bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical and neural net model in predicting the strength of pozzolan admixed concrete
Authors: Mandal Rishav , Shanmugasundaram M , Karthiyaini S
Published: January 2021

This paper predicts the compressive strength of reinforced cement concrete with different pozzolan having different biproducts such as flyash, GGBS, silica fumes and rice husk on 28 days with multiple regression analysis (MRA) and artificial neural network (ANN) and compares them. The model prepared uses the data from the previously published papers; the data collected from the papers are cement content, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water/cement ratio, replacement of cement with pozzolan materials like GGBS, flyash, silica fumes, rice husks, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3 quantities are taken in the form of input for the models and the respective compressive strength obtained from the literature is taken as the target strength or parameter. The result shows that this the model made with these parameters produces a valid model through MRA and ANN.
Anomaly detection of fundus images
Authors: Jagtap Shalaka , Sahaya Rani Alex John
Published: January 2021

Research states that at least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness all over the world. There are many reasons for blindness and few of them are leading causes such as cataract, macular degeneration due to age factor, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal opacity, trachoma. In all of them, glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness. Glaucoma is asymptomatic and non-reversible vision loss disease. This paper presents a method of early detection of glaucoma using deep Neural Network (NN) from the retinal images. In different retinal imaging modalities, fundus images are widely accepted. In deep learning, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) is used for feature extraction from the fundus image, and fully connected feed forward NN (FFNN) is used to find out the level of glaucoma. Typical image processing algorithms are used for feature extraction from fundus images and classified with FFNN. The accuracy is compared among different architectures. The TensorFlow software tool and python language are used for this research.
Hydrocracking process of coconut oil using Ni-Zn/HZSM-5 catalyst for hydrocarbon biofuel production
Authors: Muttaqii M Al , Kurniawansyah F , Prajitno D H , Roesyadi A
Published: January 2021

Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel was produced by hydrocracking of coconut oil using a bifunctional catalyst. Hydrocarbon biofuel is promising for production of future fuels from vegetable oil. The advantage of the hydrocracking is the formation of hydrocarbon biofuel products at the conventional fuel range. The purpose of this work is to produce hydrocarbon biofuel by hydrocracking of coconut oil using the catalyst of Ni-Zn/HZSM-5. The processes of hydrocracking processes were performed in a vessel reactor by stirring with magnetically at 350 °C and the reaction pressure of 15 bar for 2 h under flowing H2 with Ni-Zn/HZSM-5 catalyst. The effect of Ni-Zn/HZSM-5 catalyst was evaluated by determining the composition of products (hydrocarbon biofuel). The hydrocarbon biofuel was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS results of hydrocarbon biofuel show the aliphatic compounds in the range C12-C22. The presence of C17-C18 in the hydrocarbon biofuel was relatively low. Hydrocarbon biofuel composition consists of 0.11 cycloparaffins, 5.33 normal paraffins, 7.85 olefin, and 0.08 aromatics based on area%. The total amount of detected oxygenated compounds was 86.63 area% carboxylic acid. These compounds are responsible for the low quality of the hydrocarbon biofuel. However, the reaction must be carried out at above 350 °C to eliminate the oxygenated compounds in the hydrocarbon biofuel, as an important step to replace non-renewable fossil fuels.
Utilizing ordinal alpha reliability on modification of Mark H. Davis’s empathy rate instrument (case study in Department of Mathematics FMIPA UI)
Authors: Doko F A , Setiadi R , Soemartojo S M
Published: January 2021

Most psychology research requires the existence of an instrument to obtain the required information. An instrument using Likert scale needs to know its reliability and validity. However, the use of an instrument is not necessarily suitable for particular population. This can be seen from the fulfilment of reliability, construct validity, item validity, and content validity of the instrument. Unreliable and invalid instruments due to cultural differences in the population. Therefore, a modification of the instrument is needed such that better information can be obtained to the relevant population. Because in this study using ordinal scale data, then the reliability will be measured by the coefficient ordinal alpha with polychoric correlation. In this study, modifications will be made to Mark H. Davis’ rate empathy instrument consisting of 45 indicators into an instrument consisting of only 15 indicators. Modified measuring tools proved reliable, have valid content, valid constructs, and valid items. The methods to be used are factor analysis, Spearman correlation, polychoric correlation, and ordinal alpha reliability.
Real time prediction of four main food commodities in Indonesia and the mapping based on autoregressive integrated moving average model
Authors: Dianco R F , Novita M
Published: January 2021

