bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Fast Model-Based Acceleration of Parameter Look-Locker T1 Mapping
Authors: Staniszewski Michał , Klose Uwe
Published: December 2019

Quantitative mapping is desirable in many scientific and clinical magneric resonance imaging (MRI) applications. Recent inverse recovery-look locker sequence enables single-shot T1 mapping with a time of a few seconds but the main computational load is directed into offline reconstruction, which can take from several minutes up to few hours. In this study we proposed improvement of model-based approach for T1-mapping by introduction of two steps fitting procedure. We provided analysis of further reduction of k-space data, which lead us to decrease of computational time and perform simulation of multi-slice development. The region of interest (ROI) analysis of human brain measurements with two different initial models shows that the differences between mean values with respect to a reference approach are in white matter—0.3% and 1.1%, grey matter—0.4% and 1.78% and cerebrospinal fluid—2.8% and 11.1% respectively. With further improvements we were able to decrease the time of computational of single slice to 6.5 min and 23.5 min for different initial models, which has been already not achieved by any other algorithm. In result we obtained an accelerated novel method of model-based image reconstruction in which single iteration can be performed within few seconds on home computer.
Grouting Quality Evaluation in Post-Tensioning Tendon Ducts Using Wavelet Packet Transform and Bayes Classifier
Authors: Sun Xiang-Tao , Li Dan , He Wen-Yu , Wang Zuo-Cai , Ren Wei-Xin
Published: December 2019

The grouting quality of tendon ducts is very important for post-tensioning technology in order to protect the prestressing reinforcement from environmental corrosion and to make a smooth stress distribution. Unfortunately, various grouting defects occur in practice, and there is no efficient method to evaluate grouting compactness yet. In this study, a method based on wavelet packet transform (WPT) and Bayes classifier was proposed to evaluate grouting conditions using stress waves generated and received by piezoelectric transducers. Six typical grouting conditions with both partial grouting and cavity defects of different dimensions were experimentally investigated. The WPT was applied to explore the energy of received stress waves at multi-scales. After that, the Bayes classifier was employed to identify the grouting conditions, by taking the traditionally used total energy and the proposed energy vector of WPT components as input, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the Bayes classifier input with the energy vector could identify different grouting conditions more accurately. The proposed method has the potential to be applied at key spots of post-tensioning tendon ducts in practice.
Minimizing Makespan in A Two-Machine Flowshop Problem with Processing Time Linearly Dependent on Job Waiting Time
Authors: Yang Dar-Li , Kuo Wen-Hung
Published: December 2019

This paper is aimed at studying a two-machine flowshop scheduling where the processing times are linearly dependent on the waiting times of the jobs prior to processing on the second machine. That is, when a job is processed completely on the first machine, a certain delay time is required before its processing on the second machine. If we would like to reduce the actual waiting time, the processing time of the job on the second machine increases. The objective is to minimize the makespan. When the processing time is reduced, it implies that the consumption of energy is reduced. It is beneficial to environmental sustainability. We show that the proposed problem is NP-hard in the strong sense. A 0-1 mixed integer programming and a heuristic algorithm with computational experiment are proposed. Some cases solved in polynomial time are also provided.
Predicting Microbial Species in a River Based on Physicochemical Properties by Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimized Machine Learning
Authors: Chou Jui-Sheng , Yu Chang-Ping , Truong Dinh-Nhat , Susilo Billy , Hu Anyi , Sun Qian
Published: December 2019

The main goal of the analysis of microbial ecology is to understand the relationship between Earth’s microbial community and their functions in the environment. This paper presents a proof-of-concept research to develop a bioclimatic modeling approach that leverages artificial intelligence techniques to identify the microbial species in a river as a function of physicochemical parameters. Feature reduction and selection are both utilized in the data preprocessing owing to the scarce of available data points collected and missing values of physicochemical attributes from a river in Southeast China. A bio-inspired metaheuristic optimized machine learner, which supports the adjustment to the multiple-output prediction form, is used in bioclimatic modeling. The accuracy of prediction and applicability of the model can help microbiologists and ecologists in quantifying the predicted microbial species for further experimental planning with minimal expenditure, which is become one of the most serious issues when facing dramatic changes of environmental conditions caused by global warming. This work demonstrates a neoteric approach for potential use in predicting preliminary microbial structures in the environment.
Modified iButtons: A Low-Cost Instrument to Measure the Albedo of Landscape Elements
Authors: Loveday Jane , Loveday Grant K. , Byrne Joshua J. , Ong Boon-lay , Morrison Gregory M.
Published: December 2019

