bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of TEC Calculations Based on Trimble, Javad, Leica, and Septentrio GNSS Receiver Data
Authors: Demyanov Vladislav , Sergeeva Maria , Fedorov Mark , Ishina Tatiana , Gatica-Acevedo Victor Jose , Cabral-Cano Enrique
Published: October 2020

A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is, to some extent, a “black box” when its data is used for ionospheric studies. Our results based on Javad, Septentrio, Trimble, and Leica GNSS receivers have proven that the accuracy of the slant Total Electron Content (TEC) calculation can differ significantly depending on the GNSS receiver type/model, because TEC measurements depend on the carrier phase tracking technique applied in a receiver. The correlation coefficient between carrier phase noise in L1 and L2 channels is considered as a possible indicator that shows if the L1-aided tracking technique or independent tracking is applied inside a receiver. An empirical model of the TEC noise component was provided to determine the TEC noise value in different types/models of GNSS receivers.
Vital Sign Monitoring in Car Seats Based on Electrocardiography, Ballistocardiography and Seismocardiography: A Review
Authors: Sidikova Michaela , Martinek Radek , Kawala-Sterniuk Aleksandra , Ladrova Martina , Jaros Rene , Danys Lukas , Simonik Petr
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on a thorough summary of vital function measuring methods in vehicles. The focus of this paper is to summarize and compare already existing methods integrated into car seats with the implementation of inter alia capacitive electrocardiogram (cECG), mechanical motion analysis Ballistocardiography (BCG) and Seismocardiography (SCG). In addition, a comprehensive overview of other methods of vital sign monitoring, such as camera-based systems or steering wheel sensors, is also presented in this article. Furthermore, this work contains a very thorough background study on advanced signal processing methods and their potential application for the purpose of vital sign monitoring in cars, which is prone to various disturbances and artifacts occurrence that have to be eliminated.
Interference Spreading through Random Subcarrier Allocation Technique and Its Error Rate Performance in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Kachroo Amit , Popuri Adithya , Ibrahim Mostafa , Imran Ali , Ekin Sabit
Published: October 2020

In this letter, we investigate the idea of interference spreading and its effect on bit error rate (BER) performance in a cognitive radio network (CRN). The interference spreading phenomenon is caused because of the random allocation of subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based CRN without any spectrum-sensing mechanism. The CRN assumed in this work is of underlay configuration, where the frequency bands are accessed concurrently by both primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs). With random allocation, subcarrier collisions occur among the carriers of primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs), leading to interference among subcarriers. This interference caused by subcarrier collisions spreads out across multiple subcarriers of PUs rather than on an individual PU, therefore avoiding high BER for an individual PU. Theoretical and simulated signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) for collision and no-collision cases are validated for M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM) techniques. Similarly, theoretical BER performance expressions are found and compared for M-QAM modulation orders under Rayleigh fading channel conditions. The BER for different modulation orders of M-QAM are compared and the relationship of average BER with interference temperature is also explored further.
Defect-Induced Gas-Sensing Properties of a Flexible SnS Sensor under UV Illumination at Room Temperature
Authors: Manh Hung Nguyen , Nguyen Chuong V. , Arepalli Vinaya Kumar , Kim Jeha , Duc Chinh Nguyen , Nguyen Tien Dai , Seo Dong-Bum , Kim Eui-Tae , Kim Chunjoong , Kim Dojin
Published: October 2020

Tin sulfide (SnS) is known for its effective gas-detecting ability at low temperatures. However, the development of a portable and flexible SnS sensor is hindered by its high resistance, low response, and long recovery time. Like other chalcogenides, the electronic and gas-sensing properties of SnS strongly depend on its surface defects. Therefore, understanding the effects of its surface defects on its electronic and gas-sensing properties is a key factor in developing low-temperature SnS gas sensors. Herein, using thin SnS films annealed at different temperatures, we demonstrate that SnS exhibits n-type semiconducting behavior upon the appearance of S vacancies. Furthermore, the presence of S vacancies imparts the n-type SnS sensor with better sensing performance under UV illumination at room temperature (25 °C) than that of a p-type SnS sensor. These results are thoroughly investigated using various experimental analysis techniques and theoretical calculations using density functional theory. In addition, n-type SnS deposited on a polyimide substrate can be used to fabricate high-stability flexible sensors, which can be further developed for real applications.
Accuracy–Power Controllable LiDAR Sensor System with 3D Object Recognition for Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Lee Dongkyu , Choi Pyung , Park Daejin
Published: October 2020

