bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MESMER-M: an Earth System Model emulator for spatially resolved monthly temperatures
Authors: Nath Shruti , Lejeune Quentin , Beusch Lea , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The degree of trust placed in climate model projections is commensurate to how well their uncertainty can be quantified, particularly at timescales relevant to climate policy makers. On interannual to decadal timescales, model uncertainty due to internal variability dominates and is imperative to understanding near-term and seasonal climate events, but hard to quantify owing to the computational constraints on producing large ensembles. To this extent, emulators are valuable tools for approximating climate model runs, allowing for exploration of the model uncertainty space surrounding select climate variables at a significantly reduced computational cost. Most emulators, however, operate at annual to seasonal timescales, leaving out monthly information that may be essential to assessing climate impacts. This study extends the framework of an existing spatially resolved, annual-scale Earth System Model (ESM) emulator (MESMER, Beusch et al. 2020) by a monthly downscaling module (MESMER-M), thus providing local monthly temperatures from local yearly temperatures. We first linearly represent the mean response of the monthly temperature cycle to yearly temperatures using a simple harmonic model, thus maintaining month to month correlations and capturing changes in intra-annual variability. We then construct a month-specific local variability module which generates spatio-temporally correlated residuals with month and yearly temperature dependent skewness incorporated within. The performance of the resulting emulator is demonstrated on 38 different ESMs from the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). The emulator is furthermore benchmarked using a simple Gradient Boosting Regressor based, physical model trained on biophysical information. We find that while regional-scale, biophysical feedbacks may induce non-uniformities in the yearly to monthly temperature downscaling relationship, statistical emulation of regional effects shows comparable skill to approaches with physical representation. Thus, MESMER-M is able to generate ESM-like, large initial-condition ensembles of spatially explicit monthly temperature fields, thereby providing monthly temperature probability distributions which are of critical value to impact assessments.
Multi-sensor analyses of the skin temperature for the assimilation of satellite radiances in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS, cycle 47R1)
Authors: Massart Sebastien , Bormann Niels , Bonavita Massimo , Lupu Cristina
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The assimilation of clear-sky radiance in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric analysis relies on the clear-sky radiances observation operator. Some of these radiances have frequencies that make them sensitive to both the surface and atmosphere. Because the atmospheric and surface analyses are currently not strongly coupled, a specific treatment of the surface is required. The observation operator specifically expects a skin temperature value at the observation location and time as well as the profiles of the atmospheric variables along the viewing path. This skin temperature is added to the control variable and optimised simultaneously with all of the atmospheric variables to produce optimal simulated radiances. We present two approaches to add the skin temperature to the control variable. In the current TOVS Control Variable (TOVSCV) approach, a series of skin temperature values per observation location is added to the control variable. Effectively, in the optimisation process, the skin temperature acts as a sink variable in observation space and is uncoupled from the skin temperature at other locations. In the novel SKin Temperature in the Extended Control Vector (SKTECV) approach, two-dimensional skin temperature fields are added to the control variable. All clear-sky radiances then participate in the optimisation of these two-dimensional fields, and the analysis produces temporally and spatially consistent skin temperature fields. We compare the two approaches over two seasons of 3 months each. Overall, there is a neutral impact of the new approach on the analysis and forecast. Moreover, there is some evidence that the contribution of the subsurface layers should be represented in the new approach for the skin temperature associated with the microwave instruments.
CONCEPT AND EVALUATION OF AN URBAN PLATFORM FOR INTERACTIVE VISUAL ANALYTICS
Authors: Ebrahim H. , Santhanavanich T. , Wuerstle P. , Coors V.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Urban platforms are becoming a vital role player in city resources management for achieving the right balance between social and economic services and their impact on the environment. More and more cities are starting to benefit from an urban platform to state the city conditions and re-coin the shape of life depending on data gathered from different city systems. However, urban platforms need further support of data analytics in respect of reaching a smart city platform helping city planners with better decision making. Besides, the majority of operational urban platforms consider 2D data only, missing out on the possible information that could be obtained from 3D city models. This work proposes a concept for an urban platform that supports data manipulation and visualization plus interactive analytic functionalities. As a prototype, an urban platform is implemented for integrating and processing 3D city models and 2D traffic data to derive air pollutants emission rates with analytic visualization, leading urban planning to concentrate on the most affected areas. In addition, interactive features are implemented, including filtering, querying, and classifying data to support the analytic visualization in the developed urban platform.
A WEB APP TO GENERATE AND DISSEMINATE NEW KNOWLEDGE ON URBAN GREEN SPACE QUALITIES AND THEIR ACCESSIBILITY
Authors: Hecht R. , Artmann M. , Brzoska P. , Burghardt D. , Cakir S. , Dunkel A. , Gröbe M. , Gugulica M. , Krellenberg K. , Kreutzarek N. , Lautenbach S. , Ludwig C. , Lümkemann D. , Meinel G. , Schorcht M. , Sonnenbichler A. , Stanley C. , Tenikl J. , Wurm M. , Zipf A.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Urban green spaces (UGSs) can provide important ecosystem services for citizens and their well-being. To make use of these services according to UGS user demands, urban residents, tourists, and city administrations should know where UGSs are located, what qualities they have and how to reach them on convenient routes. This paper presents a novel digital infrastructure which combines and fuses different data to map UGSs and their qualities, and makes this information available in a web app. The interactive information service of the app aims to support citizens to explore and search for suitable UGSs and to provide routing options to reach them based on their preferences. Via implicit and explicit feedback functions included in the app, further information on UGS users' preferences can be collected to enhance the overall knowledge basis, while respecting data privacy issues. The underlying data base consists primarily of open and volunteered geographic data, which allows for transferability to other cities. This paper describes the system design, its back-end and front-end components, as well as the process of development and deployment of the system in two pilot cities. Preliminary results of the piloting in the two cities are presented, focusing on user preferences for UGSs searches. The added value of the web app for city residents and the role of the newly gained knowledge for urban planning is discussed and reflected upon.
Study on compliant actuator based on compliance features of flexible hinges
Authors: Lu Qian , Wang Chengyang , Zhang Kaikai , Gao Hong
Published: September 2021

