bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity between sand grains: Meiofauna composition across southern and western Sweden assessed by metabarcoding
Authors: Atherton Sarah , Jondelius Ulf
Published: May 2020

The meiofauna is an important part of the marine ecosystem, but its composition and distribution patterns are relatively unexplored. Here we assessed the biodiversity and community structure of meiofauna from five locations on the Swedish western and southern coasts using a high-throughput DNA sequencing (metabarcoding) approach. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) mini-barcode and nuclear 18S small ribosomal subunit (18S) V1-V2 region were amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. Our analyses revealed a higher number of species than previously found in other areas: thirteen samples comprising 6.5 dm3 sediment revealed 708 COI and 1,639 18S metazoan OTUs. Across all sites, the majority of the metazoan biodiversity was assigned to Arthropoda, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. Alpha and beta diversity measurements showed that community composition differed significantly amongst sites. OTUs initially assigned to Acoela, Gastrotricha and the two Platyhelminthes sub-groups Macrostomorpha and Rhabdocoela were further investigated and assigned to species using a phylogeny-based taxonomy approach. Our results demonstrate that there is great potential for discovery of new meiofauna species even in some of the most extensively studied locations.
Beyond limits – the pitfalls of global gene drives for environmental risk assessment in the European Union
Authors: Dolezel Marion , Lüthi Christoph , Gaugitsch Helmut
Published: May 2020

Gene drive organisms (GDOs) have been suggested as approaches to combat some of the most pressing environmental and public health issues. No such organisms have so far been released into the environment, but it remains unclear whether the relevant regulatory provisions will be fit for purpose to cover their potential environmental, human and animal health risks if environmental releases of GDOs are envisaged. We evaluate the novel features of GDOs and outline the resulting challenges for the environmental risk assessment. These are related to the definition of the receiving environment, the use of the comparative approach, the definition of potential harm, the stepwise testing approach, the assessment of long-term and large-scale risks at population and ecosystem level and the post-release monitoring of adverse effects. Fundamental adaptations as well as the development of adequate risk assessment methodologies are needed in order to enable an operational risk assessment for globally spreading GDOs before these organisms are released into environments in the EU.
Forest characteristics, population structure and growth trends of Pinus yunnanensis in Tianchi National Nature Reserve of Yunnan, southwestern China
Authors: Tang Cindy Q. , Shen Li-Qin , Han Peng-Bin , Huang Diao-Shun , Li Shuaifeng , Li Yun-Fang , Song Kun , Zhang Zhi-Ying , Yin Long-Yun , Yin Rui-He , Xu Hui-Ming
Published: May 2020

Aims: Pinus yunnanesis is commercially, culturally and economically important, but there is a lack of ecological data on its role in stand dynamics. Our aims are to clarify the structure, composition, regeneration and growth trends of primary mature P. yunnanensis forests. Study area: The Tianchi National Nature Reserve in the Xuepan Mountains, Yunlong County, northwestern Yunnan, China. Methods: We investigated forests containing P. yunnanensis, measured tree ages and analyzed the data. Results: Six forest types were identified: (1) coniferous forest: Pinus yunnanensis (Type 1); (2) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Lithocarpus variolosus (Type 2); (3) mixed coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Quercus griffithii (Type 3); (4) mixed evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous forest: Castanopsis orthacantha-P. yunnanensis-Schima argentea (Type 4); (5) mixed coniferous, evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest: Pinus yunnanensis-Schima argentea-Quercus griffithii (Type 5); (6) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: Pinus armandii-Quercus rehderiana-Pinus yunnanensis (Type 6). The size- and age-structure and regeneration patterns of P. yunnanensis were highly variable within these six forest types. P. yunnanensis regeneration was well balanced in forest Type 1 as compared to the other five types. All six forest types were identified as rare and old-growth with P. yunnaensis trees reaching ages of more than 105 years (a maximum age of 165 years with a diameter 116 cm at breast height) except for the Type 4 forest (a 90-year-old stand). Growth rates of P. yunnanensis, based upon ring width measurements, were high for the first 10 years, then declined after the 10th year. In contrast, basal area increment (BAI) increased for the first 25 years, plateaued, and only declined as trees became older. Trees in the older age classes grew more quickly than younger trees at the same age, a consequence of either site quality or competitive differences. The BAI of P. yunnanensis in all age classes in the Tianchi National Nature Reserve was much higher than those of the secondary and degraded natural P. yunnanensis forests of other areas. Conclusions: The P. yunnanensis forests of the Tianchi area appear to be some of the last remnants of primeval and old-growth forests of this species. These forests are structurally diverse and contain a rich diversity of overstory, mid-story, and understory species.

Taxonomic reference: Editorial Committee of Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae (1959–2004) for vascular plants.

