bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RainNet v1.0: a convolutional neural network for radar-based precipitation nowcasting
Authors: Ayzel Georgy , Scheffer Tobias , Heistermann Maik 
Published: June 2020

Abstract. In this study, we present RainNet, a deep convolutional neural network
for radar-based precipitation nowcasting. Its design was inspired by
the U-Net and SegNet families of deep learning models, which were
originally designed for binary segmentation tasks. RainNet was trained
to predict continuous precipitation intensities at a lead time of 5 min, using several years of quality-controlled weather radar
composites provided by the German Weather Service (DWD). That data set
covers Germany with a spatial domain of 900 km×900 km
and has a resolution of 1 km in space and 5 min in
time. Independent verification experiments were carried out on 11
summer precipitation events from 2016 to 2017. In order to achieve
a lead time of 1 h, a recursive approach was implemented by using
RainNet predictions at 5 min lead times as model inputs for
longer lead times. In the verification experiments, trivial Eulerian
persistence and a conventional model based on optical flow served as
benchmarks. The latter is available in the rainymotion
library and had previously been shown to outperform DWD's operational
nowcasting model for the same set of verification events. RainNet significantly outperforms the benchmark models at all lead
times up to 60 min for the routine verification metrics mean
absolute error (MAE) and the critical success index (CSI) at intensity
thresholds of 0.125, 1, and 5 mm h−1. However, rainymotion turned out to be superior in predicting the exceedance of higher
intensity thresholds (here 10 and 15 mm h−1). The limited
ability of RainNet to predict heavy rainfall intensities is an
undesirable property which we attribute to a high level of spatial
smoothing introduced by the model. At a lead time of 5 min, an
analysis of power spectral density confirmed a significant loss of
spectral power at length scales of 16 km and below. Obviously,
RainNet had learned an optimal level of smoothing to produce a nowcast
at 5 min lead time. In that sense, the loss of spectral power
at small scales is informative, too, as it reflects the limits of
predictability as a function of spatial scale. Beyond the lead time of
5 min, however, the increasing level of smoothing is a mere
artifact – an analogue to numerical diffusion – that is not
a property of RainNet itself but of its recursive application. In the
context of early warning, the smoothing is particularly unfavorable
since pronounced features of intense precipitation tend to get lost
over longer lead times. Hence, we propose several options to address
this issue in prospective research, including an adjustment of the
loss function for model training, model training for longer lead
times, and the prediction of threshold exceedance in terms of a binary
segmentation task. Furthermore, we suggest additional input data that
could help to better identify situations with imminent precipitation
dynamics. The model code, pretrained weights, and training data are
provided in open repositories as an input for such future studies.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 9 No. 2
Authors: Young Jenny 
Published: June 2020

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from February 1, 2020, to May 1, 2020. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Aristotulus Ernst Tungka, University of Sam Ratulangi Manado, IndonesiaChristiane do Nascimento Monte, Universidade Federal Fluminense, BrazilGiacomo Chiesa, Politecnico di Torino, ItalyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptKhalid Alahmadi, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi ArabiaMurat Eyvaz, Gebze Institute of Technology, Turkey
Emancipation Policy or Propaganda? The Position of Albanian Women under State Socialism
Authors: Luku Esilda , Luku Elvin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This article aims to analyze the status of Albanian women under state socialism, examining whether the struggle for women’s rights was the intention or only the political rhetoric of the Albanian centralized state apparatus. It investigates the institutionalization of feminist interests in state agencies from the top down and their impact on society. By analyzing the state-derived policies on women’s issues and the role of the Women’s Union of Albania, the study intends to contribute to the discourse with regard to the emancipation of the Albanian women under state socialism, focusing on the following issues: education, employment, political representation, and women’s legal status. Based on discourse analysis as well as critical content analysis of primary sources (e.g., official documents, congresses’ proceedings, legislation) and secondary sources (e.g., books, journal articles, newspapers), the article explores the participation of Albanian women in socialist state-building and how and to what extent it managed to transform their socioeconomic and political status in society and within the family.
Assessment of Integrated Child Development Services Scheme in Select Districts of Uttarakhand
Authors: Navuluri Kranthi Kumar Reddy , Kishore Surekha , Sinha Smita , Bahurupi Yogesh , Aggarwal Pradeep , Jain Bhavana 
Published: June 2020