Based on the United Nations Global Pulse, food prices have a direct effect on the purchasing power of a large part of the Indonesian population. Hence, it is important to maintain stable food prices. One way to do this is by making a prediction model. Using 59 weekly rice, shallot, chicken and egg prices starting from the first week in 2018 as the cornerstone, this research uses an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to predict the weekly prices of these food commodities in all Indonesian provinces. This research also provides real-time prediction that can be automatically updated when any new data is inputted. Finally, this research provides a mapping visualization to make it easier for people to interpret the results. This map is equipped with a dynamic line chart to compare two provinces food trendline and shows the current price, one week and two weeks prediction. All of this is built using R 5.3.2. In this research, the error is calculated from the coefficient of variation and the result is 0.58 %, 4.1 %, 3.23 % and 2.76 % for rice, shallot, chicken, and egg weekly prices, respectively. Furthermore, this research also analyses the prediction of second-week prices of rice, shallot, chicken, and eggs in March 2019. Hopefully, this research will bring benefit to the government and farmers to make a better decision based on these predictions, so that in the future, food prices will stabilize.
The role of male Sumatran slow loris Nycticebus coucang (Boddaert, 1785) in family at Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), Bogor, West Java
Authors: Sjahfirdi L , Afifah S , Priambada N P
Published: January 2021

Research has been conducted to identify the role of captive male sumatran slow lorisNycticebus coucang(Boddaert 1785) in family at Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) Rehabilitation Center, Bogor, West Java. The subjects were two male sumatran slow lorises living in shared cages with females and their infant. Focal animal sampling and ad libitum methods were used to observe interactions between male and female and their infant. The study took approximately 6 hours per day with 15 minutes non-stop interval in 24 days during October-November 2019. The total duration of the observation was equal to 8,628 minutes. Subjects spent 26.21 % of their time involved in social interactions with female and their infant. Interactions performed between subjects and femaleN. coucangoccurred as much as 13.18 % with the most performed interactions being proximity, social grooming, and approach respectively. Interactions between subjects and their infant occurred as much as 13.03 % of total duration with the most performed interactions included social grooming, proximity, and social playing respectively. Social interactions performed by subjects were higher compared to their counterparts in the wild. Captive maleN. coucangin YIARI played role as female’s social and sexual partner and in social development of their infant.
Effect of lead (Pb) on seed germination of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk)
Authors: Ni’am M I , Yuniati R
Published: January 2021

In this research, the effect of lead (Pb) on seed germination rate (%) of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) have been investigated. The seeds were placed in 6 × 4 × 2 cm rockwool moistened with distilled water (control) and aqueous solutions of PbCl2 (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μM). Germination test was done by sowing fifteen water spinach seeds with six replicates for each concentration Pb level for 4 days. Several parameters have been observed in the seed germination test. Such stress conditions revealed that by increasing the concentration of lead, the germination rate (%), the tolerance index (TI), and the seedling vigor index (SVI) decreased significantly, suggesting their toxic effect on water spinach. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that for lead-treated seeds were significantly different compared to the controls and showed a gradual decrease towards an increase in lead concentration (Pb) in shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root length, SVI, and, TI. Germination percentage and seedling dry weight of lead-treated germinated seeds were not significantly different compared to the controls. Due to limitations of the data, the maximum lead concentration thresholds for water spinach cannot be accurately determined, but it can be inferred that they would be greater than 100 and less than 200, respectively.
The effect of mycorrhizae on the growth of Paraserianthes falcataria L. (Nielsen) in an artificial growth medium containing copper and cadmium
Authors: Listiani S , Yuniati R
Published: January 2021

Excessive heavy metals Cu and Cd has a negative effect on plants. Mycorrhizae is a symbiosis between roots and mycorrhizal fungi which can improve the plant’s ability to survive under heavy metal stress and reduce its toxicity. Based on the previous study, mycorrhizae can increase the growth of Paraserianthes falcataria L. (Nielsen) under Pb stress. This study aims to reveal the effect of mycorrhizae on the growth of P. falcataria in an artificial growing media containing copper and cadmium. Paraserianthes falcataria inoculated with 0, 15 and 25 g of mycorrhizae and treated with 150 mg/kg of CuSO4 and 15 mg/kg of CdSO4. Parameters observed in this study were plant height, fresh weight, and leaf color on the 43 days after planting. The results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation did not significantly increase the height of P. falcataria treated with Cu and Cd. Fresh weight of P. falcataria in Cu and Cd treatment showed higher in mycorrhizal inoculated-plants than without mycorrhizae. Based on the observation of leaf color, there were dead plants without mycorrhizal inoculation in both metal treatments. Discoloration also found in most of the older leaves in Cu treatment plants inoculated with mycorrhizae and without mycorrhizae. Plants with normal colored leaves in Cd treatment increased at the higher mycorrhizal dose. The inoculation of mycorrhizae can improve the plant’s ability to alleviate the effects of toxicity caused by the excessive concentrations of Cu and Cd.
Analysis of expression level of floral-identity gene (SEPALLATA) in Epicalyx of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.
Authors: Oktaviandie Y , Salamah A
Published: January 2021

