bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topic Modeling and Characterization of Hate Speech against Immigrants on Twitter around the Emergence of a Far-Right Party in Spain
Authors: Calderón Carlos Arcila , de la Vega Gonzalo , Herrero David Blanco
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we sought to model and characterize hate speech against immigrants on Twitter in Spain around the appearance of the far-right party Vox. More than 240,000 tweets that included the term ‘Vox’ between November 2018 and April 2019 were automatically collected and analyzed. Only 1% of the sample included hate speech expressions. Within this subsample of 1977 messages, we found offenses (56%), incitements to hate (42%), and violent speech (2%). The most frequent terms used were classified into five categories: Spain, Immigration, Government, Islam, and Insults. The most common features were foul language, false or doubtful information, irony, distasteful expressions, humiliation or contempt, physical or psychological threats, and incitement to violence. Using unsupervised topic modeling, we found that the four underlying topics (control of illegal immigration, economic assistance for immigrants, consequences of illegal immigration, and Spain as an arrival point for African immigrants and Islamist terrorism) were similar to those in the discourse of Vox. We conclude that the hate speech against immigrants produced around Vox, and not necessarily by Vox, followed the general patterns of this type of speech detected in previous works, including Islamophobia, offensive language more often than violent language, and the refusal to offer public assistance to these collectives.
Policies and Architectures for the Unthinkable Era: New Resilient Landscapes in Fragile Areas of Sardinia
Authors: Sanna Gianfranco , Serreli Silvia , Biddau Giovanni Maria
Published: October 2020

The culture of urban space design is not separate from the uncanny nature of climate change, even though this latter now appears more threatening than the production of risks or new vulnerabilities. Environmental disasters and cities’ high degree of exposure to these risks are well known. What is apparent is the close relationship between these disasters and the urban transformations generated by approaches which, quoting the writer Amitav Gohsh, can be defined as outcomes of the Great Derangement Era. Through our research and design project; we have outlined the need to break free from the uncanny feeling caused by the specific phenomena which make territories more fragile and vulnerable to extreme weather and climate events. The design process illustrated, which involved a small town in central-western Sardinia, is an example of how the construction of a new urban landscape and architecture can take place starting, not only from the contingent risks of emergency situations, but rather from the recognition of any potential risks. With the goal of setting up an open and sustainable territorial plan, the case study has been designed as an approach to climate adaptation even if in Sardinia the link between climate change and flood risk has not been studied in depth and no evidence of this link has yet emerged. The project scenarios of an urban plan for one of the local governments in Sardinia, highlighted in the paper, has been conceived as a path of coevolution between new urban transformations and ecological dynamics of the environment.
Towards Implementing Transdisciplinarity in Post-Soviet Academic Systems: An Investigation of the Societal Role of Universities in Armenia
Authors: Keryan Tigran , Muhar Andreas , Mitrofanenko Tamara , Khoetsyan Ashot , Radinger-Peer Verena
Published: October 2020

The concept of transdisciplinarity (TD) has been introduced to find solutions for complex sustainability challenges via knowledge co-production by scientists and societal actors. The understanding of the societal role of universities is a critical factor when implementing transdisciplinarity in the academic systems of Post-Soviet countries, given their historic development. Using Armenia as a case, we adopted a qualitative research approach by analyzing legal documents, conducting semi-structured expert interviews and focus group discussions with a range of stakeholders. We identified discrepancies of expectations between stakeholders as challenges for a joint understanding of the societal role of universities, as well as differently perceived competences and motivations, which can lead to trust deficits. The results are discussed according to four main features of transdisciplinarity: focusing on real-life problems, transcending and integrating disciplinary paradigms, ensuring participatory research and teaching, and searching for unity of knowledge beyond disciplines. Findings show that no formal obstacles exist for implementing transdisciplinarity in two Armenian universities and that the societal understanding of the role of universities could be expanded. Yet, while society is in principle ready for collaboration, the initiative is expected to come from academia. A particular responsibility will lie with teachers from the younger generation to become key-agents for change.
Horse Manure Management by Commercial and Old-Order Amish Equine Operators: Economic and Conservation Implications
Authors: Dijak Justin , McCann Laura , Brock Caroline
Published: October 2020

