bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CSR Partnership Model for Sustainable MSMEs Development: A Case Study of the Partnership Program at PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk
Authors: Hendrayani Yani , Maryam Siti , Uljanatunnisa Uljanatunnisa
Published: April 2020

This research aims to examine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnership Program to find an optimal and sustainable partnership model between State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to advance the people's economic sector. This research was qualitative research with a case study approach. Data collection techniques used in this research were in-depth interviews, observation, and literature studies. In-depth interviews were conducted with 3 informants chosen as representatives of PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk and 6 informants were taken as participants in Focus Group Discussions representing MSMEs fostered partners in the Jagorawi - Cikampek Toll network area. Informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the CSR partnership model between SOEs and MSMEs is based on mutual respect, transparency, good communication and trust, mutual benefit to those involved, and has a consistent commitment from both parties.
Model of Building Institutional Networks in Early Prevention of Social Conflicts in Urban Area of Bekasi
Authors: Sopandi Andi , Sugandhi Yogi Suprayogi , Gunawan Wahyu
Published: April 2020

This study discusses Building an Institutional Network for Early Prevention of Social Conflict in urban areas, a case study in Bekasi City, West Java Province, Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to find out: (1) to study the institutional network pattern of early prevention of social conflicts (conflicts over erection of places of worship, conflicts of a Primodial nature, and conflict of economic interests) in urban areas, especially Bekasi City, based on three institutional pillars, namely the Regulative pillar, Normative pillars, and Cognitive-cultural Pillars as stated by Scott (2001); (2) analyze other aspects that affect the institutional network in the early prevention system of social conflict in urban areas; and (3) examines the model of institutional networks in early social conflict prevention systems in urban areas. The research method used to explore and identify building institutional networks in early prevention in urban areas is qualitative. The model of building an institutional network in the early prevention of social conflict in urban areas, is very dependent on the set structure, which was developed, including.
Status of the Modern General Theory of the State and Law in the System of the Legal Sciences
Authors: Kozhevnikov Vladimir Valentinovich
Published: April 2020

This scientific article deals with the problem of the hierarchy of the modern legal sciences. The main purpose of the work is to justify the principle that modern general theory of the state retains the status of the fundamental, methodological legal science. There are following tasks of the achieving of the purpose in the article: 1) to analyse the positions of the legal scientists who doubt on the high status of the general theory of the state and the law; 2) to characterize Marxist-Leninist general theory of state and law, which had class, party character; 3) to justify the position that certain provisions of Marxism-Leninism have not lost relevance yet; 4) to display the similarity of Marxist-Leninist general theory of the state and law and modern theory of state and law in terms of methodological foundations. Result. Not agreeing that the theory of the state and law has the function of the serving of the official ideology currently, there is a suggestion in the article that the general theory of the state and law at all stages of the development of the society, not excluding the modern science, is the fundamental, methodological science in the system of other legal sciences, despite the attacks at both theoretical and practical levels.
The Birth of Compassion
Authors: Sugianto Mona
Published: April 2020

The concept of suffering is as old as human history. Efforts to reduce and eliminate suffering have been done in various ways. One of them is compassion, which is an effort to reduce and eliminate the suffering of others. The purpose of this study is to describe the manifestations of compassion that are present in daily life and to understand the process of how acts of compassion are born. A qualitative phenomenological approach was chosen using reflections on life experiences of 1066 participants (Men = 392, Women = 674, range of age 12-65 years) who lived in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results of the study revealed that he manifestations of compassion in daily life can be grouped into two major parts, namely tangible compassion and intangible compassion. Tangible compassion consists of financial support, material goods, helping behavior, and involvement in social activities. While intangible compassion consists of emotional support, companion support, informational support, spiritual support, forgiveness, sacrifice & serve, and others. The birth process of compassion begins with a reflection of a personal suffering experience, empathy for the suffering of others, and inspiration from the goodness of others. These three things create concern. Concern allows one to discover the driving and pulling factors of compassion, which after being tested by overcoming challenges and finding opportunities, will be mature for a decision to be compassionate, and give birth to acts of compassion.
Development of Elementary School Islamic Religious Education Textbooks Class IV Comic Based
Authors: Santri Agus , Sinaga Ali Imran , Salim Salim
Published: April 2020

This study aims to develop a grade IV comic-based Islamic Religious Education textbook as well as to determine the level of eligibility and effectiveness of its use. Initial product development is carried out through preliminary studies in the form of needs analysis and curriculum analysis. The feasibility test was carried out by a questionnaire assessment by three experts, namely material experts, media experts, and comic experts. The effectiveness level of the product can be known through individual, group trials and field trials. The research method used is the R and D or research and development method, with six steps of development, starting from the initial study, initial product, expert validation, individual and group testing, and field testing to the final product. The result is a product in the form of a comic-based grade IV Islamic Religious Education elementary school textbook that is very feasible and effective. The average score for the feasibility test was 90.05% in the Very Eligible category, while the average score for the effectiveness test was 88.67% with the Effective category.
The Effectiveness of Citizenship Education (PPKn) Module on Environmental Love Material by Using Example Non Example Learning Model
Authors: Br Ginting Sari Jusnita , Ruslan Dede , Rahman Arif
Published: April 2020

