Climate change is often seen as the most global and complex problem the world has been facing during its current development. The emissions of harmful gases, rising temperatures, variable amounts of ...precipitation, the occurrence of extreme weather conditions affect all countries regardless of their geographical position and level of development. The subject and goal of this paper is to examine the impact of economic, technological and demographic determinants on CO2 emissions in 18 EU countries in the period from 2011 to 2020. In the research are used k-means clustering and panel regression analysis. By the application of k-means clustering, 18 EU countries were grouped into 2 clusters according to the level of emissions of selected greenhouse gases (CO2 , CH4 , HFC, PFC, SF6 ) per capita. In the "green cluster", there are the following countries: Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Ireland, and Netherlands. The "red cluster" includes the other analyzed EU countries. The results of the panel regression model in the "green cluster" showed that CO2 emissions are statistically significantly and positively influenced by Energy efficiency and Production of electricity by solid fossil fuels. On the other hand, the results of the analysis in the "red cluster" suggested that Research and developments costs turn out to be the most important predictor of CO2 emissions.
The aim of this paper is to examine the interdependence between higher education on the one hand and the competitiveness of the economy and sustainable development on the other hand. To examine the ...mentioned interdependence, we used a sample that includes EU member states and candidate countries. The paper applies correlation and regression analysis of comparative data sections. The research findings indicate a strong correlation between higher education on the one hand and the competitiveness of the economy and sustainable development on the other. The results obtained by research can serve as a “global benchmark” of future public policy in the field of higher education.
In European countries, the gender gap in entrepreneurship is persistently observed because females make up on average 30 percent of entrepreneurs. The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of ...gender gaps in education at different levels (youth, higher education, adult learning and STEM education) on the gender gap in entrepreneurship, both in all analyzed European countries and in identified clusters of countries. The research is based on the cluster analysis and regression modelling of yearly panel data for 31 European countries for the period 2013–2018. Generally speaking, to the same extent, the gender gap in entrepreneurship can be explained by the gender gap in educational outcomes at different levels, mostly in early leavers and in STEM education. However, European countries are not monolithic in these aspects, as four clusters of countries are identified. Relationships between the gender gaps strongly depend on the country’s characteristics. In countries with a relatively lower level of female entrepreneurship and their education outcomes, the gender gap in entrepreneurship is affected the most significant in comparison to other clusters, by gender gaps in early leavers, higher education and STEM education. However, in clusters of countries with relatively moderate or high levels of female entrepreneurship and education outcomes, their relationships are rather limited.
Among the numerous benefits that novel RRAM devices offer over conventional memory technologies is an inherent resilience to the effects of radiation. Hence, they appear suitable for use as a memory ...subsystem in a computer architecture for satellites. In addition to memory devices resistant to radiation, the concept of applying protective measures dynamically promises a system with low susceptibility to errors during radiation events, while also ensuring efficient performance in the absence of radiation events. This paper presents the first RRAM-based memory subsystem for satellites with a dynamic response to radiation events. We integrate this subsystem into a computing platform that employs the same dynamic principles for its processing system and implements modules for timely detection and even prediction of radiation events. To determine which protection mechanism is optimal, we examine various approaches and simulate the probability of errors in memory. Additionally, we are studying the impact on the overall system by investigating different software algorithms and their radiation robustness requirements using a fault injection simulation. Finally, we propose a potential implementation of the dynamic RRAM-based memory subsystem that includes different levels of protection and can be used for real applications in satellites.
•The device is mounted on the head of a rat and thus does not limit free movements.•The device is programmable in frequency, pulse width and current amplitude.•The device indicates sufficient ...delivering of current by a blinking LED.•The device can maintain constant current independent of changes in tissue impedance.
Commercial neurostimulators for clinical use are effective in patients; however they are too large and prohibitively expensive for preclinical studies. Thus, there is an urgent need of a small inexpensive and wireless microstimulator which is fully programmable in frequency, pulse width and amplitude for rodent experiments.
Rats were subjected to a photothrombotic stroke of the right sensorimotor cortex and a microelectrode was implanted in the right mesencephalic locomotor region. The microstimulator was connected with the head plug of the rat. Three different stimulation frequencies were applied and different stimulating amplitudes were chosen. Under these conditions, gait velocity and locomotor behavior of six rats were examined on a beam.
