bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Multidimensional Stunting Intervention Factor Using Mixed Model
Authors: Agustina D N , Sartono B , Notodiputro K A
Published: December 2021

The mixed model combines fixed effect for all groups and random effect representing the diversity inter groups in the model (province) to increase the model precision. This study provides information on the significance of multidimensional stunting intervention factors (predictor variables) on stunting prevalence (response variables as indicator 2.2.1 Sustainable Development Goals/SDGs) with district/city as observation units. Using official data from Statistics Indonesia (National Socio Economic Survey) and Ministry of Health (Basic Health Research), this study expects to be one basis of information for the government, stakeholders, and further research to accelerate Indonesia’s SDGs targets in 2030. Comparison of classical linear mixed model method and linear mixed model with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) variable selection conduct with relatively better results of mixed linear modelling with Lasso. The results showed that the predictor variables, namely complete immunization, ease of access to health facilities, diversity of food intake, improve water, food expenditure per capita, children’s participation in early childhood education, maternal education, and ownership of National Health Insurance for toddlers, significantly affected the stunting prevalence decrease. The predictor variables, namely low birth weight, households with social protection cards, and the percentage of poor people, significantly increase the stunting prevalence.
New record of Gymnoascus udagawae associated with Clathria sp. sponge from Indonesia and the potency as anti-Candida
Authors: Fadillah W N , Sukarno N , Iswantini D , Rahminiwati M , Listiyowati S
Published: December 2021

Marine sponges are associated with marine fungi. The associated fungi produce secondary metabolites for sponge survival in extreme habitats. Despite the important role of the associated fungi on their host, the research on marine fungi however has not been studied well. This study aimed to isolate sponge-associated marine fungi and analyze the potency of fungal secondary metabolites against Candida albicans. The sponge used was Clathria sp. collected from Pramuka Island, Indonesia. Fungal isolation used the direct inoculation method. Fungal identification was done by morphological and molecular characteristics of ITS rDNA region. Detection of anti-Candida used the well diffusion method. The isolate has typical morphological characteristics of the genus Gymnoascus with noduled chlamydospore and arthroconidia. The isolated fungus was identified as Gymnoascus udagawae based on morphological and molecular analysis. This is the first record of marine fungi G. udagawae from Indonesia. The ethyl acetate extract of fungal filtrate showed 1.4 cm inhibition diameter of 500 mg/μL extract. The inhibition is moderate category compared to that of clotrimazole a drug commonly used for candidiasis as the positive control with showed 2.8 cm inhibition diameter at 100 mg/μL. The fungus is a potential source of the secondary metabolite active against C. albicans.
Antagonistic capacity of dark septate endophytes (DSE) against Ganoderma boninense from oil palm (Elaeis guinensis Jacq.)
Authors: Rahayu G , Surono  , Octaviani D A
Published: December 2021

Ganoderma boninense, a causal agent of basal stem rot, as one of the major problems in oil palm plantation in Indonesia. The potential of dark septate endophytes (DSE) as biocontrol agents for G. boninense is not widely studied. Therefore, this study aims to screen DSE strains to obtain high antagonistic strains. The antagonistic capacity of 10 DSE strains was determined based on the growth inhibition in the dual culture, and volatile compounds challenge against G. boninense, in vitro. Volatile compound profiling of selected DSE strains that showed the highest challenge capacity was done using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Among 10 DSE strains tested, TKC 2.2a had the highest percentage of G. boninense inhibition in dual cultures and the volatile compound challenge. This strain inhibited better if grown in media seven days earlier than grown simultaneously with G. boninsense. The volatile compounds of 14 days old TKC 2.2a were of 2H-1-Benzopyran-7-ol, 3,4-dihydro-5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-phenyl; 4-Allyl-2,6-dimetho-xyphenol; and hexa-decanoic acid, which were reported as having either antimicrobial or antifungal activities. These results indicate that DSE TKC 2.2a can be a candidate for a biocontrol agent against G. boninense in oil palm, depending on further research on its ability to reduce basal stem rot symptoms.
sgRNA design for DLT gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 and in-silico mutation prediction in Rice cv. Hawara Bunar
Authors: Halim I , Fendiyanto M H , Miftahudin
Published: December 2021

