bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isomers in Interstellar Environments. I. The Case of Z- and E-cyanomethanimine
Authors: Shingledecker Christopher N. , Molpeceres Germán , Rivilla Víctor M. , Majumdar Liton , Kästner Johannes
Published: July 2020

In this work, we present the results of our investigation into the chemistry of Z- and E-cyanomethanimine (HNCHCN), both of which are possible precursors to the nucleobase adenine. Ab initio quantum chemical calculations for a number of reactions with atomic hydrogen were carried out. We find that the reaction H + Z/E-HNCHCN leading both to H-addition as well as H2-abstraction proceed via similar short-range barriers with bimolecular rate coefficients on the order of ∼10−17 cm3 s−1. These results were then incorporated into astrochemical models and used in simulations of the giant molecular cloud G+0.693. The calculated abundances obtained from these models were compared with previous observational data and found to be in good agreement, with a predicted [Z/E] ratio of ∼3—somewhat smaller than the previously derived value of 6.1 ± 2.4. We find that the [Z/E] ratio in our simulations is due mostly to ion-molecule destruction rates driven by the different permanent dipoles of the two conformers. Based on these results, we propose a general rule-of-thumb for estimating the abundances of isomers in interstellar environments, which we call the “relative dipole principle.”
A Comparative Study of Long and Short GRBs. II. A Multiwavelength Method to Distinguish Type II (Massive Star) and Type I (Compact Star) GRBs
Authors: Li Ye , Zhang Bing , Yuan Qiang
Published: July 2020

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are empirically classified as long-duration GRBs (LGRBs, >2 s) and short-duration GRBs (SGRBs, <2 s). Physically they can be grouped into two distinct progenitor categories: those originating from collapse of massive stars (also known as Type II) and those related to mergers of compact stars (also known as Type I). Even though most LGRBs are Type II and most SGRBs are Type I, the duration criterion is not always reliable to determine the physical category of a certain GRB. Based on our previous comprehensive study of the multiwavelength properties of long and short GRBs, here we utilize the naive Bayes method to physically classify GRBs as Type I and Type II GRBs based on multiwavelength criteria. It results in a 0.5% training error rate and a 1% test error rate. Moreover, there is a gap [−1.2, −0.16] in the distribution of the posterior odds,

, the Type II to Type I probability ratio. Therefore, we propose to use

as the parameter to classify GRBs into Type I (<0) or Type II (>0). The only confirmed Type I GRB, GRB 170817A, has log

. According to this criterion, the supernova-less long GRBs 060614 and 060505 belong to Type I, and two controversial short GRBs 090426 and 060121 belong to Type II.
Spicule Jets in the Solar Atmosphere Modeled with Resistive MHD and Thermal Conduction
Authors: González-Avilés J. J. , Guzmán F. S. , Fedun V. , Verth G.
Published: July 2020

Using numerical simulations, we study the effects of magnetic resistivity and thermal conductivity in the dynamics and properties of solar jets with characteristics of Type II spicules and cool coronal jets. The dynamic evolution of the jets is governed by the resistive MHD equations with thermal conduction along the magnetic field lines on a 2.5D slice. The magnetic field configuration consists of two symmetric neighboring loops with opposite polarity, used to support reconnection and followed by the plasma jet formation. In total, 10 simulations were carried out with different values of resistivity and thermal conductivity that produce jets with different morphological and thermal properties we quantify. We find that an increase in magnetic resistivity does not produce significant effects on the morphology, velocity, and temperature of the jets. However, thermal conductivity affects both temperature and morphology of the jets. In particular, thermal conductivity causes jets to reach greater heights and increases the temperature of the jet-apex. Also, heat flux maps indicate the jet-apex and corona interchange energy more efficiently than the body of the jet. These results could potentially open a new avenue for plasma diagnostics in the Sun’s atmosphere.
Gas Dynamics of the Nickel-56 Decay Heating in Pair-instability Supernovae
Authors: Chen Ke-Jung , Woosley S. E. , Whalen Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Very massive 140–260 M
⊙ stars can die as highly energetic pair-instability supernovae (PI SNe) with energies of up to 100 times those of core-collapse SNe that can completely destroy the star, leaving no compact remnant behind. These explosions can synthesize 0.1–30 M
⊙ of radioactive 56Ni, which can cause them to rebrighten at later times when photons due to 56Ni decay diffuse out of the ejecta. However, heat from the decay of such large masses of 56Ni could also drive important dynamical effects deep in the ejecta that are capable of mixing elements and affecting the observational signatures of these events. We have now investigated the dynamical effect of 56Ni heating on PI SN ejecta with high-resolution two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations performed with the CASTRO code. We find that expansion of the hot 56Ni bubble forms a shell at the base of the silicon layer of the ejecta ∼200 days after the explosion but that no hydrodynamical instabilities develop that would mix 56Ni with the 28Si/16O-rich ejecta. However, while the dynamical effects of 56Ni heating may be weak they could affect the observational signatures of some PI SNe by diverting decay energy into internal expansion of the ejecta at the expense of rebrightening at later times.
Parkes Transient Events. I. Database of Single Pulses, Initial Results, and Missing Fast Radio Bursts
Authors: Zhang S.-B. , Hobbs G. , Russell C. J. , Toomey L. , Dai S. , Dempsey J. , Manchester R. N. , Johnston S. , Staveley-Smith L. , Wu X.-F. , Li D. , Yang Y.-Y. , Wang S.-Q. , Qiu H. , Luo R. , Wang C. , Zhang C. , Zhang L. , Mandow R.
Published: July 2020

