bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of TiO2/Graphene (cocoPAS) Composite as Photocatalyst for Removal of Phenols in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Heltina D , Ulfa F , Komalasari
Published: November 2020

As one of the hazardous industrial wastes, an excessive amount of phenol in the environment can cause damage to the biological ecosystem and nutrient cycle. Phenol removal can be done by photocatalysis process using photocatalyst materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). The photocatalysis activity of TiO2 can be improved by making TiO2-graphene (cocoPAS) composite. The obtained TiO2-graphene (cocoPAS) composite was characterized by Scanning Electron Miscroscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), and Breneur Emmet Teller (BET). The performance of the TiO2-graphene (cocoPAS) composite in phenol degradation was tested in a photocatalysis process with variation are the concentration of phenol (10, 20, and 30 ppm, respectively) and photocatalysis temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C, respectively). TiO2 particle loaded on the graphene sheet and Ti-O-C bond was formed at 719 cm−1. The size of anatase and rutile crystals are 26.39 nm and 27.39 nm with the fraction of anatase and rutile are 57% and 43%. The surface area of the TiO2-graphene (cocoPAS) composite is 40.9 m2/g. The highest efficiency of phenol degradation was achieved when the concentration of phenol is 10 ppm and photocatalysis temperature is 50°C which efficiency of phenol degradation is 96.9%. The higher concentration of phenol will decrease the efficiency of degradation but the degradation efficiency of phenol increases with an increase in photocatalysis temperature.
Utilization of Dairy Industry Wastewater for Nutrition of Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Handayani Titin , Mulyanto Adi , Priyanto Fajar Eko , Nugroho Rudi
Published: November 2020

This experiment utilized dairy industry wastewater, which is located in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass production and dairy wastewater treatment using Chlorella vulgaris. The experiment lasted for 6 months (July – December 2019). Monthly water analyses for a variety of physical-chemical factors were also investigated. Microalgae were cultivated in a 10 m3 raceway bioreactor type. The results indicated that a decrease in the concentration chemical substances of the wastewater, namely 74% N-amonia, 77% total nitrogen (TN), 78% total phosphate (TP), 92% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and 77% Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) within 10 days of the process. A maximum of 1.2 g/L dry biomass was obtained in 18 days. The percentage lipid content was determined by soxhlet extraction and was shown to be 25%. To sustain the growth of microalgae, it was necessary giving 3.5 mg NPK/L on the tenth day and then continuously added.
Preliminary Investigation of Geothermal Potential in Pawam Site, Rokan Hulu, Indonesia
Authors: Febriani Riski , Islami Nur , Muhammad Juandi
Published: November 2020

The site of research area is located in the back arc basin of Sumatra. It has the potential for the hot springs. This research used a Dipole-dipole array of geoelectrical resistivity method. The length of the survey line varies due to in the research location there are many buildings that become tourist attractions. The results showed that the subsurface structure consisted of silt, sandstone and meta sediment. The resistivity distribution shown that there was found the silt layer of soft wet mud in the hot spring zone. The distribution pattern of hot spring in this site is an overflow flow type. The flow is controlled by a fault zone. The direction of this flow is west of the river flow.
Traffic Noise Model for Urban Area Study Case Pekanbaru City
Authors: Hasan Indra , Erwin  , Zulkarnaini  , Isranuri Ikhansyah , Junaidi Abdul Khair
Published: November 2020

Traffic noise is a major problem in urban area that becoming complicated environment issues. The traffic noise has different characters in each of main road due to different size and weight of vehicles that go through the road in which resulted different noise intensity. In this study, the noise traffic measurement was conducted to get the data. The purpose of this study is to present the traffic noise model which compared to the actual traffic noise level that resulted from vehicle flow on the roads. The two models of predictive noise traffic have the similarities to the actual noise traffic.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Attempt to Resolve Environmental Damage in Kampar River Basin, Riau (Case Study: Koto Panjang Hydroelectric Power Plant)
Authors: Harto Syafri , Habibie Dedi Kusuma , Amri Khairul , Akbar Fachrul Reza
Published: November 2020

This study aims to investigate the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) attempt to resolve environmental damage in the Kampar river basin, Koto Panjang hydroelectric power plant, Riau. Various problems related to the function of the river basin that has changed in the long term will hinder the sustainability of community life and damage the environment. This study used qualitative research methods with a descriptive-analytic approach. Interview and observation were used as data collection techniques to see how WWF's role in resolve environmental damage in the Kampar river basin. This research reveals WWF's role in protecting the environment and empowering communities through the use of river basins, such as Forest and Land Rehabilitation run by local communities, Ecosystem Approach of Aquaculture (EAA) application as sustainable aquaculture management, and community empowerment through processed fish products
Composition Modification of Iron Oxide Particles Using Activated Carbon for Adsorbtion of Cooper-Polluted Water From Siak River Water Pekanbaru, Riau
Authors: Mardhatillah Wirdati , Amiruddin Erwin , Taer Erman
Published: November 2020

