Regional Character Research Articles

Character region extraction of wheel water meter based on object detection

Currently, research on automatic meter reading mainly focuses on meter reading recognition, while neglecting the fundamental role of counter detection in the entire automatic meter reading system. In fact, only by accurately locating the counter area can the influence of dial factors be completely eliminated, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of subsequent water meter reading recognition. In view of this phenomenon, the focus of this study is on the counter detection stage. Firstly, a target detection-based image skew correction method is proposed to solve the problem of image skew caused by shooting angle and other reasons. This method ensures the accuracy of subsequent counter area positioning and the neatness of cutting effect. Secondly, a semi-supervised target detection training method is proposed to solve the problem of time and manpower costs required in large-scale data situations. In addition, we have made publicly available a dataset containing 1070 water meter images for non-commercial purposes, which can be obtained from the Github11https://github.com/QuanhuiZhao/water-datasets.. Finally, we evaluated our model on three completely different datasets and compared it with the best positioning results of other models. The experimental results show that compared with other models, the proposed model in this paper has improved the positioning accuracy by 5.82%, 5.96%, and 9.20% on three datasets respectively. Furthermore, in the final visualization comparison, the model accurately identifies the counter region even when faced with complex real-world environments.

Efficient Ground-State Recovery of UV-Photoexcited p-Nitrophenol in Aqueous Solution by Direct and Multistep Pathways.

Nitroaromatic compounds are found in brown carbon aerosols emitted to the Earth's atmosphere by biomass burning, and are important organic chromophores for the absorption of solar radiation. Here, transient absorption spectroscopy spanning 100 fs-8 μs is used to explore the pH-dependent photochemical pathways for aqueous solutions of p-nitrophenol, chosen as a representative nitroaromatic compound. Broadband ultrafast UV-visible and infrared probes are used to characterize the excited states and intermediate species involved in the multistep photochemistry, and to determine their lifetimes under different pH conditions. The assignment of absorption bands, and the dynamical interpretation of our experimental measurements are supported by computational calculations. After 320 nm photoexcitation to the first bright state, which has 1ππ* character in the Franck-Condon region, and ultrafast (∼200 fs) structural relaxation in the adiabatic S1 state to a region with 1nπ* electronic character, the S1 p-nitrophenol population decays on a time scale of ∼12 ps. This decay involves competition between direct internal conversion to the S0 state (∼40%) and rapid intersystem crossing to the triplet manifold (∼60%). Population in the T1-state decays by excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) to the surrounding water and relaxation of the resulting triplet-state p-nitrophenolate anion to its S0 electronic ground state in ∼5 ns. Reprotonation of the S0-state p-nitrophenolate anion recovers p-nitrophenol in its electronic ground state. Overall recovery of the S0 state of aqueous p-nitrophenol via these competing pathways is close to 100% efficient. The experimental observations help to explain why nitroaromatic compounds such as p-nitrophenol resist photo-oxidative degradation in the environment.

Dynamic simulation of street-level carbon emissions in megacities: A case study of Wuhan City, China (2015–2030)

Dynamic simulation of carbon emissions (CE) in megacities is crucial for regional carbon reduction management, however, limited simulation accuracy hinders its application in carbon reduction policies. An integrated modeling framework was developed based on high-resolution multi-source data to analyze the street-level carbon emissions in Wuhan from 2015 to 2030. First, we conducted principal components analysis on the 5 driving factors of carbon emissions (including point of interests, electricity consumption, gross domestic product, population, and nighttime light) to delineate single carbon emission character region (CECR). Then, a machine learning method was used to simulating CE and explaining the contributions of different CECRs. Multi-scenarios CE accountings also were conducted with CECR simulations and an improved cellular automata model. Results shows that: (1) CE in Wuhan showed strong aggregation during the historical period. The five CECRs formed a near-concentric circle. The changes of CECR reflected the enhancement of human activity. (2) CE gradually shifted from the central urban areas to the surrounding regions during the scenario period, showing significant spatial spillover effects. Administrative districts with lower CE density exhibited greater scenario variation in total carbon emissions, indicating a higher potential for carbon reductions. (3) The total CE of Wuhan (148.11 Mt) in 2030 is projected to increase by 42.6 % compared to 2015 in the baseline scenario, representing 105 % of the low scenario and 91 % of the high scenario. The growth rate of total CE in Wuhan significantly slows down (<1 %) under all scenarios. The high-resolution dynamic simulation of CE will provide an important scientific basis for low-carbon city management in China.

