bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost–benefit analysis of enhancing the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in Australia
Authors: Concepcion Kristine , Lacey Sarina , McGeechan Kevin , Estoesta Jane , Bateson Deborah , Botfield Jessica
Published: October 2019

Objective
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but its use in Australia is low compared with other countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic effect of an increase in LARC uptake to international rates.

Methods
An economic model was designed to assess two scenarios, namely increasing the current rate of LARC uptake of 12.5% to the international benchmark of 14.8% among: (1) women currently using the oral contraceptive pill (OCP); and (2) women at risk of pregnancy and not using contraception. Model inputs included cost of contraceptive methods, discontinuation rates and abortion and miscarriage costs associated with unintended pregnancies.

Results
Women who switch from an OCP to LARC would save A$114–157 per year. Those not currently using any contraception who adopt LARC would incur costs of A$36–194 per year, but would reap savings from the reduction in unintended pregnancies. Over 5 years there would be a net saving of A$74.4 million for Scenario 1 and A$2.4 million for Scenario 2.

Conclusion
Greater use of LARC would result in a net gain in economic benefits to Australia. These benefits are largely driven by women switching from an OCP to LARC who have reduced costs, as well as women wishing to avoid pregnancy who choose to use LARC rather than no method. This evidence will support women making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.

What is known about the topic?
LARC is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but uptake in Australia is relatively low.

What does this paper add?
There are economic benefits to society for women who switch from an OCP to LARC, as well as for women who switch from no contraception to LARC.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The findings of this study will support women in making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.
Soil acidity and nutrient deficiency cause poor legume nodulation in the permanent pasture and mixed farming zones of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Hackney B. F. , Jenkins J. , Powells J. , Edwards C. E. , De Meyer S. , Howieson J. G. , Yates R. J. , Orgill S. E.
Published: October 2019

Pasture legumes must be adequately and effectively nodulated in order to reach nitrogen-fixation targets. Of 225 pasture paddocks sampled across the Central Tablelands, Central West, Monaro and Riverina regions of New South Wales, 93% had inadequate legume nodulation. Legume content was significantly higher in the mixed faming zone (>50%, Central West and Riverina) than the permanent pasture zone (26%, Central Tablelands; 28% Monaro). Available phosphorus (P) was below critical levels in 40% of paddocks sampled and sulfur (S) in 73% of paddocks; >35% of all paddocks had soil pHCa <5.0. Deficiency of P was more prevalent in the Central Tablelands (63% of paddocks), whereas S deficiency occurred more frequently in the Central West (95% of paddocks). Legume nodule scores were associated with host legume species, soil pH, available P and/or S, and cation exchange capacity, which collectively accounted for 73% of variation. For Trifolium spp., at soil pHCa >5.55, nodulation was predicted to be near adequate (score 3.95, where adequate = 4). At pHCa <5.55, higher available S resulted in a higher nodulation score (2.42) than in paddocks where S was deficient (score 0–1.97). These results suggest that improving the capacity of legumes to supply nitrogen should focus on addressing soil acidity and plant nutrition, specifically P and S.
Nutrients management and planting time adaptation to climate change for wet season rice production in subtropical India
Authors: Satapathy Sushree Sagarika , Swain Dillip Kumar , Pasupalak Surendranath , Herath Srikantha
Published: October 2019

The projected adverse impact of climate change on food grain production of tropical and subtropical latitudes necessitates the development of suitable agro-adaptations. We used open top chamber (OTC) experimental facility and simulation analysis to study the effect of elevated [CO2] with varying nutrients management on rice grain yield and to evaluate planting time adjustment as adaptation to climate change. The OTC experiments with ambient [CO2] level ([CO2] ~390 ppm) and elevated [CO2] (25% higher than the ambient) using cultivar ‘Swarna sub1 (140–145 days)’ were conducted during wet season of the years 2011 and 2012 at West Medinipur, India. Using CERES model, we simulated rice grain yield for future climate scenario (A1B) during the years 2020 (2010–2039) and 2080 (2071–2099) at four selected locations of the subtropical India. The elevated [CO2] in OTC increased panicle number, but decreased filled grain number per panicle, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The increasing [CO2] had smaller adverse impact for integrated nutrients management as compared with chemical fertiliser. The model simulated grain yield reduction of 6.1−13.0% during 2020 and 14.4 −25.0% during 2080 with rising temperature 1.6 and 4.6°C, respectively, compared with the base period (1961–1990). Early planting during 25 June to 25 July received closure favourable temperature and rainfall during the crop growing period, hence had better adaptation to the climate change. Increasing dose of integrated nutrients and early planting is expected to minimise the adverse impact of climate change on rice production of the subtropical India.
The origin of purpose clause markers in Proto-Omagua-Kukama
Authors: O’Hagan Zachary
Published: October 2019

