bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Communication System for 6G Based on Orthogonal Chirp Division Multiplexing
Authors: Savaux Vincent
Published: May 2022

This paper deals with the orthogonal chirp division multiplexing (OCDM) modulation, and its capability to generate inherited waveforms, such as the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or precoded OFDM, covering a large number of use cases. To this end, we first prove that the OCDM signal can be generated by a transmission chain composed of a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix, followed by a multiplication by a chirp, and then an inverse DFT (IDFT). Then, we show that the OCDM transmission chain can be split into 6 sub-blocks from which we can generate numerous inherited waveforms. Thus, the OCDM waveform is an interesting candidate for flexible communication systems such as multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT).
El silencio de las imágenes. Texto e ilustración en la narrativa hispanoamericana del siglo XIX
Authors: Roman Claudia Andrea Roman
Published: May 2022

RESEÑA
El Enfoque de aula invertida como innovación en la educación superior ante el COVID-19
Authors: Inzunza-Mejía Patricia Carmina , López-Carmona Ana María , Rivera-Obregón Mónica Liliana
Published: May 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo, identificar las condiciones bajo las cuales se instrumenta la modalidad de aula invertida en tiempo de COVID-19 en la Región Centro Norte de la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa para reconocer el potencial percibido de los estudiantes de Contaduría Pública Fiscal. Por lo que se plantea ¿Bajo qué idea y que percepción tienen los estudiantes acerca del modelo de aula invertida en su formación profesional? Es una investigación con enfoque mixto, de tipo exploratoria y descriptiva en la que se aplicó el método etnográfico y el método investigación-acción, utilizando las técnicas de análisis documental, observación y encuesta. Se determinó una muestra por conveniencia que se compone de 182 estudiantes inscritos, de una población de 336 con un nivel de confianza del 95%. Como resultado se tiene que 6 de cada 10 estudiantes se resisten en usar y desarrollar actividades desde las plataformas virtuales que componen su aula invertida, dadas las limitaciones tecnológicas y de interconectividad que tienen, lo que se suma a que 8 de cada 10 estudiantes consideran un exceso de trabajo adicional, generando agobio e inestabilidad emocional; por lo que 7 de cada 10 estudiantes prefieren el modelo tradicional de clases presenciales por costumbre, por su horario y espacio físico. Se concluye que en nivel licenciatura los estudiantes rechazan en lo general el enfoque de aula invertida, su nivel de aceptación, todavía es conservador.
„Talenta przyjemne” Izabeli Marii z Lubomirskich Sanguszkowej (1808–1890)
Authors: Bieńkowska Irena
Published: May 2022

Izabela Maria z Lubomirskich Sanguszkowa była córką Henryka Lubomirskiego (1777–1850) i Teresy z Czartoryskich (1785–1868). Jej ojciec – wychowany przez daleką zamożną krewną Elżbietę z Czartoryskich Lubomirską (1736–1816), jedną z największych patronek sztuki na przełomie XVIII i XIX wieku – znany był za swojego szczególnego zamiłowania do muzyki. Zainteresowanie sprawami muzycznymi, a szczególnie operą, Henryk przekazał córce. Izabela świetnie śpiewała (w Wiedniu pobierała nauk u włoskich mistrzów – słynnego barytona Antonio Tamburiniego (1800–76), a następnie u kompozytora Stefano Pavesi (1779–1850)) i grała na fortepianie. W listach do ojca często komentowała bieżące wydarzenia muzyczne, a w oficynach wydawniczych Wiednia, Paryża, Mediolanu kupowała fragmenty wysłuchanych dzieł (głównie) operowych w opracowaniu na głos i fortepian czy też na cztery ręce. Ślady tych nabytków widać w zachowanych do dziś muzykaliach należących ongiś do Izabeli – w zbiorach Narodowego Zakładu im. Ossolińskich (zbiory sprzed zamążpójścia) i, nieznane do tej pory badaczom, Miejskiej Bibliotece Publicznej w Tarnowie (zbiory Izabeli, jej męża i dzieci). W Przeworsku, w którym Izabela dorastała, miała do dyspozycji przebogatą bibliotekę muzyczną, liczącą blisko 1400 pozycji, inwentarzem której obecnie dysponujemy. Po zamążpójściu nie zaprzestała muzykowania, prowadząc, zachowany do dziś, dzienniczek, zawierający w znacznej części nieznane 32 kompozycje, gromadząc muzykalia, dbając o wykształcenie muzyczne dzieci, wspierając twórczość kompozytorów. Kreowana przez Izabelę aktywność muzyczno-artystyczna w Krakowie i Gumniskach jest istotnym uzupełnieniem obrazu kultury muzycznej XIX-wiecznej Rzeczpospolitej.
Nieznane fakty z biografii (nie tylko) Paderewskiego
Authors: Woźna-Stankiewicz Małgorzata
Published: May 2022