Simultaneous and widespread: Colombia's fertility transition

AbstractColombia experienced one of the fastest declines in fertility in the world: children per woman fell from 7 in 1960 to 3 in 1985. Despite the stark inequalities of the country, the regional character of the decline has been neglected in previous research. This study examines the rapid decline in fertility rates in the country, focusing on regional patterns. Using complete census registers from 1973 to 1993, it provides a detailed empirical perspective on the fertility transition. By analysing spatial patterns with Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), the study identifies geographical clusters and explores the association between geography and fertility before and during the fertility transition. Additionally, new estimations of fertility rates from 1958 to 1990 are presented at the subnational level. The findings indicate that before the fertility transition, fertility patterns were influenced by historical legacies and geographical endowments. However, after 1964, fertility began to decline simultaneously across all regions, regardless of their historical fertility levels. While regional convergence in fertility rates was not achieved by 1983, the total fertility rate halved in most regions within just 25 years. Despite regional disparities, the fertility decline in the country was not only fast but also widespread. This simultaneous decline suggests that socioeconomic improvements alone do not always explain demographic processes.

호서지역 초기 고인돌의 지역성과 문화성격

The early times of dolmens in the Hoseo region were characterized by gradual clustering and centralization through Garakdong-type settlements in the late period in the eastern region of the Korean peninsula. This regional character was further strengthened during the Songguk-ri culture period. The main reason behind this was likely the need to display their identity or class stratification within the community. Dolmens appear to have been used as markers of the group's advancement to a certain social stage or as a way to show off to the outside world, spreading like a fashion within a relatively short period of time. In the Hoseo region, these conditions seem to have been proactively fulfilled in the latter half of the Garakdong-type village period, where cultural exchanges with the Liaodong and Northwest Korean regions played a significant role in various interactions and competitions with neighboring villages. This, in turn, is expected to have resulted in the Hoseo region's participation in a broader ritual ceremony system, based on the psycho-cultural networks already established in the Liaodong and Northwest Korean regions.

Maṇḍala or Sign? Re-Examining the Significance of the “Viśvavajra” in the Caisson Ceilings of Dunhuang Mogao Caves

This article delves into the exploration of a significant sign, the “viśvavajra”, found in the caisson ceilings of Buddhist esoteric art in Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves. These caissons, featuring the viśvavajra sign in the center, were prevalent from the mid-Tang period to the Western Xia dynasty (ninth to thirteenth centuries) and are recorded by The Overall Record of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes under description as “Jiaochu Jingxin”. Similar caissons are also found in Western Buddhist Caves near Dunhuang, and Yulin Caves in Guazhou County, indicating a distinct regional character. Focusing on a well-preserved and intricately detailed example from Cave 361, this article aims to elucidate the specific tantric significance of the viśvavajra at the center of the caissons within the broader context of Buddhist art. Drawing from related tantras, the discussion explores how the sign and its surrounding compositions align with a particular homa (fire offering) maṇḍala, specifically the śāntika maṇḍala crucial to numerous Tantric Buddhist rituals. Furthermore, the article examines the evolution of caisson of this type of maṇḍala over time. By comparing the mid-Tang example from Cave 361 with the late Tang period’s Cave 14, a noticeable shift in format becomes apparent. The viśvavajra sign takes on new significance, embodying “the samaya of all Tathāgatas”. Ultimately, the article explores how the significance of the viśvavajra sign transforms into an allusion to Vairocana or Rocana under the Sino-Tibetan Esoteric Buddhist context in the Hexi Corridor during the early Northern Song and Western Xia dynasty.

Вихрова октупольна мода у кінетичній моделі колективних збуджень в ядрах

The nature of a new isoscalar octupole resonance found within a kinetic model based on the Vlasov equation for finite Fermi systems with moving surfaces is studied. It is shown that this octupole resonance is due to dynamic effects of the nuclear surface, like the low-energy isoscalar dipole resonance (vortex dipole mode) observed in heavy nuclei. It is found that the velocity field associated with the new octupole resonance has a vortex character in the surface region of the nuclear liquid and, moreover, the vortex motion of nucleons is fragmented into three areas near the nuclear surface. At the same time, the velocity field associated with the high-energy octupole resonance found within our kinetic model displays an octupole deformation form and includes a compression within the nuclear fluid, which is consistent with the corresponding quantum calculations in the random phase approximation.