A large number of observations from the Parkes 64 m diameter radio telescope, recorded with high time resolution, are publicly available. We have reprocessed all of the observations obtained during the first four years (from 1997–2001) of the Parkes Multibeam Receiver system in order to identify transient events, and have built a database that records the 568,736,756 pulse candidates generated during this search. We have discovered a new fast radio burst (FRB), FRB 010305, with a dispersion measure (DM) of 350 ± 5 cm−3 pc and explored why so few FRBs have been discovered in data prior to 2001. After accounting for the dispersion smearing across the channel bandwidth and the sky regions surveyed, the number of FRBs is found to be consistent with model predictions. We also present five single pulse candidates from unknown sources, but with Galactic DMs. We extract a diverse range of sources from the database, which can be used, for example, as a training set of data for new software being developed to search for FRBs in the presence of radio frequency interference.
First record of Erasmoneura vulnerata Fitch, 1851 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) in Switzerland
Authors: Rizzoli Attilio , Battelli Riccardo , Conedera Marco , Jermini Mauro
Published: July 2020

The first record of Erasmoneura vulnerata Fitch, 1851 in Switzerland is reported. Specimens were collected in 2019 using yellow sticky traps during a Scaphoideus titanus monitoring campaign in vineyards in Ticino (Southern Switzerland). E. vulnerata is a grapevine pest that has recently been introduced to Europe, whose phytophagy causes detrimental damage to grapevine leaves. Its occurrence in this area has likely been favored by the ongoing suspension of insecticide treatments for the control of the S. titanus population, the vector agent of the “Flavescence dorée” phytoplasma in grapevines.
La porosité sensorielle entre sens du milieu et facteur d’ambiance
Authors: Ammar Toumadher
Published: July 2020

Dans un premier temps, nous tentons dans cet article de démontrer les liens requis entre les notions d’ambiance et de milieu en passant par celle de médiance. Nous établissons que l’ambiance se situerait entre le sens du milieu ou la médiance et le sentiment de la situation. Dans un deuxième temps, nous présenterons une part des données induites des différentes enquêtes mises en œuvre à partir des terrains d’étude dans la commune de Capaci en Sicile et les quartiers de Capaci Piccolo et Capaci Grandi situés à Sousse en Tunisie. Nous justifions que la porosité sensorielle constitue le principal sens de ces milieux. Nous établissons que la porosité éprouvée fait ambiance et qu’elle se manifeste à travers le registre spatial, le registre sensible, ainsi que les registres temporel et social.
Esquisse d’une méthode d’élaboration des onto-fictions
Authors: Fouillet Aurélien , Grégoire Axelle
Published: July 2020

Il s’agit ici d’interroger la notion d’environnement au regard de la question des ontologies. Comment façonnent-elles notre réel ? Comment, en créant de nouveaux cadres ontologiques, pouvons-nous produire de nouveaux « environnements » ? Pour cela nous proposons l’élaboration d’un outil onto-fictionnel basé sur la construction d’un manuel de traduction des ontologies existantes et l’élaboration d’un vocabulaire typologique à travers l’analyse d’objets participant à la matérialité de l’environnement. Enfin, nous nous attachons à définir les ontofictions et ce qu’elles ont pour objectif de produire comme capacités descriptives et perceptives.
Identifying the Safe Zone in Arthroscopic Anterior Elbow Capsulectomy: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Chin Kenneth M. , Gilotra Mohit N. , Horton Steven , Hasan S. Ashfaq
Published: July 2020

The authors assessed the effects of forearm rotation on the proximity of the radial nerve and medial collateral ligament (MCL) to a proximal and a more distal arthroscopic anterior elbow capsulectomy. Arthroscopy was performed on 10 cadaveric specimens. Sutures were passed lateral to medial at the level of the radiocapitellar joint and at the proximal edge of the annular ligament. Dissection measured the distance to the radial nerve from the lateral starting point and to the MCL from the medial exit point in varying degrees of forearm rotation. The extent of brachialis muscle coverage of the radial nerve was documented. The distance from the starting point to the radial nerve increased in pronation at both levels. The medial extent of the capsulectomy remained a safe distance from the MCL. Brachialis muscle covered the radial nerve at both levels. Pronation increases the capsulectomy safe zone, including more distally, before encountering the radial nerve; the MCL is not at risk. [
Orthopedics
. 2020;43(5):e399–e403.]
Return to Work After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Predictive Model
Authors: Rondon Alexander J. , Tan Timothy L. , Greenky Max R. , Kheir Matthew M. , Foltz Carol , Purtill James J.
Published: July 2020

