility in predicting survival compared to the conventional stratification method. We believe that the proposed methodology can contribute to improving and personalizing the care of cancer patients.
Development of a Deep Learning Emulator for a Distributed Groundwater–Surface Water Model: ParFlow-ML
Authors: Tran Hoang , Leonarduzzi Elena , De la Fuente Luis , Hull Robert Bruce , Bansal Vineet , Chennault Calla , Gentine Pierre , Melchior Peter , Condon Laura E. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: December 2021

Integrated hydrologic models solve coupled mathematical equations that represent natural processes, including groundwater, unsaturated, and overland flow. However, these models are computationally expensive. It has been recently shown that machine leaning (ML) and deep learning (DL) in particular could be used to emulate complex physical processes in the earth system. In this study, we demonstrate how a DL model can emulate transient, three-dimensional integrated hydrologic model simulations at a fraction of the computational expense. This emulator is based on a DL model previously used for modeling video dynamics, PredRNN. The emulator is trained based on physical parameters used in the original model, inputs such as hydraulic conductivity and topography, and produces spatially distributed outputs (e.g., pressure head) from which quantities such as streamflow and water table depth can be calculated. Simulation results from the emulator and ParFlow agree well with average relative biases of 0.070, 0.092, and 0.032 for streamflow, water table depth, and total water storage, respectively. Moreover, the emulator is up to 42 times faster than ParFlow. Given this promising proof of concept, our results open the door to future applications of full hydrologic model emulation, particularly at larger scales.
Anticipated Memories and Adaptation from Past Flood Events in Gregório Creek Basin, Brazil
Authors: Fialho Hailton César Pimentel , Abreu Fernando Girardi , Sousa Bruno José de Oliveira , Souza Felipe Augusto Arguello , Bhattacharya-Mis Namrata , Mendiondo Eduardo Mario , Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches de
Published: December 2021

In this research we used walking interviews to investigate the measures used by shopkeepers as protection against floods. The concept of anticipated memory has been used to identify the relationship between their learning from previous events and the adaptive measures they have taken to reduce risk of future flooding in Gregório Creek basin. The area is affected by major flooding issues in the city of São Carlos, southeastern Brazil. Twenty-three (23) downtown merchants shared their experience of the extreme rainfall that occurred on 12 January 2020, characterized by a return period of 103 years. Comparing our findings with November 2015 and March 2018 floods (Interviews 37 and 52 respectively), we noted that due to the enhanced level of threat, people had changed their adaptation strategy by increasing the sum of floodgate height more than 4-fold (870 cm to 3830 cm) between 2015 to 2020. Our results showed that despite frequent flooding, the shopkeepers downtown were reluctant to move away from the area; rather, they preferred to improve their individual protection. The substantial increase in the height of the floodgates represents the population’s feedback in the face of a new level of threat.
A New Model Ice for Wave-Ice Interaction
Authors: von Bock und Polach Franz , Klein Marco , Hartmann Moritz
Published: December 2021

The interaction of waves and ice is of significant relevance for engineers, oceanographers and climate scientists. In-situ measurements are costly and bear uncertainties due to unknown boundary conditions. Therefore, physical laboratory experiments in ice tanks are an important alternative to validate theories or investigate particular effects of interest. Ice tanks use model ice which has down-scaled sea ice properties. This model ice in ice tanks holds disadvantages due to its low stiffness and non-linear behavior which is not in scale to sea ice, but is of particular relevance in wave-ice interactions. With decreasing stiffness steeper waves are required to reach critical stresses for ice breaking, while the non-linear, respectively non-elastic, deformation behavior is associated with high wave damping. Both are scale effects and do not allow the direct transfer of model scale test results to scenarios with sea ice. Therefore, the alternative modeling approach of Model Ice of Virtual Equivalent Thickness (MIVET) is introduced. Its performance is tested in physical experiments and compared to conventional model ice. The results show that the excessive damping of conventional model ice can be reduced successfully, while the scaling of the wave induced ice break-up still requires research and testing. In conclusion, the results obtained are considered a proof of concept of MIVET for wave-ice interaction problems.
Advancing Urban Water Security in the Indus Basin, Pakistan—Priority Actions for Karachi and Lahore
Authors: Syvrud Amy , Pohlner Huw , Punthakey Jehangir F. , Grant Melita , Green Trudy
Published: December 2021