Genetic identification of modified floral parts, such as epicalyx, may give new perspectives in flower development fundamentals and its applications. Research on floral-identity gene (SEPALLATA) expression level has been done in three parts of Hibiscus rosasinensis; they are leaves, epicalyx, and calyx. This research was conducted to observe the expression of the SEPALLATA gene in epicalyx. The expression level analysis was done qualitatively by the two-steps RT-PCR and visualized using agarose electrophoresis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis RNA was isolated using the modified-CTAB method and continued by DNase-treatment to eliminate gDNA in the mixture. Furthermore, RNA was used to make cDNA using the Reverse Transcription method and amplified using the PCR method by specific primers. The result showed the presence of SEPALLATA amplification in epicalyx using GH7SEP1 primer, yet none on epicalyx using GHSEP1 primer. Confirmation using GH7SEP1 forward primer and GH1SEP1 reverse primer did not show any amplification. Sequencing and alignment results suggested that amplifications using GH1SEP1 or GH7SEP1 were allegedly, of which amplified from SEPALLATA gene.
Rock physics modelling based on Voigt-Reuss and cement contact theory method at sand reservoir “FRR” field, Kutai Basin
Authors: Syari F T , Maulana M R , Muflihendri R , Riyanto A
Published: January 2021

There has been studied of the rock physics modelling in sand reservoir based on Voigt-Reuss and cement contact theory method case study at FRR field Kutai Basin. The objective of this study to modelling rock physics based on Voigt-Reuss and cement contact theory from geological information. Voigt-Reuss bounds model and cement contact was applied. This method related link between geological information and seismic properties. The data used in FRR field Kutai basin has the sandstone majority marked by 20 % P wave velocity. The results obtained by rock physics modelling shown modulus bulk to porosity has pattern close to lower bounds, that is existence the pore type has soft characterize and decrease bulk modulus with increase clay content and fluid saturation. The results show correlation between bulk modulus estimation and log data have good correlation. This suggests that Voigt-Reuss and cement contact theory model useful for bulk modulus estimation in sand reservoir
Gini Shortfall: A Gini mean difference-based risk measure
Authors: Eugene A J , Novita M , Nurrohmah S
Published: January 2021

A risk is the possibility of undesirable events happening in the future. A good risk measure is needed to quantify the risks one faces. Some well-known risk measures include the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES). VaR measures the lower bound for big losses in a loss distribution tail, while ES measures the average of losses surpassing the VaR. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks in using the stated risk measures, mainly that they do not provide information regarding the variability of losses in the distribution tail. This paper will introduce and explore Gini Shortfall (GS), a more comprehensive risk measure than VaR and ES. GS provides information on the variability of data in distribution tails measured with Tail-Gini functional, a tail variability measure based on the variability measure Gini Mean Difference or Gini functional. Another superiority of GS is that under certain conditions, it can satisfy the four criteria of coherency. A coherent risk measure is useful for companies or investors to determine the right business and investing strategies. This paper will also provide explicit formulas of GS for some loss-related distributions, namely the exponential, Pareto, and logistic distributions. These formulas are then applied to calculate risks from actual stock data.
Characterization of xylanolytic bacteria Bacillus sp. EM24 from mangrove forest sediment, Kahyapu, Enggano Island
Authors: Sipriyadi S , Darwis W , Wibowo R H , Tuti W A
Published: January 2021

Xylanases are extracellular enzyme that hydrolyze xylan into xylooligosaccharide and xylose. Group bacteria that have ability to hydrolyze xylan are called xylanolytic bacteria. This study aimed to characterize xylanase produced by Bacillus sp EM24 isolated from mangrove forest sediment in Kahyapu, Enggano island. The mangrove forest sediment samples were collected from Kahyapu village, Enggano island. Isolation of bacteria was done by using 0.5% xylan beechwood agar medium. The potential xylanase producing bacteria were qualitatively investigated by using 0.5% congo red solution. Colonies which produced clear zone were presumed as xylanolytic bacteria furthermore they were selected for determination of xylanase enzyme activity. The potential xylanolytic isolates was identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests. The result of isolation showed that a total number of 30 isolates were grew well on medium. Based on clear zone screening, EM24 isolate had widest clear zone. Xylanase produced by EM24 isolate had highest activity at 40th hours after incubation with the enzyme activity of 0.484 U/mL. Characterization of xylanase measurement showed that xylanase produced by EM26 isolate can optimally work at pH 6 and temperature 35 °C. Based on identification result, EM24 isolate had close relationship with Bacillus sp.
Antitermite activity of methanol extract of lichen Teloschistes flavicans (Sw) Norman against Coptotermes curvignathus
Authors: Avidlyandi A , Adfa M , S Yudha S
Published: January 2021

