bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion-focused care requested by hospital patients with dementia via advance care planning
Authors: Petty Stephanie , Coleston Donna Maria , Dening Tom , Griffiths Amanda
Published: February 2020

Background:

This study responds to international pressures to improve hospital care for patients with dementia.

Aim:

To reach a concise overview of ways to improve the emotional wellbeing of patients with dementia when in hospital by exploring their personal care requests.

Methods:

Written advance care planning (ACP) documents completed by patients with dementia and their caregivers were retrieved from a UK hospital (n=21) and analysed using descriptive phenomenology.

Findings:

Care requests showed the changeable and personal nature of emotional distress and gave the responses that patients require from hospital staff. Responses included attending to physical health, offering reassurance, being with the patient, treating the patient as a person and providing a different physical environment.

Conclusion:

ACP documents offered a structured tool for informing care with succinct, personalised requests of patients with dementia. Patient requests were consistent with extensive literature defining person-centred care. Increased use of ACP in hospitals requires evaluation.
AS IMAGENS BORDADAS NA ARTE DO SÉCULO XXI
Authors: Pereira Carolina Nascimento
Published: February 2020

Neste artigo abordo a presença da técnica do bordado no trabalho dos artistas contemporâneos e sul-americanos Flávia Bomfim, Rodrigo Mogiz e Ana Teresa Barboza. A partir de suas respectivas produções, delineio os campos de conhecimento que permeiam a leitura do vocabulário visual de suas obras, com o objetivo de identificar elemen-tos de continuidade e ruptura dos conceitos histo-ricamente firmados sobre a prática do bordado.
DESENHO E PERSPECTIVAS CULTURAIS: OLHARES SOBRE O TREZENÁRIO EM TANQUE DE SENZALA – BA
Authors: Paim Camila Machado
Published: February 2020

Este trabalho procura demonstrar como as leituras discutidas durante o semestre 2019.1 na disciplina de Desenho e perspectivas Culturais, ministrada pela área de concentração em cultura, favoreceu no entendimento de dois campos do conhecimento: Cultura e Desenho. Com o auxílio das mesmas, foi possível delimitar meu objeto de estudo, o Trezenário de Santo Antônio, acontecido anualmente na Comunidade de Tanque de Senzala – BA, por meio de fotografias e memórias dos devotos sobre a manifestação religiosa.
O DESENHO DIGITAL FRENTE A CULTURA DO DESENHO NA FOTOGRAFIA DAS REDES SOCIAIS
Authors: Amorim Robson Bastos
Published: February 2020

A produção do desenho, seguindo tendências econômicas, tem ganhado novas plataformas a partir dos avanços tecnológicos. Essa produção engloba, através de suportes como o smartphone, ferramentas de criação/edição que exigem um domínio de técnicas e ferramentas da ação mecânica do desenho porém no suporte da plataforma digital. Neste contexto aparente distinto da utilização do desenho por parte do usuário, os aplicativos de produção e edição fotográfica reafirma sua presença no uso, transparente para o usuário, de camadas aplicadas automaticamente, filtros “artísticos” sob fotografias produzidas, etc. Assim, este artigo visa abordar como a cultura do desenho se apresenta frente as tendências culturais tecnológicas na produção de um público consumidor e produtor de conteúdo digital. Para esse trabalho, será realizado um estudo qualitativo em livros e artigos publicados sobre o tema focando em como o desenho fotográfico é utilizado, e como este cria um padrão cultural que não apenas socializa as pessoas em determinados grupos, como também o torna um potencial consumidor
INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE E USO DA IMAGEM NO ESTUDO DO DESENHO TÉCNICO PROJETUAL NA INDÚSTRIA 4.O
Authors: Gomes Luiz Eduardo Barrêto
Published: February 2020

Este artigo propõe identificar possibilidades de interdisciplinaridades e uso da imagem no estudo do Desenho Técnico Projetual na Indústria 4.0. Serão abordados objetivos para nortear as mudanças no que diz respeito à aplicabilidade desse Desenho na Indústria 4.0 e como será a adequação das necessidades na formação dos profissionais que trabalham com este Desenho e como estes estarão se relacionando com as diversas áreas do conhecimento. Para tal, será realizado uma revisão da fundamentação teórica abordando a interdisciplinaridade, o uso da imagem enquanto história, memória, conhecimento e leitura dessas imagens, visando aprimorar o aprendizado em torno dos novos conceitos de aproveitamento e uso do Desenho Técnico na nova realidade dessa Indústria.
Alignment-free difference frequency light source tunable from 5 to 20 µm by mixing two independently tunable OPOs
Authors: Mörz Florian , Steinle Tobias , Linnenbank Heiko , Steinmann Andy , Giessen Harald
Published: February 2020

