bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Problems of Non-Toroidal Shaped Current Transformers
Authors: Platero Carlos A. , Sánchez-Fernández José Ángel , Gyftakis Konstantinos N. , Blázquez Francisco , Granizo Ricardo
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, non-toroidal shape primary pass-through current transformers are commonly used for large current machines with several cables per phase. As these transformers exhibit no radial symmetry, it is not clear if they can be tested using the indirect test described in the IEC 61869 standard. In order to answer this question, two non-toroidal shaped current transformers of different secondary winding designs have been tested and simulated. One transformer has a uniformly distributed secondary winding and the other has a partially distributed secondary winding. Both transformers have the same nameplate characteristics. Both perform correctly in the indirect test. However, only the transformer with the uniformly distributed secondary winding performs correctly in a direct test. A finite element simulation shows that the iron core of the partially distributed secondary winding transformer was saturated, while the iron core of the uniformly distributed one was not. This result explains their different performance. The main conclusion is that the indirect test is not sensitive enough to cover all cases and therefore under doubtful situations, the transformers should be tested using the direct test.
Automated Detection of Presymptomatic Conditions in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Using Monte Carlo Dropout and Deep Neural Network Techniques with Electrooculogram Signals
Authors: Stoean Catalin , Stoean Ruxandra , Atencia Miguel , Abdar Moloud , Velázquez-Pérez Luis , Khosravi Abbas , Nahavandi Saeid , Acharya U. Rajendra , Joya Gonzalo
Published: May 2020

Application of deep learning (DL) to the field of healthcare is aiding clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis. DL provides reliable results for image processing and sensor interpretation problems most of the time. However, model uncertainty should also be thoroughly quantified. This paper therefore addresses the employment of Monte Carlo dropout within the DL structure to automatically discriminate presymptomatic signs of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in saccadic samples obtained from electrooculograms. The current work goes beyond the common incorporation of this special type of dropout into deep neural networks and uses the uncertainty derived from the validation samples to construct a decision tree at the register level of the patients. The decision tree built from the uncertainty estimates obtained a classification accuracy of 81.18% in automatically discriminating control, presymptomatic and sick classes. This paper proposes a novel method to address both uncertainty quantification and explainability to develop reliable healthcare support systems.
Analysis of a Tubular Torsionally Resonating Viscosity–Density Sensor
Authors: Brunner Daniel , Goodbread Joe , Häusler Klaus , Kumar Sunil , Boiger Gernot , Khawaja Hassan A.
Published: May 2020

This paper discusses a state-of-the-art inline tubular sensor that can measure the viscosity–density ( ρ η ) of a passing fluid. In this study, experiments and numerical modelling were performed to develop a deeper understanding of the tubular sensor. Experimental results were compared with an analytical model of the torsional resonator. Good agreement was found at low viscosities, although the numerical model deviated slightly at higher viscosities. The sensor was used to measure viscosities in the range of 0.3–1000 mPa·s at a density of 1000 kg/m3. Above 50 mPa·s, numerical models predicted viscosity within ±5% of actual measurement. However, for lower viscosities, there was a higher deviation between model and experimental results up to a maximum of ±21% deviation at 0.3 mPa·s. The sensor was tested in a flow loop to determine the impact of both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. No significant deviations from the static case were found in either of the flow regimes. The numerical model developed for the tubular torsional sensor was shown to predict the sensor behavior over a wide range, enabling model-based design scaling.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Pattern Recognition in a Sports Context
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Cristina Nunes , Pereira Alexandre Santos , Mendes Rui Manuel Sousa , Araújo André Gonçalves , Couceiro Micael Santos , Figueiredo António José
Published: May 2020

Optimizing athlete’s performance is one of the most important and challenging aspects of coaching. Physiological and positional data, often acquired using wearable devices, have been useful to identify patterns, thus leading to a better understanding of the game and, consequently, providing the opportunity to improve the athletic performance. Even though there is a panoply of research in pattern recognition, there is a gap when it comes to non-controlled environments, as during sports training and competition. This research paper combines the use of physiological and positional data as sequential features of different artificial intelligence approaches for action recognition in a real match context, adopting futsal as its case study. The traditional artificial neural networks (ANN) is compared with a deep learning method, Long Short-Term Memory Network, and also with the Dynamic Bayesian Mixture Model, which is an ensemble classification method. The methods were used to process all data sequences, which allowed to determine, based on the balance between precision and recall, that Dynamic Bayesian Mixture Model presents a superior performance, with an F1 score of 80.54% against the 33.31% achieved by the Long Short-Term Memory Network and 14.74% achieved by ANN.
Developing an Intelligent Monitoring Technology for Airport Stone Column Machines
Authors: Tang Ke , Yuan Haiwen , Lv Jianxun , Chen Fengchen
Published: May 2020