The DWARF AND LOW TILLERRING (DLT) gene is a transcription factor for a gene involved in Brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. Manipulating BR biosynthesis will affect the height and tiller number of rice. CRISPR-Cas9 is an accurate tool to edit a gene sequence. The accuracy of site editing of the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated target gene editing is determined by the 20 nucleotide sequences in the sgRNA and the binding site known as the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM). The study aimed to design sgRNA and predict the DLT gene mutation sites in rice cv. Hawara Bunar. The exon 1 of the DLT gene was amplified using a primer pair designed from the reference gene. The PCR product was then sequenced, and the sequence was used to design sgRNA. The study has designed sgRNA located on the targeted sequence that corresponds to the Gras family protein domain of the exon1 DLT gene. The mutation sites were predicted to be at the domain site through the alignment of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the DLT gene and the reference gene. It is predicted that mutations in the target site that corresponds to the protein domain will change the protein structure and its function.
Automatic monitoring system of Apis cerana based on image processing
Authors: Nurhiman A , Almira A , Raffiudin R , Indro M N , Maddu A , Sumaryada T
Published: December 2021

The flight behavior of honey bee Apis cerana is influenced by environmental conditions. The observation of the number of bees flying in and out from the hives is needed to detect the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) phenomena. In this research, we build a prototype of an automatic monitoring system based on image processing. This instrument is intended to automatically monitor and count the number of in and out activities of A. cerana forager bees. This monitoring system detects the red, green, blue, and yellow marked bees by using a camera module of Raspbery Pi mini-computer which is programmed in Python language (and assisted by OpenCV library). The monitoring system is also equipped with temperature, humidity, and light intensity sensors to accurately describe the environmental condition during the measurement. The results show that the highest number of flight activities occurred around 8:00.-09:00 am, then decrease to noon and increased again at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
CoDEC: Connected Data For Road Infrastructure Asset Management
Authors: Biswas Sukalpa , Proust John , Andriejauskas Tadas , Wright Alex , Geem Carl van , Kokot Darko , Antunes António , Marecos Vânia , Barateiro José , Bhusari Shubham , Jovanovic Uros
Published: December 2021

Road infrastructure asset management is rapidly transforming into a digital environment where data accessibility, effective integration and collaboration and accessibility from different sources and assets are key. However, current asset management processes are not yet fully integrated or linked, and there are incompatibilities between various systems and platforms that limit the ability to integrate asset management with BIM. The CoDEC project has sought to understand the current status of information management for assets, including inventory, condition and new data sources such as sensors and scanning systems, to identify the challenges and needs for linking and integrating different data sets to support effective asset management. As a result, CoDEC has developed a data dictionary framework to help link/integrate static and dynamic data for the “key” infrastructure assets (road pavements, bridges, tunnels). This will enable BIM and Asset Management Systems (AMS) to exchange data and help optimise and integrate data management across systems and throughout the different asset lifecycle phases, from build to operation. This work will be followed up with three pilot projects to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating asset data from various sources through linked data/semantic web technology to build the connection between AMS and BIM platforms.
The First Highway Infrastructure PPP Project In The Baltic States According To DBFM Model – Challenges And Opportunities
Authors: Akimovs Verners , Muižniece Indra , Apsalone Ilze Kristine , Grinberga Liesma
Published: December 2021

Kekava Bypass public-private partnership (PPP) project is the first highway infrastructure PPP project in the Baltic States to be implemented according to Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) model. Its objective is to solve the “bottleneck” of the TEN-T network road section entering Riga City with only one lane in each direction. The duration of the project is 23 years, including 3 years for design and construction of the infrastructure and 20 years for its maintenance. Kekava Bypass consists of the main road 17.22 km, auxiliary roads 20.66 km, 2 tunnels, 5 two-level road junctions, 1 bridge (all in all more than 100 lane km), 2 pedestrian bridges/tunnels etc.

The Latvian government required that the assets of the Kekava Bypass project are classified off government balance sheet during the whole duration of the PPP contract. Thus, the Kekava Bypass PPP tender documentation was elaborated strictly observing this off-balance sheet treatment frame. Eurostat assessed the project documentation and issued its opinion that the project corresponds to the off-balance sheet criteria.

Latvian State Roads on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation launched Kekava Bypass tender in December 2018. The tender was implemented in four sequent phases, namely, the qualification phase, the submission of initial offers, negotiations with the selected bidders about the initial offers, the submission of the best and final offers. On August 13, 2020, Latvian State Roads announced the winner and the financial due diligence phase to be performed by financial institutions started.
Development Of Via Baltica In Lithuania
Authors: Norbutas Justas , Nemaniūtė-Gužienė Jolanta
Published: December 2021

