bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Energy Efficient Multitier Deterministic Energy-Efficient Clustering Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Koyuncu Hakan , Tomar Geetam S. , Sharma Dinesh
Published: May 2020

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) may be incorporated with thousands of small nodes. This gives them the capability to effectively sense, communicate, and compute parameters. However, the security and life span of a WSN node is a primary concern. This paper is focused on introducing a mathematical model of a modified Multitier Deterministic Energy-Efficient Clustering (DEC) based on novel election multi-tier random probability protocol for agricultural WSNs to enhance the life span of a WSN node along with a comparison of it with existing DEC protocol. In the proposed model, the selection of cluster heads, (CH), is done based on the energy drain pattern and location of the sensor nodes, which increased the lifespan of sensor nodes. In addition, several WSN probabilistic routing protocols to save energy throughout data transmissions like Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems (PEGASIS), DEC, and Stable Election Protocol (SEP) are explained. Moreover, it has been found that, after some mathematical modification in existing DEC routing, it will be capable to give a more positive result and reduce the energy drain in WSN nodes using a selective cluster head technique based on residual energy of sensor nodes. The DEC protocol is also compared with our proposed modified protocol for showing the energy-efficiency. The energy efficiency of clustering is associated with the field of energy sustainability of wireless sensor networks which is in the scope of Symmetry journal.
A New LSB Attack on Special-Structured RSA Primes
Authors: Abd Ghafar Amir Hamzah , Kamel Ariffin Muhammad Rezal , Asbullah Muhammad Asyraf
Published: May 2020

Asymmetric key cryptosystem is a vital element in securing our communication in cyberspace. It encrypts our transmitting data and authenticates the originality and integrity of the data. The Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) cryptosystem is highly regarded as one of the most deployed public-key cryptosystem today. Previous attacks on the cryptosystem focus on the effort to weaken the hardness of integer factorization problem, embedded in the RSA modulus, N = p q . The adversary used several assumptions to enable the attacks. For examples, p and q which satisfy Pollard’s weak primes structures and partial knowledge of least significant bits (LSBs) of p and q can cause N to be factored in polynomial time, thus breaking the security of RSA. In this paper, we heavily utilized both assumptions. First, we assume that p and q satisfy specific structures where p = a m + r p and q = b m + r q for a , b are positive integers and m is a positive even number. Second, we assume that the bits of r p and r q are the known LSBs of p and q respectively. In our analysis, we have successfully factored N in polynomial time using both assumptions. We also counted the number of primes that are affected by our attack. Based on the result, it may poses a great danger to the users of RSA if no countermeasure being developed to resist our attack.
Space-Time Inversion of Stochastic Dynamics
Authors: Giona Massimiliano , Brasiello Antonio , Adrover Alessandra
Published: May 2020

This article introduces the concept of space-time inversion of stochastic Langevin equations as a way of transforming the parametrization of the dynamics from time to a monotonically varying spatial coordinate. A typical physical problem in which this approach can be fruitfully used is the analysis of solute dispersion in long straight tubes (Taylor-Aris dispersion), where the time-parametrization of the dynamics is recast in that of the axial coordinate. This allows the connection between the analysis of the forward (in time) evolution of the process and that of its exit-time statistics. The derivation of the Fokker-Planck equation for the inverted dynamics requires attention: it can be deduced using a mollified approach of the Wiener perturbations “a-la Wong-Zakai” by considering a sequence of almost everywhere smooth stochastic processes (in the present case, Poisson-Kac processes), converging to the Wiener processes in some limit (the Kac limit). The mathematical interpretation of the resulting Fokker-Planck equation can be obtained by introducing a new way of considering the stochastic integrals over the increments of a Wiener process, referred to as stochastic Stjelties integrals of mixed order. Several examples ranging from stochastic thermodynamics and fractal-time models are also analyzed.
Design and Optimization of Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on Micro–Nano Symmetrical Localized Surface
Authors: Yin Fengyu , Liu Jin , Yang Haima , Kudreyko Aleksey , Huang Bo
Published: May 2020

Surface Plasma resonance (SPR) sensors combined with biological receptors are widely used in biosensors. Due to limitations of measurement techniques, small-scale, low accuracy, and sensitivity to the refractive index of solution in traditional SPR prism sensor arise. As a consequence, it is difficult to launch commercial production of SPR sensors. The theory of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) developed based on SPR theory has stronger coupling ability to near-field photons. Based on the LSPR sensing theory, we propose a submicron-sized golden-disk and graphene composite structure. By varying the thickness and diameter of the array disk, the performance of the LSPR sensor can be optimized. A graphene layer sandwiched between the golden-disk and the silver film can prevent the latter from oxidizing. Symmetrical design enables high-low concentration of dual-channel distributed sensing. As the fixed light source, we use a 632.8-nm laser. A golden nano-disk with 45 nm thickness and 70 nm radius is designed, using a finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation system. When the incident angle is 42°, the figure of merit (FOM) reaches 8826, and the measurable refractive index range reaches 0.2317.
Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on Identification and Functional Characterization of Novel Venom Components
Authors: Aird Steven D.
Published: May 2020