Modification of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with activated carbon of Pulai leaveshas been carried out. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized from natural sand of Padang beach West Sumatra and activated carbon was extracted from Pulai leaves. Structural and morphological properties of magnetite nanoparticles were studied using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) respectively. Elemental composition of the samples was identified using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). The heavy metal (cooper) adsorption was determined using Ultra Violet Visible light Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The ability of magnetite(Fe3O4) nanoparticles modified with activated carbon for adsorbing the cooper ion in Siak river water is discussed.The results indicate that magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticlesmodified with activated carbon of Pulai leavescan absorb heavy metal Cu contained in Siak river water.
Bamboo-Based Activated Carbon as Binder-Free Electrode of Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Taer Erman , Sihombing Martauli , Taslim Rika , Agustino  , Apriwandi
Published: November 2020

Activated carbon has been an ideal material for supercapacitor electrodes. Its extensive used due to abundant, renewable, and cost-effective production. In this work, we developed activated carbon monolith materials through carbonizing bamboo stems wastes and treating them with ZnCl2 in high-temperature pyrolysis as binder-free electrode of supercapacitor application. ZnCl2 impregnation carried out in one-step, two-step, and three-step. Different steps of ZnCl2 impregnation were employed to evaluate the activated carbon preparation variables including one-step, two-step, and three-step. The reduction of monolith dimensions has been reviewed as physical properties. Furthermore, the symmetric supercapacitor was performed with cyclic voltammetry in sandwich-type at 1 M H2SO4. In addition, the thicknesses of electrode carbon monoliths were varied such as 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.3 mm. The one-step ZnCl2 impregnation in 0.1 mm thickness of carbon monolith were exhibit best electrochemical performance with highest specific capacitance of 145 F g−1 and followed by two-step and three-step impregnation as high as 132 F g−1 and 131 F g−1 in low scan rate of 1 mV s−1, respectively. These results demonstrate that the bamboo stem-based activated carbon monolith materials are promising as binder-free electrode for supercapacitor energy storage.
Mathematical analysis of physical stability in the design of bipolar amplifiers through a computer tool
Authors: Ramírez-Carvajal L , Puerto-López K , Ramírez-Mateus J
Published: November 2020

This article presents a computer tool that allows to carry out a mathematical analysis of the physical stability of the bipolar transistor in the design of amplifiers. The tool allows to introduce the values of voltage gain, output impedance and input impedance, current gain of transistors and power supplies, to give as a result the values of the resistances. It also allows modifying the transistor operating point and graphing in real time the behavior of the load line and the output signal of the amplifier. Different designs were made with the tool and the results obtained were compared with academic software approved by the scientific community. The errors in all variables evaluated were less than 1.5%. The results are important for semiconductor physics, taking into account that they reaffirmed the directly proportional relationship between the stability of the transistor in its amplification state and the power required to operate. Finally, we conclude that the computer tool allows us to design amplifiers with bipolar transistors with precision and, depending on the need or application of the amplifier, the operating point Q is located in the load line to obtain an output signal without distortion and with the least power dissipation.
Estimation of the energy contributions of a hydroelectric power station using space parameter exploration
Authors: Mesa F , Devia D M , Ospina R
Published: November 2020

From the study of nonlinear dynamics, the study of chaotic dynamics in deterministic systems has been developed. If a system is deterministic, its behavior would be easy to predict. However, there are systems in which their behavior seems to be unpredictable due to the complexity of the dynamics of the system, which is reflected in an aperiodic behavior. This article presents the application of parameter exploration techniques for the study of aperiodic deterministic systems using time constraint estimation through the calculation of the Lyapunov exponent in order to estimate future system values. This technique is developed on a part of the energy matrix of the Colombian system, especially with hydroelectric production.
Developmental perspectives of numerical thinking for the interpretation of physical quantities
Authors: Valbuena O , Salazar-Torres J , Diaz J A , Rincón-Leal O , Bravo A
Published: November 2020

