bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Polysulfone Membranes Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Alasfar Reema H. , Kochkodan Viktor , Ahzi Said , Barth Nicolas , Koç Muammer
Published: August 2022

The mechanical properties of polymeric membranes are very important in water treatment applications. In this study, polysulfone (PSF) membranes with different loadings of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared via the phase inversion method. CNF was characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pore morphology, mechanical properties, membrane performance and hydrophilicity of pure PSF membranes and PSF/CNF membranes were investigated. The changes in membrane pore structure with the addition of different CNF contents were observed using SEM images. It was shown that the calculated membrane pore sizes correlate with the membrane water fluxes. The pure water flux (PWF) of fabricated membranes increased with the addition of CNFs into the PSF matrix. It was shown that the optimal CNF loading of 0.3 wt.% CNF improved both the elastic modulus and yield stress of the PSF/CNF membranes by 34% and 32%, respectively (corresponds to values of 234.5 MPa and 5.03 MPa, respectively). This result indicates a strong interfacial interaction between the PSF matrix and the reinforced nanofibers. The calculated compaction factor (CF) showed that the membrane resistance to compaction could be improved with CNF reinforcement. Compared to pure PSF membrane, the hydrophilicity was significantly enhanced with the incorporation of 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.% and 0.3 wt.% CNF, as shown by the water contact angle (WCA) results. It can be concluded that CNFs are homogeneously dispersed within the PSF matrix at CNF loading less than 0.5 wt.%.
Interactive Effects of Copper-Doped Urological Implants with Tissue in the Urinary Tract for the Inhibition of Cell Adhesion and Encrustation in the Animal Model Rat
Authors: Kram Wolfgang , Rebl Henrike , de la Cruz Julia E. , Haag Antonia , Renner Jürgen , Epting Thomas , Springer Armin , Soria Federico , Wienecke Marion , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: August 2022

The insertion of a ureteral stent provides acute care by restoring urine flow and alleviating urinary retention or dysfunction. The problems of encrustation, bacterial colonization and biofilm formation become increasingly important when ureteral stents are left in place for a longer period of time. One way to reduce encrustation and bacterial adherence is to modify the stent surface with a diamond-like carbon coating, in combination with copper doping. The biocompatibilities of the Elastollan® base material and the a-C:H/Cu-mulitilayer coating were tested in synthetic urine. The copper content in bladder tissue was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and in blood and in urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Encrustations on the materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A therapeutic window for copper ions of 0.5–1.0 mM was determined to kill bacteria without affecting human urothelial cells. In the rat animal model, it was found that copper release did not reach toxic concentrations in the affecting tissue of the urinary tract or in the blood. The encrustation behavior of the surfaces showed that the roughness of the amorphous carbon layer with the copper doping is probably the causal factor for the higher encrustation.
The Effect of the Co−Blending Process on the Sensing Characteristics of Conductive Chloroprene Rubber/Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Fan Zhengming , Guo Rongxin , Yang Zhongyan , Yang Yang , Liu Xingyao
Published: August 2022

Three different blending procedures were used to create multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-modified chloroprene rubber (CR)/natural rubber (NR) blended composites (MWCNT/CR–NR). The effects of the blending process on the morphology of the conductive network and interfacial contacts were researched, as well as the resistance–strain response behavior of the composites and the mechanism of composite sensitivity change under different processes. The results show that MWCNT/CR–NR composites have a wide strain range (ε = 300%) and high dynamic resistance–strain response repeatability. Different blending procedures have different effects on the morphology of the conductive network and the interfacial interactions of the composites. If the blending procedures have wider conductive phase spacing and stronger interfacial contacts, the change in the conductive path and tunneling distance occurs more rapidly, and the material has a higher resistance–strain response sensitivity.
Mindfulness in the Context of Engaged Buddhism: A Case for Engaged Mindfulness
Authors: Somers Brian D.
Published: August 2022

This article investigates mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in a clinical setting and considers the benefits of socially engaged mindfulness practices. The main aim is to consider the relationship between MBIs, especially as a clinical practice (including disengagement from negative ruminations and difficult emotions) and Buddhist mindfulness as a practice of social engagement for systemic change. While MBIs and engaged Buddhism both aspire to ease suffering for individuals and societies alike, they differ as the former emphasizes psychological treatment of the individual and the latter includes a call to action for more widespread change in the political, economic, and social arenas. At the center of this article is an inquiry into mindfulness practice in relation to engagement, disengagement, and re-engagement with objects of the internal and external world and what that means for the practitioner as well as society at large. It will be concluded that the amendment of mindfulness-based practices with lovingkindness and compassion-based practices shifts the emphasis from the clinical treatment of an individual patient toward a more holistic approach that includes the wellness of all beings. This shift is desirable and necessary as it considers a broader set of causes of psychological suffering and helps to reconcile the divide between disengaged cognitive practice and social engagement.
A Two-Stage Approach for Damage Diagnosis of Structures Based on a Fully Distributed Strain Mode under Multigain Feedback Control
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Dong Kaizhi , Fang Ziwei , Liu Yang
Published: August 2022

