bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Ecological Policy Compromises Human Well-Being and Giant Panda Habitat Conservation in Giant Panda National Park
Authors: Zhu Dan , Yang Degang
Published: April 2021

Identifying how policy, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors influence changes in human well-being (HWB) and conservation efficiency is important for ecological management and sustainable development, especially in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). In this study, we systematically analyzed the differences in the conservation status of the giant panda habitat and changes in HWB over 15 years in the GPNP, which includes six mountain sites, Minshan (MS), Qionglai (QLS), Xiaoxiangling (XXL), Liangshan (LS), Qinling (QL), and Daxiangling (DXL). Redundancy analyses were used to determine the factors contributing (policy, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors) to HWB and giant panda habitat conservation (HC). In addition, using a structural equation model (SEM), we investigated the relationship between the aforementioned three factors and their direct and indirect effects on HWB and HC. The results indicated that there was spatiotemporal heterogeneity of HWB and HC in our study area. There was an increasing number of plant species as well as an increased number of giant panda in GPNP. Generally, HWB in 2015 showed an increasing trend compared with that in 2000. Socioeconomic factors (23.6%) have the biggest influence on HWB and HC, followed by policy (23.2%) and environmental factors (19.4%). Conservation policy had a significantly positive influence on HWB (0.52), while it negatively influenced HC (−0.15). Socioeconomic factors significantly negatively influenced HWB (−0.38). The formulation and implementation of policies to promote economic development will contribute to the protection of giant pandas and their habitat. Our results provide insight on the conservation status of the giant panda habitat, HWB, and factors influencing them in different mountain sites in the GPNP, as well as having implications for the future management of the GPNP.
Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework: Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development
Authors: de Luca Claudia , Naumann Sandra , Davis McKenna , Tondelli Simona
Published: April 2021

Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present and future urban challenges. The European policy framework, including the recently released European Green Deal, could strongly boost the role and recognition of NBS and SUP as drivers of sustainable and inclusive urban transition. Through a content analysis of current environmental European policies, strategies and agreements, this paper provides (i) an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of NBS and SUP in reaching defined objectives, and (ii) insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. On this basis, the paper identifies gaps and develops recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework.
Exploring Antibiotic Susceptibility, Resistome and Mobilome Structure of Planctomycetes from Gemmataceae Family
Authors: Ivanova Anastasia A. , Miroshnikov Kirill K. , Oshkin Igor Y.
Published: April 2021

The family Gemmataceae accomodates aerobic, chemoorganotrophic planctomycetes with large genome sizes, is mostly distributed in freshwater and terrestrial environments. However, these bacteria have recently also been found in locations relevant to human health. Since the antimicrobial resistance genes (AMR) from environmental resistome have the potential to be transferred to pathogens, it is essential to explore the resistant capabilities of environmental bacteria. In this study, the reconstruction of in silico resistome was performed for all nine available gemmata genomes. Furthermore, the genome of the newly isolated yet-undescribed strain G18 was sequenced and added to all analyses steps. Selected genomes were screened for the presence of mobile genetic elements. The flanking location of mobilizable genomic milieu around the AMR genes was of particular interest since such colocalization may appear to promote the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events. Moreover the antibiotic susceptibility profile of six phylogenetically distinct strains of Gemmataceae planctomycetes was determined.
Improved Method of Boron Fertilization in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)–Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Cropping System in Upland Calcareous Soils
Authors: Laik Ranjan , Singh Santosh Kumar , Pramanick Biswajit , Kumari Vandana , Nath Debabrata , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Attia Attia O. , Hassan Mohamed M. , Hossain Akbar
Published: April 2021

Calcareous soils are highly deficient in boron (B) due to having high levels of free CaCO3 and low organic matter. This has become one of the most important deficient micronutrients in Indian soil after zinc (Zn). For various rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping systems, B fertilization is essential for increasing crop productivity and the biofortification of the crop, thus a suitable soil application protocol for B fertilization is required for B-deficient soils. In a six-year experiment, different rates of B application, namely, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha−1 y−1, were evaluated to determine the effects of three different modes of B fertilization, i.e., applied only in the first year, applied in alternating years, and applied every year, in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)–Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system. It was observed that the application of B at 1.5 kg ha−1 every year or 2 kg ha−1 in alternate years resulted in the highest yield of rice and mustard, as well as the maximum system productivity of the rice–mustard cropping system. Application of 2 kg ha−1 of B in the initial year showed the maximum B uptake by rice, while application of 1.5–2.0 kg ha−1 of B every year resulted in the maximum B uptake by the mustard crop. Application of B at 2 kg ha−1 in alternate years or 1.5 kg ha−1 every year was the best B-application protocol in B-deficient calcareous soils for ensuring the highest productivity of the rice–mustard cropping system and B availability in the soil.
Cittaslow Idea as a New Proposition to Stimulate Sustainable Local Development
Authors: Brodziński Zbigniew , Kurowska Krystyna
Published: April 2021

