bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Mechanics and Water Stability of High Liquid Limit Soil Stabilized by Compound Stabilizer: A Sustainable Construction Perspective
Authors: Wang You , Zhang Hongdong , Zhang Zhuangzhuang
Published: May 2021

Sustainable highway construction and operation are threatened by high-liquid-limit soil with low strength and poor water stability in Dongting Lake areas. In order to obtain a soil stabilizer that can effectively improve its strength and water stability, first the author selected inorganic materials (cement, quicklime and fly ash) and sulfonated oil (SO) as the main components of the composite soil stabilizer. Then, a series of single admixture tests were carried out to explore the strength and water stability mechanism of single admixture stabilized soil. Finally, a series of orthogonal experiments and cost analyses were carried out to obtain the formula of the composite stabilizer. According to the results of single doping, inorganic materials can significantly enhance the strength and stiffness of high-liquid-limit soil. The content of SO has a strong correlation with the water stability of high-liquid-limit soil. On a microscopic scale, X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy images explained this law. According to the orthogonal results, the formula of the composite soil stabilizer is: cement 4.5%, quicklime 1.5%, fly ash 2.5%, and SO 0.2%. This paper provides a method to improve high-liquid-limit soil, which is beneficial to sustainable construction and operation of the highway.
Assessment of Emission Reduction and Meteorological Change in PM2.5 and Transport Flux in Typical Cities Cluster during 2013–2017
Authors: Guan Panbo , Zhang Hanyu , Zhang Zhida , Chen Haoyuan , Bai Weichao , Yao Shiyin , Li Yang
Published: May 2021

Under the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) implemented, China has witnessed an air quality change during the past five years, yet the main influence factors remain relatively unexplored. Taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) and Yangtze River Delta (YRD) regions as typical cluster cities, the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) and Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extension (CAMx) were introduced to demonstrate the meteorological and emission contribution and PM2.5 flux distribution. The results showed that the PM2.5 concentration in BTH and YRD significantly declined with a descend ratio of −39.6% and −28.1%, respectively. For the meteorological contribution, those regions had a similar tendency with unfavorable conditions in 2013–2015 (contribution concentration 1.6–3.8 μg/m3 and 1.1–3.6 μg/m3) and favorable in 2016 (contribution concentration −1.5 μg/m3 and −0.2 μg/m3). Further, the absolute value of the net flux’s intensity was positively correlated with the degree of the favorable/unfavorable weather conditions. When it came to emission intensity, the total net inflow flux increased, and the outflow flux decreased significantly across the border with the emission increasing. In short: the aforementioned results confirmed the effectiveness of the regional joint emission control and provided scientific support for the proposed effective joint control measures.
Forage Species Identity Shapes Soil Biota in a Temperate Agroecosystem
Authors: Finney Denise M. , Garritano Samantha , Kenwood Matthew
Published: May 2021

Increasing plant diversity in the perennial phase of pasture-crop rotations is predicted to positively affect belowground productivity and microbial communities and, in turn, augment belowground agroecosystem services including soil health and carbon storage. Using two grass and one legume forage species grown as monocultures and combined in four intercropped combinations, we evaluated how species identity and richness influence belowground productivity, soil microbial communities, and soil C pools. Though grass-legume intercrops demonstrated higher aboveground productivity than component species grown in monoculture, higher species richness was not associated with increased productivity belowground. Root biomass was greatest in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) monoculture, and intercrops including this species. Species identity was similarly associated with soil microbial community attributes. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) monoculture exhibited lower total microbial abundance and lower bacterial abundance than grass-legume intercrops. Bacterial abundance was also lower in orchardgrass compared to white clover (Trifolium repens L.) monoculture. A common indictor of soil function, the fungal:bacterial ratio, was higher in grass-only than clover-only stands. The prevalence of species-specific impacts on roots and microbial communities in this study suggests that species identity may have a stronger influence than species richness on belowground agroecosystem services from perennial forages in temperate regions.
Data Exchange Processes for the Definition of Climate-Proof Design Strategies for the Adaptation to Heatwaves in the Urban Open Spaces of Dense Italian Cities
Authors: Bassolino Eduardo , D’Ambrosio Valeria , Sgobbo Alessandro
Published: May 2021

The growing awareness of the danger of extreme weather phenomena highlights the inadequacy of current cities and the increase in their level of vulnerability concerning the impacts resulting from climate change. The theme of design to combat climate impacts requires the development of knowledge and process models capable of managing the complexity of the information necessary to direct a climate-proof transformation of the urban systems. The research made it possible to develop a methodology based on the exchange of data between GIS-based ICT tools and for parametric design, to analyze the microclimatic and performance behavior of recurrent types of urban open spaces in Italian cities, characterized by different climatic conditions, through generic urban patterns, homogeneous in terms of building density and morphology. The goal achieved was to define the critical aspects of urban open spaces with the performance offered in response to the phenomenon of heatwaves, to verify and measure the performance effectiveness of climate-proof intervention categories, to transfer these results in the form of database, hazard maps, and potential levels of adaptation, and to define guidelines for the climate-oriented project. The transfer of the project data took place through a decision support webGIS platform (SDSS).
Geographical Indication Building Process for Sharr Cheese (Kosovo): “Inside Insights” on Sustainability
Authors: Bernard-Mongin Claire , Balouzat Jimmy , Chau Elise , Garnier Alice , Lequin Stéphanie , Lerin François , Veliji Ahmet
Published: May 2021