Throughout most of the 20th century, the toxinological literature consisted largely of pharmacological and functional characterizations of crude venoms and venom constituents, often constituents that could not be identified unambiguously [...]
West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Vector Competence of Indigenous Culex and Aedes Mosquitoes from Germany at Temperate Climate Conditions
Authors: Holicki Cora M. , Ziegler Ute , Răileanu Cristian , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen , Schulz Jana , Silaghi Cornelia , Groschup Martin H. , Vasić Ana
Published: May 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread zoonotic arbovirus and a threat to public health in Germany since its first emergence in 2018. It has become of particular relevance in Germany in 2019 due to its rapid geographical spread and the detection of the first human clinical cases. The susceptibility of indigenous Culex pipiens (biotypes pipiens and molestus) for a German WNV lineage 2 strain was experimentally compared to that of Serbian Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and invasive German Aedes albopictus. All tested populations proved to be competent laboratory vectors of WNV. Culex pipiens biotype pipiens displayed the highest transmission efficiencies (40.0%–52.9%) at 25 °C. This biotype was also able to transmit WNV at 18 °C (transmission efficiencies of 4.4%–8.3%), proving that temperate climates in Central and Northern Europe may support WNV circulation. Furthermore, due to their feeding behaviors, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Ae. albopictus can act as “bridge vectors”, leading to human WNV infections.
Evaluation of Viral RNA Recovery Methods in Vectors by Metagenomic Sequencing
Authors: Akello Joyce Odeke , Leib Stephen L. , Engler Olivier , Beuret Christian
Published: May 2020

Identification and characterization of viral genomes in vectors including ticks and mosquitoes positive for pathogens of great public health concern using metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) has challenges. One such challenge is the ability to efficiently recover viral RNA which is typically dependent on sample processing. We evaluated the quantitative effect of six different extraction methods in recovering viral RNA in vectors using negative tick homogenates spiked with serial dilutions of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and surrogate Langat virus (LGTV). Evaluation was performed using qPCR and mNGS. Sensitivity and proof of concept of optimal method was tested using naturally positive TBEV tick homogenates and positive dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus mosquito homogenates. The amount of observed viral genome copies, percentage of mapped reads, and genome coverage varied among different extractions methods. The developed Method 5 gave a 120.8-, 46-, 2.5-, 22.4-, and 9.9-fold increase in the number of viral reads mapping to the expected pathogen in comparison to Method 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, respectively. Our developed Method 5 termed ROVIV (Recovery of Viruses in Vectors) greatly improved viral RNA recovery and identification in vectors using mNGS. Therefore, it may be a more sensitive method for use in arbovirus surveillance.
The gp44 Ejection Protein of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophage 80α Binds to the Ends of the Genome and Protects It from Degradation
Authors: Manning Keith A , Dokland Terje
Published: May 2020

Bacteriophage 80α is a representative of a class of temperate phages that infect Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positive bacteria. Many of these phages carry genes encoding toxins and other virulence factors. This phage, 80α, is also involved in high-frequency mobilization of S. aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs), mobile genetic elements that carry virulence factor genes. Bacteriophage 80α encodes a minor capsid protein, gp44, between the genes for the portal protein and major capsid protein. Gp44 is essential for a productive infection by 80α but not for transduction of SaPIs or plasmids. We previously demonstrated that gp44 is an ejection protein that acts to promote progression to the lytic cycle upon infection and suggested that the protein might act as an anti-repressor of CI in the lytic–lysogenic switch. However, an 80α Δ44 mutant also exhibited a reduced rate of lysogeny. Here, we show that gp44 is a non-specific DNA binding protein with affinity for the blunt ends of linear DNA. Our data suggest a model in which gp44 promotes circularization of the genome after injection into the host cell, a key initial step both for lytic growth and for the establishment of lysogeny.
Hepatitis B Virus-X Downregulates Expression of Selenium Binding Protein 1
Authors: Lee Young-Man , Kim Soojin , Park Ran-Young , Kim Yeon-Soo
Published: May 2020

Selenium binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) has been known to be reduced in various types cancer, and epigenetic change is shown to be likely to account for the reduction of SELNEBP1 expression. With cDNA microarray comparative analysis, we found that SELENBP1 is markedly decreased in hepatitis B virus-X (HBx)-expressing cells. To clarify the effect of HBx on SELENBP1 expression, we compared the expression levels of SELENBP1 mRNA and protein by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Northern blot, and Western blot. As expected, SELENBP1 expression was shown to be reduced in cells expressing HBx, and reporter gene analysis showed that the SELENBP1 promoter is repressed by HBx. In addition, the stepwise deletion of 5′ flanking promoter sequences resulted in a gradual decrease in basal promoter activity and inhibition of SELENBP1 expression by HBx. Moreover, immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing 60 pairs of human liver tissue showed decreased intensity of SELENBP1 in tumor tissues as compared with their matched non-tumor liver tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that inhibition of SELENBP1 expression by HBx might act as one of the causes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma caused by HBV infection.
Thalidomide Reduces Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Immunostaining in Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Bray Jonathan , Munday John
Published: May 2020

