bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATING CROP YIELDS WITH REMOTE SENSING AND DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Cunha R. L. F. , Silva B.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Increasing the accuracy of crop yield estimates may allow improvements in the whole crop production chain, allowing farmers to better plan for harvest, and for insurers to better understand risks of production, to name a few advantages. To perform their predictions, most current machine learning models use NDVI data, which can be hard to use, due to the presence of clouds and their shadows in acquired images, and due to the absence of reliable crop masks for large areas, especially in developing countries. In this paper, we present a deep learning model able to perform pre-season and in-season predictions for five different crops. Our model uses crop calendars, easy-to-obtain remote sensing data and weather forecast information to provide accurate yield estimates.
AUGMENTING DATA USING GAUSSIAN MIXTURE EMBEDDING FOR IMPROVING LAND COVER SEGMENTATION
Authors: Oliveira D. A. B.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The use of convolutional neural networks improved greatly data synthesis in the last years and have been widely used for data augmentation in scenarios where very imbalanced data is observed, such as land cover segmentation. Balancing the proportion of classes for training segmentation models can be very challenging considering that samples where all classes are reasonably represented might constitute a small portion of a training set, and techniques for augmenting this small amount of data such as rotation, scaling and translation might be not sufficient for efficient training. In this context, this paper proposes a methodology to perform data augmentation from few samples to improve the performance of CNN-based land cover semantic segmentation. First, we estimate the latent data representation of selected training samples by means of a mixture of Gaussians, using an encoder-decoder CNN. Then, we change the latent embedding used to generate the mixture parameters, at random and in training time, to generate new mixture models slightly different from the original. Finally, we compute the displacement maps between the original and the modified mixture models, and use them to elastically deform the original images, creating new realistic samples out of the original ones. Our disentangled approach allows the spatial modification of displacement maps to preserve objects where deformation is undesired, like buildings and cars, where geometry is highly discriminant. With this simple pipeline, we managed to augment samples in training time, and improve the overall performance of two basal semantic segmentation CNN architectures for land cover semantic segmentation.
RADIOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF A MARSH SITE AT THE ARGENTINIAN PAMPAS IN THE CONTEXT OF HYPERNETS PROJECT (A NEW AUTONOMOUS HYPERSPECTRAL RADIOMETER)
Authors: Piegari E. , Gossn J. I. , Juárez Á. , Barraza V. , González Trilla G. , Grings F.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. In the context of HYPERNETS project, which is developing a relatively low cost hyperspectral radiometer (and associated pointing system and embedded calibration device for automated measurement of water and land bidirectional reflectance), the tidal coastal marsh in the Mar Chiquita (Argentina) lagoon is being characterized as a test site for validation of radiometric variables. High quality in situ measurements will be available at all spectral bands at this site (and other sites over land and water around the world) for the validation of the surface reflectance data issued from all earth observation missions. This site, dominanted by Sporobolus densiflorus vegetation, is a coastal habitat that provides ecosystem services essential to people and the environment. There is evidence that growth and photosynthetic apparatus of S. densiflorus is negatively affected by the herbicide glyphosate, which is extensively used in the Argentinian agricultural production. As a way to monitor this risk, in this work a theoretical study was performed to establish if it is possible to estimate the chlorophyll content (Ca+b in S. densiflorus), which concentrations are known to be affected by the herbicide, using hyperspectral reflectance. Signatures recorded in situ plus other parameters obtained from a biochemical characterization of the plant were used to obtain a simulated reflectance with the radiative transfer model PROSAIL. Then, a BaseLine Residual approach, based on close band triplets, was proposed to retrieve Ca+b. As a result, we found that it is possible to distinguish between two levels of Ca+b.
Chronic prosthetic joint infections with a draining sinus. Who should receive suppressive antibiotic treatment?
Authors: Lensen Karel-Jan , Escudero-Sanchez Rosa , Cobo Javier , Soriano Alex , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The benefit of suppressive antibiotic treatment in inoperable patients with a chronic periprosthetic joint infection and a sinus tract is unknown. Some physicians prefer to just let the sinus drain, while others prefer antibiotic
treatment. In this viewpoint article we discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of suppressive antibiotic treatment in this particular patient
group.
Practice Makes Perfect
Authors: Moffatt Christine
Published: October 2020

