bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating high fidelity 360° virtual reality with high dynamic range spherical panorama images
Authors: See Zi Siang , Goodman Lizbeth , Hight Craig , Sunar Mohd Shahrizal , Dey Arindam , Ng Yen Kaow , Billinghurst Mark
Published: February 2020

Abstract This research explores the development of a novel method and apparatus for creating spherical panoramas enhanced with high dynamic range (HDR) for high fidelity Virtual Reality 360 degree (VR360) user experiences. A VR360 interactive panorama presentation using spherical
panoramas can provide virtual interactivity and wider viewing coverage; with three degrees of freedom, users can look around in multiple directions within the VR360 experiences, gaining the sense of being in control of their own engagement. This degree of freedom is facilitated by the use
of mobile displays or head-mount-devices. However, in terms of image reproduction, the exposure range can be a major difficulty in reproducing a high contrast real-world scene. Imaging variables caused by difficulties and obstacles can occur during the production process of spherical panorama
facilitated with HDR. This may result in inaccurate image reproduction for location-based subjects, which will in turn result in a poor VR360 user experience. In this article we describe a HDR spherical panorama reproduction approach (workflow and best practice) which can shorten the production
processes, and reduce imaging variables, and technical obstacles and issues to a minimum. This leads to improved photographic image reproduction with fewer visual abnormalities for VR360 experiences, which can be adaptable into a wide range of interactive design applications. We describe the
process in detail and also report on a user study that shows the proposed approach creates images which viewers prefer, on the whole, to those created using more complicated HDR methods, or to those created without the use of HDR at all.
Internists' Misconceptions About PPIs: Increasing Knowledge and Implementing Guidelines
Authors: Longstreth George F.
Published: February 2020

Misconceptions about proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) adverse effects were common among internists, and many had changed prescribing. Among 4 scenarios representing a risk spectrum for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 86% of physicians properly chose discontinuing PPI for a minimum-risk patient with previous gastroesophageal reflux disease, but 79% inappropriately chose discontinuing PPI for a high-risk patient with a peptic ulcer history taking low-dose aspirin. Physician self-assessment is often inaccurate. Time barriers to learning and unanswered clinical questions, especially drug issues, are common. Unscientific information can influence both physicians and patients. Strategies for increasing the guideline implementation include making scientific information available more rapidly and systematically monitoring guideline use.
MUDANÇAS DE USO DO SOLO NA ZONA DE AMORTECIMENTO DO PARQUE ESTADUAL SERRA DE CALDAS: INFLUÊNCIA PEDOLÓGICA NA PRESERVAÇÃO DA VEGETAÇÃO
Authors: Trindade Silas Pereira , Rodrigues Rafael de Ávila
Published: February 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar as mudanças de uso do solo na Zona de Amortecimento do PESCAN, numa sucessão temporal, decenal, para os anos de 1985, 1995, 2005 e 2015, baseando-se na relação dos remanescentes de vegetação nativa com os sistemas pedológicos regionais, utilizando como metodologia, técnicas de Sensoriamento Remoto e de Geoprocessamento. Os resultados mostraram o importante papel do Parque quanto à preservação do Cerrado dentro da Zona de Amortecimento. Observou-se também a grande diminuição das áreas de vegetação nativa, nos dois primeiros decênios, dos quais, se estabilizaram nos decênios posteriores, em função da unidade de preservação. As áreas com maior conservação de vegetação, além do parque, foram os solos com menor aptidão para agricultura, como os Cambissolos, os Neossolos e os Argissolos, opondo-se aos solos com maior aptidão, no caso os Latossolos, que apresentaram os menores remanescentes de vegetação. Concluiu-se que as unidades de conservação desempenham um importante papel regulador do desflorestamento do Cerrado, mas as Zonas de Amortecimento ainda não possuem grande eficiência preservacionista, sendo expostos ao avanço da racionalidade econômica.
SOLOS VERMELHOS E AMARELOS COESOS DE TABULEIROS COSTEIROS: GÊNESE, EVOLUÇÃO E INFLUÊNCIA DA NEOTECTÔNICA
Authors: Nunes Fábio Carvalho , Nolasco de Carvalho Claudia Csekö , Vilas Boas Geraldo da Silva , Da Silva Enio Fraga , Mafra Álvaro Luiz Mafra Luiz , Andrade José Jackson , Vital Saulo Roberto de Oliveira
Published: February 2020