This study deals with the effectiveness of citizenship education (PPKn) module on environmental love material by using example non example learning model. This research uses the type of Research and Development research. The population in this research and development are all grade II students of SD Negeri 040446 Kabanjahe. The sample set in this study amounted to 28 students. The Development of PPKn Module on environmental love material by using the example non example learning model in increasing the learning activities of Grade II students of SD Negeri 040446 Kabanjahe by using the Borg and Gall development model (in Tegeh et al, 2014: 7-13) also meet valid criteria, and be effective in their use in learning activities and enhance student learning activities. It concludes that learning using PPKn module on environmental love using the example non example learning model is better than before.
Nitrotyrosine and Nitrate/Nitrite Levels in Cardiac Arrest Survivors Treated With Endovascular Hypothermia
Authors: KRÜGER A. , OŠŤÁDAL P. , VONDRÁKOVÁ D. , JANOTKA M. , HERGET J.
Published: April 2020

The protective effect of therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors (CAS) has been previously well documented. Animal studies have indicated that attenuation of tissue oxidative stress (OS) may be involved in the mechanisms that lead to the beneficial effect of hypothermia. The extent of OS and nitric oxide (NO) production in adult CAS treated with endovascular hypothermia is, however, unknown. A total of 11 adult patients who experienced cardiac arrest out of hospital were included in the present study, and all were treated with mild hypothermia using the Thermogard XP (Alsius, USA) endovascular system. A target core temperature of 33 °C was maintained for 24 hours, with a subsequent rewarming rate of 0.15 °C per hour, followed by normothermia at 36.8 °C. Blood samples for the measurement of nitrotyrosine and nitrate/nitrite levels were drawn at admission and every 6 hours thereafter for two days. During the hypothermic period, the levels of nitrotyrosine and nitrates/nitrites were comparable with baseline values. During the rewarming period, serum levels of both parameters gradually increased and, during the normothermic period, the levels were significantly higher compared with hypothermic levels (nitrotyrosine, P<0.001; nitrates/nitrites, P<0.05). In our study, significantly lower levels of nitrotyrosine and nitrates/nitrites were demonstrated during hypothermia compared with levels during the normothermic period in adult CAS. These data suggest that attenuation of OS and NO production may be involved in the protective effect of hypothermia in adult CAS.
Have Main Types of Primary Aldosteronism Different Phenotype?
Authors: ŠOMLÓOVÁ Z. , INDRA T. , ROSA J. , PETRÁK O. , ŠTRAUCH B. , ZELINKA T. , HOLAJ R. , WIDIMSKÝ J.
Published: April 2020

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension with a high frequency of cardiovascular complications. We found in our previous study higher occurrence of metabolic disturbances in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) compared to subjects with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). The aim of our present study is to evaluate potential differences in the frequency of end-organ damage (arterial stiffness and microalbuminuria) between two main types of PA. The diagnosis of the particular form of PA was based on adrenal venous sampling and/or histopathological examination. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 72 patients with PA (36 with IHA, 36 with APA). The arterial stiffness was expressed as the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the renal damage as urinary albumin excretion levels (UAE). Patients with IHA had significantly (p<0.03) higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (17 % in APA, 35 % in IHA), higher triglycerides (1.37±0.71 mmol/l in APA, 1.85±0.87 mmol/l in IHA), lower HDL cholesterol (1.25±0.28 mmol/l in APA, 1.06±0.25 mmol/l in IHA), higher PWV (7.91±1.61 m/s in APA, 8.99±1.77 m/s in IHA) and higher UAE (12.93±2.21 mg/l in APA, 28.09±6.66 mg/l in IHA). It seems that patients with IHA may have a slightly different phenotype compared to APA.
Nigeria's Engagement with the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review: Potential for Acculturation or Risk of Regression?
Authors: Etone Damian
Published: April 2020

This article examines the effectiveness of Nigeria's engagement with the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review Mechanism (UPR). Now into the third cycle of the UPR, questions on the impact of the UPR process on the ground are gaining increasing attention and there is now a growing focus on state implementation of UPR recommendations. This article analyses the extent of Nigeria's engagement with the UPR mechanism with a focus on UPR I and II. It considers the potential for acculturation and the extent to which the government's fight against terrorism has affected its engagement with the UPR mechanism.
Reflecting on South Africa's Attempt to Withdraw from the Rome Statute in Favour of Immunities for Sitting Heads of State: An Analysis of the International Crimes Bill 2017
Authors: Dyani-Mhango Ntombizozuko
Published: April 2020