Most of the construction machinery for vibro-sinking stone columns, which are widely used in China, needs to be improved in terms of degree of automation. Engineering quality control is mainly carried out post-inspection; consequently, it is difficult to control the construction quality in real time. According to the construction characteristics of traditional stone column machines, we established the theory and model for the real-time monitoring of stone column construction, as well as put forward an intelligent monitoring method for stone column machines. With the comprehensive application of critical technologies such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurement technology, laser ranging sensors, and massive data processing, an intelligent data acquisition technique and associated monitoring equipment for stone column construction machines are developed. The data acquisition and storage of crucial construction parameters, such as pile depth, pile point co-ordinates, bearing layer current, and reverse insertion times, are realized. A large number of actual construction data are collected and the construction quality parameters of stone column machines are obtained. By comparison with third-party detection data, it is verified that the intelligent monitoring technique for stone column machines proposed in this paper is feasible.
Development of an Accurate Resonant Frequency Controlled Wire Ultrasound Surgical Instrument
Authors: Kim Jungsuk , Kim Kyeongjin , Choe Sun-Ho , Choi Hojong
Published: May 2020

Our developed wire ultrasound surgical instrument comprises a bolt-clamped Langevin ultrasonic transducer (BLUT) fabricated by PMN-PZT single crystal material due to high mechanical quality factor and electromechanical coupling coefficient, a waveguide in the handheld instrument, and a generator instrument. To ensure high performance of wire ultrasound surgical instruments, the BLUT should vibrate at an accurate frequency because the BLUT’s frequency influences hemostasis and the effects of incisions on blood vessels and tissues. Therefore, we implemented a BLUT with a waveguide in the handheld instrument using a developed assembly jig process with impedance and network analyzers that can accurately control the compression force using a digital torque wrench. A generator instrument having a main control circuit with a low error rate, that is, an output frequency error rate within ±0.5% and an output voltage error rate within ±1.6%, was developed to generate the accurate frequency of the BLUT in the handheld instrument. In addition, a matching circuit between the BLUT and generator instrument with a network analyzer was developed to transfer displacement vibration efficiently from the handheld instrument to the end of the waveguide. Using the matching circuit, the measured S-parameter value of the generator instrument using a network analyzer was −24.3 dB at the resonant frequency. Thus, our proposed scheme can improve the vibration amplitude and accuracy of frequency control of the wire ultrasound surgical instrument due to developed PMN-PZT material and assembly jig process.
Deep Trench Isolation and Inverted Pyramid Array Structures Used to Enhance Optical Efficiency of Photodiode in CMOS Image Sensor via Simulations
Authors: Han Chang-Fu , Chiou Jiun-Ming , Lin Jen-Fin
Published: May 2020

The photodiode in the backside-illuminated CMOS sensor is modeled to analyze the optical performances in a range of wavelengths (300–1100 nm). The effects of changing in the deep trench isolation depth (DTI) and pitch size (d) of the inverted pyramid array (IPA) on the peak value (OEmax.) of optical efficiency (OE) and its wavelength region are identified first. Then, the growth ratio (GR) is defined for the OE change in these wavelength ranges to highlight the effectiveness of various DTI and d combinations on the OEs and evaluate the OE difference between the pixel arrays with and without the DTI + IPA structures. Increasing DTI can bring in monotonous OEmax. increases in the entire wavelength region. For a fixed DTI, the maximum OEmax. is formed as the flat plane (d = 0 nm) is chosen for the top surface of Si photodiode in the RGB pixels operating at the visible light wavelengths; whereas different nonzero value is needed to obtain the maximum OEmax. for the RGB pixels operating in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The optimum choice in d for each color pixel and DTI depth can elevate the maximum GR value in the NIR region up to 82.2%.
Temperature and Torque Measurements of Switched Reluctance Actuator with Composite or Laminated Magnetic Cores
Authors: Przybylski Marek , Ślusarek Barbara , Di Barba Paolo , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Wiak Sławomir
Published: May 2020

Soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials made of iron powder are more frequently used in construction of electric actuators and motors because of their advantages with respect to Fe–Si electric steel sheets and because they have almost no powder loss. The study deals with measurements of temperature and torque of a low-power rotary switched reluctance actuator, with reference to a commercial actuator and a prototype actuator characterized by stator and rotor cores made of soft magnetic composite materials. Further power loss analysis was also conducted. To assess the actuators, magnetization characteristics and iron loss vs. magnetic flux density at a given frequency were measured according to IEC standards. Results show that the actuator made of soft magnetic composites exhibits higher efficiency and a lower temperature rise of stator and windings in comparison with the commercial actuator.
Educational Legacy of the Rio 2016 Games: Lessons for Youth Engagement
Authors: Kirakosyan Lyusyena
Published: May 2020

