bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme precipitation events over northern Italy. Part II: Dynamical precursors
Authors: Grazzini Federico , Fragkoulidis Georgios , Teubler Franziska , Wirth Volkmar , Craig George C.
Published: December 2020

The connection between weather extremes and Rossby wave packets (RWP) has been increasingly documented in recent years. RWP propagation and characteristics can modulate the midlatitude weather, setting the scene for temperature and precipitation extremes and controlling the geographical area affected. Several studies on extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in the Alpine area reported, as the main triggering factor, a meridionally elongated upper‐level trough as part of an incoming Rossby wave packet. In this work, we investigate a wide number of EPEs occurring between 1979 and 2015 in northern‐central Italy. The EPEs are subdivided into three categories (Cat1, Cat2, Cat3) according to thermodynamic conditions over the affected region. It is found that the three categories differ not only in terms of the local meteorological conditions, but also in terms of the evolution and properties of precursor RWPs. These differences cannot be solely explained by the apparent seasonality of the flow; therefore, the relevant physical processes in the RWP propagation of each case are further investigated. In particular, we show that RWPs associated with the strongest EPEs, namely the ones falling in Cat2, undergo a substantial amplification over the western North Atlantic due to anomalous ridge‐building 2 days before the event; arguably due to diabatic heating sources. This type of development induces a downstream trough which is highly effective in focusing water vapour transport toward the main orographic barriers of northern‐central Italy and favouring the occurrence of EPEs.
Plasmonic Nanostructures for Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Chen Jinxing , Ye Zuyang , Yang Fan , Yin Yadong
Published: December 2020

The nonradiative conversion of light to heat by plasmonic nanostructures, the so‐called plasmonic photothermal effect, has attracted enormous attention due to their widespread potential applications. Herein, the perspectives on the design and preparation of plasmonic nanostructures for light to heat or photothermal conversion are provided. The general principle of plasmonic photothermal conversion is first introduced, and then, the strategies for improving efficiency are discussed, which is the focus of this field. Then, five typical application types are used, including solar energy harvesting, photothermal actuation, photothermal therapy, laser‐induced color printing, and high‐temperature photothermal devices, to elucidate how to tailor the nanomaterials to meet the requirements of these specific applications. In addition to the photothermal effect, other unique physical and chemical properties are coupled to further explore the application scenarios of plasmonic photothermal materials. Finally, a summary and the perspectives on the directions that may lead to the future development of this exciting field are also given.
Defect‐Resolved Effective Majority Carrier Mobility in Highly Anisotropic Antimony Chalcogenide Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jianjun , Huang Jialiang , Li Kanghua , Zeng Yiyu , Zhang Yuanfang , Sun Kaiwen , Yan Chang , Xue Chaowei , Chen Chao , Chen Tao , Green Martin A. , Tang Jiang , Hao Xiaojing
Published: December 2020

Majority carrier mobility is one of the most fundamental and yet important carrier transport parameters determining the optimal device architecture and performance of the emerging antimony chalcogenide solar cells. However, carrier mobility measurements based on the Hall effect have limitations for these highly anisotropy materials due to the discrepancy of transport directions under Hall measurement and device operation. Herein, a defect‐resolved mobility measurement (DRMM) method enabling the evaluation of effective majority carrier mobility from a working device without such limitations is presented. Using this method, comprehensive information about the carrier transport in representative Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3 solar cells is extracted. Though with preferred [hk1]‐crystalline orientation, Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3 still suffer from extremely low carrier mobility and low carrier density, respectively, resulting in large bulk resistance and poor carrier collection efficiency. Further crystalline structure analysis discloses that crystalline defects such as dislocations may significantly constrain carrier transport in these low‐dimensional materials. These results suggest that a p‐i‐n device architecture with fully depleted absorber is a promising optimization approach for further efficiency advances of antimony chalcogenide solar cells.
Development and validation of quantitative analytical method for 50 drugs of antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids in oral fluid samples by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Arantes Ana Carolina Furiozo , da Cunha Kelly Francisco , Cardoso Marilia Santoro , Oliveira Karina Diniz , Costa Jose Luiz
Published: December 2020

Purpose

We developed and validated a method for quantitative analysis of 50 psychoactive substances and metabolites (antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids) in oral fluid samples using simple liquid–liquid extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Method

Oral fluid samples were collected using Quantisal™ device and extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with 1.0 mL of methyl tert-butyl ether and then analyzed using LC–MS/MS.

Results

The method attended method validation criteria, with limits of quantification as low as 0.5 and 1.0 ng/mL, and linearity between 0.5–50.0 ng/mL for antidepressants, 0.5–25.0 ng/mL for benzodiazepines and 1.0–50.0 ng/mL to opioids. During method validation, bias and imprecision values were not greater than 16 and 20%, respectively. Ionization suppression/enhancement bias results were not greater than 25%. No evidence of carryover was observed. Sample stability studies showed that almost all analytes were stable at 25 °C for 3 days and at 4 °C for 7 days. Freeze–thaw cycles stability showed that most antidepressants and opioids were stable under these conditions. Autosampler stability study showed that all analytes were stable for 24 h, except for nitrazepam and 7-aminoclonazepam. Thirty-eight authentic oral fluid samples were analyzed; 36.8% of the samples were positive for 2 drugs. Citalopram was the most common drug found, followed by venlafaxine.

