bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nazwy istot młodych w gwarach polskich na Brasławszczyźnie – konkurencja form rodzimych i zapożyczonych
Authors: Domitrak Julia
Published: January 2020

Dzisiejsza Brasławszczyzna to graniczący z Litwą i Łotwą rejon brasławski, który znajduje się na północnym zachodzie Republiki Białorusi. Współcześnie rejon ten zamieszkuje 29 175 osób, w tym 5 444 Polaków (18,6%), 18 843 Białorusinów (64,6%), 4 160 Rosjan (14,2%). Liczba Polaków mieszkających w mieście wynosi ok. 32%, na wsi 68%. Na przykładzie wybranej kategorii, a mianowicie nazw istot młodych, przedstawiono zasób formantów tworzących wspomniane nazwy (zarówno charakterystyczne dla badanego obszaru, jak i mniej liczne czy jednostkowe, powstałe pod wpływem języków obcych), a także pokazano różnorodność form współfunkcjonujących na badanym terenie oraz podano frekwencję poszczególnych typów słowotwórczych.
Function Groups Analysis of Wood-Plastic Composite with Plasctic Waste and Pelawan’s Wood Sawdust (Tristaniopsis merguensis)
Authors: Asriza Ristika Oktavia , Humaira Diah , Insan Sri Hawa T , Zomi Zomi
Published: January 2020

One of the efforts in tackling the increasingly large amount of plastic waste is to synthesize composite material from plastic waste with Pelawan’s wood sawdust (Tristaniopsis merguensis) as a raw material for the uphold of pepper plants. Pelawan is one of the endemic plants in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The characteristic observed in this study is the functional group of plastic waste composites with Pelawan’s wood sawdust, which was obtained from FTIR analysis. The method used in this study is to mix plastic waste and wood dust against contraper with variation ratio (wt / wt). The results of this FTIR show that there is an effect of the ratio of the amount of plastic waste and wood dust against the intensity of IR absorption. Based on IR data, the presence of absorption peak of FTIR spectrum at wave number 3327 cm-1 and widening of absorption in the region of wave number 3000-3550 cm-1 indicates the presence of O-H functional groups. The absorption band of the O-H vibrations is due to the presence of water molecules found in cellulose contained in the Pelawan’s wood sawdust. The absorption peak at wave number 1737 cm-1 indicates the existence of strain vibrations from the functional group C=O. While the absorption peak at wave number 1300-1000 cm-1 indicates the existence of stretch vibration from C-O. Therefore, the absorption tapes indicate the presence of cellulose originating from Pelawan’s wood sawdust which has been bound to plastic.
Total Phenolic and Antioxidant Capacity of Acetone Extract of Tristaniopsis merguensis Leaves
Authors: Roanisca Occa , Mahardika Robby Gus , Sari Fajar Indah Puspita
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the total phenolic and antioxidant capacity of Tristaniopsis merguensis leaf acetone extract. In this study extraction using the maceration method for 3 days with a ratio of dry leaves and solvents of 1: 10 (w / v). Analysis of total polyphenols in this study was carried out using the Follin-Ciocalteu method. Total polyphenols were measured based on gallic acid standards. The antioxidant capacity is calculated based on the DPPH method. The results of this study, obtained extract yield of 9.34%. The total phenolic content of the Tristaniopsis merguensis leaf acetone extract was 215.22 mg GAE / g DW. While the antioxidant capacity of the acetone extract has an IC50 value of 22,1454 µg / mL.
Isolation of Essential Oils from Essential Roots (Vetiveria zizanoides L.) with Preparation Using Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Ashari Arif
Published: January 2020

Fragrant root oil production can be done by various methods including distillation, pressing, extraction using solvents and extraction using solid fat. Efforts to increase the production of quality fragrant root oil before the extraction process carried out 2 treatments on the sample, namely chopping and preparation using liquid nitrogen. Research that has been carried out sample preparation using N2 (l) has proven to be effective in increasing oil yield. In fresh samples, the yield of oil obtained from the steam-hydro distillation method is 0.84% (variation 1) and 1.2% (variation 2) while for the socletation method is 1% (variation 1) and 2.4% ( variation 2). From the results of GC-MS analysis, the fragrant root oil of the dry sample was identified as composed of 68 components and there were 2 components that were suspected as oil fingerprints namely khusimene (4.44%) and nootkatone (2.02%)
Demografik Değişim ve İşsizlik Oranı
Authors: NAL Mustafa
Published: January 2020