The idea of “good quality of life” cities was introduced to Poland in 2006, when the Polish National Cittaslow City Network was founded i.a. by Lidzbark Warmiński. In the context of popularizing the idea—slow-style of life—it was decided to undertake research aimed at identifying the influence of the Cittaslow concept on the initiation of actions that have a positive impact on local sustainable development. Referring to the main objective of the study, the hypothesis was accepted stating that membership in the Cittaslow network has a positive impact on the local development of the city, as it is a source of new projects undertaken by the authorities that improve the quality of life of the inhabitants and at the same time are implemented with the participation of local communities. The hypothesis was verified in a survey conducted in 2017 and 2019 among the residents of the city of Lidzbark Warmiński, using a questionnaire. As the research shows and the research of other authors confirms, the quality of life in cities belonging to the Cittaslow network has significantly improved over the last few years. Residents also assessed the degree of satisfaction of their needs and the level of development of the local city against other cities in the region. Obtaining the opinion of residents regarding the Cittaslow network as a direction of local sustainable development, as well as assessing its impact on the quality of life of the urban community turned out to be important from the perspective of further analysis. This issue is important because the idea of the international association Cittaslow is to promote the potential of smaller towns as an alternative to living in big cities, the rush and progressive globalization. Cities in the network are committed to sustainable development by shaping a conscious urban policy, the right relationship between economic growth, the environment and improving the quality of life of residents.
Suggesting an Extensive Interpretation of the Concept of Novelty That Looks at the Bio-Cultural Dimension of Food
Authors: Poto Margherita Paola , Morel Mathilde D.
Published: April 2021

“Novel food” in the European Union’s (EU) legal terms refers to any food that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the EU before 15 May 1997 (Regulation 2015/2283/EU (2015)). Placing novel food on the market requires a safety assessment when such novelty is ascertained, with the consequent need of an authorization procedure that is not required for food traditionally conceived in the EU. Studies have highlighted how such a Eurocentric proof of traditional/novel use of food results in unequal treatment of third countries, with a slowdown of their market investments in the EU market. This contribution addresses this aspect by critically examining the disparity of treatment and suggesting the adoption of a wide-ranging interpretation of food novelty that considers the biocultural context in which food is embedded. This work is based on a critical legal analysis through the hermeneutics of Reg. 2015/2283/EU (2015) and a case study on algae from Northern Norway and Sápmi, carried out by the project SECURE. We conclude that a legal interpretation connecting food to its biocultural context would contribute to qualify it as traditional and therefore facilitate its placement on the market. Our case study provides an example of the macroalgae collected in Northern Norway/Sápmi that through the criterion of the biocultural context would qualify as traditional food, without recourse to the authorization procedure. Further research could assess whether the European Commission’s list of authorized novel foods (which include algae whose status as novel food has been inquired and assessed) expands to also comprehend some of the low-trophic marine resources (LTMR) harvested in Northern Norway/Sápmi.
U.S. Potential of Sustainable Backyard Distributed Animal and Plant Protein Production during and after Pandemics
Authors: Meyer Theresa K. , Pascaris Alexis , Denkenberger David , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: April 2021

To safeguard against meat supply shortages during pandemics or other catastrophes, this study analyzed the potential to provide the average household’s entire protein consumption using either soybean production or distributed meat production at the household level in the U.S. with: (1) pasture-fed rabbits, (2) pellet and hay-fed rabbits, or (3) pellet-fed chickens. Only using the average backyard resources, soybean cultivation can provide 80–160% of household protein and 0–50% of a household’s protein needs can be provided by pasture-fed rabbits using only the yard grass as feed. If external supplementation of feed is available, raising 52 chickens while also harvesting the concomitant eggs or alternately 107 grain-fed rabbits can meet 100% of an average household’s protein requirements. These results show that resilience to future pandemics and challenges associated with growing meat demands can be incrementally addressed through backyard distributed protein production. Backyard production of chicken meat, eggs, and rabbit meat reduces the environmental costs of protein due to savings in production, transportation, and refrigeration of meat products and even more so with soybeans. Generally, distributed production of protein was found to be economically competitive with centralized production of meat if distributed labor costs were ignored.
Organophosphate Pesticide Exposures in Early and Late Pregnancy Influence Different Aspects of Infant Developmental Performance
Authors: Suwannakul Boonsita , Sapbamrer Ratana , Wiwattanadittakul Natrujee , Hongsibsong Surat
Published: April 2021

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides can transfer from mother to fetus via the placenta and amniotic fluid and may affect the development of infants. This study aims to evaluate the associations between maternal OP concentrations collected in the 1st–2nd trimester and the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and the infant developmental performance. The Screening Test of the Bayley Scales of Infants and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID–III screening test) was used to assess development performance at 2 and 6 months of age. Multiple regression analysis showed a negative correlation between cognitive performance at 2 months and maternal diethylthiophosphate (DETP) levels in the 1st–2nd trimester (β ± SE = −0.012 ± 0.004, p < 0.05). We also found that expressive communication and fine motor performance at 6 months were negatively associated with maternal diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) levels in the 3rd trimester (β ± SE = −0.047 ± 0.016, p < 0.05, and β ± SE = −0.044 ± 0.017, p < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that maternal ethylated OP concentrations at different timing of exposure during pregnancy may influence different aspects of infant developmental performance.
Critical Assessment of Mycotoxins in Beverages and Their Control Measures
Authors: Azam Md. Shofiul , Ahmed Shafi , Islam Md. Nahidul , Maitra Pulak , Islam Md. Mahmudul , Yu Dianzhen
Published: April 2021