The total length of Via Baltica corridor, which consists of five roads (A5 Kaunas–Marijampolė–Suwałki, A1 Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda; A8 Panevėžys–Aristava–Sitkūnai, A17 Panevėžys bypass and A10 Panevėžys–Pasvalys–Riga) makes up 268 km on the Lithuanian territory. In 2019 the highest traffic volumes on this corridor were 55,942 veh/day. It is the highest-volume heavy vehicle road carrying the greatest loads. Via Baltica is a transit road; therefore, it shall comply to the requirements set to high quality roads. In 2020-2030 it is planned to implement 9 projects, the total value of which is ca 704 million EUR (194.18 km to be reconstructed). Until 2018 having implemented 156 million EUR projects, Via Baltica road A5 Kaunas–Marijampolė–Suwałki 17.24–56.83 km section (from Kaunas to Marijampole) was reconstructed into a motorway until the end of 2018. Currently, preparations are made for Via Baltica reconstruction from Marijampole to the Lithuanian-Polish border (A5 road from 56.83 km to 97.06 km). Strategic Environmental Assessment has already been completed and a special territorial planning document has been approved by the Lithuanian Government. According to this document, the road section shall be widened up to four traffic lanes by constructing two safe grade-separated intersections (viaducts) and roundabouts, connecting roads, a new heavy vehicle parking lot, by widening the existing bridges, by building new bridges and by implementing various environmental protection measures. At present design works of the above-mentioned 40.23 km-long-road section are underway. The works are due to be completed by the end of 2025.
Transformation Of Lithuanian Road Charging
Authors: Ražinskas Darius , Saladžius Aidas
Published: December 2021

The current road user charge in Lithuania is based on a temporary system and is not connected to the actually covered mileage. The time-based charge is not considered to be socially fair; therefore, the principles 'user pays' and 'polluter pays' shall be employed. The charge to be introduced will take into account the interests of local road infrastructure users who are currently paying unreasonably high charge for a short distance covered.

If the current system is retained and e-tolling system is not established, heavy vehicle drivers would continue paying aroad user charge by purchasing e-vignette. It would mean that road user charges paid by vehicle owners/holders would not cover the damages directly made by the user and the current road charging system would not guarantee sufficient financing for the maintenance and development of the road infrastructure.

Legal decisions on electronic road charging system have not been taken yet; however, the project implementation preparation is underway. The latest Parliamentary approvals were received in September 2020, and it is believed that all necessary legal acts will be amended by the end of 2020.

The road charging technology has not been selected yet. However, the conducted project's implementation analysis, the assessment of necessary investments and road charging system maintenance costs revealed that a GPS-based technology would be the most economical one.

It is planned to implement the electronic road charging system by the beginning of 2023. Upon the project's implementation, additional financing to ensure high quality and safe main roads should be allocated.
Roller Compacted Concrete – Best Practice Of Lithuania
Authors: Vaitkus Audrius , Mickevič Rafal , Šernas Ovidijus
Published: December 2021

In these days constantly being looking for solution to reduce construction costs, the amount of materials used and the negative impact on the environment. Designing pavement structures with top layer of traditional concrete, the structures become very massive. An alternative to traditional concrete is roller-compacted concrete, the concrete with significantly larger fine aggregates which lead concrete mix to be non-slip. The roller-compacted mix can also achieve high concrete density and consolidation by rolling. Roller-compacted concrete is also an economical and fast-construction alternative for many pavement applications. In Lithuania, roller-compacted concrete as the top layer is an innovation and first application of it was few years ago. However, in recent years application of roller-compacted concrete increased in industrial areas and low-volume rural roads. The best practice of application of roller-compacted concrete was in Klaipeda Free Economic Zone, where roller-compacted concrete was used as the top layer of industrial area for heavy load traffic. Fresh roller-compacted concrete workability decreases with time, to reduce transportation time and avoid excessive moisture loss, which can cause problems in placement of roller-compacted concrete, mobile concrete batching plant used. Mobile concrete batching plant was located near construction site.
Evaluation Of The Residual Load-Bearing Capacity Of The Existing Road Using Plate Loading Test
Authors: Virsis Endijs , Paeglitis Ainars , Zarins Atis
Published: December 2021

In the last few years as the road construction budget has been decreasing in Latvia, the number of road construction reinforcement design and construction objects has been increasing. At the beginning of the project development of the existing road condition is assessed, taking into account various pavement evaluation criteria and it is determined on which road sections it is possible to reinforce the pavement and where full construction is required. The road pavement structure in Latvia is developed using “Recommendations for road design. Pavement” and inaccurately defining the bearing capacity of the existing foundation can significantly affect the service life of the designed structure. During the construction of the road, establishing that the bearing capacity of the existing foundation is lower than specified in the project incurs additional costs for the customer. Project changes are made, and special solutions are provided in order to achieve the bearing capacity on the mineral material layers defined in the project. One of the most accurate ways to determine the bearing capacity of existing road structural layers is the static plate test. However, the results of this test are also not 100% accurate and any of them may give unreasonable results due to various influencing factors. The aim of this work is to analyze the results of static plate test by determining the most important factors that affect the obtained load-bearing capacity values, identify biased/erroneous test results, and determine which results reflect the residual load-bearing capacity of the existing road structure.
Baltic Countries Mineral Resources And Aggregates Used In Transport Infrastructure Extraction Analysis
Authors: Makulavičius Mantas , Sivilevičius Henrikas
Published: December 2021