Returning to work after surgery is a primary concern of patients who are contemplating total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The ability to return to work has enormous influence on the patient's independence, financial well-being, and daily activities. The goal of this study was to determine the independent patient variables that predict return to work as well as to create a predictive model. From June 2017 to December 2017, a total of 391 patients who underwent primary TJA (243 hips, 148 knees) were prospectively enrolled in the study to obtain information on return to work after surgery. Patients were sent a series of questions in a biweekly survey. Information was collected on the physical demands of their occupation, the number of hours spent standing, the limitations to return to work, and the use of assistive devices. Bivariate analysis was performed, and a multiple linear regression model was created. Most (89.6%) patients returned to work within 12 weeks of surgery. Patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty returned to work earlier than those who underwent total knee arthroplasty (5.56 vs 7.79 weeks, respectively). Analysis showed the following independent predictors for faster return to work: self-employment, availability of light-duty work, male sex, and higher income. Predictors for slower return to work included a physically demanding occupation (at least 50% physical duties), knee arthroplasty, longer length of stay, and a job requiring more hours spent standing. This model reported an adjusted

R
2

of 0.332. The findings provide an objective predictive model of the patient- and procedure-specific characteristics that affect postoperative return to work. Surgeons should consider these factors when counseling patients on their postoperative expectations. [
Orthopedics
. 2020;43(5):e415–e420.]
A REVIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTIVE MEASURES IN ARCHITECTURE WITHIN TEMPERATE CLIMATE ZONES
Authors: Poulsen Mikkel , Lauring Michael , Brunsgaard Camilla
Published: July 2020

Since a large portion of greenhouse gases are emitted by the building sector, there has been a push towards sustainable low energy architecture, which could help mitigate the effects of climate change. Although climate change is considered inevitable, adaptive measures must be taken in the field of architecture to alleviate its impact. Creating an overview of the state of the art in the field of architecture as it adapts to climate change will help identify the problems and possibilities of architectural adaptation.

The aim must be to create buildings that are as suitable to the current climate as they are to the climate of the future and maintain an ability to resist the impacts of climate change; this ability to resist potential change is defined as adaptive capacity. It is challenging to reconcile the energy requirements for contemporary buildings with rising temperatures and extreme weather in temperate climate zones. The literature on the subject is explored through iterative searches in scientific databases.

In discussions about the possible adaptations to climate change, there needs to be a focus on human adaptation facilitated by architecture and the built environment’s utilization and support of ecosystem services in adaptation strategies, since the scope of climate change reaches beyond the singular building. There are plenty of strategies and technologies from which to draw but little focus on how these should support the design of a building and its inhabitants. In the future it will be necessary to look at the adaptive capacity of a building itself and how the building can benefit its surroundings.
BUILDING INTERIOR TUBES AND NONIMAGING REFLECTORS (BITNR) STUDIES
Authors: Goodman Joel H.
Published: July 2020

Building Interior Tubes and Nonimaging Reflectors (BITNR) solar thermal concentrators for mid-temperature applications in snow and dust regions, previously titled BIETR now include non-evacuated tube-receivers. A nonpublic walk-in solar collector space has fixed receiver-tubes with matching involute (rounded W) reflectors forming target-rectangles for augmenting large CPC troughs and relaxed tracking E&W ‘wing’ reflectors with a glass or solid polycarbonate building envelope collector cover. Reported is a BITNR reflector ‘wings’ tracker invention by George Helmholz and proof-of-concept development by university undergraduate engineering students. Discussed are: building types, structure, and construction and reflector materials for global applications. BITNR architectural feasibility studies with air and water-steam systems include: small wood frame structures, two-car garages, house size demonstration, long-span atriums, large concourses, towers, additions, and verification-test facilities. Schematic studies indicate integrated solar thermal mid-temperature technologies with building-size nonimaging CPC reflectors are main organizing factors for building design and site planning. BITNR/BIETR undergraduate student mechanical and structural engineering semester projects at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are reported. A BITNR R&D project proposal is outlined which includes: a greenhouse test facility, evaluation of test stands, and development of a computer simulation design aid for architects.
EFFECT OF RECYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE QUALITY ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Authors: Hatungimana Daniel , Yazıcı Şemsi , Mardani-Aghabaglou Ali
Published: July 2020