Structure-independent machine-learning predictions of the CDK12 interactome

Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a critical regulatory protein involved in transcription and DNA repair processes. Dysregulation of CDK12 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Understanding the CDK12 interactome is pivotal for elucidating its functional roles and potential therapeutic targets. Traditional methods for interactome prediction often rely on protein structure information, limiting applicability to CDK12 characterized by partly disordered terminal C region. In this study, we present a structure-independent machine-learning model that utilizes proteins’ sequence and functional data to predict the CDK12 interactome. This approach is motivated by the disordered character of the CDK12 C-terminal region mitigating a structure-driven search for binding partners. Our approach incorporates multiple data sources, including protein-protein interaction networks, functional annotations, and sequence-based features, to construct a comprehensive CDK12 interactome prediction model. The ability to predict CDK12 interactions without relying on structural information is a significant advancement, as many potential interaction partners may lack crystallographic data. In conclusion, our structure-independent machine-learning model presents a powerful tool for predicting the CDK12 interactome and holds promise in advancing our understanding of CDK12 biology, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and facilitating precision-medicine approaches for CDK12-associated diseases.

Considering the development of organic farming in Poland at different territorial aggregation levels

The aim of this paper is to show and assess how the level of data aggregation can change the way the development of organic agriculture in Poland in 2014–2021 is perceived. A composite indicator of eco-farming at different levels of territorial aggregation and in different time horizons has been built taking into account sub-components and individual indicators. The performance of organic agriculture with the initial effects of the pandemic (for 2020–2021) was also quantified. The results showed that, in populationally larger territorial units (NUTS-1, NUTS-2, NUTS-3), organic farming characteristics are less variable, whereas the same characteristics show greater variability in smaller territorial units (LAU-1, LAU-2). This reflects the strong regional character of eco-agriculture. It can be observed especially in northern and south-eastern Poland. Moreover, although the highest performance of organic farming was observed in 2021, the effects of the pandemic crisis were highly heterogeneous by location. The results may be crucial for farmers and policymakers in planning sustainable agricultural strategies and building resilient organic regions.

Faunistic contributions and zoogeographical and ecological evaluations on species belonging to the genus Philonthus Stephens, 1829 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae: Staphylinini: Philonthiina) from the Aegean Region (Türkiye)

Philonthus Stephens, 1829 is the most speciose genus of the tribe Staphylini in the world. In this present study, faunistic contributions to the Philonthus fauna of Türkiye were made along with additional records. A total of 30 species were recorded from the examined material which was composed of specimens collected from the Aegean Region between 2019-2022. Among them, 13 species are new records for the region and new province records for 15 species are also provided. Additionally, first detailed locality records are provided for the widely distributed Philonthus viridipennis Fauvel, 1875. Besides several ecological properties, general distribution of species in Türkiye and other zoogeographical regions are presented and discussed. Previous records from the study region are given and evaluated with our results, zoogeographic status of species is discussed. As a result of the study, composition of the collected species represent regional characters, as they mostly belong to the European and Asian fauna.

Turystyka kulinarna. Perspektywy i doświadczenia dwóch krajów – Wietnamu i Polski

This article aims to showcase the perspectives and experiences of street food in Vietnam and Poland. While the tapestry and historicity of street food tourism is variegated in the two countries, its prevalence and persistence are enduring in both countries. The methodology used to compile this conceptual article included a survey and observations by two of the authors. The findings indicate the embedment of street food tourism in the lives and cultures of both countries. Growth in Poland can be ascribed to experimentation with luxurious and “foreign” cuisines in the mix. In Vietnam, food served in the streets is traditional, and the settings are commonplace, simple and ordinary, against a backdrop of human and traffic congestion. The occasional mobile vendor with bamboo sticks and baskets, push carts and bicycles/motorcycles complements. In Poland, the traditional dishes take a regional character because of the country’s historical legacy, and natural climatic conditions. Overall, Poles have shown an affinity to prepare and eat food at home. The upsurge in street food in Poland can be attributed to changing lifestyles, increasing incomes and women taking up professional jobs. For policy, it is clear that government has a big role to play especially in regulating street food as a health issue and ensuring public safety on the streets.

Rotation of crustal domains related to Gondwanide deformation in the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian Sauce Chico Complex (Argentina), southwestern margin of the Río de la Plata Craton: Insights from AMS data