Conclusions

The method was validated according to international recommendations for the 50 analytes, showing low limits of quantification, good imprecision and bias values, using simple liquid–liquid extraction, and was successfully applied to authentic oral fluid samples analysis.
Dynamics of Main and Ring Ionospheric Troughs at the Recovery Phase of Storms/Substorms
Authors: Karpachev A. T.
Published: December 2020

This study explores the dynamics of the main ionospheric trough (MIT) and ring ionospheric trough (RIT) during geomagnetic disturbances. The RIT is formed by a decay process of the magnetospheric ring current during the recovery phase of a geomagnetic storm/substorm. As a result, it is usually observed within the latitude belt 48°–60° GMLat, that is, the RIT is a midlatitude trough in contrast to the subauroral MIT. To explore the mutual dynamics of the MIT and RIT, 120 geomagnetic disturbances with Kp > 4, according to Kosmos‐1809, Kosmos‐900, Interkosmos‐19, and CHAMP satellites, are considered. At night, the RIT is almost always formed at the recovery phase of geomagnetic disturbances. The RIT occurs most frequently in the morning and less often before midnight. The dynamics of the MIT and RIT during geomagnetic disturbances is quite complex: both troughs can be observed either separately or simultaneously, the MIT can transform abruptly into RIT and vice versa. The position of the RIT depends on Kp and longitude, but not always as distinctly as the position of the MIT. The RIT can be observed for 1.5 days during the recovery phase of a geomagnetic disturbance. The RIT can be observed simultaneously in both hemispheres at close conjugate latitudes.
The Role of Fluids in the 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake, China
Authors: Wang Zhi , Wang Jian , Yang Xiaoqiu
Published: December 2020

Fluid intrusions into seismic zones play a fundamental role in the initiation of earthquakes and rupture processes, yet the mechanisms that control these interactions are enigmatic and widely debated. Here, we present a series of signatures for new seismic velocities (Vp, Vs) and Vp/Vs ratio imaging and stress simulations that reveal the impact of fluids, including partial melting, on the seismogenesis of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake that occurred on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We found that a prominent low‐V and high‐Vp/Vs body under the western side of the 2008 Wenchuan hypocenter and two gaps characterized by low‐V and high‐Vp/Vs inserted into its rupture process were clearly imaged. One of these gaps terminated the southwestward coseismic slip while the other weakened the northeastern rupture process. We interpreted both of these bodies as the result of fluid penetration associated with partial melting of the ductile flow from the lower crust of Tibet. Such ductile materials were pushed against the rigid basement of the Yangtze craton and accumulated there, maintaining high pore pressure. We presume that a system such as this, with high pore pressure and fluids in the fluid‐pressurized regime, might have reduced the threshold for fault failure, transformed this zone into a potential fault risk front, and thus increased the likelihood of failure of the mainshock fault. We speculate that fluids invading the seismogenic layer of the Longmen‐Shan fault zone played a crucial role in the initiation of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and its rupture process.
Ocean Swell Comparisons Between Sentinel‐1 and WAVEWATCH III Around Australia
Authors: Khan S. S. , Echevarria E. R. , Hemer M. A.
Published: December 2020

An intercomparison between directional wave spectra derived from Sentinel‐1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and a WAVEWATCH III model hindcast in the wider Australian region is presented. The coastal buoy network around Australia is considerably sparse, and only a handful of buoy measurements exist in deeper oceans. National and regional scale wave models require validation and verification through intercomparisons with available observations to be confidently adopted and improved. In the absence of dense in‐situ measurements, satellite‐derived surface wave data provide an invaluable and independent source of observations. Satellite altimeters provide well‐calibrated significant wave height data, but do not resolve wave directions, and are also not the platform of choice for resolving wave periods. SAR satellites that routinely map ocean surface waves fill this gap as they are able to measure directional wind‐wave spectra of long period waves. This constitutes an important satellite data stream for better understanding the propagation of swell waves across ocean basins, and for comparisons with national and down‐scaled wave models. However, both SAR wave measurements as well as wave models do not represent the truth and need qualification before regarding them as reliable data sets. The aim of this article is to perform an intercomparison of a wave model hindcast with SAR‐derived wave information in the wider Australian region. The comparisons are done in the context of mean wave climate and its seasonal variability, and demonstrate good agreement for wave heights and periods. Valuable insights into possible sources of disagreement are given.
Self‐Shading and Meltwater Spreading Control the Transition From Light to Iron Limitation in an Antarctic Coastal Polynya
Authors: Twelves A. G. , Goldberg D. N. , Henley S. F. , Mazloff M. R. , Jones D. C.
Published: December 2020

Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in West Antarctica is undergoing rapid basal melting driven by intrusions of warm, saline Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) onto the continental shelf. Meltwater from DIS is thought to influence biology in the adjacent Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP), which exhibits the highest net primary productivity (NPP) per unit area of any coastal polynya in the Southern Ocean. However, the relative importance of iron and light in colimiting the spring phytoplankton bloom in the ASP remains poorly understood. In this modeling study we first investigate the mechanisms by which ice shelves impact NPP, then map spatio‐temporal patterns in iron‐light colimitation, and finally examine the environmental drivers of iron and light supply. We find that ice shelf melting leads to greater upper ocean iron concentrations, both directly due to release of iron from sediments entrained at the glacier bed, and indirectly via a buoyancy‐driven overturning circulation which pulls iron from CDW to the surface. Both of these mechanisms increase NPP compared to experiments where ice shelf melt is suppressed. We then show that the phytoplankton self‐shading feedback delays the bloom and reduces peak NPP by 80% compared to experiments where light penetration is independent of chlorophyll. Compared to light limitation, iron limitation due to phytoplankton uptake is more important a) later in the season, b) higher in the water column, and c) further from the ice shelf. Finally, sensitivity experiments show that variability in CDW intrusion influences NPP by controlling the horizontal spreading of iron‐rich meltwater.
Copper-catalyzed three-component oxycyanation of alkenes
Authors: Zeng Yuehua , Li Yajun , Lv Daqi , Bao Hongli
Published: December 2020

A copper-catalyzed radical oxycyanation of unactivated alkenes and styrenes to produce beta-cyanohydrin derivatives with the cyano group attached on the more substituted carbon center was reported.
Achieving optimal output consensus for discrete‐time linear multi‐agent systems with disturbance rejection
Authors: Tang Yutao , Zhu Hao , Lv Xiaoyong
Published: December 2020

This paper studies an optimal output consensus problem for discrete‐time linear multi‐agent systems subject to external disturbances. Each agent is assigned with a local cost function which is known only to itself. Distributed protocols are to be designed to guarantee an output consensus for these high‐order agents and meanwhile minimize the aggregate cost as the sum of these local costs. To overcome the difficulties brought by high‐order dynamics and external disturbances, an embedded design is developed and a distributed rule to solve this problem is constructively present. The proposed control includes three terms: an optimal signal generator under a directed information graph, an observer‐based compensator to reject these disturbances, and a reference tracking controller for these linear agents. It is shown to solve the formulated problem with some mild assumptions. A numerical example is also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed distributed control laws.
A probabilistic reliability‐centred maintenance approach for electrical distribution networks
Authors: Ravaghi Ardabili Habib Allah , Haghifam Mahmoud‐Reza , Abedi Seyyed Mostafa
Published: December 2020

Reliability improvement is a fundamental issue in electric distribution network (EDN) operation. In this regard, providing the most efficient maintenance policy can dramatically assist the electric utility companies in reducing the failure rate of EDN components. In the present study, a novel probabilistic reliability‐centred maintenance (RCM) approach is proposed in which the reliability level of the EDN components are evaluated according to the three‐state Markov model (MM). Using the MM, this study presents a trade‐off between the corrective maintenance and the preventive maintenance (PM) actions and finally determines the precedence of EDN components in PM financial resource allocation. Through the method presented in this study, the financial resources of the PM are economically allocated with regards to economic parameters such as customer outage costs and budget constraints. The efficacy of the proposed RCM approach is evaluated through the implementation of the RCM approach on bus number four of the well‐known Roy Billinton test system.
Fusion‐based simultaneous estimation of reflectance and illumination for low‐light image enhancement
Authors: Parihar Anil Singh , Singh Kavinder , Rohilla Hrithik , Asnani Gul
Published: December 2020

Low‐light image enhancement is a challenging field in image processing. Retinex‐based methods perform well for low‐light images. However, reflectance and illumination estimation is an ill‐posed problem. This paper presents a new framework for the simultaneous estimation of reflectance and illumination for low‐light image enhancement. The algorithm estimates multiple instances of illumination and reflectance and blends them to estimate the final components. The proposed approach uses multi‐scale fusion for illumination estimation and naive fusion for reflectance estimation. Extensive experimentation and analysis with a large set of low‐light images validates the performance of the proposed approach. The comparison shows the superiority of the proposed approach over most of the existing low‐light image enhancement methods. The proposed method provides colour constancy in low‐light image enhancement and preserves the naturalness of the image.
Dust polarization studies on MHD simulations of molecular clouds: comparison of methods for the relative-orientation analysis
Authors: Micelotta Elisabetta R. , Juvela Mika , Padoan Paolo , Ristorcelli Isabelle , Alina Dana , Malinen Johanna
Published: December 2020

Context. The all-sky survey from the Planck space telescope has revealed that thermal emission from Galactic dust is polarized on scales ranging from the whole sky down to the inner regions of molecular clouds. Polarized dust emission can therefore be used as a probe for magnetic fields on different scales. In particular, the analysis of the relative orientation between the density structures and the magnetic field projected on the plane of the sky can provide information on the role of magnetic fields in shaping the structure of molecular clouds where star formation takes place.