The possibility of the use of recycled aggregates from the construction industry in green concrete production is of increasing importance to reduce the negative environmental impact associated with construction and demolition wastes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) quality on the properties of hardened concrete properties such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, density, water absorption capacity and porosity accessible to water. The RCA used in this study was obtained from the crushing of waste concrete with two different compressive strengths (LRCA obtained from the crushing of waste concrete having compressive strengths below 30 MPa and HRCA obtained from the crushing of waste concrete having compressive strengths above 30 MPa). The natural coarse limestone aggregate was 100% replaced with coarse LRCA and HRCA. As a result of the study, the use of 100% HRCA and %100 LRCA instead of limestone coarse aggregate in the concrete adversely affected its mechanical and physical properties. In addition, HRCA showed better performance in terms of compressive strength, tensile strength, water absorption and porosity compared to the use of LRCA. Furthermore, the percentage of adhered mortar on the surface of LRCA and HRCA was analyzed using a computerized micro tomography device, and it was found that the percentages of attached mortar and aggregates are 61% and 35.5% for LRCA, whilst the attached mortar and aggregate contents for HRCA are 45.9% and 53.7%, respectively.
Dynamics of the Relation Between Producer and Consumer Price Indices
Authors: Ceylan Özcan
Published: July 2020

The relation between the Producer Prices Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the U.S. is analyzed for two sub-periods: one spanning from 1947 to 1982, the post-war period marked by demand-side economic policies, and the other one starting by 1983 when supply-side policies pioneered by the Reagan government came into effect. As the series in question are found to be cointegrated, a Vector Error Correction Model is employed for the analysis. Regarding the long-run equilibrium relationships, it is found that the loading for the PPI series are statistically significant for both periods, while the loading for the CPI is barely significant for the first period, and it is insignificant at any acceptable level for the second. Thus, the CPI represents the common trend in the system in both periods, but it does more clearly so in the second period.
Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach to External Credit and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwasogo Sunday Adediran  , Alege Philip O.
Published: July 2020

The need for increasing external credit flows to boost economic activity has exposed Nigeria to the negative effects of external structural changes. Therefore, an important question of concern in this study is, how does the Nigerian economy grow when there is a decline in external credit? This study attempted to answer this question by comparing the flow of external credit to economic activities. This is a distinction from previous studies that had compared stock of external credit to economic activities. Using annual data covering 36 years for the period 1980-2016, the study adopted the neoclassical growth model and estimated the model using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The study argued that, to the extent that expenditure is credit financed, GDP should be a function of credit flow, which is new borrowing.
The Convergence Behind the Curtain
Authors: Habacivch Olivia A. , Redilla Ryan A. , Jozefowicz James J.
Published: July 2020

This chapter extends applications of unconditional and conditional β-convergence and unconditional σ-convergence analysis to Part I crime rates in a panel data sample of Pennsylvania counties during the period 1990-2015. Temporal structural breaks at specific points in the business cycle during the time frame and spatial breakpoints between rural and urban counties in Pennsylvania are acknowledged in the analysis in order to avoid spurious inferences regarding convergence behavior. Unit-root testing is performed on measures of dispersion as well as directly on the underlying crime-rate series via panel-data tests for non-stationarity. The findings support the existence of both unconditional and conditional β-convergence in the pooled, urban, and rural samples during 1990-2015. Visual and statistical evidence reveals the presence of σ-convergence in the three samples across the time span as well. The comprehensive convergence analysis of appropriately disaggregated data performed in this study offers strong support for the predictions of modernization theory.
Categorical Dependent Variables Estimations With Some Empirical Applications
Authors: Karakara Alhassan Abdul-Wakeel , Osabuohien Evans S. C.
Published: July 2020

Microeconomic datasets are usually large, mainly survey data. These data are samples of hundreds of respondents or group of respondents (e.g., households). The distributions of such data are mostly not normal because some responses/variables are discrete. Handling such datasets poses some problems of summarizing/reporting the important features of the data in estimations. This study concentrates on how to handle categorical variables in estimation/reporting based on theoretical and empirical knacks. This study used Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data for 2014 for illustration and elaborates on how to interpret results of binary and multinomial outcome regressions. Comparison is made on the different binary models, and binary logit is found to be weighted over the other binary models. Multinomial logistic model is best handled when the odds of one outcome versus the other outcome are independent of other outcome alternatives as verified by the Independent of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA). Conclusions and suggestions for handling categorical models are discussed in the study.
The Science Behind Neuromarketing
Authors: Bulut Yetkin , Arslan Burak
Published: July 2020

With the change and development of technology, the techniques used in marketing research have also changed. Quantitative and qualitative research techniques have been applied to traditional marketing research. Although these techniques are applied, the purchasing decision process of the consumer is not fully understood. The decision-making processes of consumers are more clearly understood thanks to the neuromarketing approach that arises as a result of the collaboration of marketing with neuroscience and the research methods applied as a requirement of this understanding. In this chapter, research methods used in the field of neuromarketing will be examined, examples of applications will be given, and suggestions will be made to academicians and practitioners.
Dismantling Invisibility in Multiracial College Students
Authors: Spicer-Runnels Ashley D.
Published: July 2020