This article reflects on South Africa's International Crimes Bill 2017 in relation to the customary international law immunities of sitting heads of states. It revisits the discussion on these immunities and examines their legal status in South Africa. It argues that if South Africa adopts the International Crimes Bill, subject only to the procedural prescripts of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, this will have the effect of recognising customary international law immunities for sitting heads of state in South Africa thereby resolving the legal conundrum arising from the non-recognition of immunities for sitting heads of state.
How to Inspect and Measure Data Quality about Scientific Publications: Use Case of Wikipedia and CRIS Databases
Authors: Azeroual Otmane , Lewoniewski Włodzimierz
Published: April 2020

The quality assurance of publication data in collaborative knowledge bases and in current research information systems (CRIS) becomes more and more relevant by the use of freely available spatial information in different application scenarios. When integrating this data into CRIS, it is necessary to be able to recognize and assess their quality. Only then is it possible to compile a result from the available data that fulfills its purpose for the user, namely to deliver reliable data and information. This paper discussed the quality problems of source metadata in Wikipedia and CRIS. Based on real data from over 40 million Wikipedia articles in various languages, we performed preliminary quality analysis of the metadata of scientific publications using a data quality tool. So far, no data quality measurements have been programmed with Python to assess the quality of metadata from scientific publications in Wikipedia and CRIS. With this in mind, we programmed the methods and algorithms as code, but presented it in the form of pseudocode in this paper to measure the quality related to objective data quality dimensions such as completeness, correctness, consistency, and timeliness. This was prepared as a macro service so that the users can use the measurement results with the program code to make a statement about their scientific publications metadata so that the management can rely on high-quality data when making decisions.
Exploring the Genetic Architecture of Root-Related Traits in Mediterranean Bread Wheat Landraces by Genome-Wide Association Analysis
Authors: Rufo Rubén , Salvi Silvio , Royo Conxita , Soriano Jose
Published: April 2020

Background: Roots are essential for drought adaptation because of their involvement in water and nutrient uptake. As the study of the root system architecture (RSA) is costly and time-consuming, it is not generally considered in breeding programs. Thus, the identification of molecular markers linked to RSA traits is of special interest to the breeding community. The reported correlation between the RSA of seedlings and adult plants simplifies its assessment. Methods: In this study, a panel of 170 bread wheat landraces from 24 Mediterranean countries was used to identify molecular markers associated with the seminal RSA and related traits: seminal root angle, total root number, root dry weight, seed weight and shoot length, and grain yield (GY). Results: A genome-wide association study identified 135 marker-trait associations explaining 6% to 15% of the phenotypic variances for root related traits and 112 for GY. Fifteen QTL hotspots were identified as the most important for controlling root trait variation and were shown to include 31 candidate genes related to RSA traits, seed size, root development, and abiotic stress tolerance (mainly drought). Co-location for root related traits and GY was found in 17 genome regions. In addition, only four out of the fifteen QTL hotspots were reported previously. Conclusions: The variability found in the Mediterranean wheat landraces is a valuable source of root traits to introgress into adapted phenotypes through marker-assisted breeding. The study reveals new loci affecting root development in wheat.
Fire Blight Monitoring in Pear Orchards by Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV) Systems Carrying Spectral Sensors
Authors: Schoofs Hilde , Delalieux Stephanie , Deckers Tom , Bylemans Dany
Published: April 2020

Controlling fire blight in pear production areas depends strongly on regular visual inspections of pome fruit orchards, nurseries and other hosts of Erwinia amylovora. In addition, these inspections play an essential role in delineating fire blight free production areas, which has important implications for fruit export. However, visual monitoring is labor intensive and time consuming. As a potential alternative, the performance of spectral sensors on unmanned airborne vehicles (UAV) or drones was evaluated, since this allows the monitoring of larger areas compared to the current field inspections. Unlike more traditional remote sensing platforms such as manned aircrafts and satellites, UAVs offer a higher flexibility and an extremely high level of detail. In this project, a UAV platform carrying a hyperspectral COSI-cam camera was used to map a heavily infected pear orchard. The hyperspectral data were used to assess which wavebands contain information on fire blight infections. In this study, wavelengths 611 nm and 784 nm were found appropriate to detect symptoms associated with fire blight. Vegetation indices that allow to discriminate between healthy and infected trees were identified, too. This manuscript highlights the potential use of the UAV methodology in fire blight detection and remaining difficulties that still need to be overcome for the technique to become fully operational in practice.
Cephalosporins’ Cross-Reactivity and the High Degree of Required Knowledge. Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: D’Errico Stefano , Frati Paola , Zanon Martina , Valentinuz Eleonora , Manetti Federico , Scopetti Matteo , Santurro Alessandro , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: April 2020