Mineral resources and aggregates used in transport infrastructure or any other purposes importance is undeniable. Its usage and extraction not only benefits economics and social environment, but also should be sustainable. Regarding to this, analysis of Baltic countries mineral resources and aggregates extraction was conducted. The main purpose of the article is to analyze mineral resources situation in each of the country and provide extraction data for aggregates used in transport infrastructure. Mining and quarrying sector is evaluated in whole country economic picture and period 2008-2020 was analyzed by combining data from all the Baltic countries for aggregates extraction. The article is valuable by putting all Baltic countries in one perspective and sharing newest data. Further investigations could include analysis of factors for aggregates demand and its forecast.
Field Studies Of MSWI Bottom Ash As Aggregate For Unbound Base Course Mixtures
Authors: Gražulytė Judita , Vaitkus Audrius , Vaidogas Egidijus Rytas , Šernas Ovidijus
Published: December 2021

In the European Union, about 30–40 million tonnes of residues known as municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash is generated and landfilled annually. To address the continuous growth of landfills and to implement zero waste and circular economy policies, researchers are researching ways to turn MSWI bottom ash into a useable resource. The conducted studies show that MSWI bottom ash is suitable for civil engineering, especially for roads, however there is a lack of field studies. As a result, MSWI bottom ash was used to construct unbound base course in heavy vehicles parking lot in 2018 and two pedestrian paths in 2018 and 2020 in Vilnius (Lithuania). This paper focuses on the structures composition and performance of those unbound base courses in terms of stability of particle size distribution, bearing capacity and permeability. The conducted study showed promising results for MSWI bottom ash as aggregate (mixture) to construct unbound base course.
Investigation Of Comparability Of TSRST And SCB Cracking Tests For Evaluation Of Low-Temperature Properties In Asphalt Mixtures And Use In Quality Control
Authors: Baumanis Janis , Riekstins Arturs , Balodis Andris
Published: December 2021

Mix design procedure for asphalt mixtures in the Baltic region requires to ensure resistance to low temperatures due to climatic conditions. Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) has been considered as the most precise direct test method to determine the thermal behaviour of asphalt mixtures. As the TSRST test is time-consuming and the equipment is much more expensive, therefore the possibility to use Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) as a preliminary test was evaluated and the potential threshold was recommended. This study presents the evaluation of low-temperature properties with SCB and TSRST methods and the test suitability assessment for use in quality control. The supplementary rating was made by analysing Fraass breaking point test results of asphalt binders. In total 36 different asphalt samples were tested to investigate fracture test methods and to assess the influence of bitumen type and composition on resistance to low-temperature cracking. The results displayed an acceptable correlation between both test methods that allow using SCB for pre-screening purposes. At the same time, the results indicated that the type of used bitumen has a crucial influence on asphalt mixtures resistance to low-temperature cracking.
Pavement Optimisation With Aggregate Base Or Asphalt Layers Stabilised With Hexagonal Geogrids
Authors: Gołos Michał , Mazurowski Piotr
Published: December 2021

The use of hexagonal geogrids in pavement structures results in the increase of the life of designed structure.

This offers the possibility to reduce the thickness of layers without reduction of pavement life, or to increase the traffic capacity of a pavement without the need to increase its thickness. This way of using geogrids in pavements design was introduced to the pavement industry by one producer of hexagonal geogrids as a Pavement Optimisation (PO) concept.

It can be transformed into both economic and environmental benefits, and obviously results in savings of natural resources and reduction of carbon footprint of a project. PO with geogrids can be used both in the newly designed pavement structures, and in the asphalt overlays of the existing old pavements. Asphalt overlays enhancement with a geogrid either increases the fatigue life of overlays or allows the reduction of overlays thickness to achieve the same pavement life. In new pavements, stabilisation of aggregate base with geogrids increases the stiffness of aggregate, which increases the performance of a whole pavement. This paper presents several tests results, which confirm beneficial effects of using hexagonal geogrids in asphalt overlays and aggregate base layers, from laboratory to full scale accelerated pavement tests. Also, modifications of Mechanistic-Empirical pavement design method, which allow to implement the geogrid benefits into the design process, are discussed. Finally, case studies of pavements – newly designed and reconstructed – optimised with hexagonal geogrids are presented.
Surface Texture And Layer Permeability Of Aquaplaning Resistant Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Vaitkus Audrius , Skrodenis Dovydas , Šernas Ovidijus , Vorobjovas Viktoras
Published: December 2021