This study was designed to test Tinto's theory of college student integration by measuring the social and academic integration of multiracial students. Policymakers and public interest have increased pressure on higher education institutions to address low degree completion rates among historically underrepresented racial minority students, leading to a targeted shift to assess and address factors that facilitate or hinder minority college student persistence. The participants for the current study consisted of a convenience sample of college students (n=173) classified as seniors at a mid-sized public four-year institution in Texas. The researcher collected pertinent demographic data and used the Institutional Integration Scale-Revised (IIS-R) to measure social and academic integration. The results of the analyses suggested a statistically significant correlation between being multiracial and social integration, but no significant correlation between being multiracial and academic integration.
From Avoiding Bias to Social Justice
Authors: Lundquist Anne E. , Henning Gavin
Published: July 2020

The demographics of U.S. colleges and universities continue to evolve and higher education is being called to reinvent itself in order to ensure that all students have high quality learning experiences. An equity-minded approach to assessment helps determine the effectiveness of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs as well as embodies practices and procedures that themselves are socially just. This text share many research-based practices that value, prioritize, and develop diversity, intercultural fluency, and equity in campus specific settings. This chapter describes the higher education and cultural context in which the equitable assessment conversation is taking place; reviews how research paradigms, methods, and culture impact assessment decisions and methods; describes a socially just assessment continuum; and offers tips for implementing equity-minded assessment.
Best Practices for Growing the STEM Pipeline for Women
Authors: Murphy Julie C.
Published: July 2020

In today's fast paced education system, a huge emphasis has been placed on increasing the number of women who want to enter college studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Many holistic interventions, particularly in engineering happening during the high school years, are already seeing results with college women investigating roles in engineering at a higher rate than in the past. However, the initial success they are experiencing in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields is not manifesting itself long term. It is clear that more strategies are needed to place women in the position to be more confident entering the workforce in all STEM fields especially engineering. This chapter will look at the innovative ways mentoring is being used during the course of a student's collegiate experience to keep women invested in the STEM fields and how more needs to be done in this area particularly for our minority women in order to grow the STEM pipeline permanently.
The Impact Participation in Recreational Sport in College Has on Student Development and Learning
Authors: Simpson Jr. Artha L.
Published: July 2020

The National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association's (NIRSA) collaboration in the publication of learning Reconsidered II with council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education places collegiate recreation professionals are at a crossroads: either continue down the path of simply providing recreational sport activities and services or join with other student service professionals in focusing their effort on student development and learning. The journey towards a learning focus in recreational sports begins in 1994 when NIRSA, the professional organization for recreational sports professionals, published a position statement regarding rationale for Independent Administration of Collegiate Recreational Sports Programs. This chapter explores this journey.
Designing Practice(s) for Learning in Online Learning Contexts
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2020

Practice is a regular part of learning, and it is used for a variety of learning objectives and outcomes. There is very little in the academic research literature about how to design assigned and formal “practice(s)-for-learning,” much less for an online learning context in higher education. This work explores the extant literature on practice design and proposes some initial approaches for defining practices-for-learning in online learning. This work provides a construct for highlighting the main levers of practices-for-learning (through interrelated paragraphs of mapping sentences). This work also asks some critical questions for the design of learning practice in online contexts.
Optimizing Learner-Centered Feedback for Learning With “Hard Problems”
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2020

Freshmen to graduate students in higher education learn about conducting research within the legal and policy frameworks. In many cases, learners may have to address “hard problems,” those that are inherently complex and challenging, open-ended (and often without known solutions or with multiple complex solutions), and requiring professional collaboration, innovation and creativity, and deep knowledge. How should those who design such learning provide optimized learner feedback in the context of learning with hard problems at every step of the learning process? How can feedback be designed for contexts in which the most effective or efficient solutions are not known?
Designing “Concentrated Listening” for Advantageous Adult Learning With Multimedia
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2020

In the online learning space, adult learners have access to a wide variety of sound-based content (podcasts, audio books, audio recordings, and others) and multimodal contents of which the audio element is a central part. This work explores research methods used to enhance “concentrated listening” to enable learners to acquire the most from the following: pre-recorded sound files, live audio, natural language discussions through speech, and other types of auditory-based learning online. This work explore some aspects of (1) learning designs to enhance both adult “concentrated listening” in an online learning context (both synchronous and asynchronous) and (2) some tactical designs of learning based around sound for general learning (vs. domain-specific case-based learning).
Learner “Mixed Embodiment” in Face-to-Face, Blended, and Fully Online Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2020

Is it accurate to suggest that face-to-face (F2F) learning involves learner “embodiment” (learners' physical presence) and fully online learning involves learner “disembodiment” (a lack of learner corporeality in the learning experience)? An exploration of the research suggests that the concepts of embodiment and disembodiment are not clearly defined and, further, that learners engage with “mixed embodiment” in all the contexts of F2F, blended, and fully online learning. There are not bright lines of embodiment and disembodiment in the separation between real and virtual spaces in learning. This work offers a basic definition of “mixed embodiment” and some early thoughts on the way the physical learner is engaged in online learning with a variety of factors: assignment types, social interactivity, group assignments, instructor interactivity, assignment sharing, self-representation creation, technological applications, and other factors. This work has implications on instructional and learning design for greater incorporation of learner embodiment in online learning.
Energy-Efficient Data-Aggregation Technique for Correlated Spatial and Temporal Data in Cluster-Based Sensor Networks
Authors: Jain Khushboo , Kumar Anoop
Published: July 2020

