bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bottom Crack Detection with Real-Time Signal Amplitude Correction Using EMAT-PEC Composite Sensor
Authors: Guo Yizhou , Hu Yu , Wang Kai , Song Yini , Feng Bo , Kang Yihua , Duan Zhaoqi
Published: August 2024

During electromagnetic ultrasonic testing, it is difficult to recognize small-size bottom cracks by time of flight (ToF), and the lift-off fluctuation of the probe affects the accuracy and consistency of the inspection results. In order to overcome the difficulty, a novel composite sensor of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) and pulse eddy current (PEC) is designed. We use the amplitude of a bottom echo recorded by EMAT to identify the tiny bottom crack as well as the amplitude of PEC signals picked up by the integrated symmetric coils to measure the average lift-off of the probe in real time. Firstly, the effects of lift-off and bottom cracks on the amplitude of bottom echo are distinguished by combining the theoretical analysis and finite element method (FEM). And then an amplitude correction method based on the fusion of EMAT and PEC signals is proposed to reduce the impact of lift-off on the defect signal. The experimental results demonstrate that the designed composite sensor can effectively detect a bottom crack as small as 0.1 mm × 0.3 mm. The signal fusion method can accurately correct the amplitude of defect signals and the relative error is less than ±8%.
Absolute and Relative Reliability of Spatiotemporal Gait Characteristics Extracted from an Inertial Measurement Unit among Senior Adults Using a Passive Hip Exoskeleton: A Test–Retest Study
Authors: Pîrșcoveanu Cristina-Ioana , Oliveira Anderson Souza , Franch Jesper , Madeleine Pascal
Published: August 2024

Background: Seniors wearing a passive hip exoskeleton (Exo) show increased walking speed and step length but reduced cadence. We assessed the test–retest reliability of seniors’ gait characteristics with Exo. Methods: Twenty seniors walked with and without Exo (noExo) on a 10 m indoor track over two sessions separated by one week. Speed, step length, cadence and step time variability were extracted from one inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed over the L5 vertebra. Relative and absolute reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Results: The relative reliability of speed, step length, cadence and step time variability ranged from “almost perfect to substantial” for Exo and noExo with ICC values between 0.75 and 0.87 and 0.60 and 0.92, respectively. The SEM and MDC values for speed, step length cadence and step time variability during Exo and noExo were <0.002 and <0.006 m/s, <0.002 and <0.005 m, <0.30 and <0.83 steps/min and <0.38 s and <1.06 s, respectively. Conclusions: The high test–retest reliability of speed, step length and cadence estimated from IMU suggest a robust extraction of spatiotemporal gait characteristics during exoskeleton use. These findings indicate that IMUs can be used to assess the effects of wearing an exoskeleton on seniors, thus offering the possibility of conducting longitudinal studies.
Mix-VIO: A Visual Inertial Odometry Based on a Hybrid Tracking Strategy
Authors: Yuan Huayu , Han Ke , Lou Boyang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we proposed Mix-VIO, a monocular and binocular visual-inertial odometry, to address the issue where conventional visual front-end tracking often fails under dynamic lighting and image blur conditions. Mix-VIO adopts a hybrid tracking approach, combining traditional handcrafted tracking techniques with Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based feature extraction and matching pipelines. The system employs deep learning methods for rapid feature point detection, while integrating traditional optical flow methods and deep learning-based sparse feature matching methods to enhance front-end tracking performance under rapid camera motion and environmental illumination changes. In the back-end, we utilize sliding window and bundle adjustment (BA) techniques for local map optimization and pose estimation. We conduct extensive experimental validations of the hybrid feature extraction and matching methods, demonstrating the system’s capability to maintain optimal tracking results under illumination changes and image blur.
Explainable Deep Learning-Based Feature Selection and Intrusion Detection Method on the Internet of Things
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Liu Minyao , Wang Zixuan , Wang Yun
Published: August 2024

With the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things, network security has garnered increasing attention from researchers. Applying deep learning (DL) has significantly enhanced the performance of Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs). However, due to its complexity and “black box” problem, deploying DL-based NIDS models in practical scenarios poses several challenges, including model interpretability and being lightweight. Feature selection (FS) in DL models plays a crucial role in minimizing model parameters and decreasing computational overheads while enhancing NIDS performance. Hence, selecting effective features remains a pivotal concern for NIDSs. In light of this, this paper proposes an interpretable feature selection method for encrypted traffic intrusion detection based on SHAP and causality principles. This approach utilizes the results of model interpretation for feature selection to reduce feature count while ensuring model reliability. We evaluate and validate our proposed method on two public network traffic datasets, CICIDS2017 and NSL-KDD, employing both a CNN and a random forest (RF). Experimental results demonstrate superior performance achieved by our proposed method.
Exploring the Role of Farmer-Led Jumpstarting Project on Adoption of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Nigeria: Implications on Productivity and Poverty
Authors: Kolapo Adetomiwa , Tijani Akeem Abiade , Olawuyi Seyi Olalekan
Published: August 2024