This article aims to contribute to the reflection on sustainability in the field of Geographical Indications (GI). GIs are instruments for organizing collective action that have great interpretative flexibility. They are mobilized by a set of qualifying actors of differing natures, with diverse and sometimes divergent interests. For this reason, we focus on how the dimension of sustainability emerges from a collective learning process. Based on the approaches developed by Organization Studies, this article describes and analyzes the process of creating a GI for Sharr Cheese, a Balkan seasonal sheep pastoral cheese highly typical of a mountain range in Kosovo * (this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence). The authors occupied an embedded research position in this learning process, from 2015 to 2019. The article describes boundary work carried out by the facilitators of collective action (brokers) within experimental spaces during the GI-building process. It analyzes how environmental accountability within the Sharr Cheese GI emerges from a strategic knowledge-brokering process and intensive institutional work.
Sustainable Energy-Related Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Subregion: Key Drivers and Policy Implications
Authors: Phoumin Han , Meas Sopheak , An Hatda Pich
Published: May 2021

Many players have supported infrastructure development in the Mekong Subregion, bridging the missing links in Southeast Asia. While the influx of energy-related infrastructure development investments to the region has improved the livelihoods of millions of people on the one hand, it has brought about a myriad of challenges to the wider region in guiding investments for quality infrastructure and for promoting a low-carbon economy, and energy access and affordability, on the other hand. Besides reviewing key regional initiatives for infrastructure investment and development, this paper examines energy demand and supply, and forecasts energy consumption in the subregion during 2017–2050 using energy modeling scenario analysis. The study found that to satisfy growing energy demand in the subregion, huge power generation infrastructure investment, estimated at around USD 190 billion–220 billion, is necessary between 2017 and 2050 and that such an investment will need to be guided by appropriate policy. We argue that without redesigning energy policy towards high-quality energy infrastructure, it is very likely that the increasing use of coal upon which the region greatly depends will lead to the widespread construction of coal-fired power plants, which could result in increased greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions.
Circular Cities: What Are the Benefits of Circular Development?
Authors: Williams Jo
Published: May 2021

If cities could become regenerative and adaptive urban ecosystems, in which resource loops were closed and waste was obsolete, their ecological footprint would diminish. In addition, urban resource security would increase, the health of urban populations would improve and urban greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced. These are the principle goals under-pinning the circular city. Circular cities emerge through the process of circular development. Circular development alters cities’ systems of provision to enable circular practices of inhabitants to develop. This manifests as circular food systems and construction, water and nutrient recycling; adaptive reuse of spaces and pop-up activities; bioremediation of contaminated sites and integration of blue-green infrastructure throughout cities. To transform our cities will require significant investment, political support and public engagement. If the benefits of adopting such an approach can be identified, this will begin to make the case for support. The research presented in this paper draws on an inductive and deductive content analysis of relevant literature and interviews with those implementing circular projects in European cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam and Stockholm). It provides a clear definition of the normative concept of circular development. It creates a framework of benefits which are likely to accrue from adopting this approach. It points to the synergistic benefits emerging from circular development. It also highlights problems around valuation of those benefits, the unintended consequences of circular development and the inequalities in accessing benefits across society.
Glacier, Plaza, and Garden: Ecological Collaboration and Didacticism in Three Canadian Landscapes
Authors: Hammond Cynthia Imogen
Published: May 2021

The emphasis in landscape studies on human agency and needs can obscure the complex relationships between non-human living things and their animate and inanimate contexts. Diverse authors have pointed out that this anthropocentric outlook is problematic, destructive, and neo-colonial. How might it be possible to approach a landscape, i.e., land itself, and all that lives on it, in a way that foregrounds the realities and risks of that site, without falling back on familiar humanistic and anthropocentric tropes? In this essay, I explore three recent artworks that each engage with a different landscape: Requiem for a Glacier by artist and composer Paul Walde (2013); the Urban Prairie designed by landscape architects Claude Cormier + Associés (2012); and The Boreal Poetry Garden by visual artist Marlene Creates (born 2005-). By analyzing these artists’ and designers’ creative strategies in relation to these landscapes, I delve into the question of ecological collaboration in each project, and explore the ways in which the non-human aspects of the landscape do, or do not, take centre stage. In so doing, this essay has a second aim: to explore the extent to which, in performing a didactic relationship with their sites, these three projects contribute to an activist and pedagogical ethos around climate change, habitat, and ecology.
Investigating the Suitability of a Heat Pump Water-Heater as a Method to Reduce Agricultural Emissions in Dairy Farms
Authors: Byrne Patrick S. , Carton James G. , Corcoran Brian
Published: May 2021

