bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Необходимост от „title insurance“ на българския застрахователен пазар
Authors: Ninova Valentina , Ninov Nikolay
Published: January 2024

Цел. Научната разработка има за цел да представи аргументирани доводи за значението и ползите от прилагането на „title insurance“ като специфичен вид застраховане и работещ инструмент – алтернативен подход за противодействие на риска измама при придобиване на недвижима собственост.
Резултати. Въпреки липсата на конкретни статистически данни относно броят на имотните измами, разполагаемата статистическа информация затвърждава тезата, че броят на измамите в последните години в България следва тренд в посока редуциране. Независимо от този факт, техният брой (в това число и на имотните измами) остава сравнително висок, което поражда необходимостта от алтернативна допълнителна защита на лицата, придобиващи собственост. В тази връзка, българската застрахователна практика също би могла да гарантира финансово компенсиране при реализирането на рискове, свързани с имотните измами, каквато е практиката в развитите застрахователни пазари.
Научна новост. Проведеното изследване в научната разработка се основава на официални статистически данни, публикувани от Националният статистически институт и предоставена от Прокуратурата на Р България информация относно измамите по чл. 209–213 от Наказателния кодекс на Република България за периода 2007–2020 година (получена по силата на достъп до обществена информация по Закон за достъп до обществена информация). Позовавайки се на световната теория и практика са анализирани същността и основните характеристики на „title insurance“. В настоящата разработка е направено предложение за въвеждане на нов, за българският застрахователен пазар, продукт и са очертани част от основните му параметри.
Практическа стойност. Изхождайки от разбирането за имотните измами като противозаконна икономическа дейност и разглеждайки същите като реален риск за гражданите и бизнеса, инвестиращи в недвижима собственост, неизбежно се поражда идеята за възможността от прилагане на „title insurance”. Последното е доказано работещ инструмент, все още слабо познат и неприлаган в България, който има за цел имено да гарантира сигурността на застраховани лица – инвеститори, при придобиване на недвижими имот, като ги възмезди в случай на настъпили загуби.
Features and prospects of the development of social sphere of the village under conditions of decentralization: regional aspects
Authors: Sokolova Alla , Ratoshniuk Tatiana , Маrtynyuk Myhaylo , Ratoshniuk Viktor
Published: January 2024

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to reveal the peculiarities and substantiate the prospects for the development of the social sphere of the rural areas of the Western Polissia of Ukraine in the conditions of decentralization of management.

Results. The peculiarities of the development of the social sphere of the rural areas of the studied region in the conditions of the decentralization reform in the country with the aim of forming effective local self-government and territorial organization of power in order to create and maintain a full-fledged living environment for villagers and provide high-quality and accessible public services are revealed. It was established that the priority tasks of social policy in the countryside in the conditions of decentralization should be: ensuring the solution of the basic problems of reproduction of people’s life activities (food, housing, health); infrastructure development (roads, transport, communications, public services); creation of conditions for development (education, science, culture, sports).

Scientific novelty. It has been proven that in the conditions of decentralization transformations, in order to ensure the development of the social sphere, it is important to achieve balanced inter-budgetary relations, to combine the allocation of financial resources from the state budget and funds from local budgets, which will provide all the needs for the development of social infrastructure in the village. This will create ample opportunities to meet people’s needs in modern education, medicine, social, communal, administrative and other services.

Practical value. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the fact that the conclusions and well-founded proposals will ensure the development of such a level of social infrastructure in the village, which would ensure the satisfaction of the needs of local residents in basic household needs, administrative services and become a motivational incentive for the economically active population to live in rural areas.
Shareholding relations between banks and insurance companies in Algeria: an overview
Authors: Guemmaz Souhil
Published: January 2024

Purpose. This study aims to analyze the overlap of shareholding between banks and insurance companies in Algeria, whose commercial activities are not necessarily the same, but functional complementarities exist. The method used in this paper is an inventory of cases where a financial institution is a shareholder of another, following several reforms applied to this market since the 1990s.

Results. Regarding the shareholding matrices between financial institutions in Algeria, it was found that the intervention of the public sector is the most dominant, unlike the private and foreign sector. The study also showed that the behavior of banks and insurance companies in terms of capital participation is mainly linked to the legal measures introduced in Algeria after the opening of the banking and insurance market to private and foreign operators, essentially aimed at the development of the country. As well as the economic interest of complementarity, since bank financing is usually provided by an insurance guarantee, in addition to the introduction of bancassurance, which allows marketing of insurance products through the cash desks of banks.

Scientific novelty. The literature review has shown that the subject of shareholder relations between financial institutions refers to a new perspective of the market vision, the core of which is the bank. The analysis is carried out from the perspective of building an updated picture of the capital structure of these financial institutions in Algeria.

