bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Vocational Training for Economic Growth in Pakistan
Authors: Usman Mustafa  , Kalbe Abbas  , Amara Saeed
Published: August 2018

Training in general and skills development in particular, not only play a vital role in individual, organisational and overall national economic growth but are integral part of Human Resource Development (HRD). Skill development may be defined as a process to acquiring and sharpening capabilities to perform various functions associated with their present and future roles [Tripathi (2003)]. Moreover, literature suggests that human capabilities can be improved through better education and training [Haq (2002)]. Enhanced skills enable individuals to be more productive and spawn more money. It not only raises the rate of return on investment and increases employability but also ensures the implementation of various development projects in the time [Booth and Snower (1996) and O’Conner and Lunati (1999)]. To summarise, vocational education and training are indispensable instruments for improving labour mobility, adaptability and productivity, thus contributing to enhancing firms’ competitiveness and redressing labour market imbalances [Cailods (1994)].
Tourism Promotion and Regional Development in Low-income Developing Countries
Authors: Kazuhiro Tetsu
Published: August 2018

There are not so many papers that the economic effects of tourism are examined in a general equilibrium framework. The features of those papers are that they assume that tourism is regarded as non-tradable goods and services and that tourism is consumed by not only foreign tourists but also domestic residents. However, since our purpose of this paper is to examine the economic effects of tourism promotion on low-income developing countries, we assume that most domestic residents cannot afford to consume tourism, which is considered as a luxury good. Under such assumptions, we examine the effects of two tourism promotion policies on a developing economy. The main result we obtain is that both the policies improve the standard of living for the farmers in a rural region while they worse the standard of living for the workers who are employed in an urban region.
Stock Market Volatility and Weak-form Efficiency: Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Abid Hameed
Published: August 2018

There exists a vast literature on modeling and estimating aggregate stock market volatility over the past decade [e.g., Choudhry (1996); Mecagni and Sourial (1999) and Kabir, et al. (2000)]. Motivations for undertaking this exercise have been varied. Many value-at-risk models for measuring market risk require the estimation of volatility parameter. Portfolio diversifications and hedging strategies also require information on volatility as a key input. Volatility is defined as tendency of the assets price to fluctuate either up or down. Increased volatility is perceived as indicating a rise in financial risk which can adversely affect investor assets and wealth. It is observed that when stock market exhibit increased volatility there is a tendency on part of the investors to lose confidence in the market and they tend to exit the market. The nexus between volatility and economic fundamentals is still a moot point. Stock prices reflect information and quicker they are in absorbing accurately new information, more efficient is the stock market in allocating resources. The increase in volatility can be attributed to absorption of new information about economic fundamentals or some expectations about them. This kind of volatility is not harmful as there is no social cost associated with it. But if increased volatility is not explained by the level indicated by the fundamental economic factors, there is a tendency that stocks will be mispriced and this will lead to misallocation of resources [Karmaka (2006)].
ŞİNZO ABE DÖNEMİNDE JAPON DIŞ POLİTİKASINDA YAŞANAN DEĞİŞİM
Authors: Akçadağ Alagöz Emine
Published: August 2018

Bu makalenin amacı, Başbakan Şinzo Abe’nin Aralık 2012’de ikinci kez göreve gelmesinden sonra neden Japon dış politikasında değişim yaşandığı ve bu değişimin sadece kullanılan araçlar düzeyin de mi kaldığı yoksa dış politikanın temel amacının mı yeniden şekillendiği sorularına cevap aramaktır. Çalışma, Charles Hermann’ın dış politika değişim modeli kapsamında Abe’nin dış politikasını inceleyerek, bu sorulara analitik bir açıklama getirmeyi hedeflemektedir. Söz konusu açıklayıcı model Abe yönetiminin izlediği dış politikaya uygulanarak, değişimi doğuran kaynaklar, ara basamak olan karar alma süreci ve değişimin düzeyi ele alınacaktır. Bu çerçevede öncelikle Abe’nin liderliği ve bürokrasinin desteği temel kaynakları olarak incelenecektir. Akabinde dış politika değişiminin yönünü tayin eden karar alma süreci irdelenecektir. Son olarak ise dış politikanın temel hedefinin değiştiği ortaya koyulacaktır.
ULAŞTIRMADA KARAYOLLARI: TÜRKİYE’DEKİ GELECEK BEKLENTİLERİ
Authors: Yıldırır Keser Hilal , Ay Sema , Çetin İşın
Published: August 2018