The performance of an air-source heat pump water-heater (ASHPWH) system manufactured by Kronoterm was benchmarked in this study for the application of dairy farming in Ireland. The COP of the system was calculated to be 2.27 under normal operating conditions. The device was able to supply water at 80 °C, however a full tank at this temperature was not achieved or deemed necessary for the dairy application. Litres per kWh was used as a performance metric for the device and the usable water per unit of energy for the system was found to be 397 L when using both electric heaters and 220 L when using just the top heater both in conjunction with the heat pump. The performance of the heat pump system in terms of its cost to run and efficiency was also compared with five other water heaters. The heat pump is seen to be very efficient, however due to the carbon intensity of the Irish grid electricity and high water temperatures required, the solar water heater with gas backup was found to be the best performing under energy efficiency and carbon emissions per litre of usable water. In conclusion, although the heat pump was not the best-performing system under these metrics, the cost and complexity of the solar-gas system may be a deterrent for dairy farmers and for this reason, the heat pump is considered a cost-effective, efficient and viable option for dairy farmers trying to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills.
Livestock and Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme Interactions as a Key Source for Sedimentation during the Irrigation Season: Four Case Studies from South-West Shoa, Ethiopia
Authors: Dessalegn Hanan Tadele , Bolding Alex , Fraiture Charlotte de , Ayana Mekonen
Published: May 2021

Small-scale irrigation (SSI) development can play a major role in Ethiopia’s economic development, but sedimentation is a major threat to its sustainability. The focus of the dominant discourse around the sedimentation of SSI schemes lies in upstream catchment protection during the rainy season, neglecting both protection against erosion through overland flow along the margins of the canal network and sedimentation caused by livestock disturbances. Remedies against the latter causes of sedimentation during the irrigation season have been ineffective due to erroneous assumptions regarding its cause. This study aimed to identify the sources and extent of sedimentation in SSI schemes. The accumulated sediment in the canal pre-irrigation season was measured from four SSI schemes and suspended sediment samples during irrigation season were collected from one SSI scheme. The accumulated sediment in the canal pre-irrigation season was measured from four SSI and suspended sediment samples during irrigation season were collected from one SSI scheme. The extent of sedimentation in the canals during the pre-irrigation season in relation to canal capacity was 100% of lined and unlined canals in abandoned, 68% in a lined, and 84% unlined canals in heavily sedimented and 38% in a lined and 46% of unlined canals lightly sedimented schemes. Livestock interactions with the SSI schemes were found to be the major sediment source before and during the irrigation, hence, attention should be given to integrating livestock as a part of the system.
Logic Gates Formed by Perturbations in an Asynchronous Game of Life
Authors: Ohzawa Yoshihiko , Gunji Yukio-Pegio
Published: May 2021

The game of life (GL), a type of two-dimensional cellular automaton, has been the subject of many studies because of its simple mechanism and complex behavior. In particular, the construction of logic circuits using the GL has helped to extend the concept of computation. Conventional logic circuits assume deterministic transitions due to the synchronicity of the classic GL. However, they are fragile to noise and cannot maintain the expected behavior in an environment with noise. In this study, a probabilistic logic gate model was constructed using perturbations in an asynchronous game of life (AGL). Since our asynchronous automaton had no heterogeneity in either the horizontal or vertical directions, it was symmetrical with respect to spatial structure. On the other hand, the construction of the logical gate was implemented to contain heterogeneity in the horizontal or vertical directions, which could allow an AND gate and an OR gate in a single system. It was based on the phase transition between connected and unconnected phases, which is newly discovered in this study. In the model, perturbations symmetrically entail operations successful and unsuccessful, and this symmetrical double action is given not to interfere with established operations but to make operations possible. Therefore, this model had a different meaning from logic gates that exclude perturbations or use them externally. The idea of this perturbation is analogous to the inherent noise that destroys and generates structures in biological swarms.
Cactus Graphs with Maximal Multiplicative Sum Zagreb Index
Authors: Xu Chunlei , Horoldagva Batmend , Buyantogtokh Lkhagva
Published: May 2021