This article explores the diachrony of three purpose clause markers in Proto-Omagua-Kukama (Tupí-Guaraní; Amazonia): *-taɾa, *-maiɾa, and *=tsenuni. I explain an absolutive pattern of control in these clauses via an account in which the markers originate in a combination of nominalizers, a purpose suffix, and a postposition. I show that a similar system is attested in at least one other related language, Kamaiurá.
Differences in phonological awareness performance
Authors: Goriot Claire , Unsworth Sharon , van Hout Roeland , Broersma Mirjam , McQueen James M.
Published: October 2019

Children who have knowledge of two languages may show better phonological awareness than their monolingual peers
(e.g. Bruck & Genesee, 1995). It remains unclear how much bilingual experience is
needed for such advantages to appear, and whether differences in language or cognitive skills alter the relation between
bilingualism and phonological awareness. These questions were investigated in this cross-sectional study. Participants
(n = 294; 4–7 year-olds, in the first three grades of primary school) were Dutch-speaking pupils attending
mainstream monolingual Dutch primary schools or early-English schools providing English lessons from grade 1, and simultaneous
Dutch-English bilinguals. We investigated phonological awareness (rhyming, phoneme blending, onset phoneme identification, and
phoneme deletion) and its relation to age, Dutch vocabulary, English vocabulary, working memory and short-term memory, and the
balance between Dutch and English vocabulary. Small significant (α < .05) effects of bilingualism were found
on onset phoneme identification and phoneme deletion, but post-hoc comparisons revealed no robust pairwise differences between the
groups. Furthermore, effects of bilingualism sometimes disappeared when differences in language or memory skills were taken into
account. Learning two languages simultaneously is not beneficial to – and importantly, also not detrimental to – phonological
awareness.
Probing the minigap in topological insulator-based Josephson junctions under radio frequency irradiation*
Authors: Yang Guang , Lyu Zhaozheng , Zhang Xiang , Qu Fanming , Lu Li
Published: October 2019

Recently, a contact-resistance-measurement method was developed to detect the minigap, hence the Andreev bound states (ABSs), in Josephson junctions constructed on the surface of three-dimensional topological insulators (3D TIs). In this work, we further generalize that method to the circumstance with radio frequency (rf) irradiation. We find that with the increase of the rf power, the measured minigap becomes broadened and extends to higher energies in a way similar to the rf power dependence of the outer border of the Shapiro step region. We show that the corresponding data of contact resistance under rf irradiation can be well interpreted by using the resistively shunted Josephson junction (RSJ) model and the Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk (BTK) theory. Our findings could be useful when using the contact-resistance-measurement method to study the Majorana-related physics in topological insulator-based Josephson junctions under rf irradiation.
Novel Index for bioclimatic zone-based biodiversity conservation strategies under climate change in Northeast Asia
Authors: Choi Yuyoung , Lim Chul-Hee , Chung Hye In , Ryu Jieun , Jeon Seong Woo
Published: October 2019

Biodiversity is rapidly declining globally and targeted efforts are needed to mitigate the loss of species. Conventional conservation efforts have focused on establishing protected areas and restoring degraded lands in order to maintain current conditions or restore ecosystems to a pre-damaged state. However, as the climate changes, the current bioclimatic zones will be re-distributed globally. Historical distribution patterns may no longer serve as an effective guide for supporting biodiversity under climate change. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a spatially explicit strategy for biodiversity conservation that takes climate change into account using bioclimatic classification. The bioclimatic classification maps of Northeast Asia (NEA) were constructed for three historical time periods (the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s) and two future time periods (the 2050s and 2070s) using five general circulation models (GCMs) in representative concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) scenarios. It was predicted that, in general, zones are shifting north, and some zones are expanding or shrinking rapidly. Based on an analysis of latitudinal and areal change for each zone, the bioclimate vulnerability index (BVI) and naturality index (NI) were developed to quantify the impact of environmental change. As a result of the BVI analysis, the distribution of vulnerable zones is expected to shift northward and expand. As is evident with the increased vulnerability of the subarctic region caused by the expansion of the temperate climate, the extent of vulnerable zones will increase. Also, the southern regions of NEA are becoming vulnerable due to the transformation of the temperate zone to a more subtropical zone. Quadrant graphs based on the BVI and NI were created to present appropriate strategies for each zone. Our proposed framework shows that conservation strategies should be modified based on the changes in the relative position of each zone over time.
A New Type of Hybrid DC Current Limiting Circuit Breaker suitable for HVDC
Authors: Wang J J , Wang Z X
Published: October 2019