Hemangiosarcomas (HSA) are common neoplasms of dogs that often metastasize and are typically fatal. Recently it was demonstrated that thalidomide extends the survival time of dogs with HSA, potentially due to thalidomide-induced inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by the neoplastic cells. To investigate this, immunostaining was used to evaluate VEGF within HSA metastases that developed after thalidomide treatment. The immunostaining was then compared to VEGF immunostaining in primary tumors from the same dogs prior to treatment with thalidomide and in metastatic tumors from untreated dogs with splenic HSA. Immunostaining was scored from 1 to 4 for each sample. Immunostaining in the metastatic lesions that had been treated with thalidomide had a mean immunostaining score of 1.4 which was significantly lower than the mean score in the corresponding primary splenic HSA (3.8, p = 0.02) and in metastases from untreated dogs (3.5, p = 0.02). This supports the hypothesis that thalidomide prolongs survival time in dogs with HSA due to inhibition of VEGF production by the neoplastic cells. As VEGF remained visible within HSAs exposed to thalidomide, additional treatments to inhibit VEGF production may further prolong survival times of dogs with these common canine neoplasms.
Fuzzy-Probabilistic Model for a Risk Assessment of Groundwater Contamination: Application to an Urban Zone in the City of Belém, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Lisboa Érico Gaspar , Mendes Ronaldo Lopes Rodrigues , Figueiredo Manuel Maria Pacheco , Bello Leonardo Augusto Lobato
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a fuzzy-probabilistic modelling approach for groundwater contamination risk assessment (FPM-risks) regarding underground fuel storage tanks (UFST). Considering the subjective measures of hydrogeological parameters, a fuzzy inference system is proposed to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers (Y). Measurement of the UFST hazard degree (H) and natural groundwater quality (Q) is considered as a pattern framing issue, such that they were quantified by fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (AHP) of the recognizing patterns model. Though the association among Q and the probability of using groundwater reserves (G), estimated by the Monte Carlo method, the consequences of contamination (C) were measured. Associating Y, H, and C, the basic and value-weighted risk assessment of groundwater contamination was performed in the urban zone of Belém city, Pará state, Brazil. The results showed that the majority of UFSTs concentrated in the more urbanized zone were classified by FPM-risks as high basic risk and very high value-weighted risk of groundwater contamination. Although the risk assessment should be updated regularly because of the dynamic characteristics of hazards from the USFTs, the FPM-risks was shown as a tool to be considered for managing groundwater resources, as these models overcome subjectivities and address uncertainties, thereby providing a higher level of accuracy than usual risk methods and possibly become a decision-making way.
Evaluation of TiO2 and SnO Supported on Graphene Oxide (TiO2-GO and SnO-GO) Photocatalysts for Treatment of Hospital Wastewater
Authors: Rosero Parra Laura , Guerrero Pantoja Lizeth , Mena Natali Lorena , Machuca-Martínez Fiderman , Urresta Julian
Published: May 2020

The effectiveness of two photocatalysts, TiO2 and SnO, supported on graphene oxide (TiO2-GO and SnO-GO) on the removal of organic matter from hospital wastewater effluent was evaluated at laboratory scale. The results of the experimental design allow us to conclude that variables such as catalyst type and catalyst concentration have a significant effect on the organic matter removal efficiency of the photocatalytic process. The highest levels of removal efficiencies—for chemical oxygen demand, 85%, for phenols, 80%, and for dissolved organic carbon, 94%—were achieved using a TiO2-GO catalyst with a concentration in the wastewater of 1.5 g/L.
Micro-Watershed Management for Erosion Control Using Soil and Water Conservation Structures and SWAT Modeling
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , Hussain Fiaz , Wu Ray-Shyan , Nangia Vinay , Bibi Riffat
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated the effectiveness of soil and water conservation structures for soil erosion control by applying a semi-distributed Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in various small watersheds of the Chakwal and Attock districts of Pothwar, Pakistan. The validated model without soil conservation structures was applied to various ungauged small watershed sites with soil conservation stone structures. The stone bund-type structure intervention was used in the model through the modification of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to support the practice factor (P-factor), the curve number, and the average slope length for the sub-basin (SLSUBBSN). The structures had significant effects, and the average sediment yield reduction caused by the soil conservation stone structures at these sites varied from 40% to 90%. The sediment yield and erosion reductions were also compared under conditions involving vegetation cover change. Agricultural land with winter wheat crops had a higher sediment yield than fallow land with crop residue. The fallow land facilitated sediment yield reduction, along with soil conservation structures. The slope classification analysis indicated that 60% of the agricultural area of the Chakwal and Attock districts lie in a slope range of 0–4%, where considerable potential exists for implementing soil conservation measures by installing soil conservation stone structures. The slope analysis measured the suitability of conservation structures in the semi-mountainous Pothwar area in accordance with agriculture practice on land having a slope of less than 5%. The SWAT model provides reliable performance for erosion control and watershed management in soil erosion-prone areas with steep slopes and heavy rainfall. These findings can serve as references for policymakers and planners.
Mapping Paleohydrology of the Ephemeral Kuiseb River, Namibia, from Radar Remote Sensing
Authors: Paillou Philippe , Lopez Sylvia , Marais Eugene , Scipal Klaus
Published: May 2020