Tire/pavement noise is one of the biggest environmental problems caused by the contact between the car tire and the pavement surface. It is known that porous asphalt (PA) pavements has good properties in noise absorption, however these mixtures could also solve another important problem which appear on roads – aquaplaning. This phenomenon reduces traffic safety and driving comfort. Aquaplaning appears when tires become separated from the pavement surface by thin water film and the ability to increase braking force or control the vehicle motion is almost entirely lost. Although, PA pavements have relatively low durability properties. This research aims analyse surface texture and permeability characteristics of aquaplaning resistant asphalt pavements. Four different mixtures with different largest particle size (AT 5, AT 8, AT 11 and AT 16) were tested. Large-scale laboratory testing was performed to evaluate their surface texture and permeability properties The research revealed, that mixtures with 8 % activated mineral limestone powder (AMLP) showed better mechanical and physical properties than comparing to other mixtures with 4 % AMLP and 4 % granite screenings or just 4 % AMLP.
Analysis Of Quality Control Plans For Bridge Over The River Maza Jugla Accoring To COST TU 1406 Methodology
Authors: Auzins Roberts , Paeglitis Ainars
Published: December 2021

Bridges are one of the most expensive elements of the road network, and therefore in the bridge management process, it is very important to make the most technically efficient and cost-effective decisions about planned actions such as maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction works. Decisions have to be based both on the current situation and possible future options and alternatives.

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) during the action TU 1406 “Quality specifications for roadway bridges, standardization at a European level (BridgeSpecs)” in the period from 2014 to 2019 has developed the framework for the development of bridge Quality Control Plans (QCP) including the system of data collection, data processing and outcomes.

This article analyses and compares different Quality Control Plans developed according to COST TU 1406 methodology for the existing bridge over the river Maza Jugla, located on regional road P10 at km 34.80 in Latvia.
Methodology For Calculation Of Bridge Safety Factor In Lithuania
Authors: Zadlauskas Saulius , Augonis Mindaugas
Published: December 2021

The paper reviews the United States and Slovenian safety factor calculation methodologies and proposes a method for more accurate estimation of residual strength of bridges designed and built in Lithuania. For more detailed analysis, the main parameters and defects directly affecting the strength of the bridges were analysed in detail, and the flows of heavy vehicles, which have significantly increased for previously designed bridges, were assessed.

This article proposes to calculate the dynamic factor of bridges, not according to the empirical formulas used in the United States and Slovenian safety factor calculation methodologies, but after performing the bridge dynamic test, because the results of Lithuanian bridge dynamic tests show that the parameter strongly depends on smoothness and damage of carriageway wearing surface. In order to evaluate the suitability of the Lithuanian bridge safety factor calculation methodology proposed in this article, a real bridge was selected, and its safety factors calculated according to the above mentioned and proposed methodology and the results obtained were compared.
Road Traffic Safety Analysis Of Different Junction Types On The State Roads
Authors: Amare Valentina , Smirnovs Juris
Published: December 2021

The highest number of road accidents occurs at junctions. One of the aims of traffic organisation is to improve traffic safety in these areas. Based on a variety of indices – road capacity, points of conflict, number, and severity of road traffic accidents – different alternatives for junctions are evaluated. However, the road network has many junctions and roads serve to travel from point "A" to point "B" at a given time. Therefore, one of the most important tasks when addressing the issue of road safety is to find a rational way of improving the safety without losing the importance of the road. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of different junctions on the road network and basing on actual data develop a method for the evaluation of different types of junctions with respect to road class.
A Compact Road Weather Station
Authors: Haavasoja Taisto , Nylander Pauli , Puhakka Leena
Published: December 2021

Road Weather Stations (RWS) have been extensively used for collecting information about slippery road conditions during the last thirty years. Recently, vehicle based mobile road condition monitors have challenged the fixed RWS. Both approaches have their advantages and can complete each other. Fixed RWS can provide accurate trend data whereas mobile condition monitors can cover the road sections between RWS. Nevertheless, a traditional RWS is a fairly expensive investment, typically 30 000 € or much more, and often includes a number of components not essential for the purpose of measuring and predicting road conditions. To reduce the total cost we have developed a bare minimum of a fixed RWS including only the essential sensor information like road surface state, friction, water and frozen layer thickness, air temperature, road surface temperature, dew point temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and estimated ground temperature at -6 cm. The targeted end user price of the station is one third of the traditional price level. We report experiences with the first installations during 2020-2021.
Why It Is Important To Have A Correct Road Maintenance Termstock?
Authors: Simson Kai
Published: December 2021

