bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumption Optimization in an Office Building Considering Flexible Loads and User Comfort
Authors: Khorram Mahsa , Faria Pedro , Abrishambaf Omid , Vale Zita
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a multiperiod optimization algorithm that is implemented in a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. The algorithm controls lights and air conditioners as flexible loads to reduce the consumption and controls a dishwasher as a deferrable load to implement the load shifting. Several parameters are considered to implement the algorithm for several successive periods in a real building operation. In the proposed methodology, optimization is done regarding user comfort, which is modeled in the objective function related to the indoor temperature in each room, and in the constraints in order to prevent excessive power reduction, according to users’ preferences. Additionally, the operation cycle of a dishwasher is included, and the algorithm selects the best starting point based on the appliance weights and power availability in each period. With the proposed methodology, the building energy manager can specify the moments when the optimization is run with consideration of the operational constraints. Accordingly, the main contribution of the paper is to provide and integrate a methodology to minimize the difference between the actual and the desired temperature in each room, as a measure of comfort, respecting constraints that can be easily bounded by building users and manager. The case study considers the real consumption data of an office building which contains 20 lights, 10 ACs, and one dishwasher. Three scenarios have been designed to focus on different functionalities. The outcomes of the paper include proof of the performance of the optimization algorithm and how such a system can effectively minimize electricity consumption by implementing demand response programs and using them in smart grid contexts.
An IoT Architecture for Water Resource Management in Agroindustrial Environments: A Case Study in Almería (Spain)
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , Gil Juan , Roca Lidia , Rodríguez Francisco , Berenguel Manuel
Published: January 2020

The current agricultural water panorama in many Mediterranean countries is composed by desalination facilities, wells (frequently overexploited), the water public utility network, and several consumer agents with different water needs. This distributed water network requires centralized management methods for its proper use, which are difficult to implement as the different agents are usually geographically separated. In this sense, the use of enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things can be essential to the proper operation of these agroindustrial systems. In this paper, an Internet of Things cloud architecture based on the FIWARE standard is proposed for interconnecting the several agents that make up the agroindustrial system. In addition, this architecture includes an efficient management method based on a model predictive control technique, which is aimed at minimizing operating costs. A case study inspired by three real facilities located in Almería (southeast of Spain) is used as the simulation test bed. The obtained results show how around 75% of the total operating costs can be saved with the application of the proposed approach, which could be very significant to decrease the costs of desalinated water and, therefore, to maintain the sustainability of the agricultural system.
Molecular Dissection of dH3w, A Fluorescent Peptidyl Sensor for Zinc and Mercury
Authors: Siepi Marialuisa , Oliva Rosario , Battista Filomena , Petraccone Luigi , Del Vecchio Pompea , Izzo Viviana , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Isticato Rachele , Notomista Eugenio , Donadio Giuliana
Published: January 2020

Previously, we reported that fluorescent peptide dansyl-HPHGHW-NH2 (dH3w), designed on the repeats of the human histidine-rich glycoprotein, shows a turn-on response to Zn(II) and a complex response to Hg(II) characterized by a turn-off phase at low Hg(II) concentrations and a turn-on phase at high concentrations. As Hg(II) easily displaces Zn(II), dH3w is a useful probe for the environmental monitoring of Hg(II). In order to investigate the molecular basis of the metal selectivity and fluorescence response, we characterized three variants, dH3w(H1A), dH3w(H3A), and dH3w(H5A), in which each of the three histidine residues was changed to alanine, and two variants with a single fluorescent moiety, namely dH3w(W6A), in which the tryptophan residue at the C-terminus was changed to alanine, and AcH3w, in which the N-terminal dansyl moiety was substituted by an acetyl group. These variants allowed us to demonstrate that all the histidine residues are essential for a strong interaction with Zn(II), whereas two histidine residues (in particular His5) and the dansyl group are necessary to bind Hg(II). The data reported herein shed light on the molecular behavior of dH3w, thus paving the way to the rational designing of further and more efficient fluorescent peptidyl probes for Hg(II).
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Separations in 2019
Authors: Separations Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Systems in 2019
Authors: Systems Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time andexpertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whetherthe papers are finally published or not. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Veterinary Sciences in 2019
Authors: Veterinary Veterinary Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Characteristics of δD and δ18O of Reclaimed Mine Soil Water Profile and Its Source Water Bodies in a Coal Mining Subsidence Area with High Groundwater Level—A Case Study from the Longdong Coal Mining Subsidence Area in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Ge Mengyu , Chen Baozhang
Published: January 2020