The Kuiseb River is one of the major ephemeral rivers of Western Namibia, setting the northern limit of the Namib Sand Sea and outflowing in the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Such ephemeral rivers are of the highest importance for the country since they are related both to recent past climatic conditions and to potential water resources. Using high-resolution radar images from the Japanese ALOS-2 satellite, we mapped for the first time the numerous channels hidden under the surface aeolian sediments: while the non-permanent tributaries of the Kuiseb River appear north of its present-day bed, a wide paleochannel system running westward, assumed by previous studies, could be clearly observed in the interdune valleys in the south. Radar-detected channels were studied during fieldwork in May 2019, which produced both subsurface ground-penetrating radar profiles and high-resolution drone-generated digital elevation models. It allowed us to confirm the existence of the “Paleo–Kuiseb” drainage system, a remnant of the Holocene history of the Kuiseb River, moving northward under the progression of the Namib Sand Sea. Our observations also contribute to the explanation of the young age of the linear dunes at the northern edge of the Namib Sand Sea, which are currently active and are pushing the Kuiseb River course toward the north.
Hydrochemical Characteristic of Groundwater and Its Impact on Crop Yields in the Baojixia Irrigation Area, China
Authors: Feng Wenwen , Qian Hui , Xu Panpan , Hou Kai
Published: May 2020

While irrigated crops produce much higher yields than rain-fed crops, the ionic components of irrigation water have important effects on crop yield. Groundwater is widely used for irrigation in the Baojixia irrigation area in China. The chemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Baojixia irrigation area were analyzed and evaluated to study the impact of groundwater quality on crop yield. Results showed cations in the groundwater to mainly be Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, whereas the anions are mainly HCO3−, SO42−, and Cl−. Water-rock interaction and cation exchange were identified as the main factors affecting hydrogeochemical properties from west to east. The study found salinity and alkalinity of groundwater in the western region of the study area to be low, and therefore suitable for irrigation. Groundwater in the eastern part of the study area was found to have a medium to high salinity and alkalinity, and is therefore not recommended for long-term irrigation. The groundwater irrigated cultivation of wheat and corn in the research area over 2019, for example, would have resulted in a drop in the annual crop output and an economic loss of 0.489 tons and 0.741 × 104 yuan, respectively. Irrigation using groundwater was calculated to result in the cumulative loss of crop yields and an economic loss of 49.17 tons and 80.781 × 104 yuan, respectively, by 2119. Deterioration of groundwater quality will reduce crop yields. It is recommended that crop yields in the study area be increased by strengthening irrigation water management and improving groundwater quality.
Tsunami Propagation and Flooding in Sicilian Coastal Areas by Means of a Weakly Dispersive Boussinesq Model
Authors: Lo Re Carlo , Manno Giorgio , Ciraolo Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

This paper addresses the tsunami propagation and subsequent coastal areas flooding by means of a depth-integrated numerical model. Such an approach is fundamental in order to assess the inundation hazard in coastal areas generated by seismogenic tsunami. In this study we adopted, an interdisciplinary approach, in order to consider the tsunami propagation, relates both to geomorphological characteristics of the coast and the bathymetry. In order to validate the numerical model, comparisons with results of other studies were performed. This manuscript presents first applicative results achieved using the weakly dispersive Boussinesq model in the field of tsunami propagation and coastal inundation. Ionic coast of Sicily (Italy) was chosen as a case study due to its high level of exposure to tsunamis. Indeed, the tsunami could be generated by an earthquake in the external Calabrian arc or in the Hellenic arc, both active seismic zones. Finally, in order to demonstrate the possibility to give indications to local authorities, an inundation map, over a small area, was produced by means of the numerical model.
Differences in the Effects of Storms on Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) in Boreal Lakes during an Early Summer Storm and an Autumn Storm
Authors: Warner Kate A. , Fowler Rachel A. , Saros Jasmine E.
Published: May 2020