Türkiye’de işgücü hızlı bir demografik dönüşüm sürecinden
geçmektedir. İşgücü içerisinde gençlerin payı azalmakta ve kadınların payı
yükselmektedir. Bu çalışmada, bu demografik değişimin (genel) işsizlik oranı
üzerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Böyle bir etkinin varlığı işgücü alt grupları
arasındaki işsizlik oranı farklılıklarının sürekli olmasına bağlıdır. Bu
nedenle çalışmada öncelikli olarak işgücü alt gruplarında işsizlik oranı
farklılıklarına neden olan faktörler ve bu faktörlerin kalıcı olup olmadığı araştırılmıştır.
Çalışmada elde edilen bulgulara göre, işgücü alt gruplarında iş arama süresi
açısından kalıcı fakat küçük farklılıklar bulunmaktadır. Alt gruplar arasında
temel farklılığın işsiz stokuna giriş akımlarından kaynaklandığı bulgusuna
ulaşılmıştır. Buna göre işgücünün bazı alt grupları işsiz stokuna daha sık
aralıklarla katılmakta ve bu nedenle iş yaşamının toplamda daha uzun süresini
işsiz olarak geçirmektedir. Bu bulgular veri iken işgücünün demografik alt
gruplarında pay değişimi işsizlik oranı üzerinde bir etkiye sahiptir. Bu etki
pay vektörü ve alt grup özgün işsizlik oranı vektörü ile analiz edilmiştir.
Analiz sonuçlarına göre orta yaş grubunun payının artışı ise işsizlik oranını
azaltma yönünde, kadınların işgücü içerisindeki paylarının artışı genel
işsizlik oranını yükseltme yönünde baskı yapmaktadır.  Bu sonuç kentsel kadın işgücünün artması
durumunda geçerli olmaktadır.
Bağımsızlık Sonrası Kırgızistan’da İslamiyet ve Kaynakları
Authors: BEŞİRLİ Hayati , TEKTEN - AKSÜRMELİ Zeynep Serap , ÜNAL Ali
Published: January 2020

Sovyet Sosyalist Cumhuriyetler
Birliği’nin dağılmasından sonra Türkistan coğrafyasının dini yapısında önemli
değişiklikler yaşanmıştır. Bağımsızlıktan sonra bölgede cami, medrese ve hacca
giden kişi sayısında artış yaşanmıştır. Din, kimliğin bir parçası olarak hem
özel hem de kamusal alanda daha görünür olmuştur. Bu çalışmada Sovyetler
Birliği ve bağımsızlık sonrası dönemde Kırgızistan’da dindarlığın
biçimlenmesinde etkili olan mekanizmalar incelenmiştir. Saha çalışması
kapsamında Kırgızistan’ın Bişkek, Oş, CelalAbad ve Narın bölgelerinden nitel
veri toplanmıştır. Bağımsızlıktan sonra Kırgızistan’da dini canlanmayı analiz
ederken iki ana dinamik özellikle dikkate alınmıştır. Bunlardan birinci grubu
din adamları ve faaliyet gösterdikleri mescitler oluşturmuştur. Bölgede din
alanını şekillendiren ve bu çalışma kapsamında ele alınan ikinci başlık ise
müderrisler ve faaliyet gösterdikleri medreseler ve diğer eğitim kurumları
olmuştur. Çalışma kapsamında Kırgızistan için Müslüman tipolojisi oluşturulmaya
çalışılmıştır. Bu tipoloji kapsamında ‘geleneksel Müslümanlar’, ‘radikal
Müslümanlar’ ve ‘kültürel kimlik olarak Müslümanlar’ kategorileri
oluşturulmuştur. Geleneksel Müslüman kategorisi ise geleneksel dindar
Müslümanlar ve sekülerdindar Müslümanlar olarak ikiye ayrılmıştır.
External Debt and Economic Growth in Transition Countries: Case of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: GANİEV Junus , BAİGONUSHOVA Damira , MADMAROV Nurbek , ABDİEVA Raziiakhan
Published: January 2020

In many developing
countries out of shortage of savings and capital external resources as external
debt, foreign direct investment and transfers are play significant role in the
fostering economic growth and development. Goal of this paper is to investigate
the impact of external public debt, current transfers and foreign direct investments
on GDP in the Kyrgyz Republic. Using quarterly data for the period
2000Q1-2017Q3 and the ARDL cointegration approach it was found that a
cointegration relation between current transfers, external debt, FDI and GDP.
According to results, current transfers’ contribution to the country’s economy
is more than government debts. It is suggested that the government should focus
more on foreign direct investments than foreign debts and current transfers by
considering the long term.
The Implementation Effectiveness of the K3RS Program with Achievement of Compliance on Hospital Accreditation Standards at Dr. R. M. Djoelham Hospital in Binjai of 2019
Authors: Melda Sari Tarigan  , Gerry Silaba  , Zulfendri
Published: January 2020