Abstract. In order to improve the key performance of the compliant
actuators, it is necessary to parametrically optimize the compliant
actuators based on the compliance features of flexible hinges. A new
structural parameter λ, the compliance ratio, which could reflect
the sensitivity of the main form of the output displacement, was proposed
and analyzed in detail. A compliant lever actuator was developed, and it was
optimized by making use of the parameter λ. The optimization was
also validated by finite element method (FEM) simulation and experiment. The simulation and
experiment results both show that the magnification ratio of the compliant
actuator could be enlarged effectively based on the compliance features of
flexible hinges. Finally, an actual application of the linear positioning
platform that was driven by the compliant lever actuator directly was
carried out, and the experiment data also show that the platform with the
optimized actuator has different degrees of optimization in terms of the key
performance, including the resolution, the motion speed, and the working
stroke. It is helpful to develop the compliant actuators and apply it into
the precision engineering.
Compound flood modelling framework for rainfall-groundwater interactions
Authors: Peña Francisco , Nardi Fernando , Melesse Assefa , Obeysekera Jayantha , Castelli Fabio , Price René M. , Crowl Todd , Gonzalez-Ramirez Noemi
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Compound floods are an active area of research where the complex interaction between pluvial, fluvial, coastal or groundwater flooding are analyzed. A number of studies have simulated the compound flooding impacts of precipitation, river discharge and storm surge variables with different numerical models and linking techniques. However, groundwater flooding is often neglected in flood risk assessments due to its sporadic frequency - as most regions have water tables sufficiently low that do not exacerbate flooding conditions -, isolated impacts and considerably less severity in respect to other types of flooding. This paper presents a physically-based, loosely-coupled modelling framework using FLO-2D and MODFLOW-2005 that is capable to simulate surface-subsurface water interactions to represent compound flooding events in North Miami. FLO-2D, responsible of the surface hydrology and infiltration processes, transfers the infiltration volume as recharge to MODFLOW-2005 until the soil absorption capacity is exceeded, while MODFLOW-2005 return exchange flow to the surface when groundwater heads are higher than the surface depth. The model calibration is based on three short-lived storm events that as individual processes represent minimum flooding conditions but in combination with pre-existing high-water table levels results in widespread flooding across the study area. Understanding groundwater flood risk is of particular interest to low-elevation coastal karst environments as the sudden emergence of the water table at ground surface can result in social disruption, adverse effects to essential services and damage infrastructure. Results are validated using FEMA’s severe repetitive loss (SRL) property records and crowdsourced data. Further research should assess the exacerbated impacts of high tides and sea level rise on water tables under current and future climate projections.
The Mid Atlantic Appalachian Orogen Traverse: A Comparison of Virtual and On-Location Field-Based Capstone Experiences
Authors: Whitmeyer Steven , Fichter Lynn , Marshall Anita , Liddle Hannah
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The Stratigraphy, Structure, Tectonics (SST) course at James Madison University incorporates a capstone project that traverses the Mid Atlantic region of the Appalachian Orogen and includes several all-day field trips. In the Fall 2020 semester, the SST field trips transitioned to a virtual format, due to restrictions from the COVID pandemic. The virtual field trip projects were developed in web-based Google Earth, along with other supplemental PowerPoint and PDF files. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual field experiences in comparison with traditional on-location field trips, an online survey was sent to SST students that took the course virtually in Fall 2020 and to students that took the course in-person in previous years. Instructors and students alike recognized that some aspects of on-location field learning were not possible or effective with virtual field experiences. However, students recognized the value of virtual field experiences for reviewing and revisiting outcrops, as well as noting the improved access to virtual outcrops for students with disabilities, and the generally more inclusive experience of virtual field trips. Students highlighted the potential benefits for hybrid field experiences that incorporate both on-location outcrop investigations and virtual field trips, which is the preferred model for SST field experiences in Fall 2021 and into the future.
Strong Increase of Thawing of Subsea Permafrost in the 22nd Century Caused by Anthropogenic Climate Change
Authors: Wilkenskjeld Stiig , Miesner Frederieke , Overduin Paul P. , Puglini Matteo , Brovkin Victor