In boreal lakes, increased precipitation events have been linked to increased concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), however the effects of seasonal differences on DOC and how this may impact storm response remain unclear. We evaluated DOC concentration and a set of DOC quality metrics during an early summer storm and an autumn storm on a suite of six lakes in Acadia National Park in Maine, USA. to better understand differences in seasonal storm responses. Our results revealed differences in the response of DOC quality metrics to an early summer versus an autumn storm, with changes in DOC quality metrics varying by storm and lake features. During the early summer storm, we observed greater changes in various DOC quality metrics in deep lakes with longer residence times, whereas during the autumn storm, lakes with large watershed area to lake area ratios experienced the greatest changes. Land cover was highly correlated with changing DOC quality metrics in the early summer storm but did not play a significant role in the autumn storm response. Our research provides evidence of seasonal differences in the effects of storms on boreal lakes, which are ultimately mediated by a combination of lake and watershed characteristics as well as seasonal differences in climate such as solar radiation and antecedent weather conditions.
Towards the Removal of Antibiotics Detected in Wastewaters in the POCTEFA Territory: Occurrence and TiO2 Photocatalytic Pilot-Scale Plant Performance
Authors: Moles Samuel , Mosteo Rosa , Gómez Jairo , Szpunar Joanna , Gozzo Sebastiano , Castillo Juan R. , Ormad María P.
Published: May 2020

This research aims to assess the presence of four antibiotic compounds detected in the influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the POCTEFA territory (north of Spain and south of France) during the period of 2018–2019, and to relate the removal of antibiotic compounds with the processes used in the WWTPs. The performance of a photocatalytic TiO2/UV-VIS pilot-scale plant was then evaluated for the degradation of selected antibiotics previously detected in urban treated effluent. The main results reflect that azithromycin had the highest mass loadings (11.3 g/day per 1000 inhabitants) in the influent of one of the selected WWTPs. The results also show considerable differences in the extent of antibiotics removal in WWTPs ranging from 100% for sulfadiazine to practically 0% for trimethoprim. Finally, the photocatalytic TiO2/UV-VIS pilot-scale plant achieved the removal of the four antibiotics after 240 min of treatment from 78%–80% for trimethoprim and enrofloxacin, up to 100% for amoxicillin, sulfadiazine and azithromycin. The catalyst recovery via mechanical coagulation–flocculation–decantation was almost total. The Ti concentration in the effluent of the TiO2/UV-VIS pilot-scale plant was lower than 0.1% (w/w), and its release into the environment was subsequently minimized.
Green Infrastructures for Urban Water System: Balance between Cities and Nature
Authors: Sitzenfrei Robert , Kleidorfer Manfred , Bach Peter M. , Bacchin Taneha Kuzniecow
Published: May 2020

Urban water systems face severe challenges such as urbanisation, population growth and climate change. Traditional technical solutions, i.e., pipe-based, grey infrastructure, have a single purpose and are proven to be unsustainable compared to multi-purpose nature-based solutions. Green Infrastructure encompasses on-site stormwater management practices, which, in contrast to the centralised grey infrastructure, are often decentralised. Technologies such as green roofs, walls, trees, infiltration trenches, wetlands, rainwater harvesting and permeable pavements exhibit multi-functionality. They are capable of reducing stormwater runoff, retaining stormwater in the landscape, preserving the natural water balance, enhancing local climate resilience and also delivering ecological, social and community services. Creating multi-functional, multiple-benefit systems, however, also warrants multidisciplinary approaches involving landscape architects, urban planners, engineers and more to successfully create a balance between cities and nature. This Special Issue aims to bridge this multidisciplinary research gap by collecting recent challenges and opportunities from on-site systems up to the watershed scale.
The Role of the Contemporary Christian Church in the Rural American South
Authors: Bouchard Leah M , Kye Price Sarah , Swan Laura
Published: May 2020

The contemporary Christian Church plays many roles in the community and in the lives of individuals and families living there: Church as a political tool, Church as an instrument for community stability and change, Church as an oppressor and source of rejection, and Church as a source of protection.  Literature commonly approaches Christianity and involvement in the contemporary Christian Church from a positivist paradigm which assumes Christianity and church-involvement are rooted solely in commitment to faith.  Exploring Christianity in a rural context requires researchers to consider alternative philosophical paradigms when operationalizing religion, such as church-involvement as a source of community or social exclusion through a post-positivist paradigm or church-involvement as a source of authority through Foucault's postmodernist paradigm.  Shifts in the operationalization of religion in rural research and implications of such must be considered in the field of social work.
Paleocene sub-basaltic sediments on Savoia Halvø, East Greenland
Authors: Nøhr-Hansen Henrik , Piasecki Stefan
Published: May 2020

