bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the 2018 agricultural drought in The Netherlands using in situ soil moisture and satellite vegetation indices
Authors: Buitink Joost , Swank Anne M. , van der Ploeg Martine , Smith Naomi E. , Benninga Harm-Jan F. , van der Bolt Frank , Carranza Coleen D. U. , Koren Gerbrand , van der Velde Rogier , Teuling Adriaan J.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The soil moisture status near the land surface is a key determinant of vegetation productivity. The critical soil moisture content determines the transition from an energy-limited to a water-limited evapotranspiration regime. This study quantifies the critical soil moisture content by comparison of in situ soil moisture profile measurements of the Raam and Twenthe networks in the Netherlands, with two satellite derived vegetation indices (NIRv and VOD) during the 2018 summer drought. The critical soil moisture content is obtained through a piece-wise linear correlation of the NIRv and VOD anomalies with soil moisture on different depths of the profile. This nonlinear relation reflects the observation that negative soil moisture anomalies develop weeks before the first reduction in vegetation indices. Furthermore, the inferred critical soil moisture content was found to increase with observation depth and this relationship is shown to be linear and distinctive per area, reflecting the tendency of roots to take up water from deeper layers when drought progresses. The relations of non-stressed towards water-stressed vegetation conditions on distinct depths are derived using Remote Sensing, enabling the parameterization of reduced evapotranspiration and its effect on GPP in models to study the impact of a drought on the carbon cycle.
Sixtieth anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (1957–2017) – contribution of the Soviet Union
Authors: Lyubovtseva Yulia S. , Gvishiani Alexei D. , Soloviev Anatoly A. , Samokhina Olga O. , Krasnoperov Roman I.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The International Geophysical Year (IGY) was the most significant international scientific event in geophysical sciences in the
history of mankind. This was the largest international experiment that
brought together about 300 000 scientists from 67 countries. Well-planned activity of national and international committees was organized for the
first time. The history of the IGY organization and complex international
experiments in planetary geophysics conducted within its program are
discussed in this article. Special attention is given to the estimation of the significance of this project for developing worldwide geophysical research.
THE FUSION OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL 3D PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MODELS AS A TOOL TO INVESTIGATE THE ANCIENT HUMAN/CAVE INTERACTION: THE LA SASSA CASE STUDY
Authors: Alessandri L. , Baiocchi V. , Del Pizzo S. , Di Ciaccio F. , Onori M. , Rolfo M. F. , Troisi S.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Caves have been used by humans and animals for several thousand years until present but, at these time scales, their structures can rapidly change due to erosion and concretion processes. For this reason, the availability of precise 3D models improves the data quality and quantity allowing the reconstruction of their ancient appearance, structure and origin. However, caves are usually characterised by lack of light, high percentage of relative humidity, narrow spaces and complex morphology. Thus, quite often the traditional topographic instruments cannot be employed. In the La Sassa cave (Sonnino, Italy) a huge deposit ranging from Pleistocene to the Second World War has been found and stratigraphic evidence suggested that the shape of the cave and its entrance might have been different. In this paper, the fusion of the internal and external 3D photogrammetric models of the La Sassa, made to support the archaeological excavations, is presented, A Nikon camera with a fisheye lens and a smartphone camera have been used to survey the internal part of the cave, while an aerial drone has been employed for the external area. The two models have been georeferenced and scaled using GCPs acquired by a double frequency GNSS (GPS and GLONASS) receiver. A low-resolution DTM derived from a previous aerial laser scanning survey and the 3D models have been elaborated in CloudCompare environment to highlight the complete morphology of the cave and its surroundings.
Design study for a multicomponent transducer for wind turbine test benches
Authors: Gnauert Jonas , Jacobs Georg , Kock Stefan , Bosse Dennis , Janik Benjamin
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper covers the design study of a multicomponent transducer (MCT) for wind turbine test benches. The MCT will cover the characteristics of wind turbines in the power range of up to 6 MW. The motivation to develop a MCT such as this is to provide satisfying measurement accuracy of loads and moments for all 6 degrees of freedom in order to reduce the uncertainty in the traceability of the drive train behavior due to the applied loads. Therefore, the estimation of the measurement uncertainty is significant with respect to evaluating the design of the MCT. First, the design process of the MCT is briefly introduced. Second, the strain-gauge-based transducer design is investigated under operational conditions (e.g., torque and multiaxial loads) using finite element (FE) simulations to determine the crosstalk effects. Finally, the measurement uncertainties of all quantities are estimated based on these FE simulations according to the type B evaluation of the “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in
Measurement” (GUM; JCGM, 2010), including metrological aspects (e.g., linearity deviation and hysteresis) and the crosstalk. It can be shown that the MCT has great potential to significantly improve the
measurement uncertainty for the applied wind loads on a wind turbine test
bench.
Validation of Sentinel-1 offshore winds and average wind power estimation around Ireland
Authors: de Montera Louis , Remmers Tiny , O'Connell Ross , Desmond Cian
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In this paper, surface wind speed and average wind power derived from Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar Level 2 Ocean (OCN) product were validated against four weather buoys and three coastal weather stations around Ireland. A total of 1544 match-up points was obtained over a 2-year period running from May 2017 to May 2019. The match-up comparison showed that the satellite data underestimated the wind speed compared to in situ devices, with an average bias of 0.4 m s−1, which decreased linearly as a function of average wind speed. Long-term statistics using all the available data, while assuming a Weibull law for the wind speed, were also produced and resulted in a significant reduction of the bias. Additionally, the average wind power was found to be consistent with in situ data, resulting in an error of 10 % and 5 % for weather buoys and coastal stations, respectively. These results show that the Sentinel-1 Level 2 OCN product can be used to estimate the wind resource distribution, even in coastal areas. Maps of the average and seasonal wind speed and wind power illustrated that the error was spatially dependent, which should be taken into consideration when working with Sentinel-1 Synthetic
Aperture Radar data.
Research on Income Inequality by Gender in Vietnam
Authors: Hoa Ho Thi , Hieu Pham Van , Thao Nguyen Thanh , Ninh Hoang Hai , Thuy Le Thi
Published: August 2020