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi that contaminate food products such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages, and other agricultural commodities. Their occurrence in the food chain, especially in beverages, can pose a serious risk to human health, due to their toxicity, even at low concentrations. Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), fumonisins (FBs), trichothecenes (TCs), zearalenone (ZEN), and the alternaria toxins including alternariol, altenuene, and alternariol methyl ether have largely been identified in fruits and their derived products, such as beverages and drinks. The presence of mycotoxins in beverages is of high concern in some cases due to their levels being higher than the limits set by regulations. This review aims to summarize the toxicity of the major mycotoxins that occur in beverages, the methods available for their detection and quantification, and the strategies for their control. In addition, some novel techniques for controlling mycotoxins in the postharvest stage are highlighted.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions
Authors: Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Oreski Tena , Korva Misa , Kolaric Branko , Stevanovic Vladimir , Zidovec-Lepej Snjezana , Tabain Irena , Jelicic Pavle , Miklausic-Pavic Bozana , Savic Vladimir , Barbic Ljubo , Avsic-Zupanc Tatjana
Published: April 2021

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen associated with aseptic meningitis, severe systemic infections in immunocompromised persons, and congenital anomalies. Data on the prevalence of LCMV infections are scarce. We analyzed the seroprevalence of LCMV in continental Croatian regions. A total of 338 serum samples of professionally exposed (forestry workers, hunters, agriculture workers in contact with rodents) and non-exposed populations (general population, pregnant women) were tested for the presence of LCMV antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay. No participants reported recent febrile disease. LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in 23/6.8% of participants: 9.8% exposed persons and 5.1% non-exposed persons (6.1% in the general population and 3.9% in pregnant women). No participants were LCMV IgM positive. Although higher seropositivity was found in males compared to females (8.9% vs. 4.7%), inhabitants of suburban/rural areas compared to inhabitants of urban areas (9.2% vs. 4.6%), and persons who used well as a source of water compared to those who used tap (11.4% vs. 5.6%), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Results of logistic regression showed that the presence of rodents in the house/yard and cleaning rodent nests were associated with an elevated risk for LCMV infection (OR = 2.962, 95% CI = 1.019–8.607).
Structural Insight into Non-Enveloped Virus Binding to Glycosaminoglycan Receptors: A Review
Authors: Sorin Marie N. , Kuhn Jasmin , Stasiak Aleksandra C. , Stehle Thilo
Published: April 2021

Viruses are infectious agents that hijack the host cell machinery in order to replicate and generate progeny. Viral infection is initiated by attachment to host cell receptors, and typical viral receptors are cell-surface-borne molecules such as proteins or glycan structures. Sialylated glycans (glycans bearing sialic acids) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) represent major classes of carbohydrate receptors and have been implicated in facilitating viral entry for many viruses. As interactions between viruses and sialic acids have been extensively reviewed in the past, this review provides an overview of the current state of structural knowledge about interactions between non-enveloped human viruses and GAGs. We focus here on adeno-associated viruses, human papilloma viruses (HPVs), and polyomaviruses, as at least some structural information about the interactions of these viruses with GAGs is available. We also discuss the multivalent potential for GAG binding, highlighting the importance of charged interactions and positively charged amino acids at the binding sites, and point out challenges that remain in the field.
Utility of Routine Laboratory Biomarkers to Detect COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Suklan Jana , Cheaveau James , Hill Sarah , Urwin Samuel G. , Green Kile , Winter Amanda , Hicks Timothy , Boath Anna E. , Kernohan Ashleigh , Price D. Ashley , Allen A. Joy , Moloney Eoin , Graziadio Sara
Published: April 2021

No routine laboratory biomarkers perform well enough in diagnosing COVID-19 in isolation for them to be used as a standalone diagnostic test or to help clinicians prioritize patients for treatment. Instead, other diagnostic tests are needed. The aim of this work was to statistically summarise routine laboratory biomarker measurements in COVID-19-positive and -negative patients to inform future work. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed. The search included names of commonly used, routine laboratory tests in the UK NHS, and focused on research papers reporting laboratory results of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. A random effects meta-analysis of the standardized mean difference between COVID-19-positive and -negative groups was conducted for each biomarker. When comparing reported laboratory biomarker results, we identified decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts; while lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were elevated in COVID-19-positive compared to COVID-19-negative patients. Differences were identified across a number of routine laboratory biomarkers between COVID-19-positive and -negative patients. Further research is required to identify whether routine laboratory biomarkers can be used in the development of a clinical scoring system to aid with triage of patients.
To Include or Occlude: Rational Engineering of HCV Vaccines for Humoral Immunity
Authors: Schlotthauer Felicia , McGregor Joey , Drummer Heidi E
Published: April 2021