Field work by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) on Savoia Halvø, central East Greenland in 2001 (see also Larsen et al. 2002, this volume) included a study of sediments underlying the Palaeogene basalts on the south coast of Scoresby Sund (Fig. 1). The importance of this small exposure is based on the fact that it provides one of the few opportunities for establishing a marine biostratigraphic date for the sediments below the basalts. Dinoflagellate cysts from the sediments provide a maximum Early Paleocene age for the onset of the volcanism in central East Greenland. Reports from previous field work have mentioned the sediments (Hassan 1953; Birkenmajer 1972), but no precise age assignment was presented due to the absence of diagnostic fossils. The sub-volcanic sediments of Savoia Halvø represent the youngest preserved marine sedimentary deposits of the Upper Palaeozoic – Cenozoic rift-basins onshore East Greenland. The overlying Palaeogene flood basalts occasionally contain very thin sedimentary beds between the lava flows, but these were deposited above sea level. Neogene uplift of the East Greenland margin brought a definitive end to accumulation in the old sedimentary basins (Watt et al. 1986; Christiansen et al. 1992).
Communication as an Obstacle for Education: An Analysis on Participation of Hijras in Mainstream Education System of Bangladesh
Authors: Goni Md. Ashraful , Hoque Mehnaz
Published: May 2020

Hijra is a term given to the intersex, hermaphrodite and, transgender people who are part of the Hijra community in Bangladesh. In 2013 Bangladesh government gave the official recognition of Hijras as a third gender community. But the society still thing Hijras are aliens they are not supposed to live in society and have a life. Though Hijras have official recognition of their sexual identity they are far away to get social recognition. Education is a basic need for every single person in the world, and education is the best medium of communication to construct the social identity of a person. According to Bangladesh, education policy education is for all. Hijras are also included in the term ‘all.’ Though they have all the right of being a citizen of the people republic of Bangladesh, we never seen a Hijra in school, college, or any other educational institution. Using a qualitative analysis, this study will focus on why Hijras are not participating in the mainstream education system of Bangladesh though they have official recognition as a third gender community. This paper will also focus on the role of society in making this decimation in the education system.
Gobernabilidad y gobernanza en las Unidades de Gestión Educativa Local del Perú: Una mirada desde el conocimiento de sus funciones
Authors: Ríos Céspedes Alex
Published: May 2020

Desde una mirada gubernamental, los órganos intermedios locales de educación requieren mejorar su eficacia y calidad. Desde una mirada de gobernanza, deberían establecer un nuevo contrato social con los actores locales. Basado en mejorar la eficacia y calidad, el presente artículo describe cuánto conocen los servidores públicos de las Unidades de Gestión Educativa Local (UGEL) sobre las funciones que realizan, y ensaya una aproximación para que pueda transitar a un esquema de gobernanza.
Gobernanza de la educación superior: el papel de las ideas en las políticas
Authors: Brunner José Joaquín , Labraña Julio , Ganga Francisco , Rodríguez-Ponce Emilio
Published: May 2020

En la investigación de la educación superior existe hoy un giro que resalta la importancia de las ideas en todas las dimensiones de la organización académica. El presente artículo propone un marco analítico para observar el rol de las ideas en la gobernanza de los sistemas de educación superior. Con este fin, indaga cómo se manifiesta el poder ideacional –esto es, el poder ejercido a través, sobre y en las ideas– en relación con las principales dimensiones de la gobernanza (regulaciones estatales, encuadramiento de las partes interesadas, autogobierno académico y gerencial, competencia y financiamiento). A continuación, se pone a prueba este marco para hacer un examen general de las principales tendencias de la gobernanza en la educación superior contemporánea. El artículo finaliza con un resumen y una reflexión general, basada en los análisis anteriores, sobre el papel de las ideas en la gobernanza.
Analisis Capaian Pembelajaran Pada Mahasiswa Akuntansi (Eksperimen Kuasi)
Authors: Putra Nicko Kornelius , Kuntoro Agus
Published: May 2020