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors help autonomous vehicles detect the surrounding environment and the exact distance to an object’s position. Conventional LiDAR sensors require a certain amount of power consumption because they detect objects by transmitting lasers at a regular interval according to a horizontal angular resolution (HAR). However, because the LiDAR sensors, which continuously consume power inefficiently, have a fatal effect on autonomous and electric vehicles using battery power, power consumption efficiency needs to be improved. In this paper, we propose algorithms to improve the inefficient power consumption of conventional LiDAR sensors, and efficiently reduce power consumption in two ways: (a) controlling the HAR to vary the laser transmission period (TP) of a laser diode (LD) depending on the vehicle’s speed and (b) reducing the static power consumption using a sleep mode, depending on the surrounding environment. The proposed LiDAR sensor with the HAR control algorithm reduces the power consumption of the LD by 6.92% to 32.43% depending on the vehicle’s speed, compared to the maximum number of laser transmissions (Nx.max). The sleep mode with a surrounding environment-sensing algorithm reduces the power consumption by 61.09%. The algorithm of the proposed LiDAR sensor was tested on a commercial processor chip, and the integrated processor was designed as an IC using the Global Foundries 55 nm CMOS process.
Condition-Based Maintenance with Reinforcement Learning for Dry Gas Pipeline Subject to Internal Corrosion
Authors: Mahmoodzadeh Zahra , Wu Keo-Yuan , Lopez Droguett Enrique , Mosleh Ali
Published: October 2020

Gas pipeline systems are one of the largest energy infrastructures in the world and are known to be very efficient and reliable. However, this does not mean they are prone to no risk. Corrosion is a significant problem in gas pipelines that imposes large risks such as ruptures and leakage to the environment and the pipeline system. Therefore, various maintenance actions are performed routinely to ensure the integrity of the pipelines. The costs of the corrosion-related maintenance actions are a significant portion of the pipeline’s operation and maintenance costs, and minimizing this large cost is a highly compelling subject that has been addressed by many studies. In this paper, we investigate the benefits of applying reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to the corrosion-related maintenance management of dry gas pipelines. We first address the rising need for a simulated testbed by proposing a test bench that models corrosion degradation while interacting with the maintenance decision-maker within the RL environment. Second, we propose a condition-based maintenance management approach that leverages a data-driven RL decision-making methodology. An RL maintenance scheduler is applied to the proposed test bench, and the results show that applying the proposed condition-based maintenance management technique can reduce up to 58% of the maintenance costs compared to a periodic maintenance policy while securing pipeline reliability.
Real-Time Impedance Monitoring of Epithelial Cultures with Inkjet-Printed Interdigitated-Electrode Sensors
Authors: Mojena-Medina Dahiana , Hubl Moritz , Bäuscher Manuel , Jorcano José Luis , Ngo Ha-Duong , Acedo Pablo
Published: October 2020

From electronic devices to large-area electronics, from individual cells to skin substitutes, printing techniques are providing compelling applications in wide-ranging fields. Research has thus fueled the vision of a hybrid, printing platform to fabricate sensors/electronics and living engineered tissues simultaneously. Following this interest, we have fabricated interdigitated-electrode sensors (IDEs) by inkjet printing to monitor epithelial cell cultures. We have fabricated IDEs using flexible substrates with silver nanoparticles as a conductive element and SU-8 as the passivation layer. Our sensors are cytocompatible, have a topography that simulates microgrooves of 300 µm width and ~4 µm depth, and can be reused for cellular studies without detrimental in the electrical performance. To test the inkjet-printed sensors and demonstrate their potential use for monitoring laboratory-growth skin tissues, we have developed a real-time system and monitored label-free proliferation, migration, and detachment of keratinocytes by impedance spectroscopy. We have found that variations in the impedance correlate linearly to cell densities initially seeded and that the main component influencing the total impedance is the isolated effect of the cell membranes. Results obtained show that impedance can track cellular migration over the surface of the sensors, exhibiting a linear relationship with the standard method of image processing. Our results provide a useful approach for non-destructive in-situ monitoring of processes related to both in vitro epidermal models and wound healing with low-cost ink-jetted sensors. This type of flexible sensor as well as the impedance method are promising for the envisioned hybrid technology of 3D-bioprinted smart skin substitutes with built-in electronics.
Mapping Small-Scale Horizontal Velocity Field in Panzhinan Waterway by Coastal Acoustic Tomography
Authors: Huang Haocai , Xie Xinyi , Guo Yong , Wang Hangzhou
Published: October 2020