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Most Earth System Models (ESMs) neglect climate feedbacks arising from carbon release from thawing permafrost, especially from thawing of sub-sea permafrost (SSPF). To assess the fate of SSPF in the next 1000 years, we implemented SSPF into JSBACH, the land component of the Max Planck Institute Earth Model (MPI-ESM). This is the first implementation of SSPF processes in an ESM-component. We investigate three extended scenarios from the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). In the 21st century only small differences are found among the scenarios, but in the upper-end emission scenario SSP5-8.5, especially in the 22nd century SSPF ice melting is more than 15 times faster than in the preindustrial period. In this scenario about 35 % of total SSPF volume and 34 % of SSPF area is lost by year 3000 due to climatic changes. In the more moderate scenarios, the melting maximally exceeds the preindustrial rate by a factor of 4 and the climate change induced SSPF loss (volume and area) by year 3000 does not exceed 14 %. Our results suggest that the rate of melting of SSPF ice is related to the length of the local open water season, and thus that the easily observable sea ice concentration may be used as a proxy for the change of SSPF.
Clouds drive differences in future surface melt over the Antarctic ice shelves
Authors: Kittel Christoph , Amory Charles , Hofer Stefan , Agosta Cécile , Jourdain Nicolas C. , Gilbert Ella , Le Toumelin Louis , Gallée Hubert , Fettweis Xavier
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Recent warm atmospheric conditions have damaged the ice shelves of the Antarctic Peninsula through surface melt and hydrofracturing, and could potentially initiate future collapse of other Antarctic ice shelves. However, model projections with similar greenhouse gas scenarios suggest large differences in cumulative 21st century surface melting. So far it remains unclear whether these differences are due to variations in warming rates in individual models, or whether local surface energy budget feedbacks could also play a notable role. Here we use the polar-oriented regional climate model MAR to study the physical mechanisms that will control future melt over the Antarctic ice shelves in high-emission scenarios RCP8.5 and SSP585. We show that clouds enhance future surface melt by increasing the atmospheric emissivity and longwave radiation towards the surface. Furthermore, we highlight that differences in meltwater production for the same climate warming rate depend on cloud properties and particularly cloud phase. Clouds containing a larger amount of liquid water lead to stronger melt, subsequently favouring the absorption of solar radiation due to the snow-melt-albedo feedback. By increasing melt differences over the ice shelves in the next decades, liquid-containing clouds could be a major source of uncertainties related to the future Antarctic contribution to sea level rise.
Recovery processes in a large offshore wind farm
Authors: Gupta Tanvi , Baidya Roy Somnath
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Wind turbines in a wind farm extract energy from the atmospheric flow and convert it into electricity, resulting in a localized momentum deficit in the wake that reduces energy availability for downwind turbines. Atmospheric momentum convergence from above, below, and the sides into the wakes replenishes the lost momentum, at least partially, so that turbines deep inside a wind farm can continue to function. In this study, we explore recovery processes in a hypothetical offshore wind farm with particular
emphasis on comparing the spatial patterns and magnitudes of horizontal- and vertical-recovery processes and understanding the role of mesoscale
processes in momentum recovery in wind farms. For this purpose, we use the
Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, a state-of-the-art mesoscale
model equipped with a wind turbine parameterization, to simulate a
hypothetical large offshore wind farm with different wind turbine spacings
under realistic initial and boundary conditions. Different inter-turbine
spacings range from a densely packed wind farm (case I: low inter-turbine
distance of 0.5 km ∼ 5 rotor diameter) to a sparsely packed wind farm (case III: high inter-turbine distance of 2 km ∼ 20 rotor diameter). In this study, apart from the inter-turbine spacings, we
also explored the role of different ranges of background wind speeds over
which the wind turbines operate, ranging from a low wind speed range of 3–11.75 m s−1 (case A) to a high wind speed range of 11–18 m s−1 (case C). Results show that vertical turbulent transport of momentum from aloft is the main contributor to recovery in wind farms except in cases with high-wind-speed range and sparsely packed wind farms, where horizontal advective momentum transport can also contribute equally. Vertical recovery shows a systematic dependence on wind speed and wind farm density that is quantified using low-order empirical equations. Wind farms significantly alter the mesoscale flow patterns, especially for densely packed wind farms under high-wind-speed conditions.
In these cases, the mesoscale circulations created by the wind farms can transport high-momentum air from aloft into the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and thus aid in recovery in wind farms. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to look at wind farm replenishment processes under realistic meteorological conditions including the role of mesoscale processes. Overall, this study advances our understanding of recovery processes in wind farms and wind farm–ABL interactions.
Development of probiotic bacterial concentrate technology and practical aspects of its use
Authors: Куксова Елена Владимировна , Волкова Галина Сергеевна , Серба Елена Михайловна
Published: September 2021