Continuous-monitoring applications in sensor network applications require periodic data transmissions to the base-station (BS), which may lead to unnecessary energy depletion. The energy-efficient data aggregation solutions in sensor networks have evolved as one of the favorable fields for such applications. Former research works have recommended many spatial-temporal designs and prototypes for successfully minimizing the data-gathering overheads, but these are constrained to their relevance. This work has proposed a data aggregation technique for homogeneous application set-ups in sensor networks. For this, the authors have employed two ways of model generation for reducing correlated spatial-temporal data in cluster-based sensor networks: one at the Sensor nodes (SNs) and the other at the Cluster heads (CHs). Building on this idea, the authors propose two types of data filtration, first at the SNs for determining temporal redundancies (TRs) in data readings by both relative deviation (RD) and adaptive frame method (AFM) and second at the CHs for determining spatial redundancies (SRs) by both RD and AFM.
A Comparative Study of Two Models for Handling Transportation Cost in Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Hsieh Fu-Shiung
Published: July 2020

Although combinatorial auctions have been extensively studied, the factor of transportation cost has not been considered in most studies. Without considering transportation cost, the profits of the seller cannot be determined accurately. The goals of this article are to propose models, develop a solution methodology for the winner determination problem (WDP) in combinatorial auctions and study the effects of transportation cost on the seller's profits. Two models are proposed: one model considers transportation cost in WDP whereas the other one does not take transportation cost into account in WDP but calculates the transportation cost based on the solution obtained. The author formulates the WDPs for these two models and proposes a solution method. The author then analyzes and compares the two models to illustrate the advantage of taking transportation cost into account in combinatorial auctions. Finally, the author studies the influence of transportation cost on combinatorial auctions by examples and demonstrate effectiveness of our approach.
A New Decision-Making Model for Manufacturing Line Designs in Vietnamese Manufacturing Plants
Authors: Nguyen Minh D.
Published: July 2020

The research aims to introduce a new decision-making model for designing a manufacturing line (ML) project in Vietnamese manufacturing plants. The new model has been built from the theory of made-in-Vietnam lean decision-making model and authenticated via multitude of practical methods (observation, surveys, in-depth interviews, and case studies). This model pursues the method of optimal thinking to make the most effective decision in designing manufacturing lines. The proposed model has been confirmed by practical application. The model would be used not only for Vietnamese enterprises but also for other enterprises in both developing and developed countries.
The Key Drivers for the Digitalization of the Supply Chain
Authors: Valsamidis Stavros Ioannis
Published: July 2020

The digital supply chain is a reality since markets are demanding efficiency, agility, and flexibility for modern supply chains. Digitalization can have a major impact on the supply chain. The aim of the study is to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the digitalization of the supply chain. It explores executives' attitudes towards the use of trends and technologies in supply chain. It identifies the factors that affect executives' attitudes towards those trends and technologies, and it classifies them into groups according to their similar behaviour patterns and profiles each group of respondents according to the characteristics of their companies. The main factors are mobility, human factors, and pricing. Characteristics such as type of company, year of establishment, number of employees, technological infrastructure have an impact on executives' behaviour. The survey revealed a few noteworthy findings that may influence companies for resource reallocation and strategically shift resources to create more value and deliver higher returns to shareholders.
Optimum Design of Flexible Flywheels Used in the Powertrains of Automobiles
Authors: Huang Yao Tien , Chen Kun Nan , Liu Ying Chieh
Published: July 2020

The flexible flywheel assembly used in the powertrain of an automatic-shifting automobile connects the engine crankshaft and the torque converter and provides a protection to potentially damaging axial movement between the crankshaft and the torque converter. In this research, a fully parameterized model of a flexible flywheel assembly is created, and then optimum design procedures with a zero-order optimization scheme are applied to investigate two cases: the first is to maximize a summation of modal frequencies of the structure; the second is to minimize the maximum equivalent stress in the model. Both optimum design cases have shown improvement in their objective functions, with one of the modes in the first case achieving the greatest improvement of +45.7%.
Dynamics Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Large-Scale Hydraulic Cylinder Actuators
Authors: Truong Van Thuan , Hwang Yunn Lin , Cheng Jung Kuang , Tran Khanh Duong
Published: July 2020

This research presents a dynamic analysis of a large-scale hydraulic cylinder actuator via numerical simulation. A model of the actuator built with dynamically parameters is implemented basing on fluid mechanics and vibration theories. In which, coefficients of viscous damping and stiffness generated by compressibility and viscous characteristics of hydraulic oil are considered. Hence, the large-scale hydraulic cylinder actuator can be investigated via an equivalent model of mass-spring-damper. In order of obtaining the system response, numerical simulation is done with some realistic actuator parameter sets. The results are consistent with reality and can be used as valuable fundamental for large-scale hydraulic cylinder actuator design.
Inverse Kinematic Simulation of Industrial Robotic Manipulators Using RecurDyn and Matlab with Experiment Verification
Authors: Hwang Yunn Lin , Cheng Jung Kuang , Pham Thanh Dat
Published: July 2020