Direct-acting antiviral agents have proven highly effective at treating existing hepatitis C infections but despite their availability most countries will not reach the World Health Organization targets for elimination of HCV by 2030. A prophylactic vaccine remains a high priority. Whilst early vaccines focused largely on generating T cell immunity, attention is now aimed at vaccines that generate humoral immunity, either alone or in combination with T cell-based vaccines. High-resolution structures of hepatitis C viral glycoproteins and their interaction with monoclonal antibodies isolated from both cleared and chronically infected people, together with advances in vaccine technologies, provide new avenues for vaccine development.
Performance of the Pressure Assisted Forward Osmosis-MSF Hybrid Desalination Plant
Authors: Khanafer Daoud , Yadav Sudesh , Ganbat Namuun , Altaee Ali , Zhou John , Hawari Alaa H.
Published: April 2021

An osmotically driven membrane process was proposed for seawater pretreatment in a multi-stage flashing (MSF) thermal plant. Brine reject from the MSF plant was the draw solution (DS) in the forward osmosis (FO) process in order to reduce chemical use. The purpose of FO is the removal of divalent ions from seawater prior the thermal desalination. In this study, seawater at 80 g/L and 45 g/L concentrations were used as the brine reject and seawater, respectively. The temperature of the brine reject was 40 °C and of seawater was 25 °C. Commercial thin-film composite (TFC) and cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes were evaluated for the pretreatment of seawater in the FO and the pressure-assisted FO (PAFO) processes. Experimental results showed 50% more permeation flux by increasing the feed pressure from 1 to 4 bar, and permeation flux reached 16.7 L/m2h in the PAFO process with a TFC membrane compared to 8.3 L/m2h in the PAFO process with CTA membrane. TFC membrane experienced up to 15% reduction in permeation flux after cleaning with DI water while permeation flux reduction in the CTA membrane was >6%. The maximum recovery rate was 11.5% and 8.8% in the PAFO process with TFC and CTA membrane, respectively. The maximum power consumption for the pretreatment of seawater was 0.06 kWh/m3 and 0.1 kWh/m3 for the PAFO process with a TFC and CTA membrane, respectively.
Understanding Uncertainty in Probabilistic Floodplain Mapping in the Time of Climate Change
Authors: Zahmatkesh Zahra , Han Shasha , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: April 2021

An integrated framework was employed to develop probabilistic floodplain maps, taking into account hydrologic and hydraulic uncertainties under climate change impacts. To develop the maps, several scenarios representing the individual and compounding effects of the models’ input and parameters uncertainty were defined. Hydrologic model calibration and validation were performed using a Dynamically Dimensioned Search algorithm. A generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation method was used for quantifying uncertainty. To draw on the potential benefits of the proposed methodology, a flash-flood-prone urban watershed in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, was selected. The developed floodplain maps were updated considering climate change impacts on the input uncertainty with rainfall Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) projections of RCP8.5. The results indicated that the hydrologic model input poses the most uncertainty to floodplain delineation. Incorporating climate change impacts resulted in the expansion of the potential flood area and an increase in water depth. Comparison between stationary and non-stationary IDFs showed that the flood probability is higher when a non-stationary approach is used. The large inevitable uncertainty associated with floodplain mapping and increased future flood risk under climate change imply a great need for enhanced flood modeling techniques and tools. The probabilistic floodplain maps are beneficial for implementing risk management strategies and land-use planning.
Using the InVEST Model to Assess the Impacts of Climate and Land Use Changes on Water Yield in the Upstream Regions of the Shule River Basin
Authors: Wei Peijie , Chen Shengyun , Wu Minghui , Deng Yanfang , Xu Haojie , Jia Yinglan , Liu Fang
Published: April 2021

Water yield is a key ecosystem function index, directly impacting the sustainable development of the basin economy and ecosystem. Climate and land use/land cover (LULC) changes are the main driving factors affecting water yield. In the context of global climate change, assessing the impacts of climate and LULC changes on water yield in the alpine regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is essential for formulating rational management and development strategies for water resources. On the basis of the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model, we simulated and analyzed the spatiotemporal variations and the impacts of LULC and climate changes on water yield from 2001 to 2019 in the upstream regions of the Shule River Basin (USRB) on the northeastern margin of the QTP. Three scenarios were designed in the InVEST model to clearly analyze the contributions of climate and LULC changes on the variation of water yield. The first scenario integrated climate and LULC change into the model according to the actual conditions. The second scenario was simulation without LULC change, and the third scenario was without climate change. The results showed that (1) the InVEST model had a good performance in estimating water yield (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.986; root mean square error (RMSE) = 3.012, p < 0.05); (2) the water yield significantly increased in the temporal scale from 2001 to 2019, especially in the high altitude of the marginal regions (accounting for 32.01%), while the northwest regions significantly decreased and accounted for only 8.39% (p < 0.05); (3) the spatial distribution of water yield increased from the middle low-altitude regions to the marginal high-altitude regions; and (4) through the analysis of the three scenarios, the impact of climate change on water yield was 90.56%, while that of LULC change was only 9.44%. This study reveals that climate warming has a positive impact on water yield, which will provide valuable references for the integrated assessment and management of water resources in the Shule River Basin.
An Integrated Approach to Chlorophyll Monitoring in Surface Freshwater: The Case Study of Lake Albano (Central Italy)
Authors: Sighicelli Maria , Perrone Michela , Lecce Francesca , Malavasi Marco , Scalici Massimiliano
Published: April 2021

