bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Using Isotroping, Laplacing, Eigenvalues Interpolative Binding, and Convolved Determinants with Normed Mapping for Large-Scale Image Retrieval
Authors: Kanwal Khadija , Tehseen Ahmad Khawaja , Khan Rashid , Alhusaini Naji , Jing Li
Published: February 2021

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are relational with grid-structures and spatial dependencies for two-dimensional images to exploit location adjacencies, color values, and hidden patterns. Convolutional neural networks use sparse connections at high-level sensitivity with layered connection complying indiscriminative disciplines with local spatial mapping footprints. This fact varies with architectural dependencies, insight inputs, number and types of layers and its fusion with derived signatures. This research focuses this gap by incorporating GoogLeNet, VGG-19, and ResNet-50 architectures with maximum response based Eigenvalues textured and convolutional Laplacian scaled object features with mapped colored channels to obtain the highest image retrieval rates over millions of images from versatile semantic groups and benchmarks. Time and computation efficient formulation of the presented model is a step forward in deep learning fusion and smart signature capsulation for innovative descriptor creation. Remarkable results on challenging benchmarks are presented with a thorough contextualization to provide insight CNN effects with anchor bindings. The presented method is tested on well-known datasets including ALOT (250), Corel-1000, Cifar-10, Corel-10000, Cifar-100, Oxford Buildings, FTVL Tropical Fruits, 17-Flowers, Fashion (15), Caltech-256, and reported outstanding performance. The presented work is compared with state-of-the-art methods and experimented over tiny, large, complex, overlay, texture, color, object, shape, mimicked, plain and occupied background, multiple objected foreground images, and marked significant accuracies.
A Plane Extraction Approach in Inverse Depth Images Based on Region-Growing
Authors: Han Xiaoning , Wang Xiaohui , Leng Yuquan , Zhou Weijia
Published: February 2021

Planar surfaces are prevalent components of man-made indoor scenes, and plane extraction plays a vital role in practical applications of computer vision and robotics, such as scene understanding, and mobile manipulation. Nowadays, most plane extraction methods are based on reconstruction of the scene. In this paper, plane representation is formulated in inverse-depth images. Based on this representation, we explored the potential to extract planes in images directly. A fast plane extraction approach, which employs the region growing algorithm in inverse-depth images, is presented. This approach consists of two main components: seeding, and region growing. In the seeding component, seeds are carefully selected locally in grid cells to improve exploration efficiency. After seeding, each seed begins to grow into a continuous plane in succession. Both greedy policy and a normal coherence check are employed to find boundaries accurately. During growth, neighbor coplanar planes are checked and merged to overcome the over-segmentation problem. Through experiments on public datasets and generated saw-tooth images, the proposed approach achieves 80.2% CDR (Correct Detection Rate) on the ABW SegComp Dataset, which has proven that it has comparable performance with the state-of-the-art. The proposed approach runs at 5 Hz on typical 680 × 480 images, which has shown its potential in real-time practical applications in computer vision and robotics with further improvement.
Characterization of Joints between Carbon Fiber Composite Parts Using a Microstrip Transmission Line Method
Authors: Plaza Borja , López Daniel , Poyatos David
Published: February 2021

The electromagnetic performance of aerial platforms, which are composed mostly of nonmetallic materials, is a subject of great interest at present time. The behavior of this type of composite structure against electromagnetic environmental effects (E3), such as lightning, is not well-studied as in the case of metalic structures. The purpose of this article is to characterize the joints present in aerial platforms constructed mainly of nonmetallic composite materials. The study of these joints is fundamental because electrical discontinuities or preferential routes can produce changes in the electromagnetic behavior of an aircraft. The proposed measurement system for the characterization of these joints is a microstrip line. The flexibility of the test setup allows for evaluation of different joints in carbon fiber composite (CFC) samples with a different number of plies. Additionally, approximated models of the behavior of the joints as well as the detection of possible defects in the joining process are reported.
Development of a Submillimetric GNSS-Based Distance Meter for Length Metrology
Authors: García-Asenjo Luis , Baselga Sergio , Atkins Chris , Garrigues Pascual
Published: February 2021