To promote the adoption of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) among the farmers, OFSP was introduced to the farmers through a program tagged “Jumpstarting Project” (JP), a West African project initiative of Harvestplus and its partners, which was implemented in Osun and Kwara States, in Nigeria. Using household-level data in Nigeria, this paper examined how the intervention of a farmer-led multiplication–dissemination Jumpstarting Project has sustained the adoption of OFSP after years of its implementation and the consequent impact of adoption on productivity and welfare of the farmers. Our main empirical findings are as follows. First, the implementation of the Jumpstarting Project in project communities of Osun and Kwara States shows that the adoption of OFSP has increased and has been sustained over the years. Furthermore, the result of the propensity score matching confirms possible spillover between project communities and control groups. Second, estimation from the endogenous treatment effect indicates that the estimated average treatment effects on the treated indicates a yield gain for the adopters of OFSP. Third, the result of the average treatment effects on the treated from the endogenous switching probit model shows that the probability of being poor in the households that adopted OFSP would be 5.3% more if these households did not adopt OFSP. Our results suggest that immediate replication and scaling up of the Jumpstarting Project in other states in Nigeria should be implemented. This study demonstrates that to ensure the diffusion and adoption of improved technologies such as OFSP, intervention projects that promote the adoption of these technologies have a greater role to play.
Assessing the Interplay of Financial Development, Human Capital, Democracy, and Industry 5.0 in Environmental Dynamics
Authors: Muzaffar Mahvish , Ghouse Ghulam , Alahmad Fahad Abdulrahman
Published: August 2024

The anthropogenically induced ecological resource exploitation surpasses the Earth’s regenerative capacity and has resulted in ecological bankruptcy. Conceding that, the United Nations mandates environmental restoration by 2030. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to orchestrate a hybrid framework by modulating the Quintuple Helix Model into an Anthropomorphized Stochastic Quintuple Helix Model (ASQHM). This model introduces human behavior and allows for hypothesis testing. ASQHM stipulates that the propensity of espoused eco-innovation aimed at environmental restoration is contingent upon five composite helices: human capital, democracy, Industry 5.0, media, and pro-environmental human behavior. In addition, financial development has been deemed imperative to facilitate these variables, which were considered stakeholders in this study. To fill gaps in the literature, three variables, namely democracy, Industry 5.0, and pro-environmental human behavior (PEHB), are formed through principal component analysis. This panel data study employs the Generalized Methods of Moments model to compute the ASQHM for developed and less developed countries from 1995 to 2022. The results imply that the first helix (human capital) levitates environmental restoration in developed countries (DCs) but yields the opposite in less developed countries (LDCs). Democracy, Industry 5.0, and information and communication technology helices demonstrate a solicited negative relationship with ecological footprints in both panels, thus supplementing environmental restoration. The fifth helix, PEHB, escalates ecological footprints in DCs; however, it abets environmental restoration in LDCs. The postulated ASQHM “partially” works in DCs and LDCs, rejecting its hypothesized role in the former group while confirming it in the latter group. Astonishingly, DCs fall short of the requisite PEHB (fifth helix), and LDCs do not have the at-par human capital (first helix) to reduce ecological footprints, catalyze eco-innovation, and partake in the environmental restoration process. Despite slight discrepancies in both panels, these findings validate the effectiveness of this hybrid ASQHM as a decisive determinant of environmental restoration. Based on the findings, this study also suggests practical policies.
Multi-Q Cubic Bipolar Fuzzy Soft Sets and Cosine Similarity Methods for Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Alqablan Khawla Abdullah , Alsager Kholood Mohammad
Published: August 2024

This study introduces a novel mathematical tool for representing imprecise and ambiguous data: the multi-q cubic bipolar fuzzy soft set. Building upon established bipolar fuzzy sets and soft sets, this paper fist defines the concept of multi-q cubic bipolar fuzzy sets and their fundamental properties. Mathematical operations such as complement, union, and intersection are then developed for these sets. The core contribution lies in the introduction of multi-q cubic bipolar fuzzy soft sets. This new tool allows for a more nuanced representation of imprecise data compared to existing approaches. Key operations for manipulating these sets, including complement, restriction, and expansion, are defined. The applicability of multi-q cubic bipolar fuzzy soft sets extends to various domains, including multi-criteria decision making and problem solving. Illustrative examples demonstrate the practical utility of this innovative concept.
Sylvatic Mosquito Viromes in the Cerrado Biome of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Discovery of New Viruses and Implications for Arbovirus Transmission
Authors: Maia Luis Janssen , Silva Arthur Batista , Oliveira Cirilo Henrique de , Campos Fabricio Souza , Silva Leonardo Assis da , Abreu Filipe Vieira Santos de , Ribeiro Bergmann Morais
Published: August 2024