Multi-terminal DC transmission technology based on voltage source converter is one of the important technical means to solve the problem of grid connection and consumption of renewable energy. In this regard, encountering the fault current during fault period remains an important issue. Thereby, devices and circuits to suppress the fault current have become a hot topic in recent years. In this paper, a new type of current-limiting circuit breaker structure is proposed. Under normal conditions, the load current flows through the low-loss main branch. After the fault occurs, the power electronics based switches are disconnected, and the fault current is shifted to the auxiliary branch of current limiting device. The current limiting device suppresses the rise of the fault current. Finally, the power electronics based switches in the auxiliary branch open, and eventually the residual current is absorbed by the MOA. Moreover, the proposed topology of current-limiting circuit breaker is verified using PSCAD/EMTDC based simulation experiments. In comparison with ABB circuit breaker, the proposed topology has small on-state losses and good damping characteristics under normal conditions, and in the fault state too, Besides, the proposed topology owns the benefit of high reactance, therefore, allow the suppression of fault current effectively and have advantage to cut-off large amount of fault current.
Self-adaption Dynamic Virtual Inertia Control Strategy of Doubly fed Variable Speed Pumped Storage Unit
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Deng Changhong , Chen Yahong
Published: October 2019

The power decoupling control characteristic of doubly fed variable speed pumped storage unit (VSPS) makes the rotor of VSPS unable to respond to the change of grid frequency and reduces the inertia of power system. In this paper, a self-adaption dynamic virtual inertia control strategy for VSPS is proposed. The strategy introduces correction factor to change the coefficient of control by detecting the change of dΔf/dt and automatically control the active power output of VSPS to provide dynamic frequency support for power grid. Simulation results demonstrate that by dynamically compensating the reference power of doubly fed converter, the strategy can effectively increase the frequency stability of power grid.
Optimal Capacity Design of Independent Micro-Grid System for High Proportion of Wind-Solar Combined Cooling Heating and Power System with Energy Storage
Authors: Yao Z L , Wang Z X , Qin H , Bao L X
Published: October 2019

This paper researches the optimal capacity design of independent micro-grid system for wind-solar combined cooling heating and power system with energy storage, puts forward a dispatching method based on expert time-judge for dynamic control of wind-solar direct permeability and a hierarchical design based on energy storage module. Because of the uncertainty of wind-solar system, this paper adopts fuzzy parameters to describe the system constraints and clarify the opportunity constraints, then optimizes the capacity design on fuzzy constraints and particle swarm optimization, analyses the operation results of optimal capacity allocation under dispatching method and hierarchical design of energy storage.
Application of Hybrid Model Predictive Control (Hybrid-MPC) to Microgrid with High Penetration of Renewable Energy
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Deng Changhong , Chen Yahong
Published: October 2019

Owing to the cumulative impacts of stochastic forecast errors (SFE) of renewable energy generation, energy storage system (ESS) may be forced to quit operation owing to SOC (state of charge) deviation. Aimed at solving this problem, an online hybrid model predictive control (Hybrid-MPC) based strategy is proposed. Hybrid-MPC consists of two hierarchies: one is decreasing horizon rolling optimization which is specially for handling small SFE and the other is heuristic cooperative control which is designed to tackle large SFE. Besides, feedback correction is applied to deal with SOC deviation and maintain the normal operation of ESS. The strategy is tested in a self-developed program MG-ROS. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Analysis of Lignite Character in Inner Mongolia China
Authors: Chen X Y , Zhang Y F , Zhou Q
Published: October 2019

The character of indigenous lignite was measured by proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, coal ash analysis, coal true relative density, specific area.et al. The results showed that the internal moisture content is 8-9%, volat ile matter content is more than 45%, the oxygen content is above 20% while the sulphur content less than 0.5%.The main ash content is SiO2 and Al2O3, ash fusion point is above 1200 degree centigrade. The calorific value is between 12∼19MJ/kg. Macropore and mesopore is the pattern in the lignite.
Optimal selection of feed electric drives for boring machines
Authors: Zhilevski M , Mikhov M
Published: October 2019

In this paper are analyzed and formulated the main requirements for the drive systems of a class of modernized boring machines with digital program control. On this basis, a methodology for optimal selection of feed drives is offered. The respective algorithm takes into account the specific features of the technological process, the treated material, the tools used and their wear, the mechanical gears types and the guides. Concrete examples with DC and AC electric drives are presented, illustrating the practical application of the methodology. The research held as well as the results obtained can be used in the development of such electric drives for the studied class of machine tools with digital program control.
Embedded Walking Algorithm for Biped Humanoid Robot with 17 Degrees-of-Freedom
Authors: Sherif Sherif , Kralev Jordan , Slavov Tsonyo , Kunchev Veselin
Published: October 2019