Introduction: ICDS scheme was launched on October 2nd 1975 to address high infant mortality, malnourishment and poor learning outcomes. Since its inception was playing its role effectively, but still there were some shortcomings which were needed to be addressed. Uttarakhand was one among the states with poor health indicators with respect to child and mother, there is need to search for reasons effecting the implementation of programs intended for woman and child development. The present study aims to asses functioning of ICDS scheme in select Uttarakhand.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted selected areas of Uttarakhand state during October 2018 to June 2019, among 16 anganwadi centers from urban and rural areas of Dehradun and Haridwar districts. Results were expressed in percentages and proportions with 95% confidence interval. Relevant statistical tested applied wherever necessary.
Results: Functioning of ICDS scheme in Uttarakhand varied for different services provided under it. Supplementary nutrition service was uninterrupted but medicine kits and referral slips were not supplied to anganwadi centers at the time of study.
Conclusions: Study identified various insufficiencies regarding the functioning of ICDS scheme. There is a need to improve facilities at anganwadi centers for proper implementation of ICDS scheme.
Upperdogs Versus Underdogs
Authors: Bruijn Michelle , Vols Michel 
Published: June 2020

Upperdogs Versus Underdogs: Judicial Review of Administrative Drug-Related Closures in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, mayors are entitled to close public and non-public premises if drug-related activities are being conducted there. Using data from the case law of Dutch lower courts, published between 2008 and 2016, this article examines the relative success of different types of litigants, and the influence of case characteristics on drug-related closure cases. We build on Galanter’s framework of ‘repeat players’ and ‘one-shotters’, to argue that a mayor is the stronger party and is therefore more likely to win in court. We categorise mayors as ‘upperdogs’, and the opposing litigants as ‘underdogs’. Moreover, we distinguish stronger mayors from weaker ones, based on the population size of their municipality. Similarly, we distinguish the stronger underdogs from the weaker ones. Businesses and organisations are classified as stronger parties, relative to individuals, who are classified as weaker parties. In line with our hypothesis, we find that mayors win in the vast majority of cases. However, contrary to our presumptions, we find that mayors have a significantly lower chance of winning a case if they litigate against weak underdogs. When controlling for particular case characteristics, such as the type of drugs and invoked defences, our findings offer evidence that case characteristics are consequential for the resolution of drug-related closure cases in the Netherlands.
Applicability of Rome I Regulation in International Commercial Arbitration
Authors: Vlček Filip 
Published: June 2020

This contribution to the conference proceedings aims to describe the current views on the applicability of the Regulation on the law applicable to contractual obligations (Rome I Regulation) in international commercial arbitration. By means of literature review, the author introduces the arguments in favour and against its binding application before the arbitral tribunals. Furthermore, the author explains the consequences of its (non)application by an example of Czech law. Finally, the author draws attention to the difficulty of the proper application of EU law in arbitration on account of the Nordsee case.
Challenges for the Future Development of the European Private International Labour Law
Authors: Bulla Martin 
Published: June 2020

The paper addresses the evolution of the rules of the European private international labour law and identifies three key challenges that will shape the future development of this field of law and that will have to be addressed by the judiciary and/or the legislators. These challenges include: (i) the operation of the connecting factor engaging place of business, (ii) the interpretation of the escape clause and (iii) challenges resulting from the fourth industrial revolution and emergence of new working arrangements.
Améliorer l’attitude et l’intention de vaccination : le cas du rappel du vaccin Diphtérie-Tétanos-Poliomyélite (DTP)
Authors: Plichon Véronique , Maubisson Laurent , Saurel Hélène 
Published: June 2020

Entre 18 et 25 ans, les jeunes adultes doivent prendre pour la première fois la décision de se faire vacciner (rappel du vaccin DTP). Adoptant une démarche expérimentale, cette étude menée auprès de 303 jeunes adultes teste l’efficacité de 6 combinaisons de messages pro-vaccination DTP sur les changements d’attitude et d’intentions comportementales, en faisant varier le cadrage (gain vs. perte) et l’argument utilisé (se faire vacciner pour soi, pour les autres, ou pour respecter la loi). Les résultats montrent que selon l’option, la communication est soit peu performante, soit contreproductive, en diminuant l’intention de vaccination. Il ressort également que certains cadrages sont à l’origine d’une chaîne séquentielle de nature soit plutôt affective, soit plutôt cognitive. Finalement, l’option la plus efficace consiste à développer des messages à partir du cadrage gain / légal : « Se faire vacciner, c’est respecter la loi ».
Temporal Water Balance Analysis in Different Climatic Scenarios in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbode Timothy Oyebamiji , Ifabiyi Ifatokun Paul 
Published: June 2020