This study deals with the implementation effectiveness of the k3rs program with achievement of compliance on hospital accreditation standards in Dr. R. M. Djoelham Hospital in Binjai of 2019. This research was conducted at Dr. R. M. Djoelham Regional Hospital in Binjai City because the efforts in achieving accreditation have not been met in accordance with K3RS standards. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that K3RS (Occupational Health and Safety) implementation in Dr. R. M. Djoelham Regional Hospitas of Binjai City based on category communication is good. This is indicated by despite the lack of budget in conducting socialization and simulation, but they continue to carry out socialization to related units, especially those with high risk with K3RS.
Effects of copper and vermicompost on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Walp and nutrient accumulation in its fruits
Authors: Sharif AT , Ali AHMZ , Rahman MK
Published: January 2020

The effects of copper (Cu) and vermicompost (VC) on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Walp and nutrient accumulation in its fruits was examined. Eight treatments of Cu and VC were used. The highest plant height (226.67 cm), leaf number per plant (86.33), leaf area (174.12 cm2/plant), dry weight (13.98 g/plant), fruit length (52.4 cm), fruit number per plant (6), and fruit yield (5.65 g/plant) were recorded in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment at harvest. The results of growth and yield of cowpea varied significantly (p≤ 0.05) and increased with time. The total nutrient concentrations in the fruits were measured and varied significantly (p≤ 0.05). The highest concentration of total P (0.79%), K (4.14%), S (0.42%), Cu (27 mg/kg), Fe (640 mg/kg) and Mn (59 mg/kg) in the fruits were observed in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment and total N (4.29%) and Zn (88 mg/kg) were found in Cu1.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment. The overall best growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in the fruits of cowpea were achieved in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 treatment.

J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 13-18
Effects of old jute seeds on soil fertility and jute production
Authors: Hasan M , Gani N , Alam MD , Chowdhury MTA
Published: January 2020

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of old jute seed powder (≥3 years old) on soil fertility and jute production using the high yielding variety of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) O-9897 as the test plant. Six treatments of jute seed powder (JSP) and recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF) with three replications were as T1: Control, T2: JSP 5 t/ha + ¼ RDF, T3: JSP 5 t/ha + ½ RDF, T4: JSP 5 t/ha + ¾ RDF, T5: RDF, and T6: JSP 5 t/ha. The growth and yield of jute were found to be the maximum for the treatment T4 (JSP+ ¾ RDF), where the plant height, base diameter, fiber yield and stick weight were increased 147, 85, 177, and 125%, respectively over the control. The highest contents of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium in soil were also observed for the treatment T4. The sole application of jute seed powder increased the growth and yield of jute as well as the contents of nutrients in soil compared to the control; however, inputs of the jute seed powder in combination with the chemical fertilizers showed better results in improving soil fertility and jute production.

J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 33-40
Diversity and abundance of parasitic wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Bangladesh
Authors: Mazumdar S , Miah MI
Published: January 2020

A survey was conducted to study the diversity and population of parasitic Hymenoptera by using Malaise traps, from March 2014 to February 2015 in Chittagong University and Rajshahi University Campus. A total number of 173 genera was identified under 53 subfamilies, 23 families and 7 super families. Among the super families, the highest percentage of species individuals (59%) in Chalcidoidea, and of genera (55%) in Ichneumonoidea were recorded. The Species Richness (SR), H or H’, Hmax, Evenness, Community dominance and Question of similarity indices were applied to determine the diversity and abundance of parasitic hymenoptera.

J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 63-68
In vitro screening for salt stress tolerance of native and exotic potato genotypes by morphological and physiological parameters
Authors: Rashid M Harun Or , Islam SMS , Bari MA
Published: January 2020