Aims. The orientation of the magnetic field with respect to the density structures has been investigated using different methods. The goal of this paper is to explicitly compare two of these: the Rolling Hough Transform (RHT) and the gradient technique (GRAD).

Methods. We generated synthetic surface brightness maps at 353 GHz (850 μm) via magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We applied RHT and GRAD to two morphologically different regions identified in our maps. Region 1 is dominated by a dense and thick filamentary structure with some branches, while Region 2 includes a thinner filament with denser knots immersed in a more tenuous medium. Both methods derive the relative orientation between the magnetic field and the density structures, to which we applied two statistics, the histogram of relative orientation and the projected Rayleigh statistic, to quantify the variations of the relative orientation as a function of column density.

Results. Both methods find areas with significant signal, and these areas are substantially different. In terms of relative orientations, in all our considered cases the predominant orientation of the density structures is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. When the methods are applied to the same selected areas the results are consistent with each other in Region 2 but show some noticeable differences in Region 1. In Region 1, RHT globally finds the relative orientation becoming more perpendicular for increasing column density, while GRAD, applied at the same resolution as RHT, gives the opposite trend. These disparities are caused by the intrinsic differences in the methods and in the structures that they select.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that the interpretation of the relative orientation between the magnetic field and density structures should take into account the specificity of the methods used to determine such orientation. The combined use of complementary techniques such as RHT and GRAD provides more complete information, which can be advantageously used to better understand the physical mechanisms operating in magnetized molecular clouds.
Facile cell patterning induced by combined surface topography and chemistry on polydopamine-defined nanosubstrates
Authors: Guo Shan , Huang Haiyan , Zeng Weiwu , Jiang Zhuoran , Wang Xin , Huang Weihua , Wang Xinghuan
Published: December 2020

Cell patterning holds significant implications for cell-based analysis and high-throughput screening. The challenge and key factor for formation of cell patterns is to precisely modulate the interaction between cells and substrate surfaces. Many nanosubstrates have been developed to control cell adhesion and patterning, however, requirements of complicated fabrication procedures, harsh reaction conditions, and delicate manipulation are not routinely feasible. Here, we developed a hierarchical polydimethylsiloxane nanosubstrate (HPNS) coated with mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) micropatterns for effective cell patterning, depending on both surface topography and chemistry. HPNSs obtained by facile template-assisted replication brought enhanced topographic interaction between cells and substrates, but they were innately hydrophobic and cell-repellent. The hydrophobic nanosubstrates were converted to be hydrophilic after PDA coatings formed via spontaneous self-polymerization, which greatly facilitated cell adhesion. As such, without resorting to any external forces or physical constraints, cells selectively adhered and spread on spatially defined PDA regions with high efficiency, and well-defined cell microarrays could be formed within 20 min. Therefore, this easy-to-fabricate nanosubstrate with no complex chemical modification will afford a facile yet effective platform for rapid cell patterning.
PSA-MP: Path Selection Algorithm for MANET depends on Mobility Prediction to Enhance Link Stability
Authors: Robert Nismon Rio , Pitchai Calduwel Newton
Published: December 2020

Link failure is a much crucial issue to be addressed for improving the stability of the routing. Selection of a stable path is an important task since nodes are mobile. The instability of a link leads to frequent link failure, which further causes to link re-establishment. In this paper, a Path Selection Algorithm based on Mobility Prediction (PSA-MP) is proposed that uses Mobility, Direction and Link Expiration Time (LET) as metrics to evaluate the link stability. In the existing algorithm, if any link gets fails during the link-establishment phase, it informs the previous node for selecting alternate link. But, in PSA-MP the alternate link is selected before a link fails by predicting Mobility, Direction and LET of nodes. As a result, it reduces link re-establishment delay. Ultimately, PSA-MP reduces E2Edelay, which in turn boosts Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR). Eventually, link stability is enhanced in MANETs, which is the focus of this paper.
Real-Time Sign Language Learning System
Authors: Sze Ee Lester Wong , Ramachandiran Chandra Reka , Logeswaran Rajasvaran
Published: December 2020

Learning sign language can be fun and easy when a suitable learning method is used. Different people would have different interest level in learning sign language, and this also can be affected by their communication skills. With the traditional teaching method, there would be a lot of constraints that could stop the learner from learning effectively. This work proposes a learning platform to address these concerns and facilitating sign language learners in gaining the required knowledge. The developed web application includes online learning materials such as videos, and incorporates interactive elements such as a practice session to increase the efficiency of the learning process. The findings indicate that the Sign Language Learning System could be effective for those who are interested in learning sign language.
Easy Ride: A Secure Carpooling Mobile Application for Travellers
Authors: Krishnansamy Kogilan , Arshad Amad , Ramachandiran Chandra Reka
Published: December 2020