Antitermite activity methanol extract of lichen Teloschistes flavicans (Sw) Norman was investigated in the laboratory scale. No-choice test was used as method with 5 concentrations tested of 1.25%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 6.25% and 7.5% w/v. The termiticide activity showed that the mortality of termites was increased every day as well as the concentration of the extract increased, at the concentration of 7.5% all termite dead at fourth days. Termiticide activity of methanol extract of T. flavicans was influenced by the GC-MS data that showed 78 chemical components. Vicanicin, methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, and patchouli alcohol was detected as major components that be expected as termiticide. T. flavicans might be possible as a botanical termiticide in the near future.
Biplot analysis for marking the quality of schools which compatible with national examination score
Authors: Fahrurrazi F , Rohiat R , Somantri M , Turdja’i T
Published: January 2021

The issue of national examinations has always been a matter of debate, because the scores are only used to determine the passing scores of students without follow-up. This study aims to map the quality of schools in accordance with national exam scores, and describe the relationship between national exam scores and influential variables. Data were taken from 22 high schools in Malang and Malang regencies with a population of 5396 people and a sample of 359 people. Data were analysed with a biplot package based on Mathematica programming, by combining scores and national deviation examination standards. Mapping the quality of schools is compatible with the national exam scores. It is obtained by the biplot with standard variables. The results obtained show that there is the compatibility of the rankings, and there is a significant positive correlation between all schools.
Learning work and energy through Aminuddin and Aminullah Comic
Authors: Alrizal A , Pathoni H , Rinasari S
Published: January 2021

The interesting learning media will help students to understand physics. Comic is one of the alternative learning media that can be used in the learning process. The using of comic has been used widely in the field of education. This research aimed to develop a work and energy comic based on Jambi folklore, Aminuddin and Aminullah, for senior high school students. The scenes of comic will be connected to the concepts of physics especially on the work and energy concepts. This study used research and development method referring to the ADDIE model which consisted 5 stages : Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluate. The results of the students response and expert validation of comic showed that the comic is feasible to use in learning.
Description intermediate conception in learning Physics
Authors: Wardana R W , Liliasari L , Tjiang P C , Nahadi N
Published: January 2021

Some previous research have showed that Physics concept has abstract characteristic, difficult, and complex. This characteristic causes the students to have knowledge, understanding, and various conceptions. Students’ various conceptions in Physics learning causes the emergence of discrepancy between alternative and scientific conception called as Intermediate conception. This research aims to description of intermediate conception in learning Physics. This research was qualitative research with literature review design. Data collection was conducted by collecting some literatures either articles or books related to intermediate conception. Data analysis was done by conducting analysis and articles and books synthesis and then drew a conclusion. The research results show that intermediate conception can be described as the conception between alternative conception and scientific conception which represent the pieces of ideas or concepts that have lead to science. Intermediate conception can be categorized into; naive physics, phenomenological intermediate primitives, lateral intermediate conception, and ontological intermediate conception.
Analysis of student science process skills on electrical material using discovery model
Authors: Sugiarti S , Ratnanigdyah D
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe the ability of students science process skills on electrical material after the implementation of discovery learning models. Discovery learning model is a learning model that guides students to make discoveries through experimental activities. This study uses a quasi-experimental method with one shot pre-test post-test design. The material used in this research instrument is electrical material presented of the second semester physics education program students at PGRI Palembang University. The results of this study indicate the science process skills in electrical material are included in the medium category.
Glucocorticoid receptor-targeted liposomal delivery system for delivering small molecule ESC8 and anti-miR-Hsp90 gene construct to combat colon cancer
Authors: Jinka Sudhakar , Rachamalla Hari Krishnareddy , Bhattacharyya Tithi , Sridharan Kathyayani , Sekhar Jaggarapu Madan Mohan Chandra , Yakati Venu , Banerjee Rajkumar
Published: January 2021

High mortality rate in colon cancer patients is often attributed to late diagnosis. To overcome the conventional chemotherapy associated challenges, chemotherapeutic drugs (single or combination) or genetic drugs are often delivered using ligand-modified delivery systems that selectively target over expressed receptors or particular receptors that act abnormally in cancer cells. In the current investigation, first we assessed anti-colon cancer effect of a cationic estrogenic molecule, ESC8 which was earlier shown to act against estrogen receptor (ER) ± breast cancer cells. We found that against both colon and breast cancer cells the anticancer activity is intervened by AMPK-mTOR pathway and at the same time it acts as anti-angiogenic agent. It also showed enhancement of mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) transition as well as reduction of cyclin D in both cells. Earlier we demonstrated the use of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) targeted cationic liposomal delivery system carrying anti-Hsp90 plasmid and ESC8 to act as potent anti-skin cancer therapeutics. As ESC8 demonstrated anti-colon cancer effect in vitro, in here, we used the same GR-targeted liposomal formulation but carrying a more fusogenic cationic lipid D1 and used against colon tumor orthotopic model in mice. We show that GR targeted formulation (D1XE-Hsp90) exhibited efficient cellular uptake, transfection and selective cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells, tumor-targeted bio-distribution and enhanced survivability, reduced tumor size in orthotopic colon tumor-bearing mice. The tumor sections exhibited reduced tumor proliferation as well as neo-vascularization, thus supporting the holistic antitumor effect of the D1XE-Hsp90 formulation. Over all our results establish the GR-targeted D1XE-Hsp90 formulation as potent anti-colon cancer therapeutics.
Collaboration and infrastructure is needed to develop an African perspective on micro(nano)plastic pollution
Authors: Nel Holly A , Naidoo Trishan , Akindele Emmanuel O , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka , Fadare Oluniyi O , Krause Stefan
Published: January 2021