Antibiotic cross-reactivity represents a phenomenon of considerable interest as well as antibiotic resistance. Immediate reactions to cephalosporins are reported in the literature with a prevalence of only 1–3% of the population, while anaphylactic reactions are rarely described (approximately 0.0001–0.1%) as well as fatalities. Allergic reaction to cephalosporins may occur because of sensitization to unique cephalosporin haptens or to determinants shared with penicillins. Cross-reactivity between cephalosporins represents, in fact, a well-known threatening event involving cephalosporins with similar or identical R1- or R2-side chains. The present report describes the case of a 79-year-old man who suddenly died after intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone. Serum dosage of mast cell tryptase from a femoral blood sample at 3 and 24 h detected values of 87.7μg/L and 93.5μg/L, respectively (cut-off value 44.3 μg/L); the serum-specific IgE for penicillins, amoxicillin, cephaclor and also for the most common allergens were also determined. A complete post-mortem examination was performed, including gross, histological and immunohistochemical examination, with an anti-tryptase antibody. The cause of death was identified as anaphylactic shock: past administrations of cefepime sensitized the subject to cephalosporins and a fatal cross-reactivity of ceftriaxone with cefepime occurred due to the identical seven-position side chain structure in both molecules. The reported case offers food for thought regarding the study of cross-reactivity and the need to clarify the predictability and preventability of the phenomenon in fatal events.
The Antioxidant Capability of Higenamine: Insights from Theory
Authors: Romeo Isabella , Parise Angela , Galano Annia , Russo Nino , Alvarez-Idaboy Juan Raúl , Marino Tiziana
Published: April 2020

Density functional theory was employed to highlight the antioxidant working mechanism of higenamine in aqueous and lipid-like environments. Different reaction mechanisms were considered for the reaction of higenamine with the •OOH radical. The pH values and the molar fraction at physiological pH were determined in aqueous solution. The results show that the preferred reaction mechanism was the hydrogen atom transfer from the catecholic ring. The computed kinetic constants revealed that, in order to obtain reliable results, it is important to consider all the species present in water solution derived from acid–base equilibria. From the present investigation, it emerges that at physiological pH (7.4), the scavenging activity of higenamine against the •OOH radical is higher than that of Trolox, chosen as a reference antioxidant. Furthermore, higenamine results to be more efficient for that purpose than melatonin and caffeine, whose protective action against oxidative stress is frequently associated with their reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity.
Semi-Continuous Subcritical Water Extraction of Flavonoids from Citrus unshiu Peel: Their Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Kim Dong-Shin , Lim Sang-Bin
Published: April 2020

We extracted and hydrolyzed bioactive flavonoids from C. unshiu peel using subcritical water (SW) in a semi-continuous mode. The individual flavonoid yields, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the SW extracts were analyzed. The extraction yields of hesperidin and narirutin increased with increasing temperature from 145 °C to 165 °C. Hydrothermal hydrolysis products (HHP), such as monoglucosides (hesperetin-7-O-glucoside and prunin) and aglycones (hesperetin and naringenin) were obtained in the SW extracts at temperatures above 160 °C. The sum of hesperidin and its HHP in the SW extracts was strongly correlated with antioxidant activities, whereas the contents of hesperetin and naringenin were strongly correlated with enzyme inhibitory activities. Hesperetin exhibited the highest antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity), whereas hesperetin-7-O-glucoside exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory activities (angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) and pancreatic lipase (PL)). Naringenin exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory activities (xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase). PMFs (sinensetin, nobiletin, and tangeretin) also exhibited relatively high inhibitory activities against ACE and PL. This study confirms the potential of SW for extracting and hydrolyzing bioactive flavonoids from C. unshiu peel using an environmentally friendly solvent (water) and a shorter extraction time.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Triglyceride and Oxidized HDL: New Lipid Biomarkers of Lipoprotein-Related Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ito Fumiaki , Ito Tomoyuki
Published: April 2020

Lipid markers are well-established predictors of vascular disease. The most frequently measured lipid markers are total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride. HDL reduces atherosclerosis by multiple mechanisms, leading to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and HDL-C, as a metric of HDL quantity, is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, independent of LDL-C. However, the quality of the HDL appears to be more important than its quantity, because HDL loses its antiatherogenic functions due to changes in its composition and becomes “dysfunctional HDL”. Although there is evidence of the existence of “dysfunctional HDL”, biomarkers for monitoring dysfunctional HDL in clinical practice have not yet been established. In this review, we propose a new lipid panel for the assessment of dysfunctional HDL and lipoprotein-related atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The lipid panel includes the measurement of lipid peroxide and triglyceride contents within HDL particles.
Impacts of Weather on Short-Term Metro Passenger Flow Forecasting Using a Deep LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Chen Rung-Ching , Zhu Shunzhi
Published: April 2020