Practical value. The development of shareholding matrices between banks and insurance companies in Algeria, helps to understand the nature of the functional complementarity between these financial institutions, and also explains their strategic behavior with respect to the market.
Efficient internal communications in the banking sector: significance, functions, and techniques of their implementation
Authors: Nagachevska Olena , Dzhereleiko Svitlana , Kushka Pavlo
Published: January 2024

Purpose. The objective of the research is to evaluate the internal communications process within Ukrainian banks using a critical literature analysis methodology. This analysis aims to examine the structure and essential functions of internal communication, as well as strategies for enhancing communication while considering the nature of this process.

Results. Communication is crucial for the survival of financial institutions, as it helps them gather, analyze, and organize information about the external environment and transfer processed messages to the external environment. By addressing the challenges faced by employees in the banking sector, banks can create a positive internal and external image, fostering employee motivation, engagement, and success. Communication is the process of signals interchanging between the sender and receiver through a coding-decoding system, aiming to influence the recipient’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. The SMCR model, which includes the components of Source (or Sender), Message, Channel, and Recipient, is fundamental in communication studies. Effective communication involves receiving information from the receiver and responding to the sender’s prognosis. To improve the overall efficacy of the communication system, it is necessary to eliminate obstacles such as individual-personal, social, and cultural filters. The SMCR model identifies critical conditions for effective communication, including communication objectives, application preparation, channel selection, and appeal effectiveness. In banks, communication is related to both interpersonal processes and the social-organizational framework, resulting in predictable and stable communication between subordinates and managers. The analysis of communication networks in banks allows for an examination of the system’s integrity, connection with the external environment, and susceptibility to innovation.

Scientific novelty. The primary contribution of this work is its comprehensive elucidation of the concept and significance of external and internal communication within the context of financial institutions, along with the strategies employed to attain effective communication. The banking industry has a well-defined classification system for internal communication, which allows for the systematic analysis of the key advantages and disadvantages associated with such communication methods. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the strategies used to build efficient internal communications inside a banking institution.

Practical value. The study provided has practical value, as it helps in evaluating internal communication inside Ukrainian banks, specifically in terms of communication quality and the efficacy of tools used for its implementation. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future advancements in the integration of internal communication practices inside banking institutions.
KONSEP URGENSI DAN SIGINIFIKANSI ETOS KERJA DALAM ISLAM
Authors: Lalu Arcane Banjaran Sari  , Maman Wahyudi
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui makna etos kerja dan ayat-ayat al-Qur‟an yang menguraikannya, dan relevansi ayat-ayat tentang etos kerja dalam meningkatkan produktivitas kerja orang Islam. Etos kerja ditanamkan dalam diri seorang muslim untuk menghadapi kehidupan yang lebih baik dan mengabdi kepada Allah. Selain itu juga untuk menghadapi era pasar bebas, yang mana umat Islam harus bersaing atau berkompetisi untuk mempertahankan hidup dan memperoleh kelayakan hidup dengan kemampuan dan etos kerja yang tinggi. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Metode maudhu‟i (tematik), untuk menjawab rumusan masalah dengan mengumpulkan ayat-ayat tentang etos kerja. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kepustakaan (library research), yang bertujuan untuk mengumpulkan data dan informasi dari berbagai materi yang terdapat dalam ruang perpustakaan, seperti buku, koran, majalah, artikel, jurnal, dan dokumen lainnya. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwasannya ayat-ayat etos kerja dalam alQur‟an sangatlah banyak, diantaranya mengharuskan manusia untuk bekerja untuk memakmurkan bumi dengan mengelolanya. Tauhid adalah modal utama dalam bekerja, sehingga memiliki sikap etos kerja yang tinggi. Sedangkan relevansi ayat tentang etos kerja dalam meningkatkan produktivitas kerja orang Islam sangat baik (relevan), namun kenyataannya relative jauh dari yang diharapkan
A Review about Internet of Things (IoT) integration with Cloud Computing with a Limelight on Security
Authors: Kulsoom Umm e , Nasim Syeda Faiza , Qaiser Asma , Aziz Sidra , Fatima Syeda Alishba
Published: January 2024