The advancement of technology has opened pathways for the rapid development of urban ecosystem. However, the population in urban areas is expected to increase exponentially which may lead to severe mobility problems. Various measures have been implemented by policy makers to mitigate the mobility problems and to provide better transportation facilities to people. Although the efforts are still in infancy stage, they are expected to yield positive results in the long run. In relation to this, the research proposes a mobile application called Easy Ride as an initiative to create an efficient carpooling ecosystem which brings huge advantage to the community in terms of transportation. Connecting people and creating a strong culture of sustainability will be the primary purpose of this application as it serves a path for people to reach out and connect with more travellers. Besides fostering social networks, this application is defined to be cost-effective as it helps the drivers and passengers to share the overall travel expenses. On the other hand, this research describes the agile methodology that has been chosen for the entire development of the application. The system was further tested and validated to determine the efficiency of the overall functionalities and design. The findings indicate that the proposed system has the potential to meet the expectation of the travelers and to enhance their daily lifestyles.
Analyzing Atmospheric Pressure for Fixing Plant Cultivation Period
Authors: Jebakumari S.Adlin , Jayanthiladevi A.
Published: December 2020

The efficiency and vitality of plant growth shows some limitations in developing application as bio-fertilizer. To enhance these kinds of limitations, potential fixation of pressure towards plant cultivation has to be improved. Motility and atmospheric pressure were monitored during this treatment process and protein level has to be monitored periodically. During plant cultivation process, there are no significant changes in germination however yield and growth of plants are drastically improved. The plants have to be tolerant for fungal infections and infected seeds should be handled more properly. The analysis shows the broaden area of treatment for plant cultivation than that of untreated bacteria. The outcomes demonstrate that the motility and plant growth can be improved with gene expression and improved with factors like colonization n roots and improve phyto-hormones and makes improved plant growth and tolerance towards disease.
An Experiment on Parameter Selection for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping using TF-IDF
Authors: Bhutia Sonam Lhamu , Borah Samarjeet , Pradhan Ratika , Sharma Bhushan
Published: December 2020

Landslide can be considered as one of the most common natural threats faced mostly by the people living in the hilly and mountainous regions. Every year, mostly during the monsoons, landslide disrupts the lives of people living in these areas, at times it also leads to the damage of lives, properties etc. Landslide susceptibility mapping has become an essential measure for prevention of losses dues to landslide. In this paper, some input factors that are most common for landslide susceptibility map pertaining to the hilly and mountainous regions have been identified using TF-IDF method.
Contingencies in Behavioral Mode : Enhancing Player’s Adaptive Ability
Authors: Liu Febyola Vanessa , Rohizan Rizawati , Tan David , Chen Tet-Khuan
Published: December 2020

Metamorph is a stealth action RPG with bvoth open world and mission-based settings. Adopting the elements of cyberpunk and capitalistic system with immense number of AIs, this game is set in a futuristic-style city with four main districts, each with different culture and building design. The player will play as Centauri, a cyborg who joins Private Sector Resistance in order to stop the Private Sector that produces war machines which are in form of droids with artificial intelligence from colonizing the world. There is a wide range of enemy types, two gameplay styles and various game mechanics in order to complete the missions, this game focuses on player’s adaptive and cognitive abilities throughout the levels.
Spectroscopy Analysis for Quality Control Measurement in Waste Management
Authors: Jayanthiladevi A. , Raj Arun Gnana , Hashim Nik Alif Amri Nik , Kumar V. Ramesh , Nagaraju V. , Regin R.
Published: December 2020

This work explains about the physic-chemical characteristics of composites to evaluate the applicability in various purposes over agricultural area. Spectral characteristics of compost materials are compute with spectroscopy with Fertility index and clean index. This FI of composites was observed for sampling with various classification of higher fertilizing potential. Composites are utilized as fertilizer owing to low fertilizing potential. The concentration has been determined within permissible limits of fertility standards. It is known that these composites is more appropriate option for waste processing as it diminishes weight of organic waste. This analysis is performed with spectroscopy analysis.
Hydroponics Cultivation Using Real Time Iot Measurement System
Authors: Mishra Piyush , Jimmy Laishram , Ogunmola Gabriel A. , Phu Tran Vang , Jayanthiladevi A. , Latchoumi T. P.
Published: December 2020

The concept hydroponic cultivation is performed in greenhouses or in various plat factories. This sort of cultivation is generally evaluated with pH and electrical conductivity. It may not provide complete information regarding any imbalance that is encountered in cultivation process. This causes poor yield or wastage of resources Thus, to overcome these limitation IoT measurement system has to be implanted in this cultivation process, where sensors and actuators may measure the corresponding reading when need and given to man power. Therefore, imbalance in attaining nutrients is eliminated by constant monitoring of resources towards plant cultivation. This facilitates farmers to handle the nutrients issues that are encountered in cultivation. The performance measurement of the system developed was computed with feasibility of IoT system for automatic measurements. The outcomes of the systems are computed and validated for further processing. Some specific measures are considered where there is no specific relationship among standardized analysis. The sensitive responses have to be examined and analyzed.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Device Using Peltier and Embedded Electronics
Authors: Soubache I. D. , Thirumurugan T. , Annapurna B. , Singh Raushan Kumar
Published: December 2020