Nieznane fakty z biografii Paderewskiego i związanych z nim twórców zostały opisane w szerokim kontekście osobowo-instytucjonalnym z uwypukleniem związków przyczynowo-skutkowych między biograficzno-artystycznymi fenomenami. Udokumentowana źródłowo relacja składa się z dwóch części. W pierwszej - Pobyty Paderewskiego w Krakowie, Kąśnej i Lwowie: 1896–98 – kolejne fragmenty dotyczą krakowskich uroczystości (3 IX 1896 r.) Józefa i Antoniny Szumowskich z udziałem Paderewskiego oraz sprowadzonego przez Edwarda Kerntopfa fortepianu jego rodzinnej firmy, na którym grał wówczas nie tylko Paderewski, ale przedstawiony mu Henryk Melcer, który po raz pierwszy zaprezentował swoją transkrypcje moniuszkowskiej Prząśniczki. Tytuły następnych fragmentów to: pożegnanie Paderewskiego w salonie Żeleńskich 9 IX 1896 r. i jego uczestnicy; lato 1898 r. w Kąśnej i pierwszy zagraniczny przekaz o posiadłości Paderewskiego; Paderewski w salonie Żeleńskiego 27 sierpnia 1898 roku i poznanie „Janka”; „Kantata” Paderewskiego w salonie Żeleńskiego, a wizyta pianisty we Lwowie i Kąśnej w listopadzie 1897 roku. Część druga – koncerty Paderewskiego w Wielkiej Brytanii: 1898–99 – obejmuje krótkie tournée pianisty w grudniu 1898, jego udział w pierwszym London Musical Festival 9 V 1899 r. i pofestiwalowe sukcesy między 10 a 16 maja oraz lipcowe występy w salonach londyńskich potentatów, natomiast w końcu listopada 1899 roku recitale przed czwartym tournée amerykańskim.
Antonina Campi. Glosy do biografii
Authors: Chmara-Żaczkiewicz Barbara
Published: May 2022

Komunikat przybliża kilka mniej znanych faktów z życia śpiewaczki Antoniny Campi. Żyjąca na przełomie XVIII i XIX w. artystka była córką dyrygenta i skrzypka orkiestry lubelskiej katedry, Miklaszewicza. Karierę artystyczną rozpoczęła w Warszawie, ale szybko trafiła do Pragi i Wiednia, gdzie została zaproszona przez Emanuela Schikanedera, wybitnego i wpływowego znawcę teatru i reżysera, do udziału w inauguracji działalności Theater an der Wien. Od tego momentu stała się jedną z największych primadonn swoich czasów, uwielbianą zarówno w stolicy Austro-Węgier, jak i w innych ośrodkach europejskich.
'Tabulaturae Braunsbergenses-Olivenses', ed. Marcin Szelest, Vols. 1–3, Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Sub Lupa, 2021
Authors: Schöning Kateryna
Published: May 2022

Review of critical edidion of Tabulaturae Braunsbergenses-Olivenses, ed. Marcin Szelest, Vols. 1–3, Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Sub Lupa, 2021
Exploring Deep Neural Networks for Plant Image Classification
Authors:   , Bafandkar Maryam
Published: May 2022

Automatically distinguishing different types of plant images is a challenging problem relevant to both Botany and Computer Science disciplines. Plant identification at the species level is a computer vision task called fine-grained categorization, which focuses on differentiating between hard-to-distinguish object classes. This classification problem is complicated and challenging because of the lack of annotated data, inter-species similarity, the large-scale features in appearance, and a large number of plant species. A plant classification system capable of addressing the complexity of this computer vision problem has important implications for society at large, not only in public computer science education but also in numerous agricultural activities such as automatic detection of cash crops and non-crop plants (called weeds). Furthermore, successful automation of crop and weed identification will lead to the reduction of chemical compounds currently used to eliminate weeds [15]. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) can be a solution to perform this computer vision task. In this thesis, seven different CNN models are deployed to classify 1 million images - from the TerraByte dataset - of eleven very similar plant species [13]. This robust approach divides the problem into two main steps: the first step, called the generalist, identifies similar plants and separates them into different groups that contain indistinguishable plant species. The second step, called specialist, is used to classify plants within the groups of indistinguishable plants, including five weed and seven crop species, with high accuracy. The generalist-specialist CNN network shows that the hierarchical network outperforms simple CNN models in terms of accuracy and classifying similar plant images. The contributions of this thesis are the explored different CNN models and improved performance of those models by designing and implementing the generalist-specialist CNN models for classifying similar plant images.
Microgrid, Its Control and Stability: The State of The Art
Authors: Aligbe Alex , Airoboman Abel E. , Uyi Aiyudubie S. , Orukpe Patience E.
Published: May 2022

Some of the challenges facing the power industries globally include power quality and stability, diminishing fossil fuel, climate change amongst others. The use of distributed generators however is growing at a steady pace to address these challenges. When interconnected and integrated with storage devices and controllable load, these generators operate together in a grid, which has incidental stability and control issues. The focus of this paper, therefore, is on the review and discussion of the different control approaches and the hierarchical control on a microgrid, the current practice in the literature concerning stability and the control techniques deployed for microgrid control; the weakness and strength of the different control strategies were discussed in this work and some of the areas that require further research are highlighted.
A Model for Stock Market Value Forecasting using Ensemble Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ajoku Kingsley Kelechi , Nwokonkwo O. C. , John-Otumu A. M. , Oleji Chukwuemeka Philips
Published: May 2022