Our current understanding of environmental micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution is driven by field and lab-based studies performed predominantly by and in wealthier countries. However, mismanaged waste and its consequences affect low- and middle-income countries over-proportionately. Evidence suggests that studies on MNP pollution in Africa are critically limited by the scientific infrastructure available, restricting research activities to opportunities for external collaboration with established research laboratories in the Global North. The development of Pan-African research networks and analytical nodes, is required to support intra-African research exchange and training, and drive evidence-based policy relevant to an African context. This can facilitate more inclusive conversations around the harmonization and standardization of methods currently mainly available to the Global North.
An ensemble approach to quantify global mean sea-level rise over the 20th century from tide gauge reconstructions
Authors: Palmer M D , Domingues C M , Slangen A B A , Boeira Dias F
Published: January 2021

We present an ensemble approach to quantify historical global mean sea-level (GMSL) rise based on tide gauge reconstructions. This approach combines the maximum internal uncertainty across the ensemble with an estimate of structural uncertainty to provide a conservative estimate of the total uncertainty. Comparisons of GMSL rise over the 20th century based on deltas and linear trends (and their respective uncertainties) are consistent with past Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessments and show good agreement with satellite altimeter timeseries. Sensitivity tests show that our estimates of GMSL rise are robust to the choice of reference period and central estimate timeseries. The methods proposed in this study are generic and could be easily applied to other global or regional climate change indicators.
Dynamic vulnerability of smallholder agricultural systems in the face of climate change for Ethiopia
Authors: Shukla Roopam , Gleixner Stephanie , Yalew Amsalu Woldie , Schauberger Bernhard , Sietz Diana , Gornott Christoph
Published: January 2021

Assessing vulnerability to climate change and extremes is the first step towards guiding climate change adaptation. It provides the basis to decide ‘what’ adaptation measures are needed ‘where’. Vulnerability which is defined as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, differs spatially and evolves temporally. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the dynamics of vulnerability at sub-national scales to be prepared for and respond to current and future climatic risks. This paper focuses on Ethiopia where a sub-national understanding of vulnerability dynamics in smallholder agriculture systems is missing to date. The paper assesses the vulnerability of crop-based smallholder systems in Ethiopia for the past (1996–2005), current (2006–2015), and two future (2036–2045 and 2066–2075) climate scenarios using an indicator-based approach. The future scenarios are based on two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) RCP 2.6 and RCP 6.0 from four general circulation models. Results show the emergence of highly vulnerable zones that were missing in the past scenario. With Paris agreement pathway, keeping global warming under 2 °C (RCP 2.6), reduction in vulnerability of 10% of the zones is noted in far future (2066–75) as compared to RCP 6.0 where the exposure increases, making 30% of the zones highly vulnerable. The projected increase in exposure to climatic hazards will worsen the vulnerability of smallholder agricultural systems in future unless the current adaptation deficit is sufficiently addressed. This study maps the temporal dynamics of vulnerability unlike the prevailing snapshot assessments at subnational-level for Ethiopia. The study seeks to assist the decision-making process to build resilience to climate change in Ethiopia and other low-income countries with similar geophysical and socio-economic conditions.
How do intermittency and simultaneous processes obfuscate the Arctic influence on midlatitude winter extreme weather events?
Authors: Overland J E , Ballinger T J , Cohen J , Francis J A , Hanna E , Jaiser R , Kim B -M , Kim S -J , Ukita J , Vihma T , Wang M , Zhang X
Published: January 2021