Abstract. This study aims to analyze the learning outcomes shown by accounting students in certain subjects. The effort to realize learning outcomes is carried out through course simulation learning tools in the form of quizzes that are packaged in the games "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". Participants in quasi-experimental research (quasi-experiments) are 100 Accounting and / or Management students at Sanata Dharma who have passed introductory Accounting courses, and 100 AA YKPN Accounting students who have passed introductory Accounting courses too. Participants were divided into control groups and experimental groups. The results of the feasibility analysis and quality indicators of the research model using variance-based SEM (WarpPLS 3.0 software) from samples both AA YKPN and SADHAR together showed good and significant test results as a research model. The combined results of SADHAR-AA YKPN show that the Perceived Enjoyment (PE) has a significant effect on Virtual Presence (VP) and on Learning Outcome (LO) and VP has a significant effect.Keywords:Â Â Â Â Â Â  Learning Outcome, Perceived Enjoyment, Virtual Presence, Pembelajaran Game SimulasiÂ Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis capaian pembelajaran (learning outcomes) yang ditampilkan oleh mahasiswa akuntansi pada mata kuliah tertentu. Usaha mewujudkan learning outcomes tersebut dilakukan melalui perangkat pembelajaran simulasi mata kuliah berupa kuis yang dikemas dalam bentuk permainan atau game â€œWho Wants To Be A Millionaireâ€. Partisipan dalam penelitian eksperimen kuasi (eksperimen semu) ini adalah mahasiswa Akuntansi dan atau Manajemen pada Sanata Dharma yang telah lulus mata kuliah Akuntansi Pengantar berjumlah 100 partisipan, dan mahasiswa Akuntansi AA YKPN yang telah lulus mata kuliah Akuntansi Pengantar yang berjumlah 100partisipan. Partisipan terbagi menjadi kelompok kontrol dan kelompok eksperimen. Adapun hasil analisis kelayakan dan indikator kualitas model riset dengan menggunakan SEM yang berbasis variance (software WarpPLS 3.0), dari kedua sampel AA YKPN dan SADHAR secara bersama-sama menunjukkan hasil uji yang baik dan signifikan sebagai model penelitian. Hasil gabungan SADHAR AA YKPN menunjukkan bahwa Perceived Enjoyment (PE) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Virtual Presence (VP)Â  dan terhadap Learning Outcome (LO) serta VP berpengaruh signifikan terhadap LO.Â Kata Kunci:Â Â  Learning Outcome, Perceived Enjoyment, Virtual Presence, Pembelajaran Game Simulasi
Interior Design Features of Architectural Studios in Private Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria: Implication for Students Academic Performance
Authors:   Architect and Teaches at Covenant University, Ota Nigeria., M.Erebor* Emokpae , Ibem Professor Eziyi O. ,   Architecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu Nigeria, C.Ezema Dr Isidore ,   Architecture, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria., P.Benson Ajagba ,   Student, Department of Architecture,Covenant University Ota Ogun State.
Published: May 2020

Interior design is on the one hand a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built environment or improve a learning space. An architectural design studio on the other hand is a classroom space in the undergraduate or graduate professional class where students receive hands-on instructions on architectural design. However, the interior design features of architectural design studios and the implication of these for students’ academic performance has not been clearly articulated in the research literature. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the interior design elements of architectural design studios and its implication for students’ academic performance. This is with a view to suggesting how the interior spaces of architectural design studios can be man manipulated to enhance students’ academic performance. To achieve this goal, three private Universities in South West Nigeria were studied using the data collected from 200 undergraduate and post graduate students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results revealed that most of the students were satisfied with the interior design of their architectural studio spaces. It was further observed that students were not aware of the conduciveness and wellness of their studios, hence more work needs to be done on the general interior design to ascertain the wellness of the studios. The design studio being a sole environment where both theoretical and practical learning and work is carried out should be made comfortable for the users of the space. There is a fact that people work better in places that they feel comfortable in. Personal space has a direct impact on learning, and designers must take this into consideration when designing Architectural design studios.
Synthesis of an Expert System for Assessing the Security of Computer Networks Based on a Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors:   department of Information Technologies Odessa State Environmental University Odessa, Ukraine, Kuznichenko Svitlana , Shvorov* Sergey ,   Department of Automation and Robotic Systems National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine Kyiv, Ukraine, Husak Yurii ,   Research Center, Institute of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine., Tolok Igor. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine., Ihor Muliar ,   department of Cybersecurity of Computer Systems and Networks of Khmelnytsky National University Khmelnitsky, Ukraine.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the article is to substantiate the principles of synthesis of an expert system for assessing the security of computer networks based on a fuzzy neural network, and this is an urgent scientific and technical task. Requirements for the operative security assessment of computer networks for data protection are analyzed. It was shown that data security should be provided by the network administrator or persons who need to use special decision support systems in assessing the security of computer networks. To solve this problem, factors that characterize the security of electronic systems, including computer systems, have been identified; the use of fuzzy neural networks is proposed as a mathematical apparatus for constructing an expert system; a technique for the synthesis of a fuzzy neural network for assessing the security of computer networks has been developed; an appropriate fuzzy neural network has been created and tested for adequacy; the prospects of the proposed methodology for creating an expert system for assessing the security of computer systems have been established. The scientific and practical significance of developing such a system lies in the fact that a fuzzy neural network is configured on a specific object in order to quickly determine one of the seven levels of security of computer networks that are used in the United States Department of Defense.
Automatic Detection of Optic Disc for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors:   CSE, VR Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada, India,, Konatham* Priyanka , Venigalla Mounika ,   CSE, VR Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada, India, Amaraneni Lakshmi Pooja ,   CSE, VR Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada, India, Vani Dr. K. Suvarna ,   Professor, VR Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada, India
Published: May 2020