Karayolu taşımacılığı, başlangıç ve varış noktaları arasında aktarmasız bir taşımaya olanak sağlaması, öteki taşıma türlerine kıyasla daha esnek olması ve özellikle kısa mesafeli taşımalarda nispeten ucuz olması nedeniyle önemli avantajlara sahiptir. Türkiye, doğu-batı arasında doğal bir köprü oluşturan, transit taşımacılığa elverişli coğrafi yapısı ile kara yolu ulaştırmasında rekabet gücü yüksek bir ülkedir. Dünyada önemli bir kavşak noktası teşkil eden ülkemiz, uluslararası bağlantılarını güçlendirmek amacıyla hayata geçirilen projeler sayesinde özellikle son 10 yılda yolcu ve yük taşımacılığında etkin, güvenli, ekonomik bir karayolları politikası benimsenmiştir. Çalışmada, Türkiye’de benimsenen karayolları politikası çerçevesinde karayolu ulaştırmasının  gelecek 20 yıllık öngörüsünün yapılması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda karayollarına yapılan harcamalar, karayollarından elde edilen gelirler, otoyol uzunluğu ve karayollarındaki trafik kazası verileri için ex-ante önrapor tahminleri yapılmıştır. Ex-ante önrapor tahminlerine göre, önümüzdeki 20 yıllık dönemde, karayollarına yapılan harcamalarda, karayollarından elde edilen gelirlerde ve otoyol uzunluğunda artan karayollarındaki trafik kaza sayısında ise azalan bir trend yapısı öngörülmüştür.
ONGOING CONFLICT IN YEMEN: A PROXY WAR?
Authors: Karakır İrem Aşkar
Published: August 2018

It has been almost three years since the eruption of the civil war in Yemen by March 2015, leading to high political instability and severe humanitarian crisis. This article elaborates on the civil war in Yemen by focusing on the interests of main actors, who are involved in the ongoing conflict. The article also evaluates the nature of civil war in Yemen, mainly questioning the liability of describing the tension as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. In recent years, there has been a tendency to explain Yemeni conflict through the lens of a religious struggle between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shi’a Iran in order to reinforce their control over the region. It is argued in this study that it would be misleading to call Yemen’s ongoing crisis as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The tension did not emerge as a result of clash of interests by these two countries. Rather it would be fair to suggest that involvement of Saudi Arabia and Iran in Yemen’s civil war further triggered and complicated the already existing tensions in the country.  The outcome is a complex pattern of conflict which the author of this article argues is indeed different from a proxy war.
KÜRESEL TERÖR ÇAĞINDA ULUS DEVLETİN ARTAN ÖNEMİ
Authors: Kurtdaş Muzaffer Çağlar
Published: August 2018

Günümüzde yaşanan hızlı değişim ve dönüşümleri açıklayan kavramların başında küreselleşme gelmektedir. Sınırların ortadan kalktığı ve dünyanın birbiriyle bağlantılı tek bir yer olarak algılandığı süreci anlatan küreselleşme, eskisinden farklı bir dünya inşa etmektedir. Küreselleşme tüm dünyada ekonomik, siyasi ve sosyo-kültürel yapıda değişim ve dönüşümler yaratmaktadır. Bu dönüşümlerden etkilenen yapıların başında ulus devletler gelmektedir. Küreselleşme doğası gereği ulus devleti ve ulus devletin egemenlik anlayışını aşındırmaktadır. Küreselleşme ile birlikte ortaya çıkan gelişmeler ulus devlet üzerinde bir baskı yaratırken bir yandan da ulus devletlerin geleceğini tartışmaya açmıştır. Ancak küreselleşmenin yarattığı istikrarsızlık ve parçalanmışlık, dünyayı yeni bir kaos ve çatışma ortamına itmektedir. Özellikle küresel terörün yükselişi bu çatışma ortamında ulus devletlerin güvenlik ve istikrarı sağlamadaki önemini daha da artırmıştır.  Bu çalışma küreselleşme sürecinde ulus devletlerin yapısında meydana gelen değişmeleri ve ulus devletlerin geleceğine dair yapılan tartışmaları kendisine konu edinirken, bir yandan da küresel terör çağında ulus devletin artan önemine vurgu yapmayı amaçlamaktadır. 
SAMBANDHA DALAM BEBERAPA PRASASTI BALI
Authors: Ekawana I Gusti Putu
Published: August 2018

Di dalam prasasti alasan atau sebab-sebab suatu prasasti dikeluarkan oleh raja dapat diketahui pada bagian yang memuat sambandha. Pada sambandha inilah kita dapat mengetahui latar belakang suatu karaman mendapat anugerah prasasti. Kalau kita perhatikan sambandha prasasti itu bermacam-macam antara lain, menyebutkan tentang masalah bwattahaji, buncang haji berupa pajak yang dirasakan berat, ingin menjadi desa berdiri sendiri (merdeka), penduduk berkurang karena banyak yang mati dan ditawan musuh sehingga merasa berat memikul beban pajak, merasa berat mengerjakan kebun milik raja, mempersembahkan sima untuk bangunan suci dan sebagainya. Dengan bermacam-macam latar belakang itu sebagai alasan atau sebab-sebab seorang raja lalu menganugerahkan prasasti setelah melalui sidang lengkap kerajaan. Prasasti merupakan pegangan (agemmagem) untuk mengokohkan kedudukan satu karaman. Menurut Goris prasasti adalah merupakan undang-undang (Goris, 1948: 22). Oleh karena itu jelaslah bahwa prasasti sebagai undang-undang, merupakan dasar hukum yang dipergunakan sebagai pegangan (agemmagem) yang memuat hak-hak dan kewajiban bagi sebuah karaman yang harus ditaati oleh semua pihak.
Mass Transfer Study for Bio-Synergy in Dairy Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Abdulmajeed Basma Abbas , Ibrahim Arwa Raad
Published: August 2018