The promise of the Rio 2016 Games was to influence the entire population of Brazil, but the major impact was expected to be on children and the youth. The development of youth education programs promoting Olympic and Paralympic values was one of the main commitments that organizers made in 2009 to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This article draws on the available literature on Olympic and Paralympic education and youth engagement and examines several of such programs previously implemented in such host cities as Beijing, Vancouver, and London. The purpose was to explore the ways in which implementing such educational legacy programs by the Rio 2016 and other sporting mega-event organizers can inspire and sustain youth engagement. The inductive thematic analysis was applied in the close examination of the content, strategies, and outcomes of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic education program. The results suggest that to leave an enduring youth legacy, policymakers, future mega-event organizers, and educators need to understand it as a continued endeavor beyond the hosting period and embed the related educational efforts into broader educational and youth-focused structures. This article also outlines lessons for youth engagement that can be drawn from Rio’s and other host cities’ Olympic and Paralympic education practices.
Soil Microbial Communities in Corn Fields Treated with Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Bhandari Krishna B. , Longing Scott D. , West Charles P.
Published: May 2020

Aspergillus flavus refers to a diverse group of saprophytic soil fungi that includes strains producing aflatoxins (toxigenic strains) in the kernels of corn (Zea mays L.) and other crops, causing pre-harvest and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination. Some A. flavus strains are atoxigenic, and the introduction of such strains into the crop environment helps reduce toxigenic aflatoxin contamination. Corn growers in Texas have used the product FourSure™, which contains four atoxigenic strains of A. flavus; however, effects on soil microbial communities associated with these applications are unknown. We compared soil fungal and bacterial communities in corn fields treated with FourSure™ to nearby untreated (control) corn fields in Texas during the summer of 2019. Analysis of soil microbial community structure showed that total fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), fungal, and bacterial populations were not significantly different (p = 0.31) between the FourSure™-treated and control fields, yet corn fields located in the northern counties had more (p < 0.05) Gram—bacteria, actinobacteria, and total bacteria than fields in the southernmost county. The Gram—bacteria and actinobacteria were positively correlated (p = 0.04; r = 0.48 and 0.49, respectively) with soil water content. Similar fungal and bacterial abundances between FourSure™-treated and control fields indicated that atoxigenic A. flavus had no negative effects on soil microbial communities.
Intensity Thresholds and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Small Muscle Group Exercise
Authors: Spendier Florian , Müller Alexander , Korinek Markus , Hofmann Peter
Published: May 2020

The aim of our study is to determine the first (LTP1) and the second (LTP2) lactate turn points during an incremental bicep curl test and to verify these turn points by ventilatory turn points (VT1 and VT2) and constant-load exercise tests. Twelve subjects performed a one-arm incremental bicep curl exercise (IET) after a one repetition maximum (1RM) test to calculate the step rate for the incremental exercise (1RM/45). Workload was increased every min at a rate of 30 reps/min until maximum. To verify LTPs, VT1 and VT2 were determined from spirometric data, and 30 min constant-load tests (CL) were performed at 5% Pmax below and above turn points. Peak load in IET was 5.3 ± 0.9 kg (Lamax: 2.20 ± 0.40 mmol·L−1; HRmax: 135 ± 15 b·min−1; VO2max: 1.15 ± 0.30 L·min−1). LTP1 was detected at 1.9 ± 0.6 kg (La: 0.86 ± 0.36 mmol·L−1; HR 90 ± 13 b·min−1; VO2: 0.50 ± 0.05 L·min−1) and LTP2 at 3.8 ± 0.7 kg (La: 1.38 ± 0.37 mmol·L−1; 106 ± 10 b·min−1; VO2: 0.62 ± 0.11 L·min−1). Constant-load tests showed a lactate steady-state in all tests except above LTP2, with early termination after 16.5 ± 9.1 min. LTP1 and LTP2 could be determined in IET, which were not significantly different from VT1/VT2. Constant-load exercise validated the three-phase concept, and a steady-state was found at resting values below VT1 and in all other tests except above LTP2. It is suggested that the three-phase model is also applicable to small muscle group exercise.
The Lampedusa Studio: A Multimethod Pedagogy for Tackling Compound Sustainability Problems in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design
Authors: Hensel Michael , Santucci Daniele , Sunguroğlu Hensel Defne , Auer Thomas
Published: May 2020

In architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design, entangled multiscale and multidomain, or compound, sustainability problems and associated design requirements are becoming rapidly more demanding, complex, and interdisciplinary due to demographic, social, economic, environmental, and technological changes. This places considerable pressure on developing adequate pedagogical approaches to provide the next generation of architects, landscape architects, and urban designers with the knowledge, approaches, and skills to meet these challenges. This article discusses an attempt to develop an adequate pedagogy for a research-integrated master-level design studio along a multimethod approach. Key concepts, approaches, and methods are discussed, along with selected studio projects and a follow-up master thesis project. The projects are examined in terms of their responses to the themes, concepts, approaches, and methods of the pedagogical approach. Finally, further questions concerning the development of the portrayed pedagogical approach are discussed.
Planning and Design Support Tools for Walkability: A Guide for Urban Analysts
Authors: Blečić Ivan , Congiu Tanja , Fancello Giovanna , Trunfio Giuseppe Andrea
Published: May 2020