A connected graph G is said to be a cactus if any two cycles have at most one vertex in common. The multiplicative sum Zagreb index of a graph G is the product of the sum of the degrees of adjacent vertices in G. In this paper, we introduce several graph transformations that are useful tools for the study of the extremal properties of the multiplicative sum Zagreb index. Using these transformations and symmetric structural representations of some cactus graphs, we determine the graphs having maximal multiplicative sum Zagreb index for cactus graphs with the prescribed number of pendant vertices (cut edges). Furthermore, the graphs with maximal multiplicative sum Zagreb index are characterized among all cactus graphs of the given order.
Comparison of System-Level Design Approaches on Different Types of Digitally-Controlled Ring-Oscillator
Authors: Selvaraj Santthosh , Bayram Erkan , Nega Renato
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a comparative study between two different implementations of digitally-controlled-oscillators (DCOs), whcih is the DAC-based and the digital controller-based DCO in TSMC 65 nm CMOS technology. This paper focuses on ring-oscillator architectures due to their high stability against PVT. The DAC-based oscillator implements a differential architecture, and the digital controller-based architecture operates in a single-ended signal. The SFDR of the DAC-based DCO is 77.2 dBc and controller-based DCO is 56.8 dBc at 125 MHz offset. The Monte-Carlo simulation gives a deviation of 7.4% and 8.5% for the DAC-based and controller-based DCO, respectively. The phase noise performance of the DAC-based DCO and controller-based DCO is −78.9 dBc/Hz and −81.3 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset, respectively. The implementations are given and compared according to their performance based on post-layout simulation results.
Split vs. Single Bolus CT Urography: Comparison of Scan Time, Image Quality and Radiation Dose
Authors: Morrison Nicole , Bryden Sherrie , Costa Andreu F.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the scan time, image quality and radiation dose of CT urograms (CTU) using a split vs. single bolus contrast media injection technique. A total of 241 consecutive CTUs performed between August 2019-February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. There were three study groups: Group 1, <50 years old, 50/80 cc split-bolus administered at 0 and 700 s post initiation of injection, with combined nephrographic and excretory phases; group 2, ≥50 years old, same split-bolus protocol; and group 3, ≥50 years old, 130 cc single bolus injection, with nephrographic and excretory phases acquired at 100 s and 460 s post injection initiation. The recorded data elements were scan time, number of excretory phases, imaging quality based on opacification of the urinary collecting system (<50%, 50–75%, 75–100%), and dose-length product (DLP). Associations between group and categorical variables were assessed (Chi-square); mean scan time and DLP were compared (one-way ANOVA). Following analysis, proportionally fewer CTUs required a repeat excretory phase in group 3 (32/112, 28.6%) than in groups 1 (25/48, 52.1%) and 2 (37/80, 46.3%) (p = 0.006). Mean scan time was significantly lower in group 3 (678 s) than in groups 1 (1046 s) and 2 (978 s) (p < 0.0001). There was no association between groups and image quality (p = 0.13). DLP was higher in group 3 (1422 ± 837 mGy·cm) than in groups 1 (1041 ± 531 mGy·cm) and 2 (1137 ± 646 mGy·cm) (p = 0.003). In conclusion, single bolus CTU resulted in significantly fewer repeat phases and faster scan time at the expense of a slightly higher radiation dose.
Optimization and Clinical Evaluation of a Multi-Target Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Samples
Authors: Roumani Foteini , Azinheiro Sarah , Sousa Hugo , Sousa Ana , Timóteo Mafalda , Varandas Tatiana , Fonseca-Silva Daniela , Baldaque Inês , Carvalho Joana , Prado Marta , Garrido-Maestu Alejandro
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, which has spread worldwide, affecting more than 200 countries, infecting over 140 million people in one year. The gold standard to identify infected people is RT-qPCR, which is highly sensitive, but needs specialized equipment and trained personnel. The demand for these reagents has caused shortages in certain countries. Isothermal nucleic acid techniques, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have emerged as an alternative or as a complement to RT-qPCR. In this study, we developed and evaluated a multi-target RT-LAMP for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The method was evaluated against an RT-qPCR in 152 clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples. The results obtained indicated that both assays presented a “good concordance” (Cohen’s k of 0.69), the RT-LAMP was highly specific (99%) but had lower sensitivity compared to the gold standard (63.3%). The calculated low sensitivity was associated with samples with very low viral load (RT-qPCR Cq values higher than 35) which may be associated with non-infectious individuals. If an internal Cq threshold below 35 was set, the sensitivity and Cohen’s k increased to 90.9% and 0.92, respectively. The interpretation of the Cohen’s k for this was “very good concordance”. The RT-LAMP is an attractive approach for frequent individual testing in decentralized setups.
Circovirus in Blood of a Febrile Horse with Hepatitis
Authors: Hui Alvin , Altan Eda , Slovis Nathan , Fletcher Caitlin , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric
Published: May 2021

Circoviruses infect vertebrates where they can result in a wide range of disease signs or in asymptomatic infections. Using viral metagenomics we analyzed a pool of five sera from four healthy and one sick horse. Sequences from parvovirus-H, equus anellovirus, and distantly related to mammalian circoviruses were recognized. PCR identified the circovirus reads as originating from a pregnant mare with fever and hepatitis. That horse’s serum was also positive by real time PCR for equine parvovirus H and negative for the flavivirus equine hepacivirus. The complete circular genome of equine circovirus 1 strain Charaf (EqCV1-Charaf) was completed using PCR and Sanger sequencing. EqCV1 replicase showed 73–74% identity to those of their closest relatives, pig circoviruses 1/2, and elk circovirus. The closest capsid proteins were from the same ungulate circoviruses with 62–63% identity. The overall nucleotide identity of 72% to its closest relative indicates that EqCV1 is a new species in the Circovirus genus, the first reported in genus Equus. Whether EqCV1 alone or in co-infections can result in disease and its prevalence in different equine populations will require further studies now facilitated using EqCV1′s genome sequence.
Detecting Groundwater Temperature Shifts of a Subsurface Urban Heat Island in SE Germany
Authors: Schweighofer Julian A. V. , Wehrl Michael , Baumgärtel Sebastian , Rohn Joachim
Published: May 2021