This research reveals the perspectives in the teaching of numerical thinking through a documentary review. The representation of physical elements such as functions, vectors and operators, and their subsequent interpretation through numerical thinking gives meaning to the physical quantities that such elements represent. A documentary sample integrated for 40 sources on numerical thinking such as articles published in indexed journals, postgraduate dissertations, and books is considered. A qualitative content analysis method is used. First, an encoding procedure is applied for tagging the extracted information from the source documents. Then, a split and merge procedure is considered in order to establish from the tags the dimensions and categories that allow determining the conceptual relationships that support the developmental perspectives of numerical thinking. The method reveals that the numerical thinking can be developed in the global context from four perspectives, namely, historical, theoretical, curricular, and social perspectives. From these results, an incorporation of the such perspectives can be institutionalized for promoting curricular, didactic and evaluative new proposals for numerical thinking teaching.
Conceptual computation in artificial mathematical intelligence as a paradigm-shifting technique in physics and mathematics
Authors: Gómez-Ramírez D A J , Herrera-Jaramillo Y A
Published: November 2020

We describe in a very concise way the multidisciplinary program of artificial mathematical intelligence and the need of a new and improved paradigm of formal computation based on conceptual generation, called conceptual computation, with the potential of being a global paradigm-shifting technique in theoretical physics and computational mathematics. Furthermore, we describe some of the most outstanding results regarding fundamental cognitive abilities needed for the materialization of conceptual computation such as analogical reasoning, metaphorical thinking and conceptual blending. Finally, we present a concrete example of the conceptual computation of the notion of binary continuous operation as a formal blend (i.e. many-sorted first order categorical colimit (pushout)) of the notions of continuous function between topological spaces and perfect square topological space.
Erratum: Performance of different photocathode materials in a liquid
argon purity monitor
Authors: L. Manenti  , L. Cremonesi  , F. Arneodo  , A. Basharina-Freshville  , M. Campanelli  , A. Holin  , R. Nichol  , R. Saakyan
Published: November 2020

Purity monitor devices are increasingly used in liquid noble gas time projection
chambers to measure the lifetime of drifting electrons. Purity monitors work by
emitting electrons from a photocathode material via the photoelectric effect.
The electrons are then drifted towards an anode by means of an applied electric
drift field. By measuring the difference in charge between the cathode and the
anode, one can extract the lifetime of the drifting electrons in the medium. For
the first time, we test the performance of different photocathode
materials—silver, titanium, and aluminium—and compare them to gold, which is the
standard photocathode material used for purity monitors. Titanium and aluminium
were found to have a worse performance than gold in vacuum, whereas silver
showed a signal of the same order of magnitude as gold. Further tests in liquid
argon were carried out on silver and gold with the conclusion that the signal
produced by silver is about three times stronger than that of gold.
Lateral interaction of local geosystems of outwash valley landscapes of the Lower Vyatka
Authors: Matushkin A S , Prokashev A M
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the results of the analysis of lateral interaction of outwash valley landscapes on mesorelief slopes in various parts of the Medvedsky Pine Forest Nature Sanctuary in the lower Vyatka valley. The baseline data were the results of the authors’ field and laboratory analytical studies of more than 120 landscape facies. These elementary landscapes occupy various geomorphological stages in the relief: I, II and III terraces above the floodplain as well as a strip of alluvial glaciofluvial deposits which graduates to the slope of the river valley. The mesorelief within each of these stages is also heterogeneous: it includes aeolian dunes and knobs, interdunal and interknob basins, karst basins and sub-horizontal surfaces. Three models of slope geosystems of the outwash valley are presented: ancient aeolian, marsh and karst. An original method for evaluating the strength of lateral interaction between certain units of slope geosystems based on the degree of difference in their states is proposed.
Rationale for the production of hard-to-recover deposits in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Mukhametshin V Sh
Published: November 2020

Based on the study towards oil recovery by deposits in the carbonate reservoirs of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province of Kashiro-Podolsk age, an express method is proposed for estimating recoverable oil reserves and service life through the parameters that can be determined at the stage of geological exploration with a sufficient degree of precision. As a follow-up to a series of feasibility studies, the method provides a rationale for the need to stimulate the production of similar deposits with hard-to-recover reserves.
Designing measures to increase oil recovery based on the identification and grouping of deposits
Authors: Mukhametshin V S , Andreev V E , Yaskin S A
Published: November 2020

The article provides a grouping of development objects using the method of the main components of the fields developed by the Langepasneftegaz TPP and identifies landfill sites. Based on the geological and field analysis, a set of measures has been substantiated to increase the efficiency of development of objects in four groups. The identified patterns allow us to make informed technological decisions aimed at increasing oil recovery, reducing water inflow and increasing the efficiency of the facilities development, taking into account the peculiarities of the geological structure of the deposits.
Determination of the gas factor of oil at Western Siberia fields
Authors: Almukhametova E M , Mikhaylov M O , Stepanova R R
Published: November 2020