This study was performed on in vitro bioassay screening for salt tolerance of ten native and six exotic potato genotypes in Bangladesh. Single node was used to evaluate salinity tolerance especially on biomass production. Five different concentrations of NaCl (0 = control, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM) were used in addition to MS medium and evaluated salt tolerant and sensitive genotype by various morphological and physiological parameters e.g. shoot and root length and its thickness, number of leaves and roots, fresh and dry weight of whole plant and water contents. The ANOVA, DMRT and correlation coefficient were found highly significant at p<0.01 among the genotypes. With salt stress condition highly positive correlation, co-efficient were found between stem length and internodal distance, leaves number, roots number, root length, dry weight of whole plant and fresh weight of whole plant. A dendrogram based on relative values of 10 morphological and physiological parameters of growth under salt conditions were led to clustering into four distinct group’s i.e. tolerant, moderately tolerant, sensitive and very sensitive. On the basis of stress tolerance trait indices (STTIs), Arun (92.78) and Ausha (80.27) showed as a highest salt tolerant, Jamalu (56.33) and Chollisha (57.03) showed the most salt sensitive potato cultivars. From this finding it may be concluded that in vitro screening with bioassay are relatively simple, rapid and convenient and these methods can be used for further advance biotechnological research on potato improvement.

J. bio-sci. 28: 21-32, 2020
Prevalence and Clinicomycological studies of Otomycosis: A review
Authors: Nipa KK , Kamal AHM , Imtiaj A
Published: January 2020

Otomycosis is a chronic ear disease of external auditory canal and it is more prevalent in warm, humid and dusty environment, although it is now found throughout the world. The most commonly found causative agents as of fungal species are Aspergillus and Candida along with preponderance of various fungal and bacterial species has also been reported. The aim of this review is to focus on the prevalence of causal agents of otomycosis in the global context and its clinical management. A total of 63 research articles have been reviewed, which deals prevalence of otomycosis. Its clinicomycological studies both separately and altogether with folk medicine in relation to treatment of otomycosis were also reviewed. Findings of various reports revealed that the Aspergillus and Candida species are the main causal agents of otomycosis. But many reports indicate that a few of other fungal species along with bacteria particularly Staplylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are also responsible for accelerating this disease in human all over the world. In many reports, improper self-cleaning of ear has been found as major predisposing factor of otomycosis. This review suggests that health education, improvement of socioeconomic status and health caring facilities should be increased for reducing prevalence of otomycosis. However, more research needs to be carried out because of its severe parallel effects to the human health.

J. bio-sci. 28: 121-135, 2020
Correlation of Hemoglobin & C-Reactive Protein Levels with In-hospital Outcome of Patient with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Morshed Md Mahboob , Islam Md Joynul , Haseen Fariha , Hussain Khandokar Shaheed , Amin Muhammad Kamrul , Haque Mohammad Ahtashamul
Published: January 2020

Background: Haemoglobina and CRP level may be related with the in-hospital outcome of acute coronary syndrome patients.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to correlate haemoglobin and CRP level with in-hospital outcome of patient with acute coronary syndrome.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology at Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from December 2010 to November 2011 for a period of two (02) years. Patients of ACS who were presented within 12 hours of chest pain were included as study population. Study population were categorized in four groups according to the level of hemoglobin and C-reactive protein. Blood sample was collected for baseline laboratory investigations.

Result: The mean age of the population was 52.18±8.88 years. Arrhythmia was more common in Group 1 which was 5(71.4%) cases and 6(46.2%) cases in VT and AF respectively. Arrhythmia was significantly correlated with age, sex, diabetes mellitus & CRP. Death was significantly correlated with age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension & CRP. Heart failure was significantly correlated with family history of IHD, CRP & Hemoglobin. Bleeding was only significantly correlated with CRP. No significant association was revealed between the types of arrhythmia and age, sex, smoking, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, family history of IHD and hypertension (P = 0.087). Only heart failure was strongly and significantly correlated with hemoglobin level (p=0.000). Bleeding (p=0.003), heart failure (p=0.022) and death (p=0.016) were significantly correlated with CRP level.

Conclusion: In conclusion there is a correlation of haemoglobin and CRP level with in-hospital outcome of patient with acute coronary syndrome.

Journal of Science Foundation 2019;17(1):3-8
Counter-Terrorism Framework and Individual Liberties in Ghana
Authors: Adarkwah Samuel Boadi
Published: January 2020

Does the flow of legislation arising from the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1373 framework create rule-of-law and other issues of liberty for individuals in emerging democracies? This article examines the surveillance and other counter-terrorism laws created by Ghana, a Member State of the United Nations, in response to its international law obligation to combat terrorism. The article finds that significant tension exists between the government's attempt to implement legislation for the detection and suppression of terrorist acts and the rule of law and the enjoyment of individual freedoms and liberties in Ghana.
Preventive Debt Restructuring and the Nigerian Draft Insolvency Legislation: Lessons from a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Mba Sanford U.
Published: January 2020