Studies on animal virome have mainly concentrated on chordates and medically significant invertebrates, often overlooking sylvatic mosquitoes, constituting a major part of mosquito species diversity. Despite their potential role in arbovirus transmission, the viromes of sylvatic mosquitoes remain largely unexplored. These mosquitoes may also harbor insect-specific viruses (ISVs), affecting arboviral transmission dynamics. The Cerrado biome, known for rapid deforestation and its status as a biodiversity hotspot, offers an ideal setting for investigating mosquito viromes due to potential zoonotic spillover risks from land use changes. This study aimed to characterize the viromes of sylvatic mosquitoes collected from various locations within Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The total RNA was extracted from mosquito pools of Psorophora albipes, Sabethes albiprivus, Sa. chloropterus, Psorophora ferox, and Coquillettidia venezuelensis species, followed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Bioinformatic analysis included quality control, contig assembly, and viral detection. Sequencing data analysis revealed 11 near-complete viral genomes (new viruses are indicated with asterisks) across seven viral families and one unassigned genus. These included: Xinmoviridae (Ferox mosquito mononega-like virus* and Albipes mosquito Gordis-like virus*), Phasmaviridae (Sabethes albiprivus phasmavirus*), Lispiviridae (Pedras lispivirus variant MG), Iflaviridae (Sabethes albiprivus iflavivirus*), Virgaviridae (Buriti virga-like virus variant MG and Sabethes albiprivus virgavirus 1*), Flaviviridae (Psorophora ferox flavivirus*), Mesoniviridae (Alphamesonivirus cavallyense variant MG), and the genus Negevirus (Biggie virus variant MG virus and Coquillettidia venezuelensis negevirus*). Moreover, the presence of ISVs and potential novel arboviruses underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and control strategies to mitigate the risk of emerging infectious diseases.
Engineering Regulation of the Weird Branches in a Branching Estuary and its Mechanics: Using the North Branch of the Yangtze Estuary as an Example
Authors: Hu Dechao , Cui Zhanfeng , Zeng Xin , Zhou Jianyin , Yuan Yuan
Published: August 2024

Weird horizontal shapes of branches, in large branching estuaries, often cause significant flood risks and environment-related problems. People usually resort to engineering methods to improve the horizontal shape of the weird branches and solve related issues. The responses of the riverbed evolution of a branching estuary to anthropogenic activity are complicated because of complex estuarine hydrodynamics and sediment transports, especially when the project locates specially (e.g., at estuary outlets). The North Branch of the Yangtze Estuary has a narrow upper reach which is almost orthogonal to the South Branch and has a trumpet-shaped lower reach with a wide outlet. The weird horizontal shape of the North Branch brings significant flood risks to cities along this branch, the shrinkage of its entrance, and other problems. In this study, a regulation of the North Branch, which is launched at Guyuan Sand (GYS) just outside the exit of the North Branch, is taken as an example. The GYS regulation aims to improve the weird horizontal shape of the North Branch by building new layouts of outlets, by which people decrease the flood risk of the surrounding cities. The GYS regulation is studied using a 2D numerical model. The riverbed evolution of the Yangtze Estuary in a typical hydrological year is simulated, while the water/sediment fluxes at cross-sections of branches in the estuary during a spring/neap tide are quantitatively calculated. It is found that the regulation changes the rotational flows near the shore, and further reshapes the estuarine circulations of mass inside the outlets, especially exchanges of water/sediment between different branches. The regulation directly changes the riverbed evolution at the outlet of the North Branch, and meanwhile has significant indirect influences on the riverbed evolution of the entrance of the North Branch. The varying riverbed evolution at the entrance of the North Branch and the varying water/sediment fluxes, under different designs of regulations, are related and analyzed. An essential improvement for the weird horizontal shape of the North Branch by an engineering method is shown to be possible, while the regulation mechanism of the engineering method and the response of estuarine riverbed evolution to the regulation are clarified. This study provides a new insight for improving estuarine branches with weird horizontal shapes, by reshaping the tidal processes and the accompanying sediment transports in a branching estuary.
Soil and Water Management: Practices to Mitigate Nutrient Losses in Agricultural Watersheds
Authors: Jia Lizhi
Published: August 2024

As the world’s population grows, the demand for food is increasing as never before [...]
Solutions of Stokes Second Problem for Casson Fluid over an Infinite Plate: A Comparison of the Laplace and Fourier Transforms
Authors: Ali Munsif , Haq Sami ul , Rahman Ata ur
Published: August 2024

The unsteady flow of Casson fluid over a plane wall, which is initially at rest and the plate suddenly starts oscillations in its own plane is studied by mean of Laplace transform method and Fourier transform method. The solutions are obtained as a sum of steady and transient solutions, which satisfy the governing equation and all impose initial and boundary conditions. The comparison of the solutions obtained by two integral transform methods is presented in graphical illustrations. The transient parts are found in terms of definite integrands whose integral are oscillatory function. Finally, these solutions are graphically shown and discussed.
Local da lesão e funcionalidade em pacientes acometidos por acidente vascular cerebral
Authors: Romanoski Marluza , Graciosa Gavenda Simone , Comel João Carlos
Published: August 2024

