bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Soc in Calcic Chernozem in the Steppe Zone of Ukraine Using Brightness and Colour Indicators
Authors: Gorban Vadym , Huslystyi Artem , Espejo José Manuel Recio , Bilova Natalia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important component of any soil which determines many of its properties. Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the SOC content determination in soils by not using the conventional, time-consuming and expensive technique, but by using colour image processing of soil samples. In this case, even the camera of modern smartphones can be used as an image source, making this technique very convenient and practical. However, it is important to maintain certain standardised conditions (light intensity, light incidence angle, etc.) when capturing the images of soil samples. In our opinion, it is best to use a regular scanner for this purpose, with subsequent image processing by graphic programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). To increase the reliability of the colour information obtained in this way, it is desired (if possible) to use a spectrograph or a monochromator in the subsequent calculation of reflection or brightness ratios. It is these two approaches that we have implemented in our work. As a result of the experiment, the values of brightness ratios (at 480, 650 and 750 nm wavelengths and integral brightness ratio), colour indicators (the hue, saturation and value [HSV], red, green and blue [RGB], CIE L*a*b* and cyan, magenta, yellow and key [CMYK] systems) and SOC content in Calcic Chernozem samples of the steppe zone of Ukraine were obtained. Using correlation analysis of the dataset, the existence of direct (r = 0.88–0.90) and inverse close relationships (r = −0.75–0.90) between SOC, values of brightness ratios and colour indicators of the soil samples were established. This allows us to develop predictive models. Statistical analysis showed that the models were significant when they were based on the values of brightness ratios at 650 nm wavelength, integral brightness ratio, V indicator in HSV system, R, G and B indicators in RGB system, C, M and K indicators in CMYK system and L* and b* indicators in L*a*b* system. The subsequent calculation of variation coefficients showed that the largest variability was observed in SOC indicators (CV = 0.72) and slightly less variability in the K index of CMYK system and brightness ratio values at 650 nm wavelength (CV = 0.67 and 0.53, respectively). Based on this, we believe that the models y = 0.0188 + 0.0535*x (x is the value of the K index in CMYK system) and y = 5.0716 – 3.2255*log10(x) (x is the value of brightness ratio at 650 nm wavelength) were the most statistically significant and promising parameters for determining SOC content (y in these equations) in Calcic Chernozem samples of the steppe zone of Ukraine.
Current State of Coenopopulations of Some Rare Endemic Species in Navoi Region, Uzbekistan
Authors: Rakhimova Tashkhanim , Rakhimova Nodira , Sharipova Vasila , Beshko Natalya , Rizamat Hayitov 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The problem of preserving the biological diversity of the Earth is attracting increasing attention of the world scientific community. Rare plant species, as the most vulnerable part of the flora, are under the greatest threat of extinction. In the study of this group of plants, population methods are increasingly being used. Revealing the number, structure, efficiency of self-renewal and resistance of populations of rare plants in relation to anthropogenic influences creates the basis for developing effective measures for their protection. The aim of the study was to assess the current state of coenopopulations of some rare endemic species – Acantholimon nuratavicum Zakirov ex Lincz. (Plumbaginaceae), Cousinia pseudolanata Popov ex Tscherneva (Asteraceae), Lepidolopha nuratavica Krasch. (Asteraceae) included in the Red Book of Uzbekistan. The results showed that in the ecological–coenotic conditions of the Navoi region, the studied coenopopulations are normal and incomplete. Ontogenetic spectra of coenopopulations are centred and left sided, with a peak for middle-aged and young generative individuals, which is associated with the ecological conditions of habitation and anthropogenic pressure.