Diabetic Retinopathy affects the retina of the eye. Ultimately it may lead to total visual impairment. Total blindness can be avoided by detecting Diabetic Retinopathy at an early stage. Various manual tests are used by the doctors to detect the presence of disease but they are tedious and expensive. Some of the features of Diabetic Retinopathy are exudates, haemorrhages and micro aneurysms. Detection and removal of optic disc plays a vital role in extraction of these features. This paper focuses on detection of optic disc using various image processing techniques, algorithms such as Canny edge, Circular Hough(CHT). Retinal images from IDRiD, Diaret_db0, Diaret_db1, Chasedb and Messidor datasets were used.
Automatic Power Factor Correction for Residential Consumers
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering, Govt. College of Engg., Chandrapur, India., Nandankar* Praful V , Dhawas Prashantkumar V ,   Department of Electrical Engineering,Govt. College of Engg., Chandrapur, India.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an automatic power factor correction unit which reduces system power loss and improves system performance by increasing the efficiency. Power wastage, now a days, is a global issue and hence proposed unit provides cost and energy effective solution. The increased use of inductive loads results in poor power factor in various residential locations. Therefore, a need to enhance the power factor of system increases in a present scenario and power factor can easily be improved by employing suitable techniques of power factor correction. The proposed technique improves the power factor and restores its value close to unity for efficient operation. The increased power factor reduces the system losses which in turn improves the voltage at load end. The corrected power factor also enhances the load carrying capability of an entire network. The proposed technique to improve the power factor, monitors the energy consumption continuously and automatically improves the power factor. The proposed technique discussed in this paper is possible with the help of 8051 microcontroller. The 8051 microcontroller senses time-variant values i.e. line voltage and line current from the system and these time variant values are further utilized to obtain phase angle and corresponding power factor. These two time variant values are calibrated properly to obtain the desired power factor. It also determines the range of power factor and depending on the power factor, it incorporates the capacitor in shunt across the load which in turn improves the power factor. The power factor correction device is designed and tested under load conditions and it is found that the power factor value is increased from 0.71 to 0.96. The average savings in energy consumption is also found to be 1.5% for load used for this proposed technique. There is significant saving in energy cost due to compensation of reactive power.
Iot based Smart Traffic Control using IR Sensors
Authors:   UG student, Department of CSE, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., M Shanmugasundar. , P.V Ulsavnavindran. ,   UG student, Department of CSE, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., M Pratheeba. ,   UG student, Department of CSE, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., R.* Venkateshwari. ,   UG student, Department of CSE, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., Malathi Dr.R. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India.
Published: May 2020

Traffic Congestion is a major problem in many cities in India and other countries. Signal failure, lax regulation and traffic management have contributed to congestion of traffic. Some of the key issues with Indian cities is that the new network cannot be expanded further and that thus the only option left is better management and living standards It is therefore high time the issue of traffic congestion is to be dealt effectively Traffic control approaches include video data processing, infrared cameras, inductive loop tracking, wireless sensor network, etc. In our study, we use an infrared sensor that can be paired with the existing signaling network that can act as a portal to intelligent traffic management. Additionally, a smartphone application is connected to a centralized system that communicates with the local rescue department about a fire explosion site for further action. There's also a software application to provide the smart city's higher authorities with valuable information in graphic formats, which is helpful in future road planning. Automated traffic control and surveillance are essential for the use and maintenance of the highways.
5G Wireless Network Security Strategies and Security Issues or its Uses in 5G Networks
Authors:   Department of Information Technology , Galgotia College of engineering & Technology , Gr. Noida, India., Kumar* Sanjay , Kaur Dr. Inderpreet ,   Computer Science Engineering , Galgotia College of Engineering & Technology ,Gr. Noida, India., Singhal Kanika ,   Department of Information Technology , Galgotia College of engineering & Technology , Gr. Noida, India.
Published: May 2020

Future production networks (5G) will power employ new technological technologies toward convene the supplies of broadband admittance and wireless access ubiquitously and anywhere elevated frequency with mobile availability, and convergence of huge numbers of policy (Internet of Things (IoT)) within an especially consistent plus reasonable means. The potential attack with safety services inside 5G wireless network be then outline by the understanding of novel repair values and original practice cases. We hit 5G using open partners through aphasia approaches industries. The eNB LTE is a master node, and gNB is a master node as well as Massive MIMO (Beam Formulation) for Mobile use. In this 5G Technology use and Smart City and IoT Extending the current Internet and linking, contact, and inter-networking between computer and physical object or' things' is a growing trend which is offending referred to as the Internet of Things. This paper provides approaches to these problems and roadmap for stable 5G networks in the future.
Automated Super Trolley Billing System for Super/Hyper Market
Authors:   M.E., Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., S* Dhivya. , Beniks.J Sujai ,   UG student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., T Sunmathe. ,   UG student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India., K Yukesh. ,   UG student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India.
Published: May 2020

Electronic commerce has grown to such an extent since the advent of wireless technology to provide flexibility, comfort and productivity in daily life. Within this article, we discuss a pioneering RFID-based shopping trolley design in the super/hyper market. The long checkout lines also block our entire shopping experience. In order to overcome this issue, we replace the UPC barcode with the RFID tags on the products. The main aim of the project is to provide the customer with a positive shopping experience by reducing the limitations of the traditional shopping methodologies in all aspects..The targeted goal was to have an improved shopping experience with a technology-advanced, minimum cost, less time consuming, rush-free, commercially focused program.