Pronounced changes in the Arctic environment add a new potential driver of anomalous weather patterns in midlatitudes that affect billions of people. Recent studies of these Arctic/midlatitude weather linkages, however, state inconsistent conclusions. A source of uncertainty arises from the chaotic nature of the atmosphere. Thermodynamic forcing by a rapidly warming Arctic contributes to weather events through changing surface heat fluxes and large-scale temperature and pressure gradients. But internal shifts in atmospheric dynamics—the variability of the location, strength, and character of the jet stream, blocking, and stratospheric polar vortex (SPV)—obscure the direct causes and effects. It is important to understand these associated processes to differentiate Arctic-forced variability from natural variability. For example in early winter, reduced Barents/Kara Seas sea-ice coverage may reinforce existing atmospheric teleconnections between the North Atlantic/Arctic and central Asia, and affect downstream weather in East Asia. Reduced sea ice in the Chukchi Sea can amplify atmospheric ridging of high pressure near Alaska, influencing downstream weather across North America. In late winter southward displacement of the SPV, coupled to the troposphere, leads to weather extremes in Eurasia and North America. Combined tropical and sea ice conditions can modulate the variability of the SPV. Observational evidence for Arctic/midlatitude weather linkages continues to accumulate, along with understanding of connections with pre-existing climate states. Relative to natural atmospheric variability, sea-ice loss alone has played a secondary role in Arctic/midlatitude weather linkages; the full influence of Arctic amplification remains uncertain.
Travelling wave solutions on a non-zero background for the generalized Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Anco Stephen C , Nayeri HamidReza , Recio Elena
Published: January 2021

For the generalized p-power Korteweg–de Vries equation, all non-periodic travelling wave solutions with non-zero boundary conditions are explicitly classified for all integer powers p ⩾ 1. These solutions are shown to consist of: bright solitary waves and static humps on a non-zero background for odd p; dark solitary waves on a non-zero background and kink (shock) waves for even p in the defocusing case; pairs of bright/dark solitary waves on a non-zero background, and also bright and dark heavy-tail waves (with power decay) on a non-zero background, for even p in the focussing case. An explicit physical parameterization is given for each type of solution in terms of the wave speed c, background size b, and wave height/depth h. The allowed kinematic region for existence of the solutions is derived, and other main kinematic features are discussed. Analytical formulas are presented in the higher power cases p = 3, 4, which are compared to the integrable cases p = 1, 2.
Using the US EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard to interpret targeted and non-targeted GC–MS analyses from human breath and other biological media
Authors: Pleil Joachim D , Lowe Charles N , Wallace M Ariel Geer , Williams Antony J
Published: January 2021

The U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard is a freely available web-based application providing access to chemistry, toxicity, and exposure data for ∼900 000 chemicals. Data, search functionality, and prediction models within the Dashboard can help identify chemicals found in environmental analyses and human biomonitoring. It was designed to deliver data generated to support computational toxicology to reduce chemical testing on animals and provide access to new approach methodologies including prediction models. The inclusion of mass and formula-based searches, together with relevant ranking approaches, allows for the identification and prioritization of exogenous (environmental) chemicals from high resolution mass spectrometry in need of further evaluation. The Dashboard includes chemicals that can be detected by liquid chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and direct-MS analyses, and chemical lists have been added that highlight breath-borne volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. The Dashboard can be searched using various chemical identifiers (e.g. chemical synonyms, CASRN and InChIKeys), chemical formula, MS-ready formulae monoisotopic mass, consumer product categories and assays/genes associated with high-throughput screening data. An integrated search at a chemical level performs searches against PubMed to identify relevant published literature. This article describes specific procedures using the Dashboard as a first-stop tool for exploring both targeted and non-targeted results from GC–MS analyses of chemicals found in breath, exhaled breath condensate, and associated aerosols.
Paleomeanders of the Belaya River (the Upper Angara region)
Authors: Opekunova M Yu , Golubtsov V A , Kichigina N V
Published: January 2021

The article presents data on the existence of fragments of the ancient river network in the Belaya River valley (the Angara River basin). We characterize the modern floodplain-terrace complex of the Belaya River, namely the structure of modern floodplains and low terraces, the heights of their basement and morphology, as well as describe the structure of the ancient part of the Belaya River channel. The estimated fragment of the ancient valley of the Belaya River, with a length of 13.6 km, is a macro-bend. The morphometric parameters of the incised meanders of the ancient valley almost two times exceed the modern meanders of free type but are close in their morphometric parameters to modern incised meanders. Based on the morphometric parameters of fragments of the ancient river channel, we calculated the velocities of the paleo-Belaya and compared them with the actual values for the Belaya River. The calculated water flow rates of the ancient channel are 3.7 to 4.5 times higher than the modern parameters. However, these parameters are close to the maximum values during the summer floods. At the next stage of research, we plan to reconstruct the ancient river network of the area by analyzing basal surface maps.
Patterns of development and distribution of soil cover in Southern Predbaikalia
Authors: Kozlova A A , Belozertseva I A , Lopatina D N , Guzeeva V S , Kusraev K D , Kucherenko I M , Korshunova S A
Published: January 2021