Tunable mid-infrared ultrashort lasers have become an essential tool in vibrational spectroscopy in recent years. They enabled and pushed a variety of spectroscopic applications due to their high brilliance, beam quality, low noise, and accessible wavelength range up to 20 µm. Many state-of-the-art devices apply difference frequency generation (DFG) to reach the mid-infrared spectral region. Here, birefringent phase-matching is typically employed, resulting in a significant crystal rotation during wavelength tuning. This causes a beam offset, which needs to be compensated to maintain stable beam pointing. This is crucial for any application. In this work, we present a DFG concept, which avoids crystal rotation and eliminates beam pointing variations over a broad wavelength range. It is based on two independently tunable input beams, provided by synchronously pumped parametric seeding units. We compare our concept to the more common DFG approach of mixing the signal and idler beams from a single optical parametric amplifier (OPA) or oscillator (OPO). In comparison, our concept enhances the photon efficiency of wavelengths exceeding 11 µm more than a factor of 10 and we still achieve milliwatts of output power up to 20 µm. This concept enhances DFG setups for beam-pointing-sensitive spectroscopic applications and can enable research at the border between the mid- and far-IR range due to its highly efficient performance.
Multi-wave atom interferometer based on Doppler-insensitive Raman transition
Authors: Chen Lele , Zhang Ke , Xu Yaoyao , Luo Qin , Xu Wenjie , Zhou Minkang , Hu Zhongkun
Published: February 2020

An atom interferometer based on Doppler-insensitive Raman transition is proposed, which has sharply peaked interference fringes for multi-wave interference. We show that two sets of counter-propagating Doppler-insensitive Raman beam pairs can be used to construct a new type of multi-wave beam splitter, which can be used to construct an atom interferometer. Although the spacing between adjacent diffraction orders of the interferometer is small, they can be distinguished by the internal state of the atom. Our analysis shows that the width of the fringes of this atom interferometer is inversely proportional to the width (duration) of the beam splitter and the Rabi frequency of the Raman beams, that is, the interferometer can achieve high resolution at high light intensity and long pulse width.
Multi-scale laser direct writing of conductive metal microstructures using a 405-nm blue laser
Authors: Komori Takuma , Furukawa Taichi , Iijima Motoyuki , Maruo Shoji
Published: February 2020

A multi-scale direct writing method for metal microstructures is proposed and demonstrated. In this study, metal structures were created in a gelatin matrix containing silver nitrate by photoreduction using a 405-nm blue laser. The influence of concentrations of materials in the sample solution was evaluated by measuring the conductivity of the fabricated microstructures. The fabrication line width could be controlled by changing the laser scanning speed. A network structure was also observed, which possibly helps in increasing the microstructure’s conductivity. Finally, we demonstrated multi-scale drawing by using objective lenses with different numerical apertures. Our method can result in new possibilities for conductive metal direct writing.
In vivo optoacoustic monitoring of percutaneous laser ablation of tumors in a murine breast cancer model
Authors: Periyasamy Vijitha , Özsoy Çağla , Reiss Michael , Deán-Ben Xosé Luís , Razansky Daniel
Published: February 2020

Laser ablation (LA) is a promising approach for minimally invasive cancer treatments. Its in vivo applicability is often impeded by the lack of efficient monitoring tools that can help to minimize collateral tissue damage and aid in determining the optimal treatment end-points. We have devised a new, to the best of our knowledge, hybrid LA approach combining simultaneous volumetric optoacoustic (OA) imaging to monitor the lesion progression accurately in real time and 3D. Time-lapse imaging of laser ablation of solid tumors was performed in a murine breast cancer model in vivo by irradiation of subcutaneous tumors with a 100 mJ short-pulsed (

∼

5

n
s

) laser operating at 1064 nm and 100 Hz pulse repetition frequency. Local changes in the OA signal intensity ascribed to structural alterations in the tumor vasculature were clearly observed, while the OA volumetric projections recorded in vivo appeared to correlate with cross sections of the excised tumors.
Wide-band high-resolution synthetic imaging of a segmented large-scaled lightweight diffractive telescope
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Zongliang , Ma Haotong , Chu Junqiu , Ma Xiafei , Tan Yufeng , Liu Dun , Bian Jiang , Hu Hongyi , Fan Bin , Qi Bo
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, we report a segmented large-scaled lightweight diffractive telescope testbed newly built in our laboratory. The telescope, consisting of one 710-mm-diameter element in the center surrounded by eight 352-mm-diameter elements and a smaller eyepiece of achromatic lenses, can realize wide-band high-resolution imaging of 0.55–0.65 µm. The stitching errors are coarsely corrected by adjusting the motion stage mounted on each element. In particular, an optical synthesis system inserted behind the eyepiece is designed to compensate the residual tip-tilt-piston errors. We present the experimental imaging result of two stitched elements, which is the first successful experimental verification obtained by a practical segmented diffractive telescope to enhance the resolution. Moreover, spatial modulation diversity technology is used to restore the synthetic image so as to improve its quality and contrast.
Open KMU: Mit Action Design Research und Design Thinking gemeinsam innovieren
Authors: Becker Felix , Meyer Michael , Redlich Beke , Siemon Dominik , Lattemann Christoph
Published: February 2020

Oft reichen die finanziellen Ressourcen und Personalkapazitäten bei KMU nicht für ein strukturiertes Innovationsmanagement aus, das mit denen von großen, multinational agierenden Konzernen mithalten kann. Doch ohne eine beständige und strategische Entwicklung von Innovationen wird die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der KMU eingeschränkt und gefährdet so nicht nur ihre eigene Position, sondern können auch zur Innovationsbremse in einer Volkswirtschaft werden. Ein möglicher Ansatz ist die Öffnung der Organisation, damit Wissen und Erkenntnisse unterschiedlichster Perspektiven für die Innovationsentwicklung nutzbar werden. Diese Strategie nennt man Open Innovation (OI).

