bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of substrate on the germination and seedling growth of Quercus suber L.
Authors: Kholkhal Djamel , Benmahioul Benamar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The seedling quality is one of the most important factors for the success of reforestation programs. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate on the germination of cork oak acorns from El Aouana forest, located in the Jijel region of north-eastern Algeria, and on the performance of seedlings, particularly their growth. The experiment was performed in the nursery of the Tlemcen Forest Conservation. For this purpose, five substrates were used: S1 (sand), S2 (topsoil), S3 (potting soil), S4 (1/2 sand + 1/2 topsoil) and S5 (1/3 sand + 1/3 topsoil + 1/3 potting soil). Germination and survival rates, and seedling morphological traits: average height of seedlings, average root collar diameter, stem height/root collar diameter ratio (H/D), average number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area, were evaluated. Results obtained after 16 months of monitoring in the nursery showed high germination rates of 91.4%, with an average survival rate of 89.5%, and significant differences were recorded between the substrates tested. In terms of growth, the best results were obtained with the potting soil substrate (S3) for all parameters. The lowest yields were recorded in seedlings grown on sand alone (S1).
The Influence of Urbanization on Mammal Diversity and their Population Patterns: A Case Study of Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Authors: Bykova Elena , Gashev Sergey , Sorokina Natalia , Tursumbekova Galina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The article provides a survey of the mammalian fauna and ecology in different habitats across the city of Tashkent that vary in the degree of urbanization. The current mammalian fauna of Tashkent is represented by 32 species; during the city’s development, 9 species have disappeared from the place, either through an anthropogenic impact or having been forced out by alien species. The urban mammalian fauna has increased through arrival of five new invasive species. With the ongoing urbanization, the species diversity of small-sized mammals is decreasing, while their numbers are growing, resulting in simplification of the structure of small mammals’ urban communities and lowering of their biodiversity. The urbanization does not impact the age and sex structure of the house mouse population noticeably. The urban population shows a productivity 1.7 times higher than the wild populations, which is a compensatory response to the relatively high embryonic mortality that is almost totally absent in natural populations. Differences in the morphophysiological indicators of the house mouse synanthropic population and those of populations in the wild are an adaptive response to anthropogenic impact, which appears in the form of more rapid growth, a higher metabolism, exchange of energies, and overall stress load on the rodents in urban biocoenoses. The study showed that the skulls of urban animals grow more rapidly than those of wild mice, while their proportions change following the development pattern of juvenile mice, which suggests that individuals from the Tashkent population can be referred to as rapidly growing animals, with outdoor individuals showing greater relative cranial parameters.
Phenology and Diurnal Behaviour of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea at Oglat Eddaira (Ain Ben Khlil) Wetland, Southwest of Algeria
Authors: Benaradj Abdelkrim , Charchar Nabil , Boucherit Hafida , Ouakid Mohamed-Laid , Houhamdi Moussa 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The ecological study (phenology and daytime budget) of ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Anatidae) at Lake Oglat Eddaira (Ain Ben Khlil), Southwest of Algeria, was carried out for three consecutive years from August 2017 to July 2020. While ruddy shelduck has the status of a sedentary species, it was found all year round, persisting at low numbers in mid-summer months (July–August). The numbers of ruddy shelduck began to increase from the first decade of September with the arrival of the wintering and breeding populations. High numbers of ruddy shelduck were mainly recorded between late January and early March. During our monitoring, the balance sheet of the rhythms of daytime activities was dominated by feeding in water and on banks (68%), followed by preening (16.77%), swimming (9.85%,), sleeping (4.67%) and flying (1.22%). Therefore, we can conclude that Oglat Eddaira wetland plays the role of a diurnal grazing ground for this Anatidae.