The present study addresses the behavior of gases in cultivation media as an essential factor to develop the relationship between the microorganisms that are present in the same environment. This relationship was explained via mass transfer of those gases to be a reasonable driving force in changing biological trends. Stripping and dissolution of oxygen and carbon dioxide in water and dairy wastewater were investigated in this study. Bubble column bioreactor under thermal control system was constructed and used for these processes. The experimental results showed that the removal of gases from the culture media requires more time than the dissolution. For example, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient for the removal of oxygen is 1.67 min-1 while the volumetric mass transfer coefficient for dissolution the same gas is 3.18 min-1. The same thing occurred with carbon dioxide, where the data showed that the volumetric mass transfer coefficient of the dissolution of CO2 is 0.66 min-1 while the volumetric mass transfer coefficient for removal process is 0.374 min-1. However, the two processes (dissolution and removal) with CO2 take more time than that with O2. Therefore, the production of gases due to metabolic processes in bacteria or microalgae remains in culture’s media for a certain period even if that media is sparged by air. Thus, this will give enough time for both microorganisms to consume those gases.

Keywords: Bioreactor, mass transfer, microalgae, aerobic bacteria
Performance of coated and uncoated carbide/cermet cutting tools during turning
Authors: Ulas Hasan Basri , Bilgin Musa , Sezer Huseyin Kursad , Ozkan Murat Tolga
Published: August 2018

Historically, cutting force and surface roughness are known to be important performance indicators in conventional machining operations and are mainly affected by material type and the choice of cutting tool. One well-known method to improve cutting tool performance is covering these tools with durable ceramic coatings to protect them from wear and thermal degradation. This work elucidates the advantage of Al2O3 and TiN coatings and presents important performance improvements in turning operation. Process parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, cutting depth and tip radius were taken into consideration in a total of 540 experiments. The design of the experiment and a statistical analysis were performed to reveal significant process parameters. A special experimental setup was designed to measure in-situ cutting forces. The surface roughness of the machined surfaces was measured. An artificial neural network model was developed to predict optimum performance parameters.
Abordagem etnobotânica de Myrtaceae no município de Sete de Setembro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Dluzniewski Franciele Da Silva , Vettorato Jordana Gabriele , Ghellar Müller Nilvane Teresinha
Published: August 2018

A etnobotânica é uma área de pesquisa científica multidisciplinar, que tem o intuito de resgatar conhecimentos empíricos de pessoas para com o uso de vegetais em geral. Ainda hoje, o uso de plantas medicinais é uma importante alternativa, não só por resgatar o patrimônio natural e cultural, como também por estimular a população para um maior aproveitamento dos recursos terapêuticos de origem natural. A família Myrtaceae é constituída atualmente por cerca de 150 gêneros e 4630 espécies, encontram-se especialmente distribuídas em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. No entanto, estudos de resgate empírico desta família são raros ou escassos em municípios de pequeno porte, como em Sete de Setembro, por exemplo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se resgatar o conhecimento etnobotânico de moradores, do município de Sete de Setembro, a cerca da família botânica Myrtaceae. Os dados foram coletados de agosto a novembro de 2016, através de entrevistas informais. Ao total foram entrevistados 60 informantes, 30 para zona rural e 30 para a zona urbana. Utilizou-se a técnica de “bola de neve” e “chefe de família”. Foram relatados pelos entrevistados quatro espécies de plantas utilizadas da família Myrtaceae, a Eugenia uniflora L. (Pitangueira), Psidium guajava L. (Goiabeira), Syzyum jambolanum DC (Jambolão) e o Eucalyptus spp. (Eucalipto). O órgão vegetal mais usado das plantas medicinais catalogadas foram as folhas, sendo as mesmas utilizadas na forma de chás.
DIRECTIONS OF ALTERNATIVE STOCK MARKET INCREASE OF MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF DOMESTIC COMPANIES
Authors: Volchkov O.Ye.
Published: August 2018

The article reveals the need to create alternative stock market that would open access to participation in the SME. Based on the experience of alternative securities markets in Europe, conclusions regarding the need for a stock exchange available to wider circles of consumers to increase their own capitalization and support the domestic stock market. In times of severe economic crisis, support for small and medium businesses is extremely important in Ukraine. One of the effective mechanisms for increasing the capitalization of enterprises is the attraction of stock exchange instruments in the stock market. But given the fact that the domestic stock market is in a systemic decline, most Ukrainian enterprises (especially those strategically important for the country's destinations, such as enterprises of the agro-industrial, metallurgical and mines-mining complex) choose foreign exchange platforms, in particular Warsaw (WSE) and London (LSE) Stock Exchanges. Due to the attraction of additional funds on foreign stock sites, Ukrainian companies managed to achieve a significant increase in their own capitalization. Today, the necessity of creating an alternative stock market in Ukraine is extremely important. This will provide an opportunity for the following: raising the level of development of the stock market of Ukraine; raising the popularity of stock instruments among enterprises and the population, which will provide preconditions for attracting temporarily free funds for the purpose of investing in the securities market; raising the capitalization of domestic enterprises through the attraction of exchange instruments; the emergence of opportunities for new small and medium-sized businesses to become involved in the stock sector; attraction of small and medium enterprises to the stock sector will make business in Ukraine more transparent, and more attractive both for domestic and foreign investors.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF 3D PRINTING CONSTRUCTION MIXES DEPENDING ON THERMALLYMODIFIED PEAT ADDITIVE
Authors: Dem'yanenko O. V. , Kopanitsa N. O. , Sorokina E. A.
Published: August 2018