В статье приводятся результаты разработки технологии получения биоконцентрата на основе многоштаммового консорциума молочнокислых и пропионовокислых бактерий, который может использоваться для силосования зеленых кормов. Установлены параметры ферментации, стадии концентрирования, дана качественная характеристика готового продукта.

The article presents the results of the development of the technology of producing bioconcentrate on the basis of multistrain consortium of lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria which can be used for ensilaging green forages. The fermentation parameters, concentration stages, and qualitative characteristics of the finished product are established.
Weighted integral representations of harmonic functions in the unit disc by means of Mittag-Leffler type kernels
Authors: Hayrapetyan Feliks
Published: September 2021

For weighted $L^p$-classes of functions harmonic in the unit disc, we obtain a family of weighted integral representations with weight function of the type $|w|^{2\varphi}\cdot(1-|w|^{2\rho})^{\beta}$.
Using Ideal Time Horizon for Energy Cost Determination
Authors: Hasan Raed Abdulkareem , Hadeel W. Abdulwahid  , Arwa Sahib Abdalzahra
Published: September 2021

In most optimal VM placement algorithms, the first step to determine the proper time horizon, T
for the prediction of the expected maximum future load, L. However, T is dependent on the proper knowledge of the
required time for servers to switch from their initial SLEEP/ACTIVE state to the next desired state. The activities
implemented by this policy are (a) to relocate the VM from an encumbered server, a server that operates in an
undesirably high regime with applications forecasted to rise their burdens to compute in the subsequent reallocation
cycles; (b) to conduct VM migration from servers that operate within the undesirable regime to shift the server to
a SLEEP mode; (c) putting an idle server to SLEEP mode and rebooting the servers from the SLEEP mode at high
cluster loads. A novel mechanism for forwarding arriving client desires to the utmost suitable server is implemented;
thus, in the complete system, balancing the requested load is possible.
PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
Authors: MOSPAN Anatolii , TIMCHENKO Tetiana
Published: September 2021

Development of the country’s economy, industrial and economic infrastructure is impossible without the use of oil and gas, as well as their products. Ukraine does not fully meet its own needs for fuel and energy resources. An important role in the solving of this issue belongs to geophysical research methods, their integrated complex and the types of geological and geophysical researches. In many cases, the materials of geophysical research methods are the main ones with respect to the geological documentation of wells that were drilled for the search and exploration of productive reservoirs. Domestic oil and gas service companies need government support to increase quality of geological and geophysical services, updating the equipment fleet, and ground equipment, introducing modern technologies to enable the development of equal competition with foreign companies both in the domestic and global markets.
INVERSION OF GRAVITY DATA USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: GRYSHCHUK Pavlo
Published: September 2021

The genetic algorithm for the selection of gravitational sources is considered. In the basis of the approach, the principle of selection of genes from fathers and mutations was laid down, which was adapted to form geological structures. For a two-dimensional grid model, the designation of apparent density in the blocks is selected by a choice of models of two (parental) variants, in which gravitational initial and calculated anomalies coincide better. In the quality of the object function is used a middle gradient norm of gravity fields. Generation of new models for effective density in blocks is released randomly. Theoretical models were built up for one body with one and two values of apparent densities.
The theoretical sections with four layers were considered. The fitting of the model was carried out under the condition that the value of the effective density was known or a certain range was set. Each block was rectangular in shape with a square section in the plane of the gravity data profile and a limited lateral elongation. Comparison of the output and calculated anomalies of the gravitational acceleration was carried out using the average norm and the percentage error. The absence of jumps in the objective function graph ensured that an accurate model was determined. The correct geometry of a body with a homogeneous apparent density was determined at a fixed value of the effective density for four layers. 
The model with two values of density had some errors in determining the geometry of the bodies. The genetic algorithm, based on an evolutionary approach to certain physical parameters of blocks, performs the fitting of a gravity model rather quickly and effectively. The main factors affecting the accuracy of geometry are apparent density data. The implemented approach allows one to estimate the cross section by the grid distribution of the effective density. The development is applied for a two-dimensional interpretation of the gravity anomaly over an oil and gas field. The resulting interpretation of the shape of the anticlinal structure is consistent with geological data.
DRILLING OF COMPLEXES WITH HYDRAULIC TRANSPORT OF A CORE FOR INCREASE OF EFFICIENCY OF GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION WORKS
Authors: VDOVYCHENKO Anatolii
Published: September 2021