The article presents the results of applying the method for determining gas factors at the wellhead of the support network of wells and separation sites of LUKOIL-Western Siberia LLC. The object is systems of oil separation and treatment, collection and transportation of gas from fields developed by LUKOIL-Western Siberia LLC. The aim is to measure the amount of gas produced together with oil, and specify gas factors by fields. The article describes and analyzes the existing oil treatment systems and gas collection and transportation systems. The tie-in points for field measurements of gas consumption have been determined. Instrumental field measurements of gas consumption in pipelines at all separation facilities and laboratory studies of properties and composition of gas were conducted. The relevance of the research is due to the increasing attention to the rational use, reduction of losses and an increase in the overall level of use of gas extracted from the subsoil
Microbiological monitoring of water quality used for water supply and assessment of water sources toxicity (the case of Elista city, the Republic of Kalmykia)
Authors: Dzhalchinova T , Mandgieva A , Mimishev A , Arashaev A
Published: November 2020

Water quality indicators taken from different sources over the Republic of Kalmykia vary significantly both by year and season. Therefore, an urgent need arose to develop a system targeted at regional and local monitoring of water resources. The system will involve modern monitoring technologies in real time and remote sensing techniques. In the Republic arsenal, there are some required practices. Electronic maps (for monitoring water resources) were developed at scale of 1:200000; databases are being under development. Improvement and development of the Republic’s water utilization system should be based on the principles of ecosystem water use, providing for strict monitoring and control over quantitative and qualitative indicators of water resources based on a technologically advanced monitoring system including the options regulating standardization, eco-quality, and economical consumption.
Ecological potential of geosystems on the forest-steppe border (Lake Baikal basin)
Authors: Vladimirov I N , Frolov A A , Kobylkin D V
Published: November 2020

The study of the ecological potential of geosystems is one of the current directions in geographical science. There are several approaches to the study. The authors suggested using an integral approach which can maximize the use of parameters of the geographical environment to identify the potential of geosystems. Based on the original method for mapping geosystems, the results of identification of their environmental potential are presented. The selected research areas on the forest-steppe border have a large number of properties that determine the diversity of landscapes. The relevance of the study is emphasized by the location in the transboundary basin of Lake. Baikal which requires making informed decisions in international relations. An attempt to change the ecological potential for a relatively long period was made.
Ion composition and qualitative indicators of water within the Chernozemelskaya water-irrigation system
Authors: Dedova E B , Dedov A A , Vershinin V V , Isaeva S D , Piven E A
Published: November 2020

In Russia, the agro-industrial complex is a large consumer of water resources, which are used to supply water to rural settlements, food and processing industries, livestock complexes and poultry farms, irrigation of land, flooding of pastures and haylands, as well as for fishing, recreation and other purposes. To a large extent, the environmentally safe, cost-effective and socially oriented development of the region depends on the state and functioning of reclamation systems. The paper presents the results of long-term monitoring of the geochemical composition and water quality indicators of the Chernozemelskaya water-irrigation system (from 2002 to 2018) located on the territory of the Caspian lowland. Irrigation and drainage and surface waste of the system are found to have a level of mineralization ranging from 1.2 to 2.3 g/l with sulfate-chloride and chloride-sulfate, sodium chemism, while the medium activity is low and intermediate-mafic (pH=7.8-8.4). It is analyzed that the high level of Cl-, Na+, Mg2+ions in irrigation water can cause salinization and alcalination of all types of soils.
Assessment of environmental value of specially protected natural territories of Saratov region
Authors: Sergeeva I V , Andriianova Iu M , Mokhonko Iu M , Gusakova N N
Published: November 2020

The creation of specially protected natural areas is one of the main means in solving many environmental problems of our time. Over time, protected areas are transformed, while losing their environmental value. It necessitates a systematic assessment of the state of protected areas in order to predict negative changes. Maintaining an ecological balance is relevant for a region with high anthropogenic pressures, such as the Saratov Region.
Improvement of plant communities through revegetation with Kochia prostrata and Agropyron fragile on the desert zone of the Republic of Kalmykia
Authors: Djapova R , Ayusheva E , Djapova V , Menkebairova B
Published: November 2020

Restoring herbaceous cover of degraded ecosystems is an urgent issue for regions where livestock breeding is the main direction of the economy. The vegetation of the desert zone of the Republic of Kalmykia is used as a forage source almost all year round. Heavy grazing (exceeding stocking rates) in the region results in a reduction of valuable perennial forage species in the plant community and invasion of annual species that do not afford the sod. Grazing efficiency decreases, open areas of soil are subjected to wind erosion. Restoring vegetation in the areas that have lost the ability to self-regenerate is possible through revegetation, a method for improving degraded ecosystems by replanting the soil. The scientific literature on revegetation in arid conditions abounds with information available on ecological, biological and varietal characteristics, agricultural technology for revegetative species, and the yield of certain species on revegetated sites. The authors monitored plant communities enhanced through revegetation in the southern part of the Caspian lowland within the Republic of Kalmykia. The vegetation dynamics was studied through direct observation and indirect extrapolation of spatial series into time series. The paper presents data on the improvement of natural plant communities through revegetation, including adaptation of revegetative species in buffer zones, tops accumulation depending on the type and age of revegetative species, the effect of fires, etc.
Changes in microflora of soil and intestines of Eisenia fetida upon exposure to nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Lebedev S V , Vershinina I A
Published: November 2020