Coal mining, as one of the key drivers of land degradation worldwide, caused land subsidence problems. In this study, we conducted experimental research to explore the reclaimed mine soil (RMS) water dynamics and its sources in relation to reclaimed land use types using stable water isotopes in the Longdong coal mining area with high groundwater level in east China. We collected water samples seven times in 2017 from all of these water bodies (precipitation, surface waters (river water and water from subsidence pits (WSP)), groundwater and soil water). Our main findings are three fold: (1) the values of slope and intercept of the local meteoric water line of Craig (LMWL) of precipitation for the study area are higher than the global meteoric water line of Craig (GMWL) because of the humid monsoon climate zoon, and the values of δD and δ18O of surface waters and soil water and groundwater deviated from LMWL to some extent with a range of 5–30%, and the D and 18O of precipitation and the surface waters have higher seasonal variation than groundwater; (2) the values of δD and δ18O of RMS for the whole soil profile (0–100 cm) are lower than that of precipitation and have obvious seasonal variations and great fluctuation in the topsoil (0–30/40 cm) and decrease at depth (30/40–70 cm) and stable in deep soil layers (below 70 cm deep); (3) the RMS with forest and crop enhanced water infiltration capacity and soil water mixing strength compared with the waste RMS, so establishment of forest and crops should be encouraged in the RMS; (4) the main sources of topsoil (0–30 cm for crop and 0–40 cm for forest) of RMS are precipitation through infiltration, the main supply for deep soil water (below 70 cm deep) is groundwater, and the soil water for the middle deep soil layers (30/40–70 cm) is mainly from mixing sources of precipitation, groundwater, and river water through pant root water absorbing and groundwater upshifting.
Application of a Self-Organizing Map of Isotopic and Chemical Data for the Identification of Groundwater Recharge Sources in Nasunogahara Alluvial Fan, Japan
Authors: Tsuchihara Takeo , Shirahata Katsushi , Ishida Satoshi , Yoshimoto Shuhei
Published: January 2020

Paddy rice fields on an alluvial fan not only use groundwater for irrigation but also play an important role as groundwater recharge sources. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of isotopic and hydrochemical compositions of groundwater in the Nasunogahara alluvial fan in Japan and applied a self-organizing map (SOM) to characterize the groundwater. The SOM assisted with the hydrochemical and isotopic interpretation of the groundwater in the fan, and clearly classified the groundwater into four groups reflecting the different origins. Two groundwater groups with lower isotopic ratios of water than the mean precipitation values in the fan were influenced by the infiltration of river water flowing from higher areas in the catchments and were differentiated from each other by their Na+ and Cl− concentrations. A groundwater group with higher isotopic ratios was influenced by the infiltration of paddy irrigation water that had experienced evaporative isotopic enrichment. Groundwater in the fourth group, which was distributed in the upstream area of the fan where dairy farms dominated, showed little influence of recharge waters from paddy rice fields. The findings of this study will contribute to proper management of the groundwater resources in the fan.
Speeding up the Computation of the Transient Richards’ Equation with AMGCL
Authors: Pinzinger Robert , Blankenburg René
Published: January 2020

The Richards’-equation is widely used for modeling complex soil water dynamics in the vadose zone. Usually, the Richards’-equation is simulated with the Finite Element Method, the Finite Difference Method, or the Finite Volume Method. In all three cases, huge systems of equations are to be solved, which is computationally expensive. By employing the free software library AMGCL, a reduction of the computational running time of up to 79% was achieved without losing accuracy. Seven models with different soils and geometries were tested, and the analysis of these tests showed, that AMGCL causes a speedup in all models with 20,000 or more nodes. However, the numerical overhead of AMGCL causes a slowdown in all models with 20,000 or fewer nodes.
Variation of Groundwater Flow Caused by Any Spatiotemporally Varied Recharge
Authors: Wu Ming-Chang , Hsieh Ping-Cheng
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study was to develop a complete analytical solution to determining the effect of any varying rainfall recharge rates on groundwater flow in an unconfined sloping aquifer. The domain of the unconfined aquifer was assumed to be semi-infinite with an impervious bottom base, and the initial water level was parallel to the impervious bottom of a mild slope. In the past, similar problems have been discussed mostly by considering a uniform or temporally varying recharge rate, but the current study explored the variation of groundwater flow under temporally and spatially distributed recharge rates. The presented analytical solution was verified by comparing its results with those of previous research, and the practicability of the analytical solution was validated using the 2012 and 2013 data of a groundwater station in Dali District of Taichung City, Taiwan.
Adaptation of Water Supply to Changing Climate and Land-Use Activities, Case of Ljubljana Water Supply, Slovenia
Authors: Cencur Curk Barbara , Bracic Zeleznik Branka , Bogardi Istvan
Published: January 2020