On the basis of an in-depth analysis of domestic achievements and the results of experimental and methodological works and practice the expediency of widespread use of improved technical means and technologies for drilling geological exploration wells with complexes counterflush coring (CCD) till the depth of 300 m upon sedimentary strata is substantiated. During the exploration of brown coal deposits and titanium placers, which convincingly confirm the high efficiency of CCD with appropriate modifi cations of equipment, technology and testing methods for specific productive horizons and host rocks. The best results of industrial application of CCD were obtained during the exploration of the Paromivske ilmenite placer deposit (2016). High technical and economic indicators of completion of work in difficult socio-economic and geological and technical conditions were achieved thanks to CCD application.  
The main argument in favor of CCD is undoubtedly proven by ultra-high productivity with a significant reduction in cost and improved quality of the work. The operational geological informational content of the method allows timely adjustments and responsibly choose the most optimal flexible schemes and methods of geological research. Due to the significantly reduced timing of drilling operations, field research can be carried out shorter at the most favorable climatic conditions and seasons of agricultural activity. The mobile circulation system excludes the construction of earthen sedimentation tanks, which signifi cantly reduces the size of disturbed soils, their contamination and prevents the loss of flushing fluid. The peculiarities of the technology and organization of work promote close cooperation, mutual control and understanding of technical, geological, geophysical and other personnel serving and actively mobilize for high-quality and highly efficient performance of geological tasks. A reduction of heavy operations in the technological process significantly improves the working conditions for the service personnel, increases the production culture, and contributes to the attractiveness of the drilling profession. 
Ukraine has sufficient production facilities (at Kiev Drilling Equipment Plant, Dnepropetrovsk Drilling Equipment Plant, Discovery - Drilling Equipment. Ukraine LLC, etc.), which are capable of providing geological exploration companies with modern CCD. 
The main reasons that hinder the development of modern highly efficient geological exploration technologies are recognized and the optimal ways to solve the problem of widespread introduction of CCD are featured.
ROMNY SALT DOME STRUCTURE (DNIPRO-DONETS BASIN): GEOLOGICAL HISTORY AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL
Authors: OHAR Viktor , NESINA Nataliya , OLIYNYK Olena
Published: September 2021

The geological structure of the Romny salt dome and related the Romny oil field as the first discovered one in the Eastern region of Ukraine are described. The history of its discovery and development of the field are featured. The geological and geophysical study of this area is characterized. Under generalization of geological and geophysical data, paleotectonic and peleogeothermal reconstructions on the Romny structure derived from the results of drilling of Gerasymivska-1 exploration well. The cyclic intermittent development of the salt dome structure is demonstrated. It is proved that the upper intersalt Frasnian source rocks could generate hydrocarbons starting from the early Visean time. According to the results of seismic surveys the uplifted block is outlined in the area of the northern edge of the salt dome. The presence of hydrocarbon pools in of the Visean and Serpukhovian granular reservoirs as well as in the salt breccia is predicted applying seismic attributes analysis for this block. The carbonate reservoirs of the lower part of the Bashkirian sequence, the productivity of which is established at the nearest located Velyki Bubny field, can be potentially oil and gas-bearing.
THE MAGIC OF AGATE
Authors: MERSHCHIY Victor
Published: September 2021

The article examines the magical properties of agate, a striped modification of chalcedony. Images of several agates from the author’s personal collection are shown. Memories of the author’s adventures related to the search for agates are given. Images of agates on postage stamps are featureded, as well as numerous books about agates. A virtual collection of agates from different continents of our planet is shown.
Ecclesiam suam (1964-2014)
Authors: Díez Barroso Santiago
Published: September 2021

En la Primera Parte de este Artículo nos hemos ocupado de cómo los temas de Ecclesiam suam afloraron desde el inicio de la vida del Papa Montini, siendo el resultado de su contemplación y de sus reflexiones, para constituir las líneas de fuerza de su ministerio presbiteral y episcopal. En la Segunda Parte hemos abordado cómo esta carta encíclica inspira la praxis pastoral del inicio de su pontificado. Nos hemos centrado en ella pero además en sus discursos periconciliares y en el uso que hacen de ella los propios textos del Concilio Vaticano II. Ahora, en la Tercera Parte, centrará nuestra atención la comprobación de cómo persiste la presencia de Ecclesiam suam en la praxis pastoral de Pablo VI aquende el Concilio en algunas de las principales reformas eclesiales que emprendió.
El Catecismo breve que Bartolomé Castaño nunca escribió
Authors: Resines Llorente Luis
Published: September 2021

El lector encontrará grandes lagunas en la información biográfica; a la muerte de Castaño no se constata que escribiera ningún catecismo. La realidad es que empleó y acaso tradujo uno breve, que ya existía. Con el tiempo se pasó a asegurar , sin base, que él era el autor; y la repetición de este dicho durante siglos dio por cierto que era el autor de un catecismo que empleó, pero no llegó a escribir.
La experiencia religiosa. ¿Justifica la experiencia religiosa la creencia en Dios?
Authors: Antolín Sánchez Javier
Published: September 2021