Os Tabuleiros Costeiros constituem uma unidade geomorfológica desenvolvida sobre o Grupo Barreiras, que apresenta grande extensão territorial e solos que sustentam diversas atividades produtivas, dentre elas a silvicultura e a citricultura. Os solos dos Tabuleiros Costeiros apresentam limitações físicas e químicas pouco entendidas, o que justifica ainda a realização de estudos genéticos. Por isso, estudou-se a origem e evolução de solos vermelhos e amarelos através de uma topossequência no Litoral Norte do estado da Bahia, bem como os mecanismos envolvidos na conformação de horizontes coesos. Os dados indicam que os solos vermelhos se formaram a partir de arenitos lamosos conglomeráticos e arenitos lamosos do Grupo Barreiras e se transformaram em amarelos. A gênese dos solos vermelhos foi acompanhada pela conformação de horizontes coesos, que se tornaram mais endurecidos e espessos com a evolução da cobertura pedológica para amarela, o que ocorreu pari passu com a diminuição dos teores de ferro livre, degradação do plasma argiloso dos horizontes superficiais e avanço da argiluviação. Atualmente, a topossequência está passando por um processo de podzolização, devido à influência da neotectônica, responsável pela formação de uma depressão fechada que acumula água após episódios de chuva, criando um ambiente hidromórfico temporário que acentua a degradação.
AS PAISAGENS DO MUNICÍPIO DE PINHAIS (PARANÁ/BRASIL): UMA ABORDAGEM SEGUNDO O CONCEITO DE HEMEROBIA
Authors: Liberti Eduardo , Leite Henrique Reisdorfer , Da Silva Maria Consuelo , Nucci João Carlos
Published: February 2020

Foram identificadas, classificadas e mapeadas as paisagens do município de Pinhais/Paraná de acordo com o conceito de Hemerobia, que pode ser compreendido como a dependência energética e tecnológica que as paisagens possuem para sua manutenção.  Foram utilizadas imagens de satélite disponibilizadas pelo Google Earth, ano 2017, para identificar as unidades de paisagem (UP’s) da área de estudo. A classificação da hemerobia das paisagens foi realizada com adaptações no método proposto por Belem e Nucci (2011), sendo identificadas e delimitadas 5 classes de hemerobia. O mapeamento das UP’s, conforme a dependência energética e tecnológica, foi realizado no software ArcGIS 10.3, módulo Arcmap. Dentre os resultados alcançados, evidenciou-se que quase 41% da área de estudo possui hemerobia máxima, sendo esta a pior classe relativa, estando a mesma concentrada nas partes oeste e sudoeste do município de Pinhais, caracterizadas por usos residenciais, comerciais e industriais. As melhores classes de hemerobia (mínima e baixa) representam quase 43% da área do município, sendo a cobertura da terra representada por vegetação natural e/ou plantada, áreas de campo e/ou pasto, rios e parte da represa do Iraí. Os resultados obtidos com o método utilizado apresentam-se como uma importante ferramenta para compreender a dinâmica das paisagens urbanas.
USE OF BIO-WATER AS SOCIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR SEMI-ARID REGIONS
Authors: Silva José Adailton Lima , Pereira Thaís Mara Souza , Azevedo Pedro Vieira
Published: February 2020

Water scarcity in the Brazilian semi-arid region has inhibited agricultural activity due to large declines in production, especially food. Currently, Bioágua is used as a technology to manage gray water and irrigate agricultural crops. Therefore, the present study analyzed the use of Bioágua to manage domestic effluents in the promotion of irrigation of cultivars, and evaluated the social, economic and environmental benefits derived from this technology. For that, exploratory and qualitative research was carried out with the rural families in the municipality of Pedra Lavrada-PB, semi-arid region of Paraíba. With the studies, it was possible to identify that the bio-water: 1) is a simple technology, of easy construction and of low cost; 2) provide water security to promote irrigation of various crops; 3) made possible the management of water resources available locally; and 4) does not cause environmental impacts and, mainly, inhibits the pollution of the soil and of adjacent water courses. Finally, it was observed that the bio-water is a socially disseminable, economically viable and environmentally correct technology.
ATRAVESSANDO FRONTEIRAS: A DIMENSÃO VIVIDA DA DESTERRITORIALIZAÇÃO DE BRASILEIROS EM PORTUGAL E ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMÉRICA
Authors: Silva Adelia Verônica
Published: February 2020