Horse operations may produce high amounts of manure per acre/ha and be less aware of recommended manure management practices than livestock farmers, leading to negative environmental impacts. This study compared the manure management practices of two populations of horse owners in the USA state of Missouri, commercial horse operations and an Old-Order Amish community, using data from a 2019 mail survey with a 50% response rate. In commercial operations, manure was more likely to be piled rather than spread directly on fields, which was the Amish practice. The Amish were more likely to use manure for crop production, to indicate that was why they had not explored markets for manure, and to test soil for nutrients. Regression results for factors affecting previous sales/transfers of manure or compost showed that selling was more likely for commercial operations, female operators, and those who had composted manure. Compared to respondents who agreed that manure management had an impact on water quality, those who did not know or were neutral about that statement were more likely to have sold manure. While both groups can improve manure management and are underserved by traditional agricultural information channels, educational efforts should be tailored to their different circumstances.
The Role of Labels and Perceived Health Risk in Avoidable Food Wasting
Authors: Ankiel Magdalena , Samotyja Urszula
Published: October 2020

An understanding of the consumer perception of health risks related to food expiration is a prerequisite for future food labeling system improvement in order to reduce environmental burdens. The aim of the study was identification, analysis, and assessment of consumer behavior in the context of food waste in households. The study was conducted using the direct interview method (face to face interviews) among a group of 1145 Polish consumers of food. The results show that consumers do not understand the differences between the concept of “use by” and “best before” labeling. Although rice, tea, and coffee were correctly perceived as safe during storage, there is a dissonance between consumer attitudes and behavior. The highest health risk was perceived as being due to consumption of expired “use by” dated milk (out of UHT milk, rice milk dessert, “best before” ready-to-eat meals and “use by” ready-to-heat meals, canned fruits, and fresh-cut salad). However, 51% of respondents still considered consuming it. Irrational consumer behavior poses a health threat as well as contributing to avoidable food waste. Social awareness campaigns are necessary to inform consumers about the monetary value of wasted food as well as about the environmental, social, and ethical impact of their behavior.
Using Mixed Methods to Understand Teaching and Learning in COVID 19 Times
Authors: Popa Daniela , Repanovici Angela , Lupu Daciana , Norel Mariana , Coman Claudiu
Published: October 2020

This research focuses on teaching–learning behavior in the online environment under crisis conditions, such as those caused by COVID-19. Data were collected from 427 participants from Central and Eastern Europe and North and Central Asia. An integrative mixed method design was used, combining components of both qualitative and quantitative research. The research method used was the inquiry based on a semi-structured questionnaire, which combined closed items with open-ended and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative results revealed significant differences between professors and students regarding the self-reported adaptability level, creativity, need for help in online teaching–learning, and collaboration with colleagues for solving problems in the online teaching–learning medium. The opinions of professors do not differ from those of students regarding the advantages, disadvantages, vulnerable areas, and aspects of online education. Thematic analysis, used to analyze the qualitative data, emphasized the participants’ perceptions of online teaching–learning efficiency in crises. Based on the results, it was concluded that the aspects that need to become a priority in online education concern mainly the didactic quality of the learning experience.
Synergies and Trade-Offs in Reaching the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hegre Håvard , Petrova Kristina , von Uexkull Nina
Published: October 2020

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 integrate diverse issues such as addressing hunger, gender equality and clean energy and set a common agenda for all United Nations member states until 2030. The 17 SDGs interact and by working towards achieving one goal countries may further—or jeopardise—progress on others. However, the direction and strength of these interactions are still poorly understood and it remains an analytical challenge to capture the relationships between the multi-dimensional goals, comprising 169 targets and over 200 indicators. Here, we use principal component analysis (PCA), an in this context novel approach, to summarise each goal and interactions in the global SDG agenda. Applying PCA allows us to map trends, synergies and trade-offs at the level of goals for all SDGs while using all available information on indicators. While our approach does not allow us to investigate causal relationships, it provides important evidence of the degree of compatibility of goal attainment over time. Based on global data 2000–2016, our results indicate that synergies between and within the SDGs prevail, both in terms of levels and over time change. An exception is SDG 10 ‘Reducing inequalities’ which has not progressed in tandem with other goals.
How is COVID-19 Experience Transforming Sustainability Requirements of Residential Buildings? A Review
Authors: Tokazhanov Galym , Tleuken Aidana , Guney Mert , Turkyilmaz Ali , Karaca Ferhat
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing about changes, and alongside these, we can alter the way we design our living spaces. The need for a healthy and comfortable living space is essential to mental and physical well-being. The present study covers the most up-to-date documents, including peer-reviewed papers, blog posts, news, journal articles, and expert opinions, to critically review lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluates the expected changes in sustainability requirements of residential buildings. Health and safety, environment, and comfort are the three main aspects of residential buildings that have been tested during quarantines and are also expected to experience major transformations toward sustainability. Residential houses should provide certain health and safety protective measures to their occupants, such as the application of new touchless technologies, having proper sanitation to diminish the probability of getting infected, and developing greener and more intimate spaces that can help recover and improve mental states. Our findings address the need to reconsider sustainability requirements for residential buildings, which will provide adequate health and safety and comfort with no significant harm to the environment.
Bringing Policy Decisions to the People—Education for Sustainable Development through a Digital Simulation Game
Authors: Ivens Sven , Wiese Gerlinde , Dittert Klaus , Mußhoff Oliver , Oberle Monika
Published: October 2020