A Missed Opportunity? Transylvania as a Virtual Central Europe
Authors: Boka László 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe article focuses on the analysis of the ideas of Aladár Kuncz, a writer, literary critic and editor who defined Transylvanian Hungarian literature after 1918 in a European context. The concept of Transylvanism is discussed through the debates of the interwar period, and is situated within the context of Hungarian literary modernism. In the light of the Transylvanian literary ideas of the 1920s and 1930s, minority / regional literatures would have been directly related to a new concept of European and world literature beyond national literatures, along a line of thought that acknowledged the deterministic character of regionalism, and prioritized it also at the level of cultural memory, considering it to be primary over linguistic, national, and the changing geographical boundaries. These endeavours sought to revive an emphatic idea of Central Europe with its strict ideals of quality besides strong local, decentralized, yet transnational aspirations, while making them compatible with the preservation of linguistic and cultural ties with the three traditional Transylvanian nations. The article also discusses the reasons why, in the midst of the 1930s, facing political restrictions, the literary form of Transylvanism became outdated in the eye of the younger generations of the Hungarian community.
Components of Belonging in Two Finno-Ugric Minority Literatures
Authors: Molnár Bodrogi Enikő 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The topics of the present research are, in a larger sense, two multilingual and multicultural regions: the Tornio Valley in Northern Scandinavia and Transylvania in Eastern Europe. In a narrower sense, I am analysing two novels written in minority languages, a Transylvanian Hungarian novel written by Károly Molter, entitled Tibold Márton and a novel written in Meänkieli by Bengt Pohjanen, Jopparikuninkhaan poika (The Smuggler King’s Son). I attempt to answer two main research questions: 1. How is the belonging of the two main characters to a different language and ethnic group presented in the analysed Hungarian and Meänkieli novels? 2. How can the borders between “us” and “them” be constructed through inclusion and exclusion and how can they be crossed at the individual level? I will thus concentrate on some aspects of the narratives of inclusion and exclusion, as represented in the above-mentioned novels.
Difficulties in Reading Comprehension of Hungarian Primary School Students in Slovakia
Authors: Gergelyová Viktória , Vančo Ildikó 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Our study aimed to assess the level of reading comprehension, one of the cornerstones of education of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, and to answer the research question of what kind of deficits need to be addressed in the development of reading comprehension. The research was conducted with the participation of students from primary schools with Hungarian as the language of instruction in Slovakia. In our study, we shed light on the problems found in cognitive reasoning, accurate interpretation of information and complex reading comprehension. The extent to which the development of new cognitive schemata caused problems for the studied groups was also investigated. In several cases, the responses were not based on textual information, but only on the respondents’ existing schemas. The results also show that it was a problem for the learners to answer both the multiple-choice questions and the open-ended and explanatory questions.
Living on the both sides of an invisible border – the impacts of Covid-19 in the Tornio River Valley
Authors: Ruotsala Helena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In her article “Living on the both sides of an invisible border – the impacts of Covid-19 in the Tornio River Valley” Helena Ruotsala discusses what impacts the Covid-19 had in the cross-border region between Finland and Sweden. She uses concepts of transnationalism and multilocality when studying local everyday life. The area is divided by a national border, which has been invisible until March 2020, but when Covid-19 spread over the nations, Finland and Sweden, the border became visible and was marked by a riot fence. The effects of Covid-19 and closing the border from the point of view of local inhabitants are discussed in this article.
Geographical Distribution of the Traditional Dance Culture in Mezőség
Authors: Varga Sándor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The exact definition of the Mezőség/Câmpia Transilvaniei/Transylvanian Plain, hereafter Plain, as a region with an independent folk culture having a coherent internal structure is still a subject of debate among ethnographers. Some of them regard certain small regions (Borsa/Borșa Valley, Kis and Nagy Szamos/Someșul Mic și Someșul Mare etc.) as belonging to the Mezőség/Plain, while others do not. I distinguish a central group of the villages in the Mezőség/Plain region (Belső-Mezőség or Central Plain: e.g. Visa/Vișea, Magyarpalatka/Pălatca, Katona/Cătina, Pusztakamarás/Cămăraşu) from the rest of the territory, similarly to György Martin, István Pávai and László Barabás, relying on material culture and folklore research, as well as my own investigations. When advancing outward from this core area, the concentric circle of so-called peripheral areas follow (the West, North, East and South Plain/Mezőség), reaching the boundaries on the edges of the region: Nagy Szamos/Someșul Mare Valley, Lápos/Lăpuș Valley, Sajó/Șieu Valley, Maros/Mureş Valley, Marosszéki1 Mezőség/Mureș Seat Plain, Erdőalja/Sub Pădure area, Borsa/Borșa Valley, and Kis Szamos/Someșul Mic Valley. A further, smaller group of villages can be distinguished in the area of Belső-Mezőség/Central Plain by their dance and music culture; for the regular weekend dance events of these villages, organised by local youths in the 1960s, Roma musicians of Magyarpalatka/Pălatca would play the music. I assign the name Palatka dance district to this area in my paper.