Inserido em uma perspectiva de análise do fenômeno migratório que, além dos motivos econômicos como fatores de atração e repulsão de fluxos migratórios, privilegia outras dimensões, no presente artigo buscou-se abordar especificamente o processo de construção do projeto de mobilidade internacional de imigrantes brasileiros para as cidades de Lisboa-Portugal e Los Angeles-EUA. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 32 imigrantes brasileiros. Para orientar a interpretação da migração internacional foi utilizada uma abordagem territorial/espacial que possibilitasse integrar, simultaneamente, as dimensões materiais e simbólicas objetivas e subjetivas do processo de migração enquanto um processo inicialmente de desterritorialização, compreendida enquanto um processo de desenraizamento original iniciado pelo movimento migratório, e que se dá, em termos existenciais, pela alteração da territorialidade consolidada dos sujeitos, ou seja, de atravessar as fronteiras dos lugares vividos. Esta abordagem busca ultrapassar os limites do nacionalismo metodológico na compreensão dos processos de mobilidade internacional de brasileiros.
Implikasi Kualitas Pelayanan Program Keluarga Harapan terhadap Kepuasaan Penerima Manfaat di Kelurahan Beji Depok
Authors: Muhtadi Muhtadi , Choirunnisa Indah
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the effect of service quality on the satisfaction of receiving benefits in the Conditional Cash Transfers or Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) program in Beji Village Office, Depok. The hypothesis services of the PKH program have a significant influenced on beneficiary satisfaction. The instrument was tested to answer the hypothesis using a survey research method. This survey was conducted on 86 respondents who were members and beneficiaries of the PKH program. The results of the hypothesis test analysis show that service quality with indicators of reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangible simultaneously have a significant correlation between variables. Meanwhile, the resulting correlation coefficient has an effect on the beneficiary satisfaction variable of 70.3 percent. While the remaining value of 29.7 percent is influenced by other variables outside the regression equation like other variables not included in this study. The results of this study provide positive input for PKH program administrators to further improve the quality of service to aid recipients. Moreover, PKH implemented according to the wishes of the community but still needs support to be able to have broader insights (changing mindsets) to increase the independence of program beneficiaries.Paper ini menguji pengaruh kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasaan penerimaan manfaat pada program Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) di Kelurahan Beji Depok. Hipotesis yang berkembang adalah pelayanan program PKH berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan penerima manfaat. Instrumen yang diujikan untuk menjawab hipotesis menggunakan metode penelitian survei. Survei ini dilakukan kepada 86 responden yang menjadi anggota dan penerima manfaat program PKH. Hasil analisis uji hipotesis menunjukkan bahwa kualitas pelayanan dengan indikator keandalan (realibility), ketanggapan (responsiveness), jaminan (assurance), empati (empathy), dan berwujud (tangible) secara bersamaan memiliki korelasi signifikan antar variabel. Sementara itu, nilai koefisiensi korelasi yang dihasilkan memiliki pengaruh terhadap variabel kepuasan penerima bantuan sebesar 70,3 persen. Sedangkan sisa nilai sebesar 29,7 persen dipengaruhi variabel lain di luar dari persamaan regresi seperti variabel lain yang tidak diikut sertakan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan masukan positif bagi pengelola program PKH untuk lebih meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan terhadap penerima  bantuan. Untuk itu, PKH berjalan sesuai keinginan masyarakat namun masih perlu dukungan agar mampu memiliki wawasan yang lebih luas (merubah pola pikir) untuk meningkatkan kemandirian penerima manfaat program.
IMPRESSION EVALUATION OF CONCRETE SURFACE USING BYPRODUCTS
Authors: Nakayama Daiki , Suyama Hiroki , Takasu Koji , Koyamada Hidehiro
Published: February 2020

Cement concrete requires strength, durability, and workability. Furthermore, the appearance of concrete must be good. Recently, the concrete industry has a tendency to actively utilize byproducts, all over the world. But, consumers dislike the color of concrete using byproducts. This is an obstacle to the active use of byproducts. However, it is not clearly understood how consumers make the impression to color of concrete using byproducts. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey using concrete using byproducts, and analyzed the answers with factor analysis and covariance analysis. As a result, the following was clarified: (1) three factors, such as beauty, massiveness and familiarity, were extracted as a factor of exposed concrete appearance, (2) the beauty of concrete was enhanced by the whiteness of the surface and was worsened by pits and surface yellowing, (3) the massiveness of concrete was worsened by the beauty and surface whiteness, and (4) even though the subjects knew that recycled byproducts were used in concrete, the evaluation of beauty did not change.
MANAGEMENT RELATED CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: Safo-Kantanka Osei Yaw , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: February 2020

The failure of building projects or works is becoming endemic in the global stage, of which Ghana is of no exception. This study identified project manager related critical success factors that affect the success of building projects in Technical Universities in Ghana. Five technical universities were randomly selected for the study. The study selected 120 respondents using a purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive data analysis methods such as mean, standard deviation, standard error was used to analyze the data. The analysis revealed that the project manager related critical success factors for construction projects in technical universities in Ghana included: the competence of the project manager; the experience of the project manager; the quality, cost and time commitment of the project manager; the project manager's authority to take decisions; and the leadership skills of the project manager. The conclusion from the study is that project managers play a very crucial role towards the success of building projects in the technical universities in Ghana.
NOISE REDUCTION DUE TO VIBRATION DAMPING ESTIMATED BY MEASUREMENTS OF PARTICLE VELOCITY
Authors: Hiroe Masaaki , Taniguchi Nozomu
Published: February 2020

We proposed a new method to evaluate noise reduction due to damping treatment by using the particle velocity of sound measured directly in the vicinity of a vibrating object. Moreover, the proposed method was verified based on the comparison between vibration and particle velocity reductions. In Japan, a procedure to revamp old railway bridges, which had no specific fissure damages or serious corrosions, by applying to composite remodeling process have been widely used. During the process of such composite remodeling, we have often used magnetic rubber damper or rubber-latex mortar to reduce remarkable large power of structure-borne sound radiated from steel bridge of railway. This proposed method enables us to estimate precisely noise reduction of these countermeasures, because we grasp the behavior of sound radiated from the vibrating object in detail. In this paper, we present the results of laboratory and field experiments on the effects of noise reduction by using two magnetic rubber dampers, type-A and type-B. In the field measurement, the type-B more significantly reduced the sound radiated from vibrating beam. However, the reduction of radiated sound and that of vibration did not coincide. The reason was clarified from comparison between vibration and particle velocity, which occur due to vibrating a steel plate of simulated beam of bridge in laboratory experiment. Thus, the proposed method enables us to evaluate noise reduction precisely.
STUDY ON REDUCTION OF UNIT WATER AMOUNT OF CONCRETE WITH WASTE GYPSUM
Authors: Shimabukuro Atsushi , Kuwajima Keiji
Published: February 2020