The application of distributed fiber sensing technology in civil engineering has been developed to obtain more accurate and reliable information for structural health monitoring (SHM). With this sensing technique, high-density strain data are provided to benefit the stability and robustness in a closed-loop damage detection method which has not yet been investigated. To address this concern, a two-stage approach for structural damage detection combining a modal strain energy-based index (MSEBI) method with a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. In this study, the fully distributed strain measurement is taken advantage of, and a strain-based, closed-loop system with multiple gains aggregated for damage sensitivity enhancement is established, by which high-precision damage location and quantification can be realized through the proposed two-stage method. For the first step, the closed-loop strain mode shapes are used to construct the MSEBI for damage localization. For the second step, we adopt the PSO algorithm to train the parameters (weights and biases) of the neural network in order to reduce the difference between the real and expected outputs and then use the trained network for quantifying the damage extent. Furthermore, validation is completed by contemplating a two-span, bridge-like structure.
Regional Innovation Performances in Turkey
Authors: Özen Berna Sezen , Baycan Tüzin
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to provide a temporal dynamic analysis of transitions of the regions in Turkey from one state of innovative performance to another by using successive Markov Chains. Regarding the intellectual assets, consisting of the patent, utility model, trademark and design applications, Markov Chains have revealed that there are regional disparities (between i. regions located in the east and west of the country, ii. metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions, iii. high-developed and relatively less-developed regions). Results show that metropolitan regions have higher performances. Innovation leaders which take place in all indicators and time periods in terms of applications are Adana, Ankara, Bursa, Eskişehir, İstanbul, İzmir, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya and Manisa regions. It is explicitly distinct that İstanbul leads in the innovation performances for each variable in all time periods. In contrast, regions with the lowest innovation performances are Ağrı, Artvin, Bingöl, Bitlis, Erzincan, Hakkari, Kars, Muş, Siirt, Tunceli, Bayburt, Bartın, Ardahan, Iğdır and Kilis. In addition to having the lowest innovation performances, these regions are identified by state policies as ‘priority regions in development’ or ‘state of emergency regions’.
Spatial-Temporal Changes of Carbon Source/Sink in Terrestrial Vegetation Ecosystem and Response to Meteorological Factors in Yangtze River Delta Region (China)
Authors: Zou Chen , Li Hu , Chen Donghua , Fan Jingwei , Liu Zhihong , Xu Xuelian , Li Jiani , Wang Zuo
Published: August 2022

As an important part and the core link of a terrestrial ecosystem, terrestrial vegetation is the main means for human to regulate climate and mitigate the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration. The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region is an urban agglomeration with the strongest comprehensive strength among developing countries (China). In the context of global climate change, a rapid, comprehensive, and detailed understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics and variation tendency of the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of vegetation and its response to climate during the rapid development of the YRD region is important for protecting ecological land, strengthening land management, and optimizing urban planning. The monthly mean temperature and rainfall data from 63 meteorological stations, the MODIS net primary productivity product, and a land cover product in the YRD region were used to estimate the NEP from 2000 to 2019 based on the soil respiration model, and the correlation between NEP and meteorological factors (such as temperature and rainfall) was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2019, the carbon sink area was much larger than the carbon source area in terrestrial vegetation in the Yangtze River Delta, the mean NEP of the vegetation ecosystem in the past 20 years was 253.2 g C·m−2·a−1, and the spatial distribution presented a trend that was higher in the south and lower in the north, higher in the east and lower in the west, and that gradually increased from northwest to southeast; moreover, the NEP of mountain areas was generally higher than that of river courses and urban surroundings. The interannual fluctuation of NEP was small, but presented a slightly increasing trend, and the interannual variation of NEP was significantly correlated with the maximum NEP in this region. (2) The carbon sink capacity of different vegetation cover types was (from strong to weak): forestlands > grasslands > wetlands ≈ croplands. (3) The area with the NEP change rate (θslope) > 0 accounted for 69.0%; however, there was certain spatial difference, the proportions of the areas with θslope < 0 were (from large to small) 14.50% (Zhejiang Province, China), 9.10% (Anhui Province, China), 6.65% (Jiangsu Province, China), and 0.79% (Shanghai, China). In terms of the individual changes of these provinces and municipalities, Shanghai > Zhejiang Province > Jiangsu Province ≈ Anhui Province. (4) There was a correlation between NEP and the annual mean temperature and annual precipitation in some regions.
A Multitemporal and Multilevel Land Surface Temperature Regional Attribute Change Analysis in Henan, China, Using MODIS Imagery
Authors: Zhao Zongze , Sun Bingke , Cheng Gang , Wang Cheng , Yang Na , Wang Hongtao , Tang Xiaojie
Published: August 2022