Despite growing recognition of solutions to water scarcity challenges, decision-makers across the world continue to face barriers to effective implementation of water planning, governance and management. This is evident in the cases of Lahore and Karachi in the Indus Basin in Pakistan and illustrated through the experiences of the provincial government departments and utilities. Water scarcity and associated challenges are continuing to impose significant costs on these cities, which continue to grow as water availability further declines, demand increases, water quality deteriorates, and infrastructure degrades. A team of Australian water experts was commissioned by the Australian Water Partnership to diagnose urban water challenges and identify priority actions for improved water security, in collaboration with Pakistani partners. This paper presents the outcomes of that work. This includes a synthesis of the published literature and data on the geographical, climatic, and water scarcity contexts of both Karachi and Lahore. It then identifies responses to water insecurity that have been considered or implemented in the past and the barriers that have inhibited the effectiveness of these efforts. Finally, it presents actions within five priority action areas that Pakistani stakeholders have identified as being most practical and impactful for improving water security outcomes.
КЛОНАЛЬНОЕ МИКРОРАЗМНОЖЕНИЕ ТИМЬЯНА ОБЫКНОВЕННОГО IN VITRO (Методические рекомендации)
Authors:   Научно-исследовательский институт сельского хозяйства Крыма, Тевфик А.Ш. , Егорова Н.А. ,   Научно-исследовательский институт сельского хозяйства Крыма
Published: December 2021

В методических рекомендациях изложены приемы клонального микроразмножения Thymus vulgaris L., разработанные в лаборатории биотехнологии ФГБУН «НИИСХ Крыма». Описаны приемы стерилизации растительного материала при введении в асептическую культуру, субкультивирования при микроразмножении in vitro, укоренения полученных микропобегов и их адаптации ex vitro. Использование данных методических подходов позволяет получить коэффициент размножения до 1:12,8, и высокую частоту укоренения in vitro (98,3%) и адаптации ex vitro (93,5%) размноженных растений. Методические рекомендации предназначены для специалистов в области биотехнологии, селекции и семеноводства, физиологии растений. Пособие может быть также использовано для студентов и аспирантов, изучающих сельскохозяйственную биотехнологию в высших учебных заведениях.
Water quality analysis of Ribeirão São João in the Municiply of Porto Nacional – Tocantins / Análise da qualidade da água do Ribeirão São João no Município de Porto Nacional - Tocantins
Authors: Balduino Angelo Ricardo , Araujo Wesley Reis
Published: December 2021

Water is the source of life and an indispensable element of nature for human survival. Over the centuries, the available water resources have undergone constant crisis processes, especially when it comes to water pollution that affects its effectiveness for consumption. The monitoring of the water quality offers qualitative information about the water based on the parameters adopted in the CONAMA Resolution nº. 357/2005 and the calculation IQA NSF of the National Sanitation Foundation (APHA, 2005). The study about the water quality index aims to obtain information about the quality of the hydric resource available in Ribeirão São João in Porto Nacional - Tocantins, which has multiple uses such as: public supply, fishing, leisure, among others. The analysis undertaken to verify the quality of the water adopted procedures for analyzing the parameters of temperature, oxygen, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, fecal coliforms, total solids and turbidity that occurred between the months of August and September 2021. The collection and analysis of water samples showed that the Ribeirão presents acceptable levels within the parameters established by the literature studied and infer that the water quality is considered average for the purposes of capitation and human consumption.
Leitura e tecnologia: ensino emergencial nos tempos de pandemia / Reading and technology: emergency education in pandemic times
Authors: Melo Dayane Gome , Melo Iranilde do Rosário Gomes , Aranha Marize Barros Rocha , Costa Raniele Sampaio
Published: December 2021

A pandemia provocada pelo novo coronavírus levou à adoção de uma série de medidas emergenciais para conter sua disseminação e atenuar seus efeitos em diversas áreas. Com a suspensão das atividades escolares presenciais, o ensino remoto foi implantado em caráter emergencial para adequar a educação à situação atual. Diante desse cenário, este artigo busca discutir como a leitura pode ser trabalhada nos anos finais do ensino fundamental, em tempos de pandemia, no contexto de ensino remoto. Para tanto, nos pautamos em pesquisa exploratória de cunho bibliográfico, por meio do levantamento de estudos sobre leitura, ensino emergencial e uso de tecnologia móvel. A partir disso, constatamos a possibilidade de incorporar a tecnologia móvel no ensino remoto emergencial, notadamente o celular como instrumento de leitura, através do uso de aplicativos que podem facilitar e potencializar a aprendizagem dos alunos, com a mediação do professor.
Melhorias ao processo de logística reversa à luz da PNRS: estudo de caso em uma cooperativa de catadores / Improvements to the reverse logistics process in the light of the BSWP: a case study in a waste pickers cooperative
Authors: De Carvalho Fabiana dos Reis , Morais Hailton Barreto , Melo André Cristiano Silva , Nunes Denilson Ricardo de Lucena , Nagata Verônica de Menezes Nascimento , Braga Junior Antonio Erlindo
Published: December 2021