To date, nanoparticles (NP) are quite promising in science and technology. However, the widespread practical use of nanoparticles requires the assessment of their effects on living organisms, including soil organisms. This study analyzes the impacts of NiO nanoparticles (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dry soil) on morpho-biochemical parameters of Eisenia fetida. In the experiment, we determined the content of lipid peroxidation products – malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The catalase activity was expressed within bipolar activity, which can be attributed to the non-specific response of living organisms and metal activity in a substrate. The MDA content was increased at a dose of 250 mg and 125 mg/kg of NiO NP on the 28th and 56th day, respectively. Thus, the biochemical parameters varied depending on the dose of NiO NP. One mechanism of NiO NP toxicity in animals is the oxidative stress.
Influence of various factors on parameters of adsorption of Zn2+cations by meadow soil
Authors: Bauer T V , Minkina T M , Pinsky D L , Mikailsoy F , Sushkova S N , Lobzenko I P
Published: November 2020

The effect of changing the range of introduced metal concentrations, the ratio of solid and liquid phases, and the combined presence of other metal ions in the solution on the absorption of Zn by the meadow soil was studied. As the range of applied concentrations expands and increases (up to 100 mM/L), there is a significant decrease in intensity of metal adsorption and an increase in the soil sorption capacity. It was found that with increasing dilution of the external solution (soil / solution ratio 1:10), the thermodynamic parameters of adsorption with respect to Zn increase. During the joint absorption of Zn with cations of other metals, the dominant process that affects the shape of the isotherm and the parameters of metal adsorption is their mutual competition. Competitive relationships of metal ions lead to their redistribution between different soil reaction centers.
Methodology for conducting and analyzing land surveying examinations
Authors: Parkhomenko D V , Predtechenskaya E A
Published: November 2020

Geoscience does not investigate the methods of producing land surveyors in the framework of court cases and reviews produced after the analysis of this expertise type. The article proposes the author’s methods of this field of study: test, technological methods and method of typical errors, which are developed and justified. The paper analyzes the errors of 176 land surveyors and provides statistics of such errors. They are classified into design errors, procedural errors, and errors of a special technical nature. The article analyzes the meaning of each error type (and introduces the concept of gross and minor errors). It proposes the author’s method of producing reviews of land surveyors which is a technological method. It is reviewed in detail; it is indicated that it is in the testing stage and has received a positive response. The study suggests the formation of reliable complete scientific research in the framework of the expertise in land disputes, which leads to more fair and well-grounded court decisions.
Phytoremediation potential of woody flora in urban areas
Authors: Vasilieva T N , Galaktionova LV , Baisheva E Z , Lebedev S V
Published: November 2020

The development of industry, heavy metal pollution has created serious environmental problems. A phytoremediation is a group of environmental cleaning technologies. Currently relevant is the identification of representatives of the woody flora typical of the region from the accumulation of pollutant metals. For the study, 13 sites located on the territory of sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises of the city of Orenburg were selected. The content of heavy metals was determined in the soil and plant biomass selected from the sites. An analysis of the results shows the relationship between the concentration of heavy metals in soil and plants. The ability of plants to accumulate elements is assessed. Thus, Ulmusglabra accumulates Co from mobile soil forms in 7 reference sites, the leaves of the plant deposit Pb in 4 reference sites. Ulmusglabra accumulates nickel and copper in 4 studied areas. When analyzing individual plant species, the best potential accumulating abilities are (in decreasing order): Ulmusglabra Huds. > Acernegundo L. > Betulapendula Roth.
Features of land management in companies producing essential oil raw materials
Authors: Cherkashina E V , Cherkashin K I
Published: November 2020

During the land reform, new forms of land management and land tenure are being developed. Specialization of the farm depends on the market demand. Oil production is being restored in Russia. It is necessary to combine the area of lands, land composition, soil quality, technological soil properties and crop composition, providing high sales on the world market. The study aims at identifying features of land management in agricultural organizations producing essential oil and medicinal raw materials. The list of crops is based on the assessment of soil fertility and land properties. Land composition and promising types of land management should be determined according to the land survey of land plots, which is the basis for further development of rational organization of the territory, determination of the effectiveness of planned agricultural production.
Directions and methods of digital land management
Authors: Papaskiri T M , Semochkin V N , Ananicheva E P , Zatsepina E A , Shevchuk A A
Published: November 2020