The study was conducted to examine water availability in different climatic scenarios in Oyo State. The data used comprised of rainfall and temperature records. The spans of the data used vary from one station to the other: 38-year data for Ibadan and 37-year for Ogbomoso stations, both collected from NIMET Office, Ilorin while 11-year also collected from the Office of Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) Headquarters at Shaki were available for Shaki Station. Evapotranspiration data for the three stations were empirically generated while water balance model was computed using MATLAB R2007a version in order to determine the respective water availability and the regression analysis was used to determine rainfall trends. The results showed that rainfall amounts vary from year to year and also increasing trends in the three stations over the period examined. It was also discovered that in all the periods investigated across the stations, Ibadan has 81.58%, Shaki, 81.81% and Ogbomoso, 56.80% as wet years indicating that there is abundant water resources in Oyo State. It is recommended that strategies be put in place to exploit excess rainwater for various purposes especially by increasing the capacity of water reservoirs and dams across the State for development of pipe borne water network and also, for irrigation farming during dry spells. Further investigation is recommended on water balance and its implications for agricultural practice in the study area.
Incidence of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) As Influenced by Sowing Date in Makurdi, Benue state of Nigeria.
Authors: Bwala Richard Isa , Ekhuemelo Chigoziri , Zacharia Dauda 
Published: June 2020

Leaf spots of groundnut caused by Cercospora spp is one of the major economic production constraint militating against groundnut production in Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi Nigeria to assess the effect of sowing dates on the incidence of Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut The 2 x 4 x 3 factorial (2 groundnut varieties/ 4 sowing dates/ 3 replications) experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results indicated no significant effect of Cercoscora leaf spot on the two varieties in 2011 but in Ex-Dakar recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher leaf spot incidence compared Borno-Red variety. Sowing groundnut seeds in 14th June to 29th June recorded significantly higher (P < 0.0) leaf spot disease incidence compared with sowing groundnut seeds in May. Ex-Dakar variety recorded higher leaf defoliation compared with Borno-Red variety in 2012 and 2012 seasons. Results indicated that Borno-Red had a significantly (P < 0. 05) higher 100 seed weight in 2011, while Ex-Dakar recorded higher 100 seed weight in 2012. The results has proved that early sowing of groundnut in May can be employed as alternative strategy for the management of leaf spot disease of groundnut in Makurdi, NigeriaKey word: Groundnut, disease incidence, sowing date, leaf defoliation, leaf spot.
Evaluation of heavy metals in agricultural soils from Katsina state Nigeria
Authors: Yaradua Aliyu Ibrahim , Alhassan Adamu Jibrin , Nasir Abdullahi , Matazu Kabir Ibrahim , Usman Aminu , Idi Aminu , Muhammad Usman Ibrahim , Kanadi Azik Musa 
Published: June 2020

This work contributes to the monitoring of Agricultural soil pollution in Katsina State, North western Nigeria by assessing the degree of heavy metal pollution in Agricultural soil samples. The study was conducted in the year 2017 within some catchment areas located within the 3 senatorial zones that constitute to make up the state (Katsina senatorial zone: Birchi, Dutsinma and Katsina; Daura senatorial zone: Daura, Ingawa and Zango; Funtua senatorial zone: Dabai, Funtua, Kafur, Malunfashi and Matazu). Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. . Several indices were used to assess the metal contamination levels in the Agricultural soil samples, namely; Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cd) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). The result of this study has shown that generally among the heavy metals evaluated, the highest concentration was observed for Fe (range: 20.195-38.347 ppm), followed by Zn (range: 0.528-1.134 ppm), Pb (range: 0.256-0.627 ppm), Mn (range: 0.261-0.572 ppm) and Cr (range: 0.093-0.344 ppm). While Cd has the lowest concentration (range: 0.022-0.043 ppm). For all the site sampled the heavy metal Ni was below detection level (BDL). From the results of heavy metals I-geo values, according to Muller’s classification, soil samples from Birchi, Daura, Dutsinma, Kafur and Zango were unpolluted (class 0) while soil samples from Dabai, Funtua, Ingawa, Katsina, Malunfashi and Matazu are moderately polluted (class 1). The result for the enrichment factor has shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Fe, which shows significant enrichment for all the sites sampled all the other heavy metals show deficiency to minimal enrichment. Also based on the contamination factors for all soil samples the heavy metal Fe has a CF values range of 1.2861-2.3240, indicating that the Agricultural soil samples are moderately contaminated with Fe. In contrast, the rest of the heavy metals exhibit low contamination in general. The value of PLI ranges from 0.2408 to 0.4935, indicating unpolluted to moderate pollution, with the sampling site for Katsina displaying the highest PLI value while the sampling site of Ingawa has the lowest PLI. The Eri values for all samples are all < 40, presenting low ecological risk. The results suggest that the Agricultural soils samples from Katsina state has low contamination by the heavy metals evaluated.Key words: Agricultural soils, Heavy metals, Katsina state, Pollution load index, Contamination factor.
Public awareness of zoonotic diseases and public health implications in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.
Authors: Bukie James , Okpotu Veronica , Olapade Peter 
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, Awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the Mad Dog disease, Bird Flu and Swain Flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: Monkey Pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area . It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards.Keywords: Makurdi metropolis, zoonotic diseases transmission, Awareness, domestic and wild animals.
Sustainability of Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) layers fed varying levels of Centrosema pubescent leaf meal.
Authors: Ahaotu Emmanuel , Amajioyi N , Okorie K C 
Published: June 2020