We present a survey of operational methods for walkability analysis and evaluation, which we hold show promise as decision-support tools for sustainability-oriented planning and urban design. An initial overview of the literature revealed a subdivision of walkability studies into three main lines of research: transport and land use, urban health, and livable cities. A further selection of articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases focused on scientific papers that deal with walkability evaluation methods and their suitability as planning and decision-support tools. This led to the definition of a taxonomy to systematize and compare the methods with regard to factors of walkability, scale of analysis, attention on profiling, aggregation methods, spatialization and sources of data used for calibration and validation. The proposed systematization aspires to offer to non-specialist but competent urban analysts a guide and an orienteering, to help them integrate walkability analysis and evaluation into their research and practice.
Architectural Sustainability and Efficiency of Enhanced Waterproof Coating from Utilization of Waterborne Poly (Siloxane-Imide-Urethane) Copolymers on Roof Surfaces
Authors: Hsu Yao-Tang , Wang Wen-Hsin , Hung Wei-Hsi
Published: May 2020

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, from 2017 to 2019, more than 12% of house-purchase disputes were due to water leakage caused by frequent tropical rains, which have long troubled engineers. The thermal stability resistance, water resistance, and ultraviolet resistance of existing polyurethane formulations have been limited by environmental aging. Thus, the lifespan of commercial PU-coated resins (typical PU) for the waterproofing of roof surfaces is merely two to three years. Accordingly, this study proposed the introduction of siloxane and imide groups to produce waterborne poly(urethane-siloxane-imide) (Si-imide-WPU) copolymers to improve the resistance of environmental aging in typical PU. The waterproof coating resin made of Si-imide-WPU copolymers was environmentally friendly, safe to use, and free of organic solvents. The results showed that the optimal Si-imide-WPU-2 sample in the study made improvements on the defects of polyurethane (PU) including its thermal properties, mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and lifespan which could be extended up to 5.4 years. Consequently, the studied Si-imide-WPU copolymers could reduce material waste while enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the architecture.
The Role of a City Council in a Place Branding Campaign: The Case of Vic in Catalonia
Authors: Ginesta Xavier , de-San-Eugenio-Vela Jordi , Corral-Marfil José-Antonio , Montaña Jordi
Published: May 2020

The fundamental goal of this article is to show the implications that place branding has for regional public management through a case study of the brand “Vic, a city with a human dimension” [Vic, ciutat a la mesura humana, in Catalan language], a project commissioned by the city council of Vic and carried out by the city’s university (University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia). Vic is the capital of the Osona region, in the centre of Catalonia, with a population of 45,040 inhabitants. Methodologically, this research utilised 14 focus group discussions, two in-depth interviews and a survey addressed to citizens and answered by 855 people. In regards to results, the research shows that the practice of place branding transcends the traditional action areas of place marketing and place promotion, in order to be fully integrated in the region’s overall management policies, that is to say, its urban governance. The article also concludes that the processes of conceptualisation and implementation of new place brands must be framed within a bottom-up approach, integrating all the stakeholders (public–private cooperation) in the decision-making process.
Monitoring Insecticide Susceptibility in Aedes Aegypti Populations from the Two Biggest Cities, Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso: Implication of Metabolic Resistance
Authors: Namountougou Moussa , Soma Dieudonné Diloma , Balboné Mahamoudou , Kaboré Didier Alexandre , Kientega Mahamadi , Hien Aristide , Coulibaly Ahmed , Ouattara Parfait Eric , Meda Benson Georges , Drabo Samuel , Koala Lassane , Nignan Charles , Kagoné Thérèse , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Fournet Florence , Gnankiné Olivier , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr
Published: May 2020

In West Africa, Aedes aegypti remains the major vector of dengue virus. Since 2013, dengue fever has been reemerging in Burkina Faso with annual outbreaks, thus becoming a major public health problem. Its control relies on vector control, which is unfortunately facing the problem of insecticide resistance. At the time of this study, although data on phenotypic resistance were available, information related to the metabolic resistance in Aedes populations from Burkina Faso remained very scarce. Here, we assessed the phenotypic and the metabolic resistance of Ae. aegypti populations sampled from the two main urban areas (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso) of Burkina Faso. Insecticide susceptibility bioassays to chlorpyriphos-methyl 0.4%, bendiocarb 0.1% and deltamethrin 0.05% were performed on natural populations of Ae. aegypti using the WHO protocol. The activity of enzymes involved in the rapid detoxification of insecticides, especially non-specific esterases, oxidases (cytochrome P450) and glutathione-S-transferases, was measured on individual mosquitos. The mortality rates for deltamethrin 0.05% were low and ranged from 20.72% to 89.62% in the Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou sites, respectively. When bendiocarb 0.1% was tested, the mortality rates ranged from 7.73% to 71.23%. Interestingly, in the two urban areas, mosquitoes were found to be fully susceptible to chlorpyriphos-methyl 0.4%. Elevated activity of non-specific esterases and glutathione-S-transferases was reported, suggesting multiple resistance mechanisms involved in Ae. aegypti populations from Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou (including cytochrome P450). This update to the insecticide resistance status within Ae. aegypti populations in the two biggest cities is important to better plan dengue vectors control in the country and provides valuable information for improving vector control strategies in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Identification of Mutations in Antimalarial Resistance Gene Kelch13 from Plasmodium falciparum Isolates in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Umar F. , Adam Ruqayya , Mukhtar Muhammad M. , Muhammad Abdullahi , Yahuza Adamu A. , Ibrahim Sulaiman S.
Published: May 2020