A risk management methodology is presented for the adaptation of water supply to changing climate and land-use activities, considering socio-economic aspects. Several management options were selected for the case of the public water supply of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The major management actions for improving drinking water safety are (1) land-use limitations within the drinking water protection areas and (2) drinking water treatment. Trends in groundwater level are decreasing, above all in the area of well fields; therefore, artificial recharge and setting up a new independent well field were also considered. The management actions were evaluated according to several criteria, such as water supply risk reduction for the various users (drinking, agricultural, and industrial) and realization of the actions (cost, flexibility, and leg time). For management options, the ranking “Fuzzy Decimaker” tool was applied, which is based on a Multiple Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) technique. Ranking of management actions has shown that all management actions are good as they are clustering in the corner close to the ideal value. For a particular well field, farming limitations in the drinking water protection areas are the best and water treatment is the worst management action, which is due to high costs, low flexibility, and longer lag time.
Hydrologic Response of a Montane Meadow from Conifer Removal and Upslope Forest Thinning
Authors: Surfleet Christopher , Fie Noel , Jasbinsek John
Published: January 2020

This study evaluates the hydrologic response of restoration of a montane meadow by removal of encroached Pinus contorta and thinning of the adjacent forest. It is now a follow-up with four years of post-restoration data, on a previous analysis of a hydrologic response of the same meadow one year following restoration. A hydrologic change was evaluated through a statistical comparison of soil moisture and depth to groundwater between the restored Marian Meadow and a Control Meadow. Meadow water budgets and durations of water table depths during the growing season were evaluated. The four years following restoration of Marian Meadow had an increase in volumetric soil moisture during the wet season, but decreased soil moisture during the dry season. An average decrease in depth to groundwater of 0.15 m was found, which is consistent with the first-year post-restoration. The water budget confirms the first-year results that the hydrologic change following removal of encroached conifers was primarily due to a reduction of vegetation interception capture. There was no measurable difference in depth to groundwater or soil moisture following the upslope forest thinning likely due to the low level of forest removal with 2.8 m2/hectare reduction of the forest basal area. The cost of restoration to water gained was $0.69 USD/1000 L ($2.62 USD/1000 gal.).
Challenges of Commercial Aquaponics in Europe: Beyond the Hype
Authors: Turnsek Maja , Joly Agnes , Thorarinsdottir Ragnheidur , Junge Ranka
Published: January 2020

In recent years, aquaponics has been receiving increased interest globally as a commercial food production technology and aquaponics start-up companies have been formed in most European countries. Between 2014 and 2018, the European-funded COST Action FA1305 “The EU Aquaponics Hub-Realising Sustainable Integrated Fish and Vegetable Production for the EU” created a strong network of researchers and entrepreneurs. However, surveys show that the aquaponic production in Europe is still very limited, and very few companies are economically viable. In order to obtain insights into the barriers to early development of commercial aquaponics, two surveys were carried out—one in Europe, which included France, and one in France alone, with a different protocol. Henceforth, for simplicity, the former will be referred to as Europe and the latter as France. The results reveal that the development of commercial aquaponics has hit the level of “disillusionment”, caused by numerous challenges facing commercial food production. As the understanding of the processes involved in aquaponics is increasing, it will be very interesting to follow the developments in the field over the coming years in order to ascertain whether aquaponics will follow the phases outlined by the “Gartner’s Hype Cycle” and thus proceed to become an established technology, or whether it will remain an “one hit wonder” and disappear in the “Trough of Disillusionment”.
Corporate governance and firm performance in Pakistan: Dynamic panel estimation
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Hussain Shahzad , Ahmad Tanveer , Hassan Shoib
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research is to analyze the association between corporate governance and firm performance. Specifically, it examines the impact of CEO duality on board characteristics and its relationship with firm performance through dynamic penal estimation. The findings of this research are based on a sample of 191 listed non-financial firms over the period 2004-2014. We document that corporate governance plays a pivotal role in determining the financial performance of firms operating in Pakistan. Consistent with past studies, findings of this research also show some statistical variations among the sampled firms (large and small size). CEO duality compromises the efficiency of board independence. Further, the non-linear relationship of managerial ownership with performance is also depicted through the results of this study.

Keywords: Corporate governance, accounting-market based measures, firm performance
Impact of corporate governance on financial performance of sugar sector firms listed in Pakistan stock exchange
Authors: Khan Muhammad Wasim Jan , Saeed Usman
Published: January 2020