Cloud computing has become a pivotal and widely embraced technology due to its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. This review explores the intersection of cloud computing and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, highlighting the remarkable advancements made in resource utilization and storage methods. However, this rapid growth has also raised concerns about security. Through an in-depth analysis of recent research, we examine the security challenges associated with IoT-based cloud computing, including account hacking, phishing, malware, middleman attacks, and service denial. We also discuss the potential benefits, architectural integration options, and the impact of IoT on cloud computing. This review paper categorizes findings and solutions from recent research papers, ultimately shedding light on the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of IoT-based cloud computing, along with its performance and stability issues.
Spatial and seasonal variability in volatile organic sulfur compounds in seawater and the overlying atmosphere of the Bohai and Yellow seas
Authors: Yu Juan , Yu Lei , He Zhen , Yang Gui-Peng , Lai Jing-Guang , Liu Qian
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Volatile organic sulfur compounds (VSCs), including carbon disulfide (CS2), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and carbonyl sulfide (COS), were surveyed in the seawater of the Bohai and Yellow seas and the overlying atmosphere during spring and summer of 2018 to understand the production and loss of VSCs and their influence factors. The concentration ranges of COS, DMS, and CS2 in the surface seawater were 0.14–0.42, 0.41–7.74, and 0.01–0.18 nmol L−1 during spring and 0.32–0.61, 1.31–18.12, and 0.01–0.65 nmol L−1 during summer, respectively. The COS concentrations exhibited positive correlation with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in seawater during summer, which verified the photochemical production of COS from chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). High DMS concentrations occurred near the Yellow River, Laizhou Bay, and Yangtze River estuary, coinciding with high nitrate and chlorophyll (Chl) a concentrations due to river discharge during summer. The COS, DMS, and CS2 concentrations were the highest in the surface seawater and decreased with the depth. The mixing ratios of COS, DMS, and CS2 in the atmosphere were 255.9–620.2, 1.3–191.2, and 5.2–698.8 pptv during spring and 394.6–850.1, 10.3–464.3, and 15.3–672.7 pptv in summer, respectively. The ratios of mean oceanic concentrations and atmospheric mixing ratios for summer to spring in COS, DMS, and CS2 were 1.8, 3.1, 3.7 and 1.6, 4.6, 1.5, respectively. The ratios of the mean sea-to-air fluxes for summer to spring in COS, DMS, and CS2 were 1.2, 2.1, and 4.3. The sea-to-air fluxes of VSCs indicated that the marginal seas are important sources of VSCs in the atmosphere. The results support a better understanding of the contribution of VSCs in marginal seas.
Reconstructing the Eemian to Middle Pleniglacial pedosedimentary evolution of the Baix loess–palaeosol sequence (Rhône Rift Valley, southern France) – basic chronostratigraphic framework and palaeosol characterisation
Authors: Pfaffner Nora , Kadereit Annette , Karius Volker , Kolb Thomas , Kreutzer Sebastian , Sauer Daniela
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Loess–palaeosol sequences (LPSs) are important archives of landscape evolution, recording alternating periods of geomorphic activity (dust deposition and slope processes) and landscape stability (soil formation). LPSs of the Rhône Rift Valley are located along a spatial climatic gradient from the mid-latitudes to the Mediterranean region. This position renders them extremely valuable archives for correlating LPSs in the European loess belt and the Mediterranean region. Despite this important function, Rhône Rift Valley LPSs have been little investigated. In this study, we aimed to narrow this knowledge gap, in a first step towards linking LPS-based mid-latitude and Mediterranean palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. We studied the ∼ 14 m thick Baix LPS located at the western edge of the Rhône Rift Valley near Valence. Here, we focus on the lower ∼ 7 m of the LPS, which comprises 12 of 19 soil horizons overall, and record regional palaeoenvironmental variations from the Eemian to the Middle Pleniglacial (∼ marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 to MIS 3). Our reconstruction is based on detailed field description, complemented by granulometry (10 cm vertical resolution), and micromorphological analyses. Luminescence screening of cut-out soil-sediment columns subsampled with ∼ 5 cm vertical resolution (126 subsamples over 7 m) provides a preliminary chronometry. The loess deposits of the Baix LPS are strongly calcareous and predominantly silty but also contain sandy and fine gravelly laminae typical of loess deposits subjected to slope-wash processes. From bottom to top, the investigated part shows three intensely pedogenised levels: (1) a basal sequence of reddish-brown Btg and Bt horizons of a thick Eemian Stagnic Luvisol (MIS 5e); (2) an early glacial yellowish-brown Bw horizon (MIS 5d-a); and (3) a yellowish-brown Bw horizon with large cone-shaped carbonate nodules in the associated underlying Bk horizon, interpreted as a truncated Middle Pleniglacial (MIS 3) Calcic Cambisol. The Baix LPS is in parts very similar to the Collias LPS ∼ 100 km further south but also exhibits differences, reflecting its position at the spatial climatic transition between the presently temperate and the Mediterranean zone.
Understanding the variation of Reflected Solar Radiation: A Latitude- and month-based Perspective
Authors: Li Ruixue , Jian Bida , Li Jiming , Wen Deyu , Zhang Lijie
Published: January 2024

Abstract. The hemispheric symmetry of planetary albedo (PA) is crucial for the Earth's energy budget. However, our understanding of hemispheric albedo is still limited, particularly regarding its variations at finer spatial and temporal scales. Using 21 years of radiation data from CERES-EBAF, this study quantifies the contribution rates of different latitudes to the hemispheric reflected solar radiation and examines their seasonal variations. Statistical results show that the northern latitudinal zones of 0° to 40° contribute more reflected radiation than the corresponding southern latitudes, but the southern latitudinal zones of 50° to 90° compensate for this. From the equator to 40°, the latitudinal contribution to the hemisphere is high in autumn and winter and low in spring and summer; however, after 50°, the situation is reversed. And even during extreme cases, anomalies of the cloud component contribution play a dominant role in anomalies of the total reflected radiation contribution of the latitudinal zone in most latitudinal zones. Additionally, this study evaluates the performance of four radiation data (including: satellite and reanalysis data) in reproducing hemisphere albedo and its hemispheric symmetry compared to CERES-EBAF data. Under different symmetry criteria, the applicability of different datasets to hemispheric symmetry of PA studies varies. Note that the Cloud_cci AVHRR performs better in capturing hemispheric symmetry. However, none of these datasets can decompose the different components of reflected radiation well. These results contribute to advancing our understanding of hemispheric symmetry variations and compensation mechanisms, reducing the uncertainty of model simulations, and improving algorithms for different radiation datasets.
Distribution-based pooling for combination and multi-model bias correction of climate simulations
Authors: Vrac Mathieu , Allard Denis , Mariéthoz Grégoire , Thao Soulivanh , Schmutz Lucas
Published: January 2024