Co-op placements are vital components of an LIS edcucation. Co-op programs allow students to gain relevant work experience, apply their theoretical knowledge of librarianship in the field, and identify new areas for professional development; however, one aspect is often overlooked in these programs. LIS co-op students can expand their experiential learning by proposing and pursuing new projects in the field, which will enhance their overall education and support their institution and profession at the same time. In this article, I will reflect on my co-op experience with the Collections and Content team at the University of Guelph, and I'll discuss how a group of co-op students started the first Co-op Community of Practice at Guelph.
Crowdfunding Social. La alternativa a la financiación tradicional de proyectos de organizaciones de participación
Authors: López Molero Natalia , Hernández Gómez Elena , Briones Peñalver Antonio Juan
Published: October 2020

El crowdfunding es una alternativa a los métodos de financiación tradicional que pueden emplear las organizaciones de participación, mediante el uso de la comunidad como medio para la captación de fondos. Empleando la metodología de revisión de fuentes bibliográficas, nos adentraremos en el mundo del crowdfunding, estudiando las diversas interpretaciones del concepto, entre las que encontraremos al denominado crowdfunding social, sus modalidades de actuación, orígenes y plataformas donde se desarrolla la captación de fondos. Así mismo, determinaremos los diferentes métodos de financiación que el emprendedor social puede emplear, para, posteriormente, realizar una comparación entre estos y el crowdfunding social, con el fin de conocer cuáles son las principales diferencias entre las variantes de búsqueda de financiación de proyectos, vista desde una óptica de beneficios e inconvenientes para el promotor del proyecto.
Fixed point theorems for generalized (beta-phi)-contractive pair of mappings using simulation functions
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Sharma Rashmi
Published: October 2020

In this paper, our aim is to present a new class of generalized (beta-phi)-Z- contractive pair of mappings and we prove certain xed point theorems for a pair of mappings using this concept. Our results generalizes some xed point theorems in the literature. As an application some xed point theorems endowed with a partial order in metric spaces are also proved.
Existence results for some nonlinear degenerate problems in the anisotropic spaces
Authors: Boukhrij Mohamed , Aharrouch Benali , Bennouna Jaouad , Aberqi Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Our goal in this study is to prove the existence of solutions for the following nonlinear anisotropic degenerate elliptic problem:- \partial_{x_i} a_i(x,u,\nabla u)+ \sum_{i=1}^NH_i(x,u,\nabla u)= f- \partial_{x_i} g_i \quad \mbox{in} \ \ \Omega,where for $i=1,...,N$ $ a_i(x,u,\nabla u)$ is allowed to degenerate with respect to the unknown u, and $H_i(x,u,\nabla u)$ is a nonlinear term without a sign condition. Under suitable conditions on $a_i$ and $H_i$, we prove the existence of weak solutions.
Summary of Seven More Studies on Numerosity Abilities in an Ant, Four of Them Relating to Human Competence
Authors: Cammaerts Marie-Claire , Cammaerts Roger
Published: October 2020

Numerosity ability is an important biological trait. We examined this trait in the ant Myrmica sabuleti over sixteen experimental works. A summary of the first nine works has been already published, and we provide here a summary of the last seven works. During these last-mentioned studies, we successively showed that ants natively possess a number line, acquire the notion of zero through experiences, have their counting ability only slightly affected, depending on the characteristics of the elements to count, can acquire single symbolism, can learn several symbols at the same time, can add up using learned symbols and can learn a symbol for zero and use it to add. Four of these abilities correspond to potential problems of numerical competence in humans. Humans have natively a number line, but rarely, they may suffer from not having it, what then reduces their skills in mathematics. Humans have to acquire the notion of zero in the course of their life, but this notion is not always correctly taught to children. Also, after having been learned to add and subtract using a concrete representation of numbers, human children should learn calculating using different representations, and finally without using any concrete representation. Humans can easily acquire symbolisms, and this ability should be employed without delay over the children’s education. No doubt that more knowledge on animal numerosity ability will be acquired in the future, maybe to be related to human numerical competence.
Incidencia y severidad de enfermedades asociadas al cultivo de plátano (Musa paradisiaca L.) en Rivas, Nicaragua
Authors: Castillo-Arévalo Trinidad , Jiménez-Martínez Edgardo
Published: October 2020