Mapping small-scale high-precision velocity fields is of great significance to oceanic environment research. Coastal acoustic tomography (CAT) is a frontier technology used to observe large-scale velocity field in the horizontal slice. Nonetheless, it is difficult to observe the velocity field using the CAT in small-scale areas, specifically where the flow field is complex such as ocean ranch and artificial upwelling areas. This paper conducted a sound transmission experiment using four 50 kHz CAT systems in the Panzhinan waterway. Notably, sound transmission based on the round-robin method was recommended for small-scale CAT observation. The travel time between stations, obtained by correlation of raw data, was applied to reconstruct the horizontal velocity fields using Tapered Least Square inversion. The minimum net volume transport was 8.7 m3/s at 12:32, 1.63% of the total inflow volume transport indicating that the observational errors were acceptable. The relative errors of the range-average velocity calculated by differential travel time were 1.54% (path 2) and 0.92% (path 6), respectively. Moreover, the inversion velocity root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) were 0.5163, 0.1494, 0.2103, 0.2804 and 0.2817 m/s for paths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, respectively. The feasibility and acceptable accuracy of the CAT method in the small-scale velocity profiling measurement were validated. Furthermore, a three-dimensional (3-D) velocity field mapping should be performed with combined analysis in horizontal and vertical slices.
LC-MS Phytochemical Screening, In Vitro Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata Extract
Authors: Wali Adil Farooq , Al Dhaheri Yusra , Ramakrishna Pillai Jayachithra , Mushtaq Ahlam , Rao Padma G. M. , Rabbani Syed Arman , Firdous Aimen , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Farraj Dunia A. Al
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, marine microalgae are recognized to be a considerably novel and rich origin of bioactive moieties utilized in the sectors of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. In the present study, Nannochloropsis oculata extract (AME) was associated with a wide variety of pharmacological studies such as in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal and anticancer activity (MDA-MB-231) in cancer cells through in vitro models. In the study, the chemical composition and structure of the bioactive compounds found in the AME extract were studied using the LC-MS technique. The results of the anticancer activity showed a decrease in the percentage of cell viability of the MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (400 μg/mL at 24 h, 300 μg/mL at 48 h, and 200 μg/mL at 72 h). We have also observed morphological changes in the cells that could be associated with treatment with AME extract. Our observation of the AME extract-treated MDA-MB231 cells under light microscopy showed that when the concentration increased, the number of cells began to decrease. As far as LC-MS analysis is concerned, it showed the presence of the bioactive molecules was terpenoids along with carotenoids, polyphenolic and fatty acids. The result revealed that the AME extract exhibited noteworthy in vitro free radical scavenging potential, with an IC50 value of 52.10 ± 0.85 µg/L in DPPH assay, 122.84 ± 2.32 µg/mL in H2O2 assay and, 96.95 ± 1.68 µg/mL in ABTS assay. The activity was found to be highly significant against bacteria (Gram-positive and negative) and moderately significant against fungal strain with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values between 15.63 and 500 µg/mL.
Characterization, Communication, and Management of Uncertainty in Tuna Fisheries
Authors: Merino Gorka , Murua Hilario , Santiago Josu , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Restrepo Victor
Published: October 2020

Tunas sustain important fisheries that face sustainability challenges worldwide, including the uncertainty inherent to natural systems. The Kobe process aims at harmonizing the scientific advice and management recommendations in tuna regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) toward supporting the sustainable exploitation of tunas globally. In this context, we review the similarities and differences among tuna RFMOs, focusing on stock assessment methodologies, use of information, characterization of uncertainty and communication of advice. Also, under the Kobe process, tuna RFMOs have committed to a path of adopting harvest strategies (HSs), also known as management procedures (MPs), which are the series of actions undertaken to monitor the stock, make management decisions, and implement the management measures. The adoption of HSs for tuna stocks is supported by Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE), which is considered the most appropriate way to assess the consequences of uncertainty for achieving fisheries management goals. Overall, notable progress has been made in achieving some of the Kobe objectives, but there are still some aspects that are inconsistent and need to be agreed upon, due to their management implications. First, not all RFMOs report on stock status based on maximum sustainable yield (MSY) as a reference. Instead, some use depletion level to represent the available fish biomass. Also, the definition of overexploited is not common in all oceans. Finally, very few stock assessments characterize all major sources of uncertainty inherent to fisheries. With regards to HSs, two different approaches are being followed: One is designed to adopt an automatic decision rule once the stock status and management quantities have been agreed upon (harvest control rules (HCRs), not strictly an HS) and the other aims at adopting all the components of HSs (data, use of information and decision rule).
Sustainability Education and Environmental Worldviews: Shifting a Paradigm
Authors: Ling Simon , Landon Adam , Tarrant Michael , Rubin Donald
Published: October 2020

Higher education institutions are tasked with education for sustainable development, of which the environment is a central pillar. Understanding the demographic factors that influence the establishment of environmental worldviews allows educators to better contextualize sustainability content and discussion. Identifying pedagogies capable of creating learning spaces within which worldviews can shift offers similar opportunities. Using a quasi-experimental design and model building, this study identifies important social psychological antecedents of environmental beliefs, assesses the effectiveness of outbound mobility pedagogy at changing those beliefs and identifies important predictors of the nature and magnitude of those changes. Sustainable outbound mobility courses were effective at increasing environmental worldview compared to a control group. At program commencement, political orientation and business majors were negatively associated with environmental worldview, while female gender was the reverse. For sustainability education courses, only gender was retained as a significant predictor of the nature and change of environmental worldview by the course’s end. These results suggest that the factors associated with environmental worldview upon commencement of a course do not necessarily predict the malleability of that worldview in higher education students.
Urbanization and the Urban–Rural Income Gap in China: A Continuous Wavelet Coherency Analysis
Authors: Chen Yiguo , Luo Peng , Chang Tsangyao
Published: October 2020