Abbreviations: BA = basal area; BAI = basal area increment; DBH = diameter at breast height; H = height; RBA = relative basal area.
The lowland seasonally dry subtropical forests in central Argentina: vegetation types and a call for conservation
Authors: Zeballos Sebastián R. , Giorgis Melisa A. , Cabido Marcelo R. , Acosta Alicia T.R. , Iglesias María del Rosario , Cantero Juan J.
Published: May 2020

Aims: The native woody vegetation from the Espinal phytogeographic province in central Argentina, found in subtropical-warm temperate climates, represents part of the southernmost seasonally dry forest in South America. Although this vegetation has been studied for over a century, a complete phytosociological survey is still needed. This lack of knowledge makes its spatial delimitation and the establishment of efficient conservation strategies particularly difficult. The main goals of this study were to classify these forests and assess their current forest cover and to better define the extent of the Espinal phytogeographic province in Córdoba region, central Argentina. Study area: Espinal Phytogeographic Province in Córdoba region, central Argentina (ca. 101,500 km2). Methods: We sampled 122 stands following the principles of the Zürich-Montpellier School of phytosociology; relevés were classified through the ISOPAM hierarchical analysis. The extent of the Espinal phytogeographic province was established by overlaying previous vegetation maps, and a map showing the current distribution of forest patches was constructed based on a supervised classification of Landsat images. Results: Four woody vegetation types of seasonally dry subtropical forest were identified based on the fidelity and the abundance of diagnostic species: (1) Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco forest; (2) Zanthoxylum coco forest; (3) Geoffroea decorticans forest; and (4) Prosopis caldenia forest. These vegetation types were segregated along gradients of temperature and precipitation seasonality and soil-texture and sodium content. The remaining forest patches represent 3.43% of the extent of the Espinal province in Córdoba region of which only 1.05% is represented in protected areas. Conclusions: We present a classification of the Espinal forest based on a complete floristic survey. Despite the dramatic forest loss reported, our results show that some forest patches representative of the Espinal are still likely to be found in the area. However, urgent measures should be taken to establish new protected natural areas in order to preserve the last remaining forest patches.

Taxonomic reference: Catálogo de las Plantas Vasculares del Cono Sur (Zuloaga et al. 2008) and its online update (http://www.darwin.edu.ar).

Abbreviations: ISOMAP = isometric feature mapping; ISOPAM = isometric partitioning around medoids.
Finite Mixture Model-based classification of a complex vegetation system
Authors: Attorre Fabio , Cambria Vito E. , Agrillo Emiliano , Alessi Nicola , Alfò Marco , De Sanctis Michele , Malatesta Luca , Sitzia Tommaso , Guarino Riccardo , Marcenò Corrado , Massimi Marco , Spada Francesco , Fanelli Giuliano
Published: May 2020

Aim: To propose a Finite Mixture Model (FMM) as an additional approach for classifying large datasets of georeferenced vegetation plots from complex vegetation systems. Study area: The Italian peninsula including the two main islands (Sicily and Sardinia), but excluding the Alps and the Po plain. Methods: We used a database of 5,593 georeferenced plots and 1,586 vascular species of forest vegetation, created in TURBOVEG by storing published and unpublished phytosociological plots collected over the last 30 years. The plots were classified according to species composition and environmental variables using a FMM. Classification results were compared with those obtained by TWINSPAN algorithm. Groups were characterized in terms of ecological parameters, dominant and diagnostic species using the fidelity coefficient. Interpretation of resulting forest vegetation types was supported by a predictive map, produced using discriminant functions on environmental predictors, and by a non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination. Results: FMM clustering obtained 24 groups that were compared with those from TWINSPAN, and similarities were found only at a higher classification level corresponding to the main orders of the Italian broadleaf forest vegetation: Fagetalia sylvaticae, Carpinetalia betuli, Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae and Quercetalia ilicis. At lower syntaxonomic level, these 24 groups were referred to alliances and sub-alliances. Conclusions: Despite a greater computational complexity, FMM appears to be an effective alternative to the traditional classification methods through the incorporation of modelling in the classificatory process. This allows classification of both the co-occurrence of species and environmental factors so that groups are identified not only on their species composition, as in the case of TWINSPAN, but also on their specific environmental niche.

Taxonomic reference: Conti et al. (2005).