The subsurface beneath cities commonly shows a temperature anomaly, a so-called Subsurface Urban Heat Island (SUHI), due to anthropogenic heat input. This excess heat has multiple effects on groundwater and energy resources, such as groundwater chemistry or the efficiency of geothermal systems, which makes it necessary to investigate the temporal development of a SUHI. For this purpose, temperature profiles of 38 observation wells in the German city of Nuremberg were evaluated from 2015 to 2020 and the measured temperature changes were linked to the surface sealing. The results show that the groundwater temperatures changed between −0.02 K/a and +0.21 K/a, on average by +0.07 K/a during this period. A dependence between the temperature increase and the degree of sealing of the land surface was also observed. In areas with low surface sealing of up to 30% the warming amounts were 0.03 K/a on average, whereas in areas with high sealing of over 60% significantly higher temperature increases of 0.08 K/a on average were found. The results clearly emphasize that the subsurface urban heat island in its current state does not represent a completed process, but that more heat energy continues to enter the subsoil within the city than is the case with near-natural land surfaces.
Comparison of Transboundary Water Resources Allocation Models Based on Game Theory and Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Fu Jisi , Zhong Ping-An , Xu Bin , Zhu Feilin , Chen Juan , Li Jieyu
Published: May 2021

Transboundary water resources allocation is an effective measure to resolve water-related conflicts. Aiming at the problem of water conflicts, we constructed water resources allocation models based on game theory and multi-objective optimization, and revealed the differences between the two models. We compare the Pareto front solved by the AR-MOEA method and the NSGA-II method, and analyzed the difference between the Nash–Harsanyi Leader–Follower game model and the multi-objective optimization model. The Huaihe River basin was selected as a case study. The results show that: (1) The AR-MOEA method is better than the NSGA-II method in terms of the diversity metric (Δ); (2) the solution of the asymmetric Nash–Harsanyi Leader–Follower game model is a non-dominated solution, and the asymmetric game model can obtain the same water resources allocation scheme of the multi-objective optimal allocation model under a specific preference structure; (3) after the multi-objective optimization model obtains the Pareto front, it still needs to construct the preference information of the Pareto front for a second time to make the optimal solution of a multi-objective decision, while the game model can directly obtain the water resources allocation scheme at one time by participating in the negotiation. The results expand the solution method of water resources allocation models and provide support for rational water resources allocation.
Confusing Invader: Acanthocyclops americanus (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) and Its Biological, Anthropogenic and Climate-Dependent Mechanisms of Rapid Distribution in Eurasia
Authors: Alekseev Victor R.
Published: May 2021

Acanthocyclops americanus (Marsh, 1892), first described in Wisconsin (USA), was discovered shortly thereafter in Great Britain and then widely distributed in the Palearctic. Its current range includes Europe, North Africa, western and central Siberia with the largest number of findings along the migration tracks of aquatic birds. Until recently, the northern border was the 60th parallel, but in the last decade it has expanded further into the Arctic. The most rapid expansion of its range in Europe happened in the middle of the last century, which was partially hidden from scientists due to a taxonomic mistake caused by the merging of its name with the native Palearctic form Acanthocyclops robustus (Sars, 1863). This problem was solved only recently with the help of molecular genetic tools, allowing a return to the study of biological, anthropogenic and possible climate-dependent mechanisms of the successful rapid invasion of A. americanus into the Palearctic. This paper, along with a detailed description of the life cycle parameters, adaptive behavior of nauplii and population dynamics in Acanthocyclops americanus compared to those in two other native Acanthocyclops species (Acanthocyclops vernalis and A. robustus), provides a possible history of the biological invasion of A. americanus in the Palearctic. Special attention is paid to the climate-dependent mechanism of the expansion of its range into the north and far east of Asia. The introduction of the A.americanus into small lakes in Great Britain resulted in the dominance of this species in the summer plankton. In many high-trophic reservoirs in Belgium, France and Spain, as well as in newly built reservoirs in Europe, this species has become the only representative of crustacean zooplankton in the warm season. This has led to a significant transformation of the trophic webs of these reservoirs. The rapid dispersal of the invasive species, which was demonstrated by A. americanus in the last century, can make it difficult, and in some cases even impossible to study the historical reasons for the formation of the fauna of other invertebrates associated with such events including the movement of continents and the evolution of the Tethys Sea.
Complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Nozdryukhina Nataliya Vasil’evna , Kabayeva Ekaterina Nikolayevna , Kirilyuk Evgeny Vladimirovich , Tushova Kristina Andreevna , Chmutin Gennadiy Egorovich
Published: May 2021