Abstract. For investigating, assessing and anticipating climate change, tens of Global Climate Models (GCM)s have been designed, each modeling the Earth system slightly differently. To extract a robust signal from the diverse simulations and outputs, models are typically gathered into multi-model ensembles (MMEs). Those are then summarised in various ways, including (possibly weighted) multi-model means, medians or quantiles. In this work, we introduce a new probability aggregation method termed "α-pooling" which builds an aggregated Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) designed to be closer to a reference CDF over the calibration (historical) period. The aggregated CDFs can then be used to perform bias adjustment of the raw climate simulations, hence performing a "multi-model bias correction". In practice, each CDF is first transformed according to a non-linear transformation that depends on a parameter α. Then, a weight is assigned to each transformed CDF. This weight is an increasing function of the CDF closeness to the reference transformed CDF. Key to the α-pooling is a parameter α that describes the type of transformation, and hence the type of aggregation, generalising both linear and log-linear pooling methods. We first establish that α-pooling is a proper aggregation method verifying some optimal properties. Then, focusing on climate models simulations of temperature and precipitation over Western Europe, several experiments are run in order to assess the performance of α-pooling against methods currently available, including multi-model means and weighted variants. A reanalyses-based evaluation as well as a perfect model experiment and a sensitivity analysis to the set of climate models are run. Our findings demonstrate the superiority of the proposed pooling method, indicating that α-pooling presents a robust and efficient way to combine GCMs' CDFs. The results of this study also show that the CDFs pooling strategy for "multi-model bias correction" is a credible alternative to usual GCM-by-GCM bias correction methods, by allowing to handle and consider several climate models at once.
Concentration and source changes of HONO during the COVID-19 lockdown in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Zheng Feixue , Feng Zemin , Lian Chaofan , Wang Weigang , Fan Xiaolong , Ma Wei , Lin Zhuohui , Li Chang , Zhang Gen , Yan Chao , Zhang Ying , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Bianch Federico , Petäjä Tuukka , Kangasluoma Juha , Kulmala Markku , Liu Yongchun
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Nitrous acid (HONO) is an important precursor of OH radicals which affects not only the sinks of primary air pollutants but also the formation of secondary air pollutants, whereas its source closure in the atmosphere is still controversial due to a lack of experiment validation. In this study, the HONO budget in Beijing has been analyzed and validated through the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown event, which resulted in the largest changes in air pollutant emissions in the history of modern atmospheric chemistry. A home-made Water-based Long-Path Absorption Photometer (LOPAP) along with other instruments were used to measure the HONO and related pollutants from January 1, 2020 to March 6, 2020, which covered the Chinese New Year (CNY) and the COVID-19 lockdown. The average concentration of HONO decreased from 0.97 ± 0.74 ppb before CNY to 0.53 ± 0.44 ppb during the COVID-19 lockdown, accompanied by a sharp drop of NOx and the greatest drop of NO (around 87 %). HONO budget analysis suggests that vehicle emissions were the most important source of HONO during the nighttime (53 %) before CNY, well supported by the decline of their contribution to HONO during the COVID-19 lockdown. We found that the heterogeneous conversion of NO2 on ground surfaces was an important nighttime source of HONO (31 %), while that on aerosol surfaces was a minor source (2 %). Nitrate photolysis became the most important daytime source during the COVID-19 lockdown compared with that before CNY, resulting from the combined effect of the increase in nitrate and the decrease in NO. Our results indicate that reducing vehicle emissions should be an effective measure for alleviating HONO in Beijing.
Comparing float pCO2 profiles in the Southern Ocean to ship data reveals discrepancies
Authors: Zhang Chuqing , Wu Yingxu , Brown Peter J. , Stappard David , Silva Amavi N. , Tyrrell Toby
Published: January 2024