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a model used in capturing linear and non-linear relationship of input and output data. Its usage has been predominant in the prediction and forecasting market time series. However, there has been low bias and high variance issues associated with ANN models such as the simple multi-layer perceptron model. This usually happens when training large dataset. The objective of this work was to develop an efficient forecasting model using Ensemble ANN to unravel the market mysteries for accurate decision on investment. This paper employed the Ensemble ANN modeling technique to tackle the high variations in stock market training dataset faced when using a simple multi-layer perceptron model by using the theory of ensemble averaging. The Ensemble ANN model was developed and implemented using NeurophStudio and Java programming language, then trained and tested using daily data of stock market prices from various banks, for a period of 497 days. The methodology adopted to achieve this task is the agile methodology. The output of the proposed predictive model was compared with four traditional neural network multilayer perceptron algorithms, and outperformed the traditional neural network multilayer perceptron algorithms. The proposed model gave an average to best predictive error for any day when compared with the other four traditional models.
Stability analysis of three-dimensional thick rectangular plate using direct variational energy method
Authors: Onyeka Festus Chukwudi
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the elastic static stability analysis of homogeneous and isotropic thick rectangular plates with twelve boundary conditions and carrying uniformly distributed uniaxial compressive load using the direct variational method. In the analysis, a thick plate energy expression was developed from the three-dimensional (3-D) constitutive relations and kinematic deformation; thereafter the compatibility equations used to resolve the rotations and deflection relationship were obtained. Likewise, the governing equations were derived by minimizing the equation for the potential energy with respect to deflection. The governing equation is solved to obtain an exact deflection function which is produced by the trigonometric and polynomial displacement shape function. The degree of rotation was obtained from the equation of compatibility which when equated to the deflection function and put into the potential energy equation formulas for the analysis were obtained after differentiating the outcome with respect to the deflection coefficients. The result obtained shows that the non-dimensional values of critical buckling load decrease as the length-width ratio increases (square plate being the highest value), this continues until failure occurs. This implies that an increase in plate width increases the probability of failure in a plate. Hence, it can be deduced that as the in-plane load on the plate increase and approaches the critical buckling, the failure in a plate structure is abound to occur. Meanwhile, the values of critical buckling load increase as the span-thickness ratio increases for all aspect ratios. This means that, as the span-thickness ratio increases an increase in the thickness increases the safety in the plate. It also indicates that the capacity of the plate to resist buckling decreases as the span-depth ratio increases. To establish the credibility of the present study, classical plate theory (CPT), refined plate theory (RPT) and exact solution models from different studies were employed to validate the results. The present works critical buckling load varied with those of CPT and RPT with 7.70% signifying the coarseness of the classical and refined plate theories. This amount of difference cannot be overlooked. The average total percentage differences between the exact 3-D study (Moslemi et al., 2016), and the present model using polynomial and trigonometric displacement functions is less than 1.0%. These differences being so small and negligible indicates that the present model using trigonometric and polynomial produces an exact solution. Thus, confirming the efficacy and reliability of the model for the 3-D stability analysis of rectangular plates.
Using Ecological Site Descriptions to make ranch-level decisions about where to manage for soil organic carbon
Authors: Aoyama Lina , Bartolome James W. , Silva Lucas , Silver Whendee L.
Published: May 2022

Maintaining and enhancing soil organic carbon storage can mitigate climate change while promoting forage growth. California has adopted incentive programs to promote rangeland practices that build soil organic carbon. However, there is no standard framework for assessing the baseline level of soil organic carbon at the ranch scale. Here, we use the Ecological Site Description — a land-type classification system — to help ranch managers set priorities about where to implement practices to increase soil organic carbon. We measured baseline carbon stocks at 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 centimeters' depth across three ecological sites and two vegetation states (shrubland and grassland) at Tejon Ranch, California. We discovered increased levels of soil carbon at ecological sites in higher elevations, and more soil carbon in shrublands as compared to grasslands. Slope, elevation, and soil texture, as well as plant litter and shrub cover, were significant predictors of soil carbon. The Ecological Site Description framework can serve as an important tool to help range managers keep carbon in the soil and out of the atmosphere.
Parametric Landmark Estimation of the Transition Probabilities in Survival Data with Multiple Events
Authors: Soutinho Gustavo , Meira-Machado Luís
Published: May 2022