Urban infill can lead to increased urban air and surface temperatures. Landscape elements (LEs) which can maintain cooler surface temperatures also reduce night-time re-emission of heat; however, reflected solar radiation (albedo) from these LEs during the day potentially increases heat loads on nearby objects, pedestrians or buildings. Albedo is traditionally measured using two pyranometers, however their expense can be prohibitive for researchers and landscape professionals. A low cost albedometer was developed consisting of a pair of black- and white-painted temperature sensors (Thermochron® iButtons). The albedos of 14 LEs typically found in suburban landscapes in Perth, Western Australia, were measured. Three approaches were tested: The first two used white-painted polystyrene (WPP) as a reference (one taking view factors into account, and one ignoring the albedo of the background material), whilst the third approach used upwards-facing iButtons as a reference, similar to conventional pyranometer methods. The WPP approaches controlled for weather effects, providing a consistent albedo over a longer daytime period than recommended by the standard ASTM-E1918-16. Measured albedos were similar to literature values. This instrument could be used as an alternative to more expensive pyranometers and could assist landscape professionals to design for, and manage, urban heat.
Automatic Load Frequency Control of a Multi-Area Dynamic Interconnected Power System Using a Hybrid PSO-GSA-Tuned PID Controller
Authors: Veerasamy Veerapandiyan , Abdul Wahab Noor Izzri , Ramachandran Rajeswari , Vinayagam Arangarajan , Othman Mohammad Lutfi , Hizam Hashim , Satheeshkumar Jeevitha
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a new population-based hybrid particle swarm optimized-gravitational search algorithm (PSO-GSA) for tuning the parameters of the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller of a two-area interconnected dynamic power system with the presence of nonlinearities such as generator rate constraints (GRC) and governor dead-band (GDB). The tuning of controller parameters such as Kp, Ki, and Kd are obtained by minimizing the objective function formulated using the steady-state performance indices like Integral absolute error (IAE) of tie-line power and frequency deviation of interconnected system. To test the robustness of the propounded controller, the system is studied with system uncertainties, such as change in load demand, synchronizing power coefficient and inertia constant. The two-area interconnected power system (TAIPS) is modeled and simulated using Matlab/Simulink. The results exhibit that the steady-state and transient performance indices such as IAE, settling time, and control effort are impressively enhanced by an amount of 87.65%, 15.39%, and 91.17% in area-1 and 86.46%, 41.35%, and 91.04% in area-2, respectively, by the proposed method compared to other techniques presented. The minimum control effort of PSO-GSA-tuned PID controller depicts the robust performance of the controller compared to other non-meta-heuristic and meta-heuristic methods presented. The proffered method is also validated using the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) real-time digital simulation to study the effectiveness of the controller.
A Sustainable Project Management Strategy against Multitasking Situations from the Viewpoints of Cognitive Mechanism and Motivational Belief
Authors: Park Junyoung , Park Do-Hyung
Published: December 2019

In modern society, multitasking is necessary for a worker to accomplish a final goal by their deadline, which could be pursued for either a single goal or multiple goals. Moreover, a worker who has the authority to prioritize their tasks can make plans about the process of behavioral strategies to perform each task by making a to-do list. This strategy is a way of unpacking that which seems to affect the expectancy of goal attainment and heighten the value and importance of the goal. Otherwise, a worker could write a to-do list without specific action plans. These effects of unpacking and packing can be used as management strategies for multitasking engagement and could impact a worker’s cognition differently depending on the goal relations, including if there is a single goal or multiple goals. On the one hand, in pursuit of a single goal, unpacking can facilitate a worker’s judgment of the importance of the task. On the other hand, in pursuit of multiple goals, a worker’s judgment of one task’s importance can conflict with another task due to contradictory unpacking guidelines. Additionally, self-regulation as an intrinsic motivation empowers conscious intentions to neglect the cognitive effects of the to-do list. Therefore, those with low self-regulation tend to be encouraged by the effect of unpacking, but those with high self-regulation have the effects of unpacking inhibited. This theoretical model was constructed to identify the cognitive mechanism and the role of self-regulation on boundary conditions in regard to the different effects on unpacking. This study was confirmed via the two-way experiment (single- and multiple-goal x packing and unpacking) to explore the effects of the cognitive mechanism on task importance. The following test was performed via the three-way experiment, using an additional variable, the levels of self-regulation (low self-regulation and high self-regulation), to verify whether they inhibit cognitive effects. This study suggests that the judgment of task importance is different in accordance with goal relations, packing and unpacking, and self-regulations for sustainable management strategies of multitasking.
Is Seoul Walkable? Assessing a Walkability Score and Examining Its Relationship with Pedestrian Satisfaction in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Won Jaewoong , Kim Jiyeong
Published: December 2019