The realization of the control algorithm consists of two main stages: planning of a joint coordination sequence and implementation of an embedded walking algorithm in the Arduino Mega 2560 hardware platform. The joint coordination sequence consists of 13 steps in order for the humanoid robot to move forward without falling. The embedded walking algorithm is realized around the operating points of the servo motors. The software is developed in Arduino IDE in C language.
Assessment of bias removal techniques used in case of sensor parametric modelling
Authors: Nikovski Pl
Published: October 2019

The study assesses how two techniques for bias removing influence the parameterization of a humidity sensor model with known structure. Experimental data consist of SHT 31-DIS sensor responses to a step change of humidity from 12 %RH to 65 %RH. The test performed after parameter estimation shows that the time-series subtraction unbiased method produces a model with a better coefficient of determination. This and other results obtained are useful when a data pre-processing for black-box modelling of humidity sensors is used.
Algorithm development with LoRaWAN for monitoring system
Authors: Penkov Stoitcho , Taneva Albena
Published: October 2019

This article presents the developed algorithm with LoRa specification. Based on it is achieved LoRaWAN for monitoring application in industrial systems. There is no universal solution for using LoRa Media Access, in such cases. The combination of low power hardware and radio communication is an advantage of the work. The developed algorithm ensures a new and modern network structure for monitoring in control systems. The real time observation is conducted in TTN. The experiments verified the algorithm applicability in the frame of systems of new digital industry.
Process model as a basis for intellectual control in real time by the processes of the production enterprise
Authors: Novikova O , Kotsyubinsky A , Yudina N , Livshits S , Dunaeva T
Published: October 2019

Modern enterprises are working in a complex and volatile business environment. In order to adapt to this situation, enterprises are trying to realize horizontal and vertical integration of the enterprise processes (managerial and production processes) leading to the creation of a real-time enterprise. In such an enterprise, integral data is used with different time horizons, starting from the millisecond, generated by automatic devices, and ending with daily, generated business applications. However, these integral data are rarely used for operational management of time by enterprise processes of the enterprise. To overcome this limitation, a process model for identifying and assimilating knowledge is proposed that encompasses four steps: (i) analyzing and (re-designing the enterprise’s controlled processes, (ii) developing a data model and enterprise data flow diagrams for automatic devices and business applications, (iii) identification of knowledge based on the discovery of knowledge in working with databases, (iv) continuous monitoring and management of enterprise processes, using complex event processing.
Development of Algorithms and Software for Automatic Pedestrian Recognition for Intelligent Situation Control Systems
Authors: Abramov N , Rakova V , Barinov D , Leksashov A , Pridanova E
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the development of algorithms and software that automatically recognize road users - pedestrians, build their trajectory according to the analysis of the video stream. The architecture of the system for pedestrian recognition and inter-frame tracking is proposed. The developed algorithms can be used to estimate road situation with participation of pedestrians for the traffic monitor systems.
Comparative Review of Cross-Domain Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zeno B , Kalinovskiy I , Matveev Yu
Published: October 2019

This paper provides the comparative analysis between two recent image-to-image translation models that based on Generative Adversarial Networks. The first one is UNIT which consists of coupled GANs and variational autoencoders (VAEs) with shared-latent space, and the second one is Star-GAN which contains a single GAN model. Given training data from two different domains from dataset CelebA, these two models learn translation task in two directions. The term domain denotes as a set of images sharing the same attribute value. So, the attributes that are prepared: eye glasses, blond hair, beard, smiling and age. Five UNIT models are trained separately, while only one Star-GAN model is trained. For evaluation, we conduct some experiments and provide a quantitative comparison using direct metric GAM (Generative Adversarial Metric) to quantify the ability of generalization and the ability of generating photorealistic photos. The experimental results show the superiority of cross-model UNIT over multi-model StarGAN on generating age and eye glasses attributes, and the equivalent performance to synthesize other attributes.
Sputtering of Ga-doped ZnO nanocoatings on silicon for piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Aleksandrova M , Tsanev T , Dobrikov G , Kolev G , Sophocleous M , Georgiou J , Denishev K
Published: October 2019

In this study, lead-free, piezoelectric devices were fabricated by vacuum radiofrequency (RF) sputtering of Ga–doped, ZnO (GZO) nanocoatings at different deposition modes on silicon substrates. Several deposition rates were varied (2 to 16 nm/min) by tuning the sputtering voltage and pressure, in order to control the microstructure and surface morphology of the films. The dependences of the piezoelectric properties of GZO thin films on the different deposition conditions were investigated. Significant dependency of the films’ microstructure and surface roughness was observed to the deposition modes used for fabrication. The results showed that after optimization, the surface roughness of the films grown using sputtering voltage 1.1 kV and Ar=2.5.10−2 Torr, is 6 nm. Films with such microstructures are characterized with crystallites orientation (002) and exhibit the highest piezoelectric coefficient of 96.3 pC/m, which is superior compared to other known, lead-free, piezoelectric materials. A simple, membrane–based, vibration sensor was fabricated at the optimal set of conditions to demonstrate the functionality of the coating in a real microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. The working range of the device is between 2 and 800 g and the piezoelectric voltage generated after minimum deformation of 5.4 nm (2g), was 9.66 mV.
Primary analytical model for determining the electron temperature of a CuBr laser
Authors: Gocheva-Ilieva S G , Iliev I P , Fidanov D V
Published: October 2019