Inland freshwaters are of great importance for human health and activities, but major stressors such as nutrient pollution, deforestation, and urbanization are compromising their status. Water quality degradation and freshwater ecosystem preservation are current issues worldwide requiring frequent and efficient monitoring protocols. The increasing need for large amounts of data to comply with national and international regulations on water quality monitoring highlights traditional procedures limits. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the potential of alternative and rapid methods for chlorophyll concentration surveys in freshwaters. The Phyto-PAM (pulse amplitude-modulated) instrument and the Case-2 Regional Coast Colour (C2RCC) satellite image processor were selected to estimate chlorophyll concentration in the surface waters of Lake Albano (Central Italy), selected as a pilot area for the project BLOOWATER (Water JPI 2018 Joint Call Closing the Water Cycle Gap). The correlation tests’ results indicate significant relations with chlorophyll data measured spectrophotometrically, confirming the suitability of both methods for chlorophyll retrieval. However, the relatively low strength of the correlation between remotely sensed and spectrophotometric data (r = 0.57, p < 2.2 × 10−16) was not as satisfactory as with Phyto-PAM values (r = 0.97, p = 1.2 × 10−4). Even though the techniques in this study proved to be promising in the water body under investigation, their current limitations suggest the need for further calibration and integration with other systems (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles).
Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Drought Runoff Coefficient
Authors: Itsukushima Rei
Published: April 2021

Increasing water demand due to population growth, economic development, and changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change are likely to alter the duration and magnitude of droughts. Understanding the relationship between low-flow conditions and controlling factors relative to the magnitude of a drought is important for establishing sustainable water resource management based on changes in future drought risk. This study demonstrates the relationship between low-flow and controlling factors under different severities of drought. I calculated the drought runoff coefficient for six types of occurrence probability, using past observation data of annual total discharge and precipitation in the Japanese archipelago, where multiple climate zones exist. Furthermore, I investigated the pattern of change in the drought runoff coefficient in accordance with the probability of occurrence of drought, and relationships among the coefficient and geological, land use, and topographical factors. The drought runoff coefficient for multiple drought magnitudes exhibited three behaviors, corresponding to the pattern of precipitation. Results from a generalized linear model (GLM) revealed that the controlling factors differed depending on the magnitude of the drought. During high-frequency droughts, the drought runoff coefficient was influenced by geological and vegetation factors, whereas land use and topographical factors influenced the drought runoff coefficient during low-frequency droughts. These differences were caused by differences in runoff, which dominated stream discharge, depending on the magnitude of the drought. Therefore, for effective water resource management, estimation of the volume of drought runoff needs to consider the pattern of precipitation, geology, land use, and topography.
A Flood Inundation Modeling Approach for Urban and Rural Areas in Lake and Large-Scale River Basins
Authors: Papaioannou George , Vasiliades Lampros , Loukas Athanasios , Alamanos Angelos , Efstratiadis Andreas , Koukouvinos Antonios , Tsoukalas Ioannis , Kossieris Panagiotis
Published: April 2021

Fluvial floods are one of the primary natural hazards to our society, and the associated flood risk should always be evaluated for present and future conditions. The European Union’s (EU) Floods Directive highlights the importance of flood mapping as a key stage for detecting vulnerable areas, assessing floods’ impacts, and identifying damages and compensation plans. The implementation of the EU Flood Directive in Greece is challenging because of its geophysical and climatic variability and diverse hydrologic and hydraulic conditions. This study addressed this challenge by modeling of design rainfall at the sub-watershed level and subsequent estimation of flood design hydrographs using the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Unit Hydrograph Procedure. The HEC-RAS 2D model was used for flood routing, estimation of flood attributes (i.e., water depths and flow velocities), and mapping of inundated areas. The modeling approach was applied at two complex and ungauged representative basins: The Lake Pamvotida basin located in the Epirus Region of the wet Western Greece, and the Pinios River basin located in the Thessaly Region of the drier Central Greece, a basin with a complex dendritic hydrographic system, expanding to more than 1188 river-km. The proposed modeling approach aimed at better estimation and mapping of flood inundation areas including relative uncertainties and providing guidance to professionals and academics.
Roadmap for Determining Natural Background Levels of Trace Metals in Groundwater
Authors: Voutchkova Denitza D. , Ernstsen Vibeke , Schullehner Jörg , Hinsby Klaus , Thorling Lærke , Hansen Birgitte
Published: April 2021