Inequality of income is considered an important issue of social inequality in general, the subject is mentioned in many studies around the world. Actually, differences in income inequality are considered both causes and resulfs of the other inequalities. In particular, income inequality by gender is matter of special interest to create conditions for both men and women have equal opportunities in economic development - social and human resources development. This study will analyze the income inequality by gender in Vietnam, which propose a number of recommendations in order to implement the goals of equity im the distribution of income and work towards equality by gender in Vietnam in the future.
Discursive Constructions of National Image in National Discourse: A Case Study of the Editorials on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in China Daily
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Ju Yumei
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the discursive construction of national image in national discourse. The editorials published during the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in China Daily are taken as the corpus of study. The results showed that the editorials successfully constructed the national image of China by employing the Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation resources in the texts. Domestically, China is constructed as being confident in solving the problem of imbalances of development, boosting people’s sense of gain, leading the whole nation to realize the Chinese dream, and having the courage to bear the responsibility to improve people’s livelihood and happiness. Internationally, China is constructed as being competent, responsible, valuing fairness and justice, seeking cooperation and mutual benefit, and leading the whole world to pursue common prosperity to build a community of shared destiny for all mankind. The constructed images are themselves the persuasive rhetorical ethos, which leads to the identification of the editorials with the audience.
From a Triangular to a Pentagonal Model in Teachers Training Practicum
Authors: Naifeld Edni , Nissim Yonit
Published: August 2020

Teacher-training has been developed through a complex weave of processes, models and theories, founded on experiences in educational settings. In 2015, the Academia Class program was added to teacher-training programs in Israeli academic colleges and universities and added new ways of thinking about student teachers’ practical experience. The program was widely implemented and became the flagship for teacher-training processes in Israel. As part of the program, student teachers and education students in their third year of studies participate in broad practical training for 12-16 weekly hours (for a year) in various educational institutions. Some of the changes engendered meaningful insights and processes that helped to reshape training processes. This article is derived from qualitative research that was involved in forming new models in teacher training, and offered an improved and enhanced approach to clinical practicum.

Traditional pedagogic instruction is based on a “triangular instruction model” (student/teacher trainer/pedagogic instructor). The present study aims to expand this model by offering a new “pentagonal model.” The pentagonal model incorporates the following roles: student/coach-teacher/pedagogic instructor/coordinator teacher/academic instructor. The proposed model creates an ecosystem based on teacher-training processes and reinforces reciprocal connections, and different figures in new roles. It aims to connect the loose ends among the various participants involved in the practicum process in a more comprehensive and holistic manner. The practicum is performed in real time in the education field, in a clinical manner and is very meaningful for the future teachers’ work.

Research method: Qualitative action research, documenting the expansion of the practical experience model at Ohalo College in northern Isrel. The proposed model is based on the authors’ experience from the past five years, as recorded in protocols, and work papers, as well as many meetings and discussions. It is important to emphasize that the model was tested and gradually improved, becoming refined through a dynamic process using feedback between the college and its students, and between the teachers and the instructors and pedagogic instructors. Participants included more than 500 students, 500 school and kindergarten teachers, and 40 pedagogic instructors, instructors, lecturers and others in relevant roles.