Der folgende Beitrag präsentiert, wie der anwendungsorientierte Forschungsansatz Action-Design-Research (ADR) zielführend Wissenschaftler und Praktiker zusammenbringen kann. Es wird gezeigt, dass durch die Kombination von ADR und dem kreativen Entwicklungsansatz Design Thinking KMU strategisch Innovationen aufbauen und somit ihre Innovationsfähigkeit unter gegebenen Ressourcen steigern können. Dazu werden zunächst die theoretischen Grundlagen von ADR und Design Thinking vorgestellt und anschließend Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse aus einer 3,5-jährigen Wissenschafts-Praxis-Kollaboration betrachtet. In dem Projekt konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Anwendung von Design Thinking Vorteile birgt, um die Innovationsfähigkeit von KMU zu verbessern.
Challenges and enablers for creative arts practice in care homes
Authors: Evans Simon Chester , Garabedian Claire , Bray Jennifer , Gray Karen
Published: February 2020

This article reports on the experiences of artists working in UK care homes across residencies that focused on poetry, dance and drama. Data were collected from reflective diaries and focus group discussions to explore the key challenges when working in settings that can be unfamiliar, complex and disruptive. We also describe a range of strategies that artists developed in response to these challenges (enablers) and how this supported successful delivery of their sessions. We conclude that artists need time and support to understand and adapt to the complexity of care homes, and conclude that ultimately the overarching culture of a care home is the key determinant of how successfully artists can facilitate the engagement of residents with meaningful creative activities. Experience of working with people living with dementia can be particularly valuable, as can knowing how to facilitate participation by residents with a range of sensory, physical and cognitive impairments.
Modification of Tannia (Xanthoxoma sagittifolium) Starch using
Lactic Acid Bacteria and Its Application for Cookies Products
Authors: Wahyuni S. , Antasionasti I. , Khaeruni A. , Priscilla P.A. , Pitunani M. , Dewi N.D.P.
Published: February 2020

This work was performed to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of modified tannia flour (MTF) with lactic acid bacteria. Physico-chemical properties of MTF by analyzing the degree of acidity, swelling power and solubility, functional group analysis by FTIR and XRD patterns, then determine proximate composition of MTF cookies. Modified tannia flour is indicated by intensity decreased of the FTIR and XRD patterns during fermentation. Proximate composition of MTF and cookies with moisture, ash, fat, protein and glucose content products approximately, respectively 7.63 ± 0.05 %, 2.94 ± 0.02 %, 0.01 ± 0.21 %, 0.86 ± 0.09 %, 43.00 ± 0.14 % and 8.76 ± 0.22 %, 2.67 ± 1.18 %, 48.07 ± 0.23 %, 16.52 ± 0.03 %, 9.08 ± 1.77 %. Physico-chemical properties of MTF with lactic acid bacteria had pH of MTF decreased but swelling power and solubility increased during fermentation and pasting characteristics were modified, so MTF can be applied for making cookies product, where the addition of anchovy meat as a source of protein can increase the protein content of cookies product.
Isotherm, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Study of Adsorption of
Phthalocyanine and Azo Dyes by CoCl2 Doped Polyaniline
Authors: Lingeswari U.D. , Vimala T.
Published: February 2020

In this work, CoCl2 doped polyaniline was prepared using chemical oxidation method and used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of industrial dyes reactive blue 21 and reactive red 180. The adsorption experiments were performed with the variation of initial concentrations of dyes, pH of the solution, weight of adsorbent, temperature and agitation speed. Isotherm analysis, evaluating the correlation coefficients by ANOVA technique, kinetic study and calculation of thermodynamic parameters are carried out. Furthermore, the adsorption density of dyes onto PANI-CoCl2 adsorbent is characterized by SEM and FTIR. This study is compared with other previous works to establish that PANI-CoCl2 is an efficient adsorbent to remove dye from aqueous solution.
SnCl2 Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Pyrroles under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Tejeswararao D. , Srikanth B.
Published: February 2020