Determining natural background levels (NBLs) is a fundamental step in assessing the chemical status of groundwater bodies in the EU, as stipulated by the Water Framework and Groundwater Directives. The major challenges in deriving NBLs for trace metals are understanding the interaction of natural and anthropogenic processes and identifying the boundary between pristine and polluted groundwater. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a roadmap guiding the process of method selection for setting meaningful NBLs of trace metals in groundwater. To develop the roadmap, we compared and critically assessed how three methods for excluding polluted sampling points affect the NBLs for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in Danish aquifers. These methods exclude sampling points based on (1) the primary use of the well (or sampling purpose), (2) the dominating anthropogenic pressure in the vicinity of the well, or (3) a combination of pollution indicators (NO3, pesticides, organic micropollutants). Except for Ni, the NBLs derived from the three methods did not differ significantly, indicating that the data pre-selection based on the primary use of the wells is an important step in assuring the removal of anthropogenically influenced points. However, this pre-selection could limit the data representativity with respect to the different groundwater types. The roadmap (a step-by-step guideline) can be used at the national scale in countries with varying data availability.
Detection of Spatial Shift in Flood Regime of the Kabul River Basin in Pakistan, Causes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Mehmood Asif , Jia Shaofeng , Lv Aifeng , Zhu Wenbin , Mahmood Rashid , Saifullah Muhammad , Adnan Rana Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Recent evidence of regional climate change impacts on hydrological cycle directed us to study the floods in a high elevated and rapidly urbanized river basin, the Kabul River basin (KRB), Pakistan, which is susceptible to frequent flooding. Therefore, we analyzed the changes in flood regime at various spatial and temporal scales and their possible causes, which is accomplished by using flood indicators, trend analysis, change point analysis, and hydrological modeling. The results showed that the northern and northwestern parts of the KRB were more exposed to flood hazard than the southern parts under long-term scenario (1961/64-2015). However, after the change points, the flood risk decreased in the northern and increased in the southern regions. This spatial shift increased the vulnerability of population to the flood hazard, because the majority of population resides in the southern region. The extreme precipitation has also increased, especially the maximum one-day rainfall and maximum five-day rainfall throughout the basin. Particularly, the major cause of the decrease in different flood indicators in the northern parts of the KRB is the corresponding decrease in the annual and monsoonal rainfall and corresponding positive mass balance of glaciers in the northern region after the occurrence of change point in flood regime. However, the major cause of the increase in flood hazard on the southern part of the KRB is associated with maximum five-day rainfall. A 68% variability of annual maximum flood for the Kabul River at Nowshera and an 84% variability of annual maximum flood for Bara River at Jhansi post are explained by maximum five-day rainfall. In addition, a considerable decrease in forests (–5.21%) and increase in the urban area (88.26%) from 1992–2015 also amplifies the risk of higher flood peaks. The results of hydrological modeling suggest that the six-hourly flood peak increased by 6.85% (1992–2010) and 4.81% (2010–2015) for the extreme flood of 2010 for the Kabul River at Nowshera. The flood peak per decade will increase by 8.6%, as compared to the flood peak under the land use scenario of 2010. Therefore, consideration of proper land use planning is crucial for sustainable flood management in the KRB.
Wound healing effect of Anzer origin propolis specimens on rats’ intestinal incision
Authors: SARITAŞ Zülfükar , KORKMAZ Musa , DEMİREL Hasan Hüseyin , BÜLBÜL Aziz , SARITAŞ Tuba Berra , GÖRÜCÜ Fatma , KOÇ Yusuf
Published: April 2021

This study was investigated the wound healing effect of Anzer origin propolis specimens on rats’ experimental intestinal incisions. Thirty-four male Wistar albino rats have been divided into five groups, weighing 250-300 gr. Water solution of Anzer propolis (PW3 [n=6], PW7 [n=6]) or ethanolic solution of Anzer propolis (PE3 [n=6], PE7 [n=6]) were administered. Control groups (K3 [n=5], K7 [n=5]) received no treatment. The surgical procedure (day 0) consisted of a laparotomy under general anesthesia, during which the colon was incised and repaired with sutures. The Anzer propolis specimen diluted with physiologic saline was administered by gavage (100 mg/kg/day) for 3 and 7 days before and after surgery to PW3 and PW7 groups. Ethanol dissolved Anzer propolis was administered by gavage (100 mg/kg/day) for 3 and 7 days before and after surgery to PE3 and PE7. Experimental animals have been humanly euthanized on the 3rd and 7th days for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Serum total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, myeloperoxidase, hydroxyproline and nitric oxide, levels were measured by ELISA. The incision line sampled to evaluate inflammatory cells, fibroblastic activity, neovascularization, and collagen level. The study indicates that the ethanolic Anzer propolis solution's oral administration has a beneficial effect on intestinal wound healing for seven days pre-and postoperatively (PE7).
PLAN DE NEGOCIOS PARA LA COOPERATIVA INDUSTRIAL DE CALZADO PARA FORTALECER SU IMAGEN CORPORATIVA
Authors: Mendoza Bazantes Cecilia Cristina , Estrada Miño Colcha Elsa Elisa , Tanqueño Colcha Oscar Paul
Published: April 2021