Temperature is an important aspect of land–atmosphere studies and plays a key role in urban environmental change. With the continuous development of satellite remote sensing sensors, remote sensing technology has become an important means of obtaining large-scale land surface temperature (LST) data. LST can be calculated from the thermal infrared band data of remote sensing images to analyze changes in temperature and determine its relationship with the surface type. In this study, a multitemporal multilevel (MTML) method for analyzing remotely sensed LST data is presented that analyzes attribute changes and correlations of remotely sensed LST data in different periods and at different temperature levels. First, the LST data were obtained under the same climatic conditions at different times, and the influence of climatic conditions on the LST data was excluded. Threshold superposition analysis was then performed on the temperature data to generate temperature-connected regions of different levels, and a tree structure was constructed. Each node in the tree structure represented a connected region. Finally, the attribute information of different connected regions at different levels was calculated, and the attribute changes and correlations between different times and levels were analyzed. In this study, five MODIS LST datasets from 15 May 2006, 1 May 2010, 7 May 2014, 29 April 2017, and 8 May 2021 in Henan Province of China were obtained, and MTML analysis was carried out. The experimental results showed that a negative correlation exists between temperature and the vegetation index, while a positive correlation exists between temperature and the built-up index. However, with an increase in the temperature level, the correlation between temperature and the surface feature type index decreased. In addition, there were more concentrated high-temperature areas in the northern, central, and western regions of Henan Province and lower temperatures in the eastern and southern regions.
Analysis of Changes in Innovative Management of Global Insurers in the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Eras
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Cho Keun Tae
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the changes in the innovative management of global insurers in the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras. The keywords of the CEO messages included in the sustainability reports and annual reports of 91 global insurers were used to perform network analysis based on text mining. Specifically, (1) words related to innovation as emphasized in the CEO message of global insurers were extracted, (2) keywords related to innovation in the past three years, of 2018–2020, were compared, and (3) the characteristics of innovative management were analyzed based on the connotations in these words and their structural interpretation. The results showed that the keywords emphasized by the CEOs varied each year; “market” in 2018, “risk” and “value” in 2019, and “people” in 2020. Furthermore, mapping the open innovation success factors based on the keywords extracted according to eigenvector centrality showed that the key factors exhibiting the highest centrality represented the process in 2018, the provision of resources in 2019, and governance in 2020, indicating changes in innovative management. The significance of this study lies in suggesting a directionality of change in post-COVID-19 innovative management for stakeholders, clients, and employees of global insurers.
Effects of Dietary Lanthanum Chloride on Growth Performance, Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Juvenile Clarias gariepinus Catfish Fed Diets Amended with Mixtures of Aflatoxin B1 and Fumonisin B1
Authors: Adeyemo Bolade Thomas , Enefe Ndidi Gloria , Kayode Tanimomo Babatunde , Ezekwesili Augustina , Olabode Olatunde Hamza , Zakariya Audu , Oladele Gbenga Michael , Abalaka Samson Eneojo , Nafarnda Wesley Daniel , Alawa Clement Barikuma Innocent
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary lanthanum chloride on the growth and health performance of juvenile Clarias gariepinus when fed diets experimentally contaminated with mixtures of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1. A control diet, (mycotoxin free, diet A), mycotoxin contaminated (diet B), and two mycotoxin-contaminated diets amended with lanthanum chloride (200 mg/kg, diet C; and 400 mg/kg, diet D), were fed to 450 fish divided equally into five groups (each with three replicates) for 56 days. The fish were randomly sampled at the time points: day 7, 28 and day 56 for the zootechnical, hematological and serum biochemical evaluations. The fish fed the diets amended with lanthanum chloride exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) better performance indices compared with the fish fed only the mycotoxin-contaminated diet. Lanthanum chloride elicited significant (p < 0.05) increases in erythrocytes and leucocytes count and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase activities, urea and uric acid concentrations in the fish fed the diets contaminated with mixtures of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1. The study indicates that juvenile Clarias gariepinus may be beneficially cultured with mycotoxin-contaminated grains amended with 200 to 400 mg/kg lanthanum chloride.
A Comparative Analysis of Statistical Models and Mathematics in Reverse Osmosis Evaluation Processes as a Search Path to Achieve Better Efficiency
Authors: Villena-Martínez Esteban Manuel , Alvizuri-Tintaya Paola Andrea , Lora-Garcia Jaime , Torregrosa-López Juan Ignacio , Lo-Iacono-Ferreira Vanesa Gladys
Published: August 2022