This study discovered that the combination of waste gypsum and fly ash was capable of being used as fine aggregate in concrete. However, results showed that the unit water amount of the concrete with waste gypsum had to be increased to assure the designated workability. In general, if the unit water amount of concrete increases, hardened concrete will have various issues. Therefore, in this study, we try to reduce the unit water amount of this concrete by the high-performance AE (Air Entraining) water reducing agent containing viscosity improver. In order to investigate the effect of the above AE water reducing agent for the reduction of the unit water amount of the concrete with waste gypsum, the workability of above concrete with this agent from slump test and air containing test was examined. Also, compression, tension, and bending, of the concrete with waste gypsum from each strength test was measured. On the basis of the test results, it showed that we are able to assure the workability of fresh concrete with waste gypsum by the above agent used in this study, even if the unit water amount is reduced. Also, it was confirmed that the compressive strength of concrete with waste gypsum is equivalent to the strength of concrete without waste gypsum.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF HYBRID POLYVINYL ALCOHOL FIBRE-REINFORCED FERROCEMENT AND FLY ASH
Authors: Vimonsatit Vanissorn , Biswas Wahidul K.
Published: February 2020

Extensive research has been conducted on the use of fly ash as a partial replacement of cement in order to promote the sustainable use of cement. Most of these research has focused on the investigation of the cementitious properties of the blended cement and the engineering properties of the end products, such as fly ash concrete. The sustainability benefit of using fly ash is often qualitatively perceived without any quantitative assessment. A recent study on the performance of hybrid polyvinyl alcohol fibre-reinforced ferrocement (HPVAF) shows that adding moderate amounts of fly ash in the mixes could maintain the ultimate flexure and tensile strength of HPVAF. The increased service life/durability and the use of FA up to a 25% replacement for cement in HPVAF not only conserve virgin resources for producing energy-intensive construction materials but also avoid associated environmental impacts due to the manufacturing of these materials. This certainly offers socio-economic benefits in terms of cost saving, enhance affordability and guaranteed material supply for the people both in current and future generations. Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) was conducted to determine these triple bottom line benefits associated with the use of HPVAF and FA in building construction.
YIELD STRESS BASED ON NATURAL STRAIN THEORY UNDER CYCLIC TENSION-COMPRESSION LOAD AFTER LARGE SIMPLE SHEAR
Authors: Kato Yasuyuki , Uchida Hiroki
Published: February 2020

Many researches on the yield behavior under cyclic loads have been conducted for many years. However, almost these studies have been done within the range of relatively small size deformation. Hence, the detailed studies for yield phenomenon under cyclic loads after applying a large pre-deformation have not been sufficiently elucidated. Therefore, in the series of our studies, using test pieces of high purity tough pitch copper, the yield behavior generated under cyclic loads after applying the predeformation of large uniaxial tension or large simple shear have been investigated. However, as for the case that the type of pre-deformation differs from the type of deformation in the cyclic load, detailed studies have not been conducted yet. Hence, in the present study, the yield behavior generated under cyclic loads for tension and compression after applying a large pre-deformation of simple shear is examined based on Natural Strain theory. Furthermore, experimental results in the present study are compared with results of previous studies concerning cyclic loads for tension and compression after applying the large uniaxial tension. Consequently, it is revealed that the decreasing tendency of yield stress at the compression side appears more strongly as compared with the experimental result by previous study that the pre-deformity is a uniaxial tension.
BEHAVIOR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS UNDER ACCIDENTAL IMPACTS
Authors: Fareed Shamsoon
Published: February 2020

Loads resulting from activities such as rock fall, heavy drop weights (for e.g. equipment's, heavy machines during installation), missile and aircraft interaction with slabs may results in loading intensity which have higher magnitude as compared to static loading. Based on the velocity of the impacting object at the time of contact, these activities may result in impact loading. Therefore, slabs designed should provide resistance to these accidental loading during their entire operational life. In this study, a dynamic non-linear finite element analyses were conducted to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete slabs subjected to high-mass low-velocity impacts. For this purpose, initially an already published impact test results were used to validate the numerical predictions. Following validation, a study was conducted to investigate the influence of the impact velocity on the behavior of the reinforced concrete slab. Based on the numerical investigation, it was found that the velocity of the impacting object has a significant influence on the behavior exhibited by slab under impact loading. Furthermore, it was also found that the behavior of slab under impact is both local and global. Local behavior is associated with the damage caused at the contact area of the slab and the impactor, whereas global behavior refers to the overall deformation of the slab when stress waves move away from the impact zone and travel towards the supports.
CALIBRATION OF RUTTING AND ROUGHNESS DISTRESS MODELS OF HDM-4 FOR DEVELOPING PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Singh Aditya , Chopra Tanuj
Published: February 2020