The theoretical framework for the model relies on the concept of Pedagogic Content Knowledge (PCK), which emphasizes and reinforces pedagogic activity in the context of disciplinary knowledge content. In our opinion, the implementation of the model according to the approach described below creates a stable foundation for the student teacher practicum, in a manner appropriate given the current winds of change. The model should be applied in conjunction with essential changes in structural and behavioral policies necessitated by the Academia Class program.
Problems Faced by Muslim Converts in Sri Lanka: A Study Based on Anuradhapura District
Authors: Razick Ahamed Sarjoon , Fowsar Mohamed Anifa Mohamed , Rushana Ameer
Published: August 2020

Muslim converts are living with several problems after the conversion, and they are disowned and separated by their original relatives. Muslims by birth call Muslim converts as 'Moula-Islam' which is keeping off them as a different segment. The aim of this research is, therefore, to identify the problems faced by Muslim converts in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. This is an empirical study with the applications of qualitative and quantitative data. The study adopted the questionnaire survey and in-depth interview techniques to collect primary data and randomly selected sixty-five samples out of three hundred sixty-five Muslim coverts living in Anuradhapura district. The significant finding of the study reveals that Muslim converts are facing several socioeconomic problems including the separation from family and relatives, the language problem, financial issues, the disparity in the aspect of marriage and the occurrence of divorces among married couples. The study further highlights difficulties faced by Muslim converts in terms of Islamic knowledge, learning Al-Quran, adopting Muslim cultural identity. Muslim converts are the most vulnerable people in the Muslim community, and they do not receive financial help, including Zakat from traditional Muslims. Hence, this study argues that current problems faced by Muslim converts should be addressed meaningfully and the Muslim community and voluntary organizations should take corrective measures to improve the life of Muslim converts in the Sri Lankan context.
Constitution and Building of Nation-State in Malaysia
Authors: Muslim Nazri , Hassan Wan Zulkifli Wan , Jodi Khairul Hamimah Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The building of a nation-state is very relevant to Malaysia in facing various challenges that take place especially in terms of the diverse cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions. khususnya dari perspektif kepelbagaian culture, language, etnik dan religion. The building of nation-state stems from the existence of the nation and the nation produces a country. Nation-state is the formation of a country based on the process of national unity and consolidated by the bordering of certain territories as its identity. Malaysia comprising of the community of various ethnic groups has faced many challenges in the process of the building of the nation-state involving language, religion, globalisation and constitutional issues. In the context of Malaysia, the building of a nation-state refers to the people of various ethnicity who need to identify themselves with this country, speak in the national language, and support the constitution which is the highest law of the country containing the 'social contract' that needs to be understood in the effort to unite Malaysians. Thus, this article will analyse the role of the constitution as one of the main elements in the building of a nation-state in Malaysia.
Autonomous Vehicles within the Urban Space and Transport Security Challenges: Legal Aspect
Authors: Iroshnikov Denis V. , Larina Lyubov Yu. , Sidorkin Aleksandr I.
Published: August 2020

Nowadays autonomous vehicles are getting widespread use in different parts of the world. In some countries, they are being tested within the urban traffic whereas other counties have been already operating them. Such vehicles possess a number of obvious advantages. We cannot but agree that these cars are the future.

However, before complete implementation and mass use of autonomous transport on public roads, it is necessary to resolve a number of problems concerning their safety towards road-users. Except for ethical, economic, and other aspects, it also embraces the legal aspect.

The article analyses legal problems of ensuring transport security when using autonomous vehicles. It also touches upon the issues of obligations and liability. Special attention is paid to the matters of criminal liability for offences involving an autonomous vehicle.

The conducted legal research allowed concluding that it is necessary to improve legislation in the sphere of operating such vehicles. It is essential to enshrine in law autonomous vehicles (whether fully-autonomous or partially-autonomous) operation rules, oblige their owners to perform regular diagnostic assessment, and to add demands to periodic vehicle inspection. When regulating criminal liability for harm caused by a self-driving vehicle, one must proceed from the layer of its autonomy which stipulates bringing the general public to responsibility.
Legal Solidarity: Historical, Religious Moral Background and Perspective of Implementation in the Digital World
Authors: Ovchinnikov Alexey I. , Yatsenko Tatiana S. , Oganesyan Armen K. , Emelyanov Vasily M.
Published: August 2020

With the help of another technological revolution the modern world is suffering from a new radical breakage of all areas and ideals, which include legal principles, ideas and values. The most important amongst them is the principle of the legal solidarity with the long history that has already been rooted in the Bible’s System of Things and Christianity. The main prerequisites of the legal solidarity as well as social and cultural prerequisites of the legal solidarity in the studies of the legislators in Russia and foreign authors are considered in this article. Suggestions of the new stage of solidarity realization in the legislation including digitalization, which allows to implement targeted social assistance and to eradicate the main vice of solidarity – passiveness and paternalism of the social state citizens, are being made.
Third-Party Mediation in Sri Lanka’s Peace Attempts: A Study on the Role of Norwegian Mediation
Authors: Fowsar M. A. M.
Published: August 2020