En Nicaragua severidad de patógenos que cusan enfermedades en plátano (Musa paradisiaca L.) ha afectado los rendimientos e ingreso que este cultivo proporciona a los pequeños, medianos y grandes productores del país. La seguridad alimentaria que el cultivo proporciona a los productores se ha visto amenazada por enfermedades que afectan a la planta y sus frutos. Con el objetivo de determinar la incidencia y severidad de enfermedades en plátano, se realizó este estudio entre enero a septiembre del 2014 en Rivas. Se hicieron colectas de material enfermo en seis fincas plataneras de Rivas. Los patógenos fueron identificados en los laboratorios del Instituto de Protección y Sanidad Agropecuaria en Rivas y confirmados en laboratorios de la Universidad Nacional Agraria. Las variables evaluadas en este estudio fueron, porcentaje de incidencia y severidad de daño de Sigatoka negra por planta, área bajo la curva de progreso de la enfermedad de Sigatoka negra, porcentaje de incidencia de daño de las enfermedades pudrición acuosa de las musáceas y de punta de cigarro. Como resultados del estudio se identificaron los siguientes patógenos en plátano: Micosphaerella fijiensis, Erwinia sp y Verticillium sp., de manera general se observó que la incidencia y severidad de todos los agentes causales de enfermedades reflejaron un comportamiento similar en las seis fincas, estos agentes se presentaron en todos los meses de muestreo, sin embargo, los mayores porcentajes de severidad se manifestaron en los meses de agosto y septiembre del 2014 con porcentajes que oscilaron entre el 60 % y 67 %, la mayor área bajo la curva de progreso de la enfermedad se presentó en la finca La Zopilota, seguido de San Alberto y La Granja, la menor área bajo la curva de progreso de la enfermedad se presentó en la finca El Espíritu, El Trapiche y Valentina.
“I’m on My Own Path”: Musical Development of the Musical in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019)
Authors: Shine Jessica
Published: October 2020

Many stage and film musicals have a limited ability to develop characters, due in part to the narrative and music genres to which many musicals cleave, which also has the effect of limiting female singers to either “head voice” or “belt.” Writing songs in a particular tessitura—defined by The Handbook of Musical Terms as the register within which most of the tones will be found—is linked then to women’s role in society, as ingénue, wife, mother, diva, and so forth. The tessellated, multi-episode form of TV allows Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to have its characters sing in a range of musical styles and genres and, by extension, its female characters sing in a range of timbres, genres, and tessituras. Through a combination of music video aesthetics, generic musical numbers, and a variety of popular music genres, the show extends character narratives past the conventional romance that ostensibly anchors the show into issues such as mental health, sexism, depression, and sex. Crazy Ex thereby confronts the sexism inherent in the Broadway musicals from which it draws its inspiration, and of which protagonist Rebecca Bunch is an avid fan. This paper analyzes how, through a combination of genre and vocal range, Crazy Ex parodies and interrogates the musical but also expands it.
Design of Educational Process from the Point of View of Management Humanitology
Authors: V. Terentyeva Irina , Liya E. Bushkanets , Maria Yu. Karelina , Ekaterina A. Karelina , Igor V. Gaidamashko
Published: October 2020

The old management system crisis and the involvement of new social sectors into participation in management encourage us to study the humanitarian foundations of managing the higher education system. This article discusses the issues of managerial humanitology and the content of special education, and the ratio of civil and professional elements in the formation of a managerial worldview. A feature of contemporary Russian higher education is the highest level of its fundamental natural and humanitarian component. Furthermore, the development of the higher education system in historical retrospective also indicates its humanistic character, which is laid down by Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church. Naturally, today highly qualified specialists are needed to successfully implement socio-economic reforms in the country, able to understand and implement them properly. In this regard, the higher education system plays a unique role, since higher education, being a social institution, is responsible not only for the inheritance, accumulation, and reproduction of scientific and specialized knowledge but also for the formation and transfer of cultural values and norms of behavior.
Determining the Difficulty Level of Tasks in Online Courses
Authors: Minnegalieva Chulpan Bakievna , Khabibullin Timur Vakhtangovich , Giniyatullina Gulchachak Rishatovna , Giniyatullin Lenar Ildarovich
Published: October 2020

Online courses on different platforms provide thousands of students with the knowledge and skills they need. This paper presents the results of a survey of students, during which they expressed their opinion on the use of electronic resources in teaching. The survey showed that students are more motivated to study when they understand how their knowledge will be used in their professional activities. The survey results also showed that the objectivity of knowledge control is essential. Students are usually familiar with the criteria for assessing the performance of the task. Knowing the criteria for evaluating the task itself, understanding why it is possible to get this particular number of points for completing the task will help students to approach their studies more responsibly. We analyzed the tasks that will be offered to students in the course of learning the MAXScript language. These tasks are assessed according to factors that affect their complexity and the maximum number of points that students can receive for their correct performance. The resulting complexity value can be adjusted after analyzing the scripts written and the trainees' time. This approach to assessing tasks can be applied in the study of information technology and other disciplines.
Communication in Training Future EFL Teachers: Simulation and Roleplay in the English Classroom
Authors: Amirkhanova Karina Muratovna , Bobyreva Natalia Nikolaevna
Published: October 2020