Synthetic substituted pyrroles are related with interesting biological activities, yet they remain inadequately explored within drug discovery. Late years have seen a growing interest in synthetic approaches that can provide access to structurally novel pyrroles so that the biological usefulness of this compound class can be more fully investigated. Herein, an efficient and versatile practical protocol for the pyrroles using stannous(II) chloride dihydrate as catalyst is described under aqueous conditions at 55 ºC in high yields. Also, this method is applicable for the preparation of diversity and oriented pyrrole derivatives.
Synthesis, Characterization, in silico and in vitro Evaluations of Symmetrical 1,3-Diketones
Authors: Porchezhiyan V. , Kalaivani D. , Shobana J. , Noorjahan S.E.
Published: February 2020

1,3-Dicarbonyl compounds have gained significant importance since they are abundantly available in the natural products and possess myriad biological activities. The new symmetrical 1,3-diketones bearing L-proline, 2-methyl-5-iodobenzoic acid, piperidine-3-carboxylic acid and naphthalene-1-acetic acid moieties were synthesized by coupling reaction of appropriate ketone with N-acyl triazole in the presence of MgBr2·Et2O and DIPEA. The chemical structure of the compounds were confirmed from
the spectral data such as 1H, 13C NMR, FT-IR and HRMS. Molecular docking studies were carried out for all the compounds with tumor associated protein tyrosine kinase-6 (PTK6) and inflammatory protein cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). The in vitro evaluation was carried out using breast cancer cell lines (MTT assay) and HRBC stabilization assays. During in silico studies, the ki values obtained against PTK6 and COX2 for (5a-d) compounds were in the range (-7.5 to -10.6) and (-7.6 to -9.8) kcal/mol, respectively. The compound 5d was selected for MTT assay, since it exhibited the highest binding affinity (-10.6 kcal/mol) against PTK6 and gave IC50 - 2.4 μg/mL against breast cancer cell
lines. The HRBC stabilization of all the compounds (5a-5d) were in the range (59.28-93.4) %, with highest stabilization value by 5d, which also displayed higher binding affinity with -7.6 kcal/mol towards COX2. Thus, the synthesized symmetrical 1,3-diketones with suitable functionality can be both anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents.
Cost Effective and Natural Plant Based Coagulant for Removal of Chloride from Potable Water
Authors: Chandran Thamaraiselvi , Asaithambi Sofiavizhimalar , Senthilkumar Nandhini , Muthunarayanan Vasanthy , Subramanian Ravichandran , Prabhu Boselin S.R.
Published: February 2020

In present study, water quality was assessed by collecting ten water samples in and around Tiruppur city of India. The physico-chemical characterisation of the water samples were analyzed using standard protocols. The samples with higher chloride content (3106 mg/L) was found in Ganapathy Palayam sample, the value was higher than the BIS prescribed limit. The sample was subjected to treatment with various dosages of the phyto coagulating agent Tamarindus indica L. seed powder and its polysaccharide. The maximum 51 % of chloride reduction was obtained with 0.3 g of seed polysaccharide, and it was taken as optimum dosage. The raw seed removed 47 % of chloride by the dosage 0.4 g. The seed powder was characterized by GC-MS and FT-IR analysis. The GC-MS chromatogram showed the presence of various phytocompounds such as lupanine, cyclopropane octanoic acid, ascorbic acid, octadecanoic acid in the plants. The functional groups found in the seed powder were characterized by FTIR analysis. The evaluated results confirmed the contamination of potable water in Tiruppur city by the dyeing industries located near the water sources. The present
work concluded that tamarind seed coagulants are efficient, eco-friendly, low-cost and easily available material, which could be used for the treatment of potable water.
DELAY MANAGEMENT IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Komurlu Ruveyda , Arditi David
Published: February 2020

Construction projects are one-time endeavors with three strong constraints i.e., time, cost and quality. Construction management pursues success through the balanced accomplishment of the target levels of these. Since construction management has been and is still being performed to some extent by architects, AIA’s guidance has a strong influence on the profession. Thus, AIA’s “A201-2007 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction” is widely preferred among owners and contractors in the U.S. In Turkey, on the other hand, the government is the owner of a large number of public building projects with a total contract value that accounts for a sizeable portion of the national construction activity. Thus, the “General Conditions for Construction” that is issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization is widely used in the industry. Delays have an important effect on both the owner and the contractor; while the owner experiences cost overruns as a direct result of delays, contractors suffer from excessive overhead. A201-2007 addresses the issue in “Article 8-Time”; the Turkish General Conditions addresses it in “Clause 30-Job Duration and Time Extension”. A literature review is performed in this paper to understand the importance of the deviations from the project duration specified in the contract. The objective of this study is to determine the similarities/differences in the management of delays, as mandated by the general conditions commonly used in the U.S. and Turkey. Recommendations are made in the light of the findings to improve delay management.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE ON HISTORIC BUILDING RESTORATION
Authors: Balaban Okten Burcu , Okten Mehmet Selim , Haydaroglu Cem , Benzoni Gianmario
Published: February 2020