Regional and international mediation by third parties in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict have had diverse impacts on the country’s political scene at various times. India spearheaded a significant regional mediation following the July 1983 pogrom against minority Tamils. An international mediation effort by a third party was initiated in 2000, with Norway playing the role of facilitator. Both of these attempts to resolve Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict, which were taken to bring an end to the intense and continued violence, have had mixed outcomes. In particular, Norway’s initiative to bring an end to the conflict with international facilitation was taken in the backdrop of the changed world order that prevailed after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. It is against this backdrop; this article attempts to examine the contributions made by Norway towards the resolution of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. The major finding shows that Norwegian initiative fell into fail after a period and the armed insurgency did not come to an end until 2009. In May 2009, the government forces defeated the LTTE militarily and declared the war victory.
Preface to Islamic Political Psychology: Siyasah Syariyyah Meets Psychology
Authors: Mohamad Khairul Azmi , Othman Nooraini , Jaapar Ghazali
Published: August 2020

This paper attempts to decribe what is Islamic political psychology. The coverage of this paper is preliminary in nature. The study of political psychology came into picture as a discipline of study quite recently. It is a combination of political science and psychology. It is timely to have the study of Islamic Political psychology. If the study of political psychology involves the theories and practice of political science and psychology, necessarily the Islamic political psychology involves the theories and practice of Islamic Politics (siyasah syariyyah) and Islamic psychology (‘ilm nafs al-Islami). This paper intends to look at the principles of Islamic politics and its relationship to Islamic psychology. It will also be describing the characteristic features of politics from the perspective of syariah. The principles that underline the political system of Islam will then be elaborated. This paper will attempt to highlight the similarities and differences between political psychology as perceived by the coventional perspective and the study as expounded by the worldview of Islam. Islamic political psychology will help the understanding of a certain pattern of thinkings and behaviours either of the politicians or the people as they relate to politics.
Learning from the Chinese Model of Development and Moulding China - Sri Lanka Relations
Authors: Irfan M. I. M. , Fowsar M. A. M.
Published: August 2020

The Chinese model of development is a grand global strategy for achieving the Chinese dream through existing foreign policy. China - Sri Lanka bilateral relations have proved to be of increasingly prominent regional and global significance. The paper tries to examine the state of the China - Sri Lanka economic relationship in the context of the Chinese model of development. It is a descriptive study based on secondary data gathered from various sources of information. The Chinese model of development holds much appeal to many developing countries. However, this model is facing serious challenges and has become the subject of much debate in the recent past. The China - Sri Lanka relations have existed more than two thousand years because of the Island of Sri Lanka's strategic location on the old shipping lane. Sri Lanka is still considered a vital part of the String of Pearls concept. Hence, China has turned its attention towards Sri Lanka. From the beginning of the 21st century, Sri Lanka and China ratified several agreements on bilateral issues relating to the Belt and Road Initiative and Silk Road project. The recent developments in the China - Sri Lanka relationship have led to the creation of a so-called Chinese Colony in the South Asian region, and it has triggered China - India geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean region. This paper concludes with the argument that the Sri Lankan Government will have to be receptive and sensitive on these issues, and pay attention to controlling contamination and maintaining diplomatic relations with all for the political stability and economic prosperity of the nation.
Factors Determining the Access to E-services of Public Institutions in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Selected Divisional Secretariat Areas in Ampara District
Authors: Fowsar M. A. M. , Sajeetha T. Fathima
Published: August 2020

Enhancing e-service facilities to the citizens would make it easy for them to access various government and private services. It has currently become an essential aspect of the evolution of public administration. All governments, including those of third world countries, are now trying to improve their e-service delivery. E-service delivery is one of the fundamental mechanisms to enhance quality service delivery with transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency. Sri Lanka has made attempts to deliver e-services in multiple sectors, but many constraints have prevented all citizens from accessing those services. Against this backdrop, this study attempts to investigate the factors that influence the ability of citizens to access the various e-services in selected Divisional Secretariat areas of Ampara district, Sri Lanka. This study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods during the period from July 2018 to January 2019. The qualitative data were gathered from published books, research articles, and personal interviews, and the quantitative data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and statistical reports of government institutions. The collected data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques, and results are presented in text, tables and charts format. The findings of the study show that factors such as security, the availability of electronic device facilities, and low cost encouraged citizens to access these services often. Nevertheless, factors like difficulty in understanding e-services and concerns about its security have discouraged people from accessing e-services.
Book Reviews Acta Orientalia 35
Authors: Orientalia Acta
Published: August 2020