Introdução. O impacto causado na funcionalidade do paciente com Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) resulta em sequelas neurológicas e de importantes disfunção motora e cognitiva. Objetivo. Correlacionar o local e o tipo de lesão encefálica decorrente de AVC e os desfechos clínicos em pacientes internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Método. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, envolvendo pacientes acometidos por AVC e internados na UTI. Para isso, foram analisados prontuários, laudos de exames de neuroimagem e aplicada uma Escala de Mobilidade (EM) no momento da alta da UTI. Resultado. Foi observado predominância de lesão isquêmica no hemisfério esquerdo em indivíduos do sexo masculino, independente do hemisfério foi observado maior acometimento dos lobos parietal, temporal, frontal, tronco encefálico e núcleos da base. Conclusão. Destacamos a predominância de alta da UTI com a funcionalidade comprometida nos pacientes avaliados sendo que a média obtida na EM foi de 10,7±2,84, quanto mais perto de 12 maior o comprometimento funcional. Ressalta-se, que a atuação da equipe multiprofissional é de suma importância.
Thermal control of conductors
Authors: Mamontov A. , Shpiganovich A. , Shpiganovich A.
Published: August 2024

Over the past 20 years, production in Russia has grown almost 80 percent. Increasing the load, caused by the growth of the company's capacity, it requires the execution of large-section switchgear, what can be achieved by using parallel cable lines. According to Russian rules and regulations, developed by network companies, controlling the operating parameters of power plants, the current line - this is a device maid in the form of buses or wires with insulators and supporting structures, designed for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy with a power plant, substation and workshop. Their purpose was considered in the power supply system, design features, including conductive, grounded and other auxiliary live parts and building construction, control and diagnostics methods, manufaction that occur during operation of the conductor, the optimal frequency for detecting number faults is described. Thermal imaging control reviewed of flexible water-cooled conductors by voltage 0.4 kV of ladle furnace unit, conductors with voltage 10 kV as well as SF6 current conductors with voltage 110 kV. Thermograms of local heating are presented a conclusions were drawn about the impact of busbar diagnostics on the efficiency of its operation and the reasons for the occurrence of structural elements.
EVALUATION OF CALCULATION METHODS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS SUBJECTED TO BIAXIAL ACTION OF SHEAR FORCES
Authors: Shipulin S. , Belyaeva Z. , Mironova L.
Published: August 2024

The current design standards for reinforced concrete structures in the Russian Federation do not contain methods for calculating bending elements subjected to biaxial action of shear forces. However, methods for calculating such structures exist and are given in the works of domestic and foreign researchers, as well as in the design standards of past years. This article selects data on the results of 33 tests of beams subjected to action of biaxial shear forces. The results of selected tests were compared with the results of theoretical calculations of the bearing capacity of elements under the biaxial action of shear forces using various analytical methods. A brief overview of existing analytical techniques is provided. A comparison of test results and theoretical calculations is presented in tabular and graphical form. The purpose of the work is to identify existing methods for calculating reinforced concrete bended elements under biaxial action of transverse forces, allowing to obtain load-bearing capacity calculation results that are as close as possible to the test results.
INTERPRETATION AS A RESEARCH METHOD IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Authors: Vovzhenyak P. , Yarmosh T.
Published: August 2024

The architectural community, observing the negative consequences of its technocratic aspirations, reflexively comes to confusion. Architectural work is infected with search, languishes with a thirst for understanding the pressing problems of architecture, its humanistic purpose, the ability to embody and express thoughts and feelings in its inherent language, which only man, the creator and the organic component of the polysyllabic world of architecture is capable of. As a consequence, there is an interested penetration into his ideological, figurative, linguistic mysteries, involving a wide range of anthropological views. Interpretation of signs should be understood as an active process gradually approaching resolution. Various factors can influence this process: for example, contextual conditions, basic knowledge, empirical knowledge or learned practices should be mentioned. Nelson Goodman's approach has proved particularly fruitful for comparative research. Unlike the well-known previous models, Goodman can relate various sign systems to each other, since he works with a single basis, and not with special typologies. The dilemma of interpreting an architectural work without use, apparently, can only be solved by using a higher context of hidden applications that qualify an unused building as a work of architecture. Consequently, hidden contexts of use are found in areas defined by human existence. Interpretations represent only a small part of a large spectrum of the use of signs. The use of signs ranges from invention, discovery and creation through purposeful interpretation processes to everyday use. Understanding manifests itself as a continuous process, in a constant desire to master and penetrate the world, find your way and act. The results of these processes, which are a fleeting excerpt from an ongoing process, can be described as knowledge. This knowledge is now available for further attempts at understanding — provided that it is cultivated and preserved. It also explains how knowledge is lost. If there is no cognitive ability to understand, any written sign systems remain an accumulation of data or information.
BRICK “STYLE” IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN ROSTOV-ON-DON IN THE END OF THE 19TH – EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Authors: Orehov A.
Published: August 2024