The paper presents the research results on the development of scientifically valid compositions of 3D printing construction mixes with improved performance characteristics. To regulate the physical, mechanical and technological properties of cement-based mixes, thermallymodified peat additive MT-600 is developed. The paper studies the world experience in the construction additive technology field. The experimental results are presented for cement paste and construction mixes with MT-600 additive for 3D printing. It is established that using the proposed fine additive increases the strength of the cement paste at early stages of hardening, which is the determining factor in the formation of building and technical characteristics for 3D printing. The X-ray phase analysis is carried out for the new composition of cement paste modified with MT-600 additive, which allows studying characteristics of the structure and properties of construction mixes during the hardening process.
Launching a new brand of women’s underwear
Authors:   University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Clothing Technology, Kojundzic Ivana , Grilec Alica ,   University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Clothing Technology, Dolezal Ksenija ,   University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Clothing Technology, Sabaric Irena ,   University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Clothing Technology
Published: August 2018

Women’s underwear plays a significant role in everyday clothing. Underwear serves a number of equally important purposes. High aesthetic requirements have to be fulfilled as well as those of protection and comfort. Therefore, the idea of launching a new fashion brand of women’s underwear is presented in this paper. The main purpose of the paper is the description of the development of a new brand of luxury underwear including the introduction of several economic phases which are cover mission, vision, brand goal, SWOT analysis and 7P marketing mix.
Wissen und Macht statt Ideologie und Interesse
Authors: Link Jürgen
Published: August 2018

The paper considers, in its first part, Foucault's earlier epistemological critique of Marx ("lack of an epistemological incision", "empirico-trancendental doublet", "naive realism"). In this context, the complex of "ideology" is considered from a discourse theoretical point of view. It is argued that a clear insight into the materiality of discourses and of subjectivizations is actually lacking in Marx. Within the second part of the paper, a sort of change of direction of the criticism is suggested: It seems evident that Foucault's way of reading Marx, before 1968, proves superficial and blind towards the crucial epistemological innovations which are characterized as "cyclological" and situated within a logic of reproduction, going beyond the dichotomy of the "empiricotranscentental doublet".
Ein anderer Blick auf die Subprime-Krise
Authors: Marcuse Peter
Published: August 2018

What is called the "subprime mortgage crisis" reflects an underlying crisis in the housing system: the inability of the market to provide adequate and affordable housing for large numbers of Americans. Household income is too low, and profit expectations by the private housing market are too high. Until today, this problem was met by government programs that tried to maintain the two causes of that inadequacy: promoting for lower-income households private home ownership, in homes supplied by the private market. Re-regulation of this market or mild answers like relief for distressed homeowners won't solve the problem. A radical change is needed. At the ideological level we need an educational campaign to illuminate the limits of home "ownership" and the range of available alternatives. At the economical level public financing has to cover the gap between even regulated housing costs and ability to pay until adequate incomes are guaranteed.
How Does Sowing Rate Affect Plant and Stem Density, Forage Yield, and Nutritive Value in Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa?
Authors: Berti Marisol T. , Samarappuli Dulan
Published: August 2018

The recommended sowing rate of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is about 10 kg pure live seed ha−1, but it is debated if increasing the sowing rate enhances forage yield and quality in the sowing year. This study was conducted to: (i) determine the optimal sowing rate to maximize forage yield; and (ii) determine the relationship between plant and stem density with forage yield and nutritive value. Experiments were conducted at three sites in North Dakota between 2013 and 2016. Six sowing rates [1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg ha−1 pure live seed (PLS)] were evaluated. Results indicated that total forage yield in the sowing year was lower only with the lowest sowing rate. Maximum total forage yield in the sowing, first, second, and third production years was obtained with 73, 52, 37, and 36 plants m−2 and 575, 495, 435, and 427 stems m−2, respectively. In the sowing and first production year, both plant and stem density predicted forage yield similarly. In older stands, stem density predicted forage yield slightly better. Forage nutritive value was similar among sowing rates indicating an increase in sowing rate does not enhance forage nutritive value. In conclusion, increasing the sowing rate above the recommended rate (10 kg PLS ha−1) does not increase forage yield or quality.
Physiological Roles of Plant Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases in Redox Homeostasis and Signaling
Authors: Rey Pascal , Tarrago Lionel
Published: August 2018