Recently, the Nigerian Senate passed the Bankruptcy and Insolvency (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill. This is no doubt a welcome development following the continued demand by insolvency practitioners, academics and other stakeholders for such legislation. The call has not only been for the enactment of just about any legislation, but (consistent with the economic challenges faced by businesses in the country), one that is favourably disposed to the successful restructuring of financially distressed businesses, allowing them to weather the storm of (impending) insolvency, emerge from it and continue to operate within the economy. This article seeks to situate this draft legislative instrument within the present wave of preventive restructuring ably espoused in the European Union Recommendation on New Approaches to Business Rescue and to Give Entrepreneurs a Second Chance (2014), which itself draws largely from Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The article draws a parallel between the economic crisis that gave rise to the preventive restructuring approach of the Recommendation and the present economic situation in Nigeria; it then examines the chances of such restructuring under the Nigerian draft bankruptcy and insolvency legislation. It argues in the final analysis that the draft legislation does not provide for a prophylactic recourse regime for financially distressed businesses. Consequently, a case is made for such an approach.
Análise morfológica foliar por diafanização, morfometria dos órgãos vegetativos, composição fitoquímica dos extratos etanólicos e atividade hemolítica em Sinningia elatior (Kunth) Chautems (Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de Menezes , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza
Published: January 2020

A presença de Sinningia elatior (Kunth) Chautems (Gesneriaceae) é citada pela primeira vez na flora da região Centro-Oeste em Goiás, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas de plantas inteiras de S. elatior em área de mata de galeria. O material foi levado para o laboratório onde foi separado por órgão vegetativo (rizoma, galho, folha e flor). Foram realizadas análises de diafanização foliar, morfometria dos órgãos vegetais, o pólen foi avaliado por modelagem matemática em 3D e para os extratos, análises físico-química, fitoquímica e hemolítica. As plantas de S. elatior apresentaram em todos os órgãos superiores a presença tricomas tectores, com inervação até 5ª ordem, os estômatos são do tipo anisocíticos, para a fitoquímica, todas as classes de compostos foram positivas, exceto para resinas. Os extratos etanólicos de S. elatior demonstraram importante ação hemolítica no tempo máximo de 5 minutos. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo para S. elatior apresentaram importantes dados morfológicos, morfométricos para os órgãos aéreo e subterrâneo, e importantes classes de compostos fitoquímicos com importância nas indústrias agrícola, farmacêutica e alimentícia.
Seleção de primers polimórficos para estudo de diversidade genética em cactáceas
Authors: Amaral Daniel Oliveira Jordão do , De Araújo Daniel Rodrigo Cavalcante , Freitas Juliana Gomes , Batista Fabiane Rabelo da Costa
Published: January 2020

A família Cactaceae está distribuída principalmente nas Américas, apresentam uma grande importância econômica, fornecendo recursos energéticos para animais polinizadores e dispersores, podendo ser utilizadas na alimentação animal e humana, possui um grande potencial na medicina tradicional e no paisagismo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi selecionar indicadores e padronizar reações de PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) para analisar ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) em estudos de variabilidade genética de Cactaceae. Foram testados 14 indicadores de ISSR com temperatura variando de 48° a 52°C, em espécies de Tacinga, e destes, 8 foram selecionados por serem polimórficos: ISSR-808, ISSR-827, ISSR-842, ISSR-845, ISSR-853, ISSR-857 ISSR-880 e ISSR-888. O número médio de sequências amplificadas por indicador foi de 11,5 bandas, com destaque para o indicador ISSR-827, que produziu 15 bandas, enquanto os indicadores ISSR-845 e ISSR-853 produziram apenas 8 bandas. Os 8 indicadores selecionados no presente estudo possibilitaram a diferenciação genética, sendo eficientes e indicando um bom nível de polimorfismo entre as espécies analisadas, dessa forma, poderão ser utilizados em futuros trabalhos para estimar a divergência genética em nível molecular em espécies da família Cactaceae.
Comercio electrónico B2B como estrategia competitiva en el comercio internacional: Desafíos para Ecuador
Authors: Pesántez-Calva Allan Elvis , Romero-Correa Jerry Alexander , González-Illescas Mayiya Lisbeth
Published: January 2020

Este trabajo tiene el propósito de analizar el uso del B2B como herramienta del comercio internacional, bajo el enfoque de estrategia proactiva que favorezca las ventajas competitivas. Se analiza la tipología del comercio electrónico y su evolución en América del Sur y Ecuador. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se utiliza el enfoque cualitativo. Entre los hallazgos se destacan las transformaciones de estructuras de negocio y la necesidad de que en Ecuador se realicen cambios en el ámbito legal, cultura empresarial y sistema de pagos para difundir el uso del B2B.
Interaural Coherence Estimation for Speech Processing in Reverberant Environment
Authors: Kim Seong-Hu , Park Yong-Hwa
Published: January 2020