Malaria control relies on first-line treatments that use artemisinin-combination therapies (ACT). Unfortunately, mutations in the plasmodium falciparum kelch13 gene result in delayed parasite clearance. Research on what is causing ACT failure is non-existent in northwestern Nigeria. Thus, the presence of mutations in kelch13 in P. falciparum isolates from Kano, Nigeria was investigated in this study. Microscopic examination of 154 blood samples obtained from patients revealed a high prevalence of P. falciparum infection (114 positive individuals, slide positivity rate = 74.03%). The 114 patients were administered Cartef® (ACT) and out of the 50 patients that returned for the 14-day follow up, 11 were positive for P. falciparum (slide positivity rate = 22%). On day 0, 80 samples out of 114 and 11 samples on day 14 (91 out of 125 microscopy-positive samples) were positive with Plasmodium according to the PCR of cytochrome oxidase I, which corresponds to 72.8%. A fragment of the kelch13 gene encompassing the propeller domains was sequenced in 49 samples, alongside samples of the susceptible strain pf_3D7. Low polymorphism was observed, suggesting a lack of selection on this gene, and only six mutations (Glu433Gly, Phe434Ile, Phe434Ser, Ile684Asn, Ile684Thr and Glu688Lys) were found. The epidemiologic impact of these mutations and their potential role in ACT resistance needs to be investigated further.
Сучасна політика у сфері виконання покарань України: зміст та особливості
Authors: Колб О. , Дучимінська Л.
Published: May 2020

У статті визначено сутність і зміст сучасної державної політики у сфері виконання покарань і пробації України, а також встановлені її особливості та розроблені науково обґрунтовані заходи, спрямовані на удосконалення форм її реалізації на законодавчому та практичному рівнях, з урахуванням діючих на сьогодні державних стратегій та концепцій реформування органів та установ виконання покарань.
Особливості проведення окремих судових експертиз під час розслідування злочинів минулих років
Authors: Симоненко Н.
Published: May 2020

Стаття присвячена дослідженню проведення судово-медичної і психофізіологічної експертизи в ході досудового розслідування злочинів минулих років. Особливу увагу автор приділяє питанням, пов’язаним з проведенням судово-медичної, судово-психіатричної та судово-психологічної експертизи, а також проведенню психофізіологічної експертизи з використанням поліграфа.
Сутність правових засад реалізації державної політики у сфері забезпечення економічної безпеки держави
Authors: Кошиков Д.
Published: May 2020

В публікації проведено загальнотеоретичне дослідження змісту терміну «правові засади», здійснено його відмежування від споріднених правових категорій, а також сформульовано його авторське визначення. Наголошено, що сучасні загрози національній безпеці України та економічній безпеці, як її складової, вимагають ретельного аналізу та удосконаленню правових норм, які регулюють відповідні суспільні відносини та політику державі в цій сфері. Проведено класифікацію нормативно-правових актів, які регулюють питання реалізації державної політики в сфері економічної безпеки України в залежності від їх юридичної сили.
Про деякі практичні аспекти кримінологічної характеристики злочинів, вчинених у сфері виконання покарань України
Authors: Колб Р.
Published: May 2020

У статті з’ясовано сутність і зміст кримінологічної характеристики злочинів, які мають місце в органах та установах виконання покарань, а також доведено їх практичну значущість для сфери виконання покарань та запобігання рецидивної злочинності в цілому в Україні.
Роль прокуратури як учасника кримінально-виконавчої діяльності в реалізації міжнародних стандартів поводження із засудженими у виправних колоніях України
Authors: Колодчина А.
Published: May 2020

У статті з’ясовано сутність і зміст діяльності прокуратури як учасника кримінально-виконавчих правовідносин, пов’язаної з реалізацією міжнародних стандартів, що стосуються засуджених, позбавлених волі, а також визначена її роль у запобіганні нелюдського та такого, що принижує гідність, поводження і покарання  щодо цих осіб.
DESIGN AND CALCULATION OF ROAD SURFACE BY METHOD OF STRUCTURAL NUMBERS
Authors: Gorshkova N. , Aleksandrov D.
Published: May 2020