En este artículo vamos a analizar y estudiar los recursos y posibilidades de justificación de la creencia en Dios, y más en concreto, el Dios cristiano, basados en los argumentos que nos proporciona la experiencia religiosa. ¿Es racional creer o tener fe? ¿Pueden los cristianos justificar racionalmente sus creencias? Por ejemplo, ¿Pueden justificar que han experimentado la salvación de Dios por medio de Jesucristo? O tendremos que responder diciendo, que tal experiencia de Dios es muy personal y está más allá de la racionalidad. Lo que hemos pretendido examinar es que el creyente cristiano basado en su experiencia religiosa puede afirmar o justificar que su creencia religiosa es racional.
Religious conflicts in pluralist societies
Authors: Pandimakil G. Peter
Published: September 2021

Los conflictos religiosos en la India contemporánea a menudo se retratan como expresiones del nacionalismo hindú, fundamentalismo o comunalismo. Aunque estas caracterizaciones son en su mayoría correctas, no ofrecen un marco general para comprender y resolver esos conflictos, que surgen también debido a las desigualdades económicas y sociales. Además, los conflictos religiosos a menudo desafían la base ideológica fuerte sobre la cual se funda el Estado-nación. Es la legitimidad de los fundamentos de la democracia india que están directa o indirectamente en peligro en los conflictos religiosos, a menudo también desatados por las políticas de derecha radical. Este ensayo intenta manifestar esta tendencia actual, llamando la atención sobre las leyes de protección animal y la supuesta justificación de que en la tradición hindú. De este modo, se destaca el criterio sólido –ahimsa e inclusión social– para juzgar los conflictos religiosos, y el papel que desempeña la religión en su salvaguardia.
Semblanza de Senén Vidal García
Authors: Vidal García Marciano
Published: September 2021

Semblanza de Senén Vidal García
Contributions to improve sustainability conditions in gemstonebenefiting companies
Authors: Sindelar Fernanda Cristina Wiebusch , Barden Júlia Elisabete , Stülp Simone
Published: September 2021

The gemstones and jewels production chain have been an important source of income and job creation in several regions of Brazil. However, sometimes, its activities haven’t been developed in an environmentally correct and sustainable context. In this sense, this work seeks to investigate indicators, to propose a framework of indicators to evaluate and monitor the sustainability conditions of companies that process gemstones. Therefore, a proposal was prepared considering the specificities of the sector, containing 10 indicators and 24 variables distributed in the environmental, economic, social, and technological dimensions. The proposal was verified empirically with a company, a case study, located in Teutônia/RS, which presents the main characteristics of the companies belonging to the sector. The use of the framework of indicators provided information on the company’s sustainability conditions, identifying positive aspects and also those that need to be improved to assist in the search for a more sustainable management of activities. On the other hand, the results achieved present information that can serve as a reference for comparison with other companies in the sector, as well as assist in the decisionmaking process in search of more sustainable conditions.
Expansion of Cashew Cultivation and its Environmental and Economic Impacts on Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Seca Abdulai Ismail , Pereira Henrique dos Santos , Silva Suzy Cristina Predroza da
Published: September 2021

Guinea-Bissau has recently become the fifth largest producer in the world of Cashew Nut Shell (CNS) and the product accounts for 90% of the country’s total exports. The objective of this study was to analyze the expansion of cashew cultivation and its environmental and economic impacts on the country, from the perspective of sustainable development. In the methodology, correlational statistical analyses were used, based on multiple regression, correlation, and linear regression techniques. To qualify the empirical results based on the historical series of secondary data, an online questionnaire was applied to nine experts to assess the impacts of sector-specific public policies on Cashew Nut Shell Production (CNSP) and Cashew Nut Shell Export (CNSE). Finally, geoprocessing techniques were used to identify the deforestation trends in the country (2002-2018). As main results, it was verified that from 2000 to 2015, the CNSE accounted for an average of 8.9% of the country’s GDP. As for environmental impacts, it was found that between 2002 and 2012, the country’s deforestation was explained by the CNSP (p < 0.001 and R² = 0.91), whereas between 2013 and 2017, although positively associated, the relationship was not significant. Geoprocessed data on vegetation cover indicate that from 2002 to 2018, accumulated deforestation was intensified mainly in the southern and northern regions of the country. To make full use of cashew, a greater effort is needed from the Government and the productive sectors, which would allow the sustainable development of the sector and a substantial increase in the production of other crops.
Dual Notched-Band Crescent Moon Dielectric Resonator Antenna
Authors:   University Chlef, Debab Mohamed , Bendaoudi Amina ,   University Sidi Bel Abbes, Mahdjoub Zoubir ,   University Sidi Bel Abbes
Published: September 2021