Multi-state models are a useful tool for analyzing survival data with multiple events. The transition probabilities play an important role in these models since they allow for long-term predictions of the process in a simple and summarized manner. Recent papers have used the idea of subsampling to estimate these quantities, providing estimators with superior performance in the case of strong violations of the Markov condition. Subsampling, also referred to as landmarking, leads to small sample sizes and usually heavily censored data, which leads to estimators with higher variability. Here, we use the flexibility of the generalized gamma distribution combined with the same idea of subsampling to obtain estimators free of the Markov condition with less variability. Simulation studies show the good small sample properties of the proposed estimators. The proposed methods are illustrated using real data.
Tools for Assessing the Level of Adaptivity of the Financial Architecture of Economy to Financial Globalization Conditions Based on the Capacity of Banks, Non-banking Financial Institutions and Stock Market
Authors: Chugunov Igor , Sidelnykova Larysa , Sosnovska Olga , Zhytar Maksym , Navolokina Alla
Published: May 2022

The article introduces scientific and methodical tools for assessing the level of adaptivity of the financial architecture of economy in the context of financial globalization based on the defined areas of assessment: a level of adaptivity of the financial architecture based on the capacity of banks (monetary component, resource component, value component, macroeconomic component); a level of adaptivity of the financial architecture based on the capacity of banks; a level of adaptivity of the financial architecture based on the capacity of non-banking financial institutions. It defines areas of increasing the level of adaptivity of the financial architecture of Ukrainian economy in the context of financial globalization: adoption of the balanced autonomous fund system of the public finance system; optimization of public debt management; improvement of the investment climate; updated exchange arrangement, etc.
Bandwidth choice for the smooth Kaplan–Meier estimator when the censoring variable can be discontinuous
Authors: Youndjé Élie
Published: May 2022

In this paper a new cross-validation method (CVN) for selecting the bandwidth of the smooth Kaplan-Meier estimator is introduced. Its performance is compared to that of the usual cross validation by simulations. The censoring variables in the experimentations are discrete. A set of ideas explaining how the classical and smooth Kaplan-Meier estimators work on the truncation model (usually encountered in reliability studies) is also given in the paper.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Law Reform and the Return of the States
Authors: Larkin Dani , Hobbs Harry , Lino Dylan , Maguire Amy
Published: May 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for structural reform to Australia’s institutional framework to protect and promote their rights. In recent years, however, state and territory governments have proven more receptive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ advocacy than the Commonwealth. In this article, we identify and map the return of the states and territories — and the retreat of the Commonwealth — in Indigenous law reform. While substantial progress has been made, significant risks are involved in the pursuit of subnational reform. It remains imperative that the Commonwealth government meaningfully engage with the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as recorded in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The Legality of Calf Roping in Australia
Authors: Stonebridge Morgan
Published: May 2022

Public concern for the welfare of animals used in rodeo events is growing. Much of this concern is directed at the event of calf roping, an event that involves chasing, lassoing and throwing a calf to the ground. In all Australian jurisdictions, pain inflicted on animals is subject to a requirement that the pain not be unjustifiable or unnecessary. Typically, pain caused to animals can be justified if it provides human benefit. Legislatures in Australian states and territories have excluded calf roping from this assessment, which to some extent implies that the practice meets the standard. Accordingly, this article utilises the Ford v Wiley proportionality test to determine whether the harm inflicted on calves is justified in the light of the purported benefits of the practice. It argues that the harm caused is not proportionate to the benefits and, as a result, that all Australian jurisdictions should explicitly prohibit the practice.
Regional Competitiveness in Latin America: A Comparative Study of the Key Elements for Regional Performance
Authors: González Catalán Sergio Andrés
Published: May 2022

Cross-country comparison is critical to understand the success of some regions and the stagnation of others in Latin America. This study measures regional competitiveness using a set of comparable regional indicators for Chile, Colombia, and Mexico in the 2008-2017 period and through a model that separates input competitiveness from results competitiveness (Aiginger and Firgo, 2017). The measurement allows comparison of regional competitiveness across countries. Results show that high regions with higher input competitiveness yield higher progress in competitiveness results for the studied period and that competitiveness capabilities play a major role in population well-being.
The changing geographies of fertility in Spain (1981-2018)
Authors: Carioli Alessandra , Recaño Valverde Joaquin , Devolder Daniel
Published: May 2022

The objective of this article is to investigate the variation of fertility across Spain’s geographic areas between 1981 and 2018, to highlight spatial change over three decades of major fertility transformations. During the last decades, Spanish fertility decreased considerably to below replacement levels. Although total fertility remains below replacement level in Spain, there are important differences in subnational trends that seem to concentrate around certain areas. Starting from the assumption that there is fertility diversity across the country, which persists over time and such variation is not random but rather spatially driven, we aim to describe the divergence from national trends and analyse the dynamics of spatial patterns of fertility over time with spatial analysis tools. Using from Spanish municipality data, we use 910 territorial units that ensure spatial contiguity and construct yearly fertility indicators derived from census and register data, encompassing fertility by age, birth order, and age at childbirth. We investigate the spatial patterns of fertility and their changes over time, by means of spatial and correlogram analysis, exploring the effects of neighborhood definitions. Results confirm the presence of spatial autocorrelation for all variables throughout the considered timeframe, both at global and local scale. The considered time frame depicts substantial changes in the distribution of low and high fertility clusters, reshaping the geographical distribution of fertility in Spain, with big metropolitan areas as leaders in high fertility, as childbearing is deeply impacted by labor market covariates.
The fertility decline in Spain has driven total fertility to below replacement levels in a short period of time, shifting the classical North-South divide of low-high fertility into an East-West clustering, with economic centres such as cities becoming the new focal points of higher fertility. The descriptive and econometric spatial approaches adopted in this article, together with the detailed data available for this study, make it possible to appreciate the scale of fertility changes across the country, its heterogeneity across regions, and the evolution of fertility determinants over time.
Mantle Degassing Lifetimes through Galactic Time and the Maximum Age Stagnant-lid Rocky Exoplanets Can Support Temperate Climates
Authors: Unterborn Cayman T. , Foley Bradford J. , Desch Steven J. , Young Patrick A. , Vance Gregory , Chiffelle Lee , Kane Stephen R.
Published: May 2022