Metro systems play a key role in meeting urban transport demands in large cities. The close relationship between historical weather conditions and the corresponding passenger flow has been widely analyzed by researchers. However, few studies have explored the issue of how to use historical weather data to make passenger flow forecasting more accurate. To this end, an hourly metro passenger flow forecasting model using a deep long short-term memory neural network (LSTM_NN) was developed. The optimized traditional input variables, including the different temporal data and historical passenger flow data, were combined with weather variables for data modeling. A comprehensive analysis of the weather impacts on short-term metro passenger flow forecasting is discussed in this paper. The experimental results confirm that weather variables have a significant effect on passenger flow forecasting. It is interesting to find out that the previous variables of one-hour temperature and wind speed are the two most important weather variables to obtain more accurate forecasting results on rainy days at Taipei Main Station, which is a primary interchange station in Taipei. Compared to the four widely used algorithms, the deep LSTM_NN is an extremely powerful method, which has the capability of making more accurate forecasts when suitable weather variables are included.
MViDO: A High Performance Monocular Vision-Based System for Docking A Hovering AUV
Authors: Bianchi Figueiredo André , Coimbra Matos Aníbal
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a high performance (low computationally demanding) monocular vision-based system for a hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in the context of autonomous docking process-MViDO system: Monocular Vision-based Docking Operation aid. The MViDO consists of three sub-modules: a pose estimator, a tracker and a guidance sub-module. The system is based on a single camera and a three spherical color markers target that signal the docking station. The MViDO system allows the pose estimation of the three color markers even in situations of temporary occlusions, being also a system that rejects outliers and false detections. This paper also describes the design and implementation of the MViDO guidance module for the docking manoeuvres. We address the problem of driving the AUV to a docking station with the help of the visual markers detected by the on-board camera, and show that by adequately choosing the references for the linear degrees of freedom of the AUV, the AUV is conducted to the dock while keeping those markers in the field of view of the on-board camera. The main concepts behind the MViDO are provided and a complete characterization of the developed system is presented from the formal and experimental point of view. To test and evaluate the MViDO detector and pose an estimator module, we created a ground truth setup. To test and evaluate the tracker module we used the MARES AUV and the designed target in a four-meter tank. The performance of the proposed guidance law was tested on simulink/Matlab.
Physicochemical and Microstructural Properties of Red Muds under Acidic and Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Nie Qingke , Li Youdong , Wang Guohui , Bai Bing
Published: April 2020

The main purpose of this study was to characterize the mineral and chemical composition of typical red muds in China. Changes in the physicochemical and microstructural properties of red muds collected from the Shanxi and Shandong provinces were investigated after they were immersed in an alkaline NaOH or an acidic HCl solution for 7, 28, and 120 days. The results showed that red mud has a high cation exchange capacity and active physicochemical properties, which can be closely related to its extremely high alkalinity and complex microstructure. The neutralization of red mud with the HCl solution results in the release of Na+ from the red mud particles into the leachate and can effectively decrease the pH value of the filtrate. The neutralization process can result in a significant decrease in the liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index, whereas the opposite was observed for the different parameters after the addition of the NaOH solution. In this sense, acid neutralization can significantly improve the cementation property of the red mud. This result will increase the water permeability of the acid-treated soil layer and improve the growth ability of plants. The specific surface area of red mud immersed in the NaOH solution decreased, whereas the specific surface area of red mud immersed in the HCl solution increased. This study contributes to our understanding of red mud properties after the red mud has been subjected to acidic and alkaline treatments, and the results can provide insights into the safe disposal of red mud.
Bi-Layered Porous/Cork-Containing Waste-Based Inorganic Polymer Composites: Innovative Material towards Green Buildings
Authors: Novais Rui M. , Senff Luciano , Carvalheiras João , Labrincha João A.
Published: April 2020