A family of copper bromide metal vapor lasers used as brightness amplifiers in recently developed optical systems is considered. One of the main problems of this area is to investigate the basic amplification characteristics of the laser medium. In this study, a simplified mathematical model is developed based on the one-dimensional stationary equation for determining the electron temperature of the discharge. The proposed model allows to calculate the radial distribution of the electron temperature of the discharge by taking into account the radial distribution of the supplied electric power. Computer simulations are run to investigate the dependence of electron energy as a function of the electrical power supplied to the gas discharge tube. The natural limits of this process are specified.
Analysis of the influence of some factors on the contact resistance of bolted busbar connections
Authors: Hadzhiev Ivan , Malamov Dian , Balabozov Iosko , Yatchev Ivan
Published: October 2019

The paper presents an experimental setup and a method for determining the contact resistance between busbars at a given contact force. Experiments have been conducted by means of an experimental setup, developed for the purpose of studying the influence of the contact force on the contact resistance between busbars with cross-sectional area of 60x6 mm. The study has been performed for two types of bolted connections, complying with DIN 43673, which have been studied for both copper and aluminum busbars.
Application of silver antibacterial nanolayers for hard contact lenses coating
Authors: Koev Krassimir , Donkov Nikolay , Stankova Nadya , Najdenski Hristo , Nurgaliev Timerfayaz , Nikov Rumen , Avramov Latchezar
Published: October 2019

The antibacterial action of Ag-doped Al2O3 nanolayers, deposited by RF reactive magnetron sputtering on hard contact lenses, was established. Synthesis of Ag/Al2O3 protective coatings is necessary for suppressing the infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms following the placement of hard contact lenses. The chemical composition, morphology and optical properties of the coatings were studied. Microbiological studies conducted of the nanocomposite Ag/Al2O3 layers against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) proved their antibacterial effects. Intense action of the layers was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa - full inactivation after 2 hours; Escherichia coli - full inactivation after 5 hours; Staphylococcus aureus – full inactivation after 24 hours. Our experimental findings suggest a very promising application of such antibacterial Ag/Al2O3 nanolayers regarding the reduction of eye infections when the hard contact lenses are used.
Development of decision algorithms in the driver fatigue monitoring and prediction system based on a wireless multisensor device
Authors: Vasiliev A , Martiusheva N , Boykov A , Vyatkin N , Nikitin K
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the system for the continuous monitoring of the physiological state of the vehicle driver. The developed system allows to make adequate decisions and forecast the situation on the basis of the driver fatigue monitoring data. Identification of drowsiness, state if carried out on the basis of blinking duration and frequency analysis. The neural network is used to detect blinking patterns. Signal acquisition and processing are performed on the wearable multisensor microcontroller-based device.
Financial investments by Portfolio optimization
Authors: Stoilov Todor , Stoilova Krasimira , Vladimirov Miroslav
Published: October 2019

Application of the Portfolio theory to appreciation of the Bulgarian stock exchange following the most popular financial indices is presented. The data of these indices corresponds to the same watching periods an year before. Comparison of the optimization problem’s solutions and analysis of the financial activities are commented. Modification of the portfolio optimization problem is proposed for calculation facilitation.
A Study of Wi-Fi Security in City Environment
Authors: Valchanov H , Edikyan J , Aleksieva V
Published: October 2019

Wireless networks are widely used with increasing number of users. Typically, they are based on the IEEE 802.11 standard (Wi-Fi). Because of its broadcast nature, they are very susceptible to security attacks. It is very important to study the risks and potential vulnerabilities of Wi-Fi networks, which will allow defining recommendations for users to enhance their security. This paper presents a methodology and research of the security of wireless networks in Varna city based on war-driving technique. The obtained results are analyzed and compared with those from previous research. The recommendations are given.
Object-oriented pseudo-random data generator realizations
Authors: Karavasilev Tony
Published: October 2019