Absolute distance determination in the open air with an uncertainty of a few tenths of a millimetre is increasingly required in many applications that involve high precision geodetic metrology. No matter the technique used to measure, the resulting distances must be proven consistent with the unit of length (SI-metre) as realized in the outdoor facilities traditionally used in length metrology, which are also known as calibration baselines of reference. The current calibration baselines of reference have distances in the range of 10 to 1000 m, but at present there is no solution on the market to provide distances with submillimetric precision in that range. Consequently, new techniques such as multi-wave interferometry, two-wave laser telemeters or laser trackers are being developed. A possible alternative to those sophisticated and expensive techniques is the use of widely used Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in order to provide a GNSS-Based Distance Meter (GBDM). The use of a GBDM as a potential technique for length metrology has been thoroughly analysed in several European research projects by using the state-of-the-art geodetic software, such as Bernese 5.2, but no definite conclusions have been drawn and some metrological questions are considered still open. In this paper, we describe a dedicated approach to build up a submillimetric GBDM able to be applied in the current calibration baselines of reference, as well as possible methods to cope with the multipath error of the GNSS signals which is the major limitation for the practical uptaking of the technique in metrology. The accuracy of the proposed approach has been tested following the length metrology standards in four experiments carried out in the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). The results demonstrate that the proposed GBDM can provide an accuracy of a few tenths of a millimetre in the current calibration baselines of reference.
The Relationship between Familizing and Individualizing Policies and Mental Health in Parents in Europe
Authors: Somogyi Nikolett , Van Lancker Wim , Ciccia Rossella , Van de Velde Sarah
Published: February 2021

Previous studies suggest the relative importance of the impact of childcare policies on mental health in parents. There have also been studies showing that welfare states have differing policy packages, consisting of a mixture of familizing and individualizing policy measures. This study builds on and extends this knowledge by carrying out a European comparison of the association between mental well health and family policies. We use Lohmann and Zagel’s familizing and individualizing policy indices to describe family policies. Our main interest is differences in mental health depending on the country, household, and individual-level characteristics. Therefore, we apply a multilevel model to 26 countries included in the 2013 wave of the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey (N = 141,648). The analysis found that, in general, parents of children under 13 have better mental health than other adults. We found individualizing policy measures to be positively related to mental health in parents, while familizing policies had a negative relationship. No evidence was found for the combined presence of individualizing and familizing policies making a difference to mental health in parents. These results suggest that welfare states could help parents by promoting individualizing policies to make parenthood a less stressful experience.
Innovation Ecosystems: A Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Abreu António
Published: February 2021

In the last decade, the increasing globalization of markets and revolution 4 [...]
Factors Affecting the Sustainable Development of HRS in Transforming Economies: A fsQCA Approach
Authors: Chen Wen , Song Xiao-Jiao , Li Yanping
Published: February 2021

Human resources services (HRS) are kinds of services concerning human resources acquisition, development, and allocation provided to employers and workers. The services promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the human resources market. Recently, the services have been regarded as crucial for the sustainable development of the national economy, attracting policymakers in transforming economies to promote the expansions of the services. This paper presents a systematic study of factors that affect the development of the services. In this text, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was used to explore the configurations of the factors that drive the growth of the services. The data was from province governments’ statistics and influential research reports in China, and each province observation was considered as a case (in fsQCA terms). In this article, the marketization of human resources (MOHR) referring to allocating human resources through the labor market rather than government bureaucracy, is a possible necessary condition for the boom of the HRS. Moreover, we identified seven paths to explain both the high and low development level of HRS. Among the paths, the configuration of general development of regional economy, social legitimacy of the services, and marketization of human resources are the basic conditions that lead to a high growth rate of the HRS. These research findings enriched our understanding of the valid strategies for cultivating the services industry in China and other transforming countries. To cultivate and upgrade the services, we suggested that transforming economies should pay more attention to economic internationalization and speed up the marketization of human resources.
Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case of a Community University Workshop in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Ting-Fang , Lee Yuh-Ming
Published: February 2021

Adaptation to climate change is an important issue now and will continue to be for generations to come. This study designs an educational and practical workshop for adaptation to climate change at a local community level. The community universities in Taiwan normally facilitate social activities and informal learnings. This study thus defines the educational or social activities conducted in community universities as community-based affairs. After reviewing the phase II adaption action plan of Taiwan, critical adaptation sectors of disasters and water resources are identified. A case study on designing the community-based adaptation (CBA) workshop for water resources management in the Dahan River Basin is thereby developed. The learning subjects or practicing topics include an introduction to climate change impacts and their mitigation and adaptation; adaptation sectors of disasters, infrastructure, water resources, and agricultural production; and the utilization of water resources under climate change. Concept mapping of climate change impacts and debating possible global climate trends could further encourage participants to think in-depth and to act accordingly. This study also applies the rigor and relevance (R&R) framework to assist in the design of the CBA workshop and thereby to assess the effectiveness after its delivery. To further investigate the two-dimensional R&R levels of the CBA workshop, this study proposes eight combinations of contents and outcomes (tasks). In summary, this workshop gives background knowledge on geography and applies the analysis tool of concept mapping. The 10 learning subjects or practicing topics developed are mostly at the high rigor levels of 4—Analysis and 5—Synthesis. The overall “application level” of the CBA workshop is ranked as level 4 of “predictable real-world application.” The eight tasks that can “expand” the rigorousness of knowledge acquisition and “empower” the relevance of skill application are found to fall into Quadrant “C—Assimilation”.
Exploring Relationships among Sustainability Organizational Culture Components at a Leading Asian Industrial Conglomerate
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan
Published: February 2021