The restoration of historic buildings requires a comprehensive approach through a collaborative effort, as well as multi-disciplinary professionals. According to the general conservative guidelines of the Venice Charter of 1964 and the ICOMOS/ISCARSAH Recommendations for the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage of 2003, structural engineers are responsible for repair and strengthening of these structures on the basis of principles of authenticity, reliability, compatibility, durability, reversibility, and monitorability. In restoration projects, engineers often face significant issues due to the intrinsic challenges of the projects themselves, as well as the complex level of interaction with other professionals involved. The main goal of this research project is the identification and evaluation of the most significant challenges encountered by structural engineers in restoration applications in Turkey. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with six professionals involved in restoration projects in Turkey. The sample group was chosen based on specific competences and involvement in different phases of restoration projects in order to gain different professional perspectives. The results revealed several issues from the early stages of the projects, such as a lack of records about previous interventions, a lack of standards and guidelines with respect to historic structures. The identification and evaluation of these issues is intended to raise awareness by the community as well as by the legislative authorities. In the future, dedicated legislative tools could facilitate the execution as well as the efficiency of these interventions, thus limiting subjective approaches.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR AIR CONDITIONING BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH TWO DIFFERENT SUBFLOORING SYSTEMS
Authors: Albayyaa H. , Hagare D. , Saha S.
Published: February 2020

Energy consumed by heating, ventilation and air conditioning account for about 40% of the total energy used in an average Australian home. The main feature that categorizes the construction systems is the thermal mass as it contributes directly to the thermal performance of the entire house. High thermal mass flooring and walls are most appropriate in climate with high diurnal (day-night) temperature ranges. High thermal mass construction system has higher embodied energy but this can offset by reducing heating and cooling energy consumption over the life span of the house. The optimum design, in terms of desirable heat gain or loss, can be achieved by considering the building orientation, thermal mass and careful design of the building envelope including roof, walls, windows and floor systems. To demonstrate relative advantage in terms of energy conservation between houses with different construction systems and thermal mass, two model houses which are detached dwelling with a floor area of 200 sqm and with two levels and four bedrooms were selected in this study. One of the model houses represented modern house with brick veneer walls and concrete slab-on-ground flooring (high thermal mass Model). The second model house represented old house with fibro walls and raised subfloor (low thermal mass Model). The analysis has been carried out using computer software (IDA ICE). The energy performance of the buildings were computed and compared. The results show that the modern house consumed 53% less energy compared to old house and hence the former is significantly cost effective over the long run.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN THE DAILY WORKING PRACTICE OF CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Authors: Quapp Ulrike , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: February 2020

Sooner or later in their daily working practice, engineers come in contact with issues of professional ethics. Codes of professional conduct are well developed and popular in a number of countries all over the world. Also in Germany, codes of professional conduct were developed for various professions such like medicine, civil and structural engineering as well as architecture over the past decades. As a planner, consultant or specialized expert, civil and structural engineers are obligated to obey the rules of proven professional conduct and modern professional ethics. Their professional practice requires the observation of secured technical knowledge and the obligation for ongoing professional development. The paper provides an overview about professional ethics and engineers’ professional law. Furthermore, it is dealing with the aspects of professional ethics in the civil and structural engineers’ daily working practice and it discusses the question, if rules of professional conduct help to establish clients’ trust in the competence and the moral attitude of civil and structural engineers. The author explains why it is necessary to implement ethical education in universities’ civil and structural engineering programs and to continue the education in the courses for ongoing professional development. Finally, the paper mentions relevant case law. The conclusion is: Codes of ethics may not have the same importance in all countries all over the world. But they can be inspirational and motivating as well as instructive. Codes of conduct help structural engineers to take decisions and are guiding principles in their daily working practice. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute knowledge of professional ethics and to enforce codes of professional conduct.
PROBLEMS IN RECONSTRUCTION OF PILE-RAFT FOUNDATION
Authors: Todorov Miroslav
Published: February 2020

In practice, in many cases using combination of piles and large-slabs could be observed technological and structural defects before the start of their operation. These defects are dictated by the complex interaction between piles system and thin raft slabs. In order to establish the causes of defects can be imposed a wide range of studies covering research on the ground, the reinforced concrete structural elements and materials (piles and raft), the technology performance and others. In this study in order to identify the causes of defects are used a series of research methods for determining the properties of materials, environmental conditions and computational models to describe the interaction between ground and upper structure. With this set of methods are established causes and selected measures for appropriate reconstruction. The scope of these measures consists in the use of a combination of hardening by injection of the ground under the contact base of raft. With grouting the aims are to improve the skin friction and end bearing resistance of the piles. In the complex decision are sought the approaches to keep the completed structures-piles and raft. The focus of this work is to improve the interaction of the pile-raft system and ground base at the expense of reducing the load on piles. In this case, the geological formation, represented by Paleogene sediments with alternating layers of hard clay and clay sandstones largely supports the realization of the design measures.
DESIGN AND PROJECT PLANNING OF THE RENOVATION OF A RAILWAY LINE
Authors: Outtier Amelie , De Pauw Bart , De Backer Hans
Published: February 2020