The ideal exoplanets to search for life are those within a star’s habitable zone. However, even within the habitable zone, planets can still develop uninhabitable climate states. Sustaining a temperate climate over geologic (∼gigayear) timescales requires a planet to contain sufficient internal energy to power a planetary-scale carbon cycle. A major component of a rocky planet’s energy budget is the heat produced by the decay of radioactive elements, especially 40K, 232Th, 235U, and 238U. As the planet ages and these elements decay, this radiogenic energy source dwindles. Here we estimate the probability distribution of the amount of these heat-producing elements that enter into rocky exoplanets through Galactic history by combining the system-to-system variation seen in stellar abundance data with the results from Galactic chemical evolution models. From this, we perform Monte Carlo thermal evolution models that maximize the mantle cooling rate, thus allowing us to create a pessimistic estimate of lifetime a rocky, stagnant-lid exoplanet can support a global carbon cycle through Galactic history. We apply this framework to a sample of 17 likely rocky exoplanets with measured ages, seven of which we predict are likely to be actively degassing today, despite our pessimistic assumptions. For the remaining planets, including those orbiting TRAPPIST-1, we cannot confidently assume that they currently contain sufficient internal heat to support mantle degassing at a rate sufficient to sustain a global carbon cycle or temperate climate without additional tidal heating or undergoing plate tectonics.
ONG
Authors: Salem Walid , Bordas Mathilde
Published: May 2022

Caritative ou militante, l’action des ONG palestiniennes a longtemps été conditionnée par les enjeux politiques du projet national. La division Hamas-Fatah, l’autoritarisme ambiant et la résurgence de logiques néopatrimoniales menacent cette société civile de marginalisation. Sa renaissance dépendra de sa capacité à adopter une approche politique ferme et à reconstruire du lien avec les communautés locales.
De l’usage du genre
Authors: Kamwendo Juliet , Kamwendo Gregory , Renard Céline
Published: May 2022

Choisir Joyce Banda, étoile montante de la politique malawite, comme colistière à la présidentielle de 2009 a permis à Bingu wa Mutharika de gagner des voix, dans un contexte de promotion des femmes dans les lieux de décision. La marginalisation postérieure de la vice-présidente prouve qu’elle a juste servi de faire-valoir. Un scénario qui illustre l’instrumentalisation du discours de l’ empowerment par les élites politiques masculines en Afrique.
Long information design
Authors: Koessler Frederic , Laclau Marie , Renault Jérôme , Tomala Tristan
Published: May 2022

We analyze information design games between two designers with opposite preferences and a single agent. Before the agent makes a decision, designers repeatedly disclose public information about persistent state parameters. Disclosure continues until no designer wishes to reveal further information. We consider environments with general constraints on feasible information disclosure policies. Our main results characterize equilibrium payoffs and strategies of this long information design game and compare them with the equilibrium outcomes of games where designers move only at a single predetermined period. When information disclosure policies are unconstrained, we show that at equilibrium in the long game, information is revealed right away in a single period; otherwise, the number of periods in which information is disclosed might be unbounded. As an application, we study a competition in product demonstration and show that more information is revealed if each designer could disclose information at a predetermined period. The format that provides the buyer with most information is the sequential game where the last mover is the ex ante favorite seller.
(Bad) reputation in relational contracting
Authors: Deb Rahul , Mitchell Matthew , Pai Mallesh M.
Published: May 2022

Motivated by markets for “expertise,” we study a bandit model where a principal chooses between a safe and risky arm. A strategic agent controls the risky arm and privately knows whether its type is high or low. Irrespective of type, the agent wants to maximize duration of experimentation with the risky arm. However, only the high type arm can generate value for the principal. Our main insight is that reputational incentives can be exceedingly strong unless both players coordinate on maximally inefficient strategies on path. We discuss implications for online content markets, term limits for politicians, and experts in organizations.
A Multispecies Design Approach in the Eure valley. Three Lessons from a Design Studio in Landscape Architecture
Authors: Bracke Björn , Bonin Sophie , Notteboom Bruno , Leinfelder Hans
Published: May 2022