The simulation and application of industrial robots has developed very quickly in recent decades. Along with the development of computer science, a lot of softwares to perform dynamic simulation have been created. The results of simulation can be used for layout evaluation, kinematic, dynamic study, off-line programming to avoid obstacle and for design mechanical structure of robots. A co-simulation of 2R industrial robots have been performed by Recurdyn and Matlab. The input parameters are executed under Matlab, and then exported to Recurdyn environment. Kinematic parameters will be executed by RecurDyn then exported to Matlab. The main tasks of this paper are performing 2R robotic manipulator kinematic simulation in two postures with the same trajectory and the same time. Thus, the result of simulation can be compared with theories. Finally, a real 2R robot model was used to verify the trajectory with CAE simulation.
Characterization of Bulk BaTiO3 Material for Optical Modulator Applications
Authors: Al-Ithawi S. , Hekmat Wasan A. , Hubeatir Kadhim A. , Basil Ali Shams , Kadhim Suad M. , Hamza Mohammed S.
Published: July 2020

In this work, different sizes of BaTiO3 (BTO) were characterized. The effective parameters were studied to reach optimum performance in order to realize an optical modulator. The parameters such as spectroscopy, electro-optic coefficient, crystalline structure, and birefringence indicated that BaTiO3 has an excellent behavior to manipulate the light by Pockels modulator, spatially in the field of telecom. The sample size (10×3 mm) was shown a good performance compare with other samples, for example, the BTO has low absorption, high variation of output as a function of voltage applied and good efficiency that showed by figure of merit. In addition, a low half-wave voltage (Vπ) was observed.
Erosion-Corrosion Behavior of Al-20%Ni-Al2O3 Metal Matrix Composites by Stir Casting
Authors: Dawood Nawal Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Aluminium as matrix in particulars have been vastlys investigateds, this is becauses of the diverses applicationss of aluminium dues to its exceptional propertiess. Material scientistss alwayss face a challenges when it comess to the tribologicals and mechanicals propertiess of aluminium, as it exudess rather poors behaviours in these aspectss. Hences this works aims to improves the mechanicals and corrosives resistances of Aluminiums by reinforcings with aluminum oxides and Nickel throughs stir casting usings vortex techniques. Al-Ni-Al2O3 composites with percentages of Ni fixed at 20 % and Al2O3 differed through 4-8% in incrementss of 2 wt. % . Composites material was prepareds by stir castings using vortex techniques. The hardness value of the aluminiums matrix composites improved with increaseds percentages of Al2O3, maximums increase was obtaineds for 8% Al2O3 composite, viewing an increases of about 55%. A generals corrosions and erosion-corrosions for the Al-20%Ni bases alloys and the prepareds composites were carrieds out in 3.5wt% NaCl solutions as corrosives mediums for general corrosions while in erosion-corrosions with impacts angles 90° in slurry solutions ( 1wt%SiO2 sand in 3.5wt% NaCl solution as the erodent). It was founds that the general corrosions rates for composite specimens is lower than thats of the bases alloy (Al-20%Ni). In case of erosion-corrosion resultss, it was founds that the erosion corrosions resistances property of the prepareds composites improveds significantlys with the increaseds percentages of Al2O3. There wass a noticeable improvements in the corrosion resistances of the aluminiums composites compareds to its purest forms, owing to the presences of nickel. Howevers, the increases in Al2O3 percentages decrease the corrosions rates. The extreme decreases was obtaineds for 8% Al2O3 composites, with a decreases of 26% corrosion rates in (mpy) unit for composites material is lowers than that of the bases alloys.
Effect of Doping Alumina by Nano Mn on the Sensing Applications
Authors: Kadhim Wafaa A. , Khalaf Ahmed L. , Azeez Rana A. , Rahima M.H. Abrahim , Hasany Sayed F.
Published: July 2020

In this work, Nano Mn was deposited onto micro Alumina (Al2O3) films of 200 nm thicknesses using the wet impregnation method. The topography, morphology, chemical and structural characteristics of the grown Nanofilms were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), XRD, Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The obtained results demonstrate that the structure of the proposed film was monocrystalline. The deposited Al2O3 Nanofilm was highly transparent and amorphous in nature. The values of the energy bandgap and the refractive index obtained by the OTS were found to be in a very good agreement with the values of the bulk (Al2O3). The surface morphology of the films was found to be smooth with no defects. Progressive increase in the range of 4 3.2 nm to 4.53 nm in the RMS roughness of the proposed films was observed with the increase in the annealing temperature.
Synthesis AgNPs in Starch Solution by Green Method for New Medical Drugs
Authors: Bohan Azhar J. , Ahmed Duha S. , Salman Ghaed K.
Published: July 2020