The territory of Southern Predbaikalia includes the Irkutsk-Cheremkhovo plain and the southern part of the Predbaikalsky basin, both of which are the marginal basins of the Siberian platform, and the Priolkhonsky plateau, a tectonic block squeezed between the Baikal Mountains and the Baikal basin. The main factors of soil formation, climate and relief, determine the unique mechanisms of the local circulation of air, heat and moisture, and affect the diversity of soil types and their distribution on the macro-and meso-levels of the soil cover organization. The combination of the basin effect and aridic-shadow form of vertical zonation in Southern Predbaikalia led to the development of dramatically contrasting landscapes and soils within a limited area: from subtaiga to dry steppes. Paleocryogenic phenomena in the form of polygons and cracks or hillocks and hollows contributed to the differentiation of the soil formation processes, mottling of the soil cover on the micro-level of its organization in the form of contrasting soil microcombinations. The research resulted in the creation of the Southern Predbaikalia soil cover map built using Quantum-GIS and landscape indication methods, morphometrical parameters and relief forms, space imaging and schemes showing key sites of determined soil profiles.
Differentiation of the Southern Transbaikalia territory in the thermo-freezing regime of soils
Authors: Trofimova I E , Balybina A S
Published: January 2021

Broad variations in the soil temperature are characteristic of the southern Transbaikalia. The soil temperature varies in the ranges of -2,5 ÷ -19, -0,5 ÷ -12,5 and 2,8 ÷ -3,2 °C at the depths of 0.2, 0.8 and 3.2 m respectively. The mass of data is classified into four groups that are characterized as moderately cold, cold, very cold and severe based on qualitative characteristics of their thermal conditions. The moderately cold conditions of soils (A) occur at the south-eastern shore of Baikal lake. Cold conditions of soils (B) are scattered over all the territory and usually occur at near-river descents and valleys of hollow type. The very cold conditions of soils (C) are most widely spread in the Southern Transbaikalia. They can be considered as the background conditions of the territory considered. The severe conditions (D) are met in the form of small dispersed patches only. Based on the method of conjugate analysis of mutually related landscape components, a cartographic model is developed that can be pertained to the ecological direction in cartography. Analysis of annual temperature variations at the soil profile depths and of its vertical distribution in all months of a year revealed some new regularities. Firstly, the periods of near-zero temperatures and their durations in different soil layers were determined and, secondly, annual temperature amplitudes were fixed in soil profiles of various cooling and freezing conditions.
The response of lichen growth forms to fire frequency: a case study in oak forests of the southern Russian Far East
Authors: Rodnikova I M , Skirina I F , Skirin F V
Published: January 2021

Epiphytic lichens are used as sensitive indicators of environmental changes. Lichen growth forms are related to biotic and abiotic factors. In the present study, we investigate the response of lichen growth form diversity to fire frequency. In the oak forests of the southern Primorsky Krai, we established 43 sampling plots of 25 m x 25 m each. All plots were assigned to four fire history regimes defined by the combination of fire marks. A total of 168 epiphytic lichen species were recorded. They were classified into 12 groups of growth forms. The linear regression model demonstrated that the taxonomic diversity of epiphytic lichens and the growth form diversity were highly and positively correlated. Increasing fire frequency resulted in limited damage to growth form diversity of the epiphytic lichen communities, whereas species diversity drastically decreased with increasing fire frequency. The diversity of most growth form groups were connected with the gradient of fire frequency. Diversity of growth forms tolerant to a wide environmental variety, such as foliose species with narrow lobes, crustose granular verrucose, and compact crustose, drastically decreased under regular fire events. In contrast, growth forms adapted to sheltered and humid environments, such as foliose gelatinous, foliose inflated, and foliose with broad lobes, were absent on the plots with regular and frequent fire events. Thus, due to the close relationship between morphological traits and specific environmental conditions, certain groups of growth forms can be used as indicators of fire regimes of forests.
The Trans-Siberian transport corridor and development of urban agglomerations
Authors: Bezrukov L A , Vorobyev N V , Emelyanova N V , Vladimirov I N , Enkh-Amgalan S
Published: January 2021

When discussing the geographical features in the formation of the framework of the economy, population distribution and nature management of Russia (Siberia) and Mongolia in conditions of the landlocked location and an enhancement in Eurasian integration processes, it is necessary to capitalize primarily on the national priorities of Russia (and on the interests of its eastern regions), with due regard for the interests of neighboring countries. The territories adjacent to the Trans-Siberian Railway (Transsib) have favorable opportunities for implementation of major transport projects and for general economic growth. The competitive advantages and possibilities of the cities and agglomerations will look different if they are regarded not as separate entities but as forming part of a common Trans-Siberian economic space. An enhancement in the role of the transport hubs, such as Tyumen, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, objectively leads to the growth of the respective agglomerations and is detrimental to the functioning of the other urban settlements along Transsib which are associated with the railroad. The Trans-Siberian transport corridor should become the belt of economic development of the adjacent landlocked territories and work for integration of the vast Eurasian space thereby unleashing the potential of the urban agglomerations of Siberia.
Features of the content of manganese in natural waters in the south of the Far East (on the example of the Jewish Autonomous Region)
Authors: Revutskaya I L , Khristoforova N K , Sukhoveeva A B
Published: January 2021