Although it is well recognized that organizational culture is important for ensuring corporate sustainability, most existing models on an organizational culture do not have a sustainability-oriented organizational culture. While a few models about sustainability organizational culture are available, they focus on a particular aspect of the sustainability organizational culture (e.g., strategy, practice). To fill in the gap in the literature, the present study aims at developing a sustainability organizational culture model. It identifies components of a sustainability organizational culture, develops an Integrated Sustainability Organizational Culture model, and explores the model by adopting the case study approach, mixed data collection methods, and the working analytical framework. As an empirical contribution, findings indicate that, through a widely shared organizational culture, the sustainability organizational vision and values drive emotionally committed organizational members to perform corporate sustainability practices that lead to enhanced Triple Bottom Line outputs, satisfied stakeholders, and brand equity. As a theoretical contribution, the empirically endorsed Integrated Sustainability Organizational Culture model provides directions for further theoretical development. Managerial implications are discussed.
Evaluation and Lessons Learned from a Campus as a Living Lab Program to Promote Sustainable Practices
Authors: Save Paul , Terim Cavka Belgin , Froese Thomas
Published: February 2021

Any group that creates challenging goals also requires a strategy to achieve them and a process to review and improve this strategy over time. The University of British Columbia (UBC) set ambitious campus sustainability goals, including a reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions to 33% below the 2007 level by 2015, and 100% by 2050 (UBC, 2006). The University pursued these goals through a number of specific projects (such as major district energy upgrade and a bioenergy facility) and, more generally, through a “Campus as a Living Lab” (CLL) initiative to marry industry, campus operations, and research to drive innovative solutions. The CLL program has achieved significant successes while also demonstrating many opportunities for improvements and lessons learned. The aim of this study was to examine the UBC CLL program, to identify and formalize its operations, to extract key transferable characteristics, and to propose replicable processes that other universities and municipalities can follow to expand their sustainable practices in similar ways. There was a learning curve with implementing a CLL program at UBC; thus, the goal of this study was to potentially shorten this learning curve for others. The research involved an ethnographic approach in which researchers participated in the CLL process, conducted qualitative analysis, and captured the processes through a series of business process models. The research findings are shared in two parts: 1. generalized lessons learned through key transferrable characteristics; 2. a series of generic organizational charts and business process models (BPMs) culminated with learned strategies through defined processes that illustrate what was required to create a CLL program at UBC. A generalized future improvement plan for UBC CLL programs is defined, generic BPMs about CLL projects are evaluated, and the level of engagement of multiple stakeholders through phases of project life cycle given in the conclusion for future use of other Living Lab organizations.
A Model of Waste Price in a Symbiotic Supply Chain Based on Stackelberg Algorithm
Authors: Che Cheng , Zhang Xiaoguang , Chen Yi , Zhao Liangyan , Zhang Zhihong
Published: February 2021

By establishing a two-level symbiotic supply chain system consisting of one supplier and one manufacturer, we use Stackelberg method to analyze the optimal price and revenue model of supplier and manufacturer in the symbiotic supply chain under two power structures in which the supplier and manufacturer are dominant respectively, and analyze the influence of the degree of symbiosis and power structure on the model. Through comparative analysis, we find that: There is a relationship between the income level and the degree of symbiosis in the symbiotic supply chain. The change of power structure will affect the relative benefits of suppliers and manufacturers in the symbiotic supply chain. The manufacturer’s expected unit product revenue will affect the supply chain revenue when the manufacturer is dominant. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of relevant parameters is carried out through an example analysis, and the validity of the conclusion is verified. This paper has a guiding significance for the behavior of enterprises in the cogeneration supply chain.
Economic Sustainability and Multiple Risk Management Strategies: Examining Interlinked Decisions of Small American Farms
Authors: Adhikari Sudip , Khanal Aditya R.
Published: February 2021