An effective alternative for water purification is reverse osmosis (RO). Laboratory-scale RO modeling is widely applied worldwide, and allows the evaluation of the behavior of the system to find the most convenient operating variables to be applied in future industrial scale-ups. Statistical models provide a wide range of information that allows a statistical prediction of the operation of the plant, and allows us to obtain efficiency indices in its development; these are useful in the planning, operation and monitoring process in RO plants. The mathematical models describe the physical behavior of the membrane and allow the identification of optimal operating conditions, taking into account economic aspects, guaranteeing a greater implementation of RO technology in developing countries which have problems with water contaminated with toxic heavy metals. The present work shows a review of different statistical and mathematical models, and the suitability of these in the analysis of RO in the separation of heavy metals in drinking water that can be applied in countries with serious environmental problems. Bolivia and several river basins, such as the Guadalquivir and Milluni, present this type of problem. A comparative method is proposed to establish the advantages and selection criteria to apply the different models in RO.
Failure Analysis and Treatments of Tunnel Entrance Collapse Due to Sustained Rainfall: A Case Study
Authors: Chen Long-Long , Wang Zhi-Feng , Wang Ya-Qiong
Published: August 2022

Rainfall is a crucial issue affecting the entrance slope stability of mountain tunnels, as it decreases the shearing strength of soil and reduces the stability of tunnel entrance. This paper presents a case history of the collapse failure of a tunnel entrance in Yunnan Province under rainfall conditions, in which the failure mechanism and potential factors and treatment measures were discussed by field investigation, theoretical analysis, and in-situ monitoring. The analysis results show that the decrease of soil shear strength was mainly attributed to the decline of matric suction value of soil caused by the increase of soil water content. The decrease of the soil shear strength reduced the sliding resistance of the entrance slope and then triggered the collapse. Based on the results, three treatment measures to prevent a secondary tunnel entrance collapse due to rainfall are adopted, including anti-slide pile, grouting, and slope reinforcement. Combined with the field monitoring data, the effects of treatment measures were investigated. Lessons in this case study facilitate prevention and treatment of tunnel entrance constructions under rainfall conditions.
MinION Nanopore Sequencing Accelerates Progress towards Ubiquitous Genetics in Water Research
Authors: Werner David , Acharya Kishor , Blackburn Adrian , Zan Rixia , Plaimart Jidapa , Allen Ben , Mgana Shaaban Mrisho , Sabai Shadrack Mwita , Halla Franella Francos , Massawa Said Maneno , Haile Alemseged Tamiru , Hiruy Andualem Mekonnen , Mohammed Jemila , Vinitnantharat Soydoa , Thongsamer Thunchanok , Pantha Kalyan , Mota Filho Cesar Rossas , Lopes Bruna Coelho
Published: August 2022

In 2014, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) introduced an affordable and portable sequencer called MinION. We reviewed emerging applications in water research and assessed progress made with this platform towards ubiquitous genetics. With >99% savings in upfront costs as compared to conventional platforms, the MinION put sequencing capacity into the hands of many researchers and enabled novel applications with diverse remits, including in countries without universal access to safe water and sanitation. However, to realize the MinION’s fabled portability, all the auxiliary equipment items for biomass concentration, genetic material extraction, cleanup, quantification, and sequencing library preparation also need to be lightweight and affordable. Only a few studies demonstrated fully portable workflows by using the MinION onboard a diving vessel, an oceanographic research ship, and at sewage treatment works. Lower nanopore sequencing read accuracy as compared to alternative platforms currently hinders MinION applications beyond research, and inclusion of positive and negative controls should become standard practice. ONT’s EPI2ME platform is a major step towards user-friendly bioinformatics. However, no consensus has yet emerged regarding the most appropriate bioinformatic pipeline, which hinders intercomparison of study results. Processing, storing, and interpreting large data sets remains a major challenge for ubiquitous genetics and democratizing sequencing applications.
The Treatment Effect of Chemical Coagulation Process in South African Brewery Wastewater: Comparison of Polyamine and Aluminum-Chlorohydrate coagulants
Authors: Shabangu Khaya Pearlman , Bakare Babatunde Femi , Bwapwa Joseph Kapuku
Published: August 2022