Book reviews in Acta Orientalia 35
Book Reviews Acta Orientalia 31
Authors: Orientalia Acta
Published: August 2020

Book reviews in Acta Orientalia 31
A MATEMÁTICA FINANCEIRA PARA ALÉM DA ESCOLA
Authors: Fernandes e Silva Gisely , Souza Keidna Cristiane Oliveira , Costa Eudes Antonio
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the function of Financial Education and the importance of such a subject to be presented and developed elementary education. It aims to attain a study about the approach of Financial Mathematics and Financial Education, moreover explaining the relevance of contents, which ones prepare the students to be organized people, and thus, dealing with concrete situations, in the context of the new practices rise. In which the mastery of financial matters goes crucial. Methodologically, beyond the bibliographic and documentary research, experience reports are used to contextualize the reflection on Financial Education. The results indicate that Financial Mathematics such as a discipline or a subject school can be a step for the citizen's financial literacy. Financial Education is linked to the awareness development about the money rational using, in order to avoid people of being exploited by the financial system.
Effect of Nano B4C on the Tribological Behaviour of Magnesium Alloy Prepared Through Powder Metallurgy
Authors: CHINTHAMANI Sankar , KANNAN Gangatharan , GEORGE Glan Devadhas , SREEDHARAN Christopher Ezhil Singh , RAJAGOPAL Krishna Sharma
Published: August 2020

In this present study, the particle size of as received magnesium alloy (AZ91) and B4C powders was reduced through high energy ball mills. The combination of AZ91 (both 10 µm and 60 µm) reinforced with nano B4C particles were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique. The incorporation of nano B4C particles to the Mg matrix was done at various weight % such as 5, 10, 15 and 20. The AZ91 composites were fabricated in a suitable die set assembly and the green compacts were sintered in an electric muffle furnace at 500 °C with argon atmosphere for a dwell time of 1 h. The density of the composites was estimated using Archimedes principle. Micro hardness test was carried out for the prepared specimens and dry sliding wear test was conducted by using pin-on-disc apparatus at room temperature with varying loads and sliding velocities by keeping a constant Sliding Distance (SD). Among the various specimens, the composite with 10 µm size attained a higher Vickers hardness value as well as better wear resistant property. Worn surface analysis of the prepared composites was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Study on Critical Infiltration Behavior and Law of Liquid Aluminum Alloy in Carbon Fiber Preform
Authors: MA Yuiqin
Published: August 2020

Infiltration effect is an important factor for the preparation of ideal CF/Al composites by liquid infiltration method, so it is necessary to study the infiltration law of aluminum alloy in carbon fiber preform to obtain composite with sufficient and uniform infiltration effect. Through theoretical analysis and calculation of statics and dynamics, critical infiltration pressures of the liquid aluminum alloy in the 2D carbon fiber preform were 0.53 MPa and 3.24 MPa, respectively, when carbon fiber volume fraction was 45 %. Mechanical pressure infiltration method was used to study critical infiltration pressures and behavior of the liquid aluminum alloy in the 2D carbon fiber preform, and the experimental results indicated that the infiltration front of aluminum alloy had never broken through the surface of carbon fiber preform, when the infiltration pressure was 3.5 MPa. Carbon fibers and aluminum alloy were separated and the infiltration effect was not ideal under the pressure of 3.5 MPa. When the infiltration pressure was 7 MPa, the infiltration could be implemented. The actual infiltration pressure of the experiments is greater than the theoretical calculation value, because viscous resistance, solidification resistance and other factors are ignored in the calculation process. However, infiltration depth increases with increase in infiltration time at infiltration pressure of 7 MPa, and this verifies the correctness of the previous theoretical research results.
Constitutive Model of Thin Metal Sheet in Bulging Test Considering Strain Gradient Hardening
Authors: LIANG Wei , WEI Tieping , YANG Xiaoxiang
Published: August 2020

The study of the size effect was one of the most important subjects in the field of micro-forming. To investigate the stress of the thin sheet in the bulging test with the second order size effect, a constitutive equation considering the strain gradient hardening was proposed. Based on the equation, the stress of the thin sheet during the bulging test was calculated by the finite element method. The bulging tests with various thicknesses of brass sheets and radiuses of punching balls were performed to verify the proposed equation. The results showed that the constitutive equation could capture the stress variations, while the simulation using the constitutive equation from the conventional theory of plasticity showed the results with large deviation from those of the experiment. It was found that the stress was sensitive to the thickness of the sheet and the radius of the punching ball in bulging test of thin brass sheet. The bulging of the thin brass sheet with a thickness below ten times of its material intrinsic length would cause the generation of the geometrically necessary dislocations, which induced the strain gradient hardening. Besides that, the decrement of the punching ball radius would also increase the inhomogeneous deformation and enhance the strain gradient hardening during the thin sheet bulging process. The strain gradient hardening during the thin sheet bulging test was related to the strain of the sheet. The hardening effect of the strain gradient was obvious when the strain was small. The strain gradient hardening should be considered in the thin sheet bulging test with the second order size effect.
Properties of lightweight concrete blocks with waste zeolitic tuff
Authors: TEKIN Ilker , KOTAN Turkay , OSMANSON Allison T. , BROSTOW Witold , GENCEL Osman , MARTINEZ-BARRERA Gonzalo
Published: August 2020