Studies have assessed neighborhood walkability responding to increasing interest in academics, practitioners, and policy makers. While Walk Score is a well-operationalized and efficient measure of neighborhood walkability, it is not supported in the Asian context. We thus developed a “Walkability Score” for use in Seoul, South Korea, following the Walk Score algorithm and then conducted a logistic regression for a satisfied versus dissatisfied binary outcome in order to conduct an empirical test. Results showed a significant association between Walkability Score and pedestrian satisfaction. We also explored sample locations and found some discrepancies between Walkability Score and the degree of pedestrian satisfaction. While some sample locations near parks, and rivers and waterfront spaces (but without destinations for walking trips such as banking or shopping) revealed low Walkability Scores, the degree of pedestrian satisfaction was relatively high in these areas. Some samples located in residential areas with well-designed sidewalks and greenery revealed relatively high pedestrian satisfaction, but Walkability Scores were insufficient. This study’s Walkability Score was somewhat valid for approaching the issue, but further research is needed to complete this measure, especially in high-density areas with well-equipped pedestrian infrastructures (e.g., crosswalks, pedestrian streets).
How Individual’s Proactive Behavior Helps Construction Sustainability: Exploring the Effects of Project Citizenship Behavior on Project Performance
Authors: Guo Sijia , Wang Xueqing , Fu Lipeng , Liu Yunfeng
Published: December 2019

Sustainable development has been commonly identified as a vital target in the construction industry. Studies have examined different management strategies and procedures to promote resource utilization efficiency, while the human factors in sustainable construction have received far less attention. This paper investigates the influence of Project Citizenship Behavior (PCB) on project performance in the sustainable construction context. After introducing the concept of “relationship sustainability,” a moderating model is established. Data are collected from 152 experienced construction project managers in China. The results show positive relationships between most dimensions of Project Citizenship Behavior and construction sustainability performance, in spite of the negative effect of taking charge on relationship sustainability. Moreover, the degree of complexity of projects acts as a moderator in the relationship between Project Citizenship Behavior and construction sustainability performance. This paper endeavors to enrich the knowledge of sustainable construction by regarding human behavioral factors as important resources and explaining their effect on project sustainability, thus shedding light on the theory of sustainable construction by extending it to the micro-level analysis, as well as offering guidelines about how to raise the sustainability level of construction projects.
Does Money Accelerate Faculty Mobility? Survey Findings from 11 Research Universities in China
Authors: Liu Jin , Yin Zhaohui , Lyu Wenjing , Lin Songyue
Published: December 2019

In the context of global innovation systems, it has become a universal law that the resource elements of scientific and technological innovation, such as talents, flow along the track of high efficiency to the regions that can produce high benefits. As faculty in research universities are important resources of scientific and technological innovation, developing countries such as China have sought to accelerate the transnational mobility of faculty by leveraging income. This study endeavors to gain a better understanding of the motivations for and the outcomes of faculty mobility at Chinese research universities and to determine whether attaining higher income levels through academic mobility can be considered a lever for facilitating change and improving the status of the academic profession in China. Using survey data from 445 faculty members at 11 major research universities in China, this study found a significant relationship between mobility frequency and indirect income. The findings also revealed, however that employees’ different attitudes toward income during the process of mobility are a key variable in confirming academic professional boundaries. The findings suggest that more successful mechanisms to attract or retain talented scholars should be developed and that these mechanisms should not focus exclusively on income.
Eco-Environmental Risk Evaluation for Land Use Planning in Areas of Potential Farmland Abandonment in the High Mountains of Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Chaudhary Suresh , Wang Yukuan , Dixit Amod Mani , Khanal Narendra Raj , Xu Pei , Yan Kun , Liu Qin , Lu Yafeng , Li Ming
Published: December 2019

Land use change, especially that due to farmland abandonment in the mountains of Nepal, is being seen as a major factor contributing to increasing eco-environmental risk, undesirable changes in the socio-cultural landscape, biodiversity loss, and reduced capacity of the ecosystem to provide key services. This study aims to: i) evaluate eco-environmental risk for one of the high mountain river basins, the Dordi river basin in Nepal, that has a growing potential of farmland abandonment; and ii) develop a risk-based land use planning framework for mitigating the impact of risk and for enhancing sustainable management practices in mountain regions. We employed a multi-criteria analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assign risk weightage to geophysical and socio-demographic factors, and performed spatial superposition analysis in the model builder of a geographic information system (GIS) to produce an eco-environmental risk map, which was subjected to a reliability check against existing eco-environmental conditions by ground truthing and using statistical models. The result shows that 22.36% of the basin area has a high level of risk. The very high, extreme high, moderate, and low zones accounted 17.38%, 7.93%, 28.49%, and 23.81%, respectively. A high level of eco-environmental risk occurs mostly in the north and northwest, but appears in patches in the south as well, whereas the level of moderate risk is concentrated in the southern parts of the river basin. All the land use types, notably, forest, grassland, shrub land, and cultivated farmland, are currently under stress, which generally increases with elevation towards the north but is also concentrated along the road network and river buffer zones where human interference with nature is the maximum. The risk map and the framework are expected to provide information and a scientific evidence-base for formulating and reasonable development strategies and guidelines for consensus-based utilization and protection of eco-environmental resources in the river basin. As an awareness raising tool, it also can activate social processes enabling communities to design for and mitigate the consequences of hazardous events. Moreover, this risk assessment allows an important link in understanding regional eco-environmental risk situation, land use, natural resources, and environmental management.
Towards Total Lighting: Expanding the Frontiers of Sustainable Development
Authors: Peña-García Antonio
Published: December 2019