Corporate governance is considered as environment of trust, set of processes, policies and laws affecting the way corporations are administrated and directed. The previous literature in context of the corporate governance relationship with firm financial performance shows controversial findings; similarly literature shows lack of studies in context of developing countries as Pakistan. Therefore, this research explores the relationship of the corporate governance and the firm financial performance in context of developing country as Pakistan. The data has been collected from the sugar sector listed in KSE (Pakistan Stock Exchange), 20 corporations are selected as sample from sugar sector on basis of outstanding shares. Corporate governance taken as independent variable and measured as CEO biformity (CB), board size (BS), firm age (FA), firm size (FS). Financial performance of firms taken as dependent variable and measured as return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), net profit margin (NPM). Data is collected for period of 2000-2013 from reports of the sugar companies listed in KSE (Pakistan Stock Exchange) issued annually and analysis of balance sheet given by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Result shows that CEO biformity significantly affecting firm financial performance. Board size (BS) shows partially significant impact on firm financial performance. Firms age (FA) show partially significant impact on firm financial performance. Firm size (FS) shows partially significant impact on firm financial performance. Therefore, conclusion has been drawn based on the results of analysis that this study adds new knowledge to the existing body of knowledge of corporate governance impact on firm financial performance and in context of developing countries as Pakistan.
Keywords: Corporate governance, firm financial performance, sugar sector, Pakistan.
Subjective prerequisites of spiritual and moral development of the cadets in educational organizations of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia
Authors: Geyzhan Natalia , Vasileva Zlata
Published: January 2020

The relevance of the topic is determined by the personal, professional and social significance of the spiritual and moral development of the personality of specialists working with people, particularly, in the law enforcement sphere. This is confirmed by normative, scientific and publicistic documents. The complexity and wide scope of the notion complicates the methodical development of the activities of higher school lecturers. The main approaches to the understanding of spirituality and morality are presented in the article. The authors substantiate the importance of spiritual and moral development of a person as an integral characteristic of the personality, reflecting the value-semantic unity in the categories of «service», «virtue», «honor», «dignity». The importance of these characteristics for the formation of the personality of MIA personnel, their self-improvement at the stage of mastering the profession is shown. Spiritual and moral development is understood as qualitative changes in the value-semantic sphere of personality through organized pedagogical influence aimed at increasing its creative activity, the formation of the ability to assess their own activities from the standpoint of cooperation, constructiveness, creation, service, mutual assistance as opposed to self-centeredness, selfishness and individualism. For the purpose of development of the program of spiritual and moral development the subjective representations and self-estimates of the cadets are received on three methods: «Life orientations» by D. A. Leontiev, method «Values of personality» by S. H. Schwartz and thematic method «Unfinished sentences». Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of representations and self-evaluations in this sphere are discussed. The analysis and generalization of the received data allowed to reveal prevailing orientations, contradictions in representations and self-estimates of the cadets, discrepancy in «known» and «realized». The obtained results are correlated with the tasks of spiritual and moral development of the cadets in the process of mastering the disciplines of humanitarian profile in educational organizations of the MIA of Russia.
Public authority: attempt of conceptualization
Authors: Varlamova Natalia
Published: January 2020

The majority of interpretations of social authority is based upon its definition by M. Weber as an opportunity to exercise one’s will even against the will of other persons. In this context the authority constitutes a capacity of an individual or a community of people to force others (own members) to a certain type of conduct. In the primitive society the authority was natural, direct and detached neither from anindividual nor from a team, in general. The appropriation and xercise of authority was “interwoven” in daily activities of people and the observance (collective subordination to) of certain rules of conduct was ultimately essential for survival and thus natural and indisputable. The development of production activities of an individual and its sociality, in broad terms, led to the division of labor, inter alia, to segregation of the ruling and managerial activities and the consequent isolation of private and public areas of activity of an individual, attribution of the degree of publicity to social authority. Public authority is institutionalized authority; it is appropriated by artificial ways developed by the society and exercised through specially designated persons for these purposes (established entities) within the framework of the set procedures based on the territorial principle. Public authority is universal; it extends to all society members and to the entire area of their public activities. Once emerged in a socially stratified society, public authority inevitably acquires political nature – it is aimed at streamlining relationships between various groups and layers of the society and alignment (delineation, suppression) of their interests. This particular comprehension of public political authority underpins various definitions of the state which basically come down to the most efficient (sovereign) as well as (in a set of conceptions) proper (fair, legitimate, legal etc.) form of its organization.
The dissertation of S.A. Nikiforova – contribution to the study of state-legal doctrines of E.N. Berendts
Authors: Dergileva Svetlana
Published: January 2020

On October 10, 2019 at the meeting of Council D 203.019.01 on the defense of dissertations for the degree of candidate of sciences, for the degree of doctor of sciences created on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “V.Ya. Kikot’ Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation” S.A. Nikiforova defended the dissertation on the topic: “Statelegal views of E. N. Berendts” (specialty 12.00.01– Theory and History of Law and State; History of Doctrines on Law and State) for the degree of candidate of juridical sciences. The Dissertation Council, chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Dissertation Council D 203.019.01, Doctor of Law, Professor V.P. Malakhov, unanimously decided that the dissertation of S. A. Nikiforova is a scientific and qualification work, which is essential for the science of theory and the history of law and the state and meets the requirements established by the Regulation on awarding scientific degrees, as well as on awarding S. A. Nikiforova the degree of candidate of juridical sciences on specialty 12.00.01.