The buildings of educational institutions in the period of the late XIX - early XX centuries are one of the most important elements in the formation of the architectural environment of provincial cities, including Rostov-on-Don. The buildings of gymnasiums, commercial, clerk, and technical schools often formed a kind of spatial framework of the central part of the city, being unique objects. Primary schools, which had common typical features, were part of the central core of individual residential areas, including peripheral ones. Regardless of the status and level of the educational institution, the number of students and its place in the structure of the city, most educational buildings of primary, secondary and secondary specialized education were built in the brick “style”. At the same time, it should be noted the variety of artistic techniques that determine the appearance of educational buildings of various types. In addition to the so-called “average brick “style””, more complex techniques for solving facades are widespread in the architecture of most primary schools: turning to the stylized forms of medieval and Old Russian architecture, solving classical details in brick, combining simplified geometric decor with forms in the Art Nouveau style, combining light and red brick.
INFLUENCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION THROUGH BOOKLET MEDIA ON PUBTER WOMAN KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AT PMB MURNIYATI
Authors: Azhari Irma , Widyastutik Desy , Putriningrum Rahajeng
Published: August 2024

As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), less than half of infants under the age of six months worldwide are exclusively breastfed. In Indonesia, the proportion of infants who are exclusively breastfed has remained unchanged over the past two years. The Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) indicates that the prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation was 47.4 percent in 2021 and 58.1 percent in 2022. Additionally, the data for exclusive breastfeeding among infants aged 0-5 months was 52.1 percent in 2021 and 52.2 percent in 2022 (Saragih and Istianah, 2022).
The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of health education on postpartum mothers' knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding at PMB Murniyati.
This study utilizes a quantitative research design with a quasi-experimental approach and a one-group pretest-posttest model. The sampling technique employed was total sampling, with a sample size of 30 individuals. The instrument utilized was a questionnaire designed to assess knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
The results of the study demonstrated that health education had a significant impact on postpartum mothers' knowledge and skills regarding the correct breastfeeding technique at PMB Murniyati. This was evidenced by a statistically significant difference in the pretest and posttest p-value (p < 0.05).
The findings of this study indicate that health education has a significant impact on postpartum mothers' knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding at PMB Murniyati.
Real-time Characterisation Of Dynamic Laser Fields
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Butler Thomas
Published: August 2024

"Many modern technologies rely on laser devices, in areas such as communications, sensing, and imaging. Examination and research into the fundamental operational dynamics of lasers, and characterisation of laser performance, are a crucial tool in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of laser-based applications. The development of characterisation tools is an important part of improving upon existing technologies and advancing the next generation of devices. In this work, a real-time multiheterodyne detection technique is developed which allows for the study of dynamically varying pulse trains formed by optical frequency combs."
Adding Value For An Organisation Through Employee Engagement: A Case Study Of A Temporary Workforce
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, O'Shea Hannah
Published: August 2024

Over the last 10 years, the requirement for temporary workers has shown significant increases. Casual and part-time workers, on the live register, have increased during this period from 20,752 to 71,744. In March 2013 the numbers rose to 89,798, an all-time high in Ireland (Central Statistics Office, 2014). Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important to observe how organisations undertake engagement with temporary employees. This research study focusses on the employee engagement levels of a temporary agency workforce, working in an e-commerce organisation, on behalf of a third party agency. Questionnaires were completed by 55 temporary agency workers and three direct managers. The questionnaires focussed upon engagement, commitment and inclusion levels. In addition, examined factors contributing to these, and whether or not they impacted upon improving performance and adding value to the organisation. Analysis of the findings highlighted both similarities and differences between the views and opinions that temporary agency workers and management held of employee engagement. Overall, engagement levels were high for the majority of temporary agency workers however, the degree to which they felt included and commitment was generally lower. Moreover, it was apparent that although temporary agency workers felt engaged they did not feel as committed or included as their permanent counterparts. Another key finding was that the level in which a temporary agency worker felt engaged, impacted their performance and productivity. The management opinion generally agreed with this finding however, felt that there was a lower level of commitment from the temporary workers. They also supported the view that temporary agency workers, who were engaged, had a significant part to play in adding value to the organisational success.
Ultrashort Pulse Generation In Inas Quantum Dot Semiconductors
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Finch Patrick
Published: August 2024

"In this thesis, the effect of operating two-section InAs quantum dot passively mode- locked semiconductor lasers in the random population regime is examined in detail in an attempt to achieve wide optical bandwidths and ultrashort optical pulses. It is demonstrated in this work that large increases in optical bandwidths can be observed in the random population regime. Random population was achieved with an undoped device by lowering the operating temperature to 20 K. An emission bandwidth of 27 nm was measured using an undoped device at 20 K, with corresponding pulses of 290 fs, shorter than any previously reported with a standard two-section passively mode-locked quantum dot device. In order to unlock the full potential of the random population regime and attempt to achieve the widest bandwidths and shortest pulses possible, without changes to the growth structure of the devices, a detailed study was performed on the relationship between the measured optical gain spectra, mode-locked optical emission spectra, and cavity loss as a function of temperature. By operating lasers with the same growth structure in the random population regime, it is shown that optimising the parameters intrinsic in the make-up of the laser can have a dramatic effect on the optical bandwidth and on the width of the optical pulses measured. At 80 K, for two devices with gain mediums of different lengths, a doubling of the optical bandwidth and a 30-40 % decrease in pulsewidths were observed in the longer device, compared to the shorter device. Random population in an undoped device was confirmed at 20 K, but in order to demonstrate random population at elevated temperatures, mode-locked lasers that had been doped with p and n dopants were used. It is shown that random population was achieved at 100 K with these doped devices, with optical bandwidths of 53 nm noted at this temperature. Short pulses were successfully detected with p-doped devices at elevated temperatures compared to the undoped devices. Additionally, optical bandwidths of 38 nm were observed at 300 K using n-doped quantum dot devices, more than four times the bandwidth found using undoped devices at the same temperature."
Analysis And Modelling Of Sediment Transport On The River Bandon
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Gamble John
Published: August 2024