Sustainable development has traditionally focused on actions related to the consumption of resources and the waste produced by this consumption [...]
An Improved, Negatively Correlated Search for Solving the Unit Commitment Problem’s Integration with Electric Vehicles
Authors: Niu Qun , Jiang Kecheng , Yang Zhile
Published: December 2019

With the rapid development of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), the charging of a number of PEVs has already brought huge impact and burden to the power grid, particularly at the medium and low voltage distribution networks. This presents a big challenge for further mass roll-out of electric vehicles. To assess the impact of charging of substantial number of electric vehicles on the grid, a model of 30000 PEVs integrated with unit commitment (UCEV) was investigated in this study. The unit commitment was a large-scale, mixed-integer, nonlinear, NP-Hard (non-deterministic polynomial) optimization problem, while the integration of PEVs further increased the complexity of the model. In this paper, a global best inspired negatively correlated search (GBNCS) method which extends the evolutionary logic of negatively correlated search is proposed to tackle the UCEV problem. In the proposed algorithm, a rounding transfer function in GBNCS, is deployed to convert real-valued variables into binary ones; further, the global best information is combined in the population to improve the efficiency of the algorithm. Numerical results confirmed that the proposed GBNCS can achieve good performance in both a basic IEEE 10 unit commitment problem and the UCEV problem. It was also shown that, among four charging modes, the off-peak charging mode and EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) charging mode are more economical in PEV charging.
Diversity and Pre-Breeding Prospects for Local Adaptation in Oat Genetic Resources
Authors: Leišová-Svobodová Leona , Michel Sebastian , Tamm Ilmar , Chourová Marie , Janovska Dagmar , Grausgruber Heinrich
Published: December 2019

Acreage of oat (Avena sativa L.) in Europe was steadily declining during the last century due to less breeding progress compared to other cereals. However, oat remains a valuable crop for food and feed, as well as for sustainable crop rotations. To unravel the genetic and phenotypic diversity in oat breeders’ germplasm collections, a diversity panel including 260 accessions was investigated by molecular markers and in multi-environment field trials. Due to the large genetic variation in the present diversity panel, high heritabilities were observed for most agro-morphological traits, even for complex traits such as grain yield. Population structure analyses identified three subpopulations which were not straightforwardly related to the geographic origin of the accessions. Accessions from France, Germany, and the Czech Republic in particular were present in approximately equal proportions among all three subpopulations. Breeders’ selection after one year of field trials was mainly based on grain yield, grain weight, grading, plant height, and maturity and did not result in a loss of genetic diversity. However, the low number of polymorphic markers must be considered in this case. The present study provides basic knowledge for further oat improvement through the identification of valuable genetic resources which can be exploited in breeding programs as e.g., parental genotypes in crossings.
Entrepreneurial Risk-Taking in Sustainable Energy: University Spin-Off Firms and Market Introduction in Northwest Europe
Authors: Nejabat Razieh , Geenhuizen Marina Van
Published: December 2019

Universities are cradles of innovation, with many start-ups involved in sustainable energy solutions. The extent in which such solutions reach the market and the kind of risk-related factors young firms encounter, are hardly known and understood. We aim to clarify market introduction and focus on the empirics of firms’ risk-taking behavior related to strategic choices, competences, and interactions with (national) ecosystem conditions. We use a unique dataset of almost 110 university spin-off firms and a small selected sample from this set. A total of 60% of spin-offs are able to reach the market, most of them in the first five years of spin-offs’ lives. Wind energy provides the best chances, as compared to such things as solar photovoltaics (PV) and advanced biomass. In-depth results suggest the high probability of quick market introduction in ‘Innovation Leader’ countries, like Sweden and Denmark, if combined with employing rich collaborative networks. A second set of favorable influences includes a practical mindset and accessing substantial investment capital. In contrast, strong risks tend to be connected to activity in fundamental inventions, highly specialized technology, weakly developed (sub) markets, poorly built networks, and short refunding time of substantial investment. This study provides a unique contribution to understanding the market introduction of sustainable energy solutions and risk-taking in this effort by young high-tech firms, among others, connected to differences between countries.
Robust CFAR Detection for Multiple Targets in K-Distributed Sea Clutter Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Jiafei , Jiang Rongkun , Wang Xuetian , Gao Hongmin
Published: December 2019