The article is the official opponent’s review of the dissertation. The structure and content of the dissertation of N. S. Nikiforova are analyzed.
Police law theory – a subject of research of modern scientists
Authors: Nizhnik Nadezhda
Published: January 2020

At a meeting of Council D 203.019.01 on the defense of dissertations for the degree of candidate of sciences, for the degree of doctor of sciences created on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Moscow University of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation named after V. Ya. Kikot” on October 10 in 2019, the dissertation was defended for the degree of candidate of legal sciences Nikiforova Slavyana Alekseevna on the topic: “State-legal views of E.N. Berendts”, specialty 12.00.01 – Theory and History of Law and State; the history of the teachings of law and the state. The Dissertation Council, chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Dissertation Council D 203.019.01, Doctor of Law, Professor V.P. Malakhov, unanimously decided that the dissertation of S.A. Nikiforova is a scientific and qualification work, which is essential for the science of theory and the history of law and the state and meets the requirements established by the Regulation on awarding scien-tific degrees, as well as on awarding S.A. Nikiforova the degree of candidate of legal sciences in special 12.00.01.

The article is a review of the dissertation of the official opponent, in which the structure and content of the dissertation of N. S. Nikiforova are analyzed.
Predictive analytics in the prognostic activity of the police of modern states
Authors: Stepanyan (Gevorkyan) Anna
Published: January 2020

The relevance of the topic of the study is due to the need to find an optimal model of police activity that meets the requirements and challenges of the present. The transformation of the public organization requires the comprehension of the current situation, new forms of theorizing and the development of new conceptual ideas. The growing importance of police systems in the context of globalization has been determined by a variety of law enforcement practices that requires critical analysis. A historiographic analysis of the problem of the use of predictive analytics in police activities showed that such experience from the theoretical and legal position was not reflected in the researches of Russian scientists. The object of the study was the police systems of foreign countries, where the predictive analytics became widespread and was the basis of the work of the police bodies. Predictive analytics (software that allows to predict crime) and the possibilities of its use in police activities is the subject of the research. A legal analysis of prognostic police activity, on the basis of which a new law enforcement model was developed, which already confirmed its effectiveness in the US, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, China was the purpose of the research. The methodology of the study was drawn up by the scientific principles of dialectics, historicism and objectivity, based on the recognition of the variability in the ways of implementing the law enforcement function of the state in various national political and legal systems, as well as general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, analogue method, ascent from abstract to concrete, and private-scientific methods: legal comparativeness, formal-legal (dogmatic), methods of systemic and structural-functional analysis, methods of theoretical modeling and scientific forecasting. In the course of the research, the author have concluded that the use of predictive analytics in the police activity is a perspective direction of work, during which individuals and places with an increased risk of crime can be identified. Prognostic activity does not replace traditional methods and directions of police work, but strengthens them by applying advanced statistical models and algorithms with minimal use of budgetary funds. The police’s prognostic activity requires a new way of thinking, a high level of automation, and the expansion of technological capabilities of mass observation. Only under such conditions it is possible to create a police system that is able to meet the modern needs of society and effectively fulfill its tasks.
Pertumbuhan benih ikan mas, Cyprinus carpio, yang diberi pakan dengan dosis dan frekuensi berbeda
Authors: Biduan Tinus O O. , Salindeho Indra R. N. , Sambali Hariyani
Published: January 2020

The objectives of this research were to find out the optimum dose and frequency of feeding regime to ensure the maximum growth of carp-seeds, Cyprinus carpio, reared in the backyard pond with recirculation system. The experiment was carried out in 2x3 factorial experimental design and the experimental units were designed in randomized block.  Two factors were tested in this experiment; the first factor, dose of feeding, had three levels, 3%, 4% and 5% of the total body weight per day; and the second factor had 2 levels, 2 and 3 times per day.   Hence there were 6 treatments were applied, and each treatment was triplicated.   Each repetition represented group of fish with different weight.  There were 18 experimental units, and each experimental unit was composed of 8 tested fish, therefore there were 144 tested fish, which were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and then every week during the 6 weeks period of the experiment.  The weight data were converted into FCR, absolute, relative and daily growth rate, and were statistically analyzed using JMP statistic-program (SAS-institute).             The results showed the absolute growth of fish at dose of 3% was significantly lower than that of fish at the dose of 4% and 5%, which was not significantly different.   The relative and daily growth rate was not significantly affected by the different dose of feeding regime.  There was no significant difference in FCR, absolute, relative and daily growth rate between fish fed 2 and 3 times per day.  The best FCR, 1,46, was performed by fish fed 3% of the body weight per day, and this value was significantly different with that of the fish fed 4% or 5%.   The results of this experiment suggest that, carp reared in backyard pond with recirculation system should be fed twice a day, with a dose of 3% of the body weight each day.
Finite Element Analysis over Geopolymer Concrete using Abaqus
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Kalasalingam University, Ganesh A. Chithambar , Muthukannan Dr. M. ,   Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,Kalasalingam University
Published: January 2020