The article deals with issues related to the digitalization of land management as a branch of the economy. The main directions and methods of digital land management developed in our country are outlined. Significant reduction of financial expenses and relatively rapid restoration of all land management functions is possible only through its automation, informational support and full digitalization. The modern solution of application tasks is in the employment of new technologies. The work performed in the field of digital land management is aimed at creating and implementing an intelligent system of planning, land management support and optimization of agricultural landscapes, land use and protection in agricultural production at different levels of generalization (field, farm, municipality, subject of the Russian Federation, country, foreign territories), operating on the basis of digital, remote, earth information technologies and computer modeling methods with online access by means of a web interface. Smart land management is designed to provide the basic spatial basis for implementing digital transformation in the following priority areas: smart field, smart farm, smart storage, smart greenhouse, smart garden, etc. This development in the form of creating and implementing a technological earth information platform for digital land management as the main mechanism for implementing the state’s agricultural policy, rational use and protection of land resources is key in relation to the sectors of the economy that have a spatial reference.
Strategic digital model for sustainable spatial regional development
Authors: Tsypkin Yu A , Fomin A A , Kamaev R A , Kozlova N V , Gubarev E V
Published: November 2020

The key task of model development is to improve the modern paradigm of sustainable development. The main factors for improving the efficiency of the model include the spatial nature of the development of the territories, their regional dimension and the emergence of digitization. The article revealed that strategic forecasting is the base of managing the model of sustainable spatial regional development. In the era of digital technology, strategic forecasting forms the environment for managing the development of the region based on land resources and environmental principles. The social pressure of modern society brought environmental issues, rational nature management and the effectiveness of regional management decisions for long-term planning to the top of the agenda. The authors proposed a strategy for the sustainable development of the region, recommended regional programs as a combination of economic, social and environmental problems of the region’s development.
Portage crosses on the historical waterways of Russia
Authors: Erman N M , Aleksandrovskaya O A
Published: November 2020

Waterways and the portages connecting them played a crucial role in the colonization and economic development of forest landscapes of the vast territory of the Center and the North of the Russian Plain. Since VIII - XI centuries, water transport and trade routes started developing: "The Great Volga Route", the route "From the Varangians to the Greeks", the Severodvinsk Route and others. The system of trade routes in the territory of Ancient Russia was gradually created by the efforts of not only the Slavs, but also other peoples who inhabited Eastern Europe, including the Baltic and Finno-Ugric tribes, the Volga Bulgarians, the Khazars, and, only partially, the newcomer Vikings. These main international trade routes of ancient times would not have been possible if the local population of the interstream areas had not discovered and mastered the "portages", i.e. areas where it is possible to transport overland, or rather "drag" through "portage" or "towpath" (along the shortest paths between the upper reaches of the rivers), water crafts, boats with goods and people from one river basin to another.
The objectives of studying the history of science in the USSR: the situation in 1952
Authors: Grinina I R , Ilizarov S S
Published: November 2020

The historiographic situation in the history of natural sciences in 1952 is reviewed based on the archive documents that are introduced for scientific use for the first time. A previously unknown fact from the history of science is established, which is important for understanding the processes occurring in social sciences and the humanities in the USSR in the mid-20th century. The paper describes the conditions characteristic of the period of late Stalinism that had very negatively affected the work of Soviet historians of science, narrowed the scope of research, and sought to turn the history of science into an instrument for ideologically manipulating the society. At the same time, the archive documents we have studied indicate that the Soviet community of historians of science has been striving to overcome the isolationism and dogmatism forced on them by the regime. The analytical memorandum on the state of the studies on the history of science in the USSR and the tasks faced by this discipline, created at the Institute for the History of Science of the USSR Academy of Sciences at the end of 1952, is a valuable source.
Faunistic research in the Moscow Governorate in the 19th century: the role of scientific societies
Authors: Krivosheina G G
Published: November 2020

The present paper deals with the history of faunistic research in the Moscow Governorate in the 19th century Russia and the role played in this research by the Moscow University and affiliated natural history societies, especially the Moscow Society of Naturalists and Society of Friends of Natural Science, Anthropology, and Ethnography. The question is discussed why, in spite of a number of research projects on the Moscow fauna, initiated by these societies, even in the beginning of the 20th century the progress in the field, according to the leading Moscow zoologists, was still insufficient.
Investigating hydrology of the Volga River: research by astronomer Nina Subbotina
Authors: Valkova O A
Published: November 2020