For K-distributed sea clutter, a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) is crucial as a desired property for automatic target detection in an unknown and non-stationary background. In multiple-target scenarios, the target masking effect reduces the detection performance of CFAR detectors evidently. A machine learning based processor, associating the artificial neural network (ANN) and a clustering algorithm of density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), namely, DBSCAN-CFAR, is proposed herein to address this issue. ANN is trained with a symmetrical structure to estimate the shape parameter of background clutter, whereas DBSCAN is devoted to excluding interference targets and sea spikes as outliers in the leading and lagging windows that are symmetrical about the cell under test (CUT). Simulation results verified that the ANN-based method provides the optimal parameter estimation results in the range of 0.1 to 30, which facilitates the control of actual false alarm probability. The effectiveness and robustness of DBSCAN-CFAR are also confirmed by the comparisons of conventional CFAR processors in different clutter conditions, comprised of varying target numbers, shape parameters, and false alarm probabilities. Although the proposed ANN-based DBSCAN-CFAR processor incurs more elapsed time, it achieves superior CFAR performance without a prior knowledge on the number and distribution of interference targets.
Identification and Characterization of ShSPI, a Kazal-Type Elastase Inhibitor from the Venom of Scolopendra Hainanum
Authors: Luan Ning , Zhao Qiyu , Duan Zilei , Ji Mengyao , Xing Meichen , Zhu Tengyu , Mwangi James , Rong Mingqiang , Liu Jiangxin , Lai Ren
Published: December 2019

Elastase is a globular glycoprotein and belongs to the chymotrypsin family. It is involved in several inflammatory cascades on the basis of cleaving the important connective tissue protein elastin, and is strictly regulated to a balance by several endogenous inhibitors. When elastase and its inhibitors are out of balance, severe diseases will develop, especially those involved in the cardiopulmonary system. Much attention has been attracted in seeking innovative elastase inhibitors and various advancements have been taken on clinical trials of these inhibitors. Natural functional peptides from venomous animals have been shown to have anti-protease properties. Here, we identified a kazal-type serine protease inhibitor named ShSPI from the cDNA library of the venom glands of Scolopendra hainanum. ShSPI showed significant inhibitory effects on porcine pancreatic elastase and human neutrophils elastase with Ki values of 225.83 ± 20 nM and 12.61 ± 2 nM, respectively. Together, our results suggest that ShSPI may be an excellent candidate to develop a drug for cardiopulmonary diseases.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Fumonisin B1 and B2 Mycotoxins in Maize-Based Food Products in Hungary
Authors: Zentai Andrea , Szeitzné-Szabó Mária , Mihucz Gábor , Szeli Nóra , Szabó András , Kovács Melinda
Published: December 2019

Fumonisins are toxic secondary metabolites produced mainly by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum. Their toxicity was evaluated, and health-based guidance values established on the basis of both Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations. This study presents the results of fumonisin analyses in different maize- and rice-based food products in Hungary and the potential health risk arising from their dietary intake. In total, 326 samples were measured in 2017 and 2018 to determine fumonisins B1 and B2 levels. Three-day dietary record data were collected from 4992 consumers, in 2009. For each food category, the average concentration values were multiplied by the relevant individual consumption data, and the results were compared to the reference values. With respect to the maximum limits, one maize flour, two maize grits, and two samples of other maize-based, snack-like products had total fumonisin content minimally exceeding the EU regulatory limit. The mean daily intake for all maize-product consumers was 0.045–0.120 µg/kg bw/day. The high intake (95 percentile) ranged between 0.182 and 0.396 µg/kg bw/day, well below the 1 µg/kg bw/day tolerable daily intake (TDI) established by EFSA. While the intake calculations resulted in comforting results, maize-based products may indeed be contaminated by fumonisins. Therefore, frequent monitoring of fumonisins’ levels and evaluation of their intakes using the best available data are recommended.
Evaluation of Ecosystem Services in the Dongting Lake Wetland
Authors: Ma Li , Sun Ruoxiu , Kazemi Ehsan , Pang Danbo , Zhang Yi , Sun Qixiang , Zhou Jinxing , Zhang Kebin
Published: December 2019

The Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) 10.2 and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model are used to comprehensively evaluate ecosystem services in the Dongting Lake Wetland, focusing on water yield, soil conservation, carbon storage, and snail control and schistosomiasis prevention. The spatial and temporal variations of these services, as well as their variations between different land use types in a period of 10 years from 2005 to 2015, are investigated, and the value of such services is then estimated and analyzed. The results of this study show various temporal and spatial trends in the ecosystem services, such as (1) the overall increase of all these services during the study period (although significant in some services, such as schistosomiasis patient reduction, by 86.8%; and, very slight in some others such as soil conservation, only by 0.02%); (2) different orders of the services values that are based on different land use types; and, (3) the temporal changes in the proportion of the values of different ecosystem services with respect to the total services value. Besides, it is concluded that the evaluation of ecosystem services of a certain wetland is heavily dependent on the characteristics of the area where the wetland is located, and the assessment indicators and methods should be selected based on such characteristics through the analysis of the results and a comparison with the findings of literature.
Industrially Finished Calves: A Water Footprint-Profitability Paradox
Authors: Maré Frikkie , Jordaan Henry
Published: December 2019

The feed conversion rate is one of the most important determinants of the water footprint (WF) of beef and is known to vary between different cattle breeds. The objective of this study was to estimate the WF of industrially finished calves of seven different cattle breeds on two different feeding regimes: normal pre-determined feeding period (NPFP) and profit-maximising feeding period (PMFP). Data were collected by finishing 35 calves of each of the seven breeds in a feedlot. Green, blue and grey WFs were estimated for the different feeding regimes, and a feedlot simulation provided the effect of the different feeding regimes on the water footprint, financial margin and the water footprint per rand of margin. The results indicated that the water footprint differed notably between breeds on the same feeding regime, as well as between the feeding regimes. While the PMFP had a 1% higher water footprint per year in a typical feedlot than the NPFP, the financial margin was 33% more, resulting in a 24% decrease in the water footprint per South African rand of margin. The contributions of green, blue and grey water to the total WF were 91.5%, 2.5% and 6%, respectively, irrespective of breed or feeding regime.
Feces from Piscivorous and Herbivorous Birds Stimulate Differentially Phytoplankton Growth
Authors: Petkuviene Jolita , Vaiciute Diana , Katarzyte Marija , Gecaite Iveta , Rossato Giorgio , Vybernaite-Lubiene Irma , Bartoli Marco
Published: December 2019

Aquatic birds may impact shallow ecosystems via organic and nutrient enrichment with feces. Such input may alleviate nutrient limitation, unbalance their ecological stoichiometry, and stimulate primary production. Herbivorous and piscivorous birds may produce different effects on aquatic ecosystems due to different physiology, diet and feces elemental composition. We analyze the effects of droppings from swans (herbivorous) and cormorants (piscivorous) on phytoplankton growth via a laboratory experiment. These birds are well represented in the Curonian Lagoon, where they form large colonies. As this lagoon displays summer algal hyper-blooms, we hypothesize an active, direct role of birds via defecation on algal growth. Short-term incubations of phytoplankton under low and high feces addition produces different stimulation of algal growth, significantly higher with high inputs of cormorant feces. The latter produces a major effect on reactive phosphorus concentration that augments significantly, as compared to treatments with swan feces, and determines an unbalanced, N-limited stoichiometry along with the duration of the experiment. During the incubation period, the dominant algal groups switch from blue-green to green algae, but such switch is independent of the level of feces input and from their origin. Heterotrophic bacteria also are stimulated by feces addition, but their increase is transient.
Numerical Rainfall Simulation of Different WRF Parameterization Schemes with Different Spatiotemporal Rainfall Evenness Levels in the Ili Region
Authors: Mu Zhenxia , Zhou Yulin , Peng Liang , He Ying
Published: December 2019

To obtain high-precision precipitation simulation results, different types of rainfall events in the Ili Region are simulated by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with different physical parameterization schemes. According to the spatiotemporal distribution of rainfall evenness, six rainfall events in the Ili Region are divided into four types. Six microphysical parameterization (MP) schemes, five planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, and five cumulus (CU) schemes are combined into 14 parameterization members to simulate the rainfall events. It is worth noting that the simulation result sequence of the WRF model (from best to worst) is as follows: type I (events 3 and 5) > type II (events 1 and 6) > type III (event 2) > type IV (event 4). This finding would imply that the WRF model has the best performance for rainfall events with even spatiotemporal distributions, while it is hard to achieve good simulation results for rainfall events with highly uneven spatial and temporal distributions. The results suggest that no single combination of parameterization members provides the best performance for all rainfall events. According to the overall scheme rankings, d, n, and j are the optimal parameterization combination members that accurately describe the spatiotemporal characteristics of the six rainfall events. The study provides guidance for the selection of the physical parameters for the accurate simulation of different types of rainfall events in the arid region of northwestern China.
Hepatic Steatosis in a Bullhead (Cottus gobio) Population from a High-Mountain Lake (Carnic Alps): Adaptation to an Extreme Ecosystem?
Authors: Pastorino Paolo , Prearo Marino , Pizzul Elisabetta , Bertoli Marco , Francese Danila Raffaella , Menconi Vasco , Mugetti Davide , Bozzetta Elena , Varello Katia
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to describe liver alterations observed in a bullhead (Cottus gobio) population from a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake; 1857 m a.s.l.) located in Carnic Alps (Northeast Italy). Two fish sampling campaigns (summer and autumn) were performed in 2017 to explore the possible causes of this phenomenon. In addition, to investigate the typical liver features of C. gobio, control specimens were captured from Degano Creek in the same seasons. Total length, weight, and liver weight were recorded in fish from both sampling sites. In addition, Fulton’s condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were calculated. Stomach contents were also analyzed. Liver from each specimen was sampled, and histological examination was carried out. Liver steatosis (L) (nuclear displacement and cytoplasm vacuolization) were histologically evaluated by assigning a semiquantitative severity score. A significant difference in L was found between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.0001) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001). Regarding HSI, a significant difference was also recorded between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in summer (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001) and also in autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001), but no seasonal change in K values was recorded between the two sites in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.8589) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.6415). A significant positive correlation between HSI and L was found (ρS 0.573). The causes of this abnormality might be related to adaptation by the fish to the high-altitude environment, accumulating lipids in the liver to tackle the adverse season, which lasts for 6 months of the year. Nonetheless, our study does not preclude steatosis induced by a nearly exclusive chironomids diet in bullhead from Dimon Lake.
Reverse Task of Heat Conductivity for the Semilimited Bar
Authors: Shevchenko O.
Published: December 2019