In the recent decade, lots of efforts are being taken to completely replace cement concrete with the Geopolymer concrete. Complete understanding of the Geopolymer concrete is necessary for the effective replacement of cement concrete. This research work deals with the comparison of flexural behavior of ordinary cement concrete and Geopolymer concrete is carried out. Abaqus CAE tool is effectively used to study the flexural behavior like load deflection curve, deformation pattern and the cracking pattern. Further experimental studies were carried out and the ultimate deflection was recorded and compared with results obtained from the Abaqus results. Fair results have been obtained in this study and it unleashes a lot of scope in Geopolymer concrete.
A STUDY ON PERINATAL MORTALITIES AND ITS DETERMINANTS AT A
TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN A METROPOLITAN CITY.
Authors: J Wani Reena
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study is to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and its determinants. Aretrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary
hospital in Maharashtra, India of the perinatal mortalities born from January 2017 to December 2017 after Ethics Committee approval. Data was
acquired from the Delivery register of the Labour room covering the maternal socio-demographic characteristics and the relevant investigations.
The causes of perinatal mortality were simplified as per the Tulip Classification (2006). Statistical Analysis: The standard WHO formula for
calculating the perinatal mortality rate was applied. Chi- square test followed by P-value were obtained through the Open Epi software, was used
for estimating the statistically significant observations amongst the study results. The total births in the study period were 3461 and the perinatal
deaths were 132. The Perinatal Mortality Rate computed to 39.65 per 1000 live births. Out of the 132 perinatal deaths, stillbirths were 89 and early
neonatal deaths were 43.The perinatal mortalities were found to be highest in the age group of 30-35 years, multigravidae, unbooked and high risk
obstetric patients and low birth weight newborns. Lack of antenatal registrations, unoptimised high risk pregnancies entering labour can potentially
pose a threat to the delivery outcome.
IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE OUTCOME OF REFERRED SICK
NEONATES AND PERIPHERAL UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES DURING TRANSPORT?
EVIDENCE FROM THE NICU OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF EASTERN INDIA
USING TOPS SCORE
Authors: Sen Sandip
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted at the NICU of Dr B C Roy Post Graduate Institute of Paediatric Sciences, a tertiary care children's
hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, to study the immediate outcome of the referred sick neonates and peripheral utilization of resources before
and during transport.
METHODOLOGY: Aprospective observational study on 250 new born babies referred to Dr. B. C. Roy Post-Graduation Institute of Paediatric
Sciences, Kolkata, India during the period of June 2016 to May 2017. At the admission detailed clinical assessment of the baby has been done and
clinical physiological parameters (TOPS- Temperature, Oxygenation (Airway & Breathing), Perfusion, Sugar) were recorded. Pre transport TOPS
and transport TOPS were noted. The babies were followed up for the next seventy two hours to study the correlation between the utilization of the
resources and immediate outcome of the babies in terms of death, cardiorespiratory support (mechanical ventilation, CPAP, inotrope therapy),
supportive care and discharge within next 72 hours.
RESULTS: Out of 250 babies, 62% were boys, 58.4% were pre term,65% were low birth weight. 60% were transported in government ambulance.
100% mortality was present in babies taking > 2 hrs to reach the hospital. 44 babies had no alteration of TOPS parameters while one parameter was
affected in 115 babies (46%), two parameters were affected in 51 babies (20.4%), three parameters were affected in 30 babies (12%) and all four
parameters were affected in 10 babies (10%). Hypothermia was present in 65%, hypoxia in 34.8%, hypoperfusion in 23% and hypoglycemia in
16%. 44.8% were discharged with in 72 hours, 23.6% received supportive care, 17.2% required cardio-respiratory support and 14.4% died.
CONCLUSION: Emphasis on stabilization of sick new born before and during transfer should be done. Training modules to all the personnel
involved in the care of a sick new born and regular practise of the same should be encouraged. In-utero transport by identifying the high-risk
pregnancies is beter way to decrease the requirement of transport should be supplied. Longer duration of transportation has a high mortality
PENGARUH BENTUK SCROTAL BIPARTITION TERHADAP KADAR FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE DAN TESTOSTERON KAMBING KEJOBONG
Authors: Widiarti Yuni , Setiatin Enny Tantini , Kurnianto Edy
Published: January 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh bentuk skrotum terhadap kadar follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dan testosteron pada kambing Kejobong. Materi yang digunakan adalah kambing Kejobong jantan sebanyak 22 ekor, pita ukur, jangka sorong, spuit, tabung vacutainer no additive, centrifuge, effendorf, kulkas, dan coolbox.  Metode yang dilakukan dalam penelitian adalah observasional, yaitu mengamati secara langsung bentuk skrotum ternak, mengukur skrotum dan testis, dan mengambil sampel darah. Sampel darah dianalisis untuk mengetahui kadar hormon menggunakan metode ELISA. Parameter yang diukur yaitu bentuk scrotal bipartition, kadar follicle stimulating hormone dan testosteron. Perbedaaan respon dari bentuk skrotum terhadap kadar hormon FSH dan testosteron dianalisis menggunakan uji-t pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat dua bentuk skrotum pada kambing Kejobong, yaitu bentuk A (no bipartition) dan bentuk B (bipartition ≤50%). Kadar FSH kambing Kejobong pada bentuk skrotum A (no bipartition) adalah 6,4787±2,0534 ng/mL dan pada bentuk skrotum B (bipartition ≤50%) adalah 6,0134±2,5628 ng/mL, sementara kadar testosteron bentuk skrotum A adalah 6,1617±5,9590 ng/mL dan pada bentuk skrotum B adalah 5,9512±5,6204 ng/mL. Kesimpulan dari hasil penelitian ini adalah tidak ada perbedaan respon kadar FSH maupun testosteron berdasarkan bentuk skrotum.Kata Kunci: kambing Kejobong, bentuk skrotum, kadar follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dan testosteron.
Theoretical substantiation of research areas in the field of recycling and closed-loop economics
Authors: Chebotarev Vladislav , Morozov Oleg
Published: January 2020