After repeated warnings by the European Commission regarding high nitrate concentrations in German waters, in 2017, Germany implemented a new fertilizer application ordinance (FO) with stricter nitrate value limits. The new regulations have severely affected agricultural regions in Germany and could lead to a high number of job losses if farmers must conform to the new regulations and do not implement new production methods. Therefore, a simulation game was developed to educate farmers and residents about the new FO and to facilitate adaptation to the new environmentally friendly legislation. The aims of the newly developed simulation game are to educate residents and farmers in affected regions about the new FO and to develop new ideas on how to comply with the new regulations. The aims of the present study are, first, to research participants’ evaluation of the simulation game and, second, to assess the effect of the simulation game on subjective knowledge, internal efficacy, and attitude towards the new FO. This pre- and post-comparison design study was based on pre-test and post-test with participants in two games (N = 90). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analyses, qualitative content analysis, and mean value comparisons. The simulation game had a positive effect on participants’ subjective knowledge (Cohen’s d 0.65) and internal efficacy (Cohen’s d 0.36), but it did not have an effect on their attitudes toward the new FO, and it was shown to slightly lower their interest in agriculture politics (Cohen’s d −0.33). The participants reported that the game made them more aware of both the difficulty and necessity of finding compromises in the field of agriculture politics. Overall, the simulation was rated very positively and was perceived as interesting and informative by the participants.
Sustainable Consumption and Production: Exploring the Links with Resources Productivity in the EU-28
Authors: Pineiro-Villaverde Gustavo , García-Álvarez María Teresa
Published: October 2020

In the framework of the European Union’s Sustainable Development Policy, the promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns has been a key issue. The explanation is given by their capacity to address social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. The EU has established an extensive range of proposals on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), which include an energy- and resource-efficient economy, circular economy, waste prevention and recycling, among others. This paper contributes, by using both factorial and regression analysis, to the identification of fundamental constructs that define SCP in the EU-28, their links with resource productivity and the role of governments and enterprises in its improvement by means of investment in research, development and innovation over the period 2001–2018. Some recommendations to policy-makers are proposed in the paper in order to take actions directly on SCP, such as promoting the use of recycled raw materials in public works, or imposing the need for Ecolabel certification to contract with public administration.
Being a Better Neighbor: A Value-Based Perspective on Negotiating Acceptability of Locally-Owned Wind Projects
Authors: van der Waal Esther C. , van der Windt Henny J. , Botma Rixt , van Oost Ellen C. J.
Published: October 2020

We pose that instead of problematizing negative attitudes of local stakeholders, such as citizens and NGOs, wind energy implementers should be more focused on scrutinizing the acceptability of their projects. The emphasis in this study is on the potential for representation of local stakeholders’ values in the project design, including amongst others business model and placement. Informed by value sensitive design literature, we analyzed two contrasting, locally-owned wind projects in the Dutch province of Groningen: the implementation of mini-turbines in a national landscape and a large-scale multi MW wind project in an industrialized area close to a World Heritage nature reserve. The study analyses how the respective farmer-developers and other local stakeholders attempted to resolve or ameliorate inter- and intra-value conflicts regarding livability, economy, landscape, and nature. The value conflicts turned out to be fruitful to identifying key issues and creating more widely shared value conceptualizations and design priorities. Hence, from this study it can be concluded that value conflict can be productive if carefully unpacked and managed. Uneven power distribution among stakeholders in the planning process, overcoming incommensurability of perspectives, and creating intersubjectivity remain challenges.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Building Codes in United Arab Emirates Based on a Case Study Office Building
Authors: Najini Hiba , Nour Mutasim , Al-Zuhair Sulaiman , Ghaith Fadi
Published: October 2020

Green building regulations in the United Arab Emirates are required to obtain building permits so that future construction projects can create a sustainable living environment. Emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah have specific green building regulations, whereas other emirates follow Abu Dhabi’s regulatory criteria. Previous work fails to present a techno-economic cross-code analysis for various green building regulations in the UAE by evaluating energy and water performance. A case study using an existing high-rise green office building was formulated using the Integrated Environmental Solution: Virtual Environment (IES-VE) platform and the U.S. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (U.S. LEED) water consumption evaluation tool to study its energy and water performance, respectively. The archived results were used to devise an economic study based on the discounted cash flow technique. The principal findings of this research allowed us to determine a cross-code analysis and propose cost-effective trade-offs. These will aid the consultants and contractors in choosing appropriate green building regulations in the UAE by highlighting the potential of each parameter within green building regulations in terms of energy, water, and economic performance.
An Approach to Assessing Sustainability in the Development of a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Patalas-Maliszewska Justyna , Łosyk Hanna
Published: October 2020