O processo de reciclagem envolve etapas relacionadas à sua cadeia de produção, como: coleta, triagem, enfardamento, comercialização, transporte, enfardamento pela indústria e desenvolvimento de novo produto. Em algumas dessas etapas há dificuldades para a eficiente realização das atividades. Portanto, essa pesquisa objetivou propor melhorias ao processo de Logística Reversa (LR) em uma cooperativa de catadores, atuante no município de Ananindeua-PA, tendo como referência as diretrizes da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS). Assim, para cada etapa da cadeia produtiva foram mapeadas as atividades envolvidas no processo de Coleta Seletiva (CS), analisando-se os aspectos operacionais relativos a cada atividade, identificando as etapas-gargalos inerentes à produção, com o objetivo de propor melhorias ao processo de LR de uma cooperativa de catadores localizada em Ananindeua-PA. Para tal, esta pesquisa baseou-se em um levantamento bibliográfico considerando os temas associados, a saber LR, Gestão Integrada de Resíduos Sólidos, Mapeamento de Processos, PNRS e CS. Envolveu ainda a coleta de dados com o auxílio de levantamento documental, entrevistas não-estruturadas, observações in loco e pesquisas de campo. Como resultados, a identificação de não-conformidades do processo adotado pela cooperativa, uma proposta de processo aderente à PNRS e melhorias sugeridas relacionadas à saúde e segurança, layout e equipamentos.
Avaliação da capacidade inibitória de ruta graveolens sobre candida albicans / Evaluation of the inhibitory capacity of ruta graveolens on candida albicans
Authors: Manso Giovanna Garcia , Ribeiro Matheus Martins , Da Silva Pedro Henrique Pereira , Do Prado Renata Silva
Published: December 2021

Os fungos são um importante grupo de seres vivos eucariontes Nos seres humanos são patógenos oportunistas, gerando certo grau de morbimortalidade, principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos, como os hospitalizados ou que fizeram transplante ou possuem doença de base como a AIDS e câncer. Cerca de 80% das infecções fúngicas sistêmicas são devido a Candida albicans. No Brasil, há um gasto de cerca de 180 milhões de reais para o tratamento de candidíase.  Os humanos e os fungos possuem certa semelhança filogenética e por isso possuem vias metabólicas semelhantes. Por esse fator, há uma dificuldade na produção de medicamentos eficazes contra fungos que gerem menor efeitos colaterais. A Ruta graveolens L. é uma planta muito utilizada, na medicina popular, para o tratamento da candidíase, sendo que, atualmente, é muito usada para tratar diversas doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade anti-candida do extrato etanólico de Ruta graveolens contra Candida albicans. Foi avaliada a atividade antifúngica dos extratos etanólicos do caule e das folhas de R. graveolens por meio do teste de diluição em placas. Os resultados obtidos levam a conclusão de que o extrato etanólico das folhas de R. graveolens, nas concentrações testadas de 1000, 500 e 250 ppm, em meio de cultura sólido não possui ação antifúngica contra Candida albicans A forma de obtenção dos extratos, bem como fatores como o local de crescimento da planta, hora em que a planta foi coletada, luminosidade, altitude, temperatura ambiente e nível pluviométrico podem ter influência sobre os resultados obtidos neste trabalho.
Germinação de mamoneira em diferentes combinações de vermiculita e composto orgânico / Castor oil plant germination in different combinations of vermiculite and organic compost
Authors: Lima Zilda Cristina Malheiros , Cardoso Suane Coutinho , Dos Santos Leandro Gonçalves , Peixouto Leandro Santos
Published: December 2021

A mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.), é uma oleaginosa de grande importância socioeconômica no Brasil e devido a sua adaptabilidade está disseminada por quase todo o país, constituindo como uma alternativa promissora para o cultivo em regiões semiáridas. Considerando que a germinação é de suma importância no estabelecimento e desenvolvimento das plântulas, é importante conhecer os fatores que afetam este processo, especialmente o tipo de substrato utilizado na produção de mudas que exerce grande influência na germinação. Diante disso, esse trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a melhor proporção do composto orgânico e vermiculita na composição de um substrato para germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de mamoneira. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação e o composto orgânico utilizado foi obtido por meio da compostagem de casca de algodão e esterco de galinha poedeira.  As sementes de mamona da variedade BRS Energia foram plantadas em bandejas contendo o substrato em diferentes proporções formado pelo composto orgânico e vermiculita, originando os seguintes tratamentos: T1: 100% vermiculita (Testemunha); T2: 95% vermiculita + 5% composto; T3: 85% vermiculita + 15% composto; T4: 75% vermiculita + 25% composto; T5: 65% vermiculita + 35% composto e T6: 50% vermiculita + 50% composto. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e 50 repetições (cada semente uma repetição) e avaliadas por 19 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram germinação (%), emergência (%), tempo de germinação e emergência (dias após plantio) altura da planta (cm) e a massa fresca e seca da planta (g). Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e suas médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os resultados indicaram que a proporção de 95% de vermiculita + 5% do composto orgânico de casca de algodão e esterco de galinha foi a que promoveu melhor desenvolvimento das plantas de mamoneira.