At the level of theoretical researches some directions of the organization of scientific researches in the field of recycling and economy of the closed cycle are proved. The need for research in this direction is justified by the fact

that at present the sphere of waste processing, both production and consumption is an independent industry, along with traditional spheres of activity. The presented thesis, in particular, justifies the need to develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for all stages of the movement of material resources.
Kronika życia i twórczości Jana Dormana (1912–1986)
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Wiśniewska Marzenna
Published: January 2020

Jan Dorman (b. Dębowa Góra, now Sosnowiec, 1912–d. Będzin, 1986) was a teacher, director, stage designer, author of texts for theatre, founder of the Experimental Child’s Theatre (ETD) in Sosnowiec (1945–1951) and The Children of Zagłębie’s Theatre (TDZ) in Będzin, which has been named after him (1951–1977), lecturer at the Faculty of Puppetry in Wrocław, Branch of the State Academic School of Theatre (PWST) in Krakow, now Stanisław Wyspiański Academy of Theatre Arts (1978–1986), promoter of culture in Będzin. His theatre practice situated itself between children’s theatre, young spectator’s theatre, puppet theatre, avant-garde art theatre and experiments close to the happening. Dorman’s performances were presented at many festivals internationally; the work of TDZ that he directed represented Poland at the International Exhibition of Stage Design in Amiens, France (1969). Dorman wrote and adapted texts for theatre, composed and selected music, designed the sets (along with his son, Jacek), initiated the “Herody” review of folk productions, maintained extensive contacts with Polish and foreign theatre communities, contributed regularly to theatre  magazines (including Scena, Teatr Lalek, Teatr), and he published his book Children Playing at Theatre. Throughout his life, Dorman recorded his practice through meticulously produced archival documentation.
ASSESSMENT OF THE HERBOLOGICAL SITUATION OF AGRO-PHYTOCENOSES OF SPRING BARLEY DURING THE USE OF VARIOUS PRECURSORS IN THE EXPERIMENTAL FIELD
Authors: Pelekh Ludmila
Published: January 2020

The article reflects the results of many years of studying the peculiarities of the formation of the number of weeds in the agrophytocenosis of spring barley, depending on the previous culture.
The general structure of weed species and their genus are estimated taking into account the features of the precursor. Species diversity has been assessed depending on the nature of the previous culture.
A grouping of recorded weeds into biological groups was carried out, taking into account the type of the previous crop and the peculiarities of its cultivation technology. The general patterns of the formation of the structure of weeds are formulated taking into account typological predecessors and the dynamics of the formation of each biological group of weeds in the general structure of vegetation is evaluated.
Peculiarities of the conjugate formation of weed are determined taking into account the duration of phenological phases of growth and development of spring barley, and an analysis is made of the features of increasing the total weediness of the field taking into account the competitive features of cultivated plants as precursors of spring barley.
EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION AND INOCULATION OF SEEDS
ON SYMBIOTIC AND GRAIN PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKPEA
Authors: Didur Igor , Mordvaniuk Myroslava
Published: January 2020