Abbreviations: CLM = Community-level models; FMM = Finite Mixture Model; NMDS = non‐metric multidimensional scaling.
Montane mire vegetation of the New England Tablelands Bioregion of Eastern Australia
Authors: Hunter John T. , Hunter Vanessa H.
Published: May 2020

Aims: To use unsupervised techniques to produce a hierarchical classification of montane mires of the study region. Study area: New England Tablelands Bioregion (NETB) of eastern Australia. Methods: A dataset of 280 vascular floristic survey plots placed across the variation in montane mires of the NETB was collated. Vegetation types were identified with the aid of a clustering method based on group averaging and tested using similarity profile analysis (SIMPROF) and through ordinations using Bray-Curtis similarity and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). A hierarchical schema was developed based on EcoVeg hierarchy and was circumscribed using positive and negative diagnostic taxa via similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) and importance based on summed cover scores and frequency. Results: We defined one macrogroup to include all montane mire vegetation of the NETB and within these two groups and twelve alliances. Conclusions: Our study re-enforced the separation of bogs from other montane mire systems and confirmed the separation of fens and wet meadows, a distinction that previously had not been independently tested. Based on our results many existing montane mire communities of the NETB have been ill-defined at multiple hierarchical levels, leading to confusion in threat status and mapping. Additionally, nearly half of the alliances we recognise were found to have no correlates within current classification systems, which necessarily has implications for the effectiveness of current conservation planning.

Taxonomic reference: PlantNET (http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/, accessed June 2016).

Abbreviations: BC Act = Biodiversity Conservation Act; EPBC Act = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act; NETB = New England Tablelands Bioregion; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; PCT = plant community type; RE = regional ecosystem; SIMPER = similarity percentage analysis; SIMPROF = similarity profile analysis.
Guide to image editing and production of figures for scientific publications with an emphasis on taxonomy Image editing for scientific publications
Authors: Bevilaqua Marcus
Published: May 2020

Figures for scientific publications go through various stages from the planning, to the capturing of images, to the production of finished figures for publication. This guide is meant to familiarise the reader with the main image-editing software used by professional photographers. The guide’s focus is on digital photo editing and the production of figures using Adobe Photoshop to produce publication-quality figures for scientific publications. This guide will be of fundamental use for the academic public, especially taxonomists and others who work with images. Besides, it should be useful for anyone interested in becoming familiar with the basic tools of image editing.
Calculating Absolute Scale and Scale Uncertainty for SfM Using Distance Sensor Measurements
Authors: Nikolov Ivan , Madsen Claus B.
Published: May 2020

Capturing details of objects and surfaces using structure from motion (SfM) 3D reconstruction has become an important part of data gathering in geomapping, medicine, cultural heritage, and the energy and production industries. One inherent problem with SfM, due to its reliance on 2D images, is the ambiguity of the reconstruction's scale. Absolute scale can be calculated by using the data from additional sensors. This chapter demonstrates how distance sensors can be used to calculate the scale of a reconstructed object. In addition, the authors demonstrate that the uncertainty of the calculated scale can be computed and how it depends on the precision of the used sensors. The provided methods are straightforward and easy to integrate into the workflow of commercial SfM solutions.
Medical 3D Graphics With eXtensible 3D
Authors: Hamza-Lup Felix G. , Polys Nicholas F. , Malamos Athanasios G. , John Nigel W.
Published: May 2020

As the healthcare enterprise is adopting novel imaging and health-assessment technologies, we are facing unprecedented requirements in information sharing, patient empowerment, and care coordination within the system. Medical experts not only within US, but around the world should be empowered through collaboration capabilities on 3D data to enable solutions for complex medical problems that will save lives. The fast-growing number of 3D medical ‘images' and their derivative information must be shared across the healthcare enterprise among stakeholders with vastly different perspectives and different needs. The demand for 3D data visualization is driving the need for increased accessibility and sharing of 3D medical image presentations, including their annotations and their animations. As patients have to make decisions about their health, empowering them with the right tools to understand a medical procedure is essential both in the decision-making process and for knowledge sharing.
A Case Study in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Goraya Jatinder
Published: May 2020

Autism spectrum disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset during early life but with life-long implications for the affected person. The term is now broader and all-inclusive and represents the whole spectrum of disorders previously classified under autism and related disorders such as Asperger syndrome. Incidence of autism spectrum disorder appears to be rising, related in part to increase in awareness and recognition by the parents and the healthcare providers. Autism spectrum disorder is most often diagnosed using DSM-V criteria. These diagnostic criteria include persistent deficits in social communication/social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team incorporating pediatricians, therapists, social workers, special education teachers, etc. to optimize the outcomes. A case study is presented to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of autism spectrum disorder.
A Review on Eye Tracking Technology
Authors: Bhatia Pavneet , Khosla Arun , Singh Gajendra
Published: May 2020

In past few decades, eye tracking has evolved as an emerging technology with wide areas of applications in gaming, human-computer interaction, business research, assistive technology, automatic safety research, and many more. Eye-gaze tracking is a provocative idea in computer-vision technology. This chapter includes the recent researches, expansion, and development in the technology, techniques, and its wide-ranging applications. It gives a detailed background of technology with all the efforts done in the direction to improve the tracking system.
Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future
Authors: Coelho Teresa , Chkoniya Valentina , Oliveira Madsen Ana , Figueiredo Carlos
Published: May 2020