This article is based on my Master’s Thesis entitled „Planning of the Road Maintenance Termstock in Estonian“, which examines the current situation of the road maintenance terms. Road maintenance influences every single person and therefore it is important that terms and concepts are clear and precise. I will give a review of the condition of the Estonian road maintenance terms, using legislation, instructions and other materials which are used to regulate the area, and a web questionnaire was carried out among this field’s experts. This is the first time when such a thorough study has been carried out about the road maintenance termstock. All the results indicate that there is a need to plan road maintenance termstock in Estonian. Experts who had been questioned, pointed out that there is a need for common termstsock that all parties would have a common understanding of concept definitions and what terms denote them. Most frequently emerging problems were following: terms do not have clear concept definitions; many synonymous terms for one concept; no consistent use of terms in legislation nor in the guidelines; terms systematization has not been taken fully into account; ambiguous terms are in use; lack of termstock that would cover needed terms and have correct concept definitions.
Comparison Of Winter Maintenance Requirements (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
Authors: Kastanovskis Jānis
Published: December 2021

Three Baltic states are located next to each other on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Similarly, to Finland, density of population in these countries is low. All three countries have large amount of state roads with low traffic intensity.

Climatic differences are minimal. Milder climate is in coastal area but inland the weather conditions are more severe. The average air temperature in January in Estonia is from -2 to -7 degrees Celsius but in Lithuania from -1 to -5 degrees Celsius. The number of snowy days fluctuates from 50 to 120.

All three countries have common contracts for summer and winter maintenance where the responsibility for maintenance activities lays on the contractors. Despite common history the methods of the assignment of road maintenance contracts are different in every country. Estonia awards contracts in open tenders and has performance-based contracts. Latvia has the contract awarded to the State Joint Stock Company «Latvijas autoceļu uzturētājs» (“Latvian Road Maintainer”) by law and the contract is unit price based. Lithuania has the contract awarded to the state-owned company « Kelių priežiūra» the contract is performance-based.

The requirements for road conditions are quite similar in all three countries. They have three levels of maintenance.

High service level means snow and ice-free surface of the road pavement during winter in constant weather conditions and quick response in case of worsening road conditions.

Medium service level means that snow and ice is allowed on the surface, but activities must be undertaken to improve skid resistance. The lowest service level means that snow and ice is allowed on the surface and activities to improve skid resistance (mostly only snow cleaning) may be undertaken in some spots only.

In Estonia the expenses for winter maintenance are lower than in the neighbouring countries but it does not have impact on traffic safety during winter.
E-Waybill Using Experience & Development In Estonian State Road Building
Authors: Tõnts Taavi , Salum Aivo
Published: December 2021

Estonian Transport Administration (ETA) has since 2010y developed digital solutions for monitoring abnormal 52t transport heavy vehicles (HV). Since 2020y we signed the memorandum between 8 different parties for developing bulk material transport digital solutions (e-waybill system) for road building. The focus is to make the logistic more transparent since beginning of the loading point - for the different authorities. The second focus is to make the truck movement corridor visible for the traffic control, avoiding week roads, bridges etc. The final, and the most difficult, is to develop the mass control system, so that there is automated weight info in the e-waybill system visible for the traffic police and for building supervisors etc. We have met with our Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities and many others, and everyone is very interested of going from paper waybills for faster, cloud based, e-waybill systems, what is also more C02 friendly. This digital e-waybill allows single data entry, and all the rest data with statistics is visible for concerned people. ETA is planning to pilot in 2021y also many road building projects with e-waybill demand. So far, the feedback has been mainly positive from different parties. We have started with our Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (EMEAC) also wider digitalisation projects concerning the new regulation (EU) 2020/1056 of eFTI for the gross-border transport logistics digitalisation, what must be applied in every member state 21.08.24.
Implementing Building Information Management (BIM) In Estonian Transport Administration
Authors: Puusaag Erko , Palmi Anti
Published: December 2021