Interaural coherence is used to quantify the effects of reverberation on speech, and previous studies applied the conventional method using all previous time data in the form of an infinite impulse response filter to estimate interaural coherence. To consider a characteristic of speech that continuously changes over time, this paper proposes a new method of estimating interaural coherence using time data within a finite length of speech, which is called the quasi-steady interval. The length of the quasi-steady interval is determined with various frequency bands, reverberation times, and short-time Fourier transform (STFT) variables through numerical experiment, and it decreased as reverberation time decreased and the frequency increased. In this interval, a diffuse speech, which is an infinite sum of reflected speeches of different propagating paths, is uncorrelated between two microphones apart from each other; thus, the coherence is close to zero. However, a direct speech measured at the two microphones has steady amplitude and phase difference in this internal; thus, the coherence is close to one. Moreover, the new method is the form of a finite impulse response filter that has a linear phase delay or zero phase delay with respect to speech to frequency; thus, the same or zero time delay for each frequency is applied to the power spectral density. Therefore, the coherence estimation of the new method is closer to the ideal value than the conventional one, and the coherence is accurately estimated at the time–frequency bins of direct speech, which is time-varying according to speech variation.
High Performance Self-Compacting Concrete with Electric Arc Furnace Slag Aggregate and Cupola Slag Powder
Authors: Sosa Israel , Thomas Carlos , Polanco Juan Antonio , Setién Jesus , Tamayo Pablo
Published: January 2020

The development of self-compacting concretes with electric arc furnace slags is a novelty in the field of materials and the production of high-performance concretes with these characteristics is a further achievement. To obtain these high-strength, low-permeability concretes, steel slag aggregates and cupola slag powder are used. To prove the effectiveness of these concretes, they are compared with control concretes that use diabase aggregates, fly ash, and limestone supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs, also called fillers) and intermediate mix proportions. The high density SCMs give the fresh concrete self-compacting thixotropy using high-density aggregates with no segregation. Moreover, the temporal evolution of the mechanical properties of mortars and concretes shows pozzolanic reactions for the cupola slag. The fulfillment of the demands in terms of stability, flowability, and mechanical properties required for this type of concrete, and the savings of natural resources derived from the valorization of waste, make these sustainable concretes a viable option for countless applications in civil engineering.
Magnetic Vortex and Hyperthermia Suppression in Multigrain Iron Oxide Nanorings
Authors: Das Raja , Witanachchi Chiran , Nemati Zohreh , Kalappattil Vijaysankar , Rodrigo Irati , García José Ángel , Garaio Eneko , Alonso Javier , Lam Vu Dinh , Le Anh-Tuan , Phan Manh-Huong , Srikanth Hariharan
Published: January 2020

Single-crystal iron oxide nanorings have been proposed as a promising candidate for magnetic hyperthermia application because of their unique shape-induced vortex-domain structure, which supports good colloidal stability and enhanced magnetic properties. However, the synthesis of single crystalline iron oxide has proven to be challenging. In this article, we showed that chemically synthesized multigrain magnetite nanorings disfavor a shape-induced magnetic vortex-domain structure. Our results indicate that the multigrain Fe3O4 nanorings with an average outer diameter of ~110 nm and an inner to outer diameter ratio of ~0.5 do not show a shape-induced vortex-domain structure, which was observed in the single-crystal Fe3O4 nanorings of similar dimensions. At 300 Ks, multigrain magnetite nanorings showed an effective anisotropy field of 440 Oe, which can be attributed to its high surface area and intraparticle interaction. Both calorimetric and AC loop measurements showed a moderate inductive heating efficiency of multigrain magnetite nanorings of ~300 W/g at 800 Oe. Our results shed light on the magnetic ground states of chemically synthesized multigrain Fe3O4 nanorings.
Low-Cost Biochar Adsorbents for Water Purification Including Microplastics Removal
Authors: Siipola Virpi , Pflugmacher Stephan , Romar Henrik , Wendling Laura , Koukkari Pertti
Published: January 2020