Consumption patterns have always been an important indicator of a generation's identity, but in a world where globalization tends to standardize everything and digital technology tends to accelerate the globalization process, some might predict that identities are dissolving faster than ever. This chapter aims to help understand how new Portuguese generations perceive fish products. Throughout this research, it became very evident that young consumers are very aware of the ultimate emergency of sustainability. This chapter uses the example of Docapesca's pioneer initiative to prove that it is worth investing in consumer education and that, when we adopt a generation focused approach to implement a national marketing campaign, it is possible to obtain valuable advances in consumption for a sustainable future.
Personalization 3.0
Authors: Kuehn Katharina Sophie
Published: May 2020

Approaches that attempt to predict consumer behavior have come a long way since the inception of socio-demographic profiling. This development is, on the one hand, driven by the desire of businesses to perform better and connect better with consumers. On the other hand, this is also driven by consumers who are explicitly seeking personalized guidance in a crowded marketplace and implicitly, nonconsciously, seeking to fulfill underlying emotional needs and goals by consuming brands and products. The author proposes a biopsychological framework to understand personality based on evolutionary studies of primal emotion systems and explains how this framework can predict preferences and behavioral tendencies in consumers. To ascertain the validity of the theory, four experiments were conducted to test and confirm personality-specific predictions regarding the effectiveness of personalized advertising campaigns, product choices, and brand preference.
Customer-Oriented Global Supply Chains
Authors: Cacho José Luís , Marques Luís , Nascimento Álvaro
Published: May 2020

Logistic services are central to the design and management of any supply chain. Due to recent technological advances, modern supply chains are challenging traditional market boundaries in ways that both influence and are influenced by consumer behavior (e.g., Amazon, Alibaba, or JD.com). Economically speaking, corporations are changing along the way resources are being used in production. At the firm level, management decisions follow cost efficiency and risk management principles, pursuing a cost-risk tradeoff equilibrium. Theoretically, operations organized within the boundaries of the firm are just those for which the markets are unable to offer a more efficient alternative, whereas the link between buyers and sellers (i.e., demand and supply in the market) is intermediated by logistics services, such as transport, to mention but one. As technological innovation, social transformation, and consumer behavior threaten firms' traditional boundaries, logistics need to adjust and adapt to new and emerging challenges, its costs, and risks to end consumers.
How Bollywood Filmdom Operates in India and in the International Arena
Authors: Sen Nandini
Published: May 2020

The chapter discusses the influence and impact of product placement of Bollywood cinema. It examines the different strategies adopted in Bollywood movies for promotional purposes in India and internationally. It does an evaluation of the effectiveness of this type of communications, including deciding about travel destinations and concentrates on the viewer's recall on the consumption of the product and its impact on improving brand image. The chapter is also to understand the consumer buying behaviour in terms of Bollywood. It assesses the product placement of Bollywood in India based on its popularity and the diversity in the types of placements and was analysed using ethnography as a method tool. From the study it was observed that the importance of Bollywood movies on masses is evident in India and internationally. Consumers feel that the advertisements should be entertaining and the same should be conjoined with the storyline in order to convey the brand message in the best possible way. The chapter tries to locate the solutions and recommendations of the Bollywood film crisis.
The Roles of Time Orientation and Innate Innovativeness on Intentioned Adoption of an AI Innovation
Authors: Antadze Giorgi
Published: May 2020

Innovation adoption is a widely understudied area. However, there has been a substantial amount of arguments concerned with the extent to which personality traits affect innovative behavior. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which personality traits, namely time orientation and innate innovativeness, influence intentioned adoption of the specific innovation – the virtual nurse assistant. The organisation of the chapter is as follows: The first part of the chapter introduces the study to the reader and starts with the research background, followed by the research problem, rationale of the study, and research objectives. The second part consists of literature review, critically evaluating the relevant secondary sources to derive the research hypothesis. The third part represents the results and findings of the study, followed by the conclusion and recommendations as the closing part of this chapter.
Merging Explicit Declarations With Implicit Response Time to Better Predict Behavior
Authors: Ohme Rafal , Matukin Michał , Wicher Paula
Published: May 2020

Declarations and actions do not always overlap, and thus, predicting future behavior solely on the basis of self-reported measures seems to be ineffective. The authors propose a confidence index (CI): a measure based on Fazio's attitude accessibility model. CI integrates explicit and implicit perspectives and captures how long a person hesitates when stating an opinion. The more certain someone is the stronger the attitude-behavior link is likely to be. A study was conducted to uncover differences in attitudes between average- and top-performing sales agents from the automotive industry. The results for declarative data did not show any significant differences; however, the CI results yielded interesting significant differences between groups. Random decision forests analyses confirmed that merging explicit and implicit measures increases predictive power of the tool. The study provided actionable insights on how to improve sales team performance, which were then implemented and eventually validated by sales results.
Adapting Course Assignments to Online Postings for Rural and Remote Students in a Bachelor of Education Program
Authors: Danyluk Paricia , Burns Amy
Published: May 2020