Sediment behaviour and transport in river systems has been studied for centuries and potentially impacts on river capacity, navigation, water quality, ecology and flooding. This thesis investigates sediment behaviour and transport on the River Bandon, a river system which has experienced severe flooding on a periodic basis. The River Bandon is located in the South Western River Basin District with a total catchment area of 608km“. The River Bandon offers a positive environment for biodiversity, facilitating habitats for some endangered species. This thesis presents a literature review on the River Bandon and its catchment, on sediment behaviour and transport and on numerical modelling in the riverine environment. A detailed river flow extreme analysis is presented, for the two long term hydrometric station on the river, at Bandon Bridge and further downstream at Curranure. A suspended sediment and bed sediment sampling programme at five river locations was undertaken and the results are presented. Suspended sediment data was supplemented by data gathered from a turbidity sensor and an automatic water sampler. Bed load traps were also installed. Detailed sediment analyses are presented. The river sediment behaviour may be characterised as dynamic in nature with low suspended sediment concentrations punctuated by high values on higher river flows. Bed load transport of coarse sediment is also a feature of the system. A HEC-RAS numerical model was calibrated, validated and applied to the river system. Hydraulic calibration and validation was completed satisfactorily; sediment calibration was limited in extent. The model was applied to the current river conditions to predict deposition and erosion mass and sediment transport rates; it was also applied to assess the potential impacts of the proposed river improvement works planned by the Office of Public Works. Model results indicate current deposition patterns which are consistent with historic data and field observation. The model results indicate, in general, a significant reduction in predicted deposition patterns after completion of the river improvement works and also some potential reduction in bed load transport rates.
Why Do Multinational Companies Implement A HR Shared Service Model
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Cooney Emma
Published: August 2024

The Implementation of a HR Shared Services model is a recently new phenomenon but is a very necessary one to enable HR to become a more cost-effective, customer-focused organisation that enables the other HR functions to support the ever-changing business units in a rapidly changing commercial world. Reilly and Williams (2003) state that HR has spent considerable time examining itself in light of the perception of it within the organisation as a value-add organisation, so this has led to a change in the way that HR delivers its services. The HR function is now at a crossroads as it has to show that it is a value-add organisation through maximising productivity and attracting and retaining top talent, or else it will find itself being perceived as a contract manager of activities requested by others. It is in this context that HR Shared Services has emerged. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the meaning and nature of HR Shared Services concepts across the globe within a multinational organisation by researching why companies go down the road of HR Shared Services in terms of benefits, pitfalls, and impact to the organisation and its employees. Most literature in the area of HR Shared Services is fairly recent so we will focus on recent authors to gain our insight, then we will focus our attention on why organisations implement Shared Services Models and the authors' experience around this process through implementation and also the insights of experts in other multinational organisations through surveys and analysis. Finally, the key research area will be to understand the primary driver for organisations around implementation of HR Shared Services and the issues they encounter when implementing. The author will also use his expert knowledge in contrasting the literature and the research, and comparing this to the current organisation he works for, HR Corp.
Fatty Acid Composition of Oil and Seeds of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) Grown in the North Caucasian and Southern Federal Districts of Russia
Authors: Илларионова К.В. , Галаганов В.М. , Шеленга Т.В. , Григорьев С.В.
Published: August 2024

Бамия – популярная в ряде стран овощная культура. Использование ее в России как сырья имеет перспективу получения продукта с комплексом соединений, эффективных в снижении сердечнососудистых заболеваний, уровня холестерина, модулировании ряда ключевых биологических функций энергетического метаболизма у человека. Цель работы – изучение состава жирных кислот (ЖК) образцов масла и семян бамии (Abelmoschus esculentus), выращенных в условиях Северо-Кавказского и Южного ФО России. Новизну исследований составляют полученные данные по составу биологически активных ЖК семян и масла, оценка общего влияния суммарной климатической разницы указанных регионов на эти показатели. Изучение ЖК профиля проводили с помощью газожидкостной хроматографии с масс-спектрометрией на хроматографе Agilent 6850. Результаты обрабатывались с помощью UniChrom и AMDIS. Установлено, что содержание суммы ненасыщенных кислот масла составило 67,67%, что превышает в два раза сумму насыщенных ЖК, а сумма полиненасыщенных жирных кислот – на уровне 37,31%. Возделывание в условиях переходного от умеренно-морского к субтропическому полусухому климату, способствует накоплению суммы ненасыщенных ЖК масла и незначительному увеличению доли биологически ценных полиненасыщенных. В случае континентального полузасушливого климата в масле семян увеличивается доля насыщенных ЖК, снижается сумма ненасыщенных, незначительно снижается сумма полиненасыщенных и мононенасыщенных ЖК. В условиях локации выращивания с континентальным полузасушливым климатом юга России в семенах бамии синтезировалось больше свободных ненасыщенных ЖК – линолевой, α-линоленовой, γ-линоленовой и олеиновой кислот, чем в точке с переходным от умеренноморского к субтропическому полусухому. Выделен образец бамии с высоким содержанием ненасыщенных и полиненасыщенных ЖК с выраженными антиоксидантными свойствами.
75 Years of the Nature Transformation Plan. Results and Lessons of Implementation
Authors: Кулик К.Н.
Published: August 2024