The Highway Development and Management model (HDM-4) is a tool developed by the World Bank to aid highway administrators and engineers in the process of decision making for preparing of road investment programme and determining the road network maintenance strategies. HDM-4 essentially models the interaction between the traffic volume, environment and pavement composition to predict the different kinds of distress that develop in pavements over time. Since distress is caused due to different conditions and progresses at different rates, therefore it is necessary to calibrate the HDM-4 model as per the local conditions. The aim of the study is to calibrate the HDM-4 pavement deterioration model in terms of rutting and roughness for the urban road network of Patiala (Punjab, India). In our study, we select 15 road sections and group them based on varying traffic and pavement age. The pavement condition data, which was measured starting from 2012 to the end of 2014, is fed as the input to the HDM-4 distress models. The calibration process is performed using statistical analysis between the observed and predicted value of the distress by keeping minimum Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and maximum R-square (R2). The determined calibration factors are validated and further used for developing pavement deterioration models which prove to be helpful in building a Pavement Maintenance and Management system for Patiala.
CASE STUDIES: DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS SELECTION IN CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Singh Amarjit , Song Xi
Published: February 2020

Disputes simply cannot be prevented all the time in the construction industry. As such, common dispute resolution systems such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation are widely used. Compared to litigation, negotiation and mediation have high popularity owing to their low cost and faster duration to dispensation. However, proper selection of dispute resolution techniques becomes very critical in real business practice. In this article, a numerical method using pairwise comparisons and the analytic hierarchy process are used to discover the most appropriate method evaluated against specific selection factors. Eight major selection factors are used, and an importance scale is assigned to weigh each factor, followed by a pairwise comparison. The rationale for selection of factors is explained. Final scores of the effectiveness of each dispute resolution technique are calculated for six cases that are meaningful in the construction industry, thereby providing a practical guideline and system to disputants for selecting a suitable dispute resolution method for their specific case.
COMPILATION AND INNOVATION OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY FOR DURABILITY OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: Jin Weiliang , Wang P. Z. , Xia J. , Mao J. H. , Fan W. J. , Song X.
Published: February 2020

The Chinese Technical Specification of Electrochemical Technology for Durability of Concrete Structures was compiled on the basis of the overseas and domestic development, practice and research of durability electrochemical technology for concrete structures. The Specification stipulated the general provisions, scope of application, main parameters, quality control and inspection etc of electrochemical technology. Main innovation of Technical Specification appears as: 1. An extensive introduction highlighted the operation and requirement of electrochemical technology for durability of concrete structures, including cathodic protection, electrochemical desalination, electrochemical deposition, bi-directional electromigration etc. 2. The mechanism and application of a new-type electrochemical technology, bi-directional electromigration, was described and its advantages were illustrated in case study. Accompanied by the implementation and application of the technical specification, the durability enhancement and control of concrete structures in China will have another level.
COOPERATIVE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT-INFLUENCE OF PARTICIPANTS ON SUCCESS FACTORS OF REAL ESTATE PROJECTS
Authors: Harrer Edwin , Bauer Bernhard , Mauerhofer Gottfried
Published: February 2020

Successful project development is characterized by a multitude of risks and high uncertainties. Particularly for the correct assessment of the input data, such as market and location factors, as well as the right estimation of the requirements of the user, high competences are demanded by the project developer. Many decisions, which are required for a successful project development, therefore have to be made in very early stages of the development process. Based on this it has been postulated that an early involvement of stakeholders in the process of project development has influence on the project success. In this context there was executed a quantitative survey to examine competences of planners, contractors, brokers and operators to influence deducted success factors of project development. Findings revealed that the early integration of the participants influence the project success strongly. Particularly planners have a very high influence on object based factors like building design and layout of the ground plan. For optimizing the market and location factors also an integration of brokers and operators is essential. For developers it is recommended that they are informed of the possibilities of influencing the different success factors by an integration of the main participants. So the security for project relevant decisions in the early stage of the development process can be provided.
DESIGN FEATURES FOR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTABILITY OF MARINE PIER PROJECTS
Authors: Mitropoulos Panagiotis , Tajima Victor
Published: February 2020

Marine construction projects face significant challenges due to their physical environment as well as safety and environmental regulations. A well-engineered design with constructability in mind is essential for the successful construction of such projects. This study investigated the design features that created significant constructability benefits on the Pier 12 Replacement Project at San Diego, California. The US $82 Million fixed price design-build project involved the construction of a new 1,500-foot pier that could fulfill the utility needs of multiple stationed ships. The following design features were important in improving the constructability of the new pier: (1) Selection of plumb piles; (2) Design of uniform and longer pile spacing; (3) Increased depth of pile dowel tubes; (4) Use of T-headed pile dowels; (5) Avoiding the use of pile caps; (6) Minimizing the fluctuations of deck soffit elevations; (7) Minimizing the expansion joints; (8) Minimizing the variety of rebar sizes; and (9) Increasing the depth of concrete rebar cover.
Demorfologizacja rodzaju w liczbie mnogiej rzeczowników w Księgach o gospodarstwie Piotra Krescentyna (Kraków 1549, Helena Unglerowa)
Authors: Osiewicz Marek
Published: February 2020