In general, three different types of wall products commonly used in the building sector, namely traditional clay brick, lightweight concrete blocks and aerated concrete, are produced with pumice and perlite. We have created alternative block walls with Bayburt stone (BS) containing zeolite, namely lightweight concrete masonry blocks (LCMBs). BS was an aggregate, cement dosages ranging from 150 to 250 kg/m3 were a binder, 3 different type of superplasticizers were selected as a chemical additive. Compressive strength, water absorption, unit weight, elevated heat effect, freeze-thaw resistance, capillary water absorption and thermal conductivity tests were performed.
Effect of Partial Replacement of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Source Material in the Production of Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: KATHIRVEL Parthiban , GUNASEKARAN Murali , SREEKUMARAN Sreenath , KRISHNA Arathi
Published: August 2020

The study on the characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) is of ultimate significance to instill assurance in builders and engineers. Abundant available literatures point towards the utilization of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as source material in the production of GPC with little on other materials. India produces nearly 350 MMT of sugarcane for the production of sugar, which lies second only to Brazil in the annual production, the disposal of the bagasse creates an environmental issue needs to be effectively utilized. Hence, this work was intended to investigate the effect of utilizing sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a source material in the production of geopolymer mixes. The fresh (consistency, setting time, soundness and flow), hardened (density, compressive strength, expansion and pH) and microstructural properties (X-ray diffraction) of the tested mixes were asessed. The results infer that 20 % replacement level of GGBFS with SCBA produces superior compressive strength and all other results were within the permissible limits even at 40 % replacement level.
Influence of Biomass Combustion Products on Element Content and Thermal Stability of Latvian Sheep Breed Wool Filter Fibres
Authors: VOIKIVA Vanda , ZARINS Arturs , AVOTINA Liga , BARMINA Inesa , RUDOVICA Vita , KIZANE Gunta
Published: August 2020

Sheep wool is natural, easy obtainable, renewable and biodegradable material with a perspective application as a sorbent in filters for purification of industrial emissions from various environmental pollutants. The element content and thermal stability of Latvian dark-headed sheep wool filter fibres was analysed and described before and after exposure to biomass combustion products. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the sheep wool filter fibres can sorb various gaseous combustion products, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), however, the sorption processes of these gases are irreversible. The obtained results of total reflection X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry suggest that the concentration of heavy metals, such as lead, zinc and iron, significantly increases in the sheep wool filter fibres after exposure to biomass combustion products. In thermogravimetric curves, no significant changes were detected for the sheep wool filter fibres after exposure to combustion products, while in differently thermal analysis curves, the formation of exothermic peak at around 580 °C was observed and could be related to autoignition. Using X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, the solid particles of biomass combustion products were observed on the scaly surface of the sheep wool filter fibres, and these particles mainly consist of potassium chloride, carbon, sulphur and various metal oxides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Na Doped ZnO Rods Grown by Simple Chemical Method
Authors: MORKOÇ KARADENİZ Sibel , BÖLÜKBAŞI ÇIPLAK Hatice Kübra , EKİNCİ Ali Ercan
Published: August 2020

In this study, the effects of Na doped on the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the ZnO films deposited on glass substrate were investigated. The films were synthesized on glass substrates via a simple chemical method. Undoped and Na-doped ZnO films were obtained from an aqueous solution of the Zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2·6H2O), Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3) and hexamethylenetetramine-HMT (C6H12N4). Characterization of the films was examined using a Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and X-Ray Photoelectron (XPS). The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the films were presented. The wurtzite ZnO films showed rod arrays morphology. The optical band gap increased with the doping of Na metal. The result shows that Na addition affected the properties of the ZnO films.
Potential Founder Effect of Tyrosinase Gene Mutations in Oculocutaneous Albinism Families from West of Iran
Authors: Khordadpoor Deilamani Faravareh , Akbari Mohammad Taghi
Published: August 2020