In recent years, more reports and articles have been published on the necessity of implementing changes to manufacturing processes in the context of sustainable development (SD). The use of IT systems in manufacturing companies creates the opportunity to support changes implemented in the context of adaptation to the concept of SD. This paper proposes and explores a Sustainable Development Card (SDC) within an enterprise, the use of which will enable knowledge about the enterprise’s development level to be gained in the context of SD through the data and information collected from the information system, namely, the Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) implemented within a company. This research uses studies from the literature on the subject and also the case study in order to determine the SDC integrated with the ERP system. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used, which uses validity indicators to allow a manufacturing company’s development to be evaluated within the context of SD. The results were verified by a real case study of a Polish manufacturing company. It was determined that the proposed approach allows SD to be assessed in a manufacturing company and enables the implementation process of SD strategy to be constantly monitored. This paper contributes to theory and practice at the interface of the development and sustainability of a manufacturing company, whereby assessing sustainability is associated with the development of strategy and information systems that are associated with the development of an organisation. The possibilities of using the results of research, in practice, are demonstrated convincingly.
Decarbonizing Maritime Transport: The Importance of Engine Technology and Regulations for LNG to Serve as a Transition Fuel
Authors: Lindstad Elizabeth , Eskeland Gunnar S. , Rialland Agathe , Valland Anders
Published: October 2020

Current Greenhous gas emissions (GHG) from maritime transport represent around 3% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions and will have to be cut in half by 2050 to meet Paris agreement goals. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is by many seen as a potential transition fuel for decarbonizing shipping. Its favorable hydrogen to carbon ratio compared to diesel (marine gas oil, MGO) or bunker fuel (heavy fuel oil, HFO) translates directly into lower carbon emissions per kilowatt produced. However, these gains may be nullified once one includes the higher Well-to-tank emissions (WTT) of the LNG supply chain and the vessel’s un-combusted methane slip (CH4) from its combustion engine. Previous studies have tended to focus either on greenhouse gas emissions from LNG in a Well-to-wake (WTW) perspective, or on alternative engine technologies and their impact on the vessel’s Tank-to-wake emissions (TTW). This study investigates under what conditions LNG can serve as a transition fuel in the decarbonization of maritime transport, while ensuring the lowest possible additional global warming impact. Transition refers to the process of moving away from fossil fuels towards new and low carbon fuels and engine technologies. Our results show: First, the importance of applying appropriate engine technologies to maximize GHG reductions; Second, that applying best engine technologies is not economically profitable; Third, how regulations could be amended to reward best engine technologies. Importantly, while the GHG reduction of LNG even with best engine technology (dual fuel diesel engine) are limited, ships with these engines can with economically modest modification switch to ammonia produced with renewable energy when it becomes available in sufficient amounts.
Increasing the Value of Shared Vehicles: Insights from an Implementation of User-Based Relocation in Station-Based One-Way Carsharing
Authors: Brendel Alfred Benedikt , Lichtenberg Sascha , Prinz Christoph , Herrenkind Bernd
Published: October 2020

New digital technologies are a driving force behind many pivotal changes in our modern world. For example, the carsharing business model has improved drastically through the adoption of technologies for online booking, instant access, vehicle monitoring, and automated billing. However, the challenge of vehicle supply and demand management hinders carsharing from reaching its full potential and mainstream application. The current norm of relocating vehicles via employees is expensive and unsustainable, counteracting the environmental benefits of carsharing. To engage this problem, a new concept called user-based relocation has emerged in recent years. For user-based relocation, customers are requested to return rented vehicles at undersupplied locations. However, research and practice lack knowledge on how to implement user-based relocation in a real-world carsharing system. This study employs an iterative research approach, including the implementation of user-based relocation in a real-world carsharing system. During the development and evaluation process, novel requirements and challenges for user-based relocation were discovered, providing valuable knowledge for its implementation and future research.
Heritage Reconstruction Planning, Sustainability Dimensions, and the Case of the Khaz’al Diwan in Kuwait
Authors: Sabri Reyhan , Altan Haşim , AlGhareeb Danah , Alkhaja Noora
Published: October 2020