The issue under investigation is topical and significant. Being a communicative language acquisition method, simulation and roleplays develop future teachers' language competencies and pedagogical competence, playing a unique role in forming teacher-student, teacher-parent communication patterns. The article aims at studying the place simulation/roleplay have in this process and its specific features. The authors describe how roleplays and simulations are introduced into the English classroom, examples of supplying study books with roleplay tasks. The methods applied to explore the problem were observation and questionnaire administered to the students at the end of the course. Their analysis has permitted the authors to arrive at several conclusions. The most remarkable conclusion is that introducing simulation/roleplay into the study process significantly influences students' communication skills and academic performance, forming their pedagogic competences and communication patterns. Furthermore, the findings revealed that simulation/roleplay in training foreign language teachers should be well-planned and organized; the author gives some advice concerning it. The study results could be highly substantial for teachers of universities preparing future foreign language teachers.
Organization of Legal Education of Gifted Students Using Modern Methodological Tools
Authors: Ibragimova Аlina Nazyrovna , Ponomareva Angelina Alexandrovna
Published: October 2020

This article is devoted to a topic, which is relevant due to the need to create an effective educational environment for gifted students through the use of modern methodological tools within the framework of education digitalization. Study purpose: to identify the state and prospects for the development of pedagogical competencies of future law teachers on the development and use of modern methodological tools in organizing work with gifted students. Research objectives: to determine the main definitions on the research topic to identify the role and place of modern methodological tools in the activities of teachers and students, to evaluate the effectiveness of its application during legal education; to develop and conduct a distance survey among the 1st–5th year students and the 1st year undergraduates of the institutes of the Kazan (Volga) Federal University, as well as gifted students from the specialized educational organizations based on the analysis of scientific and methodological literature, the regulatory framework. The authors also describe the pedagogical capabilities of the main digital educational platforms of web services used by law teachers in the practice of working with gifted students.
Validation of a diagrammatic scale for quantification of bacterial leaf blight (causal agent Pseudomonas avenae) in maize
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Lorenzett Eloisa , Tartaro Juliano ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Stangarlin José Renato ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Portz Roberto Luis ,   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Kuhn Odair José ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Alves Neto Alfredo José ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná
Published: October 2020

Bacterial leaf blight occurs in almost the entire Brazilian territory and can cause significant economic damage. However, its effects can be curtailed with the following tools that aid in quantification for carrying out the best severity assessment that can be applied to the studies used in its control. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a diagrammatic scale to quantify the severity of bacterial leaf blight in maize caused by Pseudomonas avenae. Corn leaves were collected with different levels of disease severity, and the total leaf area as well as the injured area of the middle third of each leaf was measured. From this, the minimum and maximum limits of the disease and, subsequently, four intermediate levels were determined whilst taking into account the law of visual stimulus of Weber-Fechner. Levels 1.5%, 2.5%, 9%, 18%, 46%, and 70% were selected with validation performed by eight evaluators, four inexperienced and four experienced. These evaluators estimated the severity values, initially without the use of the proposed diagrammatic scale and in a second attempt with the use of the scale. We concluded that it was possible to improve the accuracy and precision of the evaluators when they used the scale as a tool to assess the severity of bacterial leaf blight on corn leaves.
Efficacy of three methods used to control staphylococcal mastitis in dairy goats
Authors:   Instituto de Pesquisa Agronômico de Pernambuco, Leite José Américo Barros , Araújo Renata de Moraes Peixoto ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Peixoto Rodolfo de Moraes ,   Instituto Federal de Educação do Sertão Pernambucano, Nogueira Daniel Maia ,   Embrapa Semiárido, Costa Mateus Matiuzzi da ,   Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco
Published: October 2020

Goat and sheep farming in Brazil relies on an expressive herd, especially in the Northeast region of the country, where small ruminants constitute a relevant economic activity, with milk production being an important source of income in some dry areas of the Northeastern states. However, there are still some sanitary problems in the management of dairy goats, among which mastitis is highlighted, especially that of the subclinical type. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of antibiotics, exclusively or in combination with vaccines, in the control of sub-clinical mastitis in small ruminants. The study was conducted on a rural property located in Santa Maria da Boa Vista-PE. Fifty-three female Saanen dairy goats were allocated into four experimental groups. An antibiotic therapy with a commercial antimicrobial based on cloxacillin was used in group 1. Group 2 received the commercial vaccine indicated for herds with an incidence of Staphylococcus strains and the same antibiotic described for Group 1. Group 3 was evaluated for the exclusive use of vaccination, and Group 4 was the control group. A microbiological examination of the milk was carried out to confirm cases of mastitis. The percentage of udders, infected by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CNS) before and after the antibiotic + vaccine treatment was 42.8 and 7.1%, respectively. It was observed that the cloxacillin-based antibiotic could be used alone or in combination with mastitis vaccines to control staphylococcal mastitis in small ruminants. Vaccination alone was not effective in reducing the number of mastitis cases; therefore, a cross reaction against CNS was not observed. Thus, further studies to determine the potential of vaccines to control sub-clinical mastitis in small ruminants are necessary.
English Language Teaching, Vol. 13, No. 11, November 2020
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: October 2020