This study applies wavelet analysis to examine the relationship between the urbanization and the urban–rural income gap in 31 provinces in China over the period 1978–2019. We find three patterns of causality between urbanization and the urban–rural income gap. Empirical results show that urbanization does Granger-cause an urban–rural income gap, the urban–rural income gap does Granger-cause urbanization, and there exists a two-way causality between the urban–rural income gap and urbanization. Furthermore, these relationships mainly exist at high frequencies (short term). The results obtained by considering the resident population are more significant than those by the registered population. These results could help local governments develop fair policies for urban and rural income distribution in the process of urbanization of different provinces, promoting the coordinated development between urban and rural areas.
Esports Governance: Exploring Stakeholder Dynamics
Authors: Peng Qi , Dickson Geoff , Scelles Nicolas , Grix Jonathan , Brannagan Paul Michael
Published: October 2020

Esports is a rapidly growing industry. However, the unidentifiable governance structure of the industry has contributed to a number of integrity-eroding activities. By exploring esports stakeholder dynamics, this paper answers the question, “Is the esports governance model sustainable?” Data were sourced from documentation, focus groups (N = 3) and semi-structured interviews (N = 6). Thematic analysis was conducted using Nvivo. The findings suggest that (1) the current esports governance framework features some attributes of the “lead organisation-governed network”, with the power residing mainly in game publishers; (2) the rising power of other stakeholders in the network seeking to address integrity issues has caused fragmentation of the esports governance framework; (3) esports governance is evolving towards a network administration organisation (NAO) model. Such evolution has a few challenges—most notably, the compliance of game publishers. Given the social impact of the integrity issues, governments should play a main role in facilitating a NAO model.
Making the Unsustainable Sustainable: How Swedish Secondary School Teachers Deal with Sustainable Development in Their Teaching
Authors: Gyberg Per , Anshelm Jonas , Hallström Jonas
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to investigate how Swedish teachers manage the uncertainty and complexity associated with sustainable development (SD) as a field of knowledge, in relation to the requirements in the school curriculum. Underlying the whole concept of sustainable development is the vision that there is a possible solution to the ecological, economic and social problems created by humans. However, it is not so clear what this solution actually means in practice. The article builds on an analysis of transcribed individual and group interviews with 40 teachers at Swedish lower and upper secondary schools, related to the topic of sustainable development as a field of knowledge. A thematic analysis was carried out by identifying four broad themes, including dominating discourses. The results indicate that there is a lack of vision among the teachers for a future sustainable society, while at the same time, it seems to be taboo to talk about what an unsustainable society might mean in the long run. Presentations of the problems and knowledge of what causes them must always be combined with instructions on how problems can be solved and how pupils can influence their own future and help create sustainable development. The starting point for such a solution-oriented approach to SD is based on an assumption that individual behaviour is essential to achieving sustainable development and thus that individual responsibility is crucial. This focus leads to individual consumer choices, behaviours and lifestyles at the heart of teaching, while progressive, alternative visions and critical perspectives are downplayed.
Linking Organic Metabolites as Produced by Purpureocillium Lilacinum 6029 Cultured on Karanja Deoiled Cake Medium for the Sustainable Management of Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Gupta Aditi , Dalela Manu , Sharma Satyawati , Sayyed R. Z. , Enshasy Hesham Ali El , Elsayed Elsayed Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Root-knot nematodes pose a serious threat to agriculture and forest systems, causing significant losses of the crop worldwide. A wide range of chemical nematicides has traditionally been used to manage phyto-nematodes. However, due to their ill effects on the environment, biological control agents (BCAs) like Purpureocillium lilacinum that exhibit antagonistic effects on root-knot nematodes are preferred. The current study focused on identifying nematicidal metabolites produced by the fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum cultivated on akaranja deoiled cake-based liquid medium through bioactivity-guided fractionation against Meloidogyne incognita. Column chromatography of the ethyl acetate extract of fungal filtrate exhibited the most potent fraction (fraction 14–15), giving 94.6% egg mass hatching inhibition on the 5th day and a maximum nematicidal activity of 62% against second-stage juveniles after 48 h at 5000 mg/L. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of this fraction revealed five major compounds, viz., 2-ethyl butyric acid, phenyl ethyl alcohol, benzoic acid, benzene acetic acid, and 3,5-Di-t-butylphenol. These biocompounds have potential biocontrol applications in agriculture, but further in vivo studies are warranted.
On Aluminum Honeycomb Impact Attenuator Designs for Formula Student Competitions
Authors: Quoc Phu Ma , Krzikalla David , Mesicek Jakub , Petru Jana , Smiraus Jakub , Sliva Ales , Poruba Zdenek
Published: October 2020

The use of impact attenuators (IA) is important for vehicles as they absorb the kinetic energy exerted from the car crashes to protect the drivers from any possible injuries. Under the framework of the Formula Student (FS) competition, we investigate various designs of IA made of aluminum honeycomb material. Specifically, the crushing behavior of the honeycomb structure is investigated from the theoretical point of view and later verified with numerical simulations. To achieve the desired crushing behavior of the aluminum honeycomb structure, apart from the so-called pre-crushing method, another way to pre-process the aluminum honeycomb is proposed. Modification on the aluminum honeycomb is done in a symmetric manner to ensure the same uniform crushing behavior on the two sides of the mirror plane of the car. Different variations presented in this paper shed a light on future aluminum honeycomb IA designs in the context of FS competitions.
Status, Challenges and Directions in Indirect Dark Matter Searches
Authors: Pérez de los Heros Carlos
Published: October 2020