The railway line L50A is one of the most important lines in Belgium, connecting the capital Brussels with Ghent. The line originally consisted out of two tracks. Because this formed a constricting bottleneck for the entire railway network in Belgium, the existing capacity was expanded. Between 2008 and 2015 a third and fourth track was constructed, one on each side of the original 2 tracks. Now that the expansion works have ended, the 2 original tracks have to be refurbished. The necessary works include: renewal of ballast and rails, changing all wooden sleepers by pretensioned concrete ones, strengthening of the subgrade and renewal and improvement of the waterproofing layers at the bridges and viaducts. This article focuses on the first 10 kilometers of the trajectory, including 10 locations where the waterproofing has to be renewed. At each location, the existing ballast, sleepers and tracks have to be removed for the middle two tracks, so a new polyethylene-waterproofing layer can be installed. Afterwards the tracks have to be restored. All of this has to be performed while the 2 outer tracks remain in operation and without disturbing the electrification cables above the tracks. Because of this, the project will necessitate a combination of creative planning, use of modified and small-scale equipment and a judicious use of night-time labor. All of these items will be discussed in the article.
EVALUATION OF NORMAL AND MODIFIED ASPHALT ACCORDING TO CONVENTIONAL AND MODERN GRADING SYSTEMS
Authors: Saudy Maram , Khedr Safwan
Published: February 2020

Asphalt plays a significant role in pavement quality. The need for high-performance pavements with long service life and low maintenance requirements is the motive behind thorough research and studies of asphalt characteristics. This research focuses on studying all sources of Egyptian asphalt over a span of time using both conventional and Superpave grading techniques in order to characterize asphalt performance and also to answer the question whether the Egyptian asphalts need modification. The results of this research indicate that all Egyptian normal (virgin) 60/70 asphalt samples from different sources failed to meet penetration grading requirements, viscosity grading standards AC-20 (high quality); with minor exceptions, viscosity grading system AC-20 (low quality), and both AR-8000 and AR-1000 Aged Residue grading systems. When Superpave grading system was employed, results indicate that all normal asphalt samples failed to meet the basic requirements (without traffic adjustment) according to the Egyptian climatic requirements for high reliability projects (PG70-10 and PG76-10). The testing results accommodate Superpave requirements for lower levels of reliability and/or lower level of conservativeness. This emphasizes the flexibility and reliability of Superpave grading system as compared to conventional grading systems. On the other hand all modified asphalt samples, using an SBS modifier, passed according to the base high reliability projects and/or high level of conservativeness requirements of the Superpave grading system. Finally it is concluded that Egyptian asphalt should be modified in order to provide satisfactory performance especially for high reliability projects in hot regions with high and/or slow traffic.
A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR EVALUATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROFESSIONAL FIRM SERVICE QUALITY AND CLIENT SATISFACTION IN BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: Raphael Aluko Olusola
Published: February 2020

Conceptual model helps the researcher to explore variables of study and their clear interactions. Therefore this study aims at proposing a model of a relationship between the professional firm service quality and client satisfaction in building development projects. This is because client satisfaction remains an important factor in the development of engineering and building consulting services. In today’s competitive service market, attaining client satisfaction is very crucial for the continued survival and economic stability of consulting firms. The model is built on the concept of service quality and its effect on client satisfaction. The fundamentals of Servqual theory in addition to competency profile and communication within the consulting arm of building projects constitute the independent variables of the model. The Attribution theory constructs constitute the moderating variables of the study. The proposed model focuses on the relationship between soft service qualities, hard service qualities and the client satisfaction variables of architectural quality, technical quality, functional quality, timeliness of service delivery, cost of services and supervision at implementation stage. The findings will be useful to assist consulting firms in enhancing competitiveness and improve project deliveries in the present global challenges.
ON THE VARIATION OF MAXIMUM ISOLATOR DISPLACEMENTS DUE TO GROUND MOTION DIRECTIONALITY
Authors: Özdemir Gökhan , Erşeker Burak , Avşar Özgür
Published: February 2020

In most of the cases, code specifications dictate the use of nonlinear response history analyses (NRHA) to estimate maximum isolator displacements (MIDs) of a seismically isolated structure (SIS). For this purpose, a set of ground motion records with similar characteristics needs to be selected. Then, the structure is analyzed bidirectionally by considering both orthogonal horizontal components of these records. However, there is not any provision regarding the ground motion directionality effect in the codes but simply use of as-recorded motions is encouraged. This study investigates the effect of ground motion directionality on variation of MIDs in case of bidirectional NRHA. Thus, a typical SIS, where the isolator units are composed of lead rubber bearings (LRBs), is subjected to ground motions rotated from their as-recorded original form by increments of 10o up to 360o. Here, LRBs are modelled by a deteriorating hysteretic representation in which the strength of the isolator reduces gradually due to the applied loading. In the analyses, first, the original as-recorded ground motion is applied to the SIS and the corresponding MID is noted. Then, the same structure is subjected to rotated versions of the same motion and again the MIDs are noted. To quantify the variation in the isolator displacement, analytically obtained MIDs are compared. Results showed that there is an amplification in MIDs due to change in ground motion direction.
USING BAYESIAN NETWORKS MODELS TO IMPROVE BEHVAIOR TOWARDS WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Bakshan Amal , Srour Issam , Chehab Ghassan
Published: February 2020