Reduction of the energy consumption and CO2 emissions by the building sector might be a huge driver to mitigate climate change. One promising approach to mitigate energy consumption is the use of lightweight and low thermal-conductivity materials that could reduce the energy losses inside buildings and at the same time the use of heating and cooling devices that generate associated CO2 emissions. In this study, different strategies to produce lightweight and low thermal conductivity inorganic polymers were evaluated and compared, including the first ever production of bi-layered porous/cork-containing waste-based inorganic polymer composites. The bi-layered composites showed the lowest density (461 kg/m3) and thermal conductivity (94.9 mW/m K) values and reasonable compressive strength (0.93 MPa) demonstrating their interesting potential for enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. Moreover, these composites were produced at room temperature, using an industrial waste (biomass fly ash) as precursor and a highly sustainable and renewable resource as light aggregate (cork), preventing the depletion of natural resources and the use of fossil-fuel derivates, respectively.
SoundFields: A Virtual Reality Game Designed to Address Auditory Hypersensitivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Johnston Daniel , Egermann Hauke , Kearney Gavin
Published: April 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterised as having impairments in social-emotional interaction and communication, alongside displaying repetitive behaviours and interests. Additionally, they can frequently experience difficulties in processing sensory information with particular prevalence in the auditory domain. Often triggered by everyday environmental sounds, auditory hypersensitivity can provoke self-regulatory fear responses such as crying and isolation from sounds. This paper presents SoundFields, an interactive virtual reality game designed to address this area by integrating exposure based therapy techniques into game mechanics and delivering target auditory stimuli to the player rendered via binaural based spatial audio. A pilot study was conducted with six participants diagnosed with ASD who displayed hypersensitivity to specific sounds to evaluate the use of SoundFields as a tool to reduce levels of anxiety associated with identified problematic sounds. During the course of the investigation participants played the game weekly over four weeks and all participants actively engaged with the virtual reality (VR) environment and enjoyed playing the game. Following this period, a comparison of pre- and post-study measurements showed a significant decrease in anxiety linked to target auditory stimuli. The study results therefore suggest that SoundFields could be an effective tool for helping individuals with autism manage auditory hypersensitivity.
Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Painting Art Exhibitions Appreciation
Authors: Lin Chih-Long , Chen Si-Jing , Lin Rungtai
Published: April 2020

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been employed in a wide range of fields, from entertainment to medicine and engineering. Advances in VR also provide new opportunities in art exhibitions. This study discusses the experience of art appreciation through desktop virtual reality (Desktop VR) or head-mounted display virtual reality (HMD VR) and compares it with appreciating a physical painting. Seventy-eight university students participated in the study. According to the findings of this study, painting evaluation and the emotions expressed during the appreciation show no significant difference under these three conditions, indicating that the participants believe that paintings, regardless of whether they are viewed through VR, are similar. Owing to the limitation of the operation, the participants considered HMD VR to be a tool that hinders free appreciation of paintings. In addition, attention should be paid to the proper projected size of words and paintings for better reading and viewing. The above indicates that through digital technology, we can shorten the gap between a virtual painting and a physical one; however, we must still improve the design of object size and the interaction in the VR context so that a virtual exhibition can be as impressive as a physical one.
Weather-Based Prediction Strategy inside the Proactive Historian with Application in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Nicolae Andrei , Korodi Adrian , Silea Ioan
Published: April 2020

The current landscape in the water industry is dominated by legacy technical systems that are inefficient and unoptimized. In recent years, sustained efforts could be identified, especially under the guidance of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) paradigm, in order to develop an increased level of both connectivity and intelligence in the functioning of industrial processes. This led to the emergence of the data accumulation concept, materialized in the practical sphere by Historian applications. Although various classic Historian solutions are available, the capability to optimize and influence the monitored system in a proactive way, resulting in increased efficiency, cost reduction, or quality indicators improvements, could not be identified to date. Following a proposed software reference architecture for such a proactive Historian, a data dependency identification strategy and some obtained recipes for energy efficiency improvements in the water industry were developed. However, a complete solution for real industrial processes represents complex research. The current paper contributes to this research effort by developing part of the reference architecture that predicts the future evolution of the monitored system, based on weather dependency and forecast, thus sustaining the effort to achieve a fully functional, real-world, tested and validated proactive Historian application, with potential to bring significant direct benefits to the water industry.
Integral Seismic Risk Assessment through Fuzzy Models
Authors: G. Cárdenas J. Rubén , Nebot Àngela , Mugica Francisco
Published: April 2020

The usage of indicators as constituent parts of composite indices is an extended practice in many fields of knowledge. Even if rigorous statistical analyses are implemented, many of the methodologies follow simple arithmetic assumptions to aggregate indicators to build an index. One of the consequences of such assumptions can be the concealment of the influence of some of the composite index’s components. We developed a fuzzy method that aggregates indicators using non-linear methods and, in this paper, compare it to a well-known example in the field of risk assessment, called Moncho’s equation, which combines physical and social components and uses a linear aggregation method to estimate a level of seismic risk. By comparing the spatial pattern of the risk level obtained from these two methodologies, we were able to evaluate to what extent a fuzzy approach allows a more realistic representation of how social vulnerability levels might shape the seismic risk panorama in an urban environment. We found that, in some cases, this approach can lead to risk level values that are up to 80% greater than those obtained using a linear aggregation method for the same areas.
Developing a Universal Mirror–mirror Laser Mapping System for Single Event Effect Research
Authors: Gu Cheng , Belev George , Tian Haonan , Shi Shuting , Nofal Issam , Wen Shijie , Chen Li
Published: April 2020