The head-mounted microstimulator allowed freedom in all motor activities performed spontaneously by the tested rats. Increasing either the frequency or the stimulating amplitude increased gait velocity and ameliorated locomotor behavior after stroke.
Other devices for DBS in rodents must be implanted under the skin or worn in an animal jacket on the back by the tested rat. Some available systems require even a tethering of the tested animal via a cable to an external stimulation system, which limits the freedom of movement.
Here, we present a freely programmable microstimulator including DBS-typical stimulating parameters. The lightweight device is connected by a simple plug to the head allowing full freedom of movement and exchange of batteries for long-term experiments. The design of this stimulator is suitable for sophisticated behavior tests requiring balance and skilled walking.
Summary
As plant breeding is a very complex and sophisticated process, it is of paramount importance to understand the nature and magnitude of interdependence between specific plant features. Using ...PCA and correlation analysis, this study examined the variability in features of two types of inbred sunflower lines and determined its connection with their seed yields. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with four replications in Rimski Šančevi (the experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad) in 2018 and 2019. It examined a total of nine inbred sunflower lines created at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The results obtained suggest a high degree of variability in the examined traits of inbred sunflower lines considered, whereas the significance indicated by the F test was confirmed by the Duncan test performed. A high degree of variability was also found between the different types of inbred lines considered. A positive correlation was found between all four traits observed in the inbred sunflower lines considered, with different levels of significance. A statistically significant positive increase in the head diameter was followed by an increase in the weight of 1000 seeds, which generated a higher seed yield per unit area. According to the arrangement of different types of inbred lines considered on the PCA biplot, it can be concluded that the linoleic inbred lines G7
L
and G8
L
had the highest average values of the 1000-seed weight, head diameter and seed yield throughout the course of both experimental years. The useful data obtained by PCA analysis can facilitate successful selection programs aimed at developing sunflower genotypes that possess high stability and seed yields.
This work aimed to assess the potential of thermal treatments for controlling P. interpunctella on sunflower seeds, based on its tolerance to high/elevated temperatures and effect on seed vitality. ...The tests involved mature larvae (L5) and pupae, exposed to 35, 40, 42, 44, 45, 50, 55 and 60 °C, for 15 and 30 min, and 1, 2, 6, 24, 48 h. Larval mortality and survival, Probyt analysis, developmental dynamics, longevity analysis, progeny production and the effect on sunflower seed vitality (germination energy and germination) were assessed. Larval mortality of 75.9% was achieved after 30 min of exposure at 44 °C, 77.0% at 45 °C after 15 min, and 100% after 45 min. At 60 and 65 °C total mortality was achieved already after 15 min of exposure. Lethal exposure time (LT50) needed to kill 50% of larval population was 15 min at 44.2 °C, 30 min at 43.3 °C, 45 min at 42.1 °C or 41.8 °C at 60 min, respectively. LT90 can be achieved after 15 min of exposure at 45.2 °C, 30 min at 44.3 °C, 45 min at 43.3 °C, or 60 min at 42.1 °C. Pupal LT50 was 15 min at 56.7 °C, 30 min at 53.1 °C, 45 min at 52.4 °C or 60 min at 52.2 °C, while LT90 was 15 min at 59.7 °C, 30 min at 56.3 °C, 45 min at 56.1 °C or 60 min at 55.6 °C. The fastest development, and the highest progeny production was in treatments when the parenteral population was exposed to 40 °C for 1, 2 and 6 h. The developmental duration was significantly shortened when parenteral population was exposed to 40 °C for 48 h. The temperature and exposure did affect the duration of the adult life stage only when exposed for 2, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h to 40 °C. The germination of sunflower seed (86.7%) was inhibited by heat at 45 °C when exposed for 24 h.
•Larval mortality of Plodia interpunctella was both temperature and exposure-dependent.•15 min of exposure at 60 and 65 °c caused total larval mortality.•Fastest development and highest progeny production was at 40 °C for 1, 2 and 6 h.•Exposure of 48h at 40 °C significantly shortened developmental duration.•Seed germination was inhibited by heat at 45 °C when exposed for 24 h.
PDF