Economic viability of small farms and farming businesses depends on multiple factors. These farms have limited production and financial resources to maintain their operation. Therefore, to sustain farming, adopting appropriate risk management strategies is a pivotal decision for small farmers. We surveyed Tennessee’s small farms and utilized multivariate probit models to study factors influencing the adoption of various risk management strategies. Our findings suggest that the decisions related to the adoption of risk management strategies are significantly interlinked. Along with factors representing the operator’s age, education, and farm operator’s income and land holdings, we also found that the government incentives (payments), smartphones, and farmers’ continuation plan significantly influence the strategic decisions of adopting risk management strategies.
Consumers’ Attitudes for Sustainable Mountain Cheese
Authors: Mazzocchi Chiara , Orsi Luigi , Sali Guido
Published: February 2021

The shift towards more sustainable consumptions and habits have had tangible impacts on food markets, which have accepted this challenge by offering a variety of certification systems to pull consumers aside. However, food purchasing choices are also guided by ethical, environmental and cultural motivations, functioning as drivers of food acquiring. This study aimed at assessing the influence of consumers’ attitudes in purchasing an Alpine cheese labelled with a food sustainability logo, as the mountain product brand, following a two-step approach. We estimated the consumers’ preferences for some sustainable labels by using Choice Experiments (CE), followed by a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to assess the influence of three attitudinal scales on the consumers’ behavior. The main results show the influence of green consumers’ values on the mountain product brand choice, and a strong relationship between green consumers’ and animal well-being values. In the conclusions, some policy indications are provided.
Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth Sport and Physical Activity Participation Trends
Authors: Teare Georgia , Taks Marijke
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic offers youth sport organizations the opportunity to anticipate consumer behaviour trends and proactively improve their program offerings for more satisfying experiences for consumers post-pandemic. This conceptual paper explores potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing youth sport and physical activity preferences and trends to inform sport and physical activity providers. Drawing from social ecology theory, assumptions for future trends for youth sport and physical activity are presented. Three trends for youth sport and physical activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are predicted: (1) youths’ preferences from organized to non-organized contexts become amplified; (2) reasons for participating in sport or any physical activity shift for youth as well as parents/guardians; (3) consumers reconceptualize value expectations from youth sport and physical activity organizations. The proposed assumptions need to be tested in future research. It is anticipated that sport organizations can respond to changing trends and preferences by innovating in three areas: (1) programming, (2) marketing, and (3) resource management.
Embedding Chemistry Education into Environmental and Sustainability Education: Development of a Didaktik Model Based on an Eco-Reflexive Approach
Authors: Herranen Jaana , Yavuzkaya Merve , Sjöström Jesper
Published: February 2021

The aim of this theoretical paper is to develop and present a didaktik model that embeds chemistry education into Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) using an eco-reflexive approach. A didaktik model is a tool to help educators make decisions and reflect on why, what, how, and/or when to teach. The model presented here is a revised version of the Jegstad and Sinnes model from 2015. It was systematically developed based on a critical analysis of the previous ESD (Education for Sustainable Development)-based model. This process is part of what is called didactic modeling. The revised model consists of the following six categories: (i) socio-philosophical framing; (ii) sustainable schooling and living; (iii) critical views on chemistry’s distinctiveness and methodological character; (iv) powerful chemical content knowledge; (v) critical views of chemistry in society; and (vi) eco-reflexivity through environmental and sustainability education. As in the model by Jegstad and Sinnes, the eco-reflexive didaktik model seeks to support chemistry educators in their sustainability-oriented educational planning and analysis, but from a more critical perspective. Based on an eco-reflexive Bildung approach, one additional category—socio-philosophical framing—was added to the revised model. This is because the previous model does not take sufficient account of worldview perspectives, cultural values, and educational philosophy. The eco-reflexive didaktik model is illustrated with boxes, and it is suggested that all categories in these boxes should be considered in holistic and eco-reflexive chemistry education. The purpose of such education is to develop students’ ChemoKnowings.
Health Lens Analysis: A Strategy to Engage Community in Environmental Health Research in Action
Authors: Ron Sharon , Dimitri Noelle , Lerman Ginzburg Shir , Reisner Ellin , Botana Martinez Pilar , Zamore Wig , Echevarria Ben , Brugge Doug , Sprague Martinez Linda S.
Published: February 2021