Road surface is one of the main components of highways, its condition ensures the safety and speed of traffic. Modern road surface is a complex engineering structure: it consists of layers of road construction materials laid in stages, which have various physical and mechanical properties. These properties are taken into account to ensure the safe movement of vehicles at any time of the year at the estimated speed, while preventing accidents and reducing traffic convenience. The method of structural numbers is one of the methods for calculating roadways. The possibility of its application for the design and calculation of road surface is analyzed. The article shows the possibility of using this rather simple method used in many countries, using a specific example. Since Russia is actively switching to the design of asphalt-concrete mixtures using the Superpave method, which improves the performance of road surfaces, this method has advantages in the design and calculation of road coverings, consisting in ease of use.
MODELS OF ARCHITECTURAL FORMATION OF PUBLIC SPACES IN THE STRUCTURE OF URBAN WATER
Authors: Aboras A. , Skopincev A.
Published: May 2020

An approach to the architectural and landscape formation of public spaces on water, based on a model representation of the contact zone "river-city", is proposed. The functional loads of public spaces that are transferred to the structure of urban water areas are systematized. Several promising methods in the formation of public spaces on water are presented as meaningful levels of interaction between water area and coastal urban structure: 1) a scenario-functional approach to the formation of linear spaces of public pedestrian environment, 2) the addition and development of ecological complex of the waters, 3) the aesthetic harmonization of environment of coastal areas; 4) strengthening the transverse links of the city and the water area through the placement of public spaces on water. The first method based on scenario-functional approach proposes eight functional planning models for organizing public spaces on water: linear-translational model, complex-dissected model, transverse (scenario-functional) model, closed (ring) model, radial (arched) model, fan (beam) model of public spaces in the structure of the water area, reciprocating (combined) model and discrete model. A number of theoretical models of the organization of public spaces in the structure of urban water areas are proposed. They reflect the principles of aesthetic harmonization of riverside landscape, complement and rehabilitate lost qualities of their ecological complex and organize transverse links of urban environment with water area. The presented models expand the range of possible conceptual approaches and methods of riverside and water areas reconstruction, modernization and adaptation to public functions. In addition, they form new methodological tools for pre-project analysis, architectural concept search and modeling of the building-water zone.
Attitudes to Clinical Pig Kidney Xenotransplantation among Medical Providers and Patients
Authors: Padilla Luz A. , Hurst Daniel , Lopez Raymond , Kumar Vineeta , Cooper David K.C. , Paris Wayne
Published: May 2020

Background

In addition to governmental regulation and scientific advancements, the World Health Organization requires extensive review of local opinions before initiating clinical trials of xenotransplantation (XTx). The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of health care providers and patients regarding XTx.

Methods

An anonymous Likert-scale survey regarding attitudes toward XTx was distributed to pre- and post-kidney transplant patients, nephrologists, transplant surgeons, and nurses (“providers”). Patient and provider responses were described and compared. Regression analysis using patients’ responses was performed to identify factors associated with XTx acceptance.

Results

Eighty percent (32/40) of providers and 69% (113/163) of patients were agreeable to clinical XTx if the risks and results were likely to be similar to kidney allotransplantation (P<0.05). Kidney providers rated the influence of religious beliefs in medical decisions (45% versus 15%) and genetic engineering (43% versus 25%) as being more important than did patients (P<0.05). A small proportion in both groups (<15%) reported concerns about (1) potential personality changes, (2) how others would interact, (3) a perception of being “less human,” or (4) morals or ethics. Logistic regression found that the odds of patients accepting XTx were greater if they had no religious concerns (OR, 25.10; 95% CI, 2.59 to 243.00), but acceptance was less likely if they were not willing to use XTx as a bridge to allotransplantation (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.70).

Conclusions

(1) If outcomes were similar to allotransplantation, XTx support was strong among both providers and patients; (2) providers overestimated the influence of religious beliefs and genetic engineering on patient medical decisions, although religious beliefs are associated with XTx acceptance; (3) XTx use as a bridge to allotransplant was associated with XTx acceptance; and (4) psychosocial concerns were low for either group. Future studies among other communities are warranted to assess if similar attitudes exist.
Growth, Optical and Microhardness Studies of 2-Aminothiazole- 3, 5-Dinitrobenzoic Acid Complex
Authors: Devendhiran Tamiloli , Kumarasamy Keerthika , Lin Mei–Ching
Published: May 2020

Single crystals of 2-Aminothiazole 3,5-Dinitrobenzoic acid has been synthesized and good quality optical crystals were grown by slow evaporation technique at room temperature. The crystallinity nature of the grown crystal was confirmed from X-ray diffraction technique. An optical transmittance study was also carried out by UV – Vis spectra. FTIR spectra confirm the presence of functional groups in the grown crystal. The dielectric measurements were carried out in the range of 50Hz to 2MHz. The dielectric constant was seen to increase exponentially at lower frequencies. The microhardness studies were carried out using Vickers hardness indenter. Photoluminescence study shows that maximum emission occurs at 435nm.
Production and characterization of black charcoal from Bambusa vulgaris (Yellow Bamboo) and potentiality for advance applications
Authors: D.S. Samarawickrama , C.H. Manoratne , P.N.R.J. Amunugoda
Published: May 2020