В обзоре приведен детальный анализ развития агролесомелиорации и защитного лесоразведения в царской России и Советском Союзе с целью борьбы с засухой и опустыниванием сельскохозяйственных угодий. Рассматриваются действия прогрессивных землепользователей по созданию защитных лесных насаждений на своих землях для получения деловой древесины, увеличения урожайности сельскохозяйственных культур и предотвращения процессов эрозии на пашне. Освещаются основные довоенные документы компартии и Правительства СССР по вопросам комплексной мелиорации. Подробно рассматривается крупнейший проект в истории страны по преобразованию сельского хозяйства в период с 1949 по 1965 годы в засушливых районах. Здесь частые засухи наносят значительный ущерб народному хозяйству. Этот проект был утвержден постановлением Совета Министров СССР и ЦК ВКП(б) от 20 октября 1948 года под названием «О плане полезащитных лесонасаждений, внедрении травопольных севооборотов, строительстве прудов и водоемов для обеспечения высоких и устойчивых урожаев в степных и лесостепных районах европейской части СССР». В статье показаны результаты его реализации и значение для продовольственной и экологической безопасности страны.
Karyological and Cytogenetical Studies of Coniferous Plants under Introduction Conditions
Authors: Седельникова Т.С. , Муратова Е.Н. , Пименов А.В.
Published: August 2024

Парки, дендрарии и скверы, в составе которых присутствуют местные и интродуцированные виды хвойных растений, являются обязательными элементами комфортной городской среды. Для разработки научных основ интродукции хвойных необходимо изучение механизмов их адаптации в новых условиях произрастания с использованием цитогенетических методов мониторинга состояния насаждений. Целью работы являлось обобщение полученных авторами данных кариологического и цитогенетического исследования хвойных из семейств сосновые (Pinaceae) и кипарисовые (Cupressaceae) в условиях интродукции. Исследования проводили в дендрариях и парковых насаждениях России и других стран. С использованием кариологических и цитогенетических методов анализировали число хромосом, их морфологические параметры, встречаемость и типы хромосомных перестроек, исследовали митоз и мейоз. У всех изученных видов хвойных, в том числе у декоративных форм и культиваров, в условиях интродукции выявлены различные цитогенетические изменения: вариабельность числа хромосом (миксоплоидия), появление добавочных, или В-хромосом, нарушения морфологии и увеличение числа нуклеолярных локусов в хромосомах, возникновение хромосомных перестроек, аномалий митоза и мейоза. Эти изменения могут свидетельствовать о происходящих процессах адаптации хвойных в условиях интродукции.
Assessment of Digression and the Potential of Re-Establishment of Kizlyar Pastures in the Western Near-Caspian Region
Authors: Сурхаев Г.А. , Сурхаева Г.М.
Published: August 2024

Кизлярские пастбища – это обширная часть Западного Прикаспия, куда входят степные и полупустынные ландшафты юго-востока Ставрополья и северо-запада Дагестана. Их фитоценозы издавна используют в отгонном и оседлом животноводстве аридного региона, где засушливость климата и пастбищная перегрузка скота являются причиной деградации угодий, сопровождающейся сокращением их проективного покрытия, видового состава и кормоемкости. Цель работы – оценка фитоэкологического и биопродуктивного состояния природных кормовых угодий в условиях усиления антропогенной дигрессии и проявления обратного ей по направленности процесса локальной демутации опустыненных пастбищных экосистем. Полученные результаты НИР в ходе многолетнего (2003-2020 гг.) мониторинга состояния кормовых биоценозов, по данным 12 постоянных площадок, приуроченных к животноводческим комплексам и другим узловым пунктам в степи, и 37 временных ключевых площадок (для расширения базы данных) на Кизлярских пастбищах, в пограничных районах Ставрополья (юго-восток) и Дагестана (северо-запад), с охватом значительной их площади, позволили экстраполировать их эколого-продуктивное и фитоценотическое состояние на почти 400 тыс. га природных и около 15 тыс. га мелиорированных пастбищных угодиях. Новизной является блок исследований о проявлении локальной демутации (реопустынивания) деградированных фитоценозов в ходе формирования моновидовой синузии ценного злакового растения свинороя пальчатого на деградированных участках пастбищ. Итоги работы имеют важность для современной оценки пастбищной дигрессии и решения актуальной проблемы фитомелиоративной трансформации опустыненных фитоценозов в кормоустойчивые угодья аридного региона.
Interrelation of Agrometeorological Conditions, Turf-Podzolic Soil Fertility and Field Experience Crops Productivity
Authors: Беленков А.И. , Полин В.Д. , Николаев В.А.
Published: August 2024