The current state of our planet gives rise to a range of new perspectives in the environmental humanities that take “multispecies” viewpoints into account. These voices are often framed as “more-than-human” research, as they criticize the deeply anthropocentric worldviews that fuel environmental degradation and acknowledge the imbricated nature of humans and nonhumans. This article reflects on a design studio as an attempt to translate often complex and abstract conversations in more-than-human literature into concrete methods, plans and approaches for landscape architecture. The design studio at the École nationale supérieure de Paysage in Versailles (ENSP Versailles) exploring the Eure valley can be understood as a case study within a larger research interest area, as it tries to understand the role of landscape design in (re)shaping human-nature relations and to connect landscape architecture practices to ongoing conversations in more-than-human literature. In this paper, we describe three different lessons drawn from the student design studio as possible directions for multispecies approaches in landscape architecture.
Les insectes vivants dans l’espace anthropisé. Incarnations de la dichotomie nature/culture en architecture
Authors: Lewandowski Delphine
Published: May 2022

La présence systématique et non anticipée d’insectes dans les bâtiments informe d’un paradoxe en l’essence même de l’architecture, en tant qu’abri pour le corps humain d’une nature indésirable incarnée par ces derniers. Les insectes vivants font partie d’un champ de la nature impensé en architecture, car souvent considérés comme des indésirables, mais aussi pour des questions d’échelles, d’espace et de temps. Les dichotomies qui leur sont associées : désirable/indésirable, contrôlé/incontrôlé, ou encore fascination/répulsion, informent de l’impact du naturalisme sur la culture architecturale contemporaine et sa production, à l’heure où l’intégration du vivant dans le bâti est de plus en plus souhaitée et normée. Quelles interactions, désirées ou incontrôlées, existe-t-il entre architecture et insectes vivants ? L’article propose de questionner les différentes places que l’humain accorde à l’insecte habitant l’espace anthropisé, et de mesurer l’impact des différentes formes de cohabitation humain/insecte sur la production spatiale dans une perspective large : de l’objet intégré à l’espace urbain aux interventions territoriales, en passant par l’échelle architecturale. Trois représentations de l’insecte y sont présentées : « nuisible », « utile » et « sujet ». Chacune d’elles illustre des rapports nature/architecture spécifiques qui sont définis par l’emploi de néologismes issus de l’éthique environnementale.Relations nature-architecture, Insecte, Architecture écocentrique, Nuisibles, Bio-empathie
Effective Motivation Theories and Strategies for Project Management Environments
Authors: Albuali Murtadha
Published: May 2022

Motivation is considered a key factor for organizational success. Employers and employees have key roles in implementing motivation theories and strategies in projects. Several motivation theories and strategies were established to increase the level of effort, which will lead to better performance. This study addresses the most important motivation theories that are related to project-based environment. Also, it evaluates some motivation theories by discussing the main issues and providing suggestions in how to eliminate these issues. This study discusses cultural, social, and pace-of-life issues of the motivation theories and proposes solutions to these issues.
Analysis of ADC Quantization and Clipping Effects on CDMA-OQAM-OFDM-Based WSAN
Authors: Aldoseri Hamad Fadhel , Haering Lars , Czylwik Andreas
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the joint effect of quantization and clipping done by the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in the receiver of a Wireless Sensor and Actuator Network (WSAN) is investigated. As an Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) system, a combination of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) that uses Offset Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (OQAM) is applied. It is shown that under an industrial Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) channel, CDMA-OQAM-OFDM outperforms CDMA-OFDM when both transmissions are attacked by Random Frequency Hopping Jamming (RFHJ).
Fostering Childcare E-Service
Authors: Al-Safi Noof A. , Al-Asiri Rawan A. , Al-Malki Malak A. , Abar Sameera
Published: May 2022

A novel and vibrant mobile computing application has been designed and developed that facilitates a well-organized far-off active interaction amongst its stakeholders constantly, mainly a parent and babysitter/nanny who heeds on updating about the current situation of a child. Basically, the key idea to provide an online childcare service aims towards constructing an app that supports the mothers to virtually monitor, track, manage and timely take sound care of their children from a distant place. On duty parents or guardians feel connected on having up-to-date information on the child status literally in the palm of a hand and can do the job tasks with utmost focus, contentment and peace of mind. Performance evaluation of the embedded features and functionality of the proposed strategy confirms its ease and utility on a regular day-to-day basis towards fostering quality parenthood for little kids. Furthermore, this research work serves as a usable reference in varied domains for the students engineering their own software applications.
Improving Weighted Multiple Linear Regression Algorithm for Radiolocation Estimation in LoRaWAN
Authors: Nwawelu Udora N. , Ahaneku Mamilus A. , Ezurike Benjamin O.
Published: May 2022