Abstract. The Southern Ocean plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Recently, the utilization of biogeochemical (BGC) Argo float data has provided valuable insights into the uptake and release of carbon dioxide (CO2) by this region. However, significant uncertainty remains regarding the accuracy of pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2) values derived from float data. In this study, we compared pCO2 estimates obtained from float pH data with those from ship-collected data across the Southern Ocean, employing pCO2-depth, pCO2-O2 and CO2-O2 vs saturation plots to assess the degree of agreement between these two datasets. Our findings reveal significant systematic differences. A preliminary analysis, ignoring other factors, found that the float data is consistently higher, on average, than the ship data at equivalent depths and oxygen levels. We tested the hypothesis that inaccurate float pH data or float pCO2 correction process is the main cause of the pCO2 difference, by quantifying other factors that could produce systematic differences, including: (i) spatial sampling bias, (ii) seasonal bias, (iii) errors in estimated alkalinity, (iv) errors in carbonate system constants, and (v) higher levels of anthropogenic CO2 in float data. However, none of the other factors were found to be able to fully account for the discrepancies, suggesting issues with float pH data quality and/or the float pCO2 correction process. Additional analysis included refinements to ship-based and float-based pCO2 before intercomparison. Overall, we estimate that, in the Southern Ocean, surface pCO2 from floats is biased high by, on average, at least 10 μatm.
On the uncertainty of anthropogenic aromatic VOC emissions: evaluation and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Oliveira Kevin , Guevara Marc , Jorba Oriol , Petetin Hervé , Bowdalo Dene , Tena Carles , Montané Pinto Gilbert , López Franco , Pérez García-Pando Carlos
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly impact air quality and atmospheric chemistry, influencing ozone formation and secondary organic aerosol production. Despite their importance, the uncertainties associated with representing VOCs in atmospheric emission inventories are considerable. This work presents a spatiotemporal assessment and evaluation of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) emissions and concentrations in Spain by combining bottom-up emissions, air quality modelling techniques and ground-based observations. The emissions produced by HERMESv3 were used as input to the MONARCH model to simulate surface concentrations across Spain. Comparing modelled and observed levels revealed uncertainty in the anthropogenic emissions, which were further explored through sensitivity tests. The largest levels of observed benzene and xylene were found in industrial sites near coke ovens, refineries and car manufacturing facilities, where the modelling results show large underestimations. Official emissions reported for these facilities were replaced by alternative estimates, allowing to heterogeneously improve the model's performance, highlighting that uncertainties representing industrial emission processes remain. For toluene, consistent overestimations in background stations were mainly related to uncertainties in the spatial disaggregation of emissions from industrial use solvent activities, mainly wood paint applications. Observed benzene levels in Barcelona's urban traffic areas were five times larger than the ones observed in Madrid. MONARCH failed to reproduce the observed gradient between the two cities due to uncertainties in estimating emissions from motorcycles and mopeds. Our results are constrained by the spatial and temporal coverage of available BTX observations, posing a key challenge in evaluating the spatial distribution of modelled levels and associated emissions.
Field monitoring of pore water pressure in fully and partly saturated debris flows at Ohya landslide scar, Japan
Authors: Oya Shunsuke , Imaizumi Fumitoshi , Takayama Shoki
Published: January 2024

Abstract. The characteristics of debris flows (e.g., mobility, sediment concentration, erosion, and deposition of sediment) are dependent on the pore water pressure in the flows. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of pore water pressure in debris flows is essential for improving debris flow mitigation measures. Notably, the pore water pressure in a partly saturated flow, which contains an unsaturated layer in its upper part, has not been previously understood due to a lack of data. The monitoring performed in Ohya landslide scar, central Japan, allowed us to obtain the data on the pore water pressure in fully and partly saturated flows during four debris flow events. In some partly and fully saturated debris flows, the pore water pressure at the channel bed exceeded the hydrostatic pressure of clean water. The depth gradient of the pore water pressure in the lower part of the flow, monitored using water pressure sensors at multiple depths, was generally higher than the depth-averaged gradient of the pore water pressure from the channel bed to the surface of the flow. The low gradient of the pore water pressure in the upper part of partly saturated debris flows may be affected by the low hydrostatic pressure due to unsaturation of the flow. Bagnold number, Savage number, and friction number indicated that frictional force dominated in the partly saturated debris flows. Excess pore water pressure was observed in the lower part of partly saturated surges. The excess pore water pressure may have been generated by the contraction of interstitial water and have been maintained due to low hydraulic diffusivity in debris flows. The pore water pressure at the channel bed of fully saturated flow was generally similar to the hydrostatic pressure of clean water, while some saturated surges portrayed higher pore water pressure than the hydrostatic pressure. The travel distance of debris flows, investigated by the structure-from-motion technique using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV-SfM) and the monitoring of time-lapse cameras, was long during a rainfall event with high intensity even though the pore water pressure in the flow was not significantly high. We conclude that the excess pore water pressure is present in many debris flow surges and an important mechanism in debris flow surge behaviors.
WRF (v4.0)–SUEWS (v2018c) coupled system: development, evaluation and application
Authors: Sun Ting , Omidvar Hamidreza , Li Zhenkun , Zhang Ning , Huang Wenjuan , Kotthaus Simone , Ward Helen C. , Luo Zhiwen , Grimmond Sue
Published: January 2024