The article is a continuation of the research on linguistic variance in the first Polish edition of Księgi o gospodarstwie by Piotr Krescentyn (Krakow 1549, Helena Unglerowa). The inflectional forms were analyzed: the dative, instrumental and locative of plural nouns. The investigated issues included: textual differentiation, scope and degree of normalization of the particular alterations. The results of the analysis were compared with the results of research on other texts from the first half of the 16th century. The conclusions are: a) the books certify the initial but advanced stage of the demorphologization process of gender in plural nouns; b) the text distribution of most variants is even, the discontinuous textual distribution is characterized by only three inflectional forms: koniem and ludziom in the dative case, -och in the instrumental of the plural form of masculines; c) the state certified in the books is in most categories convergent with the state certified in other texts, the exception is the form of the instrumental and locus of masculine and neuter nouns; d) in the analyzed area, Księgi show little convergence with the language of Glaber’s texts (preferring the forms: ludziem in the dative case, -ami in the instrumental case, occasional end-case -och in the locative of masculines).
Wzgórze w świetle afazji podkorowych
Authors: Rutkiewicz-Hanczewska Małgorzata , Piątek Anna
Published: February 2020

The article is devoted to the specific nature of subcortical aphasia, with particular emphasis on thalamic aphasia. It describes the features of subcortical aphasias which make it possible to differentiate them from cortical aphasias and defines the characteristics of thalamic aphasia which are indicated by researchers seeking its constitutive features. The article also discusses the anatomic aspects of the thalamus and the latest reports on the functions it performs in the language processing process through thalamocortical networks.
Agnieszka Piotrowska-Wojaczyk, Studia nad polskimi nazwami ryb (na podstawie danych słownikowych), Wydawnictwo Rys, Poznań 2018, ss. 346
Authors: Strawińska Anetta Bogusława
Published: February 2020

Recenzja. Agnieszka Piotrowska-Wojaczyk, Studia nad polskimi nazwami ryb (na podstawie danych słownikowych), Wydawnictwo Rys, Poznań 2018, ss. 346
Comparing fall migration of three Catharus species using a radio-telemetry network
Authors: Marchand Camille Bégin , Desrochers André , Tremblay Junior A. , Côté Pascal
Published: February 2020

Migration routes vary greatly among small passerine species and populations. It is now possible to determine the routes over great distances and long periods of time with emerging monitoring networks. We tracked individual Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) in northeastern Quebec and compared their migration routes and paces across an array of radio-telelemetry stations in North America. Swainson’s Thrush migrated further inland than the other two species. Individuals from all three species slowed their migration pace in the southeastern United States, and Swainson’s Thrush was more likely to stopover than Bicknell’s Thrush. Although individuals were tagged in a small area within or close to their breeding range, the results document the variability of migration routes between species with similar ecological characteristics and provide detailed material to be used for migration studies with broader taxonomic or ecological scope.
Variation in individual autumn migration and winter paths of Great Lakes red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
Authors: Pagel R. Kyle , West Elena H. , Jones Andrew W. , Streby Henry M.
Published: February 2020

Migratory movements of facultative migrants are poorly understood due to their irregular and often unpredictable occurrence. However, tracking such movements is important for understanding population dynamics, informing annual cycle conservation plans, and identifying possible cues of facultative migration. We used pinpoint GPS tags to track autumn and winter movements of migratory red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) to better understand migration frequency, timing, and routes for birds breeding in managed oak savanna systems in the North American Great Lakes region. Proportions of individuals migrating differed between the two sites, with 72% of the Ohio population migrating, while no individuals in the Minnesota population migrated. Of the Ohio birds that migrated, their movements were highly variable in distance and direction but generally occurred south of the breeding site. Wintering sites ranged from 111 – 218 km from the breeding site. Cover types occupied during migration and wintering were almost exclusively small patches of closed-canopy hardwood forest within agricultural matrices. We documented one-time movements in migratory and non-migratory individuals during the year that have not previously been described in facultative migrants. We found no evidence of a harness or marker effect on proportions of individuals migrating, migration return rates, or annual survival regardless of migration.
Meta Logouin Plato’sTheaetetus
Authors: Hennig Boris
Published: February 2020

The account of knowledge in Plato’sTheaetetus, as true beliefmeta logou, seems to lead to a regress, which may be avoided by defining one kind of knowledge as true belief that rests on a different kind of knowledge. I explore a specific version of this move: to define knowledge as true belief that results from a successful and proper exercise of arational capacity(adunamis meta logou).
Study on the impregnation quality of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensisMüll. Arg.) and English oak (Quercus roburL.) sawn veneers after treatment with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5- dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)
Authors: Emmerich Lukas , Militz Holger
Published: February 2020