The results of research on the influence of extra-root feeding and inoculation of seeds on the formation of crop and quality indices of Nut grain are presented.
The maximum number and weight of tubers in the experiment during the research period was formed at the end of flowering phase, with the tendency preserved. The largest number of tubers, on average, was 39.2 pc / plant with a weight of 611.4 mg / plant at the plant roots was recorded on a variant where seed precipitate was used inoculant Biomagnut and two-time fertilization with microfertilizer, Harvest Bean, which exceeded the control by 14.7 pc / plant and 204.6 mg / plant. It was established that the application of pre-sowing inoculation of seeds by inoculant Biomagnut and two-time fertilization with microfertilizer Vinogradov increases yields to 2.92 t / ha.
ESTIMATION OF EFFICIENCY OF CONSTRUCTION OF AGRO-PHYTOCENOSES AND FERTILIZER OF THE OIL RADISH ON THE BASIS OF THE MODULAR-VITALITY METHOD
Authors: Tsytsiura Yaroslav
Published: January 2020

The article presents the results of a long-term study of the features of the phytocenology of agrophytocenoses of oil radish using different methods for assessing their condition and studying the tactics of the plant vitality strategy. A comprehensive assessment was made of the effect of changes in row spacing, seeding rates and fertilizer rates on the formation of various plant morphotypes, the variability of morphological characters and the general characteristics of plant viability.
Three idiotypes of the plant oil radish were identified in a vertical study of agrophytocenosis, on the basis of which a detailed analysis of the variability of each group and a statistical assessment of the reliability of its existence were carried out.
The features of the morphological integration of each tier are analyzed and its impact on the formation of the overall field productivity is evaluated.
Based on the modular and vitality grouping, the effectiveness and feasibility of combining various options for plant density and fertilizer in the range of 30-90 kg of active substance per 1 ha were evaluated.
Conclusions are drawn about the desired model of agrophytocenosis of oil radish based on the characteristics of its vital tactics and the goals of its growing.
Grouping was carried out according to a variety of morphological traits of plants in the population and the possibilities of applying the basic patterns of phytocenology in their application to radish oilseed plants were evaluated.
Through the use of regression analysis, the influence of climatic conditions on the formation of various morphological types of plants and the nature of the relationship of plants of oil radish in cenoses of various densities against the background of various fertilizer options has been evaluated.
The main promising areas for further research on the peculiarities of creating highly productive and highly adaptable agrophytocenoses of oil radish have been outlined.
Parasitoid wasps indicate that the marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) has persisted on Tiree rather than re-colonised recently
Authors: Ravenscroft N.O.M
Published: January 2020

The population of the marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) in western Scotland fluctuates greatly and the species is difficult to locate during periods of scarcity. It was recorded on Tiree in 2014 for the first time in 64 years during a period of abundance. The nearest known populations occur 40 km to the east and its discovery represents either a recent colonisation event well beyond its known capability or it has escaped detection for a longer period. Surveys for the larval cocoons of two wasps that are parasitoids of E. aurinia and host-specific were undertaken on Tiree in spring and autumn 2017. The adult wasps are small with limited powers of dispersal and are unlikely to have followed E. aurinia to Tiree since 2014. Cocoons of one species - Cotesia melitaearum – were abundant in all concentrations of E. aurinia in spring 2017 but neither species was found in the autumn. The absence of the second species - C. bignellii - is inconclusive as it was also absent at known locations elsewhere in autumn 2017. The occurrence, distribution and abundance of C. melitaearum on Tiree indicate that E. aurinia had been present for some time before its discovery in 2014. Although continuous presence since 1950 cannot be extrapolated with certainty, the results highlight the propensity of E. aurinia to persist for long periods in numbers that fall below the observation threshold, even in areas of high wildlife awareness, and that it is not always an easy species to record.
RESPONSE OF SWEET BASIL PLANTS (Ocimum basilicum, L.) TO SPRAYING SEAWEED EXTRACT GROWN UNDER SALINITY STRES
Authors: NOSIR WALID
Published: January 2020

A greenhouse experiment was carried out during two successive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) on sweet basil plants (Ocimum basilicum, L.) grown, in sandy soil, under salinity stress to study the effect of spraying seaweed extract on growth, leaf chemical composition and essential oil percentage of basil plants. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in greenhouse, with temperature fixed at 25 ± 3C°, relative humidity between 75 – 85% and 14 hours light exposure. The Spraying seaweed extract exhibited higher tolerance to high salinity as compared to unsprayed plants. Under high level of salinity (2000 and 4000 ppm NaCl), the plants received seaweed extract at High concentrations (100 and 200 ppm) present higher values of plant height, shoot length, branch numbers/plant and chlorophyll contents and carotenoids as compared to unsprayed plants or those sprayed with lowest seaweed concentration (50 ppm). The chemical analysis of mature leaves of plant sprayed with higher seaweed extract (100 and 200 ppm) showed significantly higher ratio of N, P and K than those sprayed with lower concentrations or those untreated plants. However, N, P and K contents decreased significantly as a result of increasing NaCl concentration in nutrient solution from 500 to 4000 ppm. However, gradual and significant increase in leave calcium % due to increasing NaCl level in the nutrient solution from 500ppm to 3000ppm.