In this article, a dual-band notched ultra-wideband (UWB) dielectric resonator antenna is proposed. The antenna structure consists of Crescent Moon Dielectric Resonator (CMDR) fed by a stepped microstrip monopole printed antenna, partial ground plane, and an I-shaped stub. The Crescent Moon dielectric resonator is placed on the microstrip monopole printed antenna to achieve wide impedance bandwidth, and the I-shaped stub is utilized to improve impedance bandwidth for the WiMAX band. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out using HFSS software to achieve the optimum antenna performance and optimize the bandwidth of the proposed antenna. The entire band is useful with two filtered bands at 5.5 GHz and 6.8 GHz by the creation of notches. The band’s rejection, WLAN band (5.2–5.7 GHz), and the downlink frequency band of ITU 7 GHz-band for satellite communication (6.5–7.3 GHz) is realized by inserting G-shaped and C-shaped slots in the ground. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CMDR antenna achieves satisfactory UWB performance, with an impedance bandwidth of around 88.7%, covers the frequency band of 3.2 - 8.3 GHz, excluding a rejection band for the WLAN and ITU 7 GHz band. The CMDR is simulated using HFSS and CST high-frequency simulators.
Harmonic Elimination in Uniform Step Nine-Level Inverter Using Differential Evolution: Experimental Validation
Authors:   University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Feyrouz Abdelgoui Rim , Taleb Rachid ,   University of Chlef, Bentaallah Abderrahim ,   University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Chabni Fayçal ,   University of Chlef
Published: September 2021

This study presents the application of differential evolution algorithm to compute optimal switching angles for a single-phase nine-level inverter to improve the output voltage quality. The topology of the proposed inverter in this article is a simple cascade converter composed of two H-bridge cells with non-equal DC voltage sources in order to generate multiple voltage levels. Selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation strategy is used to improve the generated AC output voltage waveform. The differential evolution optimization algorithm is used to solve non-linear transcendental equations necessary for the (SHPWM). Computational results obtained from computer simulations presented a good agreement with the theoretical predictions. A laboratory prototype based on STM32F407 microcontroller was built in order to validate the simulation results. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed modulation method.
Isolation and Identification of different Intestinal Helminthes Groups from Stray Cats in Urban City of Kirkuk
Authors: F. Hassan Husain , Y. Gaeib Sabreen
Published: September 2021

In this study, 25 stray cats were caught from the urban city of Kirkuk hunted using specially designed traps. Cats were dissected and examined in order to investigate its infection with intestinal parasites. Our results indicate that all stray cats were infected with at least one type of helminthes. Three types of Trematodes were identified: Echinochasmus, Heterophyes and , Prohemistomum with infection rate of 4% for each type. Such species were identified for the first time in stray cats in the Iraq. Moreover, four types of cestodes were identified: Diplopylidium, Dipylidium caninum, Joyeuxiella and Taenia taeniaeformis with infection rate of 24% 48%, 16% and 12%, respectively. Nematodes of Physaloptera preputalis, Toxocara cati and Toxoascaris leonina were also found. The infection rate was 4% ,28% and 8% for each type, respectively. Keywords: intestinal helminthes, stray cats, Trematodes.
A prospective study for Assessment of saliva CA- 125 level in oral cancer patients
Authors: Ahmad Arafat , Ghaffar Usama Bin , Hiware Sanket Dadarao , Ali Mohammed Taher , Wasi Samina
Published: September 2021

Aim: To detect CA- 125 level in saliva of oral cancer patients. Methodology: A total of fifty- six SCC patients and thirty healthy subjects were selected. A non- stimulated whole saliva (5cc) was collected and evaluated for CA- 125 level ELISA. Results: A higher salivary CA 125 level (514.2±132.6 U/mL) was observed in poorly differentiated SCC followed by moderately differentiated (340.6±80.2 U/mL) and minimum values was observed in well differentiated SCC (236.2±76.2 U/mL). The mean± SD CA- 125 level in group I patients was 428.5± 110.2 U/mL and in group II was 132.4± 58.6 U/mL. Higher salivary CA 125 level (520.5±168.4 U/mL) was observed in stage IV and minimum in stage I (165.2±46.2 U/mL) which was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with poorly differentiated SCC, cases of buccal mucosa and stage IV exhibited higher values of salivary CA- 125 level as compared to healthy control. Key words: Oral Cancer, Saliva, Tongue, CA- 125
Clinical characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in young versus old age patients in Kurdistan region- Iraq
Authors: Abdulrahman Lara Lateef , Polus Ranan Kardagh , Numan Ghanim Salim
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the common adulthood leukemic type, although the incidence rate in the Kurdistan region is low. It is well known that chronic lymphocytic leukemia is prevalent among the elderly age group, however frequent cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are newly diagnosed at a younger age. Aim of the study: To analyze the difference in disease presentation, progression, and outcome between young and old age group patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the Kurdistan region/Iraq. Patients & Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional review study carried out in three oncology centers in the Kurdistan region (Nanakaly Hospital in Erbil city, Hiwa center in Sulaimani city, and Azadi center in Duhok city) for ten years through the period from 1st of January, 2010 to 31st of December, 2019 on a convenient sample of 152 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia was done by the Oncologists in Kurdistan tumor centers according to the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The age of patients at diagnosis was categorized into two groups and ranged from 25 years to 94 years. The age cutoff value in the current study was (55 years) depending on previous kinds of literature. Results: The mean age at diagnosis of patients was (63 years); 28% of them were diagnosed at age of ≤50 years and 72% of them were diagnosed at age of more than 55 years. Older age patients were significantly presented with weight loss, while younger age patients were significantly presented with neck lumps. There was a highly significant association between the advanced ECOG performance scale and older age patients at diagnosis. A significant association was observed between the death outcome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and older age patients at diagnosis. The mean survival duration of younger age patients at diagnosis was significantly longer than the mean survival duration of older age patients at diagnosis. Conclusions: clinical presentation, physical status, death rates, and survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Kurdistan region-Iraq are different between young and older age patients. Keywords: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, age, death, Survival.
Prevalence and causes of graft dysfunction in first 3 months after kidney transplantation in Erbil transplant center
Authors: Muhammad Najm Majd Talaat , Almukhtar Safa Ezaddin , Sinjari Hussen
Published: September 2021