Issues of air and water pollution and necessity of health care are becoming serious problem as the inter country and global industrialization accelerates. Finding solutions and speedy addressing to these problems via sustainable management and expansion of woody and non woody forest crops, extraction, eco and health friendly products development is increasingly important.  Environmentally and health friendly bamboo charcoal has greater potential and upcoming demand in the globe. Evaluation of higher carbonation temperature and characterization of charcoal properties compared to traditional carbonation temperature pave the way for modification of surface and absorbance properties of bamboo charcoal and expansion of areas applications. This paper provides a scientific research about the optimum carbonation temperature to produce charcoal from Bambusa vulgaris (yellow bamboo).  The bamboo culm was carbonized at four differed temperatures ranging from 600 to 950oC. Products of charcoal were characterized by SEM micrograph analysis, modules of rupture (MOR), calorific value, density, bulk density, density determination and water absorption determination. Optimum carbonization temperature to gain maximum property enhancement of bamboo charcoal was observed around 700 and 850 oC.  By changing carbonization temperature charcoal properties can be change. Removal and solidification of carbon in the flue gas during manufacturing and convert into usable foam of product development pave the way for the expansion of charcoal manufacturing industry without harmful damage to the environment.
Handover in a mobile wireless communication network –A Review Phase
Authors: Rebin Abdullah Saeed
Published: May 2020

Mobility is the features of mobile communication that makes it desirable by all and varied. The whole world is now attractive in wireless communication as it provides users' ability to communicate on-the-go. IT is accomplished by transferring users from a radio network to another. This process is called handover. Handover occurs by adjusting the duration of soft handovers, the size of the areas and either by cell crossing or by deterioration in the signal quality of the current channel — the brief overview of handover, Handover in WiMAX and LTE, types of handover, handover types solutions, usually used handover parameters, some methods employed in the literature and I contemporary the convergent fact for continuance in the area of mobile wireless communication Handover.
Electronic Travel Aid for Visually Impaired People Along with a Panic Alert System
Authors: Anusree  , C Periasamy , V Krishnapriya
Published: May 2020

There are many issues over which humans have no control. Blindness is one of such issues. It snatches the vivid visual beauty of the world from an individual’s life.But missing the beauty of nature becomes one of the last worries of such people as they have to face numerous difficulties in order to perform even the most basics of tasks in their day to day life. One of their most important problems is of transport, such as crossing roads, traveling in trains, or in any other public places. A visually impaired person to survive the fittest in this world, the person must go through all the obstacles without the guidance of others. One of the most important measures to avoid the obstacle by the blind is to provide an assistive implementation, which can help to wander on their own. The main aim of this project is to provide an assistive technology used for the purpose of enhancing the mobility of the blind pedestrian which is commonly referred to as Electronic Travel Aid (ETA) and to motivate the blind without having the inferior feeling of their problem and pay away the blind to move on their own . In this project, a smart guiding ETA is used to guide the user to sense the obstacle before them. This device eliminates the requirement of human assistance for blind while traveling outside. It will identify all obstacles in the path with the help of various sensors installed in it. The microcontroller will retrieve data and pass it on as vibrations which will notify the user about hurdles.
A Novel Approach for Remote Compilation using Docker Containers
Authors: G Selvakumar
Published: May 2020

The number of programming languages is getting more and more and developers are facing a tough time in installing all the compilers, libraries and supporting files for the development activities. Most of the time they want to experiment with new technologies, where the efforts required creating a complete environment to run the programs may not be feasible. On the other hand, several companies have started recruiting developers through their online programming platforms. In such situations, it is essential to protect the resources of the server from malicious programs written by the users by purpose or inadvertently. The client environment has to be as lighter as possible and the server environment must be as secure and efficient as possible. There are several existing solutions to meet this objective with plenty of demerits. In this paper we propose a novel method which overcomes most of the problems in the existing solutions and we have experimented the effectiveness of the proposed solution. In our proposed method we develop a docker based sandbox to run the client programs and display the output. We have developed a complete web interface to test the solution and created a backend to manage the users, sessions, tested programs and the outcomes which can be used for analytics too.
Design and Experimental Investigation of Modified Switched Coupled Inductor Quasi Z-Source Cascaded Multilevel Inverter
Authors: V Raghavendra Rajan , L. Premalatha
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes Switched coupled inductor (SCL) based quasi-Z- Source cascaded multilevel inverter (qZS-CMI), (SCL qZS-CMI) using nearest level modulation (NLM) technique in this paper. The proposed inverter introduces appealing advantages over conventional qZS-CMI such as lower component voltage stress, improved output power quality and efficiency. Both simulation and experimental verification have been carried out for SCL qZS-CMI with a power rating of 250W to validate the above claims.
Interpreting Vernacular Settlements Using the Spatial Behavior Concept
Authors: KAYA Ayşegül
Published: May 2020