The Ornithological Zoning of the Azov–Black Sea Dry Steppe Enclave of Europe
Authors: Andriushchenko Yuriy , Vorovka Volodymyr 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The scheme of ornithological zoning of the Azov–Black Sea dry steppe enclave of Europe has been presented in the article based on domination of individual ornithological complexes, depending on the landscape structure of the territory. This enclave is a unique region due to its utmost western location and moderate continental climate. Its typical natural features and factors of their formation have been determined. The anthropogenic transformations of region have been characterized, and peculiarities of landscape changes have been caused by them. It has been found that the agro-landscapes are dominated in the Azov–Black Sea dry steppe enclave by the area. The schemes of physical–geographical zoning have been determined, which are suitable for ornithological zoning of the region; the dependence of composition of ornithological fauna on predominant landscapes has been revealed. On this basis, the scheme of ornithological zoning of the mentioned region has been proposed. The flat interfluve-steppe, stony-steppe, sandy-steppe, floodplain-river, and liman-marine ornithological areas have been singled out and have been characterized. The main differences in the ornithological regions are correlations of predominant and codominant ornithological faunistic complexes, which depend on the area landscapes and natural and anthropogenic transformation of their components; they are relief, soil, water bodies, and vegetation.
An integrated approach for supply chain risk management
Authors: Sukwadi Ronald , Caesar Alexander 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Currently, every company is competing to improve the performance of their supply chain, and the efforts include loss mitigation, which requires risk management. This study aims to identify risks and develop risk mitigation strategies for Indonesia’s “PT. SPLP” company. First, this study identifies every risk in the Supply Chain Operation Reference to determine the causes. A mitigation strategy is formulated based on the criteria. According to the study results, each division faced specific risks, and the best mitigation strategy was a briefing at the beginning of each shift. The results indicate that different data processing methods used by companies lead to various risks and mitigation strategy results. Risk management is carried out and evaluated at “PT. SPLP” regularly.
Understanding the adoption of autonomous vehicles in Thailand: an extended TAM approach
Authors: Ramjan Sarawut , Sangkaew Purimprach 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are receiving attention in many countries, including Thailand. However, implementing an intelligent transport system has many challenges, such as safety and reliability and the lack of policy supporting such technology use, leading to hazards for passengers and pedestrians. Hence, factors affecting the adoption of autonomous vehicles require better understanding. This research proposes and employs an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by integrating ethical standards, legal concerns, and trust to predict the intended use of autonomous vehicles by Thai citizens. A total of 318 questionnaires were collected from online panel respondents. Research hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modelling approach. The study results suggest that ethical standards have a significant positive effect on the intention to use the technology. Meanwhile, the intention was negatively affected by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and legal concerns. On the other hand, the results indicate that perceived ease of use directly affected trust, leading to AV adoption. However, other factors influenced trust insignificantly. This study demonstrates the vital role of trust in AV adoption. The study also suggests ideas for further study and discusses the implications for the government and autonomous vehicle companies. The article aims to forecast a success factor that the Thai government should use to consider the policy for autonomous vehicle adoption in Thailand. This paper relies on the technology acceptance model to assess and forecast autonomous vehicle adoption. The theoretical model also includes ethical issues, legal concerns and trust in technology. The model was analysed using the structure equation modelling technique to confirm the factor affecting Thailand’s successful autonomous vehicle adoption. This research confirmed that ethical standards, legal concerns, and trust in technology are the factors significantly affecting the intention to use an autonomous vehicle in Thailand. On the other hand, the perceived ease of use significantly affects the trust in autonomous vehicle technology. This research found that such social factors as ethical standards, legal concerns, and trust in technology affect technology adoption significantly, especially technology related to AI operation. Therefore, the technology acceptance model could be modified to confirm technology adoption in terms of social factors. The government could use the research results to develop a public policy for the regulation and standard supporting autonomous vehicle adoption in Thailand.
Awareness of the prevention through design (PtD) concept among design engineers in the Philippines
Authors: Labadan Rimmon , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Takahashi Sho 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The “Prevention through Design” (PtD) concept considers construction safety during the design process. Several countries are currently practising PtD, including the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the USA, which is still not the case in the Philippines. The study presented in this paper aimed to indicate the current level of awareness of the PtD concept among the structural engineers and purposed to generate a basis of initiatives to introduce or improve the understanding and adoption of PtD in the Philippines. A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire was distributed to survey respondents selected through a snowball sampling method, consisting of structural engineers currently working in the Philippines. Sixty-one (61) structural engineers responded and were analysed in this study. Results indicated that PtD was relatively a new concept for most structural engineers in the Philippines. Similarly, the designers’ knowledge of the concept was still low. However, structural engineers viewed PtD as necessary and its implementation as essential in the construction industry. Despite the known concerns in the PtD implementation, structural engineers favoured the adoption of the concept. The paper also discussed challenges and key drivers for implementing PtD in the Philippines based on the questionnaire results and supporting literature reviews. The findings and methodology presented in this paper could serve as a baseline for a larger sample size covering other design trades, such as architectural, electrical, and mechanical design services leading to the broader adoption of PtD in the Philippines. Furthermore, the framework of this study could also apply to other countries with similar contexts.