Bandwidth and Common Mode Optimization for Current and Voltage Sources in Bioimpedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Menden Tobias , Matuszczyk Jascha , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Bioimpedance measurements use current or voltage sources to inject an excitation signal into the body. These sources require a high bandwidth, typically from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. Besides a low common mode, current limitation is necessary for patient safety. In this paper, we compare a symmetric enhanced Howland current source (EHCS) and a symmetric voltage source (VS) based on a non-inverting amplifier between 1 kHz and 1 MHz. A common mode reduction circuit has been implemented in both sources. The bandwidth of each source was optimized in simulations and achieved a stable output impedance over the whole frequency range. In laboratory measurements, the output impedance of the EHCS had its -3 dB point at 400 kHz. In contrast, the VS reached the +3 dB point at 600 kHz. On average over the observed frequency range, the active common mode compensation achieved a common mode rejection of -57.7 dB and -71.8 dB for the EHCS and VS, respectively. Our modifications to classical EHCS and VS circuits achieved a low common mode signal between 1 kHz and 1 MHz without the addition of complex circuitry, like general impedance converters. As a conclusion we found VSs to be superior to EHCSs for bioimpedance spectroscopy due to the higher bandwidth performance. However, this only applies if the injected current of the VS can be measured.
Same Degree of Intensification with Different Degrees of Sentential Projections
Authors: Xiong Jiajuan , Hsieh Feng-fan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In Chengdu Chinese, degree intensifiers for APs/VPs are attested to pair with three different types of sentence-final particles (SFPs), i.e., the FinP-level, the FocP-level and the ExclP-level SFPs, which function to complete a sentence, encode a focus and express exclamation. In our analysis, a degree intensifier projects a DegP, which pairs with one of the three sentential projections, viz., FinP, FocP and ExclP. This pairing is motivated by feature checking, as intensifiers contain the uninterpretable semantic features of [+Fin], [+Foc] or [+Excl], which need to be checked by sentential projections. Due to the inalienable sentential functions, intensifiers are barred from occurring in any kind of non-finite contexts. Furthermore, FinP and FocP are within the vP-domain, whereas ExclP is in the CP domain. Thus, ExclP-type intensifiers, unlike FinP-type and FocP-type intensifiers, defy relativization. This study of associating degree intensification with sentential functions not only explains the syntactic behaviors of Chengdu intensifiers but also sheds new light on the well-known Mandarin hen puzzle.
A comprehensive Monte Carlo study to design a novel multi-nanoparticle loaded nanocomposites for augmentation of attenuation coefficient in the energy range of diagnostic X-rays
Authors: Sayyadi Elahe , Mesbahi Asghar , Zamiri Reza Eghdam , Nejad Farshad Seyyed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the radiation protection properties of silicon-based composites doped with nano-sized Bi2O3, PbO, Sm2O3, Gd2O3, WO3, and IrO2 particles. Radiation shielding properties of Sm2O3 and IrO2 nanoparticles were investigated for the first time in the current study.

Material and methods: The MCNPX (2.7.0) Monte Carlo code was utilized to calculate the linear attenuation coefficients of single and multi-nano structured composites over the X-ray energy range of 10–140 keV. Homogenous distribution of spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 100 nm in a silicon rubber matrix was simulated. The narrow beam geometry was used to calculate the photon flux after attenuation by designed nanocomposites.