English Language Teaching, Vol. 13, No. 11, November 2020
General Purpose Technology: The Blockchain Domain
Authors: Marku Elona , Castriotta Manuel , Loi Michela , Chiara Di Guardo Maria
Published: October 2020

Blockchain is an emerging evolutionary paradigm that is expected to revolutionize existing business models in many industries and impact the world economy and society. Its potential pervasiveness is increasingly drawing the interest of academics, practitioners, firms, financial institutions, and national governments, who define it as a general purpose technology (GPT). Although it may take considerable time to affirm a technology as general, in this phase of the evolution of the blockchain domain, to what extent can it be considered a GPT? By adopting a patent co-classifications analysis, this paper aims at disentangling the blockchain technology structure, evolution, and potential future trends. We analyzed blockchain international patents issued from 2008 to 2018. Results showed a proliferation of the inventive activity outputs and a significant increase in the diversification across different technology fields, capturing the blockchain’s GPT traits. Moreover, our patent measures detected technology dynamics related to ‘space for improvement’ and ‘pervasiveness’ that commonly characterize GPTs. Our study contributes to the technology innovation literature by uncovering the emergence and evolutionary path of a GPT, and our results provide an empirical basis on which managers can build technology-related decisions and systems to enable appropriate firms’ innovation strategies.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF OPERATING PARAMETERS
OF HYDRODYNAMIC THRUST BEARINGS LUBRICATED
WITH MAGNETIC FLUID
Authors: Szczęch Marcin , Horak Wojciech , Tarasevych Yuliia
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the results of numerical simulations (CFD) of hydrodynamic thrust slide bearings lubricated
with magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of the rheological
properties of the lubricant, as well as the geometry of the bearing's thrust pad surface. Bearing load conditions
were considered on the key functional features of the system, i.e. axial force and torque. The paper presents
a comparative analysis of various geometries of thrust bearings and points out possible functional features of
hydrodynamic thrust bearings lubricated with fluids with controlled rheological properties.
Regierungspolitik in der Weltfinanzkrise
Authors: Franke Michael M.
Published: October 2020

When and under which conditions did German and British government policies differ during the global financial crisis? This study addresses this question in the course of a comparative empirical analysis of the period from 2007 to 2012, using the banking sector and the automotive industry as examples. It explains similarities and differences between the two countries in terms of specific sectoral interests, societal ideas and national institutions, as well as voters' awareness of certain problems. The study uses a most different case design, and its results show that the influence of ideas tends to increase with increasing problem awareness compared to interests, while institutions continue to provide the framework for action.
Análise do uso e ocupação do solo no interior baiano através das geotecnologias: estudo de caso no município de São Gabriel
Authors: Rocha Neto Olávio , Fideles Filho José , Lacerda Gleyton Lopes Barboza , Barbosa Priscilla Gomes , Silva Tássio Jordan Rodrigues Dantas da
Published: October 2020

A ação antrópica vem causando mudanças significativas no uso e ocupação do solo, trazendo com si, muitos impactos ambientais negativos que causam a degradação dos recursos naturais principalmente devido a agricultura e ao manejo inadequado do solo, como no município de São Gabriel. Esse trabalho objetivou analisar a variação do uso e ocupação do solo entre os anos de 1987 a 2018 através das geotecnologias. As classificações obtiveram precisões acima de 95% pelo método Kappa. De acordo com os resultados, as políticas de crédito rural realizadas na década de 1960 na região influenciaram diretamente na dinâmica espacial do município, uma vez que incentivou a supressão vegetal para o cultivo do feijão, milho e mamona. No ano de 1987 a área destinada a agricultura ocupava 52,8% do município. Passados 31 anos e o fim da política de crédito rural, em 2018 ainda havia a permanência do manejo inadequado do solo. A área destinada a agricultura aumentou para 9,7%, porém houve a diminuição da produção ao longo dos anos com crescente áreas de solo exposto, correspondendo a 40% do município, que estão em processos de degradação, destacando a perca de produtividade, assoreamento de corpos d‘água e processos de erosões aceleradas, apontando ainda para algumas áreas em processo de desertificação e fragmentação do Bioma Caatinga.
Trends and prospects for the development of regional scientific and technological integration in the context of EAEU Digital Agenda: political-legal framework
Authors: Shugurov Mark Vladimirovich
Published: October 2020