Research on single event effects (SEEs) is significant to the design and manufacture of modern electronic devices. By applying two photon absorption (TPA) ultra-fast pulsed lasers, extra electron-hole pairs (EHPs) are generated in a desired location on a chip, simulating the process that could occur in the circuit by energetic particles. In this study, a SEE sensitivity mapping system is described which uses this method to generate real-time sensitivity maps for various electronic devices. The system hardware includes an attenuator to control the energy, a Pockels cell as a fast-optical switcher and a mirror–mirror module to project the laser beam into a certain location. The system software developed for this application controls the laser system, automatically generates sensitivity maps, communicates with the testing devices and logs the SEE results. The two main features of this laser mapping system are: high scanning velocity for large area scanning (about 1 × 1 mm) and high spatial resolution for small area scanning (about 1 × 1 μm). To verify this mapping system, sensitivity maps were generated for static random access memory (SRAM) built with 65 nm technology and for commercial operational amplifiers (op-amps). The achieved sensitivity maps were compared with circuitry analysis and laser testing results, confirming this mapping system to be effective.
Control-Based 4D Printing: Adaptive 4D-Printed Systems
Authors: Zolfagharian Ali , Kaynak Akif , Bodaghi Mahdi , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Gharaie Saleh , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: April 2020

Building on the recent progress of four-dimensional (4D) printing to produce dynamic structures, this study aimed to bring this technology to the next level by introducing control-based 4D printing to develop adaptive 4D-printed systems with highly versatile multi-disciplinary applications, including medicine, in the form of assisted soft robots, smart textiles as wearable electronics and other industries such as agriculture and microfluidics. This study introduced and analysed adaptive 4D-printed systems with an advanced manufacturing approach for developing stimuli-responsive constructs that organically adapted to environmental dynamic situations and uncertainties as nature does. The adaptive 4D-printed systems incorporated synergic integration of three-dimensional (3D)-printed sensors into 4D-printing and control units, which could be assembled and programmed to transform their shapes based on the assigned tasks and environmental stimuli. This paper demonstrates the adaptivity of these systems via a combination of proprioceptive sensory feedback, modeling and controllers, as well as the challenges and future opportunities they present.
rStaple: A Robust Complementary Learning Method for Real-Time Object Tracking
Authors: He Wangpeng , Li Heyi , Liu Wei , Li Cheng , Guo Baolong
Published: April 2020

Object tracking is a challenging research task because of drastic appearance changes of the target and a lack of training samples. Most online learning trackers are hampered by complications, e.g., drifting problem under occlusion, being out of view, or fast motion. In this paper, a real-time object tracking algorithm termed “robust sum of template and pixel-wise learners” (rStaple) is proposed to address those problems. It combines multi-feature correlation filters with a color histogram. Firstly, we extract a combination of specific features from the searching area around the target and then merge feature channels to train a translation correlation filter online. Secondly, the target state is determined by a discriminating mechanism, wherein the model update procedure stops when the target is occluded or out of view, and re-activated when the target re-appears. In addition, by calculating the color histogram score in the searching area, a significant enhancement is adopted for the score map. The target position can be estimated by combining the enhanced color histogram score with the correlation filter response map. Finally, a scale filter is trained for multi-scale detection to obtain the final tracking result. Extensive experimental results on a large benchmark dataset demonstrates that the proposed rStaple is superior to several state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Online Social Space Identification. A Computational Tool for Optimizing Social Recommendations
Authors: Zoppis Italo , Trentini Andrea , Manzoni Sara , Micucci Daniela , Mauri Giancarlo , Pietrabissa Giada , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: April 2020

Conscious and functional use of online social spaces can support the elderly with mind cognitive impairment (MCI) in their daily routine, not only for systematic monitoring, but to achieve effective targeted engagement. In this sense, although social involvement can be obtained when elder’s experiences, interests, and goals are shared and accepted by the community, an important subsistence for aging depends on the compelling information, users’ co-operation, and resource reliability. Unfortunately, applications aimed at optimizing the information content and the reliability of online users are still missing. Within the SystEm of Nudge theory-based ICT applications for OldeR citizens (SENIOR) project, an advanced social platform will be created in which the elderly with MCI will be involved in “optimized” social communities, where suggestions for general well-being will be recognized as useful by users and shared by care providers. We report the results of our study addressing this issue from a theoretical perspective: we propose a computational problem and a heuristic solution where “expert users” can engage and support the elderly by suggesting available services and facilities for their conditions. The numerical experiments on synthetic data are of interest when considering large communities, which is the most natural situation for online social spaces.
Development of a Binary Model for Evaluating Water Distribution Systems by a Pressure Driven Analysis (PDA) Approach
Authors: Fiorini Morosini Attilio , Shaffiee Haghshenas Sina , Shaffiee Haghshenas Sami , Geem Zong Woo
Published: April 2020