The paper presents forgotten episode from the history of hydrology in Russia. It was a personal project undertaken by one of the first Russian women-astronomers Nina Subbotina (1877–1961) who was also competent and very interested in meteorological observation. Being well-known and well-respected in her day and time, Subbotina is nearly forgotten nowadays. When she was challenged with discovering of a reliable method to predict the height of floods of the Volga – one of Russia’s main rivers – she found an interesting solution. She tried comparing the heights of Volga floods with data on the solar activity and finding whether one could influence another. If it was, one would be able to prognose the height of river flood with the knowledge about current states of sunspots.
Olga Fedchenko – explorer of the Turkestan region: on the 175th anniversary
Authors: Valkova O A
Published: November 2020

The paper presents data on the biography of an outstanding Russian woman-scientist Olga Fedchenko in honor of her 175-year anniversary. Olga Fedchenko is known internationally for her botanical works especially on flora of Turkestan region. Also, without formal university education, she managed to become a professional highly respected in scientific community, which resulted in her election in 1906 a correspondent member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences. Her professional career began in Turkestan region where she participated in the famous Turkestan expedition of the Fedchenko couple in 1868–1872 along her husband Alexei Fedchenko. Since then a lot of her research were related to flora of this place. In late 1890s, she made a few trips there again, this time with her son Boris Fedchenko who grown to become a fine botanist himself.
History of the quaternary study at the Geological Institute RAS: to the 90th anniversary of the institute
Authors: Vtorov I P
Published: November 2020

The paper is a brief historical review of the Quaternary research in the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientific management of A.P. Pavlov, V.I. Vernadsky, D.I. Mushketov, V.I. Obruchev, A.D. Arkhangelsky, and A.E. Fersman in geological programs and in the Academy of Sciences of the USSR successfully developed the Quaternary studies. The Geological Institute had an important role in the Quaternary research, during the last 90 years, which was made possible by its organizational structure, research and expeditions, organized in close cooperation with the Commission for the study of the Quaternary period, and by a large number of prominent scientists who worked at the Quaternary Department and were leaded and inspired by G.A. Bonch-Osmolovsky, G.F. Mirchink, V.I. Gromov, V.V. Menner, C.V. Nikiforova and others.
Preparation of lithium using vacuum carbothermal reduction of LiAlO2
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Huan , Qu Tao , Deng Yong , Liu Dachun , Xu Baoqiang , Yang Bin , Dai Yongnian
Published: November 2020

In this study, we investigated the preparation process of lithium metal using a novel carbothermic reduction process. Herein, thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods were used to investigate the novel carbothermal reduction process of LiAlO2 for preparing lithium metal in a vacuum. The results suggest that the temperature of the chemical reaction can be significantly reduced by reducing the pressure in the system. When the system pressure was 10 Pa, the reduction temperature, reduction time, molar ratio of C/LiAlO2, and reduction rate were 1623 K, 120 min, 0.9, and 79.01%, respectively. Furthermore, the lithium content in the reduction residue was 2.1 wt%, suggesting the presence of the LiAl5O8 phase. Under these conditions, when 20% CaO was added, the reduction rate of lithium increased to 99.38%, and the lithium in the reduction residue takes the form of CaAl2O4. This shows that CaO, as an additive, can promote reduction, compromise the effect of LiAl5O8, and increase the reduction rate of lithium.
Exploring the prospects of host-state counterclaims in corruption disputes
Authors: Vijayvergia Chitransh , Belmannu Pavan
Published: November 2020

While the regime of investment treaty arbitration has evolved manifold over the decades, has the position of the host-states as a Respondent improved? The authors argue that it has not. Bilateral Investment Treaties (hereinafter BIT(s)) are still asymmetrical in nature where the states are obliged to protect the rights of the foreign investors but are not provided with any remedy against the corrupt activities of the investors. While tribunals have denied jurisdiction over the investors’ claims tainted with corruption, they have provided states with no consequent remedy against such investors. Consequently, the states have to first bear the loss of a failed investment in its territory and then pay for the exorbitant costs of international arbitration as well. Where scholars are arguing for attribution of liability of corrupt activities of the public officials to the states, the authors here raise an important question of what if the liability cannot be attributed to the states due to lack of apparent authority? Should the states be then allowed to move forward from the jurisdictional stage to raise counterclaims to seek damages for the loss caused by the investors? In this article, the authors explore these questions and present arguments in favour of the inclusion of corruption-based counterclaims.
Combining artificial intelligence: deep learning with Hi-C data to predict the functional effects of non-coding variants
Authors: Meng Xiang-He , Xiao Hong-Mei , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of variants for various traits, the causal variants and the mechanisms underlying the significant loci are largely unknown. In this study, we aim to predict non-coding variants that may functionally affect translation initiation through long-range chromatin interaction.