Despite achievements of modern science and clinical practice, a frequency of complications including fatality are still at a high level in Coronavirus Disease. Data on a spectrum of complications of COVID-19 is permanently updated. In this article three cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome in patients with COVID-19 are analyzed. This syndrome itself is a very rare neurological pathology accompanied by frequent disability and the mortality of patients.
Determination of the prognosis of protracted non-psychotic mental diseases which are comorbid with thyroid pathology (adjustment disorder as the example)
Authors: Kupriyanova Irina Evgenievna , Karaush Irina Sergeevna , Dashieva Bairma Antonovna , Nikitina Valentina Borisovna
Published: May 2021

The possibility of predicting the progression of protracted adjustment disorder by determining a complex of clinical, psychological and laboratory indicators (free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) in blood serum) is considered in this article. The following methods have been used: clinical, psychological (determination of HADS alert level), laboratory (determination of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) concentration in blood serum). 24 patients with adjustment disorders and thyroid comorbidity were examined. The tested indicators were compared with those of the control group (n = 15). The authors conclude that the determination of the features regarded as predictors of protracted adjustment disorder will make it possible to correct the treatment and improve its efficiency.
Surgical treatment of bilateral temporal lobe pharmacoresistant epilepsy
Authors: Trifonov Igor Sergeevich , Sinkin Mikhail Vladimirovich , Grigoryeva Elena Vladimirovna , Navruzov Rashid Abdurakhmanovich
Published: May 2021

Surgical treatment of bilateral temporal lobe pharmacoresistant epilepsy is associated with some difficulties: particularly, the lack of stereotypical clinical picture in the same patient and controversial data on modern methods of diagnostics — all these statements make identifying epileptogenic zone more difficult and lack of clear criteria for the selection of patients for surgical treatment. In this review, issues of aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and criteria for the selection for surgical treatment suggested by different authors are presented.
Use of low-intensity laser therapy for the treatment of lumbosacral radiculoischemia
Authors: Andreev Vladislav Viktorovich , Barantsevich Evgeniy Robertovich , Sychev Aleksandr Ivanovich , Novikov Yuriy Olegovich
Published: May 2021

The development of programs for the treatment of spondylogenic radiculoischemia is an urgent problem. The most significant mechanism of pathogenesis is due to impaired arterial and venous blood supply to the cerebrospinal root. The uniqueness of the use of preformed physical factors in dorsalgia has been proved. Low-intensity laser therapy improves blood supply and microcirculation in the irradiation zone. Clinically, a significant decrease in the intensity of pain syndrome is observed, and restoration of the function of the spinal roots is noted. The study analyzed the results of the treatment of patients using laser therapy technologies and its effect on segmental spinal hemodynamics. The effectiveness of low-intensity percutaneous laser therapy is demonstrated. Clinical evidence indicates improved microcirculation in the corresponding cerebrospinal root.
Determination of factors affecting competitiveness through technical and economic analyses of dairy cattle enterprises in Balıkesir province
Authors: MAT Burak , CEVGER Yavuz
Published: May 2021

In this study, technical and economic analysis of dairy cattle enterprises in Balıkesir province were carried out. The factors which affect the competitiveness of enterprises and are important in terms of the continuity of production were determined. The stratified sampling method was used to determine the sample, and the study material was two-year (2017–2018) data obtained from 147 enterprises. In addition to the economic analysis of the data obtained, factors affecting unit profit in enterprises were estimated using the multiple linear regression model. The cost elements in total enterprises in Balıkesir province in 2017–2018 include feed expenses (47.90%-47.29%), livestock depreciation (16.64%-16.13%), labor expenses (13.84%-14.30%), veterinary health expenses (4.03%-4.50%), fuel transportation expenses (3.43%-4.15%), building equipment depreciation (3.37%-3.64%), and other expense items. A distinct difference was observed between scales in terms of profit and loss states of the enterprises in the study, with an increase in the profitability level from small toward large scale enterprise. The small-scale enterprises, in particular, are at a loss. The most important determinant of competitiveness in the study is the region’s development level, where the enterprises are established in the borders of Balıkesir province. Additionally, among the technical parameters, the calving interval and the reduction of the disease rate have a positive effect on the competitiveness of the enterprises. Therefore, improving the financial structure of the enterprises and boosting the rate of technology utilization while simultaneously increasing enterprise scales will contribute positively to competitiveness.
Conflictos socioambientales asociados al cambio en el metabolismo urbano: cantón Rumiñahui-Ecuador
Authors: Rodríguez Guerra Andrea , Espinel Ortíz Marcia
Published: May 2021