The subject of this article is trends and avenues for the digital transformation of scientific and technological, as well as innovation cooperation of the EAEU member-states. Systematic research is conducted on the changes in its content within political-legal framework of implementation of Digital Agenda of the Eurasian Economic Union. The author reveals the new challenges of EAEU policy in the area of science, technology and innovations, as well as ecosystem questions of scientific and technological integration in the context of transition towards the Industry 4.0. The key instruments of digitalization of scientific and technological integration are presented by the digital platforms and communication, which form the shared digital scientific and technological space of EAEU. The conclusion is made that the formation of a “digital” union and its accession into the era of industry 4.0. largely depends on the level of digital transformation of scientific and technological integration. The author’s special contribution consists in the statement that the solution of large-scale task on creation of ecosystem of digital scientific, technological and innovative space based on functionality of the corresponding institutions and digital infrastructure objects represents a new aspect of cooperation, which suggests further development of strategic and legal grounds of the aforementioned sectoral digital transformation. The explored by the author vector of development of scientific and technological integration may serve as the methodological framework for a set of measures established by the Chapter “Territory of Innovations” of the Declaration on Further Development of Integration Processes within the Eurasian Economic Union of December 2018, with emphasis on the implementation of EAEU Digital Agenda.
The questions of organization of state power in new revision of the Constitution of the Russian Federation
Authors: Dzidzoev Ruslan Mukharbekovich
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the organization of state power in Russia in light of the amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation introduced in 2020 that require systematic scientific assessment. The object of this research is the legal acts that laid groundwork for the constitutional reform in Russia: Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2020,  Law on Amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Opinion of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on correspondence of the amendment to the current Constitution of Russia. The author examines the content of the constitutional amendments, their reference with legal logic and requirements for the constitutional progress in Russia. The following conclusions were formulated: the significance and magnitude of the recent constitutional amendments allows speaking of the large-scale constitutional reform that adumbrates the new stage of constitutional evolution in Russia that results in the reform of state superstructure; constitutional amendments noticeably changes the configuration of state power with regards to ratio of the branches of power, checks and balances, objects and redistribution of the institutions of state power, which testifies to transition of the Russian Federation from semi-presidential (presidential-parliamentary) form of government towards presidential, characterized by dominant role of the President within the state system. The novelty of this research lies in analysis of the new constitutional provisions that describe the content of the Russian constitutional reform in the aspect of characteristics of the leading institutions of state power.
Official recognition of facts as an institution of international law: problems and
Authors: Sazonova Kira L'vovna
Published: October 2020