Results: Based on results obtained for single nanoparticle composites, three combinations of different nano-sized fillers Sm2O3+WO3+Bi2O3, Gd2O3+WO3+Bi2O3, and Sm2O3+WO3+PbO were selected, and their shielding properties were estimated. In the energy range of 20-60 keV Sm2O3 and Gd2O3 nanoparticles, in 70-100 keV energy range WO3 and for photons energy higher than 90 keV, PbO and Bi2O3 nanoparticles showed higher attenuation. Despite its higher density, IrO2 had lower attenuation compared to other nanocomposites. The results showed that the nanocomposite containing Sm2O3, WO3, and Bi2O3 nanoparticles provided better shielding among the studied samples.

Conclusions: All studied multi-nanoparticle nanocomposites provided optimum shielding properties and almost 8% higher attenuation relative to single nano-based composites over a wide range of photon energy used in diagnostic radiology. Application of these new composites is recommended in radiation protection. Further experimental studies are suggested to validate our findings.
Empirical method for modeling the percent depth dose curves of electron beam in radiation therapy
Authors: Chen Dong-Ji , Zhang Yan-Shan , Ye Yan-Cheng , Wu Jia-Ming 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction: This study presents an empirical method to model the electron beam percent depth dose curve (PDD) using the primary and tail functions in radiation therapy. The modeling parameters N and n can be used to derive the depth relative stopping power of the electron energy in radiation therapy.

Methods and Materials: The electrons PDD curves were modeled with the primary-tail function in this study. The primary function included exponential function and main parameters of N, µ while the tail function was composed by a sigmoid function with the main parameter of n. The PDD for five electron energies were modeled by the primary and tail function by adjusting the parameters of N, µ and n. The R50 and Rp can be derived from the modeled straight line of 80% to 20% region of PDD. The same electron energy with different cone sizes was also modeled with the primary-tail function. The stopping power for different electron energies at different depths can also be derived from the parameters of N, µ and n. Percent ionization depth curve can then be derived from the percent depth dose by dividing its depth relevant stopping power for comparing with the original water phantom measurement.

Results: The main parameters N, n increase, but µ decreases in primary-tail function when electron energy increased. The relationship of parameters n, N and LN(-µ) with electron energy are n = 31.667 E0 - 88, N = 0.9975 E0 - 2.8535, LN(-µ) = -0.1355 E0 - 6.0986, respectively. Stopping power of different electron energy can be derived from n and N with the equation: stopping power = (−0.042 ln N
E
0
+ 1.072)e(−n−E0·5·10−5+0.0381·d), where d is the depth in water. Percent depth dose was derived from the percent reading curve by multiplying the stopping power relevant to the depth in water at certain electron energy.

Conclusion: The PDD of electrons at different energies and field sizes can be modeled with an empirical model to deal with the stopping power calculation. The primary-tail equation provides a uncomplicated solution than a pencil beam or other numerical algorism for investigators to research the behavior of electron beam in radiation therapy.
Women’s health in times of COVID-19 pandemic. Do sex and gender matter?
Authors: Zembala-John Joanna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has negatively affected all spheres of life, leading to the deterioration of health and quality of life. Although it has affected both men and women, it has had an extraordinary impact on the latter, exposing and exacerbating the existing health inequalities among those groups.
There is increasing evidence that both sex and gender-related factors make women more prone to the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it is expected that the crisis caused by coronavirus will have long-term severe medical, social, and economic consequences in this population. This paper aimed to investigate the key factors contributing to the different outcomes of COVID-19 in men and women and present multi-dimensional effects of coronavirus pandemic from the perspective of women.
Sex and gender differences must not be ignored in analyzing the impact of COVID-19. Sex/gender-oriented approach should be implemented in all public health actions: from collecting sex-disaggregated data to designing tailored repair post-COVID policies.