With the development of computational science and computer simulations, the randomness source has become a necessary part of every complex system and testing environment. Most programming languages, software frameworks and application libraries do not provide all different types of randomness generators and do not even implement high-quality algorithms for secure data generation. This paper presents an object-oriented solution for providing all the main classifications of randomness via random data generator classes that offer frequently used formats in information technology and in statistical hypothesis testing. It also presents usages for secure data generation and confirms the importance of true randomness in cryptography. The purpose of the developed practical experiments is to evaluate and show the differences in the sample generation quality of the sub-classifications of software randomness generators using the developed object-oriented components.
Application of machine translation techniques for the automatic selection of the technological process
Authors: Iliashenko O , Beseda A , Pelikhov P , Ermilova T
Published: October 2019

This research deals with the problem of developing a design and technological documentation for a new product in terms of technological processes selection, according to the list of components from the product specification. Practical experience in the implementation of automated control systems in manufacturing enterprises of the machine-building industry and the latest technologies in the field of machine learning were used. The concept of using machine learning for automating the selection of technological processes was developed based on a list of components. As a technique of machine learning, the methodology sequence to sequence is proposed.
A multi-criteria approach for evaluating the urban transport technologies by using SIMUS method
Authors: Stoilova Svetla D
Published: October 2019

The study purpose a methodology based on Sequential Interactive Modelling for Urban Systems (SIMUS) method for ranking the urban transport technologies. The methodology of research includes three steps. The first step defines quantitative and qualitative criteria for the assessment of urban transport modes. Fourteen criteria of four groups, as ecological, economical, technological and social for evaluating the transport alternatives in urban environment have been defined. The second step includes a selection of alternatives of transportation by different transport means for a given route. In this research is investigated transportation by metro, buses and cars. The SIMUS method is applied in the third step for ranking the variants of transportation. The method solves successive scenarios formulated as linear programming. This step involves the ranking of alternatives and choice of optimal type of transportation. The methodology is approved for study the alternative mode of transportation for parallel routes from Sofia’s transport network. It was found that the carriage by metro is the best transport technology for investigated route. The methodology and defined criteria could be applied to study the transport alternatives for different routes of Sofia’s transport network, and also to assess the modes of transport in urban area of Sofia or other city.
Stochastic algorithms in multimodal 3PL segment for the digital environment
Authors: Krasnov S , Zotova E , Sergeev S , Krasnov A , Draganov M
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses the problem of creation of control algorithms when working in the Third Party Logistic concept. It considers the process of supply management when several means of transport and an intermediate distribution center are used. It is assumed that goods are processed in the Machine-to-Machine mode by means of machine-readable codes. The controlling server processes the data and makes a decision either to use one or another mode of transport, or to store the cargo temporarily at the distribution center. An option is provided when an emergent stock of a limited y is placed directly at the end point so that the impact of market uncertainty in demand can be mitigated. The methods of mathematical modeling in the time of uncertainty of the operational environment are applied. The algorithm is based on the stochastic programming method. The practical focus of the work lies in orienting the results on multimodal logistics, which makes the model scalable. The computations, which use the algorithms developed in the paper, provide commercial network managers with a convenient tool for planning current activities taking into account market uncertainty in all operations, when dealing both with consumers and suppliers throughout the business chain, including distribution centers as independent nodes of machine-to-machine interaction. The implementation of the proposed models not only will bring economic benefits and reduce the global traffic, but will also help improve the environment and give a significant social effect.
Features of industrial management in the field of ecology
Authors: Burgonov Oleg , Kruglov Dmitrii , Ivleva Elena
Published: October 2019

The processes of global reorganization make managers pay attention to environmental safety and regulation of economic systems. In modern conditions, it is possible to solve environmental problems only by accelerating the development of economic activity. An entrepreneur who seeks to improve competitiveness and becomes a leader, both at the international and national levels. This happens when the company’s management implements environmental programs related to financial activities and trade.
Analytical model of the Interrelation between Enterprise’s Activity and its Financial Stability
Authors: Sokolitsyn A , Ivanov M. , Sokolitsyna N , Babkin I
Published: October 2019

To inquire aims of diversification as the most important Russian enterprises resultatives increase mechanism, the article considers scheme of enterprise functioning in diversification motives and aims interconnection and executes analyzing firm activity character change with its diversification and character of financial impact on its diversification. Analyzing particular diversification aims has allowed considering threats and negative factors, obligate to taking into account in forming enterprise activity diversification strategy to taking into account its specialties. Forming enterprise activity and financial sustainability basic assessing figures ordered graph and considering their calculation formulas has allowed modeling this graph. Practical realizing modeling enterprise activity diversification and financial sustainability basic figures ordered for a research object – St-Petersburg oil-gas machine-making enterprise taking into account presented graphic interpretation of its financial condition shows this research practical sustainability and opportunity to spread into other industries. The elaborated graph is the basis to form economically-mathematical models and algorithms of defining several kinds of enterprise’s credits. Besides that, it is one of effective instruments of complex economic analysis, which is the base of backgrounding potential enterprise development destinations with statistic modeling enterprise production process parameters. Therefore, elaborated graph practical realization helps to sufficient increasing effectiveness of managing enterprise.
Functional hybrid decision-making system for difficult formalized productive and economic problems
Authors: Korjagin S , Babkin A , Klachek P
Published: October 2019