Although attempts for formulating sustainable approaches in heritage management have been ongoing since the 1980s, sustainability dimensions in the context of ‘reconstruction’ have remained an unexplored research area. By investigating the case of the ruined Khaz’al Diwan in Kuwait, an architectural heritage site in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage (WH) Tentative List, we explore and compare the roles of the ‘cultural continuity’ and ‘environmental protection’ pillars of sustainability in reconstruction planning. By employing rapid ethnographic surveying and case study methods, we first investigate the approach to ‘cultural continuity’ from the State’s stance and through local community perceptions. Albeit with nuances, the surveying revealed a preference for historicist reconstruction. However, the Khaz’al Diwan, like most of the heritage structures in the Gulf region, was originally constructed with coral stone, which is now protected under environmental laws. How feasible is the use of replacement materials in terms of sustainability perspectives that is also acceptable from heritage perspectives? Considering the high cooling loads required in this climatic region, we prioritized the energy performance of the construction materials of the external walls and the roof. Computer simulations based on scenarios testing same-type and replacement construction materials revealed how the latter could be considered as an alternative in a historicist reconstruction. The discussion revolves around the environmental and cultural parameters that are instrumental in reconstruction planning. This ultimately highlights how reconstruction policies must be shaped to redefine the role and scope of material authenticity to accommodate the local environmental and cultural realities in the wider Gulf region and Middle Eastern context.
System Building and Multistakeholder Involvement in Public Participatory Community Planning through Both Collaborative- and Micro-Regeneration
Authors: Liu Lixin , Chen Jiawen , Cai Qingnan , Huang Yaofu , Lang Wei
Published: October 2020

With the continuous development of social governance research and practice, the role of public participation in community planning has received increasing attention. In some developing countries, the public participation methods used in Western countries show a certain degree of inadaptability. The underlying reason for this is the lack of understanding of the related concepts and participation units of public participation and the lack of a scientific public participation system. This study first investigated the fundamental issues of public participation system construction and the definition of a public participation unit in community planning. Then, the micro-renovation of the Zengcuoan community in Xiamen, China, was used as an example to introduce the whole process of constructing a public participation system and an inverted pyramid model of public participation units. Collaborative workshops are a method of community planning that is government-guided and allows for multistakeholder participation and joint consultation. These workshops are mainly led by relevant government departments or social autonomous organizations. They adopt a flexible and diverse approach in response to problems and needs in the process of community construction and development that mobilizes and organizes residents and community organizations to participate in community construction and governance. Collaborative workshops provide new working ideas and practical solutions for participatory community planning in both top-down (government-led) and bottom-up (citizen-led) settings in developing countries.
An Anisotropic Model for the Universe
Authors: Delliou Morgan Le , Deliyergiyev Maksym , del Popolo Antonino
Published: October 2020

Motivated by the back-reaction debate, and some unexplained characteristics of the CMB, we investigate the possibility of some anisotropy in the universe observed around us. To this aim, we build up a novel prediction for the Hubble law for the late universe from a Bianchi type I model, taken as proof of concept, transcribing the departure of such model from a ΛCDM model. We dicussed the redshift measurement in this universe, and finally formalized the Hubble diagram.
An Effective and Improved CNN-ELM Classifier for Handwritten Digits Recognition and Classification
Authors: Ali Saqib , Li Jianqiang , Pei Yan , Aslam Muhammad Saqlain , Shaukat Zeeshan , Azeem Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Optical character recognition is gaining immense importance in the domain of deep learning. With each passing day, handwritten digits (0–9) data are increasing rapidly, and plenty of research has been conducted thus far. However, there is still a need to develop a robust model that can fetch useful information and investigate self-build handwritten digit data efficiently and effectively. The convolutional neural network (CNN) models incorporating a sigmoid activation function with a large number of derivatives have low efficiency in terms of feature extraction. Here, we designed a novel CNN model integrated with the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm. In this model, the sigmoid activation function is upgraded as the rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function, and the CNN unit along with the ReLU activation function are used as a feature extractor. The ELM unit works as the image classifier, which makes the perfect symmetry for handwritten digit recognition. A deeplearning4j (DL4J) framework-based CNN-ELM model was developed and trained using the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) database. Validation of the model was performed through self-build handwritten digits and USPS test datasets. Furthermore, we observed the variation of accuracies by adding various hidden layers in the architecture. Results reveal that the CNN-ELM-DL4J approach outperforms the conventional CNN models in terms of accuracy and computational time.
A Novel Centrality for Finding Key Persons in a Social Network by the Bi-Directional Influence Map
Authors: Chen Chin-Yi , Huang Jih-Jeng
Published: October 2020