Health Lens Analysis (HLA) is a tool to facilitate collaboration among diverse community stakeholders. We employed HLA as part of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) and action study to mitigate the negative health effects of traffic-related air pollution TRAP and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in Somerville, MA. HLA is a Health in All Policies tool with previously limited implementation in a North American context. As part of the HLA, community and academic partners engaged residents from across near-highway neighborhoods in a series of activities designed to identify health concerns and generate recommendations for policies and projects to improve health over an 18-month planning period. Noise barriers, which may reduce TRAP exposure among residents in addition to reducing traffic noise, were seen as an acceptable solution by community stakeholders. We found HLA to be an effective means to engage stakeholders from across sectors and diverse community residents in critical discourse about the health impacts of near-roadway exposures. The iterative process allowed the project team to fully explore the arguments for noise barriers and preferred health interventions, while building a stakeholder base interested in the mitigation of TRAP, thus creating a shared language and understanding of the issue.
Evaluation of Dimethyl Carbonate as Alternative Biofuel. Performance and Smoke Emissions of a Diesel Engine Fueled with Diesel/Dimethyl Carbonate/Straight Vegetable Oil Triple Blends
Authors: Aguado-Deblas Laura , Hidalgo-Carrillo Jesús , Bautista Felipa M. , Luna Carlos , Calero Juan , Posadillo Alejandro , Romero Antonio A. , Luna Diego , Estévez Rafael
Published: February 2021

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is an interesting blending component for diesel fuel (D) owing to the high oxygen content (53 wt.%) and the absence of C–C bonds in its structure. Moreover, DMC can be produced from CO2 and methanol, which provides a renewable way to reduce anthropogenic CO2. This research has been addressed to assess the use of DMC as a solvent of sunflower oil (SO) and castor oil (CO), with the purpose of obtaining biofuels that can replace fossil diesel as much as possible. The blending of DMC with straight vegetable oils (SVOs) reduces their high viscosity, allowing their usage as drop-in biofuels without chemical treatments. Based on viscosity requirements of European Standard EN 590, the optimal DMC/SVO double blends have been tested as direct biofuels by themselves or mixed with fossil diesel in D/DMC/SVO triple blends. Relevant physico-chemical properties of fuels have been analyzed. Engine parameters such as power output, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and soot emissions have been studied to determine the effect of new biofuels on efficiency of a diesel engine. An outstanding engine efficiency is shown by the studied D/DMC/SVO triple blends, either with SO or CO as an SVO. The low calorific value of DMC is the main reason for reduction in power and BSFC, as the amount of diesel in the triple blends is reduced. Experimental results demonstrate that the use of these biofuels allows the replacement of up to 40% of fossil diesel, without compromising the power and BSFC of the engine, and accomplishing optimal cold flow properties and a marked drop in exhaust emissions.
Life Cycle Based Comparison of Textile Ecolabels
Authors: Diekel Felice , Mikosch Natalia , Bach Vanessa , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: February 2021

Environmental impacts of textile production increased over the last decades. This also led to an increasing demand for sustainable textiles and ecolabels, which intend to provide information on environmental aspects of textiles for the consumer. The goal of the paper is to assess selected labels with regard to their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their coverage of relevant environmental aspects over the life cycle of textiles. We applied a characterization scheme to analyse seven selected labels (Blue Angel Textiles, bluesign®, Cotton made in Africa (CMiA), Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), VAUDE Green Shape), and compared their focus to the environmental hotpots identified in the product environmental footprint case study of t-shirts. Most labels focus on the environmental aspects toxicity, water use, and air emissions predominantly in the upstream life cycle phases of textiles (mainly garment production), whereas some relevant impacts and life cycle phases like water in textile use phase remain neglected. We found significant differences between the ecolabels, and none of them cover all relevant aspects and impacts over the life cycle. Consumers need to be aware of these limitations when making purchase decisions.
The Fine Line between Person and Persona in the Spanish Reality Television Show La isla de las tentaciones: Audience Engagement on Instagram
Authors: Torrego Alba , Gutiérrez-Martín Alfonso , Hoechsmann Michael
Published: February 2021

The hybridization of television genres has led to numerous non-fiction television shows that base much of their success on audience engagement through social networks. This study analyses a specific case, that of La isla de las tentaciones (Temptation Island), to identify interpretive frames in reality shows and their interrelationships with audience involvement on Instagram. Based on a corpus of 8409 comments posted on Instagram by the followers of the program’s actor profiles, the article analyzes the lines between reality and fiction in this non-fiction television show about relationships and infidelity, and, in particular, how online “haters” play a performative role. The show’s participants who were unfaithful are insulted and receive numerous negative value judgments. The “coding and counting” method, drawn from Computer Mediated Discourse Analysis, is used for the coding. Results show that viewers barely allude to this show as fiction, do not differentiate between the actors and their characters, and empathize strongly with the stories they view. The study shows the need for media education, both for those who make the media and those who view it. The goal is not to detract from entertainment value, but to improve critical skills and to recover the educational function of media.
Influence of Channel-Diffuser Blades on Energy Performance of a Three-Stage Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Zhao Wenbin , Hu Jianbin , Wang Kai
Published: February 2021