We are witnessing a formation of the new institution of recognition, which can be referred to as the “official recognition of facts”. Such seemingly different political themes as annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, the “Skripal Case”, or the status of the Golan Heights have an important common parameter – each of them has become an object of recognition by at least one country. Examination of the causal links that conduce certain countries to issuing the acts of recognition of long-past events or territorial changes are of considerable scientific and practical interest. Recognition of facts by the state is of paramount importance, as it[WU1]  is documented and reflects stance on a specific event, fact, or occurrence. Recognition ensures legitimacy for further actions of the state and initiates a chain of related political and legal events, including sanctions. Over the recent years, recognition of facts by the countries has become more frequent, and virtually becomes a means of political manipulation. Classification of the facts and events that have most often been the subject of recognition allows determining the common trends in the procedure of recognition, as well as the factors that prompt the country to resort to such step. Thus, at times strange and illogical actions of the state associated with the official recognition or non-recognition of the fact acquire a specific political and legal meaning, and allow analyzing the new strategic vectors in intergovernmental relations.  [WU1]
International cooperation in the area of corruption prevention: global trends and Russian prospects in the international legal policy
Authors: Trofimov Egor
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the international relations associated with the development of cooperation in the area of corruption prevention, and the national legal policy of the countries s in this sphere established since the 1970s to the present day. The article determines the trends in development of international cooperation in the area of corruption prevention, reconstructs the dynamics of international legal policy with consideration of the produced subsequent real effect, as well as analyzes the origination of corresponding international initiatives as the crucial factor in their advancement. The article provides periodization of the process of establishment and development of international cooperation in area of corruption prevention: the first stage (1970 – early 1980s) is characterized by the negotiation process oriented towards creation of international normative legal regulation, but appeared to be inefficient in the situation of international tension and collision of interests; the second stage (late 1980s – 2005) is characterized by the transformation of ideology of the international anti-corruption cooperation,  which implies conventional-institutional approach towards international cooperation; the third stage (2005 – present) is marked by the transition towards institutional-procedural mechanism of cooperation. The conclusion is made that the promising victors of international cooperation of the Russian Federation consists in implementation of extraterritorial legal instruments for preventing corruption and adoption of the institutional-procedural approach with essential formal compliance with the international anti-corruption standards.
Conditional intuitionistic fuzzy probability and martingale convergence theorem using IF-probability
Authors:   Mathematical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Čunderlíková Katarína
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to formulate the conditional intuitionistic fuzzy probability and a version of martingale convergence theorem with respect an intuitionistic fuzzy probability. Since the intuitionistic fuzzy probability can be decomposed to two intuitionistic fuzzy states, we can use the results holding for intuitionistic fuzzy states.
Intuitionistic fuzzy negations and their use in image classification
Authors:   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Michalíková Alžbeta ,   Mathematical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the problem of classification of images is discussed. Our specific problem is that we need to classify tire images into selected classes. The classes are characterized by some patterns. In the first step images are represented as the vectors. Then the membership and non-membership value to each coordinate of the vector is calculated and the theory of intuitionistic fuzzy sets is used. In [7] the classification of images was performed with respect to the valued of so called Sim function, which was defined as a ratio of distance between pattern data and image data and distance between pattern data and the complement of image data. The complement of image data was obtained by using specific intuitionistic fuzzy negation. In [2] a list of 53 intuitionistic fuzzy negations was presented. We have decided to use some of these negations to improve the results of classification.
Effect of Combined Application of Fortified Poultry Manure with Ash and NPK Fertilizer on the Performance of Sakanal Onions (Allium cepa L.) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Isah A. M. , Audu M. , Dikko A. U. , Aliyu U. , Manasseh E. A.
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combined application of fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer on the performance of sakanal onions (Allium cepa L.) variety during 2018/2019 dry season in Chimola (Gwadabawa LGA) and Wurno (Wurno LGA), Sokoto State. The treatments consisted of three (3) levels combination of fortified poultry manure with ash (1:3 ratio) at 5, 10 and 15t ha-1 and three (3) levels of NPK at 30, 45 and 60kg ha-1 which were combined and laid-out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Sakanal onion variety was used as a test crop. The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure for RCBD using SPSS version 23.0. The results revealed that fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) affected Growth and yield parameters such as plant height (71 - 62 cm), number of leaves (8), fresh bulb yield (70t ha-1), crop growth rate (1.52g cm-1) in Chimola and Wurno. Individual bulb weight (300g), bulb diameter (7.8cm) were significantly (P<0.05) affected in Wurno location. Cured buld yield (55t ha-1) responds significantly (P<0.05) to the application of fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer in Chimola location. The result of the study revealed that application of fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer (P15NPK3) significantly improved the performance and shelf-life of sakanal onion variety and physical and chemical properties of the soils in the study area.
The association of subjective fit perceptions, distress, emotional exhaustion, and work engagement, with work functioning problems: A cross-sectional study conducted among young construction project management professionals
Authors: Song Ziyang , Boezeman Edwin J , Nieuwenhuijsen Karen , Li Xiaodong , de Boer Angela G E M
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To investigate the association of subjective fit perceptions, distress, emotional exhaustion, and work engagement, with work functioning, among young construction project management professionals (CPMPs).

Methods

The research had a cross-sectional design. Dutch young CPMPs (142 participants, age range: 20 to 30 years of age) completed a questionnaire containing general questions recording their demographic characteristics, and instruments recording the following concepts: perceived person-organization fit, perceived person-job fit (including demands-abilities fit and needs-supplies fit), distress, emotional exhaustion, work engagement, and work functioning. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the association of fit perceptions, distress, emotional exhaustion, and work engagement, with work functioning.

Results

The correlation analysis indicated that person-organization fit, needs-supplies fit, distress, emotional exhaustion, and work engagement correlated significantly with work functioning problems of young CPMPs. The multiple regression analyses corroborated that needs-supplies fit, distress, and emotional exhaustion related significantly to the work functioning problems of young CPMPs, with the standardized regression coefficients (β) of −0.28, 0.52, and 0.38 (P < .01), respectively. Other than would be expected, the multiple regression analyses also made clear that work engagement does not significantly relate to work functioning problems beyond distress and emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions

Incongruence between personal needs and job supplies, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion are central correlates of the work functioning problems of young CPMPs. Occupational health professionals can use these insights to help young CPMPs at work.
Fatigue Behavior of Additively Manufactured IN718 with Columnar Grains
Authors: Ye Wenye , Akram Javed , Mushongera Leslie T.
Published: October 2020