Throughout northern and rural locations across Canada, school boards struggle to attract and retain teachers. A community-based pathway program in Alberta was designed to address this challenge by providing opportunities for local residents to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree. Through blended delivery, students complete courses on campus and through synchronous and asynchronous learning. This chapter examines the adaptation of a course assignment for an introductory teaching methods course. By examining the course design, instructor facilitation, and four composite online discussion postings by students, the authors demonstrate how students were able to improve their writing skills and increasingly engage in critical thinking through the practice of weekly postings.
Using Asynchronous Online Discussion in the 7-12 Science Classroom
Authors: Dixon Carmen S. , Machtmes Krisanna
Published: May 2020

In the age of post-secondary courses being moved to an online format, the use of asynchronous online discussion (AOD) is at an all-time high. However, though universities are using this method of discussion, K-12 educators are only beginning to explore it. This chapter examines the advantages of 7-12 teachers using AOD in science classrooms, how it aligns with national science standards, the theoretical framework, and explores one manuscript found about a high school science teacher using AOD. The subject of pendulum motion is selected, and each component of the 5E model is described, and potential AOD questions are written for the 5E model pertaining to pendulum motion. Tips and best practices are then discussed for writing AOD questions for science, and further implications described of using this model in 7-12, including a pilot program, creating a prototype model for 7-12, and curbing potentially emotionally charged argumentation devoid of credible evidence.
Combining Multiple Innovations to Foster Forum Reflection
Authors: Freed Shirley , Lim Janine Monica
Published: May 2020

This chapter is a case study showing how multiple innovations such as macro-chunking, forum silence, role-play, and an advance organizer describing mental models worked together to engender deep reflection and meaningful dialogue in an online graduate worldview course. It uses the community of inquiry framework to help define the purpose of the discussion forum to construct personal meaning and confirm mutual understanding. Specific pedagogical designs for facilitating deep learning are shared. These designs provide innovative alternatives to readers creating online courses. Quotes from the final discussion forum show how multiple innovations together created a powerful learning environment.
Teacher Presence in Online Discussions
Authors: Themelis Chryssa
Published: May 2020

The theory of tele-proximity is an expansion of the community of inquiry model (teacher, cognitive, and social presence) that embraces videoconferencing for distance education courses. It addresses the problem of distance, high drop-out rates and campus alienation in e-learning courses, and re-examined presences. The focus of the study is to investigate the ways visual presence affects identity online. The methodology is a literature review that could help the author to keep up with state-of-the-art research, as well as to evaluate the collective evidence. The chapter aims to reflect on the tele-teacher presence, and re-frame the role, controversies, and opportunities for educators teaching online. The revised tele-teacher framework could indicate the factors affecting presence online and inform educators, instructional designers, and policymakers about the implications for teaching and learning. Future research directions and recommendations will be also discussed.
Venezuela
Authors: Gerdel Aymara
Published: May 2020

The United States and China currently constitute the world's two biggest hegemonic and emerging economic powers. Venezuela maintains commercial relations with both powers in the oil trade. Since the latter 20th century, the United States has been its main trade partner, followed by China, who in the 21st century became the second largest buyer of Venezuelan oil in the world. Venezuela is also the third largest supplier of oil for the United States and the seventh for China. In spite of this close, prolonged, and strategic commercial relationship, Venezuela has recently been designated an “Unusual and Extraordinary Threat to US National Security and Foreign Policy.” In contrast, an alliance with China exists, called the Strategic Partnership Integral. President Donald Trump has already expressed special interest in the situation of Venezuela, just within his first 100 days. This is a country that represents, as said before, an Unusual and Extraordinary Threat to National Security according to an Executive Order dated March 9, 2015.
Argentinian Population and Agglomeration Patterns and Regional Hierarchical Structures
Authors: San José Alejandro , Ferrero Lucas
Published: May 2020

This chapter will analyze Argentinean structures and patterns of interaction observed at the regional level in applied terms from the perspective of lagging regions. For reasons of space, the emphasis is on the geographic structure of the population and its dynamics. The subjection of aspects of the center-periphery relationship also forms part of the discussion. This discussion takes place within the already unbalanced Argentine macro-fiscal context, which generates uneven capacities and structures to absorb and deal with aggregated dynamics. The main characteristics of the regional and urban structure are defined through a series of fundamental variables, such as population, centrality, and diversity.
Blockchain Smart Contracts and Empathy Trade-Off
Authors: Coffie Cephas Paa Kwasi , Zhao Hongjiang , Kwofie Benjamin , Tetteh Emmanuel Dortey
Published: May 2020