An evaluation of a laboratory scale chemical coagulation using aluminium chlorohydrate (1%) and polyamine (1%) coagulants on its effectiveness in the removal of bulk inert pollutant contents such as particulate chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity to obtain clean effluent discharge and most cost-effectively treated effluent using a jar test was conducted in this current study. This study aimed to find the viable inert removal coagulant between the two above-mentioned coagulants in order to achieve zero liquid effluent discharge (ZLED). The preliminary results showed that adding variable dosages of polyamine and 50% aluminium chlorohydrate combined coagulants dosages presented an improved particulate chemical oxygen demand, color, and turbidity removal efficiencies. The ascertained turbidity removal efficiency using the combined coagulation dosage of polyamine–aluminium chlorohydrate (PAC) treatment was 90.50% and 59.36% particulate chemcial oxygen demand removal, as comparable to polyamine alone with particulate chemical oxygen demand removal of 50% and turbidity of 75%. Likewise, an appreciable removal efficacy was observed as the aluminium chlorohydrate treatment alone was for particulate chemical oxygen demand and turbidity was 37% and 54%, respectively. In essence, this study emphasized the knowledge gap of the significant effect of the polymeric polyamine flocculant strength in adopting the combined coagulation dosage method to improve its coagulation efficiency and the high agglomeration on suspended solids, thereby, removing more of the unwanted inert contents from brewery wastewater. To determine zero liquid effluent discharge, this study clearly recommended an integrated treatment approach, microbial fuel cell integrated with a lab scale chemical coagulation technique for efficient non-biodegradable pollutant removal.
A Systematic Review on the Existing Research, Practices, and Prospects Regarding Urban Green Infrastructure for Thermal Comfort in a High-Density Urban Context
Authors: Wai Cheuk Yin , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Muttil Nitin
Published: August 2022

Urban green infrastructures (UGI) have been suggested as a natural solution to tackle the problem of human thermal comfort as well as to reduce energy consumption in buildings under the pressures of rapid urbanization and global warming. However, the acceptance of UGI to mitigate the urban heat effect is not yet universal. The development of such an infrastructure is also not consistent across the regions, emphasizing the different objective parameters and methodologies. A systematic review has been conducted to analyze the published research work on UGI, targeting thermal comfort, in the past decade to identify the trends of UGI development around the world. The result shows that most of the studied locations were situated around the Mediterranean Sea region in a temperate climate, and most of the studied cities are within countries with a high gross domestic product, large urban area and urban population, primary energy consumption, and high greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions. Extensive green roofs are the most popular type of UGI and mostly use Sedum plants. In the published studies, experimental setups are the most common methods by which to collect data. EnergyPlus is the most popular software used to conduct energy analysis for buildings, whereas ENVI-met is more commonly used for microclimate analysis. These results indicated that the direction of UGI studies is driven by climate characteristics and the socioeconomic factors of geographical location, which favor low construction cost and maintenance needs, with a minimal irrigation requirement for small-scale UGI projects. Understanding the trend of UGI approaches for thermal comfort allows researchers to standardize practices that help the decision-making process for future researchers while recognizing the limitations and potential of current UGI practices. It is recommended that future studies should include arid and equatorial climate regions, with more focus on large-scale projects including high-rise building environments to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of UGIs.
Remote Sensing Estimation of Long-Term Total Suspended Matter Concentration from Landsat across Lake Qinghai
Authors: Li Weibang , Yang Qian , Ma Yue , Yang Ying , Song Kaishan , Zhang Juan , Wen Zhidan , Liu Ge
Published: August 2022

Total suspended matter (TSM) is one of the most widely used water quality parameters, which can influence the light transmission process, planktonic algae, and ecological health. A comprehensive field expedition aiming at water quality assessment was conducted for Lake Qinghai in September 2019. The in-situ measurements were used to support the calibration and validation of TSM concentration using Landsat images. A regional empirical model was established using the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance of Landsat image data at the red band with a wavelength range of 640–670 nm. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean relative error (MRE), and root mean square error (RMSE) of the TSM estimation model were 0.81, 17.91%, and 0.61 mg/L, respectively. The model was further applied to 87 images during the periods from 1986 to 2020. A significant correlation was found between TSM concentration and daily wind speed (r = 0.74, p < 0.01, n = 87), which revealed the dominance of wind speed on TSM concentration. In addition, hydrological changes also had a significant influence on TSM variations of lake estuaries.
Climate Change over the Mediterranean Region: Local Temperature and Precipitation Variations at Five Pilot Sites
Authors: Todaro Valeria , D’Oria Marco , Secci Daniele , Zanini Andrea , Tanda Maria Giovanna
Published: August 2022