The applicability of steam activated pine and spruce bark biochar for storm water and wastewater purification has been investigated. Biochar samples produced from the bark of scots pine (Pinus sylvestrus) and spruce (Picea spp.) by conventional slow pyrolysis at 475 °C were steam activated at 800 °C. Steam activation was selected as a relatively inexpensive method for creating porous biochar adsorbents from the bark-containing sidestreams of the wood refining industry. A suite of standard analytical procedures were carried out to quantify the performance of the activated biochar in removing both cations and residual organics from aqueous media. Phenol and microplastics retention and cation exchange capacity were employed as key test parameters. Despite relatively low surface areas (200–600 m2/g), the steam-activated biochars were highly suitable adsorbents for the chemical species tested as well as for microplastics removal. The results indicate that ultra-high porosities are not necessary for satisfactory water purification, supporting the economic feasibility of bio-based adsorbent production.
A History of Audio Effects
Authors: Wilmering Thomas , Moffat David , Milo Alessia , Sandler Mark B.
Published: January 2020

Audio effects are an essential tool that the field of music production relies upon. The ability to intentionally manipulate and modify a piece of sound has opened up considerable opportunities for music making. The evolution of technology has often driven new audio tools and effects, from early architectural acoustics through electromechanical and electronic devices to the digitisation of music production studios. Throughout time, music has constantly borrowed ideas and technological advancements from all other fields and contributed back to the innovative technology. This is defined as transsectorial innovation and fundamentally underpins the technological developments of audio effects. The development and evolution of audio effect technology is discussed, highlighting major technical breakthroughs and the impact of available audio effects.
Atomic Data Needs in Astrophysics: The Galactic Center “Scandium Mystery”
Authors: Thorsbro Brian
Published: January 2020

Investigating the Galactic center offers unique insights into the buildup and history of our Galaxy and is a stepping stone to understand galaxies in a larger context. It is reasonable to expect that the stars found in the Galactic center might have a different composition compared to stars found in the local neighborhood around the Sun. It is therefore quite exciting when recently there were reports of unusual neutral scandium, yttrium, and vanadium abundances found in the Galactic center stars, compared to local neighborhood stars. To explain the scandium abundances in the Galactic center, we turn to recent laboratory measurements and theoretical calculations done on the atomic oscillator strengths of neutral scandium lines in the near infrared. We combine these with measurements of the hyper fine splitting of neutral scandium. We show how these results can be used to explain the reported unusual scandium abundances and conclude that in this respect, the environment of the Galactic center is not that different from the environment in the local neighborhood around the sun.
Effect of Temperature on the Chip Soldering Process with AuGa0.03 Alloy Solder
Authors: Zhao Zhihuan , Gong Guanghao , Jiang Mingming , Chen Chuanzhong , Pan Yingyue , Liu Weili , Zhang Li
Published: January 2020

In this study, soldering is conducted between a chip and a CLCC-3 shell base with a sheet-like AuGa0.03 alloy solder as the encapsulating material. X-ray images of chip soldering samples, XRD diffraction analysis of the joints, SEM images reflecting the microstructures of the joints, and EDS of the cross sections of the chip soldering samples show that with gradually increasing soldering temperature, the phase composition is not affected, and all the joint structures are an Au + Si eutectic structure; the Au–Si eutectic reaction occurs during the soldering process. No deposition of meta-stable phases, such as Au7Si, Au5Si, or Au3S, is found. A soldering temperature of 420 °C can reduce the negative impacts of secondary cap welding soldering on the joint and improve the structure and mechanical properties of the joint.
The Methods to Crystallize Anhydrous L-Phenylalanine from Methanol-Water Solution
Authors: Cao Xiaoxue , Ji Shaochang , Ben Yumei , Kuang Wenjie , Liao Anping , Lan Ping , Zhang Jinyan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the transformation water activity of L-Phenylalanine (L-Phe) in a methanol-water solution at a different temperature was measured by the ternary diagram. The influence of water activity on the transformation temperature and on the transformation rate was investigated. The solubility of the metastable form of different water activities was estimated based on the thermodynamic equilibrium and the results showed that the anhydrous L-Phe can be synthesized at room temperature by decreasing water activity, the transformation rate from monohydrate to anhydrate was enhanced with the increase of water activity. The predicted solubility value is in good agreement with the experimentally obtained. Meanwhile, tailor-made additives were applied into the system as to investigate the transformation behavior of L-Phe. Their mechanism was proposed based on the Langmuir model fitting. The result manifested that the addition of L-Trp/L-His amino acid in the L-Phe solution decelerated the transformation rate. When the concentration of L-Trp amino acid reached 0.7 × 10−4 mol/mL, the transformation behavior of L-Phe can be fully impeded, and the transformation behavior can be partially inhibited with the addition of L-Trp at 313.15 K or with the addition of L-His at 283.15 K/313.15 K.
Augmented Reality in Higher Education: An Evaluation Program in Initial Teacher Training
Authors: Sáez-López José Manuel , Cózar-Gutiérrez Ramón , González-Calero José Antonio , Gómez Carrasco Cosme J.
Published: January 2020