Indirect searches for dark matter are based on detecting an anomalous flux of photons, neutrinos or cosmic-rays produced in annihilations or decays of dark matter candidates gravitationally accumulated in heavy cosmological objects, like galaxies, the Sun or the Earth. Additionally, evidence for dark matter that can also be understood as indirect can be obtained from early universe probes, like fluctuations of the cosmic microwave background temperature, the primordial abundance of light elements or the Hydrogen 21-cm line. The techniques needed to detect these different signatures require very different types of detectors: Air shower arrays, gamma- and X-ray telescopes, neutrino telescopes, radio telescopes or particle detectors in balloons or satellites. While many of these detectors were not originally intended to search for dark matter, they have proven to be unique complementary tools for direct search efforts. In this review we summarize the current status of indirect searches for dark matter, mentioning also the challenges and limitations that these techniques encounter.
Ankle and Foot Spasticity Patterns in Chronic Stroke Survivors with Abnormal Gait
Authors: Li Sheng
Published: October 2020

Chronic stroke survivors with spastic hemiplegia have various clinical presentations of ankle and foot muscle spasticity patterns. They are mechanical consequences of interactions between spasticity and weakness of surrounding muscles during walking. Four common ankle and foot spasticity patterns are described and discussed through sample cases. The patterns discussed are equinus, varus, equinovarus, and striatal toe deformities. Spasticity of the primary muscle(s) for each deformity is identified. However, it is emphasized that clinical presentation depends on the severity of spasticity and weakness of these muscles and their interactions. Careful and thorough clinical assessment of the ankle and foot deformities is needed to determine the primary cause of each deformity. An understanding of common ankle and foot spasticity patterns can help guide clinical assessment and selection of target spastic muscles for botulinum toxin injection or nerve block.
Mycotoxins in Ethiopia: A Review on Prevalence, Economic and Health Impacts
Authors: Mamo Firew Tafesse , Abate Birhan Addisie , Tesfaye Kassahun , Nie Chengrong , Wang Gang , Liu Yang
Published: October 2020

Mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins are a global concern, causing huge economic and health impacts in developing countries such as Ethiopia, where the mycotoxin control system is inadequate. This work aimed to review the occurrences of agriculturally essential fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium and their major mycotoxins in Ethiopian food/feedstuffs. The incidents of crucial toxins, including aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1), fumonisins (B1, B2), zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and ochratoxin A, were studied. The impacts of chronic aflatoxin exposure on liver cancer risks, synergy with chronic hepatitis B infection, and possible links with Ethiopian childhood malnutrition were thoroughly examined. In addition, health risks of other potential mycotoxin exposure are also discussed, and the impacts of unsafe level of mycotoxin contaminations on economically essential export products and livestock productions were assessed. Feasible mycotoxin mitigation strategies such as biocontrol methods and binding agents (bentonite) were recommended because they are relatively cheap for low-income farmers and widely available in Ethiopia, respectively. Moreover, Ethiopian mycotoxin regulations, storage practice, adulteration practice, mycotoxin tests, and knowledge gaps among value chain actors were highlighted. Finally, sustained public awareness was suggested, along with technical and human capacity developments in the food control sector.
On the Energy of a Non-Singular Black Hole Solution Satisfying the Weak Energy Condition
Authors: Radinschi Irina , Grammenos Theophanes , Rahaman Farook , Cazacu Marius-Mihai , Spanou Andromahi , Chakraborty Joydeep
Published: October 2020

The energy-momentum localization for a new four-dimensional and spherically symmetric, charged black hole solution that through a coupling of general relativity with non-linear electrodynamics is everywhere non-singular while it satisfies the weak energy condition, is investigated. The Einstein and Møller energy-momentum complexes have been employed in order to calculate the energy distribution and the momenta for the aforesaid solution. It is found that the energy distribution depends explicitly on the mass and the charge of the black hole, on two parameters arising from the space-time geometry considered, and on the radial coordinate. Further, in both prescriptions all the momenta vanish. In addition, a comparison of the results obtained by the two energy-momentum complexes is made, whereby some limiting and particular cases are pointed out.
Bovine Pestivirus Heterogeneity and Its Potential Impact on Vaccination and Diagnosis
Authors: Riitho Victor , Strong Rebecca , Larska Magdalena , Graham Simon P. , Steinbach Falko
Published: October 2020