Symmetry is one of the important properties of Social networks to indicate the co-existence relationship between two persons, e.g., friendship or kinship. Centrality is an index to measure the importance of vertices/persons within a social network. Many kinds of centrality indices have been proposed to find prominent vertices, such as the eigenvector centrality and PageRank algorithm. PageRank-based algorithms are the most popular approaches to handle this task, since they are more suitable for directed networks, which are common situations in social media. However, the realistic problem in social networks is that the process to find true important persons is very complicated, since we should consider both how the influence of a vertex affects others and how many others follow a given vertex. However, past PageRank-based algorithms can only reflect the importance on the one side and ignore the influence on the other side. In addition, past algorithms only view the transition from one status to the next status as a linear process without considering more complicated situations. In this paper, we develop a novel centrality to find key persons within a social network by a proposed synthesized index which accounts for both the inflow and outflow matrices of a vertex. Besides, we propose different transition functions to represent the relationship from status to status. The empirical studies compare the proposed algorithms with the conventional algorithms and show the differences and flexibility of the proposed algorithm.
Gyro Motor State Evaluation and Prediction Using the Extended Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Dong Lei , Wang Jianfei , Tseng Ming-Lang , Yang Zhiyong , Ma Benfu , Li Ling-Ling
Published: October 2020

This study extracted the featured vectors in the same way from testing data and substituted these vectors into a trained hidden Markov model to get the log likelihood probability. The log likelihood probability was matched with the time–probability curve from where the gyro motor state evaluation and prediction were realized. A core component of gyroscopes is linked to the reliability of the inertia system to conduct gyro motor state evaluation and prediction. This study features the vectors’ extraction from full life cycle gyro motor data and completes the training model to feature the vectors according to the time sequence and extraction to full life cycle data undergoing hidden Markov model training. This proposed model applies to full life cycle gyro motor data for validation, compared with traditional hidden Markov model predictive methods and health condition-trained data. The results suggest precise evaluation and prediction and provide an important basis for gyro motor repair and replacement strategies.
Mathematical Modeling of Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flows over a Stretching Sheet with Viscous Dissipation in Presence of Suction and Injection
Authors: Muthukumaran Chandrasekar , Bathrinathan Kalidoss
Published: October 2020

The variational principle, developed by Gyarmati, embodying the principles of thermodynamics of irreversible processes is employed to study the mixed convection flows near the stagnation point of an incompressible viscous fluid with suction, injection and viscous dissipation effects towards a vertical stretching sheet. The velocity and temperature of the stretching sheet are considered to vary linearly proportional to the distance from the stagnation point. In this analysis, two equal and opposite forces are applied on the stretching sheet by keeping the origin fixed in a viscous fluid with constant free-stream temperature. The velocity and temperature distributions are assumed as simple polynomial functions and then the variational principle has been formulated. The corresponding Euler–Lagrange equations of the variational principle have been transformed into coupled polynomial equations in terms of hydro-dynamical and thermal boundary layer thicknesses. These equations are solvable for any combinations of Prandtl number, suction and injection parameter, Eckert number and buoyancy parameter. The obtained results are compared with known numerical results for assisting and opposing flows, and the comparison reveals that the accuracy is quite acceptable and found to be in good agreement.
Low Power SAR ADC Design with Digital Background Calibration Algorithm
Authors: Li Shouping , Chen Jianjun , Liang Bin , Guo Yang
Published: October 2020

This paper proposed a digital background calibration algorithm with positive and negative symmetry error tolerance to remedy the capacitor mismatch for successive approximation register analog-to-digital converters (SAR ADCs). Compensate for the errors caused by capacitor mismatches and improve the ADC performance. Combination with a tri-level switching scheme based on the common-mode voltage Vcm to achieve capacitor reduction and high switching energy efficiency. The proposed calibration algorithm significantly improves capacitor mismatch without resorting to extensive computation or dedicated circuits. The active area is 0.046 mm2 in 40 nm Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The post-simulation results show the effective number of bits (ENOB) improves from 8.23 bits to 11.36 bits, signal-to-noise-and distortion ratio (SNDR) improves from 51.33 dB to 70.15 dB, respectively, before and after calibration. This improves the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) by 24.13 dB, from 61.50 dB up to 85.63 dB. The whole ADC’s power consumption is only 0.3564 mW at sampling rate fs =2 MS/s and Nyquist input frequency, with a figure-of-merit (FOM) 67.8 fJ/conv.-step.
Proteomic Investigations of Two Pakistani Naja Snake Venoms Species Unravel the Venom Complexity, Posttranslational Modifications, and Presence of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Manuwar Aisha , Dreyer Benjamin , Böhmert Andreas , Ullah Anwar , Mughal Zia , Akrem Ahmed , Ali Syed Abid , Schlüter Hartmut , Betzel Christian
Published: October 2020