Oxidation of methionine (Met) leads to the formation of two S- and R-diastereoisomers of Met sulfoxide (MetO) that are reduced back to Met by methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs), A and B, respectively. Here, we review the current knowledge about the physiological functions of plant MSRs in relation with subcellular and tissue distribution, expression patterns, mutant phenotypes, and possible targets. The data gained from modified lines of plant models and crop species indicate that MSRs play protective roles upon abiotic and biotic environmental constraints. They also participate in the control of the ageing process, as shown in seeds subjected to adverse conditions. Significant advances were achieved towards understanding how MSRs could fulfil these functions via the identification of partners among Met-rich or MetO-containing proteins, notably by using redox proteomic approaches. In addition to a global protective role against oxidative damage in proteins, plant MSRs could specifically preserve the activity of stress responsive effectors such as glutathione-S-transferases and chaperones. Moreover, several lines of evidence indicate that MSRs fulfil key signaling roles via interplays with Ca2+- and phosphorylation-dependent cascades, thus transmitting ROS-related information in transduction pathways.
Effect of Different Cooking Methods on Polyphenols, Carotenoids and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Edible Leaves
Authors: Gunathilake K. D. Prasanna P. , Ranaweera K. K. D. Somathilaka , Rupasinghe H. P. Vasantha
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cooking (boiling, steaming, and frying) on polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidant activity of six edible leaves. The total antioxidant capacity of the fresh and cooked leaves was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and singlet oxygen scavenging assays. The results revealed that frying caused a reduction in major bioactives and antioxidant activities in all leafy vegetables tested. However, steamed and boiled leaves of C. auriculata and C. asiatica have shown greater levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity compared with fresh leaves. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents of boiled S. grandiflora and G. lactiferum were higher than that of their fresh form. Boiled and steamed O. zeylanica and S. grandiflora have shown higher carotenoids. Boiled and steamed leaves of P. edulis have shown higher antioxidant activity. The impact of cooking on the changes in bioactive concentrations and antioxidant capacities are dependent on the species and the method of cooking.
Propagation Characteristics of a Twisted Cosine-Gaussian Correlated Radially Polarized Beam
Authors: Zhang Jipeng , Wang Jing , Huang Hongkun , Wang Haiyan , Zhu Shijun , Li Zhenhua , Lu Jian
Published: August 2018

Recently, partially coherent beams with twist phases have attracted growing interest due to their nontrivial dynamic characteristics. In this work, the propagation characteristics of a twisted cosine-Gaussian correlated radially polarized beam such as the spectral intensity, the spectral degree of coherence, the degree of polarization, the state of polarization, and the spectral change are investigated in detail. Due to the presence of the twisted phase, the beam spot, the degree of coherence, and the state of polarization experience rotation during transmission, but the degree of polarization is not twisted. Meanwhile, although their rotation speeds closely depend on the value of the twist factor, they all undergo a rotation of π / 2 when they reach the focal plane. Furthermore, the effect of the twist phase on the spectral change is similar to the coherence, which is achieved by modulating the spectral density distribution during transmission. The twist phase opens up a useful guideline for manipulation of novel vector structure beams and enriches potential applications in the field of beam shaping, optical tweezers, optical imaging, and free space optical communications.
Part Qualification Methodology for Composite Aircraft Components Using Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Authors: Esola Shane , Wisner Brian J. , Vanniamparambil Prashanth Abraham , Geriguis John , Kontsos Antonios
Published: August 2018

The research presented in this article aims to demonstrate how acoustic emission (AE) monitoring can be implemented in an industrial setting to assist with part qualification, as mandated by related industry standards. The combined structural and nondestructive evaluation method presented departs from the traditional pass/fail criteria used for part qualification, and contributes toward a multi-dimensional assessment by taking advantage of AE data recorded during structural testing. To demonstrate the application of this method, 16 composite fixed-wing-aircraft spars were tested using a structural loading sequence designed around a manufacturer-specified design limit load (DLL). Increasing mechanical loads, expressed as a function of DLL were applied in a load-unload-reload pattern so that AE activity trends could be evaluated. In particular, the widely used Felicity ratio (FR) was calculated in conjunction with specific AE data post-processing, which allowed for spar test classification in terms of apparent damage behavior. To support such analysis and to identify damage critical regions in the spars, AE activity location analysis was also employed. Furthermore, recorded AE data were used to perform statistical analysis to demonstrate how AE datasets collected during part qualification could augment testing conclusions by providing additional information as compared to traditional strength testing frequently employed e.g., in the aerospace industry. In this context, AE data post-processing is presented in conjunction with ultimate strength information, and it is generally shown that the incorporation of AE monitoring is justified in such critical part qualification testing procedures.
European Cyberpunk Cinema
Authors: Merás Lidia
Published: August 2018

Renaissance (2006) and Metropia (2009) are two illustrative examples of European cyberpunk cinema of the 2000s. This article will consider the films as representative of contemporary trends in European popular filmmaking. As digital animations aimed at adult audiences and co-produced with other European countries, they epitomise a type of European film. In addition, they share a number of narrative premises. Set in the near future, Renaissance and Metropia depict a dystopian Europe. Recycling motifs from non-European science fiction classics, they share similar concerns with interconnectivity, surveillance, immigration, class, the representation of women, as well as the obsession with beauty and physical perfection. This article will analyse their themes and aesthetics in order to explore how European popular cinema promotes a certain idea of European cultural identity within the limits of an industry whose products are targeted at a global market.
Dynamic Ensemble Analysis of Frontal Placement Impacts in the Presence of Elevated Thunderstorms during PRECIP Events
Authors: Kastman Joshua , Market Patrick , Fox Neil
Published: August 2018