People’s degrading lifestyle reflects their health graphs and occurrence of different disease in their bodies. With different food habits and exercise patterns the endurance capacity of the body changes. Foot ulcer is a disease quite common today among Indians around. The foot ulcer creates a threat to the movement for human beings. It is a deep infected sore or damage in the foot sole commonly caused by nerve/skin damage. Several infections in the foot may also result in leg amputations. Foot ulcer is very common among diabetic patients. India is the country with the highest number of diabetics worldwide. Over 3 million people are infected with diabetes which is a big number to worry about. The CPR (Crude Prevalence Rate) for cities is around 9% of the population whereas in village areas the occurrence is around 3 percent [1]. Though the foot ulcer prevalence of diabetic patients in India is 3% which looks small but it is a big number. Our proposal is an embedded system innovation to develop a foot ulcer treatment system. It deals with the combined approach to embedded electronics and biomedical engineering to overcome the situation. We create a footrest equipped with Peltier, vibrator, and UV rays to overcome the issue. It is the first of its kind foot ulcer treatment equipment that can solve the issue. We also used the android technology to provide the vocal user interface to help the user. Clear instructions are displayed and spoken upon usage to the patients. The result obtained on the patients are highly acceptable and recommended for both urban and rural populations. The Atmega 328 P PU microcontroller is interfaced with the HC-05 Bluetooth and Vibrators through Relays to perform the task. The microcontroller acts as the overall think-tank to control and coordinate the overall system.
Preparation of Inundation Maps by Developing Unsteady Flow Model of Pamba River- Decision Support System for Disaster Management
Authors: Johnpaul V. , Jayakumar C R. , Sindhu R. , Balasundaram N. , Solai Mathi S.
Published: December 2020

Nowadays extreme rainfall events are more frequent across our country. Controlled releases from reservoirs would be necessitated to ensure the safety of dams and people downstream during extreme inflow. Mitigation measures are to be planned and preparedness actions to be taken effectively to reduce the impact of such catastrophe at downstream flood plains of reservoirs. Advance information on the extent of the area likely to be in undated consequent to releases from reservoirs is vital in developing an effective action plan for the timely evacuation of people. In the present study, it has been attempted to develop an unsteady flow model of the Pamba River in Kerala& the flood plain downstream for determining the area likely to be inundated corresponding to a largely controlled release in the tune of 900m3/s. The unsteady flow model is developed in HEC-RAS to study the flow behavior of flood wave caused by the flow hydrograph with peak 900m3/s as it propagates to the downstream plains. From the studies, it is found that the transformation of flow profile of flood wave can be better estimated using the HEC-RAS 2D flow model and the results can be used as important information in the decision-making process for Disaster Management Authorities.
Use of Eco-Coolers in Indoor Cooling
Authors: Mendi Vikas , Kumar Anvit , Singh Yadav Bhavani , Verma Divyanshu , Ankit R J
Published: December 2020

With the growing global warming and rise in pollution levels across the world in addition to several other factors such as deforestation, urbanization and ozone layer depletion, there has been a continuous increase in global rise in annual average temperature. Eco-cooler is a cheap and eco-friendly device made from non-biodegradable waste which can be used to reduce the indoor temperature of the building thus giving a comfortable living experience. Although a conventional design with symmetrical hole design is adopted in some under-developed countries as a commercial way, no study is being conducted for the improvement in performance of the Eco-cooler. Hence the present study has the main objective of evaluating different factors of dependency of an Eco-cooler, establishing them as a cheap and effective way of reducing indoor temperature and increasing its efficiency.
A Review on Correlations for Consolidation Characteristics of Various Soils
Authors: Jayalekshmi S , Elamathi V
Published: December 2020

Settlement is the major problem that arises after the construction of a structure on a soil mass. Consolidation characteristics of soil such as coefficient of consolidation cv, compression index cc, recompression index cr, preconsolidation pressureσ′pplay a major role in the settlement behavior of fine grained soil mass. cv represents the rate of consolidation of soil mass. cc and cr are essential in calculating settlement of normally and over consolidated clays respectively.σ′pis determined to find whether the clay is under, normally or over consolidated. These consolidation properties are obtained from graphical constructions after conducting several one dimensional consolidation-oedometer tests. Since this is time consuming, many correlations have been derived between consolidation properties and index properties of soil. Different researchers have used various soil parameters such as liquid limit (wL), plastic limit (wp), natural moisture content (wn), initial insitu void ratio (eo), dry unit weight (γd), plasticity index (Ip), void ratio at liquid limit (eL) etc., as correlative parameters for deriving the correlations. Hence, it is desirable to predict the value of cv, cc, cr andσ′pfrom the known correlations rather than conducting several tests, to ease the procedures.
High Strength Lightweight Foam Concrete
Authors: Johnpaul V , Abiraami R , Sindhu R , Balasundaram N , Solai Mathi S.
Published: December 2020