Latest advancement of omics technologies allows in-depth characterization of venom compositions. In the present work we present a proteomic study of two snake venoms of the genus Naja i.e., Naja naja (black cobra) and Naja oxiana (brown cobra) of Pakistani origin. The present study has shown that these snake venoms consist of a highly diversified proteome. Furthermore, the data also revealed variation among closely related species. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of the venom proteome allowed to identify for the N. naja venom 34 protein families and for the N. oxiana 24 protein families. The comparative evaluation of the two venoms showed that N. naja consists of a more complex venom proteome than N. oxiana venom. Analysis also showed N-terminal acetylation (N-ace) of a few proteins in both venoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing this posttranslational modification in snake venom. N-ace can shed light on the mechanism of regulation of venom proteins inside the venom gland. Furthermore, our data showed the presence of other body proteins, e.g., ankyrin repeats, leucine repeats, zinc finger, cobra serum albumin, transferrin, insulin, deoxyribonuclease-2-alpha, and other regulatory proteins in these venoms. Interestingly, our data identified Ras-GTpase type of proteins, which indicate the presence of extracellular vesicles in the venom. The data can support the production of distinct and specific anti-venoms and also allow a better understanding of the envenomation and mechanism of distribution of toxins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD018726.
Amplified Fluorescent Aptasensor for Ochratoxin A Assay Based on Graphene Oxide and RecJf Exonuclease
Authors: Zhao Han , Xiong Dehui , Yan Ying , Ma Changbei
Published: October 2020

In this study, we developed an aptamer-based fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) based on RecJf exonuclease-assisted signal amplification and interaction between graphene oxide (GO) and the OTA aptamer (OTA-apt). After optimizing the experimental conditions, the present aptamer-based sensing system can exhibit excellent fluorescent response in the OTA assay, with a limit of detection of 0.07 ng/mL. In addition to signal amplification, this strategy is also highly specific for other interfering toxins. Furthermore, this aptasensor can be reliably used for assessing red wine samples spiked with different OTA concentrations (2.4, 6 and 20 ng/mL). The proposed assay plays an important role in the field of food safety and can be transformed for detecting other toxins by replacing the sequence that recognizes the aptamer.
Some Issues on the Foundations of Modern Cosmology, Gravitation and Quantum Physics
Authors: Elizalde Emilio
Published: October 2020

After the first clear evidence of the recession—at very high speeds—of the spiral nebulae was announced by V.M. Slipher in 1914, as a result of his work started in 1912, it still took several decades to properly understand the phenomenon in terms of an expansion of the Universe. Some historical issues around that crucial discovery and the contemporary attempts at determining the scale of the visible Universe will be discussed. Presently, very important questions to answer are: What is the precise value of the expansion rate? What drives the acceleration of the Universe’s expansion? The latter is called dark energy, but what is it actually? The possibility that this could be the result of a sort of Casimir effect at the cosmological level has not been discarded, yet. One of the main technical problems in tackling this issue is constituted by the regularization and corresponding renormalization procedures. Beautiful but rather non-trivial mathematics, involving the zeta function of pseudodifferential operators (associated with physical quantities), are key in this respect. A discussion of those items is provided here.
Is the Axionic Dark Matter an Equilibrium System?
Authors: Balakin Alexander B. , Shakirzyanov Amir F.
Published: October 2020

We consider an axionic dark matter model with a modified periodic potential for the pseudoscalar field in the framework of the axionic extension of the Einstein-aether theory. The modified potential is assumed to be equipped by the guiding function, which depends on the expansion scalar constructed as the trace of the covariant derivative of the aether velocity four-vector. The equilibrium state of the axion field is defined as the state, for which the modified potential itself and its first derivative with respect to the pseudoscalar field are equal to zero. We apply the developed formalism to the homogeneous isotropic cosmological model, and find the basic function, which describes the equilibrium state of the axionic dark matter in the expanding Universe.
Experimental Study on the Influence of an Artificial Reef on Cross-Shore Morphodynamic Processes of a Wave-Dominated Beach
Authors: Ma Yue , Kuang Cuiping , Han Xuejian , Niu Haibo , Zheng Yuhua , Shen Chao
Published: October 2020

Artificial reefs are being implemented around the world for their multi-functions including coastal protection and environmental improvement. To better understand the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic roles of an artificial reef (AR) in beach protection, a series of experiments were conducted in a 50 m-long wave flume configured with a 1:10 sloping beach and a model AR (1.8 m long × 0.3 m high) with 0.2 m submergence depth. Five regular and five irregular wave conditions were generated on two types of beach profiles (with/without model AR) to study the cross-shore hydrodynamic and morphological evolution process. The influences of AR on the processes are concluded as follows: (1) AR significantly decreases the incident wave energy, and its dissipation effect differs for higher and lower harmonics under irregular wave climates; (2) AR changes the cross-shore patterns of hydrodynamic factors (significant wave height, wave skewness and asymmetry, and undertow), leading to the movement of shoaling and breaking zones; (3) the beach evolution is characterized by a sandbar and a scarp which respectively sit at a higher and lower location on the profile with AR than natural beach without AR; (4) the cross-shore morphological features indicate that AR can lead to beach state transformation toward reflective state; (5) the scarp retreat process can be described by a model where the scarp location depends linearly on the natural exponential of time with the fitting parameters determined by wave run-up reduced by AR. This study demonstrates cross-shore effects of AR as a beach protection structure that changes wave dynamics in surf and swash zone, reduces offshore sediment transport, and induces different morphological features.
A Method for Estimating the Risk of Dam Reservoir Silting in Fire-Prone Watersheds: A Study in Douro River, Portugal
Authors: Terêncio Daniela Patrícia Salgado , Cortes Rui Manuel Vitor , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , Moura João Paulo , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches
Published: October 2020