The Program for Research on Elevated Convection with Intense Precipitation (PRECIP) field campaign sampled 10 cases of elevated convection during 2014 and 2015. These intense observing periods (IOP) mostly featured well-defined stationary or warm frontal zones, over whose inversion elevated convection would form. However, not all frontal zones translated as expected, with some poleward motions being arrested and even returning equatorward. Prior analyses of the observed data highlighted the downdrafts in these events, especially diagnostics for their behavior: the downdraft convective available potential energy (DCAPE) and the downdraft convective inhibition (DCIN). With the current study, the DCAPE and DCIN are examined for four cases: two where frontal motion proceeded poleward, as expected, and two where the frontal motions were slowed significantly or stalled altogether. Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, a multi-model ensemble was created for each of the four cases, and the best performing members were selected for additional deterministic examination. Analyses of frontal motions and surface cold pools are explored in the context of DCAPE and DCIN. These analyses further establish the DCAPE and DCIN, not only as a means to classify elevated convection, but also to aid in explaining frontal motions in the presence of elevated convection.
Graphene Nanoribbon as Potential On-Chip Interconnect Material—A Review
Authors: Hazra Arnab , Basu Sukumar
Published: August 2018

In recent years, on-chip interconnects have been considered as one of the most challenging areas in ultra-large scale integration. In ultra-small feature size, the interconnect delay becomes more pronounced than the gate delay. The continuous scaling of interconnects introduces significant parasitic effects. The resistivity of interconnects increases because of the grain boundary scattering and side wall scattering of electrons. An increased Joule heating and the low current carrying capability of interconnects in a nano-scale dimension make it unreliable for future technology. The devices resistivity and reliability have become more and more serious problems for choosing the best interconnect materials, like Cu, W, and others. Because of its remarkable electrical and its other properties, graphene becomes a reliable candidate for next-generation interconnects. Graphene is the lowest resistivity material with a high current density, large mean free path, and high electron mobility. For practical implementation, narrow width graphene sheet or graphene nanoribbon (GNR) is the most suitable interconnect material. However, the geometric structure changes the electrical property of GNR to a small extent compared to the ideal behavior of graphene film. In the current article, the structural and electrical properties of single and multilayer GNRs are discussed in detail. Also, the fabrication techniques are discussed so as to pattern the graphene nanoribbons for interconnect application and measurement. A circuit modeling of the resistive-inductive-capacitive distributed network for multilayer GNR interconnects is incorporated in the article, and the corresponding simulated results are compared with the measured data. The performance of GNR interconnects is discussed from the view of the resistivity, resistive-capacitive delay, energy delay product, crosstalk effect, stability analysis, and so on. The performance of GNR interconnects is well compared with the conventional interconnects, like Cu, and other futuristic potential materials, like carbon nanotube and doped GNRs, for different technology nodes of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS).
Influence of SiO2 Particles on the Corrosion and Wear Resistance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation-Coated AM50 Mg Alloy
Authors: Lu Xiaopeng , Chen Yan , Blawert Carsten , Li Yan , Zhang Tao , Wang Fuhui , Kainer Karl Ulrich , Zheludkevich Mikhail
Published: August 2018

The influence of SiO2 particles on the microstructure, phase composition, corrosion and wear performance of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on AM50 Mg was investigated. Different treatment durations were applied to fabricate coatings in an alkaline, phosphate-based electrolyte (1 g/L KOH + 20 g/L Na3PO4 + 5 g/L SiO2), aiming to control the incorporated amount of SiO2 particles in the layer. It was found that the uptake of particles was accompanied by the coating growth at the initial stage, while the particle content remained unchanged at the final stage, which is dissimilar to the evolution of the coating thickness. The incorporation mode of the particles and phase composition of the layer was not affected by the treatment duration under the voltage-control regime. The corrosion performance of the coating mainly depends on the barrier property of the inner layer, while wear resistance primarily relies on the coating thickness.
Microstructure and Phase Transformation Analysis of Ni50−xTi50Lax Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Li Weiya , Zhao Chunwang
Published: August 2018

The microstructure and martensitic transformation behavior of Ni50−xTi50Lax (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) shape memory alloys were investigated experimentally. Results show that the microstructure of Ni50−xTi50Lax alloys consists of a near-equiatomic TiNi matrix, LaNi precipitates, and Ti2Ni precipitates. With increasing La content, the amounts of LaNi and Ti2Ni precipitates demonstrate an increasing tendency. The martensitic transformation start temperature increases gradually with increasing La content. The Ni content is mainly responsible for the change in martensite transformation behavior in Ni50−xTi50Lax alloys.
A Revisit to the Notation of Martensitic Crystallography
Authors: Gao Yipeng
Published: August 2018