Digitalisation is the key to efficiency in the road construction Industry. Building Information Management (BIM), being the main developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) Industry, offers a technology as well as processes to bring traditional design and construction practices to the digital era. Estonian Road Administration started the process of BIM implementation to the Estonian road Industry in 2017, when the first planning of pilot projects began. Today, the utilisation of BIM is set as a strategic goal for Estonian Transport Administration (formerly Estonian Road Administration) and a structured approach has been developed in order to overcome such a complex shift in the ways, how road information is being managed in the whole life cycle of a road. Development of principles of data movement, setting technical guidelines and requirements, managing legal issues and communication within the organisation, as well as outside, training of personnel are all aspects that need to be taken into consideration. Successful adaption also needs good communication with the Industry, which is mainly done with Estonian Digital Construction Cluster – a collaboration which brings together the main stakeholders in the sector. In a few years time most of the main sections of the road life cycle will hopefully utilise BIM successfully in Estonia, but the key lies within a well developed and excecuted implementation. The paper describes the development of such a implementation plan and also brings out the main issues and success factors, that are relevant for a successful shift towards digitalisation in the road construction industry.
Preliminary Research On Waste Rubber Application In Cement Bound Base Layer
Authors: Zvonarić Matija , Barišić Ivana , Dokšanović Tihomir , Zagvozda Martina
Published: December 2021

Besides all the positive characteristics of cement bound courses (CBC), it has some detrimental effects on the pavement wearing courses. Due to cement hydration, this mixture is affected by shrinkage. Shrinkage induces cracks in the whole layer which along with weather conditions propagate through asphalt layers in a short period. Also, it’s stiffness negatively affects cracks propagation without providing elastic support for upper layers. As a result, roads are covered with various damages which reduces driving comfort and safety and demand new financial investments. The focus is on reducing the detrimental effect of CBC on the pavement. Nowadays, large quantities of recycled rubber can be found on the market. Wasted rubber is a large ecological problem due to its long decomposition period. On the other hand, by mechanical grinding and separation process, suitable fractions of rubber can be obtained for use in construction. Consequently, the replacement of conventional material by crumb rubber reduces the consumption of natural material and energy for its exploitation. Appropriate amounts and fractions of recycled rubber have the potential to reduce shrinkage and increase the elasticity of CBC. Within this paper, preliminary research results will be presented on the possibilities of crumb rubber implementation in CBC and its effects on mechanical characteristics. By using recycled materials in construction processes we undertake a major step in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Critical behavior in the artificial axon
Authors: Pi Ziqi , Zocchi Giovanni
Published: December 2021

The Artificial Axon is a unique synthetic system, based on biomolecular components, which supports action potentials. Here we examine, experimentally and theoretically, the properties of the threshold for firing in this system. As in real neurons, this threshold corresponds to the critical point of a saddle-node bifurcation. We measure the delay time for firing as a function of the distance to threshold, recovering the expected scaling exponent of −1/2. We introduce a minimal model of the Morris-Lecar type, validate it on the experiments, and use it to extend analytical results obtained in the limit of ‘fast’ ion channel dynamics. In particular, we discuss the dependence of the firing threshold on the number of channels. The Artificial Axon is a simplified system, an Ur-neuron, relying on only one ion channel species for functioning. Nonetheless, universal properties such as the action potential behavior near threshold are the same as in real neurons. Thus we may think of the Artificial Axon as a cell-free breadboard for electrophysiology research.
Has tree density increased at alpine treelines on the eastern Tibetan Plateau?
Authors: Zhang Yuandong , Miao Ning , Liu Shirong
Published: December 2021

Treeline densification, along with increased growth rates, is considered a primary manifestation of climate warming at alpine treelines. However, treeline densification has typically been inferred from comparisons of present-day tree density with estimates of former densities inferred from current age structure; the densification has not been verified with long-term monitoring data and thus empirical testing is needed. In this study, a series of plots was established along an altitudinal gradient in a treeline ecotone on the eastern Tibetan Plateau; the plots were then surveyed repeatedly for ten years to analyse spatiotemporal variation in tree regeneration. The densities of Abies fargesii var. faxoniana seedlings and saplings increased from low altitude sites to high altitude sites, before dropping to zero beyond the treeline. The density of fir seedlings at the treeline in 2018 was significantly lower than in 2008. There were no significant differences in the density of saplings, small trees, medium trees, or old-growth trees between 2018 and 2008. As compared to regeneration patterns from 65 years ago, treeline densification represents a spatial phenomenon related to altitude, but not a temporal pattern on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. A more comprehensive understanding of the effects of climate warming on treeline regeneration will require further long-term monitoring and research.
The Power of the Pen: Informal Property Rights Documents in Zambia
Authors: Honig Lauren
Published: December 2021