Investigation of factors responsible for delays in the execution of adequately funded construction projects
Authors: Ogbeifun Edoghogho , Pretorius Jan-Harm C 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Many research efforts have identified funding as a critical factor responsible for the delays in the execution of construction projects. These funding challenges affect the client and contractors alike. However, there is limited information on why delays occur in sponsored projects with evidently adequate funding. Therefore, the study focuses on exploring the factors that impact the cash flow during the execution of sponsored construction projects. The multiple-site case-study method of qualitative research was adopted, involving five universities benefiting from the infrastructure funding provided by a government agency in Nigeria. The Delphi technique was used for data collection and analysis, complemented with interviews. The findings identified six factors causing the delays. They were divided into internal and external factors. The internal factors are faulty contractor selection processes resulting in delays by contractors and the failure to complete appropriate phases of a project. The external factors include the delays in the project management system of the funding agency in terms of inspection, monitoring, evaluation and progress certification. The research identified that the combined effect of internal and external factors negatively impacts the project cash flow, which in turn influences project delivery delays. Therefore, this study recommends improvements in the in-house contractor selection processes and the decentralisation of the project inspection, monitoring and evaluation operations of the funding agency. This will facilitate timely inspection, audit, and progress certification, enabling the early release of the second tranche of the project fund. This will ameliorate the negative effects arising due to low cash flow and associated delays in project delivery.
Adaptation of Polish regions to the challenges and opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Wilczewska Martyna , Nazarko Joanicjusz , Wang Hao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an international project focused on creating a network of infrastructure and strengthening trade links, primarily between China and Europe. Transport of goods within the BRI is conducted through one maritime and six rail economic corridors, one of which (New Eurasian Land Bridge) crosses the territory of Poland. This article covers issues related to the impact of the BRI on the regions of the participating countries and aims to determine the position of Podlaskie voivodeship compared to other Polish voivodeships in the BRI. To achieve this aim, a multi-stage study was conducted, including the design of a set of quantitative factors determining the position of voivodeships in the BRI, evaluation of the importance of the factors during the expert study, collection and normalisation of quantitative data, and comparative analysis of the factors. Research results show that, given the adopted methodology, the Podlaskie voivodeship is ranked 11th out of 16 Polish voivodeships in terms of its position in the BRI. This article’s findings contribute to the discussion on development opportunities in the Podlaskie region in the BRI context. They also motivate comprehensive research on the strategy for the widest possible inclusion of Podlaskie in the BRI’s activities and provide an important stimulus for the region’s development.
Application Possibilities of the Off-Grid HVAC System Operation Solution for Temporary Shelters in the Latvian Climate Conditions
Authors: Zajecs D. , Lebedeva K. , Odineca T. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Temporary shelters are extensively used by emergency services (rescue, disaster relief, military response) and other end-users requiring temporary mobile power solutions for different purposes (event organization, vacation homes, summer camps, etc.). The Covid-19 pandemics resulted in an increase of motor homes worldwide sales.
When temporary shelter connection to power grid is impossible, the off-grid liquid fossil fuel generator can be used for electricity generation. Since the liquid fuel supply is often limited, the stock of fuel requires storage that may pose an explosion risk. Quickly installable and energy-efficient ventilation / cooling system with heat recovery is essential to ensure adequate air hygiene and occupants’ comfort in temporary structure.
This paper presents a mobile modular electric energy generating unit with photovoltaic (PV) panels for providing temporary shelters (tents) in Latvian climate conditions with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). All calculations were performed using the computer model developed with TRNSYS tool and based on real data from mobile modular energy unit for spring, summer and autumn 2020 and winter 2021. The results show that mobile modular energy unit can be successfully applied for off-grid HVAC system operation of temporary shelters in the Latvian climate conditions.