In order to improve hydraulic efficiency, influence of inlet angle, outlet angle, wrap angle, inlet shape and outer edge camber lines of channel-diffuser blades on the energy performance of a three-stage centrifugal pump were studied and the pressure distributions on the blade of the first-stage channel-diffuser were particularly analyzed. The result shows that the efficiency of the pump is maximal when the blade inlet angle is 12°. The pressure variation in the model with the inlet angle of 12° was small and the amplitude of fluctuation was also not large. When the outlet angle was 90°, the pressure distribution in the outlet of the blades that are symmetrically distributed along the center of the diffuser shell was significantly better than that with other outlet angles. The effect of the blade wrap angle of the channel-diffuser on the energy performance of the pump was relatively small. The internal flow in the diffuser with the diffusion inlet shapes was steady for both the convex surface and concave surface. The diffusion inlet of the channel-diffuser blade corresponded to the outlet region of the impeller blade, which reflected a good matching. The fluctuation amplitude and the distribution range of the models with a uniform transition were smaller than those with non-uniform transition. In order to verify the effectiveness of the research results, an experimental test was carried out on the pump. The results show that when the flow rate is 850 m3/h, the head of the pump is 138.67 m and the efficiency of pump is 69.48%.
More Effective Conditions for Oscillatory Properties of Differential Equations
Authors: Nofal Taher A. , Bazighifan Omar , Khedher Khaled Mohamed , Postolache Mihai
Published: February 2021

In this work, we present several oscillation criteria for higher-order nonlinear delay differential equation with middle term. Our approach is based on the use of Riccati substitution, the integral averaging technique and the comparison technique. The symmetry contributes to deciding the right way to study oscillation of solutions of this equations. Our results unify and improve some known results for differential equations with middle term. Some illustrative examples are provided.
Polydatin Protects Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells against Zearalenone-Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting Oxidative Responses and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Fu Yurong , Jin Yongcheng , Shan Anshan , Zhang Jing , Tang Hongyu , Shen Jinglin , Zhou Changhai , Yu Hao , Fang Hengtong , Zhao Yun , Wang Junxiong , Tian Yue
Published: February 2021

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin of the Fusarium genus that can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T). Polydatin (PD), a glycoside purified from Polygonum cuspidatum, has antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore whether PD can alleviate ZEA-induced damage on bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T). We found that incasing the concentration of ZEA (0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 μM) gradually decreased the cell viability. PD treatment alone at 5, 10, and 20 μM did not affect cell viability. Follow-up studies then applied 30 μM of ZEA and 5 μM of PD to treat cells; the results showed that the ZEA + PD treatment group effectively reduced cell oxidative damage compared with the ZEA treatment group. The qPCR analysis showed that ZEA treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of ER stress-related genes, relative to the control. However, adding PD significantly down-regulated the expression of ER stress-related genes. The cell apoptosis detection results showed that, compared with the ZEA treatment group, the ZEA + PD treatment group down-regulated the Bax gene and up-regulated the Bcl-2 gene expressions, which reduced the cell apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 activity. Taken together, these results indicate that PD reduces ZEA-induced apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative damage and ER stress.
Intention to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccination in China: Application of the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Moderating Role of Openness to Experience
Authors: Mo Phoenix Kit-han , Luo Sitong , Wang Suhua , Zhao Junfeng , Zhang Guohua , Li Lijuan , Li Liping , Xie Luyao , Lau Joseph T. F.
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has caused a devastating impact on public health and made the development of the COVID-19 vaccination a top priority. Herd immunity through vaccination requires a sufficient number of the population to be vaccinated. Research on factors that promote intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is warranted. Based on Diffusion of Innovations Theory, this study examines the association between the perceived efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccination, use of social media for COVID-19 vaccine-related information, openness to experience and descriptive norm with the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, and the moderating role of openness to experience among 6922 university students in mainland China. The intention to receive the free and self-paid COVID-19 vaccination is 78.9% and 60.2%, respectively. Results from path analyses show that perceived efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccination, use of social media for COVID-19 vaccine-related information, and openness to experience and descriptive norm are all positively associated with the intention to receive COVID-19 free and self-paid vaccination. The association between the perceived efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccination and descriptive norm with the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is stronger among those with a lower level of openness to experience. Our findings support the usefulness of Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the moderating role of openness of experience in explaining intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Effect of Watershed Delineation and Climate Datasets Density on Runoff Predictions for the Upper Mississippi River Basin Using SWAT within HAWQS
Authors: Chen Manyu , Cui Yuanlai , Gassman Philip , Srinivasan Raghavan
Published: February 2021