Полевые эксперименты зависят от индивидуального вклада каждого из изучаемых факторов, влияющих на урожайность сельскохозяйственных культур. Поэтому важное значение имеет определение влияния агрометеорологических условий, отдельных показателей почвенного плодородия на продуктивность культур зернопропашного севооборота. Объект исследований – культуры зернопропашного севооборота Центра точного земледелия (ЦТЗ) РГАУ – МСХА имени К.А. Тимирязева, г. Москва. Методы исследований – общепринятые для подобного рода исследований. Цель исследований – определить участие основных метеоусловий и показателей плодородия почвы в формировании соответствующей урожайности культур зернопропашного севооборота. Установлено влияние метеорологических показателей периода вегетации, в связи, с чем годы исследования разбиты на соответствующие группы благоприятных, средних и неблагоприятных лет. В результате отмечено их раздельное воздействие на агрофизические, биологические и агрохимические свойства почвы, а также установлено влияние приемов основной обработки почвы на урожайность полевых культур. За 14-летний срок существования опыта ЦТЗ, при участии каждого из авторов в проведении полевых учетов и наблюдений, установлено, что урожайность викоовсяной смеси на корм по отвальной обработке выше, чем по нулевой на 2,0 т/га, озимой пшеницы – на 0,3 т/ га, картофель сформировал урожайность по вспашке на 2,3 т/га больше, чем по минимальной обработке, ячмень по вариантам отвальной и минимальной обработок почвы обеспечивал одинаковую продуктивность. В соответствии с полученными результатами появляется возможность с достаточной степенью вероятности прогнозировать возможность получения той или иной продуктивности, исходя из анализируемых факторов и условий.
Inovação curricular no ensino superior
Authors: Masetto Marcos Tarciso , Nonato Bréscia , Medeiros Zulmira
Published: August 2024

A temática da melhoria na qualidade da formação pedagógica dos docentes de ensino superior sempre foi para ele um problema de pesquisa, mas, há aproximadamente doze anos, Masetto tem se dedicado a um novo tema: a inovação no ensino superior. Masetto coordena na PUC- SP o grupo de pesquisa Formação de Professores e Paradigmas Curriculares (FORPEC)3, que tem como objetivo central “investigar a relação entre formação de professores e currículos inovadores no ensino superior”. Nesta entrevista, o professor apresenta alguns conceitos e elementos que vêm se consolidando a partir das pesquisas que vêm sendo desenvolvidas no âmbito desse grupo de pesquisa: concepção de inovação no ensino superior, concepção de currículo inovador, discussão sobre modelos de currículos inovadores e as modalidades de formação de professores para se integrarem e se comprometerem com a implantação de tais currículos.
Espaços de formação pedagógica para o docente do ensino superior
Authors: Leite Sérgio Antônio da Silva , Bernardo Fabiana de Oliveira , Moreira Ana Luiza Alves
Published: August 2024

Sérgio Antônio da Silva Leite é professor titular da Faculdade de Educação na Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). Graduado em Psicologia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (1971), realizou o mestrado (1976) e o doutorado (1980) pela Universidade de São Paulo. O professor coordena, desde 2013, o Espaço de Apoio ao Ensino e Aprendizagem – (EA)2, vinculado à Pró-Reitoria de Graduação da Unicamp e que será um dos assuntos abordados nesta entrevista. Sérgio Leite possui experiência na área de psicologia educacional, atuando principalmente nas áreas de afetividade, alfabetização e letramento, formação de professores e ensino e aprendizagem. Nesta entrevista, o professor nos conta sobre como a Unicamp vem se dedicando a organizar, institucionalizar e desenvolver espaços de amparo ao docente do ensino superior.
Giz na UFMG
Authors: Guimarães Ângelo de Moura , Ribeiro Antônio Mendes , Lemos Ariane Barbosa , Leal Rafaela Esteves Godinho
Published: August 2024

Os professores aposentados da UFMG Ângelo Guimarães e Antônio Mendes integram a equipe de colaboradores do Giz desde sua fundação em 2008. O Giz é uma Diretoria de Inovação e Metodologias de Ensino, vinculada à Pró-Reitoria de Graduação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Há 10 anos, os professores participam de diversas inciativas do Giz, personificando a missão da instituição, no que se refere ao desenvolvimento, à inovação e à colaboração. Tendo como base de formação e campo de atuação a Ciência da Computação e a Engenharia, testemunharam avanços tecnológicos que condizem com os princípios de autonomia e valorização das pessoas. São mais de quatro décadas dedicadas à docência, sendo a última delas de colaboração ininterrupta às práticas educacionais encampadas pelo Giz.