The effective implementation of waste management strategies in construction projects requires the identification of critical factors that affect the behavior regarding waste management as well as quantifying the relationships between causal factors. In this context, the Bayesian Networks (BN) analysis technique is an effective means that not only identifies the influencing factors but also establishes a probabilistic relational network among causal factors, thereby providing a methodology to identify potential strategies for improving behavior towards construction waste management. The comprehensive literature review, presented in this paper, is a vital source of information required to build a research model that includes key factors influencing behavior towards waste and to construct a structured questionnaire. As such, the research model, along with the data collected, is necessary to demonstrate the application of the proposed BN model in the real world.
ARAHAN REHABILITASI LAHAN PASCA TAMBANG TIMAH UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN WILAYAH DI KABUPATEN BANGKA SELATAN
Authors: Setiawan Fahri , Murtilaksono Kukuh , Widiatmaka W
Published: February 2020

Tin Mining raised economic people in South Bangka regency, however mining produced marginal land and was be must be fixed. The research aimed to arrange a direction of rehabilitation post-mine-tin land of environmental, economic, and social aspects for regional development in Bangka Selatan regency. Methods using were on-screen digitation, forestry ministerial rule 60th the year 2009, NPV, BCR, IRR, interview, AHP, TOPSIS, and GDP. Post-mine-tin land in the cultivation area was 11,224.8 hectares. Based on the assessment of forestry ministry rule 60th year 2009 score of oil palm was 72, and the rubber was 71.96. NPV, BCR, and IRR score of oil palm were Rp. 425,629,907.13, 2.83 and 44%, while rubber were Rp. 23,440,706.38, 1.19, and 11%. Rubber was selected by 12 stakeholders, while oil palm was two stakeholders. Based on TOPSIS, the rehabilitation plant was oil palm. District of Tukak Sadai (0.56), Toboali (0.52), and Air Gegas (0.51) were a category of very priority. District of Payung (0.44) and Simpang Rimba (0.40) were a priority. The District of Pulau Besar (0.32) was a moderate priority. District of Lepar Pongok (0.13) was a low priority, and a district of pongok islands (0.0) was a very low priority for rehabilitation. The estimated GDP per year of oil palm was Rp. 501,824,095,033.34.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE TRADITIONAL MARKET IMAGE ON THE SUCCESS OF SOLO CITY BRANDING
Authors: Putri S P
Published: February 2020

The positive image of the city plays a strong role in determining the success of city branding. The positive image of the city makes it easier to form competitive advantages. These city images can be communicated in various ways, and one of them through culture. This research was conducted to determine the influence of the image of traditional markets as a part of the culture of Solo in attracting residents and tourists to stay and visit. Multiple linear regression is used to test and find traditional market image factors that influence the success of city branding. The study used 120 samples consisting of residents and tourists. Sampling uses the combined sampling method. The results of the study show that there is an influence between the traditional market image on the success of city branding. Traditional markets have been proven to be able to influence the formation of a positive image of Solo although it is not the only determinant of the success of city branding. Traditional market condition and traditional market reputation are significant factors in attracting residents and tourists to stay and visit Solo.
STUDY OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF NGADAS TRADITIONAL TOURISM VILLAGE IN PONCOKUSUMO DISTRICT, MALANG REGENCY
Authors: Linggarjati K P , Prayitno G , Wicaksono A D
Published: February 2020

The development of a tourism village, from the beginning of the planning to the evaluation process must involve the local community as a form of community empowerment as the goal of tourism development that listed in Indonesian Tourism Master Plan year of 2011- 2025. It was revealed that the community tourism objects of the Malang Regency had not played an active role in the development of local attractions. In Ngadas Village itself, the community already knew their identity as a tourism village. However, the involvement and participation of the community in the development process has not been optimal. The level of participation was measured using eight stages of Arnstein's participation, divided into four stages of participation; planning phase, implementation phase, phase of use and monitoring phase. The results indicate that the level of community participation in the traditional Ngadas tourism village is still the third of eight stages in Arnstein's participation. Characteristics of the third ladder, named informing are where the community is passively involved by only being informed about the activities and the plans to be carried out, which have been decided before. Opinions and ideas from the community are not being a consideration that can influence the decisions.
SOCIAL AND LEGAL DISCOURSE OF CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING IN POLAND AND RUSSIA: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: HELAND-KURZAK KRYSTYNA , FILIPOVA ALEXANDRA
Published: February 2020

This article draws attention to online discourse of children’s participation in decision-making. The participation of children is located in one of the core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This study examines the right of the child to express his/her opinion and the participation of the child in matters affecting his/her interests. This paper aims to compare Poland and Russia results in the search process in the Google global search engine, level from 2004 to 2019 using Google Trends. We discover that there are connecting discourses among legal policies in Poland and Russia. There are also differences between clusters of arguments about existence of children’s rights in practice.