Contracts have emerged as an appropriate expanse for the application of Blockchain to eliminate human mediation perceived to be mired by weaknesses. Smart contracts date back to the 1990s, but the proposed Blockchain technology makes it a great force economically. Beyond the transactional processing qualities of blockchain, industries envisage the technology to resolve divergent human-related complications with traditional contracts. Per literature, smart contracts offer superior economic value with respect to legality, formation, deployment, execution, and cost. These qualities of smart contract ensure performance and eliminate risk. Criticised on the inhumane aspect of the technology in terms of contract amendments and the current influx of foreign-based blockchain companies in Africa limiting indigenous design considerations, the application of smart contracts in continent could be hindered by contract renegotiations strongly embedded in cultural values of empathy. Nonetheless, a trade-off would resolve the contractual bottlenecks in Africa.
Fostering Language Acquisition and Intercultural Competence Through Authentic Literary Texts
Authors: Cantizano Blasina
Published: May 2020

Based on current theoretical foundations, this chapter discusses the advantages of using authentic literature in the EL classroom by providing a first approach to contemporary short stories written in English from different parts of the world. A practical proposal is also provided for language trainers: two multicultural short stories are shown as a means to develop both language acquisition and intercultural communicative competence at B1/B2 levels. The study shows that using authentic literary texts in the EL classroom will enable students not just to improve their reading skills and language input, but also to acquire cultural knowledge and develop critical thinking at the same time.
The Reading Experience for Children and Young Adults
Authors: de la Peña Esther
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of this chapter is to expose a model of TEFL based on the use of literature as an interdisciplinary tool. Reading authentic literary texts embraces the exploration of the linguistic aspects of the English language and integrates a multifaceted study of the historical context, cultural manifestations, and philosophical features of the literary works. Firstly, a brief overview about the role of literature in language teaching over the past years is presented. Secondly, the advantages and benefits that literature offers students are explained in detail. Finally, a model approach to integrating literature in the EFL classroom is suggested. In all, the scope of this comprehensive pedagogical model provides students with a challenging learning experience that starts in the first year of ESO and is carried out throughout the four years of compulsory education.
The Inductive Approach in the Didactics of Foreign Language Literature in Higher Education
Authors: Pérez-Cabello Ana María
Published: May 2020

This chapter offers a didactic proposal on part of the degree of English studies syllabus in the University of Seville, the 19th century novel. It presents methodological guidelines underlying the inductive approach and a detailed breakdown of activities illustrating it. It aims to show the possibilities of the proposed approach, especially as regards advantages to replace traditional master session. The inductive approach offers a change in the role of the student within the teaching-learning process. It would also enhance students´ participation in the process of text analysis and, consequently, their learning. This role is developed in two ways: emotionally and cognitively. In order to develop main points, it is necessary, first of all, to consider what actions competent professional university training entails.
Organic Business Modeling and the Organism-Ecosystem Unit Duality
Authors: Washburn Paul Jordan
Published: May 2020

The health of a corporation relies most heavily upon healthy human beings' value-based productivity for optimal growth and evolution. A duality between personhoods and their respective systems' weighted impacts are in question, as the U.S. Healthcare industries weighted impact affects all other U.S.-GDP subsectors. The author performed an analysis of 21 main U.S.-GDP subsectors based on unclassified 1960-2014 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. The author derived a [Consumption:Value] ratio-based equation, demonstrating results in [0.0,2.0] and U.S. dollar scales. The U.S.-GDP-Healthcare subsector increased its average annual consumption by $122,232,000,000 and was part of the U.S.-GDP's 71.4% demonstrating a reduced value ratio between 1960-1969 and 2005-2014. The author describe a weighted duality of personhoods classification, a potential ripple effect violation, and presents a new description of a pathologic, malignant organic business model due to a negatively balanced [Consumption:Value] alteration. These findings highlight reduced marginal utility and value of the U.S.-Healthcare subsector.
Study of the Process of Heavy Metals Cations Mineralization by Poly-Component Structures Based on Calcium and Magnesium Silicates
Authors: Lonzinger Tatiana M. , Skotnikov Vadim A. , Sukharev Alexey M.
Published: May 2020

In order to achieve the goal of absorption of environmental pollutants, poly-component materials based on magnesium and calcium silicates - metal cations mineralizers – have been synthesized. The study of the processes of mineralization was carried out using model solutions containing soluble sulphates of copper, zinc, manganese and iron. The studies carried out have shown that the synthesized mineralizer based on calcium and magnesium silicates has a multicomponent structure with active electrochemically inhomogeneous centres on its surface as a result of breaking the Ca-O-Si, Mg-O-Si bonds, hydration and leaching of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. In an acidic environment, the leaching reaction is activated due to H+ adsorption and the weakening of the bond between Ca2+ and O2-, thus making the transition of Ca2+ into the liquid phase more advantageous. As a result, a negatively charged ≡Si-O-layer enriched with silicon is formed, which is able to interact chemically with heavy metal ions present in the electrolyte solution.
The Research of Heat-Resistant Layer Defects Formed during the Surfacing of Nickel Alloy on the Exhaust Valve Chamfer
Authors: Kareva Nadezhda T. , Chungakov Djomi T. , Zavartsev Nikita A.
Published: May 2020