The efficacy of chemical wood modification is closely related to the permeability of the wood species and the cell wall deposition of the reagent, causing a permanent swelling (“bulking effect”). This study aimed to analyze how rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensisMüll. Arg.) and English oak (Quercus roburL.) may be affected by chemical wood modification, although they are known to show either variations in permeability or being less permeable. Thin clear veneers were treated with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5- dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) which resulted in significantly reduced moisture-induced swelling and increased the resistance to static and dynamic indentation loads. The results evidenced significantly lower liquid uptakes in English oak compared to rubberwood, which directly affected the weight percent gains (WPGs) and restricted the range for potential improvements of the material properties. Surprisingly, rubberwood showed a lower cell wall bulking, which, in comparison with English oak, indicated less DMDHEU monomers entering the cell walls and rather being located in the cell lumens. Atypical for treatments with cell wall penetration chemicals, no further decrease in maximum swelling (SM) was detected with increasing bulking in rubberwood specimens. English oak showed higher variations in DMDHEU distribution within treated veneers and between earlywood and latewood areas, effecting a less homogeneous performance.
Hepatoprotective effects of Shilajit on high fat-diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats
Authors: Ghezelbash Baran , Shahrokhi Nader , Khaksari Mohammad , Ghaderi-Pakdel Firouz , Asadikaram Gholamreza
Published: February 2020

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main common cause of chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Shilajit, a medicine of Ayurveda, on the liver damage caused by NAFLD.

Materials and methods

Forty male Wistar rats, after being established as fatty liver models by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD, 12 weeks), were divided randomly into five groups as follows: control (standard diet), vehicle (HFD + distilled water), high-dose Shilajit (HFD + 250 mg/kg Shilajit), low-dose Shilajit (HFD + 150 mg/kg Shilajit) and pioglitazone (HFD + 10 mg/kg pioglitazone). The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, liver weight, and histopathological manifestation outcomes were measured after the 2-week intervention.

Results

Shilajit treatment significantly reduced the values of AST and ALT, TG, TC, LDL, glucose, liver weight, and steatosis, and instead, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.05). Further, Shilajit treatment improved the adverse effects of HFD-induced histopathological changes in the liver as compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.001). MDA level and GPx activity increased but SOD activity decreased in the vehicle group compared with the control group (p < 0.05), while treatment with Shilajit restored the antioxidant/oxidant balance toward a significant increase in the antioxidant system in the Shilajit group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Shilajit improved the histopathological NAFLD changes in the liver and indicated the potential applicability of Shilajit as a potent agent for NAFLD treatment.
Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Buffer-Based Optical Packet Switch Router
Authors: Shukla Vaibhav , Sharma Nikunj , Choubey Dilip Kumar
Published: February 2020

Recently, in the present day’s data center systems an explosive growth has been observed in data traffic, which restricts the speed of exiting data communication network. To solve such problem, fiber optical-based optical communication system is preferred choice. In this paper, an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG)-based optical packet switch is presented in which priority among packets is implemented effectively. This switch is a recirculating loop buffer-based switch in which a hybrid buffering (optical + electrical) technique is used for storing packets into the buffer. The power budget analysis of switch is presented in various conditions, when packet passes through the optical or electronic buffers. Comparison of optical and electronic buffering is done in terms of power required for the correct operation of the switch. In this paper, a comparison is performed between our proposed switch with recently published switch designs. The result presented in this paper clearly reveals that the performance of our proposed switch is far better than other previously published switch architecture. The major beauty of our proposed switch is that in this design priority among packets implemented effectively.
Blackburn’s Supervenience Argument Against Moral Realism: Revisited
Authors: Noonan Harold W.
Published: February 2020

Blackburn argues against naturalistic moral realism. He argues that there is no conceptual entailment from satisfying a naturalistic predicate to satisfying a moral predicate. But the moral is conceptually supervenient on the natural. However, this conjunction of conceptual supervenience with lack of conceptual entailment is something the non-realist can explain, but the realist cannot. I argue first that Blackburn’s best formulation of his challenge is his first one. Subsequently he reformulates it as a demand for a ‘ban on mixed worlds’. Critics have directed their arguments against this formulation but they are ineffective against Blackburn’s first formulation. My second thesis is, even so formulated the realist can meet the challenge. The bare conceptual supervenience of the moral on the natural can be given a realist explanation by understanding names of moral properties as descriptive names of natural properties.
Recent advances in low-temperature electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Hussin Farihahusnah , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine
Published: February 2020