Graft dysfunction after kidney transplantation occur due to different causes. Diagnosis of graft dysfunction is a key component in the management of kidney transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of graft dysfunction in the first 3 months after kidney transplant by kidney biopsy for better graft survival. A total number of 250 patients who underwent renal transplantation at the Erbil teaching center from January 2020 to December 2020 were considered for this study. 50 biopsies were performed due to renal graft dysfunction in the first 3 months post-transplant. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22.0. The biopsy results showed that acute cellular rejection (ACR) was observed in 21 patients (42%), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) was found in 16 patients (32%), acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was occurred in 9 patients (18%), calcineurin inhibitor toxicity (CNI) was observed in 2 patients (4%), acute humoral rejection (AHR) was found in 1 patient (2%) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was occurred in 1 patient (2%). As a conclusion, the most important causes of graft dysfunction were ACR, AIN and ATN, respectively. Also, glomerulonephritis, diabetes and hypertension are the most risk factor for ESRD. In addition, the results of this study showed that Anti-HLA cross match can be used as an indicator for predicting the result of transplantation. Keywords: graft dysfunction, Kidney transplantation, acute cellular rejection, acute interstitial nephritis
Comparing undergraduate nursing students’ academic engagement and achievement in traditional versus blended learning models
Authors: Saad Enas Hassan , Al Fattah Magda Abd Alhamid Abd , Fakhry Ahmed Mahmoud , Ali Pessa Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Background: Nursing education is rapidly accelerating the use of technology as a blended learning environment, which is a form of e-learning, with the technological advancement to improve learning in both clinical and theoretical courses. Aim: To compare undergraduate nursing students' academic engagement and academic achievement in traditional versus blended learning models. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted in the Faculty of Nursing – Cairo University. Method: A purposive sample of undergraduate nursing students who were studying a "nursing administration" course. Academic Engagement Questionnaire was used to measure the ‘intervention’ and control groups of nursing students’ academic engagement in nursing administration course". Academic Achievement checklist was used to assess the Grade Point Average (GPA) of the final term exam. Results: there was no statistical significance difference between intervention and control groups of nursing students regarding academic engagement (p= 0.21). In terms of Nursing Students’ Academic Achievement levels (GPA), there was a highly statistically significant difference between nursing student intervention and control groups, in which the intervention group of nursing students had the highest mean score (p= 0.0001). Conclusion: the current study concluded that the implementation of the "blended learning model" had a positive impact on students; academic achievement while the academic engagement had no difference. Keywords: Blended learning model – Traditional lecturing – Academic Engagement Achievement
The Impact of Psychological Empowerment on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Knowledge Sharing Behavior: The Mediating role of Employee Engagement and Moderating role of Leader-member exchange
Authors:   Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary, Kosar Rizwana
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between psychological empowerment and two behavioral outcomes of an employee (organizational citizenship behavior and knowledge sharing behavior) by examining the mediating role of employee engagement and moderating role of leader-member exchange. A survey was completed by 146 employees working in a variety of jobs and organizations. The data were collected by self- administered questionnaire and then analyzed by using correlation and regression analysis. Results indicate that psychological empowerment positively influences organizational citizenship behavior and knowledge sharing behavior. In addition, employee engagement partially mediates the relationship between psychological empowerment and organizational citizenship behavior and fully mediates between psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing behavior. Leader-member exchange does not moderate the relationship between psychological empowerment and employee engagement. Psychological empowerment has positive relationship with the employee engagement for employees low in leader-member exchange than for employees high in leader-member exchange. The implications of these findings are discussed.