The quality of input data and the process of watershed delineation can affect the accuracy of runoff predictions in watershed modeling. The Upper Mississippi River Basin was selected to evaluate the effects of subbasin and/or hydrologic response unit (HRU) delineations and the density of climate dataset on the simulated streamflow and water balance components using the Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS) platform. Five scenarios were examined with the same parameter set, including 8- and 12-digit hydrologic unit codes, two levels of HRU thresholds and two climate data densities. Results showed that statistic evaluations of monthly streamflow from 1983 to 2005 were satisfactory at some gauge sites but were relatively worse at others when shifting from 8-digit to 12-digit subbasins, revealing that the hydrologic response to delineation schemes can vary across a large basin. Average channel slope and drainage density increased significantly from 8-digit to 12-digit subbasins. This resulted in higher lateral flow and groundwater flow estimates, especially for the lateral flow. Moreover, a finer HRU delineation tends to generate more runoff because it captures a refined level of watershed spatial variability. The analysis of climate datasets revealed that denser climate data produced higher predicted runoff, especially for summer months.
Deep Learning Method Based on Physics Informed Neural Network with Resnet Block for Solving Fluid Flow Problems
Authors: Cheng Chen , Zhang Guang-Tao
Published: February 2021

Solving fluid dynamics problems mainly rely on experimental methods and numerical simulation. However, in experimental methods it is difficult to simulate the physical problems in reality, and there is also a high-cost to the economy while numerical simulation methods are sensitive about meshing a complicated structure. It is also time-consuming due to the billion degrees of freedom in relevant spatial-temporal flow fields. Therefore, constructing a cost-effective model to settle fluid dynamics problems is of significant meaning. Deep learning (DL) has great abilities to handle strong nonlinearity and high dimensionality that attracts much attention for solving fluid problems. Unfortunately, the proposed surrogate models in DL are almost black-box models and lack interpretation. In this paper, the Physical Informed Neural Network (PINN) combined with Resnet blocks is proposed to solve fluid flows depending on the partial differential equations (i.e., Navier-Stokes equation) which are embedded into the loss function of the deep neural network to drive the model. In addition, the initial conditions and boundary conditions are also considered in the loss function. To validate the performance of the PINN with Resnet blocks, Burger’s equation with a discontinuous solution and Navier-Stokes (N-S) equation with continuous solution are selected. The results show that the PINN with Resnet blocks (Res-PINN) has stronger predictive ability than traditional deep learning methods. In addition, the Res-PINN can predict the whole velocity fields and pressure fields in spatial-temporal fluid flows, the magnitude of the mean square error of the fluid flow reaches to 10−5. The inverse problems of the fluid flows are also well conducted. The errors of the inverse parameters are 0.98% and 3.1% in clean data and 0.99% and 3.1% in noisy data.
Rivers Try Harder. Reversed “Differential Erosion” as Geological Control of Flood in the Large Fluvial Systems in Poland
Authors: Bihałowicz Jan Stefan , Wierzbicki Grzegorz
Published: February 2021

We study cross-sections on the Detailed Geological Map of Poland (SMGP) to find a geologic and geomorphic pattern under river valleys in Poland. The pattern was found in 20 reaches of the largest Polish rivers (Odra, Warta, Vistula, Narew, and Bug) located in the European Lowland, in the landscape of old (Pleistocene, Saalian) glacial high plains extending between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) moraines on the North and the Upland on the South. The Upland was slightly folded and up-faulted during Alpine orogeny together with the thrust of Carpathian nappes and the uplift of Tatra Mts. and Sudetes. The found pattern is an alluvial river with broad Holocene floodplain and the channel developed atop the protrusion of bedrock (Jurassic, Cretaceous limestones, marlstones, sandstones) or non-alluvial, cohesive, overconsolidated sediments resistant to erosion (glacial tills, lacustrine or “ice-dammed lake” clays) of Cenozoic (Paleogene, Neogene, Quaternary—Elsterian). We regard the sub-alluvial protrusion as the limit of river incision and scour. It cannot be determined why the river flows atop these protrusions, in opposition to “differential erosion”, a geomorphology principle. We assume it is evidence of geological flood control. We propose an environmental and geomorphological framework for the hydrotechnical design of instream river training.
Opinionsof Turkish Language Teachers on the Issues of Children’s Learning Mother Tongue: A Case Study of Germany
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Dogan Nazim
Published: February 2021