The final set of properties of the exhaust valve is formed in the course of the entire set of processes, the most important is the build-up of the valve chamfer which is subjected to constant high temperatures, gas flow and thermal cycling, therefore strict adherence to the whole complex of properties is necessary. In the study two materials were investigated: the deformable part of the base material (steel grade 40X10C2M (EN steel grade X40CrSiMo10)) and surfacing (alloy EP616A), used to manufacture the exhaust valve of the internal-combustion engine.The study was carried out at different stages of valve manufacturing: after electro-forging during the formation of a valve head from a rod, subsequent heat treatment (quenching + high tempering), after surfacing a ring with the heat-resistant alloy. The chemical composition of phases, inclusions, and sections of EP616A alloy around the shrink-hole were determined by the method of micro-X-ray analysis. The results indicate a shortage of visual inspection, and that conducting a selective destructive method does not ensure the full probability of detecting internal defects. It is advisable instead of destructive control to introduce ultrasonic flaw detection.
Thermo-Physical Parameters Determination of Nano-Crystalline Fe72.5Cu1Nb2Mo1.5Si14B9 Alloy for Twisted Magnetic Cores Heat Treatment Optimization
Authors: Nikulchenkov Nikolai N. , Cherepanov Konstantin Ye. , Lobanov Mikhail L.
Published: May 2020

Thermophysical parameters of Finemet-type initially amorphous alloy produced using rapid quenching technique were determined. The temperature intervals of phase and structure changes have been obtained using calorimetry and non-ambient X-ray diffraction methods. The electric resistance data were recalculated to alloy electrical conductivity which it was recalculated to heat conductivity using the Wiedemann–Franz law. Resulting parameters were used for heat processes simulation that occurs in amorphous material of built-up transformer core during annealing in nanocrystallization temperature interval. Heat treatment of different sizes twisted magnetic cores was optimized.
Selection Principles and Investigation of Substances for Synthesis of Composite Medium-Temperature Phase Change Materials for Space Heating and Domestic Hot Water
Authors: Morzhukhin A.M. , Testov D.S. , Morzhukhina S.V.
Published: May 2020

The types of heat accumulation and the types of heat-accumulating materials are considered. It is shown that the most promising as heat-accumulating materials for heating and hot water are the salts hydrates. Based on the conducted factor analysis, a number of criteria are excluded from further consideration, which significantly reduces the list of criteria considered for selecting phase change materials (PCM) and simplifies further work on the selection of the most promising materials. There were selected from over 160 salt hydrates as PCM for the future of composite synthesis for the heating and hot water the Na (CH3COO) •3H2O, Ba (OH)2•8H2O, Mg (NO3)2 •6H2O and Zn (NO3)2•6H2O.
High-Temperature Ferromagnetism of Zn1-xMnxOy Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Kuz'mina A.S. , Kuz'min M.P.
Published: May 2020

The paper discusses the findings of the study of the structural and magnetic properties of Zn1-xMnxOy thin films (x = 0-0.08), synthesized by pulsed laser deposition under different conditions. It has been discovered that during the doping, thin films remain single-phased and retain wurtzite structure (ZnO wurz), oriented along the direction (001). It has been determined that thin films obtained under the same synthesis conditions have similar crystallite sizes, which is confirmed by the substitution of Mn2+ ions with Zn2+ ions in the Zn O semiconductor matrix. It has been found that annealing of samples in the oxygen atmosphere increases the surface roughness from 1-3 nm to ~ 10 nm; the higher the concentration of manganese in Zn1-xMnxOy films is, the greater the value of Ra. It has been demonstrated that, at room temperature, all Zn1-xMnxOy thin films (x = 0-0.08) exhibit ferromagnetic behavior, which is more pronounced upon the increase in concentration of oxygen vacancies and manganese in the samples. It is assumed that two mechanisms explaining high-temperature ferromagnetism coexist in the films: the first one is determined by ferromagnetic exchange between Mn2+ cations by means of oxygen vacancies, the second one deals with super-exchange interaction between oxygen vacancies.
Studying of Causes of Destruction of the Main Gas Pipeline
Authors: Nasibullina O.A. , Rizvanov Rif G.
Published: May 2020