La parroquia periurbana de Sangolquí del cantón Rumiñahui-Ecuador, es un ejemplo de la transformación entre la ciudad y el campo. La migración de habitantes hacia las ciudades y viceversa, ha modificado el uso de la energía y los materiales disponibles. Las prácticas agrícolas y ganaderas se han transformado y han producidos conflictos socioambientales. La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar los cambios de flujos de materiales y energía; es decir, metabolismos rural, urbano e industrial del sector y su interacción. A través del análisis flujo/fondo de los usos del tiempo y la tierra, y métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos, se obtuvo una visión integral del metabolismo del sector. La interacción urbano/industrial con la zona periurbana, genera desplazamientos humanos, y acentúa la competencia por los recursos naturales entre metabolismos. Esto implica cambios en la cultura agrícola y una degradación ambiental que condiciona el uso de recursos como el agua y el suelo
An Ensemble-based Supervised Machine Learning Framework for Android Ransomware Detection
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Krishna Rama , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2021

With latest development in technology, the usage of smartphones to fulfill day-to-day requirements has been increased. The Android-based smartphones occupy the largest market share among other mobile operating systems. The hackers are continuously keeping an eye on Android-based smartphones by creating malicious apps housed with ransomware functionality for monetary purposes. Hackers lock the screen and/or encrypt the documents of the victim’s Android based smartphones after performing ransomware attacks. Thus, in this paper, a framework has been proposed in which we (1) utilize novel features of Android ransomware, (2) reduce the dimensionality of the features, (3) employ an ensemble learning model to detect Android ransomware, and (4) perform a comparative analysis to calculate the computational time required by machine learning models to detect Android ransomware. Our proposed framework can efficiently detect both locker and crypto ransomware. The experimental results reveal that the proposed framework detects Android ransomware by achieving an accuracy of 99.67% with Random Forest ensemble model. After reducing the dimensionality of the features with principal component analysis technique; the Logistic Regression model took least time to execute on the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Central Processing Unit (CPU) in 41 milliseconds and 50 milliseconds respectively
Avaliação termográfica de selas utilizadas em cavalos Quarto-de-Milha de Laço em dupla/ Thermographic evaluation of saddles used in Team Roping Quarter Horse
Authors: Silva Marco Augusto Giannoccaro da , Alencar Letícia Oliveira , Oliveira Thais Evelin Freitas de , Almeida Katyane de Sousa , Ribeiro Ana Paula Coelho
Published: May 2021

A dor lombar (lombalgia) é referida como a causa principal de queda de desempenho e de alterações no padrão de locomoção de equinos e representa, segundo Alves et al., (2007), cerca de 4,35% das afecções locomotoras, o que é considerado expressivo quando o montante de alterações que odem afetar o sistema locomotor é levado em consideração. Este processo álgico pode estar vinculado tanto ao mau ajuste da sela como ao posicionamento errôneo da mesma durante a montaria, sendo destacado como as mais frequentes causas de dorsopatias. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar por meio da termografia as selas utilizadas em cavalos Quarto-de-Milha de Laço em dupla em Araguaína-TO e a interação com o dorso dos animais. Para tal, realizou-se imagens termográficas de 13 selas e 18 cavalos durante treinos específicos para a modalidade. Para a avaliação utilizou-se a avaliação de três parâmetros: simetria da área de contato, interação com a linha média dorsal e área total de contato com a pele (25%, 50%, 75% ou 100%). Em 55,5% das selas avaliada notou-se assimetria da área de contato. A interação com a linha média dorsal foi observada em 100% dos animais. Todas as selas avaliadas (100%) tinham suadouros com área de contato maior que 50%, no entanto, este contato era desuniforme. Conclui-se que o exame termográfico é uma ferramenta útil na avaliação da interação sela x dorso e que existe alta frequência de desajustes nas selas utilizadas nos cavalos Quarto-de-Milha de Laço em Dupla da cidade de Araguaína-TO. E, que o ajuste (saddle fit) de sela ainda é frequentemente negligenciado e corrobora com o aparecimento de lesões que podem interromper temporária ou definitivamente a carreira atlética dos animais.
Quercetin action on pain modulation/ Ação da quercetina sobre a modulação da dor
Authors: Cordeiro Maria Elvira Ribeiro , Kerppers Flávio Klinpovous , Cunha Luiza Ferreira , Bragnholo Ketllin , Vasconcelos Luana Rodrigues , Hosni Andressa Panegalli , Kerppers Ivo Ilvan , Bini Ana Carolina Dorigoni , Moreira Felipe Figueiredo , Licoviski Pamela Taina , Suckow Patricia Pacheco Tyski , Julik Angela Dubiela
Published: May 2021