Bovine Pestiviruses A and B, formerly known as bovine viral diarrhoea viruses (BVDV)-1 and 2, respectively, are important pathogens of cattle worldwide, responsible for significant economic losses. Bovine viral diarrhoea control programmes are in effect in several high-income countries but less so in low- and middle-income countries where bovine pestiviruses are not considered in disease control programmes. However, bovine pestiviruses are genetically and antigenically diverse, which affects the efficiency of the control programmes. The emergence of atypical ruminant pestiviruses (Pestivirus H or BVDV-3) from various parts of the world and the detection of Pestivirus D (border disease virus) in cattle highlights the challenge that pestiviruses continue to pose to control measures including the development of vaccines with improved cross-protective potential and enhanced diagnostics. This review examines the effect of bovine pestivirus diversity and emergence of atypical pestiviruses in disease control by vaccination and diagnosis.
Characterization of Novel Lytic Bacteriophages of Achromobacter marplantensis Isolated from a Pneumonia Patient
Authors: Chan Hiu Tat , Ku Heng , Low Ying Ping , Batinovic Steven , Kabwe Mwila , Petrovski Steve , Tucci Joseph
Published: October 2020

Achromobacter spp. are becoming increasingly associated with lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). A. marplatensis, which is closely related to A. xylosoxidans, has been isolated from the lungs of CF patients and other human infections. This article describes the isolation, morphology and characterization of two lytic bacteriophages specific for an A. marplatensis strain isolated from a pneumonia patient. This host strain was the causal agent of hospital acquired pneumonia–the first clinical report of such an occurrence. Full genome sequencing revealed bacteriophage genomes ranging in size from 45901 to 46,328 bp. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the two bacteriophages AMA1 and AMA2 belonged to the Siphoviridae family. Host range analysis showed that their host range did not extend to A. xylosoxidans. The possibility exists for future testing of such bacteriophages in the control of Achromobacter infections such as those seen in CF and other infections of the lungs. The incidence of antibiotic resistance in this genus highlights the importance of seeking adjuncts and alternatives in CF and other lung infections.
Water and Land as Shared Resources for Agriculture and Aquaculture: Insights from Asia
Authors: Pueppke Steven G. , Nurtazin Sabir , Ou Weixin
Published: October 2020

Although agriculture and aquaculture depend on access to increasingly scarce, shared water resources to produce food for human consumption, they are most often considered in isolation. We argue that they should be treated as integrated components of a single complex system that is prone to direct or indirect tradeoffs that should be avoided while also being amenable to synergies that should be sought. Direct tradeoffs such as competition for space or the pollution of shared water resources usually occur when the footprints of agriculture and aquaculture overlap or when the two practices coexist in close proximity to one another. Interactions can be modulated by factors such as hydropower infrastructure and short-term economic incentives, both of which are known to disrupt the balance between aquaculture and agriculture. Indirect tradeoffs, on the other hand, play out across distances, i.e., when agricultural food sources are diverted to feed animals in aquaculture. Synergies are associated with the culture of aquatic organisms in rice paddies and irrigation waters, seasonal rotations of crop cultivation with aquaculture, and various forms of integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA), including jitang, a highly developed variant of pond-dike IAA. Policy decisions, socioeconomic considerations, and technology warrant increased scrutiny as determinants of tradeoffs and synergies. Priority issues for the future include guiding the expansion of aquaculture from its traditional base in Asia, taking advantage of the heterogeneity that exists within both agricultural and aquaculture systems, the development of additional metrics of tradeoffs and synergies, and adapting to the effects of climate change.
Elegant Writing, Intelligently Curated; Review of Salamander, Fall/Winter 2015
Authors: Hakala Marjorie
Published: October 2020

Salamander is a twice-annual print magazine published by Suffolk University in Boston. Issue 41, published in fall/winter 2015, has a picture of a dahlia on the cover. A brief, polite note from the editor kicks things off by informing us that Andre Dubus III judged the magazine’s 2015 short story contest, and we get his comments on the winners and a brief enumeration of the other prose works in the issue as well as the names of some of the poets. That is all the introduction anybody gets before we are off to the races.
Marketing agility and E-Commerce agility in the light of COVID-19 pandemic: A study with reference to fast fashion brands
Authors: M Anand Shankar Raja , Kannappan Shenbagam
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to explore the present COVID-19 crisis, which has affected fast-fashion. Global fast-fashion consumers have lost hope to revamp their wardrobe due to the broken supply chain network and the fear to visit the stores for purchase. The research intends to provide a detailed framework for the fast-fashion brands to strategically plan for post-COVID-19 business normality leading to sustainability. For the development of the model, careful investigation of the articles was carried out. This research is purely qualitative in nature depending on secondary data.In the post-COVID-19, the e-commerce industry will boom and those fast-fashion brands, which are already in the e-commerce platform, have to know the Percentage of Concentration (POC) in which they have to concentrate so that there are no wastages and spillover effects. Hence, marketing agility and e-commerce agility becomes the foundation for fast-fashion brands if it has to recapture its leadership position in the post COVID-19 pandemic. Fast-fashions have to follow the art of rethinking to replan and reimplement new strategies to revamp the business.
CALIDAD POSTCOSECHA DE FRUTOS DE PITAHAYA (Hylocereus undatus Haw.) COSECHADOS EN TRES ESTADOS DE MADUREZ
Authors: Osuna-Enciso Tomás , Ibarra-Zazueta Ma. Emilia , Muy-Rangel Ma. Dolores , Valdez-Torres J. Benigno , Villarreal-Romero Manuel , Hernández-Verdugo Sergio
Published: October 2020