As one of the most successful crystallographic theories for phase transformations, martensitic crystallography has been widely applied in understanding and predicting the microstructural features associated with structural phase transformations. In a narrow sense, it was initially developed based on the concepts of lattice correspondence and invariant plane strain condition, which is formulated in a continuum form through linear algebra. However, the scope of martensitic crystallography has since been extended; for example, group theory and graph theory have been introduced to capture the crystallographic phenomena originating from lattice discreteness. In order to establish a general and rigorous theoretical framework, we suggest a new notation system for martensitic crystallography. The new notation system combines the original formulation of martensitic crystallography and Dirac notation, which provides a concise and flexible way to understand the crystallographic nature of martensitic transformations with a potential extensionality. A number of key results in martensitic crystallography are reexamined and generalized through the new notation.
The Effects of Mo and Nb on the Microstructures and Properties of CrFeCoNi(Nb,Mo) Alloys
Authors: Tsau Chun-Huei , Tsai Meng-Chi
Published: August 2018

The effects of niobium and molybdenum additions on the microstructures, hardness and corrosion behaviors of CrFeCoNi(Nb,Mo) alloys were investigated. All of the CrFeCoNi(Nb,Mo) alloys displayed dendritic microstructures. The dendrites of CrFeCoNiNb and CrFeCoNiNb0.5Mo0.5 alloys were a hexagonal close packing (HCP) phase and the interdendrites were a eutectic structure of HCP and face-centered cubic (FCC) phases. Additionally, the dendrites of CrFeCoNiMo alloys were a simple cubic (SC) phase and the interdendrites were a eutectic structure of SC and FCC phases. The volume fraction of dendrites and interdendrites in these alloys were calculated. The influences of the volume fraction of dendrite in the alloys on the overall hardness were also discussed. The CrFeCoNiNb alloy had the larger volume fraction of dendrite and thus had the highest hardness among these alloys. The CrFeCoNi(Nb,Mo) alloys also showed better corrosion resistances in 1 M H2SO4 and 1 M NaCl solutions by comparing with commercial 304 stainless steel. The CrFeCoNiNb0.5Mo0.5 alloy possessed the best corrosion resistances in these solutions among the CrFeCoNi(Nb,Mo) alloys.
Improved Neutral-Point Voltage-Shifting Strategy for Power Balancing in Cascaded NPC/H-Bridge Inverter
Authors: Kang Jin-Wook , Hyun Seung-Wook , Ha Jae-Ok , Won Chung-Yuen
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates the fault-tolerance control of a multilevel cascaded NPC/H-bridge (CNHB) inverter. The fault-tolerance control method has been widely used for multilevel inverters, such as the neutral-point voltage-shifting control, which can operate for a certain period of time by compensating for the phase voltage of a faulty stack even if one stack is broken. Even though the three-phase equilibrium is maintained in the case of failure by using the conventional neutral-point voltage-shifting control, an imbalance in the output power occurs between each stack, which causes problems for maintenance and lifetime. Therefore, this paper proposes a fault-tolerance control that can maintain three-phase equilibrium in a case of stack failures and minimize power imbalances between the stacks. The problem of the conventional neutral-point voltage-shifting control is presented based on the output power. In addition, the power imbalance is improved by performing selective neutral-point voltage-shifting control according to the reference voltage range. To verify the principle and feasibility of the proposed neutral-point voltage-shifting control method, a simulation and an experiment are implemented with the CNHB inverter.
Detection and Frequency Estimation of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Signals Based on Channelized Modulated Wideband Converters
Authors: Lei Ziwei , Yang Peng , Zheng Linhua
Published: August 2018

It is challenging to detect and track frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) signals due to their wideband frequencies and the limitations of current hardware. In the implementation, there has been a trend of conducting compressive sensing for blind signal processing of FHSS signals. The modulated wideband converter (MWC) is a type of sub-Nyquist sampling system, which accomplishes the recovery of highly accurate broadband sparse signals by multichannel sub-Nyquist sampling sequences. However, it is difficult to adjust MWC to FHSS signals, because the support set and sparsity change with the hop. In this paper, we propose a channelized MWC scheme in order to solve these problems. First, the proposed method distributes the sub-bands to different channels. We can derive and refresh the frequency support set rapidly without recovery. Secondly, by reconstructing the low-pass filter and decimation, we reduced the computational cost to 1/m as the traditional m-channel MWC scheme, where m is the number of channels. Moreover, we propose a series of strategies to estimate carrier frequency. The numerical simulations show that our method can detect the channel, which contains FHSS signals in the case of a low signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, the estimation method leads to the successful estimation of the FHSS carrier frequency. This indicates that our method is also effective in the broadband non-cooperative spectrum sensing.
Landscape Planning—Paving the Way for Effective Conservation of Forest Biodiversity and a Diverse Forestry?
Authors: Michanek Gabriel , Bostedt Göran , Ekvall Hans , Forsberg Maria , Hof Anouschka , De Jong Johnny , Rudolphi Jörgen , Zabel Astrid
Published: August 2018