In location based services, Weighted Multiple Linear Regression (WMLR) algorithm is used for radio device position estimation. Nevertheless, WMLR provides coarse location estimate, because weights apportioned to the received signal strength (RSS) for each hearable base station during matrix weight formation are not properly distributed. In an attempt to address the problem articulated above, an improved WMLR that enhanced the accuracy of radio device position estimate is proposed in this work. Min-Max scaling was used to determine the weight for each RSS values logged at different BS, as such forming a refined matrix weight. Public on-site outdoor Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) RSS data set was used to assess the improved WMLR estimation algorithm on the basis of accuracy. The location accuracy of the proposed method is validated with the existing WMLR algorithm and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) maximum location error benchmark. Results show that the location accuracy of the improved approach outperformed that of the existing WMLR localization method.
Revisiting State-of-the-Art Applications of Blockchain Technology in Business Ecosystems
Authors: Lokshina Izabella V.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the authors provided a comprehensive analysis of blockchain technology and its state-of-the-art applications. The authors defined types of blockchain-enabled applications across various domains and research areas. Despite blockchain-enabled applications are widely deployed, the authors identified open issues and proposed potential solutions that are of high relevance and value for both academics and practitioners. As outstanding issues of the blockchain technology identified in this paper become addressed and as blockchain develops into more efficient, scalable, durable, and mature, its state-of-the-art applications will break into many more domains.
Lapa Card
Authors: Oliveira João Lobato , Certo Luís , Minatel Pedro , Silva Danton Dornellas
Published: May 2022

The world is becoming a place where everything is connected and where everyone expects to use their daily objects to interact with the digital ecosystem in the most safe and seamless manner. This article proposes a smart BLE/NFC membership card system – the Lapa Card –, which can be associated with any company, club or loyalty program. It enables users to physically check-in and safely process payments by acting as a physical authenticator that combines with other authentication factors (e.g., biometric) to seamlessly validate transactions with the highest safety standards. Also, it connects with a network of Gateways to support a directional marketing platform that automates promotional events by proximity. The developed system is able to safely process transactions with the highest safety and minimum friction, and is also able to perform directional marketing in the physical world with good responsiveness while protecting the users’ privacy.
V2X Wireless Communication
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Naeem , Katz Marcos , Fatima Sahar , Leviäkangas Pekka
Published: May 2022

Assessment of automatic and connected vehicle driving tests is vital when building reliable traffic simulation platforms. The main components of a traffic simulation platform, traffic environment and vehicular models are overgeneralized in the existing traffic simulators. State-of-the-art simulators for road traffic generally make simple the functioning of connected and autonomous (CA) vehicles. It offers the additional advancements to the existing road-traffic flow modelling techniques. The traditional autonomous vehicular simulators only emphasize distinct authentication functionality in particular traffic environments, neglecting the network level assessment when incorporating both vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and extensive vehicular traffic networks. This article proposes a concept for a road-traffic simulation framework designed for Connected and Automated-Driving (CAD) considering cyber-physical transport system. The trio of prevalent open-source simulation platforms, SUMO, Omnet++, and Webots are attached via Traffic-Control-Interface (TRACI).
Is the Emergency Distance Teaching ‎Experience Different in Postgraduate ‎Programs?
Authors: Alharbi Abeer Abdalrahman
Published: May 2022

This study evaluates emergency remote teaching for postgraduate programs. A descriptive-analytic ‎method was used, including quantitative and qualitative tools. A questionnaire (N = 144) was ‎administered based on the context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model for evaluation, and semi-‎structured interviews (N = 6 participants) were conducted to provide a comprehensive depiction ‎incorporating participants’ views from three Saudi universities. The results revealed participants had a ‎positive bias regarding their experience; the results were similar to those of a number of studies but ‎revealed increased consistency of distance learning characteristics, specifically, data, exceptions, and ‎objectives of higher stages. This study also revealed several transitive and positive effects along with ‎challenges that seem to confront not only emergency distance teaching but the whole experience of ‎distance learning.‎
A Web-Based Training Program for Developing Professional Attitudes and Literacy of STEM Among Science Teachers
Authors: Ezzeldin Sahar Mohammed Yousef
Published: May 2022

This research aimed at measuring the impact of a web-based training program in developing professional attitudes and literacy levels about the STEM integration approach among middle school science teachers. The research utilized the experimental approach of one group design with pre-and post-measurement. The participants comprised (16) middle school teachers in Wadi Al-Dawasir, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For data collection, the professional attitudes towards the STEM scale and the STEM literacy level scale were applied. Results demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of the experimental group pre-and post-measurements in the scale of professional attitudes towards STEM in favor of the post-measurement and statistically significant differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of the experimental group pre-and post-measurements in the STEM literacy level scale in favor of the post-measurement. Recommendations and suggestions were presented.
Instructors' Perceptions of Their Interaction With Students in Online Teaching and Learning
Authors: van den Berg Geesje
Published: May 2022