In the territory of the Russian Federation within a year, in connection with change of atmospheric conditions, the soil moisture content, saturation of its different layers, temperature and a physical status of soil changes. Depth of freezing of soil is much lower than the bottom level of the pipeline. Freezing, defrosting and uneven rainfall of soil are adverse factors in these conditions. Apparently from the above, there are conditions of forming of corrosion cracking energized (CCE) connected with seasonal and long-term variability of water content of soil. At the same time manifestation of specific features of CCE, characteristic of the specific region, is possible. For studying the reasons and the nature of destruction of the main gas pipeline, in this work a studying of a focal zone is carried out. When determining stress corrosion cracking, first of all, the attention to existence of a fragile component in a break, arrangement of fragile cracks in the lower half-perimeter of a pipe and orientation of the fragile cracks along the forming pipe, which are the main signs of manifestation of corrosion cracking, was paid. On the basis of the received results it is proved that the studied cracks have the corrosion and mechanical origin, characteristic of corrosion cracking energized. Actions for prevention of destruction of gas pipelines are offered further.
The Study of the Complex Mechanical Properties of Rolled Bars of VT6 Alloy as a Function of Chemical Composition and Structure Type
Authors: Egorova Yuliia B. , Davydenko Lyudmila V. , Mamonov I.M.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the results of statistical tests, carried out to identify the mechanical properties of Ø 16-150 mm VT6 titanium alloy bars, as a function of their post-annealing chemical composition and structure. It is shown that the high variation of mechanical properties may be, due to fluctuations in the grade composition and structure type. 50% to 60% of variations in strength properties are due to composition + structure co-effects. To improve the stability of such properties, the paper identifies maximum permissible total fluctuations in the chemical composition in terms of aluminum/molybdenum equivalents of alloying elements and impurities. The research team has fitted the regression dependencies for evaluating the mean values of the mechanical properties of Ø 16-60 mm VT6 bars, as a function of the structure type and aluminum/molybdenum equivalents of the alloying elements and impurities.
Peculiar Properties of Temperature Modification of Carbonate Precipitate
Authors: Sapronova Zh.A. , Sverguzova Svetlana
Published: May 2020

The carbonate precipitate of sugar production from sugar beet is a large-tonnage organic waste, the disposal of which is a significant problem for many agricultural regions. According to studies, the temperature of maximum combustion is 506.1 ° С for carbonate precipitate, the carbon content in TMCP600 was about 2%, CaCO3 94-95%, sand and clay impurities 3-4%. The presence of multiple bonds (modifications C8, C70 and C80) in carbon layer of TMCP600 particles is confirmed by studies of the IR spectrum and the interaction with iodine water. The internal structure of the carbon layer formed is similar to traditional carbon sorbents, such as KAD grade activated carbon. With increasing roasting temperature of a carbonate precipitate, the pH of the aqueous extract increases, which confirms the process of decomposition of the calcium salts of carboxylic acids. The specific surface area of ​​the sorption material, measured by the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, was 82 ± 0.2 m2/ g.
Thermodynamic Model of Silicon Smelting in Ore-Smelting Furnaces
Authors: Belskii Sergei S. , Nemchinova Nina V.
Published: May 2020

Silicon production by silica-containing raw material reduction by carbon in ore-smelting furnaces (OSF) is a complex pyro-metallurgic process. Silicon is produced in a system consisting of charge, furnace electrodes, air, melt, slag, and gases at temperatures above 2000°C, which generates silicon monoxide and carbide unavoidably. The finished product contains impurities (Fe, Ca, Al, Ti, etc.) in small amounts; however, it is still unknown for sure how impurities, contained in raw materials, behave and interact with each other and with silicon. To analyze the distribution of charge components during smelting, the research team used thermodynamic (mathematical) modeling in Selector software. The constructed four-tank silicon production model describes adequately the process. The assumed tank temperatures correspond to the OSF reaction zones (400°C, 1530°C, 2200°C, and 2000°C). Modeling involves 15 charge-carried elements: quartzite from the Cheremshanskoye deposit, charcoal and black coal, petroleum coke, wood chips, and OSF coal electrodes. According to the model, silicon recovery (with a 97.15 wt% silicon content in the melt) is 75%, which is consistent with literature and production data (AO Kremniy, Shelekhov, Irkutsk Oblast).
Optimization of Alkaline Sulfide Leaching of Gold-Antimony Concentrates
Authors: Rusalev R.E. , Rogozhnikov Denis A. , Koblik A.A.
Published: May 2020

This article covers a hydrometallurgical method for processing of a gold-antimony flotation concentrate in alkaline sulfide solutions. Thermodynamic analysis of the reaction stibnite with sulfide sodium and sodium hydroxide was performed. The chemical and phase compositions of the investigated material, mainly represented by compounds of antimony, silicon, calcium, sulfur and iron are studied. Phase composition: quartz, stibnite, quicklime, pyrite, dolomite and arsenopyrite. The dependences of the influence of sulfide sodium and sodium hydroxide concentration, and the liquid to solid ratio on antimony extraction into solution were determined by methods of mathematical experiment planning. The calculated values ​​of the determination coefficients testify to the adequacy of the chosen two-level model. The optimum parameters of the process were obtained: L/S ratio = 4,5; the nitric acid sulfide sodium concentration was 61.09 g/L; sodium hydroxide concentration was 16.47 g/