Slaughter Results, Meat Chemical Composition and pH of Aberdinangus, Hereford and Limousin bulls
Authors: Muizniece Inga , Kairisa Daina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Beef production must combine the interests of both producers and consumers, taking into account the sustainable use of environmental resources. The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the slaughter results, meet chemical composition and pH value of three beef breeds – Aberdinangus (AA), Hereford (HF) and Limousin (LI) bulls. The bulls were fattened on Latvian and Lithuanian farms, mainly using grass forage.
The breed and age of bulls before slaughter significantly affected all slaughter results, except for fat class. From the meat chemical composition traits, the bull breed and age before slaughter had a significant effect only on the protein content. LI bulls showed the highest carcass weight 301.1±6.8 kg (p<0.05), dressing percentage 58.2±1.1% (p<0.05) and conformation score 3.56±0.18 points. The best fattened carcasses were obtained from AA bulls - 2.43±0.20 points. Muscle samples of musculus longissimus (M. longissimus) bulls of LI breed showed higher content of moisture (72.0±1.0%), protein (23.0±0.2%), ash (1.1±0.0%) and cholesterol (56.7±6.6 mg 100 g−1). AA breed bulls showed higher total fat (6.6±1.2%) and iron content (13.1±0.6 mg). The highest pH was observed in the meat obtained from AA bulls – 6.0±0.1, LI and HF breed bulls showed pH 5.8±0.0 and 5.8±0.1 respectively. Correlation analysis showed a significant, strong positive correlation between cold carcass weight and dressing percentage for AA and LI bulls, r=0.90 and r=0.88, respectively. For LI breed bulls, a strong positive correlation was also found between the cold carcass weight and the conformation score (r=0.98, p<0.01).
Creating a Regulatory Framework for the ESG-investment in the Multimodal Transportation Development
Authors: Datsii Oleksandr , Levchenko Nataliia , Shyshkanova Ganna , Platonov Oleg , Abuselidze George 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The work states that the strategic guideline for building an effective competitive national transport system and prosperous using Ukrainian multimodal potential is the formation of a regulatory environment for scaling ESG-investment in the context of transformation to a “climate-neutral” economy. The absence of a unified methodology for (assessment) scoring ESG-direction of business as the basis for decision-making on ESG-investment is established in the world and national practice. For the first time, the author’s model of scoring trends and regularities of business development is proposed in accordance with ESG-principles, in contrast to traditional trend dynamic models, which identifies and iteratively conceptualizes processes by the set of ESG-indicator components determined using the cocoupling-analysis toolkit (tools for assessing the cocoupling-effect). A classification of the cocoupling-effect has been developed and each of its types has been characterized. Possible options for ESG-effectiveness of business are identified, which conditionally correspond to the four zones of the ESG-investment decision-making matrix. A research on the expected cocoupling-effect of ESG-investment in the multimodal transportation development is carried out to validate the feasibility of implementation the author’s scoring model for the ESG-direction of business and obtaining realistic results according to the data of the International Energy Agency and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. An effective measures arsenal of creating the regulatory framework for ESG-investment in the multimodal transportation development is identified and a Roadmap is proposed for their high-quality implementation, which would ensure positive changes in Ukraine’s position in the world ranking of countries by multimodal potential usage efficiency.
Opportunities for Commercialization of High-Protein Barley: Case of New Variety ‘Kornelija’
Authors: Auziņš Alberts , Leimane Ieva , Bleidere Māra , Šterna Vita , Krieviņa Agnese 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The objective of the study was to define the main opportunities and challenges for the commercialization of the new hulless barley variety ‘Kornelija’ arising from its biochemical and farming profile, and to present the evaluation for the approach to a new high protein-based payment system. Unlike the agricultural profile with both advantages and disadvantages, the variety shows distinctive grain quality and biochemical properties. Although there is a growing demand for high-nutrition and plant-based protein foods, farmers are focused on yield potential, not the nutritional value of cereals. By paying for the grains of ‘Kornelija’ the price that is equal or higher than winter wheat referenced break-even price, food processors would both motivate farmers to grow the variety and obtain grains with much higher protein content, and significantly higher β-glucans content than winter wheat to produce functional foods for a price that is close to the price of winter wheat.