The article concerns methods and formulas for the calculation of the coefficient of thermal conductivity of solid bodies using the known solutions of direct thermal conductivity tasks. The solution to the inverse problem of heat conductivity is based on the quite complicated methods including both hyperbolic functions and finite-difference methods. Under certain experimental conditions, the task is simplified at the regular thermal modes of 1, 2, or 3 types. Thus final formulas are simplified to algebraic equations.
The simplification of the inverse problem of heat conductivity to algebraic equations is possible using other approaches. These me­thods are based on the analysis of the reference points, zero values of temperature distribution function, function inflection points, and its first and second derivatives. Here, we present formulas for the calculations of the temperature field on the assumption of the direct task solution for the half-bounded bar under the pulsed heating followed the re-definition of the boundary conditions.
The article describes two methods in which solutions are reduced to simple algebraic formulas when using the specified points on hea­ting thermograms of test examples. These solutions allow algebraic deriving of simple relations for inverse problems of determination of thermophysical characteristics of solid bodies. The calculation formulas are given for the determination of the heat conductivity coefficient determination by two methods: by value of temperature, coordinate, and two moments at which this temperature is reached.
The second method uses the values of two coordinates of the test sample in two different points where the equal temperature is reached at different points in time. The final solution of the equation is logarithmic. The analysis of known methods and techniques shows that experimental methods are oriented on the technical implementation and based on facilities of available equipment and instruments.
Existing experimental techniques are based on specific constructions of measuring facilities. Simultaneously, there are well-studied methods of solution of thermal conductivity standard tasks set out in fundamental issues. The theoretical methods come from axioms, equations, and theoretical postulates, and they give the solution of inverse tasks of thermal conductivity. This work uses the solutions of direct tasks presented in the monograph by A.V.Lykov “The theory of heat conductivity”. These solutions have a good theoretical background and experts’ credit.
The boundary conditions of the problem are next: the half-bounded thin bar is given. The side surface of the bar has a thermal insulation. At the initial moment, the instant heat source acts on the bar in its section at some distance from its end. Heat exchange occurs between the environment and the end of the bar according to Newton’s law. The initial (relative) temperature of the bar is accepted equal to zero. The heat exchange between the free end face of the bar and the environment is gone according to Newton’s law.
Formation of the Convergence Functions of Errors of Input Data of Measurement Systems Computing Components on the Basis of the Finite Automatics Theory
Authors: Krychevets O.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the behavior of the functions of transforming the input data errors for different types of measurement systems’ computing components in order to use their generalized models developed on the basis of the finite automata theory. It is shown that, depending on the kind and value of an input data error transformation function (metrological condition of computing components), the errors of measurement results obtained with the systems’ measuring channels have a determinate character of changes in both static and dynamic regimes of computing components. Determined are the basic dependences of the errors of measurement results upon the input data errors, and upon the types of input data transformation functions; given are the results of their calculation.
The investigation results demonstrate a linear character of the dependence of measurement result errors upon the input data errors ΔХ{(tn). In addition, the transformation function calculation f = ΔY{(tn)/ΔХ{(tn) gives its steady state value f = 1,0, i.e. a computing component does not transform the input data error, and does not reverse its sign.
For the iterative procedures, the input data errors do not affect the final measurement result, and its accuracy. The measurement error values Δуn depend on the iteration number, and decrease with the increasing number. Of particular interest is the behavior of the function of transforming the input data errors: first, its values are dependent upon the number of iterations; second, f < 1, which clearly shows that the input data errors decrease with the increa­sing number of iterations; and third, the availability of values f = 0 indicates that the function of transforming the input data errors is able to «swallow up» the input data error at the end of the computational procedure.
For the linear-chain structures, data have been obtained for a predominantly linear dependence of the measurement error Δs on the input data error Δх, and for the absence of the chain’s transformation function f dependence on the input data errors Δх.
For the computing components having a cyclic structure, typi­cal is the same dependence of measurement errors Δt on the input data errors and on the behavior of transformation function ft/x which are specific to the above mentioned computing components that rea­lize iterative procedures. The difference is that the computing components having a cyclic structure realize the so-called (sub)space iteration as opposed to the time iteration specific to the computing components considered.
The computing components having a complicated structure (e.g. serial-cyclic, serial-parallel, etc.) demonstrate the dependence of measurement errors on the input data errors which is specific to the linear link that, with such a structure, is determinative for eva­luating the measurement error. Also the function of transforming the input data errors behaves similarly.
Evaluation of the Signal Power Spectrum in Directional Receiving Systems
Authors: Ignatkin V. , Saragtov O.
Published: December 2019