Background: Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in plant kingdom and target of studies in pharmacological area due to its potent antinociceptive effect compared to analgesics used in conventional therapies. The aim was to evaluate its antinociceptive activity and antinociception mechanism. Methods: For this, 40 Norvegicus Wistar rats were used, divided into 4 groups: Q50 (treated with quercetin 50 mg/Kg), Q100 (treated with quercetin 100 mg/Kg), Q500 (treated with quercetin 500 mg/Kg) and Positive control (PC) without quercetin treatment), who were submitted through the pain induction methods by tail immersion and formalin in the first step to assess antinociceptive action and in the second step, tail immersion method receiving antagonists from opioid, cholinergic and nitric oxide - L-arginine to evaluate the action mechanism. Results: Quercetin antinociceptive activity was verified at the dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg in tail immersion test after formalin injection, with better performance at the dose of 50 mg/kg. There were no statistically significant results in paw opening and capsaicin tests. Quercetin demonstrated a possible influence on opioid and cholinergic pathway, which was not observed on the nitric acid - L-arginine pathway in view of parameters tested. Conclusion: Quercetin performed the best antinociceptive activity at a dose 50 mg/kg and there was a possible influence on opioid and cholinergic pathways.
Social Connection and Knowledge Brokerage in a State Government Research Network in Australia
Authors: Goggin C. Louise , Cunningham Rebecca
Published: May 2021

The social dimensions of knowledge management are often overlooked when attempting to develop innovative approaches to preserve and balance the multiple values of protected natural landscapes. This oversight can hinder the incorporation of knowledge from research and experience, particularly tacit knowledge held by experts and experienced individuals. Building social connection between leaders, researchers and experienced staff within an organisation can address this challenge because it fosters knowledge incorporation and dissemination. However, this can be a slower, more costly and more challenging method of incorporating diverse knowledges. Organisations, particularly government organisations, need to demonstrate the value of building social connection and cohesion. Our work was designed to evaluate social connection and the development of deliberative knowledge networks. We tracked social connection during the formation of a research network within a state government organisation in Australia. The aim of the network was to improve the adoption of research knowledge into management of the alpine region in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of forming a research network, given it was a costly, time-consuming and challenging method for the organisation. SNA was used to visualise social connections and measure changes during the planning phase of the research network over 12 months, when scope of the alpine research program was being identified and priorities determined. The analysis revealed individuals in the network grew social connections over time (total ties, average degree and density increased) which is likely to lead to better knowledge sharing. The SNA also identified individuals with knowledge brokerage roles (betweenness scores) and those with the greatest reach and potential influence in the network (key players) who were targeted for future roles in the network. The majority of alpine information was sought from and shared with staff within the network, particularly those in two Groups/ Divisions, which may limit the innovation by the network. The results provided insight to the government research network that is invaluable in its transition from the planning phase to implementation of research priorities and adaptive management. Our approach provides evidence for the value of building social connections and knowledge brokerage to improve environmental outcomes.
Цифрова трансформація суспільства в умовах четвертої промислової революції
Authors: Sydorenko Svitlana
Published: May 2021

Актуальність обраної теми статті зумовлена глобалізаційними процесами у різних сферах суспільного буття, їх конвергенцією, появою та розповсюдженням Інтернету у світі, який сприяв якісно новому етапу розвитку світу – загальної цифровізації економіки, політики, державного і муніципального управління, фінансової сфери, освіти, культури, медицини та інших сфер життєдіяльності суспільства. «Цифрова трансформація» набула ознак четвертої промислової революції. Технічні інновації визначають темпи розвитку сучасного соціуму. Цивілізаційні зміни у сфері цифровізації такі революційні, глибинні, що світ не уявляється нам без Інтернету речей, роботизації, штучного інтелекту, створення великих даних, безпаперових технологій, 3D-друку, хмарного та туманного обчислення, безпілотних, мобільних, біометричних технологій тощо. Сучасні цивілізаційно-технологічні зміни формують певні особливості філогенетичного розвитку людини: по-перше, розвиток техніки спричиняє зміни у свідомості людини, «формується» «цифрова людина» – Homo digitalis, з іншим мисленням, світоглядом, доступом до знань у режимі реального часу, яка завдяки штучному інтелекту і робототехніки реалізує та вирішує значно складніші економічні, управлінські, освітні, естетичні, елітарні, творчі проєкти та задачі, змінюючи аксіологічні основи буття. По-друге, у цифровому бутті людина не лише отримує нові можливості для творчості, а й стикається із загрозами власного існування, зумовленими результатами її техніко-раціоналістичної діяльності, яка ігнорує буттєві основи людського роду та пропонує конструкції особливого світу людини – штучної віртуальної реальності, втрачається міжособистісне пізнання. У цифровому просторі людина є учасником усього того, що відбувається у технооб’єднаному та взаємопов'язаному світі, створеному глобалізаційними процесами. Аналіз наукової літератури дає підстави стверджувати, що різні найактуальніші аспекти глобалізації, її трансформації та ролі людини в ній відобразилися у наукових статтях та монографіях українських учених – В. Ляха, В. Воронкової, В. Лук'янець, О. Кравченко, Л. Озадовської, Р. Сам-чука, В. Пазенюка, К. Райди та ін., а також творів західних науковців, серед яких К. Шваб, К. Скіннер, Е. Гідденс, Д. Гелд, У. Мак-Грю, Д. Голдблатт, Д. Перратон, К. Робінсон, С. Грінгард, А. Прасад, М. Форд, К. Келлі, М. Фезерстоун, С. Леш, Р. Робертсон, Д. Стігліц, Ю. Н. Харарі та ін.