The Mediterranean region is one of the most responsive areas to climate change and was identified as a major “hot-spot” based on global climate change analyses. This study provides insight into local climate changes in the Mediterranean region under the scope of the InTheMED project, which is part of the PRIMA programme. Precipitation and temperature were analyzed in an historical period and until the end of this century for five pilot sites, located between the two shores of the Mediterranean region. We used an ensemble of 17 Regional Climate Models, developed in the framework of the EURO-CORDEX initiative, under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Over the historical period, the temperature presents upward trends, which are statistically significant for some sites, while precipitation does not show significant tendencies. These trends will be maintained in the future as predicted by the climate models projections: all models indicate a progressive and robust warming in all study areas and moderate change in total annual precipitation, but some seasonal variations are identified. Future changes in droughts events over the Mediterranean region were studied considering the maximum duration of the heat waves, their peak temperature, and the number of consecutive dry days. All pilot sites are expected to increase the maximum duration of heat waves and their peak temperature. Furthermore, the maximum number of consecutive dry days is expected to increase for most of the study areas.
Changes in Extreme Precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau and Its Surroundings: Trends, Patterns, and Relationship with Ocean Oscillation Factors
Authors: Hu Wenfeng , Chen Lingling , Shen Jianyun , Yao Junqiang , He Qing , Chen Jing
Published: August 2022

The Tibetan Plateau is among the region’s most sensitive areas to global climate change. The observation data from 113 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions in China for 1971–2017 were used to analyze the periodic oscillations and trends in precipitation and extreme precipitation on multiple time scales to ensemble empirical mode decomposition. The relationship between extreme precipitation and sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies was also explored. The results were as follows. (1) The timing of extreme-precipitation events in the highlands is consistent, with increased total precipitation and increased frequency, intensity, and extreme values of extreme precipitation. (2) Changes in temperature and precipitation are not completely synchronized. The total extreme precipitation, number of extreme-precipitation days, maximum single-day precipitation, and extreme single-day precipitation intensity all showed increases with fluctuations; the quasi-3-year oscillation contributes the most to the extreme precipitation. PRCPTOT is most strongly correlated with R10 and R95p. (3) The spatiotemporal patterns of the first and second empirical orthogonal function modes of the indices differed significantly and were not spatiotemporally uniform, but exhibited local clustering. (4) The Indian Ocean Warm Pool Strength and Western Pacific Warm Pool Strength indices were most highly correlated with each extreme-precipitation index, and the timings of the extreme-precipitation events lagged behind those of the SST anomalies. This study improves our understanding of extreme precipitation events in the context of climate warming and provides a basic analysis for the further assessment and prediction of extreme precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding ecologically fragile areas.
Laboratory Determination of the Impact of Incorporated Alkali Lignin-Based Hydrogel on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity
Authors: Adjuik Toby A. , Nokes Sue E. , Montross Michael D. , Walton Riley , Wendroth Ole
Published: August 2022

Superabsorbent polymers (hydrogels) have been studied for their ability to influence soil hydraulic conductivity because they can store and release water due to their swelling properties. However, concerns related to the increased use of synthetic hydrogels necessitates a switch to bio-based hydrogels, which are renewable and more biodegradable in comparison to synthetic hydrogels. In this study, we synthesized a lignin-based hydrogel and amended a silt loam soil with it at concentrations of 0, 0.1, and 0.3% (w/w). A laboratory permeameter, double membrane tension infiltrometer, and evaporation method were used to measure the saturated (Ks), near saturated, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K) of the samples, respectively. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly decreased by the application of hydrogel at 0.1 and 0.3% (w/w) in comparison to the control treatment. The application of 0.3% (w/w) lignin-based hydrogel only significantly decreased hydraulic conductivity at −1 cm soil water pressure head. Hydraulic conductivity in the 0.1 and 0.3% (w/w) treatments increased along the K(θ) curve in the unsaturated zone (−750 cm < h < −10 cm) in comparison to the control treatment, which we hypothesized was due to bound water in the hydrogel being released and creating a wider path for the movement of water. The 0.1 and 0.3% hydrogel treatments also tended to store more water than the control treatment, especially after 24 h of evaporation. The implication of this study is that lignin-based hydrogels could swell and retain water in saturated soils and the bound water could be released to enhance the flow of soil water in unsaturated soil, thereby reducing the water stress of plants, which require less energy to move and absorb water.
Prediction of Water-Blocking Capability of Water-Seepage-Resistance Strata Based on AHP-Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method—A Case Study
Authors: Ma Liqiang , Xu Yujun , Ngo Ichhuy , Wang Yangyang , Zhai Jiangtao , Hou Lixiao
Published: August 2022