La investigación tuvo como objetivo principal diseñar, elaborar e implementar un plan de negocios en la cooperativa industrial de Calzado Penipe, para fortalecer su imagen corporativa en la ciudad de Riobamba; con una metodología de tipo Proyecto factible, bajo un enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo, el diseño que se usó fue cuasi experimental, y el enfoque deductivo e inductivo, la técnica e instrumentos utilizados para la recolección de datos, fueron la observación y la encuesta tanto para el cliente como para los empleados de la empresa. La población y la muestra con la que se trabajo fue de 118.982 habitantes de la ciudad de Riobamba, solo se usaron de muestra 96 personas. Y 10 personas que laboran en la empresa. Dando como resultado, la necesidad de la aplicación de un plan de negocios para ayudar a mejorar la empresa. Así que, se logró aumentar las ventas, entre otros aspecto.
PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMASARAN TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN MELALUI KEPUASAN PELANGGAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING
Authors: Panjaitan Dertaida , Setyorini Retno
Published: April 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh strategi pemasaran terhadap loyalitas pelanggan melalui kepuasan pelanggan pada digital payment OVO di Kota Bandung. Dengan adanya fenomena yang terjadi pada strategi pemasaran yang dilakukan oleh digital payment OVO yang mempengaruhi kepuasan dan loyalitas pengguna OVO di Kota Bandung. Diantaranya yaitu keluhan terhadap aplikasi OVO yang error, penanganan masalah yang tidak direspon dengan cepat oleh pihak yang terkait, points yang tidak bisa digunakan oleh pengguna dan masalah-masalah lainnya yang mempengaruhi pengguna OVO. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian adalah deskriptif kausal, skala pengukuran yang digunakan adalah skala likert. Metode analisis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan SmartPLS. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel strategi pemasaran mempengaruhi variabel loyalitas pelanggan melalui kepuasan pelanggan sebagai variabel intervening pada digital payment OVO di Kota Bandung. Hal ini disebabkan karena kedua variabel struktural yang berpengaruh secara positif dan signifikan terhadap variabel loyalitas pelanggan dengan nilai to sebesar 4,880> nilai tα 1,661.

                                                                                                                      

Kata kunci: Strategi pemasaran, kepuasan pelanggan, loyalitas pelanggan.
ANALISIS KAPABILITAS DINAMIS IVORY RADIO DALAM MENGHADAPI ERA KONVERGENSI DIGITAL
Authors: Asrunputri Aisyah Pia , Zulkarnaen Mutiara
Published: April 2021

Seiring berkembangnya teknologi didalam industri, menciptakan peluang dan ancaman bagi organisasi-organisasi didalamnya. Diperlukan kapabilitas dinamis dalam merespon perubahan-perubahan tersebut bagi organisasi untuk dapat bertahan didalam industri. Kapabilitas dinamis adalah kemampuan organisasi dalam mengintegrasikan, membangun, dan merekonfigurasi kompetensi internal dan eksternal untuk merespon perubahan yang terus menerus yang mana menjadi kesempatan yang baik bagi organisasi untuk terus tumbuh dan berkembang. Dengan adanya kapabilitas dinamis, hal ini dapat membantu organisasi dalam meraih posisi kompetitif baik untuk jangka pendek dan jangka panjang. Namun demikian, untuk membangun kapabilitas dinamis organisasi harus dapat memiliki kapasitas untuk membentuk dan merasakan peluang dan ancaman, memanfaatkan peluang yang ada serta merekonfigurasi sumber daya organisasi baik sumber daya yang terlihat dan tidak terlihat. Salah satu organisasi yang berhasil membuat infrastruktur serta mekanisme dalam menghadapi era konvergensi digital adalah Ivory Radio. Kesiapan dari Ivory Radio tersebut bersumber dari kapabilitas dinamis yang mumpuni dan berkelanjutan sehingga membuat Ivory Radio dapat mempertahankan posisi kompetitifnya didalam industri.

Kata Kunci: Kapabilitas Dinamis, Ivory Radio, Era Konvergensi Digital
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF WORK DISCIPLINE AND INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Lie Darwin , Nainggolan Nana Triapnita , Nainggolan Lora Ekana
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the performance of government agencies towards professionalism and support the creation of good public services, human resources who have work discipline and good individual character are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution given by work discipline and individual characteristics to employee performance. This research method uses a quantitative approach using qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The data collection used a questionnaire and the sampling technique used a saturated sample with a total sample of 42 employees. From the research results, it can be concluded that: work discipline and individual characteristics, and employee performance are good. There is a positive influence between work discipline and individual characteristics on employee performance. Work discipline and individual characteristics have a strong relationship with employee performance. Hypothesis test results show that there is a positive and significant influence between work discipline and individual characteristics on employee performance.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF ALUMINUM DISPERSION ON THERMAL EXPANSION OF HIGHLY FILLED FLUOROPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors: Adamenko N. A. , Kazurov A. V. , Savin D. V. , Agafonova G. V. , Ageikin A. S.
Published: April 2021