Розглянуто алгоритм, який дозволяє для дискретної вибірки із N значень на проміжку часу [–T/2, +T/2] оцінювати спектр потужності за допомогою фільтра з тією ж самою вузькою спектральною смугою у прямокутному часовому вікні, але з рівнем бічних пелюсток, менших на 4,3 дБ. Наведено приклади декількох «енергетичних» фільтрів. При цьому показано відгуки енергетичного фільтра порівняно з фільтром на основі традиційних часових вікон. Виникають можливості керування як шириною смуги фільтра, так і формою його вершини. Також суттєво збільшується розмірність простору змінних варіювання.
Стосовно спектрального аналізу, йдеться відносно випадку, коли перетворення Фур’є виконується з двома різними часовими вікнами у часі.
Підсумок формується із множників дійсних
і недійсних частин першого та другого перетворення. При цьому не потрібно певних оптимальних властивостей від кожного із часових вікон, окремо оптимізується тільки кінцевий підсумок. Це ефективно, якщо одне із часових вікон нагадує вікно Кайзера-Бесселя. При цьому проведення згортки після перетворення Фур’є стає трудомістким, потребує багато обчислювальних операцій, та часове вікно краще використовувати безпосередньо до сигналу, який аналізується перед перетворенням Фур’є.
Для таких часових вікон будування «енергетичного» фільтра збільшує час аналізу приблизно у два рази. Але швидкість обчислювань не зав­жди є визначальним фактором, а сумісне використання двох різних вікон замість одного розширює можливості аналізу.
Результати роботи можуть бути  використані під час фільтрації приймальної потужності сигналу для різних систем, зокрема, для систем з максимальним придушенням шумової завади.
Перспективно оптимізувати приймальну систему з горизонтальним робочим напрямком приймання. Задачу оптимізації у цьому випадку вирішують з урахуванням робочого діапазону як для середньої, так і для максимальної завади.
Control of Surface Density of Textile Materials Using Automated Scanning System
Authors: Lisovets S. , Barilko S. , Zenkin A. , Zdorenko V.
Published: December 2019

The paper demonstrates the importance of controlling the surface density of textiles, which include mainly fabrics, knitted fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, in order to improve the quality of their manufacture.
It considers the most accurate methods of controlling surface density by determining the mass to area ratio of the textile sample. And it is also shown that, in addition to high accuracy, such met­hods have many fundamental disadvantages: the need to obtain a sample of textile material, low productivity, inability to automate the process of determining surface density, and so on.
In addition, it deals with optical methods for controlling surface density based on the imaging of textile material and its subsequent analysis. However, the presence of factors such as entanglement complexity, the presence of pores, and some others does not fully reveal the potential of optical surface density methods.
The paper also shows that at different points in the surface of the textile material, its surface density may differ significantly from its average value. Therefore, there is a need for an automated scanning system that allows radiating and receiving electroacoustic converters to be moved to exactly the point of the surface of the textile material whose surface density requires measurement.
In order to solve the problem, it was proposed to use a toothed belt gear, and to drive it with the help of step motors controlled through drivers. In turn, to communicate drivers with the control computer, it was proposed to use a microcontroller with an integrated USB interface (for example, manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc.), and software for it to write in one of the high-
level programming languages (for example, C #).
This construction of the automated scanning system is due to the fact that the existing means of linear movement, in terms of the design of the scanning system, have a lot of redundancy: too much cost, too much accuracy, the need to use specialized software, and so on.
The use of the proposed linear positioning means will allow the scanning system to have sufficiently high metrological characteristics at a relatively low cost.