The tectonic evolution of the Ventania System fold and thrust belt and the origin of its curvature have been the subject of debates for decades. The Gondwanide Orogeny generated the mylonitization of its Tonian–middle Cambrian basement (i.e., Sauce Chico Complex), accompanied by an intense hydrolysis which produced secondary muscovite (i.e., sericite), and the folding of the overlying Paleozoic sedimentary cover. To evaluate the structural and tectonic evolution of the Ventania System as a result of the interaction of its basement with the Río de la Plata Craton, we studied the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and rock magnetism on samples of the Sauce Chico Complex. Rock magnetic studies suggest that paramagnetic minerals are the main carriers in the entire Sauce Chico Complex. We suggest that our results reflect secondary muscovite generation due to mylonitization. AMS data reveal that the orientation of the magnetic foliation coincides to a large extent with the rock foliation. However, magnetic and rock foliation orientations are not uniform among the different sampled units, displaying strikes between N 320° (NW) and N 345° (NNW) on average. Localities with different orientations are separated by regional strike-slip structures, referred to as tear faults, which have also been reported and interpreted by previous authors. According to this, we suggest that the variations detected between the orientation of the magnetic and rock foliations of the different basement units may be the result of the rotation of crustal blocks bounded by tear faults. We also propose the existence of a new tear fault not previously recognized. Furthermore, a tear fault of regional character, known as the Sauce Chico Tear Fault, juxtaposes two distinct crustal domains. The differential displacement of such domains could have contributed not only to different structural styles between blocks on both sides of the Sauce Chico Tear Fault, but also to the curved shape of the Ventania System during the progression of the Gondwanide deformation.

Biomarker evidence for the depositional environment of basinal UK Mississippian mudstones

Abstract The regional character of organic matter types and depositional conditions of Pendleian, Brigantian and Arnsbergian mudstones between the Craven Basin and the Widmerpool Gulf was compared through interpretation of biomarker and pyrolysis data from 201 samples recovered from nine boreholes. The Carboniferous seaways have been determined to commonly host dysoxic conditions, enabling the preservation of a mixture of marine and terrestrial organic matter types. Photic zone anoxia, established by the presence of aryl isoprenoids, was determined to be persistent during ‘marine’ conditions represented by marine band, high-sea-level and carbonate facies. The observation and correlation of diasteranes and trisnorneohopane/trisnorhopane ratios within the samples and to other maturity parameters highlighted a significant clay mineral catalytic and/or hydrocarbon retention effect in the samples. This influenced both biomarkers and programmed pyrolysis thermal maturity indices such as T max , reducing the reliability of such results for interpreting the burial depth, and ultimately reserve potential.

Solar Landscapes: A Methodology for the Adaptive Integration of Renewable Energy Production into Cultural Landscapes

The increasing use of solar energy is an integral step toward carbon neutrality. At the same time, outdoor solar farms are significantly altering existing cultural landscapes. This work examines the possibilities of integrating the use of solar energy into these landscapes in such a way that the unique, regional character of places is preserved and enhanced. The research project that was carried out developed a conceptual design approach that takes as its starting point landscape architectural and aesthetic analyses of existing sites in Styria, Austria, the spatial characteristics of the cultural landscapes in which they are embedded, and their suitability for generating solar energy. The comparison of a site’s characteristics with the technical possibilities evaluated from a literature review enables a responsive design practice using solar modules. The result is a method of landscape architectural design that integrates solar energy on the basis of an adaptive site-specific approach as well as a catalogue of sample cases that illustrate how designing with solar modules can honor and add value to existing places while enhancing their ecological, economic, and social functions.

THE STUDY OF THE GENESIS OF STATE MECHANISMS TO STIMULATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

Purpose of the study. The article examines the genesis and current state of civil law mechanisms aimed at stimulating qualitative and quantitative changes in the structure of regional small businesses participating in the innovative development of the Russian economy. From a critical point of view, the evolution of domestic legislation of the business entities under consideration is analyzed, scientific and practical qualifications of the key stages of transformation of legislative initiatives in the area under study are reasonably proposed, the most significant risks characterizing external threats to the necessary dynamics of small business development are objectively studied. Conclusions. As a result of the research, the author comes to the conclusion that since a distinctive feature of the national economy is its pronounced regional character, the development of the macroeconomics of Russia is possible only if, on the one hand, the balanced and interconnected progression of its regions, on the other, the improvement of federal management processes with the aim of improving the quality and validity of the regulatory environment, capable of taking into account the specifics of both territorial and macroeconomic development of the state. This creates a certain level of requirements for the quality of government mechanisms for federal investment in regional SMB.