A steady trend of the development of modern processes in human activities (social, economic, bioengineering, medical, technological) is a complication of the tasks, which are to be tackled on different levels of administration. This is connected with growth of amount of inconsistent information, necessary for well-grounded decision making, as well as with time saving for decision making. To improve the quality of decisions taken in these conditions, intellectual decision-making systems and artificial intelligence methods, on which the procedures for the direct preparation of solutions to various tasks are shifted, are increasingly being used. The article deals with the fundamentals of the structural organization of functional hybrid intelligent decision-making systems designed to solve difficult formalizable production and economic tasks, and suggests a new cognitive approach in the development of integration and effective management of formalized and weakly formalized knowledge in decision-making systems.
Factors of economic efficiency of innovative entrepreneurship in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Alekseev A , Khlebnikov K , Fomin E , Fomina N , Salkina A , Konnikov E
Published: October 2019

The publication presents the results of a study of the process of investing in the innovation of the Russian manufacturing industry (sample 2009-2017). Factors of economic efficiency of investment projects of the industry are revealed. It is proved that the efficiency of investment is determined by external factors, primarily by the level of economic concentration (CR3) of the market of innovative products. The coordination of the scientific result with the industry consolidation dynamics model (A.T. Kearney) is presented.
Structure of a semisimple dihedral group algebra
Authors: Gradeva I , Epitropov Y
Published: October 2019

Let K be an arbitrary field, whose characteristic does not divide the order of the dihedral group D2m
of order 2m, where m is odd. In this paper we examine the structure of the semisimple dihedral group algebra KD2m
. For this purpose, we find a complete system of minimal central orthogonal idempotents of the group algebra. Through it we define the minimal components of KD2m
and its Wedderburn decomposition. The results we get are as general as possible, i.e. without requiring the field to be finite.
Numerical investigation of the granule size effect on the reaction product yield in a catalyst fixed bed
Authors: Solovev S A , Khusainov R R , Nasretdinova D R
Published: October 2019

The research work presents the results of mathematical modeling of the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process to styrene in a fixed catalyst bed. Calculations for the different length granule packaging are carried out. Calculated values of the reaction product yield (styrene) are in a wide range of gas velocities. There are significant differences in the yield of the product at high gas velocities for catalyst granules of different shapes. Of the considered catalyst granules forms, we got the best yield efficiency by the use of granules, which provide maximum surface area and porosity in the fixed bed catalyst.
Indonesian contractor technological learning mechanism and its considerations
Authors: Kusuma B , Soemardi B W. , Pribadi K S , Yuliar S
Published: October 2019

The construction industry faces considerable challenges both in terms of rising construction capitalization and increasingly stringent consumer demand for project quality and costs. This challenge needs to be addressed appropriately by the contractor as an important actor who is directly in contact with the construction production process. Through mastery of technology, contractors are expected to overcome these challenges. The process of mastering technology is part of the contractor’s effort in improving its technological capabilities through technological learning. This study aims to obtain the latest information related to the mechanism carried out by contractors in the process of mastering technology and the considerations taken. This research was conducted through a survey on contractors whom operating in Indonesia. Respondents were given questions to choose the mechanism they used from 32 mechanisms that had been identified by previous researchers, which were grouped into 3 groups, import, internal, and collaboration. The results showed a difference between the contractor groups (all contractor, large contractor, and medium contractor). The mechanism that is commonly used is by introducing a formal Quality Management system; documenting and analyzing all data and information related to project acquisition and project implementation; and participating in technology exhibitions. The results of this study will become worthwhile information for the government in formulating policy to improve the performance of contractors and as a further part in the effort to map the pattern of technological capability development carried out by Indonesian contractors.
Financial and institutional scheme of aerotropolis conceptual design
Authors: Berawi M A , Affiandi Z N , Miraj P , Gunawan
Published: October 2019