Abstract. The process of coupling the Surface Urban Energy and Water Scheme (SUEWS) into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is presented, including pre-processing of model parameters to represent spatial variability in surface characteristics. Fluxes and mixed-layer height observations in the southern UK are used to evaluate a 2-week period in each season. Mean absolute errors, based on all periods, are smaller in residential Swindon than central London for turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes (QH, QE) with greater skill on clear-sky days on both sites (for incoming and outgoing short- and long-wave radiation, QH and QE). Clear-sky seasonality is seen in the model performance: there is better absolute skill for QH and QE in autumn and winter, when there is a higher frequency of clear-sky days, than in spring and summer. As the WRF-modelled incoming short-wave radiation has large errors, we apply a bulk transmissivity derived from local observations to reduce the incoming short-wave radiation input to the land surface scheme – this could correspond to increased presence of aerosols in cities. We use the coupled WRF–SUEWS system to investigate impacts of the anthropogenic heat flux emissions on boundary layer dynamics by comparing areas with contrasting human activities (central–commercial and residential areas) in Greater London – larger anthropogenic heat emissions not only elevate the mixed-layer heights but also lead to a warmer and drier near-surface atmosphere.
Whelping prediction using foetal heart rate variations and umbilical artery resistivity index in late gestation
Authors: Thomas Rinu , Jayakumar C. , Paul K. Magnus , Aravind Amritha , Gleeja V.L.
Published: January 2024

The present study aimed to compare foetal heart rate (FHR) variations and umbilical artery resistivity index (RI) in late gestation for whelping prediction. Six pregnant bitches with at least three foetuses were selected for the study and the FHR variations and umbilical RI were evaluated in the last three days, ie., -3d (72-48h), -2d (48-24h) and -1d (24-12h) before whelping. The mean FHR decreased and the gradient between maximum and minimum heart rate increased as whelping approached. The physiological oscillations in FHR were inconsistent in the dogs studied and only evident in a few foetuses during 72-48h before whelping and occurred in the majority of foetuses at 24-12h before whelping. The FHR variation progressively increased and the mean umbilical artery RI decreased as gestation advanced. 50 per cent of dogs showed an umbilical RI value less than 0.7 in all three foetuses during 24-12h before whelping. Even though both these parameters when used alone were not accurate enough for whelping prediction, the sonographic detection of the decrease in the umbilical artery RI and the increased FHR variations in the majority of foetus indicated the imminence of whelping.
Mast cells as prognostic indicator in spontaneous canine mammary carcinomas
Authors: Krithiga K. , Rajan Arathi , Varghese Geetu Rose , Neetha R. L. , Krishnan Neethu , Patra Dipyaman , Warrier Arathy V. , Srinivas Priya
Published: January 2024

Tumour micro-environment is essential to nourish the cancer stem cells (CSC) which are said to be the major cause to initiate recurrence/ metastasis. Though there are many players, mast cells are said to play a key role in tumour metastasis. A cohort of twenty canine mammary carcinomas (CMC) was analysed for the presence of intra-tumoral and peri-tumoral mast cells, corelating it with the progression of the disease and exploring the possibility of finding a prognostic indicator. The mast cell density in the recurrent and non-recurrent CMC cases was examined with toluidine-blue staining. It could be appreciated that there is a significant difference between the intra-tumoral mast cell count/density in malignant recurrent and non-recurrent carcinomas. However, such a difference could not be appreciated with the peri-tumoral tissues in both groups. The malignant recurrent carcinomas had less than 10 mast cells/ hpf, on an average from ten different fields, in the intra-tumoral tissues. Survival analysis carried out revealed that the CMC cases with less than 10 mast cells / hpf had a mean survival time of 24 months. This is the first report where the mast cells were studied for prognostic implications in CMC cases of Kerala. The potential role of these cells in the tumour micro-environment needs further investigation and may open avenues that lead to the identification of anti-oncogenic targets.
Quality of flavoured egg drink under refrigeration storage
Authors: Abhilash A.M. , Joseph Beena C. , Anitha P. , Sathu T. , Suja C.S.
Published: January 2024

The present study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life qualities of flavoured egg drinks bottled in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle and stored under refrigeration temperature(4±1°C). During storage study, samples were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, specific gravity, total solids, microbiological quality and sensory profiles at three days interval up to 15 days of storage period. Control had significantly (p<0.01) higher pH and lower titratable acidity compared to standardised flavoured egg drinks. The pH values of control and treatments increased up to the ninth day of storage and then declined whereas the mean titratable acidity values decreased from initial value up to ninth day and thereafter increased on 15th day of storage. Storage conditions had no noticeable effect on the total solid values and the control drink had significantly (p<0.01) higher total solids than the standardised flavoured egg drinks. There was no significant difference in specific gravity up to sixth day of storage among control and standardised flavoured egg drinks, thereafter from ninth to 15th day control had significantly (p<0.01) higher specific gravity than standardised flavoured egg drinks. There was significant (p<0.01) increase in total viable count throughout the storage period. Yeast and mould and psychrotrophic counts were not detected up to 15 days of storage. Standardised flavoured egg drink showed a higher acceptable sensory score than control throughout the storage period.
Effect of vacuum packaging on the physicochemical and shelf life attributes of herbal paneer spread
Authors: Snigdha P.S. , Singh Dinker , Rashmi K.G.
Published: January 2024