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Quantum Mechanical Explanation for Dark Energy, Cosmic Coincidence, Flatness, Age, and Size of the Universe
Authors: Dikshit Biswaranjan
Published: February 2020

One of the most important problems in astronomy is the cosmological constant problem in which conventional calculation of vacuum energy density using quantum mechanics leads to a value which is ~10123times more than the vacuum energy estimated from astronomical observations of expanding universe. The cosmic coincidence problem questions why matter energy density is of the same order of magnitude as the vacuum energy density at present time. Finally, the mechanism responsible for spatial flatness is not clearly understood. In this paper, by taking the vacuum as a finite and closed quantum oscillator, we solve all of the above-mentioned problems. At first, by using the purely quantum mechanical approach, we predict that the dark energy density isc4/(GR2) = 5.27×10−10J/m3(whereRis radius of 3-sphere of the universe) and matter energy density isc4/(2GR2) = 2.6×10−10J/m3which match well with astronomical observations. We also prove that dark energy has always been ~66.7% and matter energy has been ~33.3% of the total energy and thus solve the cosmic coincidence problem. Next, we show how flatness of space could be maintained since the early stage of the universe. Finally, using our model, we derive the expression for age and radius of the universe which match well with the astronomical data.
Inner For-Loop for Speeding Up Blockchain Mining
Authors: Adewumi Tosin P. , Liwicki Marcus
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the authors propose to increase the efficiency of blockchain mining by using a population-based approach. Blockchain relies on solving difficult mathematical problems as proof-of-work within a network before blocks are added to the chain. Brute force approach, advocated by some as the fastest algorithm for solving partial hash collisions and implemented in Bitcoin blockchain, implies exhaustive, sequential search. It involves incrementing the nonce (number) of the header by one, then taking a double SHA-256 hash at each instance and comparing it with a target value to ascertain if lower than that target. It excessively consumes both time and power. In this paper, the authors, therefore, suggest using an inner for-loop for the population-based approach. Comparison shows that it’s a slightly faster approach than brute force, with an average speed advantage of about 1.67% or 3,420 iterations per second and 73% of the time performing better. Also, we observed that the more the total particles deployed, the better the performance until a pivotal point. Furthermore, a recommendation on taming the excessive use of power by networks, like Bitcoin’s, by using penalty by consensus is suggested.
Linear-quadratic programming and its application to data correction of improper linear programming problems
Authors: Gorelik Victor , Zolotova Tatiana
Published: February 2020

The problem of maximizing a linear function with linear and quadratic constraints is considered. The solution of the problem is obtained in a constructive form using the Lagrange function and the optimality conditions. Many optimization problems can be reduced to the problem of this type. In this paper, as an application, we consider an improper linear programming problem formalized in the form of maximization of the initial linear criterion with a restriction to the Euclidean norm of the correction vector of the right-hand side of the constraints or the Frobenius norm of the correction matrix of both sides of the constraints.
Propagating Activity in Neocortex, Mediated by Gap Junctions and Modulated by Extracellular Potassium
Authors: Papasavvas Christoforos A. , Parrish R. Ryley , Trevelyan Andrew J.
Published: February 2020

Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons in cortical networks are coupled by gap junctions, forming a syncytium that supports propagating epileptiform discharges, induced by 4-aminopyridine. It remains unclear, however, whether these propagating events occur under more natural states, without pharmacological blockade. In particular, we investigated whether propagation also happens when extracellular K+rises, as is known to occur following intense network activity, such as during seizures. We examined how increasing [K+]oaffects the likelihood of propagating activity away from a site of focal (200–400 μm) optogenetic activation of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Activity was recorded using a linear 16-electrode array placed along layer V of primary visual cortex. At baseline levels of [K+]o(3.5 mm), induced activity was recorded only within the illuminated area. However, when [K+]owas increased above a threshold level (50th percentile = 8.0 mm; interquartile range = 7.5–9.5 mm), time-locked, fast-spiking unit activity, indicative of parvalbumin-expressing interneuron firing, was also recorded outside the illuminated area, propagating at 59.1 mm/s. The propagating unit activity was unaffected by blockade of GABAergic synaptic transmission, but it was modulated by glutamatergic blockers, and was reduced, and in most cases prevented altogether, by pharmacological blockade of gap junctions, achieved by any of the following three different drugs: quinine, mefloquine, or carbenoxolone. Washout of quinine rapidly re-established the pattern of propagating activity. Computer simulations show qualitative differences between propagating discharges in high [K+]oand 4-aminopyridine, arising from differences in the electrotonic effects of these two manipulations. These interneuronal syncytial interactions are likely to affect the complex electrographic dynamics of seizures, once [K+]ois raised above this threshold level.