The concept of aerotropolis expected to create an integrated transport, effective and efficient airport. It facilitates higher mobility and generates new economic center for regional development. Aerotropolis concept in Indonesia is facing some obstacles such as complex bureaucracy, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding. This research aims to produce an alternative concept of aerotropolis by taking into account the project feasibility. The research will use life-cycle cost method and involved initial cost, operational, maintenance cost and revenue for project evaluation. The aerotropolis in Indonesia shall consist of the airport, industrial development, mixed-use and supporting infrastructure. The result shows that 15.81% of the internal rate of return might be obtained from this conceptual design. The study also formulates a suitable institutional scheme by considering the cost-sharing between public and private in the project life cycle.
Top Ten Similarity Ranking for Project Delay Factors in Construction Industry
Authors: Asmi Ade , Djamaris Aurino , Ihsan Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Delays that occur on a construction projects can cause project performance inefficiencies and can even add to the project cost. Factors due to project delays consist of many things that can cause project delays. This study aims to find a top ten similarity factor that causes delays in a construction projects based on the results of research in Jakarta construction projects against previous studies in other countries. From a total of 100 distributed questionnaires, 88 (88%) were filled in correctly and returned as data analysis material. The Data from the survey results were analyzed using Statistical Software Package (SPSS) to produce a ranking for Project Delay Factor. The ranking of the study was then re-analyzed based on the similarity of the previous research so that the similar Project Delay Factor Ranking was obtained.
Benefits and implications of the different types of quality management in the Malaysian construction industry
Authors: Mohammad Mazlina Zaira , Viana Marina , Raghib Ahmed Talal
Published: October 2019

The quality management system (QMS) is defined in terms of quality assurance, quality control, and quality planning. It is necessary for the construction field to confirm the projects will to be finished with success and without any obstacles for the best quality, explicit amount and at a minimum attainable value. The aim of this article is to produce a crucial and constructive analysis through a revision of five revealed works of literature that relate to QMS in the construction field based on Malaysian research setting. Relevant articles associated with the QMS in Malaysia has been studied. The main findings at those researches indicated that the satisfaction of the owner or the client, improved management and work capacity of the company, and facilitate the project management team to expeditiously manage the development activities for the project life cycle. More studies can use constant performance indicators at the project to check the efficacy of QMS in many samples to enhance the findings.
Predicting the service life of buildings and facilities to minimize the risk of losses in the conditions of natural and technogenic emergency situations
Authors: Smirnova Elena , Savin Sergey
Published: October 2019

This article discusses the solution to the task of predicting the consequences of catastrophic earthquakes for operational buildings and facilities. We suggest using such basic parameters for verifying the calculation models as natural frequencies, oscillation forms and decrements of objects under earthquake loads. At the same time we substantiate the possibility to use micro-oscillations for that purpose, even though buildings and facilities are cushioned systems. We present the methods and means to conduct tests to estimate the dynamic parameters of buildings, as well as an example of such a test and the process of verification of the calculation model in the example of a panel multi-storey building. We set an example of evaluation of the consequences of an accident with a building in St. Petersburg, which was partially destroyed as a result of non-uniform setting of soils in the base. We drew the conclusion that using dynamic parameters makes it possible to solve various tasks for current predicting the remaining service life of damaged objects.
Critical Criteria for Customer Satisfaction of Interior Design
Authors: Wang Pen-Kai , Perng Yeng-Horng
Published: October 2019

Because of the wide scope of interior design work, the satisfaction of interior design service customers is easily affected by perception differences. This study developed a set of indicators that can be used to evaluate interior-design-related customer satisfaction. Potential factors were first identified by conducting a literature review and in-depth interviews. The modified Delphi method was then employed to establish the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework. Lastly, the AHP method was used to identify the key indicators. The study results revealed 4 dimensions and 15 factors. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the interior design industry.
Scour and potential earthquake damage on bridges
Authors: Vidriales D F , Gómez R , Escobar J A
Published: October 2019

The vast majority of total and partial bridge collapses in México are due to scour damage. Bridges are not repaired promptly after a hurricane so the bridge is exposed to both, scour and earthquake hazard. This paper presents the results of a research project oriented to study the vulnerability-based hazard risk assessment of highway bridges subjected to extreme rainfalls due to hurricane events and its effect on bridge lateral strength. Scour hazard is computed using robust statistical procedures to minimise the intrinsic uncertainty of the extreme rainfalls. Earthquake hazard is computed accordingly to Mexican codes and well-known methodologies. A case study is used to present the methodology used in the research project, which was funded by the National Center for Disaster Prevention CENAPRED through the Institute of Engineering of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Measurement of the displacement response of a structure using line detection
Authors: Kim S W , Jeon B G , Park D U , Yun D W
Published: October 2019

The shaking table test is required to examine the seismic safety of a structure as well as the structure’s unique functions before and after the occurrence of an earthquake. That is, the data on the displacement responses obtained from the shaking table test are required to assess the seismic performance of a structure. In this study, the shaking table test was conducted to verify the validity of a method of measuring displacement responses using images. In this method, the lines of a structure were detected, and the responses were measured using the amount of change in the intersection of the detected lines. In addition, image filter processing was used to facilitate the detection of the lines of the structure in the shaking table test.