Background: Non syndromic oculocutaneous albinism type (OCA) is caused by mutations in tyrosinase (TYR), OCA2, TYRP1, MATP (SLC45A2), SLC24A5 and C10ORF11 genes. Screening for mutations is important in families with oculocutaneous albinism patients in order to accurately diagnose the albinism type, genetic counseling and future therapeutic purposes. Objectives: The Aim of this study was to investigate the founder effect of most frequent mutations in OCA patients. Methods: TYR gene was sequenced in 26 unrelated inbred OCA families as well as 56 unrelated healthy individuals. In addition, homozygosity mapping was performed using 13 STR markers for 6 OCA loci (TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, MATP (SLC45A2), SLC24A5 and C10ORF11 genes). Different mutations were found in these genes from which a single base duplication (c.286dupA) and two single base substitutions c.996G > A (p.M332I) and c.230G > A (p.R77Q) had the most frequencies among the OCA families. In order to investigate the founder effect of these mutations, the haplotypes of two STR markers (TYR-S1 and TYR-S2) inside the TYR gene were ascertained. Results: It was revealed that families with similar mutation harbored similar haplotype for the TYR STR markers too. Conclusions: We conclude that these mutations are possible founder mutations in the Iranian population.
Modelos económicos neoliberales y cambios constitucionales. La promoción de la mutación jurídica en la perspectiva de la comparación
Authors: Nicolini Matteo
Published: August 2020

El ensayo trata de examinar el impacto del modelo económico neoliberal en los procesos de mutaciones constitucionales a través de un doble cambio, esto es, de perspectiva y método. El cambio de perspectiva propone abandonar las modalidades mediante las que, en la última década, se ha valorado el impacto de los factores económicos sobre cambios constitucionales. En lugar de centrarse en la crisis económica, el ensayo considera la interacción entre la Economía y el Derecho constitucional como un fenómeno históricamente recurrente y facilitador de mutaciones jurídicas. El cambio de método deriva de la aplicación de la comparación jurídica para el estudio de dichos procesos de mutación. A este respecto, la comparación propone re-imaginar política y jurídicamente la relación entre economía, democracia y cambios constitucionales. De esta manera, se propone suavizar el formalismo de la ciencia jurídica tradicional para conseguir valoraciones más amplias de los fenómenos –entre otros, económicos– que empujan a cambios en la esfera de lo jurídico-constitucional. Puesto que la relación entre mentalidad económica y mensuración cuantitativa del Derecho se expresa en gran medida a través del proceso de constitucionalización del principio del equilibrio presupuestario, el ensayo analiza la relevancia de su constitucionalización aplicando el potencial«subversivo» de la comparación: por un lado, ésta facilita el  desvelamiento de las ideologías que subyacen a la mensuración cuantitativa; por otro, nos indica las modalidades por las que los actores de las finanzas globales concretan su propia agenda política procurando –o, mejor dicho, imponiendo– cambios relevantes en la esfera del Derecho constitucional.
El rol orientador del docente en el contexto comunitario
Authors: Morales Carrero Jesús Alfredo
Published: August 2020

RESUMEN La orientación comunitaria como proceso al servicio de la transformación socioeducativa constituye un campo teórico-práctico poco explorado; sin embargo, la necesidad de ofrecer asesoramiento para mejorar la calidad de vida, el bienestar integral y el desarrollo humano, la han posicionado como una alternativa para consolidar acciones efectivas de intervención enfocadas en el abordaje de los conflictos que cotidianamente emergen de las relaciones sociales y, a las que el docente debe atender para garantizar la convivencia social. En tal sentido, el presente ensayo constituye una revisión documental en la que se profundiza sobre el rol orientador del docente en el contexto comunitario, precisando las actividades, funciones y ámbitos de acción en los que debe operar para dinamizar la resolución de problemas comunes y el desenvolvimiento de los actores comunitarios, en la autogestión de sus necesidades y la construcción de condiciones que potencien la realización individual y colectiva; se concluye, que la participación del docente en su dimensión orientadora representa un modo para facilitar el cumplimiento de objetivos estratégicos, frente a los cuales solo es posible proceder mediante la unificación de esfuerzos, la integración sinérgica y el sentido de co-responsabilidad, requerimientos que por sus implicaciones dimensionan la vida social posibilitando la maximización de oportunidades de desarrollo integral para todos.ABSTRACT Community orientation as a process at the service of socio-educational transformation constitutes a theoretical-practical field little explored; however, the need to offer advice to improve the quality of life, integral well-being and human development, has positioned it as an alternative to consolidate effective intervention actions focused on tackling the conflicts that daily emerge from social relationships and that the counselors and teachers must attend to guarantee social coexistence. In this sense, the present essay constitutes a documentary review in which the counselor’s guiding role in the community context is deepened, specifying the activities, the functions and the areas of action in which it must operate to streamline the resolution of common problems and the development of community actors, in the self-management of their needs and the construction of conditions that enhance individual and collective fulfillment. It is concluded that the participation of the teachers in their guiding dimension represents a way to facilitate the fulfillment of strategic objectives, which can be only possible to proceed by unifying efforts, synergistic integration and a sense of co-responsibility, such requirements by their implications tend to dimension social life, making it possible to maximize opportunities for comprehensive development for all.
Relación entre las familias migrantes y profesorado: Un camino por construir
Authors: Arnaiz-Sánchez Pilar , Chamseddine Habib Allah Mohamed
Published: August 2020