Coal mining under the aquifer in Northwest China has brought a series of ecological problems, such as the decline of groundwater levels and the death of surface vegetation. The study of the impermeability of rock strata between coal seams and the overlying aquifers is of great significance to solve these problems and realize water-preserving coal mining (WPCM). Based on mining-induced overburden damage and permeability deterioration, the concept of the “three seepage zones” of overburden is proposed, namely the pipe flow zone, water seepage zone and nominal water-seepage-resistance zone (NWSRZ). Meanwhile, the concept of water-seepage-resistance strata (WSRS) is put forward from the aspects of initial permeability, structural strength, swelling and the stratigraphic structure of the overlying strata. AHP-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (AHPF) is employed to construct a model to evaluate the water-blocking capacity (WBC) of the WSRS. The model includes three secondary factors and nine tertiary indicators, and the weights and membership functions of the indicators are determined. Subsequently, the model is generalized and applied to the Yu-Shen mining area. The membership degrees are spatially visualized by means of thematic maps. The comprehensive evaluation values Φ of the WBCWSRS of 400 boreholes in the mining area under backfill mining, narrow strip mining, slice mining and longwall cave mining are calculated. Then, the Kriging method is employed to plot the zoning maps of Φ under four different mining methods. In view of different grades of WBCWSRS, three corresponding countermeasures, i.e., mining methods optimization, curtain grouting and underground reservoir construction, are put forward. The fluid–solid coupling embedded in FALC3D software is employed to establish a numerical calculation model to simulate the water table fluctuation of the underground aquifer under the four mining methods, and the reliability of the model is verified indirectly. In this paper, mathematical theory is combined with WPCM to develop an evaluation model of WBCWSRS, which provides a reference for the coordinated development of coal extraction and water resource preservation in arid and semi-arid mining areas.
The reaction of the international community to political events in Kyrgyz Republic
Authors:   National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zhorobekov Z. Z. , Aytiev S. A. ,   Bishkek Osh State University, Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Imanbayev S. K. ,   Kyrgyz National University named after Zh. Balasagyn, KyrKyrgyz Republic, Bishkek
Published: August 2022

This article analyzes the features of the socio-political conflict and its role in the development of the political regime as a way of functioning of the political system of society as a whole. Based on the analysis of the post-revolutionary period of the formation and development of the political system, many unresolved problems have been identified, in particular, ethno-nationalism, division of parties on a regional basis, growing unemployment, inflation, a constant rise in food prices, a weak, practically non-developing economy, problems that have been growing in recent years the security of the citizens of the country and the possible consequences of unresolved problems. At the same time, in a summary aspect, the results of socio-political conflicts in Kyrgyzstan in 2015–2010 are given.
Social services for elderly citizens: main directions
Authors:   Magnitogorsk State Technical University named after G.I. Nosov, Russia, Ispulova S. N.
Published: August 2022

The relevance of the problem of social services for the elderly lies in the fact that the population of developed countries is steadily aging, and the change in social status in old age, associated primarily with the restriction or termination of labor activity, revision of values and attitudes, changes in lifestyle and communication, causes certain difficulties. in social, domestic and psychological adaptation to new living conditions, which makes older people the most socially vulnerable category of the population and, in this regard, requires the development of special approaches, methods and forms of social work with older people.
Management pattens of post-crisis development of cross-border M&A strategies in the world economy (part 2)
Authors:   State University of Management, Moscow, Moga I. S. , Pasko A. V. ,   State University of Management, Moscow, Smagulova S. M. ,   State University of Management, Moscow, Kamara P. ,   State University of Management, Moscow
Published: August 2022

At the present stage of the crisis in the development of the economy, there is a modifi cation of the management strategies of the largest economic entities — transnational companies (TNCs), associated with the emergence of fundamentally new models of business development, ubiquitous digitalization processes and digital transformation. The purpose of the analysis in this article is assessment of the potential and management aspects of the development of cross-border mergers and acquisitions at the present stage. The methodological basis of the study is the modern provisions of the theory of transnationalization, as well as concepts covering the processes of internationalization (in particular, the "springboard theory"). In preparing the article, the method of systems analysis was used, as well as the analytical method, which made it possible to formulate the main scientific abstractions about the strategies of cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The empirical basis of the study is provided by statistics on global foreign direct investment (FDI) fl ows, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate strategies of some companies. The current crisis, as well as digitalization processes, infl uence the formation of new management patterns for the development of these corporate strategies. In the postpandemic phase of development, cross-border M&A strategies are becoming more customer-centric. At the same time, the key risk of developing eff ective strategies for managing cross-border mergers and acquisitions is the growth of protectionist sentiments on the part of states, which determine the uncertainty of scientific and practical approaches to the further organization of such transactions. It has been established that from the point of view of managerial consequences, managers of TNCs considering foreign mergers and acquisitions should take into account the stage of internationalization at which the TNC is located, as well as the nature of the change in institutional regulation in their country.
Foreign approaches to increasing the migration attractiveness of northern, sparsely populated and hard-to-reach territories
Authors:   Eastern Center for State Planning, Khabarovsk, Alekseenko A. P. , Lee E. L. ,   Eastern Center for State Planning, Khabarovsk
Published: August 2022