Investigation of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is considered a challenging task due to the unpredicted and uncertain conditions in water engineering. When in a WDN, a pipe failure occurs, and shut-off valves to isolate the broken pipe to allow repairing works are activated. In these new conditions, the hydraulic parameters in the network are modified because the topology of the entire system changes. If the head becomes inadequate, the Pressure Driven Analysis (PDA) is the correct approach to evaluate the performance of water networks. Hence, in the present study, the water distribution system was evaluated in pressure-driven conditions for 100 different scenarios and then using a type of neural network called Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) as a stochastic technique. For this purpose, several most notable parameters including the base demand, pressure, and alpha (the percentage of effective supplied flow) were calculated using simulations based on a PDA approach and applied to the water distribution network of Praia a Mare in Southern Italy. In the second stage, the output parameters were used in a developed binary classification model. Finally, the obtained results showed that the GMDH algorithm can be applied as a powerful tool for modeling water distribution networks.
Contested Racial Imaginings of the Serbian Self and the Romani Other in Serbia’s Guča Trumpet Festival
Authors: Gligorijević Jelena
Published: April 2020

In this article, I will address issues of race using the “Romani question” in Serbia’s Guča trumpet festival as a case study. I will specifically consider a selection of Guča-related themes pertinent to the question of race, while simultaneously discussing the theoretical and ideological underpinnings of this complicated concept vis-à-vis issues of national identity representation in post-Milošević Serbia. Informed by previous critical studies of race and popular music culture in South/Eastern Europe within the larger postcolonial paradigm of Balkanism, this work will seek to illustrate the ambiguous ways in which the racialization of the Serbian Self and the Romani Other is occurring in the Guča Festival alongside the country’s and region’s persistent denial of race. Using the above approaches, I will conduct a critical cultural analysis of selected racial issues in the festival with reference to eclectic sources, including more recent critical debates about race and racism in South/Eastern Europe within the broader context of postsocialist transition, EU integration, and globalization. My final argument will be that, despite strong evidence that a critical cultural analysis of the “Romani question” in Serbia’s Guča Festival calls for a transnational perspective, earlier Balkanist discourse on Serbia’s indeterminate position between West and East seems to remain analytically most helpful in pointing to the uncontested hegemony of Western/European white privilege and supremacy.
Parts and Wholes: The Role of Animals in the Performance of Dolenjska Hallstatt Funerary Rites
Authors: Frie Adrienne C.
Published: April 2020

There is a rich iconographic tradition demonstrating the importance of animals in ritual in the Dolenjska Hallstatt archaeological culture of Early Iron Age Slovenia (800–300 bce). However, the role of animals in mortuary practice is not well represented iconographically, though faunal remains in graves indicate that their inclusion was an integral part of funerary performance. Here, animal bones from burials are compared to images of animal sacrifice, focusing on the ritual distinctions between the deposition of whole animal bodies versus animal parts. It is proposed that human–animal relationships were a key component of funerary animal sacrifice in these multispecies communities. The deposition of whole horses may have been due to a personal relationship with the deceased human. In turn, the sacrifice of an animal and division of its parts may have been essential for the management of group ties with the loss of a community member. Particular elements such as teeth, horns, and claws may have served as amulets—perhaps indicating that these were personal items that had to be placed in the grave with the deceased or that the deceased needed continued protection or other symbolic aid.
Pre-Signal and Influencing Sources of the Extreme Cold Surges at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Competition Zones
Authors: Ding Ting , Gao Hui , Yuan Yuan
Published: April 2020

The 24th Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Beijing in 2022. All three competition zones are vulnerable to extreme cold surges (ECSs), owing to the occurrence of the East Asian winter monsoon. In this paper, a representative competition domain (37.5–42.5° N, 110–120° E) is adopted, with a view to avoiding the differences in both the geographies and the thresholds of ECSs among different zones by considering the probability of simultaneous occurrences. Since 2009, the ECSs in the domain have displayed higher frequency and extremity. Based on all ECS cases in the domain, the dominant circulation is revealed by a quasi “reverse-Ω” pattern, with two strong ridges over the east of the Ural Mountain and the Okhotsk Sea, and a broad, deep trough in East Asia. The influencing sources of the ECSs at the domain could be traced to the Novaya Zemlya by a day-by-day backward analysis. The oblique latitude/longitude–time profiles of both the 500 hPa geopotential height and the 850 hPa air temperature anomalies from the source to the domain clearly indicate that the pre-signal could have a leading influence that exceeds ten days, with a slow accumulation in the first stage and a rapid outburst in the second stage.