An Integrated Testing Solution for Piezoelectric Sensors and Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Pereira José Dias , Alves Mário 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With the fast growth of wireless communications between nodes and sensor units and the increase of devices installed in remote places, and the development of IIoT applications, new requirements for power energy supply are needed to assure device functionality and data communication capabilities during extended periods of time. For these applications, energy harvesting takes place as a good solution to increase the autonomy of remote measuring solutions, since the usage of conventional power supply solutions has clear limitations in terms of equipment access and increased maintenance costs. In this context, regenerative energy sources such as thermoelectric, magnetic and piezoelectric based, as well as renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic and wind based, among others, make the development of different powering solutions for remote sensing units possible. The main purpose of this paper is to present a flexible testing platform to characterize piezoelectric devices and to evaluate their performance in terms of harvesting energy. The power harvesting solutions are focused on converting the energy from mechanical vibrations, provided by different types of equipment and mechanical structures, to electrical energy. This study is carried out taking into account the power supply capabilities of piezoelectric devices as a function of the amplitude, frequency and spectral contents of the vibration stimulus. Several experimental results using, as an example, a specific piezoelectric module, are included in the paper.
Prophylactic Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces in Elective Lower Limb Amputations
Authors: Pejkova Sofija , Nikolovska Bisera , Srbov Blagoja , Tusheva Sofija , Jovanoski Tomislav , Jovanovska Katerina , Georgieva Gordana 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) is a relatively new surgical technique to manage neuromas and phantom pain after limb amputation. This study evaluates prophylactic RPNI efficacy in managing post-amputation pain and neuroma formation in amputees compared with patients in which lower limb amputation was performed without this procedure. We included 28 patients who underwent above the knee amputation (AKA) or below the knee amputation (BKA) for severe soft tissue infection from July 2019 till December 2020. All patients had insulin-dependent diabetes. The patients were divided into two groups, 14 patients with primary RPNI and 14 patients without. We analyzed the demographic data, level of amputation, number of RPNIs, operative time, postoperative complications and functional outcome on the defined follow up period. The mean patient age was 68.6 years (range 49–85), 19 (67.9 %) male and 9 (32.1 %) female patients. In this study 11 (39.3 %) AKA and 17 (60.7 %) BKA were performed. Overall, 37 RPNIs were made. The mean follow-up period was 49 weeks. PROMIS T-score decreased by 15.9 points in favor for the patients with RPNI. The VAS score showed that, in the RPNI group, all 14 patients were without pain compared to the group of patients without RPNI, where the 11 (78.6 %) patients described their pain as severe. Patients with RPNI used prosthesis significantly more (p < 0.005). Data showed significant reduction in pain and high patient satisfaction after amputation with RPNIs. This technique is oriented as to prevent neuroma formation with RPNI surgery, performed at the time of amputation. RPNI surgery did not provoke complications or significant lengthening of operative time and it should be furthermore exploited as a surgical technique.
The Effects of CNI and Mtori-Based Regimens on Bone Mineral Density After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Korucu Berfu , Yeter Hasan , Guz Galip 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background: Since glucocorticoids are used in low maintenance doses today, the relationship between calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and osteoporosis has become clinically significant in osteoporosis after solid organ transplantation. However, there is evidence that the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) may be beneficial via osteoclast inhibition.

Objective: The bone mineral density (BMD) changes are investigated in renal transplant patients under CNI or mTORi-based maintenance regimens during the first five-year post-transplant course.

Methods: This study consists of thirty-three renal allograft recipients with less than one year of dialysis history. The exclusion criteria were: being older than 50 years old, history of bisphosphonate use, parathyroidectomy, CNI-mTORi switch after the post-transplant third month, diuretic use, and history of malignancy. First and fifth-year BMD scores and simultaneous laboratory parameters were evaluated.

Results: CNI (n=21) and mTORi group (n=12) had similar demographics, dialysis vintages, first and fifth-year serum parathormone, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-OH-vitamin D levels. The femur neck scores of the CNI group decreased from -0.82 (±0.96) to -1.52 (±0.92) (p=0.020). We observed a significant decrease in the CNI group compared to the mTORi group [-0.70 (±0.68) and 0.30 (±0.36), respectively; p<0.01] when the BMD score changes were evaluated among years. The mean femur neck score of the mTORi group increased insignificantly from -1.13 (±0.65) to -0.82 (±0.56) at the fifth-year DXA scan (p=0.230). Similar trends were also observed in L1-4 scores.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that CNI-based treatment is associated with decreased femur neck BMD scores, and mTORi-based treatment tends to be beneficial in the post-transplant five-year follow-up.