A study was conducted to assess the impact of vacuum packaging during storage for herbal paneer spread. Paneer spread incorporated with Aloevera and Tulsi extract (1% each) was packed and stored in normal and vacuum package (LDPE pouch) at refrigerated temperature (5±1ºc) and analysis were done at 5 days interval. The product was analysed for its Physicochemical studies and shelf-life attributes were examined during storage by microbial analysis like standard plate count and coliform count. The paneer spread with herbal extract stored in vacuum packaging have more functional properties and shelf-life than normal packaging. The efficiency of vacuum packaging is good by removing more moisture content than normal packaging therefore it increased the shelf life of the herbal paneer spread by 50% (approximately) as compared with normal packaging at refrigerated storage.
Molecular detection and seroprevalence of leptospirosis among aborted sows in Northern Kerala, India
Authors: Bismitha P.V , Bipin K.C. , Deepa P.M. , Vijayakumar K. , Chacko Leeba
Published: January 2024

Present study envisaged the molecular identification of pathogenic Leptospira spp. from cases of abortions, stillbirths and foetal mummifications in pigs and to confirm the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among pigs from organised and semi-organised farms of Northern Kerala. Whole blood (n=21) from aborted sows and tissue (n=32) samples from aborted foetus tested negative for presence of lipl32 gene of Leptospira by polymerase chain reaction. From the epidemiological data collected, the highest occurrence of swine abortion was found within the age group of one to two years (81.25%) in Large White Yorkshire (56.25%) and during December (40.62%). It is observed that majority of animals with reproductive disorders were housed indoors, housed individually and not fed with additional supplements and hotel wastes. All the sows were regularly dewormed and vaccinated. Haematological studies of aborted sows showed marked anaemia, leucocytosis, granulocytosis and monocytopaenia. Sera samples (n=34) collected from pigs with history of abortion were subjected to Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and it was observed that Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagia was the most prevalent serovar (32.35 per cent, followed by serovar Tarassovi (23.53 per cent), Pomona (14.71 per cent), Canicola (11.76 per cent), and Grippotyphosa (8.82 per cent). An overall seroprevalence of 52.94 per cent for Leptospirosis among pigs was observed.
Comparative production performance of three crossbreds of Aseel
Authors: Antony Sabitha , Joseph Leo , Anitha P.
Published: January 2024

An experiment was carried out to assess and compare the production performance of Aseel × Naked neck (ANN), Aseel × New Hampshire (ANH) and Aseel × Rhode Island Red (ARIR) crossbreds under farm conditions. Forty pullets from each crossbred were housed in identical pens and production performance was recorded for five periods (each 28 days) from 21 to 40 weeks of age. The mean body weight at 20 weeks of age was 1480.53 g in ANN, 1507.60 g in ANH and 1548.98 g in ARIR. The overall mean body weight at 40 weeks of age was 2322.17 g in ANN, 2285.27 g in ANH and 2205.43 g in ARIR. The mean body weights of ANN, ANH and ARIR were statistically similar in the three groups at 20 weeks and also at 40 weeks of age. The mean age at first egg was 172.2, 178.8 and 165.4 days in ANN, ANH and ARIR, respectively. The overall egg number on hen housed basis was 39.20, 35.55 and 43.50 in ANN, ANH and ARIR, respectively. The overall mean egg weight of ARIR was 49.10 ± 1.01 g which was statistically higher than the other two groups. The feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs from 25 to 40 weeks of age was 4.50, 6.39 and 4.29 in ANN, ANH and ARIR, respectively. The per cent livability in ANN, ANH and ARIR was 100 per cent from 21 to 40 weeks of age. The crossbred progenies of all the three crossbred groups were multicoloured. From the study it was concluded that all the three crossbred hens possess the characters suitable for backyard system of rearing.
Study on marketing pattern among the tribal livestock farmers of Wayanad district in Kerala
Authors: Alimudeen S. , Senthilkumar R. , Bashir Bimal P. , Chandy George , Mohan Subin K.
Published: January 2024

An ex post facto research was conducted among the tribal livestock farmers in Wayanad district of Kerala state to identify the marketing pattern existing among them. Official approval for conducting the study was obtained from the Directorate of Schedule Tribe Development Department as well as from The Integrated Tribal Development Project, Government of Kerala. Thirty tribal livestock farmers each from Vythiri, Sulthan Bathery and Manathavadi taluks were selected using random sampling method. A structured interview schedule was used as a tool to collect the information from the respondents. The result of the study inferred that all the farmers sold their milk to co-operative societies and more than one-half of the respondents did not prefer to sell the heifers. Male calves were sold through middlemen by two-thirds of the respondents. Nearly one-thirds of the respondents sold the manure directly whereas two-fifths of the respondents did not sell. None of the respondents sold the meat directly. In total, nearly two-thirds of the tribal goat farmers did not prefer selling the goats for breeding purpose, but the remaining one-thirds preferred the direct sale of goats for breeding purpose. In the live animal market of transacting goats for meat purpose, middlemen acted a very important role as it was evident in this study that nearly threefifths of the respondents utilised both direct channels as well as middlemen to sell their goats.
A report on occurrence of coccidial infection in sheep
Authors: Teja M. MuraliManohara Surya , Basavaraj V. , Srivishnu P.T. , Jaya N.L. , Mamatha G.S.
Published: January 2024