Correlations between microbes with volatile compounds and physicochemical indicators of Cabernet Sauvignon wines fermented with different starters

The use of native yeasts is becoming an effective way of improving wine regional character aromas. In this study, three native Saccharomyces cerevisiae (FML, FMS and JCT) and one commercial S. cerevisiae F15 were used to ferment Cabernet Sauvignon wine, and the differences of microorganisms, volatile compounds and physicochemical indicators were evaluated. The result showed that 20 bacterial genera and 10 fungal genera were identified as dominant genera (relative abundance >1%) among them. A total of 74 volatile compounds were detected, most of which originated from the fermentation process (12 alcohols, 27 esters, 5 acids and 4 ketones). FMS was found providing higher content of aromas (13396.76 μg/L), especially ethyl acetate (1566.04 μg/L), which enhanced the pineapple flavor characteristics of wine. In addition, Spearman's correlation and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis indicated that FMS had more core microorganisms (21) compared to FML (13), JCT (11) and F15 (16). Some genera in FMS that were closely correlated with volatile compounds, such as Citrobacter, Promicromonospora, Turicibacter, and Saccharomyces, contribute to the formation of esters and alcohols. Our findings provided beneficial reference for the industrial application of indigenous yeast and the development of distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Internalization and Actualization of Larap Slambu Cultural Character Values in Elementary School Students

&lt;em&gt;The moral crisis that often occurs in elementary schools can be overcome by strengthening character education. Strengthening character education can be taken from the culture surrounding society, one of which is the larap slambu culture. The aim of this research is to determine the process of internalization and actualization of character values based on the larap slambu culture based on the strategies implemented by classroom teachers of elementary school students. This research uses qualitative ethnographic study methods. The data analysis technique used is analysis, description, and summary of phenomena based on data obtained through interviews and observation. The results of the research show that the cultural character values of Larap Slambu are religious values, democratic values, environmental care values, social care values, and responsibility values. The results of this research provide recommendations that educators and stakeholders need to realize the importance of internalizing and actualizing local cultural character values. This aims to improve student character and encourage the use of local culture as a model for strengthening student character in various regions.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div id="pip-toast"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;

What can sea-related associations reveal about a coastal region’s maritimity? A case study in southern France

A key component of the environment in coastal territories, the sea also creates special geographical features and grounds social and cultural identities. At a time of rising concern and multiple projects for its exploitation as well as its protection, public policies need to consider the social representation of the marine environment and people’s visions of its future. Relying on the concept of maritimity, defined as all the relationships binding human societies to the sea and the resulting landscape, economy and culture, we assess the maritime character of a coastal region in southern France by analysing the local sea–related associations its population are engaged in. This is made possible through the supervised extraction of the relevant data from the national directory of associations, the official database of non-profit associations in France, which are then given appropriate statistical and cartographic treatments. Results provide an indication of the depth of the region’s maritime character, as well as the areas of activity and places in which maritimity is the most developed. These are consistent with the social and economic profile of the region, highly engaged in tourism and a residential economy. Further work is recommended, with a view to exploring the region’s maritimity more closely by comparing it with other regions and applying finer analysis to the stated objectives of the sea-related associations.

Contributions to the tribes Othiini and Xantholinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) of Trkiye from the Aegean Region.

The main object of this study is to make contributions to the Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) fauna of Trkiye with additional records from tribes Othiini and Xantholinini and a new species of Xantholinus Dejean, 1821. Examined material was composed of specimens collected from the Aegean Region between 20192022. A total of 18 species were recorded, belonging to nine genera and two tribes. Three of these are new records for Aegean Region. Furthermore, a new species, Xantholinus (Calolinus) manisaensis sp. n., is described from Manisa province. Description of the new species, photographs of habitus, genital segment and aedeagus as well as a differential diagnosis are also provided. The global distributions of the above species are included, and the zoogeographic status of each species is discussed. Previous records from the study area are compared to and evaluated with our findings. The majority of the collected species were European and Asian in distribution, reflecting the regional character and geographical position of Trkiye. It can be concluded that climate change has negatively affected biodiversity and with species loss as a possible result.

Arts in Modern Ghanaian Festival: Kwahu Easter in Context

This paper explores modern art forms and tourism products associated with Ghana's Kwahu Easter festival using a large qualitative sample of 30 stakeholders. Findings reveal continued cultural vibrancy across artistic genres, including handicrafts, cuisine, dance, Music, sculpture and storytelling. Youth incorporates modern narratives, materials and technologies to augment heritage arts, signalling evolution rather than erosion from globalisation. Strategic development opportunities centre on participatory workshops showcasing living culture, community-based ecotourism capitalising on natural assets, enhanced destination events, grassroots adventure sports establishment, and nuanced hospitality/lodging that sustains regional character. Key constraints around access, infrastructure and controlled scaling require acknowledgement. Overall, braided traditional and emerging creative production persists through intergenerational transmission, with targeted support around mentorship continuity, policy funding and coordinated promotion consolidating these strengths. Artistic reinvention and participation, not rigidity, underpin the Kwahu Easter celebrations' resilience and accretion of meaning over generations. The festivals showcase Ghanaian culture's systemic ability to dynamically nurture heritage on its own evolving terms through embracing internal diversity and global exchange.