En este estudio se evaluó la calidad postcosecha de frutos de pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus Haw.) cosechados en tres estados de madurez: inicial, medio y completo, con 25-50, 50-75 y 75-100 % de color rojo en la cáscara, respectivamente. Los frutos fueron almacenados a 20 ± 2 °C. Se evaluaron características físicas y químicas durante 12 d y las fisiológicas por 8 d. La pérdida de peso al concluir el almacenamiento fue mayor (P ≤ 0.05) en frutos de madurez inicial (7.8 %) que con madurez media (6.1 %) y completa (5.6 %). El color de la cáscara varió (P ≤ 0.05) durante el almacenamiento y entre estados de madurez. Frutos con madurez media y completa concluyeron con valores de ángulo de matiz de 15.6 (rojo) y 8.6 (rojo morado), respectivamente, y los de madurez inicial con 31.7 (rojo-naranja). Firmeza, acidez titulable (AT), sólidos solubles totales (SST) y vitamina C, disminuyeron (P ≤ 0.05) durante el almacenamiento. La firmeza se mantuvo más alta en frutos de madurez inicial. La AT disminuyó alrededor de 80 % en los frutos de los tres estados de madurez, pero fue más alta en los cosechados con madurez inicial. Los SST tuvieron un descenso significativo (P ≤ 0.05) con valores °Brix más altos en frutos con madurez media y completa que en madurez inicial. La relación °Brix/acidez (RBA) fue similar en los primeros 4 d de almacenamiento, pero los frutos en madurez inicial mantuvieron por más tiempo (10 d) los valores óptimos de RBA (<40). La disminución de vitamina C fue mayor (P ≤ 0.05) en frutos con madurez inicial, mientras que la respiración fue mayor en frutos con madurez completa que con madurez inicial y media, y se observó un comportamiento no climatérico. La vida postcosecha para frutos con madurez media y completa fue entre 6 y 8 d, mientras que para madurez inicial fue 10 d, pero en estos últimos el color rojo menos intenso afectó la calidad.
PERSPECTIVAS DE DESARROLLO DE LA INDUSTRIA SEMILLERA DE MAÍZ EN MÉXICO
Authors: Luna-Mena Bethel M. , Hinojosa-Rodríguez Ma. Alejandra , Ayala-Garay Óscar J. , Castillo-González Fernando , Mejía-Contreras J. Apolinar
Published: October 2020

La producción y distribución de semillas mejoradas son el puente de transferencia de tecnología entre fitomejoradores y productores, para alcanzar niveles competitivos en la producción. Sin embargo, en México las semillas mejoradas de maíz (Zea mays L.) se siembran en sólo 30 % de la superficie ocupada por este cultivo. En esta investigación se estudió el mercado nacional de semillas y se analizó la posibilidad de desarrollo de pequeñas empresas productoras de semilla de maíz. Con la Ley de Producción, Certificación y Comercio de Semillas (LPCCS) de 1961 se permitió al Estado Mexicano promover la generación de variedades y la producción y comercio de semillas. En 1989 se produjeron 350 mil toneladas de semilla, de las cuales 28 mil fueron de maíz. En 1991 se promulgó una nueva LPCCS que permitió la participación sin restricciones del sector privado en la investigación, producción y comercialización de semilla, y también se restringió al sector público al grado de que la Productora Nacional de Semillas fue liquidada. Esto originó una fuerte caída en la producción de semillas (163 mil toneladas en 1995, de las cuales 15 mil fueron de maíz) y la expansión masiva de megaempresas transnacionales en la industria semillera nacional, que han consolidado un oligopolio. En 2009 se sembraron en México 8 millones de hectáreas de maíz, de las cuales 1.5 millones fueron con 45 mil toneladas de semilla híbrida. De éstas, 95 % fueron producidas por Monsanto y Pioneer principalmente, y el resto (3 mil toneladas) por pequeñas empresas. Aquí se propone promover la participación de pequeñas empresas productoras de semilla de maíz a escala local y regional, que atiendan a productores que siembran superficies reducidas en regiones agroecológicas especiales, lo cual ampliaría la superficie sembrada con semilla mejorada. Esta acción se debe articular con una dinámica agrícola (cadena de valor) que genere nuevas variedades y atienda la producción, distribución, asesoría técnica y comercialización del maíz.
Notas sobre la teoría de la colonialidad del poder y la estructuración de la sociedad en América Latina
Authors: Quintero Pablo
Published: October 2020