This study tried to determine the opinions of Turkish language teachers living in Germany on their native Turkish lessons. One of the most criticalissues of the children of expatriatesliving abroad is that they canprotect their own culture against the dominant culture. In this context, it is essentialfor them to learn and use their mother tongue,which is anessentialelement of culture. The attitudes, behaviors,and motivations of the teachers who provide Turkishlessons are determining factorsin learning their mother tongue. The opinions of the teachers on the students’ interest in the lessons are essentialfor understanding the education on mother tongue in the country where they reside. Within the scope of qualitative research, relevant resources were scanned,and a data collection tool was developed based on face-to-face interviews with teachers who are actively involved and by including expert opinions. The data collected from the teacher were analyzed in SPSS program. According to the findings obtained through the opinions of the teachers, it was seen that the significantproblems that the children of the teachers living and working in Germany encounter in learning their mother tongue are the situation of their families, the environment and the time in which the lessonswere held, and the need for a specialist teacher who will carry out their jobs with devotion. However, the approach of the country of residence towards the lessons in mother tongue indicated how important the interest or indifference of politicians and bureaucrats in this regard and how this affected the future of lessonsin the mother tongue. It was also observed that the teachers did not major from the field and did not have adequate knowledgeand competence.
Students motivation for admission to study on the educational program "Physical Education and Recreation"
Authors: Sitepu Akor , Cahyadi Ardian , Tarigan Herman
Published: February 2021

Aim: to determine how the motivations and backgrounds of students in Physical Education and recreation in the Physical Education and Recreation Study Program. Material and methods. The method used in this research is a survey method with data collection techniques by distributing questionnaires to all students who are studying in the Lampung University Recreational Physical Education Study Program. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire consisting of questions about student motivation to enter Lampung University Physical Education Study and additional questions about student backgrounds, school origins and data about students' parents. The shape of the instrument is in the form of multiple choice with a variety of choices, this gives the opportunity for students to choose according to the actual situation. The research sample was determined by census, namely all undergraduate students of Physical Education and Research, Lampung University consisting of 66 undergraduate students who were currently actively attending lectures. Results.  From the results of the study, it can be seen that the motivation to enter FKIP in the Penjaskesrek study program, Lampung University was more through the Academic PMDK compared to admissions through SPMB and PMDK Achievement and Talent. Of these, some students who enter the Physical Education study program are motivated because they want to become teachers, join ABRI or train. From this situation it is hoped that their interest will grow in fostering sports that are of interest and from them it is hoped that success in increasing sports achievements both at the regional and national levels. The number of students admitted to the Physical Education and Recreation study program amounted to 72 people, but only 66 students returned the questionnaire, which means more than 50% so that this research can be said to have represented the Physical Education and Recreation students. Conclusions. Received, that of the 66 students of the Physical Education and Recreation study program, 27 people or 40% were accepted through SNMPTN, 23 people or 34.84% were accepted through the SBMPTN, 14 students or 21.21% were accepted through Mandiri and 2 people or 3.03% were accepted via PMPAT.
THE POTENTIAL OF REVERSE LEARNING TECHNIQUE IN EFL TEACHING
Authors: Antonova Tatiana V.
Published: February 2021

The present paper is an attempt to take a closer look at the processes and trends that are well under way in the presentday system of higher education. With the rapid changes in the society, which is becoming increasingly information-based, learning strategies are evolving faster than ever and it is getting diffi cult to ignore the challenges facing higher education institutions. One of them is the urge to change the existing educational paradigm towards greater focus on individualization, personalization and self-directed learning. In view of this, there is a demand for special technologies, one of them being the method of reversed learning or fl ipped classroom. The article seeks to analyze the potential of the reverse learning method and provides a description of applying it in EFL teaching with reference to building learners’ grammar competence. The author particularly dwells on the prerequisites of using the method; the requirements for the learning resources – both, ready-made web-based stuff, and teacher-created materials; types of in-class and out-of-class tasks and exercises; maintenance of teacher-student interaction; student work capability and skills assessment; some issues that prevent the model from taking root and succeeding.
FORMATION OF MEDIA COMPETENCY OF SCHOOLCHILDREN AND STUDENTS IN A DIGITAL CULTURE
Authors: Troyanskaya Svetlana L.
Published: February 2021

The pedagogic programme of formation of media competency of schoolchildren in extracurricular activities aimed at studying the basics of media culture, mastering skills in the fi eld of media criticism, including the development of critical thinking, the organisation of participation in the fi eld of media creative work is considered. Media competency today as one of the educational competencies plays an important role among the key competences and the level of its formation determines the success of the individual and its implementation in the modern world and society. The analysis of the results of determining media competency obtained by comparing the levels of information, interpretative-evaluative, perceptual, practical-operational and creative indicators of media competency development before and after the implementation of the programme, indicate positive dynamics of these indicators. Based on the results of our empirical research and the obtained data on the positive dynamics, practical recommendations for pedagogues on the development of media competency of schoolchildren and students were developed.