Results

By incorporating the Hi-C data, we propose a novel and powerful deep learning model of artificial intelligence to classify interacting and non-interacting fragment pairs and predict the functional effects of sequence alteration of single nucleotide on chromatin interaction and thus on gene expression. The changes in chromatin interaction probability between the reference sequence and the altered sequence reflect the degree of functional impact for the variant. The model was effective and efficient with the classification of interacting and non-interacting fragment pairs. The predicted causal SNPs that had a larger impact on chromatin interaction were more likely to be identified by GWAS and eQTL analyses. We demonstrate that an integrative approach combining artificial intelligence—deep learning with high throughput experimental evidence of chromatin interaction leads to prioritizing the functional variants in disease- and phenotype-related loci and thus will greatly expedite uncover of the biological mechanism underlying the association identified in genomic studies.

Availability and implementation

Source code used in data preparing and model training is available at the GitHub website (https://github.com/biocai/DeepHiC).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Event history and topological data analysis
Authors: Garside K , Gjoka A , Henderson R , Johnson H , Makarenko I
Published: November 2020

Persistent homology is used to track the appearance and disappearance of features as we move through a nested sequence of topological spaces. Equating the nested sequence to a filtration and the appearance and disappearance of features to events, we show that simple event history methods can be used for the analysis of topological data. We propose a version of the well-known Nelson–Aalen cumulative hazard estimator for the comparison of topological features of random fields and for testing parametric assumptions. We suggest a Cox proportional hazards approach for the analysis of embedded metric trees. The Nelson–Aalen method is illustrated on globally distributed climate data and on neutral hydrogen distribution in the Milky Way. The Cox method is used to compare vascular patterns in fundus images of the eyes of healthy and diabetic retinopathy patients.
The anatomy of spatial neglect after posterior cerebral artery stroke
Authors: Sperber Christoph , Clausen Jacob , Benke Thomas , Karnath Hans-Otto
Published: November 2020

Spatial neglect is a common consequence of stroke in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. Damage to a perisylvian fronto-temporo-parietal network has been demonstrated to underlie this disorder. Less common, stroke to the posterior cerebral artery territory may also lead to spatial neglect. This study aimed to uncover the anatomical underpinnings of spatial neglect after posterior cerebral artery infarction. A sample of 50 posterior cerebral artery infarct patients was screened for spatial neglect. Neural correlates of neglect were investigated both with voxel-based lesion behaviour mapping and with region-of-interest analyses. Brain damage neither to the splenium, nor to the parahippocampal gyrus, nor to the thalamus was predictive of spatial neglect. Only damage to the perisylvian fronto-temporo-parietal network of spatial neglect was significantly associated with neglect severity. We conclude that both posterior and middle cerebral artery stroke induce spatial neglect after damage to the same perisylvian brain network. The findings contradict previous theories that postulated neural correlates of spatial neglect specifically supplied by the posterior cerebral artery. In posterior cerebral artery stroke patients, affected parts of this network are located at the border zone between the posterior and middle cerebral artery territories. Inter-individual variability in the localization of the border between both artery territories appears to mediate the occurrence of spatial neglect after posterior cerebral artery stroke.
Features of Duration Mismatch Negativity Around the Onset of Overt Psychotic Disorders: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tateno Takahiro , Higuchi Yuko , Nakajima Suguru , Sasabayashi Daiki , Nakamura Mihoko , Ueno Maya , Mizukami Yuko , Nishiyama Shimako , Takahashi Tsutomu , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Suzuki Michio
Published: November 2020

Reduced amplitude of duration mismatch negativity (dMMN) has been reported in psychotic disorders and at-risk mental state (ARMS); however, few longitudinal MMN studies have examined the amplitude changes during the course of psychosis. We compared dMMN amplitude between ARMS individuals with later psychosis onset and those without, and we longitudinally examined potential dMMN changes around psychosis onset. Thirty-nine ARMS subjects and 22 healthy controls participated in this study. Of the 39 ARMS subjects, 11 transitioned to psychosis (at-risk mental state with later psychosis onset [ARMS-P]) during follow-up and 28 did not (at-risk mental state without later psychosis onset [ARMS-NP]). dMMN was measured twice using an auditory oddball paradigm with a mean interval of 2 years. Follow-up dMMN data were available for all but four ARMS-P subjects. dMMN amplitude at baseline was smaller in ARMS-P subjects compared with control and ARMS-NP subjects. Additionally, ARMS-P subjects displayed a longitudinal decline in dMMN amplitude, which was not present in control and ARMS-P subjects. We also observed a progressive decline in dMMN amplitude during the transition period, suggesting dynamic brain changes associated with the psychosis onset. Our findings implicate dMMN amplitude as a biological predictor of future psychosis onset in high-risk individuals, which may be used for early detection and intervention of psychosis.