Globally, intensive forestry has led to habitat degradation and fragmentation of the forest landscape. Taking Sweden as an example, this development is contradictory to international commitments, EU obligations, and to the fulfillment of the Parliament’s environmental quality objective “Living Forests”, which according to Naturvårdsverket (The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency) will not be achieved in 2020 as stipulated. One important reason for the implementation deficit is the fragmented forestry management. In a forest landscape, felling and other measures are conducted at different times on separate forest stands (often relatively small units) by different operators. Consequently, the authorities take case by case decisions on felling restrictions for conservation purposes. In contrast, conservation biology research indicates a need for a broad geographical and strategical approach in order to, in good time, select the most appropriate habitats for conservation and to provide for a functioning connectivity between different habitats. In line with the EU Commission, we argue that landscape forestry planning could be a useful instrument to achieve ecological functionality in a large area. Landscape planning may also contribute to the fulfilment of Sweden’s climate and energy policy, by indicating forest areas with insignificant conservation values, where intensive forestry may be performed for biomass production etc. Forest owners should be involved in the planning and would, under certain circumstances, be entitled to compensation. As state resources for providing compensation are scarce, an alternative could be to introduce a tax-fund system within the forestry sector. Such a system may open for voluntary agreements between forest owners for the protection of habitats within a large area.
Mobility Range of a Cable Skidder for Timber Extraction on Sloped Terrain
Authors: Đuka Andreja , Poršinsky Tomislav , Pentek Tibor , Pandur Zdravko , Vusić Dinko , Papa Ivica
Published: August 2018

The use of forestry vehicles in mechanised harvesting systems is still the most effective way of timber procurement, and forestry vehicles need to have high mobility to face various terrain conditions. This research gives boundaries of planning timber extraction on sloped terrain with a cable skidder, considering terrain parameters (slope, direction of skidding, cone index), vehicle technical characteristics and load size (5 different loads) relying on sustainability and eco-efficiency. Skidder mobility model was based on connecting two systems: vehicle-terrain (load distribution) and wheel-soil (skidder traction performance) with two mobility parameters: (1) maximal slope during uphill timber extraction by a cable skidder based on its traction performance (gradeability), and (2) maximal slope during downhill timber extraction by a cable skidder when thrust force is equal to zero. Results showed mobility ranges of an empty skidder for slopes between −50% and +80%, skidder with 1 tonne load between −26% and +63%, skidder with 2 tonne load between −30% and +51%, skidder with 3 tonne load between −34% and +39%, skidder with 4 tonne load between −35% and +30% and skidder with 5 tonne load between −41% and +11%.These results serve to improve our understanding of safer, more efficient timber extraction methods on sloped terrain.
Moisture Absorption and Opacity of Starch-Based Biocomposites Reinforced with Cellulose Fiber from Bengkoang
Authors: Hafizulhaq Fadli , Abral Hairul , Kasim Anwar , Arief Syukri , Affi Jon
Published: August 2018

Cellulose fiber was isolated from bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus) tuber peel. A suspension consisting of distilled water, starch, and glycerol was mixed with various cellulose loadings (0, 2, 6, and 10 g) then gelatinized using a hot plate with a magnetic stirrer. The biocomposite gel was sonicated using an ultrasonication probe (47.78 W/cm2 for 4 min). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs for the fracture surface of resulting biocomposite films displayed a rougher surface than starch film, indicating fiber dispersion in the matrix. The opacity and moisture resistance of biocomposite films increased with the addition of cellulose. The opacity was at a maximum value (243.05 AUnm) with 10 g fiber, which was 11.27% higher than the starch film without cellulose. Moisture absorption of this biocomposite was 16.79% lower than the starch film. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed this more hydrophobic nature with lower transmittance at –OH stretching in the composite than the starch film. The addition of cellulose fiber into the matrix also increased the crystallinity index.
Production, Quality, and Acceptance of Tempeh and White Bean Tempeh Burgers
Authors: Vital Rayane J. , Bassinello Priscila Z. , Cruz Quédma A. , Carvalho Rosângela N. , De Paiva Júlia C. M. , Colombo Aline O.
Published: August 2018

The food industry has been challenged to develop new healthy food products. Tempeh, originating in Indonesia and produced by fungal fermentation, would be an alternative healthy food for the Brazilian population. This study was designed to produce white bean (cv BRS Ártico) tempeh burger, to determine and compare its nutritional and sensory properties with conventional soybean-based tempeh burger. The production and the analyses of proximal composition and microbiological contamination were determined in the tempeh, following reference methods. For the sensory analysis, a nine-point hedonic scale test was performed with 82 untrained evaluators, and at the end, a question of purchase intent was answered. The results indicated significant differences in the nutritional value of the tempehs, which is justified by the difference in the composition of the raw materials used. The samples did not present a risk of microbiological contamination for consumption. The white bean tempeh burgers showed similar appearance and crispy consistency, but received lower scores for flavor, compared to the soybean burgers, probably due to their residual beany flavor. The beany flavor could be minimized by increasing the cooking time of the beans. White bean tempeh can be a good alternative for healthy eating, and its manufacture could promote the production of new products made from beans, giving a new focus to the Brazilians’ traditional food. It is still necessary to improve the techniques of production and test new ingredients for the preparation of tempeh burgers to obtain higher acceptability.