The effect of dispersion and concentration of aluminum particles and sintering on the thermal expansion of fluoroplastic-aluminum composite materials has been investigated. Composite materials were obtained by static pressing of powder mixtures of fluoroplastic with 50 and 70% aluminum, followed by sintering. It was found that a decrease in the size of aluminum particles increases thermal expansion and decreases the density of CMs, but does not affect heat resistance. It was found that an increase in the aluminum concentration leads to a decrease in the thermal expansion of CM.
KÜRESEL REKABETİN BÖLGESEL GÜVENLİĞE YANSIMALARI: ÇİN DENİZİ’NDE ABD-ÇİN MÜCADELESİ
Authors: KARADAĞ Haluk
Published: April 2021

İkinci Dünya Savaşı sonrasında Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD), küresel güvenlik perspektifinden hareketle dünyayı çeşitli coğrafi bölgelere ayırmış ve bu bölgelerde askeri komutanlıklar ihdas ederek bahse konu komutanlıklar altında birçok askeri üs tesis etmiştir. Doğu Asya coğrafyasında yer alan askeri üslerden birisi savaştan yenik çıkan Japonya’da diğeri ise Kore yarımadasındaki savaşın ardından Güney Kore’de oluşturulmuştur. Anılan dönemde Sovyet Sosyalist Cumhuriyetler Birliği (SSCB)’nin başını çektiği komünist bloka karşı kurulan bölgesel komutanlıklar 1990 yılının ardından Soğuk Savaş’ın bitişinin ilan edilmesiyle birlikte yaklaşık yarım yüzyıldır süren mücadelenin etkisinin devam etmesiyle birlikte Soğuk Savaş dönemi güvenlik nizamını korumuştur. Bu süreçte tek kutuplu dünya düzenine geçiş yapılmış ve ABD hegemonik bir güç olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. ABD’nin kendi çıkarlarını önceleyerek küresel güvenliğin tek hakim koruyucu gücü olarak dünyayı güvenlikleştirme çabaları Asya’da yeni ve kendisine rakip bir gücün ortaya çıkışıyla birlikte risk altına girmeye başlamıştır. 2000 yılı sonrasında Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti (ÇHC)’nin özellikle ekonomik alanda başlattığı kalkınma hamleleri “Barışçıl Yükseliş” sloganı altında başarılı olurken gerçekleştirmeye başladığı askeri modernizasyon süreçleri ABD tarafından kendisine doğrudan bir tehdit olarak algılanmaktadır. ÇHC’nin liberal değerlere karşıt olarak komünist ideolojiye sahip olmasının yanı sıra ABD’nin özellikle bölgesel ekonomik, politik ve askeri çıkarlarının başka bir güç tarafından tehdit edilmesine müsamaha göstermeyeceği değerlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın temel varsayımı askeri güç artırımına giden ÇHC’nin Çin Denizi’nde ABD çıkarlarını tehdit edip etmediğini ortaya koymak ve her iki ülke arasındaki sert güç unsurlarının kullanılmasıyla başlayan sürecin bir analizini yapmaktır. Makale, ABD ve ÇHC arasında giderek artan bölgesel mücadelenin sadece askeri yönünü kapsama dahil ettiği için devlet seviyesinde analiz yapılmıştır.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM KONTROL AYUNAN BAYI OTOMATIS DAN MONITORING SENSOR MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI ANDROID
Authors: Nursalim Nursalim , Pollo Don E.D.G , Paratu Efraim Yosep Woso
Published: April 2021

Significant technological developments have led to various automatic equipment that can replace human labor. Automatic technology also offers efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of human life especially for household appliances. One of the household appliances that use this system is baby equipment such as baby swings. The existing baby swings are still using conventionally with the human power.

This study aims to design an automatic technology for baby cradles so it can help mothers (user) to keep monitor the baby’s condition while doing other work or even from a distance. This baby swing device is designed to use a sound sensor to detect the sound of a crying baby and a gas sensor to detect when a baby is defecating with the Arduino UNO Microcontroller as the core of the baby swing controller and Android as a control and information media to the user. Based on the results of research and testing, this automatic baby swing tool is already running well, where when the baby cries, the sound sensor will detect and move the DC Motor and display a notification on the android.
Visualização de contratos eletrônicos: uma proposta de artefato com base em Proposições de Design
Authors: Marzullo Renata Zappelli , Oliveira André Ribeiro de , Monat André Soares
Published: April 2021

As relações comerciais assumiram novas caraterísticas com a Internet que possibilitaram o comércio virtual regido por contratos eletrônicos como mediadores dos direitos e obrigações entre usuários e empresas. As recomendações de isolamento social, devido à pandemia da COVID-19, têm impulsionado ainda mais o comércio eletrônico. Entretanto, as interfaces desses contratos, na generalidade dos casos, com textos longos, complexos e difíceis de usar, são confeccionadas sem uma compreensão das necessidades de comunicação das partes envolvidas e da forma como elas interagem e interpretam essas informações. Este artigo, inspirado na Design Science Research (pesquisa da ciência do projeto), busca os fundamentos do design de informação e de interação presentes na literatura, sintetizando e organizando Proposições de Design que possam constituir um artefato para apoiar soluções de problemas na compreensão dos contratos eletrônicos, tomando como caso um site de reservas de hospedagens.