An investigation was carried out in a sheep farm from Bengaluru North region to identify the presence of coccidia species. In a total of 70 sheep, about twenty faecal samples were randomly collected from animals and subjected to faecal examination by concentration methods. All the 20 samples were found positive for oocysts. The oocysts were subjected for sporulation by invitro methods for identification of species respectively. Based on the morphometric studies it revealed five different Eimeria oocysts viz., Eimeriaarkhari (42x33.6 μm), E. ovina (25.65x33.6 μm), E. pallida (39.9x28.5 μm), E. parva (22.8x19.95 μm) and E. faurei (34.2x22.8 μm).
Management of canine glaucoma using a combination of dorzolamide and timolol
Authors: Raut Shubham W. , Venugopal Syam K. , Philip Laiju M. , Martin K. D. John , George Arun , Joy Greeshma
Published: January 2024

A study was conducted in twelve glaucomatous dogs to assess the efficacy of the combination of dorzolamide and timolol in the treatment of glaucoma in dogs. The study included twelve dogs with glaucoma of any age, breed, or gender. On the day of presentation, the 14th, 28th and 42nd days, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored with an applanation tonometer. For 42 days, all dogs received topical instillation of a combination of dorzolamide (2%) and timolol (0.5%) eye drops, one drop twice daily. In all the dogs, there was a shift in IOP towards the established normal level within two weeks of therapy. The study revealed that topical use of a combination of dorzolamide and timolol eye drops twice daily was successful in lowering IOP in dogs with glaucoma.
Inclusion Body Hepatitis in commercial broiler chickens of an organised poultry farm – A case study
Authors: Sruthi S. , Reddy M. R. , Kumar M. Asok , Udhayakumar C.
Published: January 2024

Adenoviruses cause a wide range of diseases among all avian species. Even though most of them cause mild disease, some are associated with specific clinical conditions. Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are the etiological agents of two important diseases; Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and Hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in poultry. Ten dead birds of 45 days old were brought for necropsy to the post-mortem facility available at the Division of Pathology, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar. The percentage of mortality was nearly 15 per cent and affected birds were dull, depressed with pallor of comb and ruffled feathers. On post-mortem examination, it was observed that the liver was swollen and yellow with fibrinous deposits over the surface. On microscopic examination, large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in hepatocytes which was suggestive of IBH. Diagnosis was further confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Semen quality characteristics of Aseel, Kadaknath and native chicken of Kerala
Authors: Akshay D. , Harikrishnan S. , Harshan Hiron M. , Anitha P. , Vineetha P.G.
Published: January 2024

The present study was conducted to compare the microscopic and macroscopic parameters of semen of three Indian indigenous chicken breeds viz. Aseel, Kadaknath and native chicken of Kerala. The semen volume in native chicken of Kerala was significantly higher compared to that of Aseel and Kadaknath roosters. Significantly (p<0.05) higher appearance score was observed in native chicken of Kerala and Kadaknath roosters compared to that of Aseel roosters. The pH of semen was found slightly alkaline in all the three breeds. Most of the semen samples were white in colour. Most of the semen samples were thick in Kadaknath roosters, thick and medium thick in native chicken of Kerala and thick, medium thick and watery in Aseel roosters. The major contaminants of semen observed were faeces, blood and uric acid crystals. Significantly (p<0.01) higher mass activity score and initial progressive motility was measured in native chicken of Kerala compared to Aseel roosters and the values of Kadaknath roosters were comparable to both. There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and sperm abnormality among three indigenous breeds. The sperm viability percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher in native chicken of Kerala compared to Aseel and Kadaknath roosters. The characteristics of fresh semen samples collected from all the three breeds revealed that all three were fit for artificial insemination.
Clinical lameness in postpartum lactating dairy cattle: a prevalence study
Authors: Abhiram M. J. , Philip Laiju M. , Varghese Reji , Mathew Jith John , Martin K. D. John
Published: January 2024

A study was carried out to identify the prevalence of clinical lameness and associated claw affections in dairy cows using claw health indicators, claw dimensions and locomotion scoring. Hundred postpartum lactating dairy cattle reared under similar managemental conditions were subjected to body weight estimation, body condition scoring (BCS), evaluation of claw health indicators, claw dimension measurement and lameness scoring. Animals with higher score on claw health indicators and locomotion score were subjected to functional hoof trimming. A prevalence of 20 per cent clinical lameness was observed in the present study. Significantly increased claw length and reduced heel height were observed in dairy cows with higher locomotion score while body weight, body condition score and claw health indicators had no significant relationship with locomotion score on statistical analysis. Sole ulcers and white line lesion were identified as the major sole lesions causing clinical lameness in postpartum lactating dairy cattle.