The study examined how 22 instructors (lecturers and tutors) perceived their roles in online teaching in a first-level course in open, distance and e-learning. The Community of Inquiry framework was used for the study. The research employed a case study involving questionnaires and document analysis. The findings revealed that the tutors saw their role as assisting students with assessments, online navigation, using ICT, motivation and time management. Lecturers perceived their roles as designing assignments and marking rubrics, updating course content, undertaking quality assurance and maintaining sound communication. Tutors spent between 16 and 37 hours and lecturers roughly 55 hours a week teaching the course. The study recommends effective communication, alternative automated assessments and lower student numbers per online class to decrease instructors’ workload and allow them to spend quality time interacting with their students. The findings will help higher education institutions with similar contexts to plan online courses with high student numbers.
Reliability Analysis of Keith Centrifuge at a Meat Processing Plant in Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: Shitana Erastus Shafoihuna , Sony Michael
Published: May 2022

Critical equipment failures in a meat processing plant can shut down the business unit, resulting in a loss of output and financial loss. Furthermore, many stakeholders face risks because of equipment failures. The purpose of this study is to model the failures of the critical equipment which will in turn aid in the analysis of failure patterns and the production of various reliability estimations to prevent such losses. In a meat processing plant, the blood centrifuge is important equipment as failure will render the plant non-operational. This case study conducted the failure analyses of the ‘Keith' centrifuge at the meat processing plant in Windhoek, Namibia. Both parametric and nonparametric models were conducted with the help of computer software. In addition, sensitivity analysis was carried out on both models to improve the reliability of the equipment. The preventative maintenance model was also constructed and tested in the meat processing plant, and it provided good results.
New Equations to Calculate Failure Stress and Strain of Concrete
Authors: Darvishvand Hamid Reza , Taghia Seiyed Ali Haj Seiyed , Ebrahimi Masood
Published: May 2022

The gravel geometry (shape and size of aggregate), and water to cement ratio affect the constitutive law of concrete. In concrete technology, it is intended to increase the failure stress and strain for enhancing the seismic performance during the earthquake. The aim of the present study is to propose mathematical equations that the independent variables are aggregate size and water to cement ratio. These equations evaluate the failure stress and strain of plain concrete in compressive behavior. The samples were prepared to cover a varied range of compressive strength from 17 to 37 MPa. Two sets of samples were selected, the rounded and sharp aggregates with a variety of sizes (9.5, 12.5, 19, and 25 mm) and water to cement ratios (0.35, 0.42, 0.54, and 0.76). Error analysis shows that the proposed relations are intolerable agreement with the test results and the models suggested by the other researchers, especially regarding failure stress.
Bioactive Compounds and Quality Attributes of Fresh Seedless Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) at Cold Storage as Influenced by Multiple Spraying of Calcium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate
Authors: Hosseini Afsaneh , Moradinezhad Farid , Khayyat Mehdi , Aminifard Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Seedless barberry is one of the most important small fruits, which is cultivated in dry areas of east of Iran. However, due to high water content (~80%) and thin skin it is susceptible to postharvest decay, and thus it has a short postharvest life. Research Method: This study was carried out to investigate the impact of pre-harvest application of calcium nitrate 0.5% and potassium nitrate 0.5%, and cold storage on biochemical and postharvest quality attributes of fresh seedless barberry fruits in the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Findings: The results showed that both chemicals applied resulted in better appearance and firmness in both years. In addition, control fruit were redder in the 2017 season. Fruit at harvest had the highest content of vitamin C (21.11 mg.100g-1) in 2017 and total phenolic content (7.36 mg.100g-1) in 2018 compared to stored fruit. Interestingly, the highest total anthocyanin was obtained after 30 days of cold storage, 1146.13 and 3071.32 mg.L-1, respectively, in both growing seasons. The appearance and firmness of seedless barberry decreased with an increment of the storage period in both seasons, and the best taste was assessed at harvest time. Moreover, the fruit brightness in 2017 and ‘b*’ and hue color parameters in 2018 decreased as storage time progressed. The highest weight loss percentage in stored fruit was obtained in harvested fruit in both seasons. Research Limitation: The high sensitivity of barberry fruit due to high water content and its thin skin. Originality/ Value: Both chemicals preserved some of the quality properties of barberry fruit during cold storage.
Trade Potential of Agricultural Commodities from Indonesia to African Countries
Authors: Siregar A. P. , Dewi M. P. , Samsudin A. , Rohman M. A. A. , Masitoh D.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The consistent economic growth achieved by countries in the African continent is an opportunity for Indonesia to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the region. One thing that can be encouraged is trade flow, especially in agricultural commodities. The main objective of this study is to determine the trade potential of agricultural commodities with countries in the African continent. Research Method: Purposive sampling is used to determine countries in the African continent as potential trading partners for Indonesia to increase trade flow in agricultural commodities. Secondary data were obtained through the International Trade Center and UN COMTRADE. Data were analyzed using acceleration ratio, revealed symmetric comparative advantage, and constant market share analysis. Findings: Indonesia has the potential to accelerate trade in agricultural commodities to sixteen destination countries in the African continent. The commodities with positive export value growth and a strong position of Indonesian competitiveness consist of product labels 03, 09, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Research Limitations: The selected partner countries are based on Indonesia’s agricultural commodities export from 2011 until 2019. Originality/ Value: Provides comprehensive agricultural commodities and a method that is an overlay of four indicators to decide the trade potential