La teoría de la colonialidad del poder formulada originalmente por Aníbal Quijano, a principios de los anos noventa, y ampliada posteriormente por la red latinoamericana de intelectuales-activistas ligados a lo que se ha denominado "Proyecto Modernidad / Colonialidad / Descolonialidad", es una de las propuestas epistémicas más debatidas en el escenario intelectual contemporáneo en América Latina. Especialmente en la región andina, esta propuesta ha sido -y es actualmente- central en el proceso de emergencia de nuevas perspectivas críticas e ideas radicales, no sólo en el campo académico, sino fundamentalmente junto al accionar epistémico y político de los diferentes movimientos sociales. En este trabajo realizamos una revisión de los núcleos fundamentales de esta teoría, centrándonos en las elaboraciones del propio Aníbal Quijano. Introducimos los principales componentes conceptuales de la colonialidad del poder, para luego inscribir la potencialidad explicativa que contienen estos elementos teóricos en la comprensión de la estructuración de las sociedades y los Estados-nación en América Latina.
"Luchar" por trabajo, trabajar "luchando": prácticas cotidianas de organización y demanda en una empresa recuperada de Buenos Aires
Authors: Fernández Álvarez María Inés
Published: October 2020

El artículo retoma resultados de una investigación etnográfica sobre empresas recuperadas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires entre 2002 y 2005. Analizo las prácticas cotidianas desarrolladas por las/los trabajadoras/es mostrando los cambios en la jornada de trabajo a partir de los cuales el "lugar de trabajo" se convirtió en un "espacio de lucha" y en sentido inverso el "espacio de lucha" fue organizado como un "lugar de trabajo". Sugiero que esta articulación entre "lucha" y "trabajo" permitió la construcción de un innovador proceso de demanda desarrollando desde la práctica cotidiana modos renovados de hacer política y trabajo.
De establecidos y outsiders en el centro histórico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Thomasz Ana Gretel
Published: October 2020

Este artículo recupera la labor etnográfica realizada en el centro histórico de Buenos Aires con relación a los usos del espacio urbano local. Describe las disputas que se suscitan entre los distintos actores sociales que interactúan allí cotidianamente. Retomando las conceptos de establecidos/outsiders de Elias (2000) y el de urbanidad de Giglia (2008) muestra cómo las apropiaciones de dicho espacio, lejos de ser neutrales, están moralmente informadas y sujetas a relaciones de poder.
Tramitar y movilizar:
Authors: Manzano Virginia
Published: October 2020

Este artículo analiza modos de acción política configurados en torno al Estado, que se distinguen por la personalización y la movilización colectiva. Partiendo de una etnografía en el Gran Buenos Aires, se afirma que las ocupaciones de tierras se transformaron en un modelo de acción política que es retomado en distintos contextos históricos. Asimismo, se señalan límites analíticos de estudios inspirados en la categoría de nuevos movimientos sociales así como de aquellos que se concentran exclusivamente en relaciones interpersonales.
Diásporas, etnicidad y etnogénesis: De las reflexiones teóricas a los estudios de caso sobre las comunidades afro-descendientes en América Latina
Authors: Invernon Duconge Giselle , Guizardi Menara Lube
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo analiza las formulaciones teóricas sobre etnogénesis vinculándolas a poblaciones afro-descendientes en Latinoamérica. Empezamos recuperando características históricas del tráfico negrero y su influencia en la conformación de jerarquías raciales en países colonizados. Debatimos categorías teóricas como diáspora africana, etnicidad y etnogénesis, comprendiéndolas en el marco de la estructuración de los Estados-Nación. Finalmente, revisamos algunos estudios de casos sobre procesos de etnogénesis afro-descendiente en cuatro países de América Latina.
Estudios socio-antropológicos con niños y niñas trabajadores. Una apuesta reflexiva sobre dos experiencias en América Latina:
Authors: Rausky María Eugenia , Fatou Begoña Leyra
Published: October 2020

Este artículo se inscribe en el campo de los estudios sociales sobre infancia y tiene como objetivo desarrollar una contribución reflexiva sobre dos experiencias de investigación conducidas con niños y niñas trabajadores en dos contextos urbanos de Latinoamérica diferentes, uno en México y otro en Argentina.
ADVANTAGES OF USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITIZATION OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Authors: VOROBETS Vasyl
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The decentralized system for accounting and data storage, which is known as blockchain, has received and continues to be widely used in the financial sector, being the basis for the functioning of cryptocurrency. The article presents the institutional foundations of managing financial and economic security in the context of digitalization, the relationship of the influence of internal and external threats, determines the internal and external factors that have both direct and indirect effects on the security of the subjects of payment transactions in the development of blockchain technologies.

The purpose is to justify the introduction of equilibrium indicators between permissive and prohibitive measures to regulate the blockchain industry and its products, to study the nature and intensive development of the cryptocurrencies within its adaptation to global financial systems, taking into account the risks that arise in this area when applying blockchain technology to Ukrainian economic realities.

Results. The article reveals modern trends in the development of cryptographic technologies based on decentralized databases, and the possibilities of their direct implementation in the field of financial and payment instruments, both at the level of private decisions and state financial institutions. The features of conducting ICOs and IEOs, as well as the emergence of new forms of cryptocurrency, such as stablecoin and digital money of state governments, are disclosed.

Conclusions. To regulate this innovative field of activity, today there is an objective need to create legal acts that can protect against external and internal threats, while balancing and establishing the interests, rights and obligations of all parties to the issue and circulation of cryptocurrency.