Villages are traditional settlements accommodating the different cultural infrastructures of the society, and those are where traditional culture can best be observed. The authentic settlement patterns that vary depending on culture are an important input. Houses and their immediate surroundings are the places that most reflect the lifestyle, culture and social understanding of the people who use them and are shaped by their spatial behavior. The social structure of the society can be read by examining the morphology of the settlements through their varying spatial behavior. The hierarchical structure of the space emerges as a result of the spatial behavior types that regulate the relationships of people and their environment, with the phenomena of privacy and territoriality reflected in the physical space. Therefore, syntactic and morphological studies were conducted in five rural settlements composed of different cultural communities in Düzce, with the aim of showing how spatial behavior leads to the morphology of the settlements. Privacy and territoriality were examined in terms of spatial behavior, and GIS and space syntax methods were used to examine the morphological and syntactic properties of the settlements. In conclusion, spatial behaviors were seen as effective in the morphology of the settlements, and the physical structure of the space in all settlement contexts was affected by the social context. According to the five samples, the most important expression of territoriality in traditional settlements is the structure of the street layout. This layout in villages leads to the spatial hierarchy that creates a sense of place.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structural Properties and Martensitic Transformation of Ni-26.5at. %Ta High Temperature Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: YILDIZ Köksal
Published: May 2020

The effect of heat treatment at 450 oC, 550 oC and 650 oC temperatures for 1 hour on the structural properties and the transformation behaviour of Ni-26.5at. %Ta high temperature shape memory alloy have been examined by XRD, SEM-EDX analysis and DSC measurements. The SEM-EDX investigations showed that microstructures of all heat-treated alloy samples consisted of Ta-rich NiTa2 precipitate phase and matrix. The XRD results indicated that both numbers and intensities of martensite phase reflections of the alloy highly increased as a result of heat treatment at 650 oC. This was indication that the structural properties of the alloy were significantly affected by heat treatment at 650 oC. The thermal measurements revealed that the high temperature shape memory behaviour of the alloy did not changed with heat treatment. However, it was seen that heat treatment performed at 450 oC caused shifting martensitic transformation temperatures of the alloy and hence transformation hysteresis value of the alloy increased.
A Comparative Study of Scalarization Techniques on the Multi-Objective Single Machine-Scheduling Problem Under Sequence-Dependent Setup Time, Release Date and Due Date Constraints
Authors: ERZURUM CİCEK Zeynep İdil , KAMİSLİ OZTURK Zehra
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we considered a two-objective machine-scheduling problem under sequence-dependent setup time, release date and due date constraints. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model. Two conflicting objectives are considered as minimization of maximum completion time (makespan) and total tardiness. Despite the most use of metaheuristics in this kind of multi-objective problems, here, we try to solve the problem by transforming the two-objectives as a single objective using scalarization techniques. Test instances are generated as proposed in the scheduling literature. The solutions are obtained using Weighted Sum Scalarization, Benson’s Method and Pascoletti−Serafini Method. In addition, a comparison of scalarization techniques using Δ performance metric is given on the considered problem instances. The obtained results are evaluated and Δ values, which were obtained for Benson’s method, are mostly better than other techniques for the generated test problems.
Open Access in Special Education: A Review of Journal and Publisher Policies
Authors: Fleming Jesse Irvan , Cook Bryan G.
Published: May 2020

Open access (OA) options, including preprints and postprints, provide free access to research, accelerate the dissemination of academic work, are associated with increased impact of scholarly work, and allow for dissemination of null results. However, OA publishing is not an established practice for many special education researchers, and journal and publishers’ policies regarding OA are not always clear. In this paper, we systematically reviewed OA policies (i.e., regarding preprints, postprints, OA publishing, article processing charges (APCs), and embargo periods) for 51 special education journals and five publishers of special education journals. Most journals provided no policies, only three journals provided information for each OA feature examined, and many journals and publishers reported substantial APCs and embargo periods over 18 months. We recommend journals and publishers prominently post OA policies, establish a common vocabulary for OA policies, and reduce APCs to foster broad and open dissemination of special education research.
MONITORING AND REGULATION OF MANAGEMENT DECISIONS TO REALIZE THE POTENTIAL OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Shchebel A.
Published: May 2020

The development of any business entity depends on its potential. Enterprise potential is a system of opportunities to achieve development goals within the functions defined by the structure of the enterprise. The level of potential of the enterprise depends on the level of development of the functional structure of the enterprise. It should be acknowledged that, regardless of the type of activity of the enterprise, its form of ownership and size, there are certain components of the potential of the enterprise that are common to all economic entities. There are also those that are specific to specific businesses. This difference in potentials largely determines the vectors and intensity of enterprise development, their competitiveness. Enterprise potential management involves: defining the goals of enterprise potential formation taking into account the factors of the internal and external environment of the enterprise; organizing events to build enterprise capacity; motivation of employees to fulfill the set tasks within the measures defined in the previous stage; control of the process of formation of enterprise potential; regulation of the process of formation of enterprise potential. This article highlights the peculiarities of the implementation of these last two stages of enterprise potential management. It is proved that monitoring of management decisions is directed to such objects as production capacities, areas, resources of the enterprise, etc. taking into account changes of factors of internal and, especially, external environment for timely adoption and implementation of corrective management decisions aimed at optimization of the results of realization of enterprise potential.