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of egg size on hatchability of Guinea fowl keets. Three different egg size groups (treatments): small (<39 g); medium (39 - 42 g) and large (>42 g)] were used in the experiment. Each treatment had three replicates of 10 eggs each. A complete randomized design was used for the experiment. Eggs were incubated with their sharp ends pointing downwards at 37.5 - 37.8oC and 60% relative humidity for 28 days. Thereafter, incubation parameters including hatchability (number of eggs that successfully hatched), dead in shells (DIS), clears, pips and keets with deformities evaluated. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) of SAS. Medium sized eggs had significantly (P<0.05) higher hatchability than small eggs. Also, medium sized eggs had lower pips. Egg size did not have effect on DIS, clears and deformities. The results of the present study showed that medium sized eggs (39 - 42 g) hatched best in comparison to both small and large categories. Keywords: Dead in shells, deformities, egg size, guinea fowl, hatchability, incubation
Irrigation management for Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10 Boro rice for optimum yield and water productivity under normal soil
Authors: Ali Md. Hossain 
Published: June 2020

Alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) has been reported to save water compared with continuous flooding (CF) in rice cultivation. However, the reported effects on yield varied greatly with soil type, cultivars, and detailed agrohydrological characterization is often lacking so that generalizations are difficult to make. This study quantified the impact of AWD on rice (Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10) yield, water productivity and irrigation water savings. The irrigation treatments comprised of: Normal farmer’s practice (continuous ponding, 3-5 cm) [T1]; alternate wetting (irrigation by 5 cm) and drying (AWD) for 3 days after disappearance of ponded water (DOPW) [T2]; AWD for 5 days after DOPW [T3]; and a combination [T4].The grain yields varied from 3.9 to 4.4 t ha–1 with no significant difference in yield attributes (except 1000 grain wt.), grain yields and straw yields between AWD and CF. The productivity of water in AWDs was about 6 - 40% higher than that of CF, and the water savings in AWDs compared to CF were 22 – 35%. Alternate wetting and drying for 5 days can save substantial amount of irrigation water without sacrificing yield. This practice can be adopted for cultivating those cultivars for sustainable irrigation management.Keywords: Boro rice, Water management, Water productivity, Alternate wetting and drying irrigation.
Physicochemical comsposition of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed under different storage temperature
Authors: Victoria Ailenokhuoria Bukola , Chukwuma Omena Emmanuel , Orimadegun Isaac Olawale 
Published: June 2020

Kenaf is an annual plant grown for its fibre which basically depend on the seed viability, for its maximum growth and production. The seed viability and vigor in turn depend on storage condition. There is insufficient information on physicochemical composition of kenaf seed in relation to seed viability. The present study was performed to know the physicochemical composition of the kenaf seed at different storage temperature in other to improve upon rapid loss of seed viability in kenaf. Four varieties of kenaf seed were obtained from I.A.R. & T seed unit. The seeds were stored at 00C (Unviable seed), 2.20C (Lower temperature), 350C (Ambient temperature), 280C (Cold room temperature which serve as control) for period of 8 months. Seed germination test and weight was performed before and after the experiment. Proximate analysis (Crude protein, Moisture, Carbohydrate, Ash, Crude fibre, Crude fat) and Phytochemicals (Total phenolics, Steroid and Total Flavonoids were also determined). The result shows that there is significant difference in all the parameters studied, for all the storage temperatures as compared with the control (280C) among the varieties except from ifeken 100 where the was no significant difference in Crude fibre and Ash content for seed under ambient temperature as compared with the control. However, the level of tolerance to different storage temperature among the varieties following the order Ifeken 400 >Tianung 2 > Cuba 108>Ifeken 100.Keywords: Kenaf, Storage, Seed germination, Seed weight, Temparature, Seed viability, Proximate, Flavonoid, Phenolics.