Forest fires are an increasing problem over recent decades. The fires, among other consequences, lead to an increase in the soil vulnerability to water erosion and a consequent increase in sedimentation rates. When barriers are present, such as dams or weirs, there is an amplified risk of sediment and ash deposition in their reservoirs, causing siltation. Thus, there is an interest in studying in more detail the risk of siltation of barriers and reservoirs in the Douro River watershed following wildfires. A detailed barrier inventory was lacking for the Douro River, hampering the identification of siltation-prone areas. In order to fill in this gap, an extensive inventory of barriers in the Douro river basin was carried out for the present study. The result was an abundant and reliable dataset on the Douro River barriers, which allowed a prognosis on the watershed siltation risk. The method for calculating the siltation risk relied on the relationship between the frequency of forest fires, the erosion risk and the frequency of reservoirs. The sub-basins with the greater siltation risk are the Tâmega, Corgo, Sousa and Paiva river basins. Most reservoirs with the highest siltation risk were from small dams. The modelling results were compared with stream connectivity and concentrations of stream water phosphorus (associated with the sediments that flow into the rivers due to the fires). With regard to connectivity, only two reservoirs were at high risk of sedimentation due to fires, so the categories of connectivity risk and fire-based sedimentation risk are probably not related. With regard to risk of high phosphorus loadings, in 8 basins the upper classes for fire-based erosion risk coincided with the upper class for phosphorus loadings suggesting that high phosphorus loading could be associated with fire-based erosion. This study works as a simple but reliable example on the assessment and mapping of siltation risk in stream networks intersected by abundant barriers. It allowed for identifying barriers that can accumulate a large quantity of fine sediments and ashes, interfering with water quality and soil erosion as well as with the storage capacity of the respective barriers.
Influence of plant residues on the agrophysical properties of southern chernozem under different techniques of winter wheat sowing
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Gongalo A.A. , Turin E.N. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Zhenchenko K.G. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

A research was carried out to evaluate the effect of winter wheat plant residues on the content of productive moisture and on the soil structure and physical state under different tillage in the Steppe Crimea. A reliable moisture accumulation (115 mm in a meter soil layer) was revealed at the experimental plots where no-till was applied. The quality of soil structure under both farming systems (no-till and traditional one) can be assessed as an excellent one. Values are in the range of 78.0-81.3%. The coefficient of soil structure is in optimal values and averages 4.3.
The effectiveness of 2-alkilthionicotinenitrilles derivatives as growth regulators on winter wheat
Authors:   Kuban State Agrarian University, Dmitrieva I.G.
Published: October 2020

Some derivatives of 2-alkilthionicotinenitrilles were synthesized for the search of the new winter wheat growth regulators. The growth regulating activity of the new compounds was studied and the substances with high growth-stimulating effect were found.
Pests of essential oil crops grown at the Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Drobotova E.N.
Published: October 2020

During the study, we found that 2019 was favourable for pests’ growth, development and spread. Cicadellidae and Aphidoidea were the most harmful and numerous ones that damaged essential oil plants. Salvia sclarea was the most susceptible among the studied plants. We also found that the number of pathogens did not exceed the economic injury level thanks to timely monitoring and weed control methods.
Yields of maize of different maturity groups depending on the planting dates and plant density in the northern zone of the Krasnodar Territory
Authors:   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko, Kiryachek S.A. , Toloraya T.R. ,   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko, Marchenko M.V. ,   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko
Published: October 2020

Research tasks include identifying the optimal planting dates, plant density, establishing morphological characteristics and yield of maize hybrids of different maturity groups. Studies were conducted in the northern zone of the Krasnodar Territory. On average for two years, the yields of early ripening and mid-early hybrids were 6.15 and 7.58 t/ha, respectively (early planting dates, plant density - 80 thousand per hectare). However, the maximum grain productivity (6.48 t/ha) showed late-ripening maize hybrid when planting lately at density of 50 thousand per hectare.