This article explores the expansion of informal property rights documents through the case of chiefs’ titles in Zambia. Entrepreneurial chiefs have created written land rights for citizens on customary land in the form of letters, signed maps, and certificates. These documents are an alternative to state land titling that allows chiefs to maintain their control over land. However, chiefs’ titles are extra-legal: they are enforced by the same traditional leaders who govern unwritten customary rights, raising doubt about whether written land rights can strengthen citizens’ land claims without changing the existing power structures. Evidence from 121 interviews with chiefs, bureaucrats, and smallholder farmers and a survey of over 5,500 citizens shows that, despite their flaws, chiefs’ titles do increase citizens’ perceptions of tenure security. This suggests that informal property rights documents can be a powerful tool in a citizen’s arsenal. Further, these findings illustrate a process of adaptation and change within customary land institutions.
GPS-Uber: a hybrid-learning framework for prediction of general and E3-specific lysine ubiquitination sites
Authors: Wang Chenwei , Tan Xiaodan , Tang Dachao , Gou Yujie , Han Cheng , Ning Wanshan , Lin Shaofeng , Zhang Weizhi , Chen Miaomiao , Peng Di , Xue Yu
Published: December 2021

As an important post-translational modification, lysine ubiquitination participates in numerous biological processes and is involved in human diseases, whereas the site specificity of ubiquitination is mainly decided by ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s). Although numerous ubiquitination predictors have been developed, computational prediction of E3-specific ubiquitination sites is still a great challenge. Here, we carefully reviewed the existing tools for the prediction of general ubiquitination sites. Also, we developed a tool named GPS-Uber for the prediction of general and E3-specific ubiquitination sites. From the literature, we manually collected 1311 experimentally identified site-specific E3-substrate relations, which were classified into different clusters based on corresponding E3s at different levels. To predict general ubiquitination sites, we integrated 10 types of sequence and structure features, as well as three types of algorithms including penalized logistic regression, deep neural network and convolutional neural network. Compared with other existing tools, the general model in GPS-Uber exhibited a highly competitive accuracy, with an area under curve values of 0.7649. Then, transfer learning was adopted for each E3 cluster to construct E3-specific models, and in total 112 individual E3-specific predictors were implemented. Using GPS-Uber, we conducted a systematic prediction of human cancer-associated ubiquitination events, which could be helpful for further experimental consideration. GPS-Uber will be regularly updated, and its online service is free for academic research at http://gpsuber.biocuckoo.cn/.
Capturing large genomic contexts for accurately predicting enhancer-promoter interactions
Authors: Chen Ken , Zhao Huiying , Yang Yuedong
Published: December 2021

Enhancer-promoter interaction (EPI) is a key mechanism underlying gene regulation. EPI prediction has always been a challenging task because enhancers could regulate promoters of distant target genes. Although many machine learning models have been developed, they leverage only the features in enhancers and promoters, or simply add the average genomic signals in the regions between enhancers and promoters, without utilizing detailed features between or outside enhancers and promoters. Due to a lack of large-scale features, existing methods could achieve only moderate performance, especially for predicting EPIs in different cell types. Here, we present a Transformer-based model, TransEPI, for EPI prediction by capturing large genomic contexts. TransEPI was developed based on EPI datasets derived from Hi-C or ChIA-PET data in six cell lines. To avoid over-fitting, we evaluated the TransEPI model by testing it on independent test datasets where the cell line and chromosome are different from the training data. TransEPI not only achieved consistent performance across the cross-validation and test datasets from different cell types but also outperformed the state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning models. In addition, we found that the improved performance of TransEPI was attributed to the integration of large genomic contexts. Lastly, TransEPI was extended to study the non-coding mutations associated with brain disorders or neural diseases, and we found that TransEPI was also useful for predicting the target genes of non-coding mutations.
V-OG04 Paravertebral Catheter Placement In Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy
Authors: Prasad Pooja , Chmelo Jakub , Brown Joshua , Navidi Maziar , Wahed Shajahan , Hayes Nick , Immanuel Arul , Phillips Alexander
Published: December 2021

Background

Pain control is a vital component of enhanced recovery programmes for patients undergoing an oesophagectomy. Multimodal analgesia using intrathecal diamorphine and local anaesthetic infusion catheters into the paravertebral space and rectus sheath is increasingly utilised. Multimodal analgesia can provide comparable pain relief while potentially reducing side effects associated with thoracic epidurals. This video demonstrates the placement of paravertebral catheters following thoracoscopic oesophagectomy.

Methods

The video demonstrates the technique for paravertebral catheter placement at the end of the thoracic phase of an oesophagectomy, as practiced at our institution.

Results

Once the catheter has been placed and flushed, a bolus 15-20mls of 0.25 per cent Levobupivicaine is injected. A 600mls reservoir of Levobupivicaine is attached at the end of the procedure.

Conclusions

Paravertebral catheters provide a safe and feasible option for pain control following oesophagectomy.