The article provides data on the content of total manganese (Mn) during the 2019 summer in the surface waters of the Bira River and its tributaries, which are located in the North of the Jewish Autonomous Region (JAR), a biogeochemical province in terms of excess iron (Fe) and Mn in the water. The aim of the study was to examine the distribution of Mn and to reveal its concentration in surface watercourses taking into account the geological features and natural conditions of the region. Water samples were taken at 11 stations from the left tributaries of the Bolshaya Bira river. A photometric method with formaldoxime was used to determine the gross Mn content in water in October 2018. The atomic absorption spectrometer “Kvant-2 AT” was used in 2019. Very high concentrations of total Mn were revealed in the waters of rivers in the north-western part of the region in the area of the Mn ore deposit. It has been shown that in the rivers located to the northeast of the deposit, the metal concentration sharply declines. In the eastern swampy part of the region, the Mn content in the river water of the Ikura River sharply increases up to 0.139 mg/dm3. The results of surface water samples from the Bira River basin confirmed the previously identified distribution of Mn levels in the waters of the River and its tributaries in accordance with natural conditions.
Channel morphodynamics of the Selenga River
Authors: Opekunova M Yu , Bezgodova O V
Published: January 2021

The article presents the experimental data of the channel morphodynamics of the Selenga River and the Chikoy River mouth over a 100-year period within the 23.5 km long stretch from the Termyn-Tatur channel to Gustovskii Island. We analyzed changes in the planned pattern of the channel and systemized channel processes for three time sections – 1914, 1987 and 2019 on the stretch from the Termyn-Tatur channel to the Gustovskii Island. The main changes over more than a century have manifested themselves in the form of changes in the elements, types and shapes of bends, dynamics of the width and number of arms, as well as in degradation processes and appearance of new arms, redistribution of the main flow from one arm to another. The most stable areas turned out to be areas of relatively rectilinear channel of undivided and divided types located near the valley side, which was a limiting factor in the development of horizontal deformation. We determined the time of the most significant channel deformations-from 1914 to 1987. This is explained by the number of high-water periods in this period, the total duration of which was 43 years and possibly by the intensification of anthropogenic impact and the associated increase in suspended sediment discharge. The longest period of decrease in the manifestations of channel deformations occurred from 1987 to 2019, and it coincides with a prolonged dry period that began in 1995.
Geoinformation analysis of the period of a stable snow cover in the Baikal region
Authors: Rasputina E A
Published: January 2021

From 2000 to 2010, we carried out mapping and spatiotemporal analysis of the period of the stable snow cover (SSC) in the Baikal region and assessed the influence of various environmental factors on it. The dates of the onset and destruction of SSC were determined using the eight-day MODIS “snow cover” composites with a spatial resolution of 500m (MODIS/Terra Snow Cover 8-Day L3 Global 500m Grid, Version 6), and the duration was calculated as the difference of dates. We also carried out a multiple regression analysis of the relationship of the SSC period and environmental factors: the altitude, slope, potential total incoming solar radiation (kWh/m2 per day) (according to digital elevation model from the WorldClim dataset) as well as land surface temperature (according to MODIS data). The results revealed a high positive linear relationship between the SSC period and the altitude of the entire area. In general, in the entire area, the calculated increment in the SSC period with the altitude is approximately 12 days every 100 m. There is no linear relationship between the SSC duration and the incoming solar radiation that is determined by the steepness and orientation of slopes. The SSC duration and temperature show the average negative linear relationship.
Implementation of the environmental legal mechanism of nature protection for regulating recreational activities in a particular territory
Authors: Lesnykh S I
Published: January 2021

Recreational activities are associated with significant loads on all territorial components and are regulated by relevant environmental legislation that often causes conflicts of interest. The Lake Baikal area due to its uniqueness has own (additional to the generally accepted) system of environmental legislation that greatly exacerbates conflicts of interests: it helps to preserve nature but making the conduct of any economic activity almost impossible. For the legal regulation of public relations regarding nature preserving and recreational activities, the environmental legal mechanism is applied. The results of applying this mechanism on Lake Baikal area is considered through the combination of the residents’ interests in a healthy environment and ensuring their material needs. Using the tool of legal environmental zoning, the framework of Lake Baikal protection has been visualized, which helps to “see” intersections of all regulations on the area and determines the priority right of land-use. The comparison of legal environmental zoning categories with maps of current land-use lets to determine contradictions in real and permitted land-use, which allows finding the best option for using different parts of the Lake Baikal area. In the end, the calculation of recreational load standards for tourism activities in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory was carried out.