Fatigue failure of polycrystalline materials is often dominated by crack initiation processes, which are strongly influenced by salient features existing in the microstructure. Herein, a crystal plasticity framework based on the finite element method is used to quantitatively assess the mechanistic drivers existing in columnar IN718 polycrystals for fatigue crack nucleation. To that end, microstructurally differing polycrystalline samples are subjected to strain‐controlled cyclic loading at ambient conditions to elucidate the microstructural mechanisms of fatigue damage. 2D grain structures obtained from the cellular automata (CA) simulations of the additive manufacturing of IN718 are utilized to construct representative 3D microstructures for use in computational analyses. A criterion related to the stored energy density (SED) is used to predict the scatter in fatigue crack nucleation life. This criterion presents a unique and consistent approach toward predicting fatigue crack initiation at the microstructural scale. It is demonstrated that SED is necessary and sufficient to drive crack nucleation in low cycle fatigue. The results show that grain boundaries are the preferred crack initiation sites.
Directing Surface Functions by Inducing Ordered and Irregular Morphologies at Single and Two‐Tiered Length Scales
Authors: Jambor Michal , Kajánek Daniel , Fintová Stanislava , Bronček Jozef , Hadzima Branislav , Guagliano Mario , Bagherifard Sara
Published: October 2020

Surface topography outlines material's interaction with its immediate environment. Herein, a series of cost‐effective and scalable treatments are used to obtain single‐scale and two‐tiered surfaces with ordered/disordered arrangements of micro and nano features. The applied treatments induced a wide variety of surface features regarding length scale and arrangement. The individual and synergistic contributions of roughness length scale, regularity, and hierarchy are analyzed on surface functionalities. The performance of further functionalized and lubricant‐infused surfaces is evaluated regarding their interaction with wetting media, as well as tribological and electrochemical resistance. The hierarchical surfaces show improved wear and corrosion resistance. The prominence of the surface features’ length scale and orderedness varies based on the loading conditions and test environments. Wettability is mainly directed by micro‐scale features. Tribology is largely led by the ability of the surfaces in forming a stable low‐surface‐energy liquid interface. Electrochemical activity is primarily influenced by the synergic barrier effect of the nano‐features and the infused lubricant regardless of their arrangement. The results indicate that combining the distinctive and complementary role of micro and nano features can offer the possibility of obtaining versatile multifunctional surfaces with tunable performances based on the expected in‐service conditions.
Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Engineered Enzyme‐Mimetic Catalysts
Authors: Ma Lang , Jiang Fuben , Fan Xin , Wang Liyun , He Chao , Zhou Mi , Li Shuang , Luo Hongrong , Cheng Chong , Qiu Li
Published: October 2020

Nanomaterial‐based enzyme‐mimetic catalysts (Enz‐Cats) have received considerable attention because of their optimized and enhanced catalytic performances and selectivities in diverse physiological environments compared with natural enzymes. Recently, owing to their molecular/atomic‐level catalytic centers, high porosity, large surface area, high loading capacity, and homogeneous structure, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one of the most promising materials in engineering Enz‐Cats. Here, the recent advances in the design of MOF‐engineered Enz‐Cats, including their preparation methods, composite constructions, structural characterizations, and biomedical applications, are highlighted and commented upon. In particular, the performance, selectivities, essential mechanisms, and potential structure–property relations of these MOF‐engineered Enz‐Cats in accelerating catalytic reactions are discussed. Some potential biomedical applications of these MOF‐engineered Enz‐Cats are also breifly proposed. These applications include, for example, tumor therapies, bacterial disinfection, tissue regeneration, and biosensors. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges in emerging research frontiers are thoroughly discussed. Thereby, potential pathways and perspectives for designing future state‐of‐the‐art Enz‐Cats in biomedical sciences are offered.
Silver‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling Reaction of Amines, 2‐Isocyanobenzaldehydes, and 2,2,2‐Trifluorodiazoethane and Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Indolo[1,2‐c]quinazolines
Authors: Meng Xiang‐He , Yang Ming , Peng Ju‐Yin , Zhao Yu‐Long
Published: October 2020

A silver‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction of amines, 2‐isocyanobenzaldehydes, and 2,2,2‐trifluorodiazoethane has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient method for the construction of CF3‐containing dihydroquinazolines. On the basis of this reaction, using trifluorodiazoethyl‐substituted dihydroquinazolines as synthons, trifluoromethyl‐substituted indolo[1,2‐c]quinazolines were prepared in high yields via a TBHP/KI‐mediated sequential intramolecular cyclization and aromatization process.

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