This research is to develop high strength lightweight foam concrete; Foam concrete is also called as lightweight concrete. Light Weight foam concrete enables in reducing the dead weight of the total Structure. The foaming agent used in this research is an Animal base, to create foam for foam concrete. The consistency of foam concrete should be equal to 1000kg/m3. The compressive strength of the Light Weight Concrete varies from 6Mpa - 14Mpa. The main scope of the research is to increase the strength of the foam concrete by easily available sources. Foam concrete is an inventive applied science for viable construction in civil engineering applications. The property of foam concrete is to develop air bubbles with greater strength, stable during its manufacturing process by well mixing of ingredients, weathering condition on the site at the time of placing, and drying of concrete. The entire ratio is carried out only as trial mixes. The cube has been prepared for 7, 14, 28 days. Due to the presence of foam the cube should not be immersed in the water, only dry curing has been done. According to compressive strength result, the ratio which had the highest compressive strength can be used for both filling concrete and it can be used to create (Cellular Light Weight Concrete) CLC Blocks.
Feasibility Study on Paver Blocks blended with Textile Effluent Sludge and M-Sand
Authors: Arulpandian V , Jagadheeswari R , Danielraj S , Muthuraman S , Sakthivel A
Published: December 2020

Textile sludge (TS) management is a huge problem for its disposal from the textile industry. It has tremendous applications, such as walking paths, street road, and fuel stations, etc. In this manner, an innovative step has been towards the manufacture of paver blocks blended with textile effluent treatment plant (TETP) sludge to use of it in reasonable extends. A different percentage of sludge starts from 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% to be taken for this study for the effective utilization of sludge to the construction industry. This thinks about looked for to experience the potential use of TS as a binding fabric for paving blocks generation. Conventional paver block is cast with full replacement of sand by using M-sand as fine aggregate. Paver blocks consist of TS in addition to distinctive proportions was casted according to the recommendation of Indian Standards (IS) 15658 (2006), also the various results was obtained through experimentally and it was compared to the conventional paver block. The different mix combinations outcome reveals that, 30% of cement replacement by effective utilization of TS from the textile industry.
A Comprehensive Review on the Replacement of Virgin Material using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Material in Flexible Pavements
Authors: Gireesh kumar Pala
Published: December 2020

With increased demand and limited aggregate and binder supply brings the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as a valuable component in Hot Mix Asphalt(HMA) since 1970’s in US. Later on, the use of RAP has evolved into a regular practice in many countries around the world and use of these materials in the past has proven to be economically and environmentally sound. Mixing of RAP in virgin materials has been greatly favored over virgin materials because of increase in cost of asphalt, scarcity of quality aggregates and asphalt. The use of RAP in pavement design is Recycling the left over Asphalt through crushing and is recycled back into asphalt which performs equal or better than the virgin mixtures. Now-a-days being more environmentally friendly is important and hence, recycling on site can offer real benefits not only through better planning and regulations, but also saving in the waste disposal charges, energy saving which is modified into the strengthen material. The use of RAP is gaining momentum in India at present and there were very limited studies carried out on the use of RAP in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) as well. Therefore an ample scope exists inorder to investigate the complete usage of RAP content.
Resource-saving technologies in the processing ofnepheline ores by sintering
Authors: Shepelev I I , Eskova E N , Kirushin E V , Pilyaeva O V , Yu Sakhachev A
Published: December 2020

To solve ecological problems in alumina production, ecological measures were implemented to reduce the consumption of mineral natural resources and by involving secondary technogenicmaterials in the production. In the processing ofnepheline ores, a number of technologies were tested and implemented into production for the introduction of various additives of technogenic raw materials into the raw alumina charge: spent chamotte refractory bricks, ferrotitanium production slag, and combined heat and power plant ash. The introduction of technology for processing oftechnogenic raw materials provided the use of spent chamotte bricks of more than 70,000 tons, while saving natural raw materials: nepheline ore of about 42,000 tons. In addition to saving mineral resources, work was carried out to reduce waste water discharges into open water basin and reduce the water intake of treated water for production needs. For this purpose, the technological equipment for water supply of the combined heat and power plant was replaced. As a result of the introduction of new cooling towers, the waste water discharges into an open water basin was eliminated and the intake of treated water from the river was reduced by 40.07 millionm3per year.
Influence of fish pond culture on the fish fauna of Ladoga Lake
Authors: Milyanchuk N P , Ilmast N V , Sterligova O P
Published: December 2020