Since the onset of the industrial revolution, fossil fuels have been the primary source of energy generation, and the continued exploitation of fossil fuels has led to an increase in the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. A lot of research currently focuses much on decreasing dependence on fossil fuels by replacing them with green energy. However, this technique poses a number of challenges, such as the need for improved infrastructure and technology and the high market penetration of renewable energy technologies. Capturing and converting carbon dioxide using electrochemical approaches can help to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and create a positive future for the transformation of carbon dioxide into a number of value-added products. The conversion of carbon dioxide via electrochemical approach is a major challenge, and consideration must be given to the development and production of low-cost, stable, and highly efficient electrocatalysts. Hence, this review presents an overview of the current developments in the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. In addition, this study discusses the current progress of electrocatalysts, in particular, the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst, which has a high level of activity and selectivity of low overpotential preferred products. The overview of the mechanisms and kinetics of the carbon dioxide reduction using the computational method are also addressed.
An effcient exact Bayesian method For state space models with stochastic volatility
Authors: Huang Yu-Fan
Published: February 2020

This paper introduces a Bayesian MCMC method, referred to as a marginalized mixture sampler, for state space models whose disturbances follow stochastic volatility processes. The marginalized mixture sampler is based on a mixture-normal approximation of the log-χ2distribution, but it is implemented without the need to simulate the mixture indicator variable. The key innovation is to use the filter ing scheme developed by Kim (Kim C.-J. 1994. “Dynamic Linear Models with Markov-Switching.”Journal of Econometrics60: 1–22.) and the forward-filtering backward-sampling algorithm to generate a proposal series of the latent stochastic volatility process. The proposal series is then accepted according to the Metropolis-Hastings acceptance probability. The new sampler is examined within an unobserved component model and a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model, and it reduces substantially the correlations between MCMC draws.
Effects of a Multi-ingredient Beverage on Recovery of Contractile Properties, Performance, and Muscle Soreness After Hard Resistance Training Sessions
Authors: Naclerio Fernando , Larumbe-Zabala Eneko , Cooper Kelly , Seijo Marco
Published: February 2020

Naclerio, F, Larumbe-Zabala, E, Cooper, K, and Seijo, M. Effects of a multi-ingredient beverage on recovery of contractile properties, performance, and muscle soreness after hard resistance training sessions. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1884–1893, 2020—Carbohydrate-protein–based supplements have been proposed for maximizing postexercise recovery. This study compared the effects of postworkout supplementation ingesting a multi-ingredient (MTN) vs. carbohydrate alone (CHO) on the recovery of muscle function and perceived of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) after hard resistance workouts. In a double-blinded, crossover design, 10 resistance trained men (26.9 ± 7.4 years) performed 2 identical 5-day intervention periods while ingesting either MTN or CHO. The subjects performed one workout per day during the first 3 days. Thereafter, they were assessed 1, 24, and 48 hours after the completion of the third workout session. Primary outcome was tensiomyography (muscle displacement [Dm], contraction time [Tc], and contraction velocity [Vc]) of the vastus medialis (VM) and biceps femoris long head (BFLH). Secondary outcomes were performance and DOMS. At 24 hours, both conditions decreased (p < 0.05) Dm (MTN −1.71 ± 1.8, CHO −1.58 ± 1.46 mm) and Vc (MTN −0.03 ± 0.03, CHO 0.03 ± 0.04 m·s−1) in the VM. At 48 hours, all tensiomyography variables were recovered under the MTN while remained depressed (p < 0.01) in CHO (VM, Dm 1.61 ± 1.60, Vc −0.04 ± 0.04 m·s−1; BFLH, Dm 1.54 ± 1.52, Vc −0.02 ± 0.02 m·s−1). Vertical jump performance decreased in CHO, but not in MTN. Although both conditions decreased upper-body strength and power at 1 hour, values returned to baseline in 24 hours for MTM while needed 48 hours in CHO. DOMS similarly increased at both 24 and 48 hours in both conditions. Compared with the ingestion of only carbohydrates, postworkout multi-ingredient supplementation seems to hasten recovery of muscular contractile properties and performance without attenuating DOMS after hard resistance workouts.
Pour créer des collaborations fructueuses au sein des écosystèmes d’innovation, se rencontrer ne suffit pas
Authors: Trépanier Michel , Four Isabeau , Corbin-Charland Olivier
Published: February 2020

Les initiatives visant à développer un écosystème favorable à la création et à la croissance des entreprises et/ou de l’innovation reposent sur l’idée de réunir une diversité d’acteurs. Les interactions sociales, ouvertes et diversifiées, deviennent alors du soutien et des moteurs de l’innovation. Déterminantes du succès des écosystèmes, elles sont pensées comme « faciles » tant à faire exister qu’à multiplier. Dans le présent article, nous revenons sur quelques constats de base de la sociologie des réseaux, puis utilisons le concept d’homophilie pour examiner la faisabilité sociologique de cette multiplication et de cette diversification des relations. L’analyse s’appuie sur l’étude de deux cas exemplaires. D’une part, l’écosystème montréalais de startups dans le secteur numérique, où l’absence d’homophilie explique la relative rareté des collaborations et, d’autre part, l’Esplanade, un accélérateur et espace collaboratif montréalais dédié à l’entrepreneuriat et à l’innovation sociale, où la ressemblance des acteurs explique les nombreuses collaborations observées.