Development of the Arctic zone of Russia and the Far Eastern Federal District and attraction of population to these territories have the strategic importance significance. To achieve this goal, various state programs are being implemented at the federal and regional levels and support measures are being provided. However, despite this, there is a stable migration outfl ow of the population. In this regard, there is a need to study the experience of states with regions similar in their characteristics to the Russian Arctic zone and the Far East. This article aims to identify and summarize foreign approaches to increase the migration attractiveness of northern, sparsely populated and hard-to-reach territories. Based on the use of the comparative method, as well as methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, there were selected foreign regions for the study: Alaska, Nunavut, Yukon, the Northwest Territories of Canada, the Federal Northern Territory of Australia, the Norwegian province of Troms-og-Finnmark and the Swedish region of Norbotten. Among the main measures increasing migration attractiveness abroad are used: the use of tax deductions, increased transport accessibility and the implementation of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships, development of telemedicine, direct payments, educational loans, increased regional wages, tax benefi ts for legal entities that attract citizens from other regions to permanent residence. It is also concluded that the higher the population density, the fewer support measures are applied. The authors conclude that some foreign measures, with a number of exceptions, could be used for the development of Russian regions. At the same time, it is argued that impractical of foreign experience in making direct payments is not successful.
The Russian market of international money transfers and payment systems in March-April 2022
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of Russia (MGIMO University), Moscow, Umarov H. S.
Published: August 2022

The defi ning trend in the development of the global economy of the XXI century has become an increase in the intensity of money transfers. Today, international transfers are one of the dynamically developing segments of the fi nancial market, which determines the key trends in cooperation between countries. In about 30 countries of the world in 2014, transfers of citizens abroad (both in developed and developing countries) amounted to more than 10 % of gross domestic product (GDP) or were approaching this threshold. The subject of the author’s scientific interest was the mechanism of international money transfers from Russia abroad in the conditions of sanctions restrictions in 2022. Using the methods of observation and evaluation of expert opinions, the author analyzed the ways of money transfers by Russian banks and electronic payment systems. The material can be useful to fi nanciers, bankers, users who send transfers from and to Russia to relatives, employees, contractors. The author recognizes the need to promptly search for legal ways to implement international transfers for Russian users.
Forecasting the development of the domestic economy by the system of artificial intelligence, assessment of the risk and stability of the financial sector
Authors:   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Lomakin N. I. , Meshcheryakova Y. V. ,   Volgograd branch of Russian Economic University named after G.V. Plekhanov, Volgograd, Lukyanov G. I. ,   Volzhsky Polytechnic Institute (branch) VolgGTU, Volzhsky, Yakshin S. V. ,   Volzhsky Polytechnic Institute (branch) VolgGTU, Volzhsky, Shabanov N. T. ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Cabina V. V. ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Bodina Ya. I. ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Volgograd, Lomakin I. N. ,   Volzhsky Polytechnic Institute (branch) VolgGTU, Volzhsky
Published: August 2022

The article considers theoretical approaches to forecasting the development of the domestic economy and the stability of the fi nancial sector. The work uses an artificial intelligence system developed by the authors. The paper puts forward and proves the hypothesis that the use of the risk assessment of the financial sector calculated using the VaR model in the neural network AI system can be used to obtain the forecast value of the country’s GDP in order to provide support for managerial decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. Of great importance is the study of the theoretical foundations for increasing the stability of the Russian economy in modern conditions. The use of neural network models in GDP forecasting is an important tool for assessing and ensuring the sustainability of the Russian economy. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that an approach is proposed to fill the gap that concerns the problem of the lack of a reliable approach in assessing the risk of financial sector stability in order to ensure the sustainable development of the domestic economy. Get a correct forecast of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the face of market uncertainty. According to the VaR model, with a 99 % probability, the absolute value of the fi nancial risk of a reduction in the profits of the banking system of the Russian Federation may amount to 108.5 billion rubles in 2022, or 4.5226 %, and the amount of profi t may reach 2.3 trillion rubles. rub. The resulting neuroforecast of the value of GDP for 2022 is 79 023.4 billion rubles. 33.3 % higher than the 59 262.95 billion rubles, declared by experts, the total forecast value of GDP for 1Q. (28410) and 2 sq. (30853). To compare the accuracy of the forecast, it remains to wait until the actual values of GDP become known. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that in the course of the study the prerequisites for solving an important national economic problem were formed — forecasting the value of GDP and ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s economy.