Work represents the silver nanoparticles synthesis using green method by adding soluble starch in DMSO solution. The resulting AgNPs-based starch was noted via changing the color from yellow to brownish in aqueous DMSO solution in dark place due to the role of starch in the Ag ions reduction to AgNPs as capping agent in DMSO solvent at temperature 60°C. Then, the AgNPs development was characterized via the (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The morphology, structure and polydispersion of AgNPs were determined by using FESEM, XRD and Zeta analyzer, respectively which improved the role of starch in the formation of spherical and flower shapes of AgNPs. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-based starch revealed a strong effect against the positive bacteria than the negative bacteria as compared with the other antibiotic. Besides, these results suggest that the AgNPs prepared by green method can be utilized as efficient antimicrobial agent in the fields of medicine and represented the opportunities for the formation of safe and friendly AgNPs.
Advanced Structured of MgO Thin Film for Bio Applications
Authors: Abdul-Hamead Alaa Aladdin
Published: July 2020

Extensive efforts to further promoting the Anti-Bacteria and structural properties of thin films to reach reliability and possibility of commercialization, the chemical Tri-metal oxide component was verification as Anti-Bacteria factor in this paper. Pure and mixed thin films of magnesium oxide MgO was prepared by evaporation assisted laser Nedmyum - YAG pulse Nd: YAG laser system, MgO enhanced by adding Ti and Se, at (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) by weight percentage. After that, calcination is done at 400 °C for 30 min. Structural and anti-bacterial growth inspections were performed. Experimental results showed that structural properties have improved significantly with the development of a MgO thin films with tri-metal oxide; Magnesium titanium oxide Mg2TiO4 and Magnesium selenate MgSeO4 phases. Moreover, there has been an enhancement in anti-bacteria properties, which makes these thin films more reliable for protection against bacteria.
Mechanical Behavior of Structural Light Weight Concrete Using Low-Strength Clay Bricks Aggregates
Authors: Khamees Ali Abdulmohsin , Tameemi Waleed Ali , Al Qassag Osama Mohaymin
Published: July 2020

This research is an experimental study on the fresh-state properties as well as the mechanical behavior of structural lightweight concrete (SLWCs) that made from recycled low-strength clay bricks (RLSCB). The test program includes testing ten mixtures of SLWCs with a target compressive strength of (35 – 40 MPa) and a target air density less than 1900 kg/m3 in addition, three mixtures of normal weight concrete (NWCs) of target compressive strength equal to 37.5 MPa were used for comparison purposes. For each mix of the fresh-status measurements, including slump, density, the air content and the temperature, a number were carried out. Furthermore, the mechanical performance for both SLWCs and NWCs under compressive, flexural and tensile stresses were conducted. The results show that structural lightweight concrete could be produced using recycled low-strength bricks as coarse aggregates with a reduction in dry density equal to 22%. Moreover, the reported results indicate that the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture and elastic modulus of elasticity of SLWCs were lower those for NWCs by about 5%, 14.5%, 16.5% and 17.4%, respectively. Finally, correlations between compressive behavior and flexural behavior; compressive behavior and tensile performance; flexural behavior and tensile performance for SLWCs are proposed in this study.
Improving Porosity of Activated Carbon Nanotubes via Alkali Agents for the Enhancement of Adsorptive Desulfurization Process
Authors: Shihab Muayad A. , Nawaf Amer Talal , Mohamedali Shaho A. , Alsalmaney Mazin N.
Published: July 2020

This work was focused on the removal of sulfur compounds via adsorption process from heavy naphtha using alkali agents-activated carbon nanotubes (ACNTs). Commercial CNTs were activated using three alkali agents (KOH, NaOH, and CaCl2) to amend their surfaces for application in the petroleum industry. The characterization of the physicochemical properties of as-received CNTs and CNTs/alkali agents was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of three operating conditions including adsorbent dosage (1-3 g), agitation speed (330-1500 rpm), and contact time (30-70 min) on the removal efficiency of sulfur compounds at constant pressure and temperature were investigated. Studying of the removal efficiency at different operating conditions was adopted to effectively evaluate the surface modifications of adsorbents on the present process. The specific surface areas of the CNTs were found to be increased upon treatment with alkali agents especially KOH and NaOH. SEM images demonstrated the formation of many defects on the CNTs surface due to the strong etching effect of both alkali agents KOH and NaOH. FTIR spectra showed different relative intensities around band 3440 cm-1 for CNTs/KOH and CNTs/NaOH which was potentially attributed to the presence of hydroxyl functional groups. The sulfur removal experiments from heavy naphtha (initially had a sulfur concentration of 350 ppm) showed that the largest sulfur removal efficiency and adsorption capacity were 69.6% and 6.6 mg/g adsorbent respectively and obtained with CNTs/KOH which presented a superior adsorption efficiency over others. The highest sulfur removal efficiency was gained at adsorbent dosage=3 g, agitation speed=1500 rpm, and contact time=70 min. The study of adsorption kinetics demonstrated that the adsorption of organosulfur compounds from heavy naphtha obeyed the pseudo-second order kinetics