RESUMEN                                                                                 La relación de las familias migrantes con el profesorado tiene sus propias características y peculiaridades, así como una palpable carencia de orientación psicopedagógica adecuada para fomentar el conocimiento y el reconocimiento mutuo e impulsar de esta manera la desaparición de las diferencias significativas que suelen aflorar entre ambas partes a la hora de afrontar los desafíos de la comunicación. En tal sentido, el objetivo de la investigación abordada en este trabajo, fue describir el conocimiento de la vida del centro que poseen los progenitores migrantes, el conocimiento que posee el profesorado sobre la vida del alumnado migrante y el tipo de relaciones personales que mantienen ambas partes, en centros de educación infantil y primaria de atención preferente de la Región de Murcia. Para llevar a cabo este estudio se empleó un método descriptivo e inferencial, donde se aplicaron dos cuestionarios, uno dirigido a los padres y otro a los docentes. Participaron 823 progenitores y 150 profesores. Los resultados indican que el profesorado apenas conoce personalmente a los padres varones de sus alumnos, y que las visitas de los padres por iniciativa propia continúan siendo una asignatura pendiente. Sin embargo, se aprecian avances relevantes en cuanto a la accesibilidad y predisposición para la comunicación por parte de ambas instituciones educativas, si bien queda mucho por hacer en relación a la consolidación de confianza.ABSTRACTRelationship between teachers and migrant families has its own characteristics and peculiarities, as well as a palpable lack of adequate psycho-pedagogical guidance to foster knowledge and mutual recognition, promoting the disappearance of significant differences that usually emerge between both parties when it comes to facing the communication challenges.  In this sense, the research objective undertaken in this assignment was to describe migrant parents’ knowledge about life of the Centre, faculty’s knowledge about migrant students’ life and personal relationships maintained by both parties at preferential pre-school and elementary education Centre’s in Region de Murcia. In order to carry out this study, a descriptive and inferential method was used in which two questionnaires were applied, one addressed to parents and the other addressed to teachers. 823 parents and 150 teachers participated. The results indicate that teachers have little personal knowledge about their students’ male parents, and parents’ visits by their own initiative continue to be a pending subject. However, significant progress has been made in terms of accessibility and readiness for communication on the part of both educational institutions, although much remains to be done in terms of building confidence.
Implementation of Road Performance Calculation Models Used in Strategic Planning Systems for Lithuania Conditions
Authors: Jurkevičius Martynas , Puodžiukas Virgaudas , Laurinavičius Alfredas
Published: August 2020

Deficiency or inadequate allocation of road maintenance and development funds leads to total road network degradation. In order to ensure proper condition of road pavement with a limited budget, we need road maintenance optimisation for the entire road network. The road maintenance optimisation can be achieved using knowledge-based strategic planning systems. The collection and analysis of necessary data help design different road maintenance long-term strategies. The output results help select priorities for road maintenance and proper fund allocation. Optimal road maintenance strategy is the way to keep a fairly good road network with available funds. In addition, the road user costs can be reduced. The aim of this paper is to offer a road maintenance management system for Lithuanian conditions. The model will help evaluate the performance of the current road network and prepare a multi-year priority list for road works.
Antagonistic control of Caenorhabditis elegans germline stem cell proliferation and differentiation by PUF proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Ellenbecker Mary , Hickey Benjamin , Day Nicholas J , Osterli Emily , Terzo Mikaya , Voronina Ekaterina
Published: August 2020

Stem cells support tissue maintenance, but the mechanisms that coordinate the rate of stem cell self-renewal with differentiation at a population level remain uncharacterized. We find that two PUF family RNA-binding proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2 have opposite effects onCaenorhabditis elegansgermline stem cell dynamics: FBF-1 restricts the rate of meiotic entry, while FBF-2 promotes both cell division and meiotic entry rates. Antagonistic effects of FBFs are mediated by their distinct activities toward the shared set of target mRNAs, where FBF-1-mediated post-transcriptional control requires the activity of CCR4-NOT deadenylase, while FBF-2 is deadenylase-independent and might protect the targets from deadenylation. These regulatory differences depend on protein sequences outside of the conserved PUF family RNA-binding domain. We propose that the opposing FBF-1 and FBF-2 activities serve to modulate stem cell division rate simultaneously with the rate of meiotic entry.