The species composition and biological indices of Ladoga Lake fish near trout farms were studied. Water bodies with commercial rainbow trout production were found to be polluted mainly by nutrients and fish metabolic products that activate eutrophication processes. The functioning of a trout farm was shown to affect the fish population structure of the lake. Fish with spring spawning are preferred. Roach, perch and ruff now predominate in the fish farm area. Fish aggregates in the lake differ considerably in biomass from those in open lake zones. Fish density indices near the fish pond lines were observed to increase almost twofold. Local fish species aggregate near the fish ponds because they eat trout food. The linear and weight growth rates of roach, perch and ruff near the fish ponds were shown to be much higher than those in the remote zones of the lake, because the above fish also eat the leftovers of trout food washed out of the fish ponds. Commercial trout production requires integrated monitoring for assessment of the current condition of the water bodies affected by fish farming.
Dynamics of Agrarian Lands of the Republic of Tyva (Russia) in 1890–2019
Authors: Sambuu A. , Dabiev D.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of changes of croplands dynamics of the Republic of Tyva during traditional, Soviet, crisis and post-crisis periods. It is shown that despite the fact that the leading branch of agriculture of the Tyva People’s Republic (TPR) was animal husbandry, crop production developed no less dynamically, and crop area in 1944 increased by 4.3 times over 17 years. During the period of the Tuva Autonomous region (TAR), crop area increased significantly, so in comparison with 1945, by 1960, the area of grain crops increased more than three times, amounting to 279.8 thousand hectares, including wheat – 193.6 thousand ha, barley – 21.7 thousand ha, oats – 34.7 thousand has, millet – 27.1 thousand ha. The crop area of the feeding grounds has increased by an order of magnitude. The acreage of vegetable and melon crops, including potatoes, has significantly increased. But the unjustified plowing of virgin and fallow lands in the 50s and 60s of the twentieth century led to soil erosion and destruction, and the loss of more than a million hectares of agricultural land. During the period of the Tuva ASSR, there is a further increase in crop area. The largest area of grain crops was observed in 1980, when there were 370 thousand hectares in the Republic. At the same time, the Central zone accounts for about 2/3 of the crop area of grain crops, the Western zone – 20%, the Southern zone – 5%, and the Eastern zone – only 1%. With the beginning of market reforms, there is a decrease in the crop area of grain crops. Lack of state support, violation of economic relations, price disparity, lack of tax incentives and preferential loans, and other market and non-market reasons led to the ruin of large farms in the Agro-Industrial Complex (AIC), which accounted for more than 99% of agricultural products. The crop area of grain crops in 2000 compared to 1980 decreased by 8.4 times, wheat by 6.7 times, and fodder crops by 11 times. At present, there is again a slight increase in croplands.
Active substrate as a tool to improve the efficiency of green technology for seeds production
Authors: Popov V.V. , Afonkina V A , Krivosheeva E I
Published: December 2020

The most common and important method of agricultural products processing is drying. The quality of finished product, energy intensity and material intensity of the entire processing depend on the drying process. Drying the seeds of different crops is influenced by many factors: the structure, size, properties and condition. We studied the process of drying oil-bearing small-seeded crops taking rapeseeds as samples. Rapeseed is covered with a hard shell that prevents the release of moisture; in this case the seeds should be dried at low temperatures. High temperature causes rapeseeds to have low quality indicators. Analysis of the existing equipment has shown that nowadays there are no special systems for drying small-seeded crops, and the drying process is carried out on grain dryers which are characterized by large seeds losses, considerable energy costs and high temperatures. The main advantages of the developed infrared dryer of conveyor cascade type are the lack of hot zones, the uniform heating and the minimum percentage of seeds losses because of their blowing out and removal. In addition, the heat carriers used in the dryer of conveyor cascade type help to perform the drying process at the required wavelength, that can affect only the moisture in the seeds.
Physical and microbiological aspects of the soil seed bed in the early formation of the barley root system (Hordeum vulgare L.): tomographic studies
Authors: Suzdaleva A V , Shein E V , Verkhovtseva N V , Abrosimov K N
Published: December 2020

Barley seeds (Mikhailovsky sort) in a model physical experiment with a two-layer density soil bed (the range of soil density from 0.7 to 1.2 g/cm3) of silty loam arable soil (Albic Glossic Retisols (Lomic, Cutanic), Moscow Region) were placed for germination at the boundary of different-density layers at optimum moisture content. During the period from planting to 7-10 days. the dynamics of the root system development was studied using an x-ray microtomograph “Bruker SkyScan 1172G” (Belgium) while simultaneously studying the composition of soil biota, which was reconstructed from microbial markers (fatty acids and their derivatives).The roots of the germinating seed mastered the entire pore space of the soil, regardless of the density zones studied in experiments. The number of bacteria increases by the fifth day with a noticeable dominance of actinobacteria (aerobacteria Actinobacteria spp., Rhodococcus equi) and Firmicutes (anaerobes Ruminococcus sp.) due to the destruction of the seed coat with its subsequent decrease on the seventh day.