One of the emerging technologies that have sparked greater interest in pedagogical contexts is augmented reality. This paper aims to assess the impact, practices and attitudes that are generated from augmented reality in the initial training of future teachers, and the presence of these practices in a university training context. The study was carried out with 87 trainee primary teachers. Information was obtained by applying the Wilcoxon test. The qualitative data obtained in open questions were also triangulated. It is emphasized that students do not habitually use this resource at the university, and that with these practices there is sometimes a certain amount of distraction, and even of time being wasted. From the data analyzed, we also highlight that once the availability of resources, class planning and initial teacher training are overcome, augmented reality provides benefits and advantages centered on pedagogies that allow for greater enthusiasm on the part of the students, with significant advantages in creativity, innovation, participation, and especially in the motivation of participants. Coinciding with recent research, our results underline the need for initial training so as to be able to design and apply practices with augmented reality in teaching, and to take advantage of the aforementioned benefits.
Dual Nonlinear Kalman Filter-Based SoC and Remaining Capacity Estimation for an Electric Scooter Li-NMC Battery Pack
Authors: Maletić Filip , Hrgetić Mario , Deur Joško
Published: January 2020

Accurate, real-time estimation of battery state-of-charge (SoC) and state-of-health represents a crucial task of modern battery management systems. Due to nonlinear and battery degradation-dependent behavior of output voltage, the design of these estimation algorithms should be based on nonlinear parameter-varying models. The paper first describes the experimental setup that consists of commercially available electric scooter equipped with telemetry measurement equipment. Next, dual extended Kalman filter-based (DEKF) estimator of battery SoC, internal resistances, and parameters of open-circuit voltage (OCV) vs. SoC characteristic is presented under the assumption of fixed polarization time constant vs. SoC characteristic. The DEKF is upgraded with an adaptation mechanism to capture the battery OCV hysteresis without explicitly modelling it. Parameterization of an explicit hysteresis model and its inclusion in the DEKF is also considered. Finally, a slow time scale, sigma-point Kalman filter-based capacity estimator is designed and inter-coupled with the DEKF. A convergence detection algorithm is proposed to ensure that the two estimators are coupled automatically only after the capacity estimate has converged. The overall estimator performance is experimentally validated for real electric scooter driving cycles.
The Influence of Porous Structure on the Electrochemical Properties of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 Cathode Material Prepared by Mechanochemically Assisted Solid-State Synthesis
Authors: Bograchev Daniil A. , Volfkovich Yury M. , Sosenkin Valentin E. , Podgornova Olga A. , Kosova Nina V.
Published: January 2020

Carbon-free LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 and carbon-coated LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C cathode materials were prepared by the mechanochemically assisted solid-state synthesis. The influence of the carbon coating on the porous structure, morphology, conductivity, and electrochemical characteristics of the cathode materials was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), standard contact porosimetry (MSCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic cycling, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). It has been shown that the specific surface area of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C is twice as high as that of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 despite the very low content of carbon (3%). This was explained by a non-additive contribution of carbon and the active cathode material to the total specific surface area of the composite due to an introduction of carbon in the pores of the cathode material. Among the two key characteristics of a porous structure—specific surface area and volumetric porosity—specific surface area has the greatest impact on electrochemistry of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C. Mathematical modeling of the discharge profiles of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C was carried out and compared with the experiment. The cathode heating at high currents was evidenced. The temperatures and coefficients of solid-state diffusion were estimated at different currents. The calculated diffusion coefficient corresponds to the experimental one obtained by GITT at room temperature.
Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure: Some Observations and Considerations, Focusing on Some Italian Experiences, on Cancer Risk, and Primary Prevention
Authors: Miligi Lucia
Published: January 2020

Solar ultraviolet radiation may cause acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eyes, and also on the immune system. Actinic keratosis, non-melanoma skin cancers, and malignant melanoma are the main long-term adverse skin effects. In the white population, the most common type of cancer worldwide is skin cancer, and the incidence of this cancer has increased during the last decades. The most important risk factor responsible for this trend seems to be Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR). IARC has classified UVR as being carcinogenic to humans. UV radiation exposure is ubiquitous; to study skin cancer risk, it is important to take into account the fact that UV exposure may occur both for occupational activities but also during vacation or recreational activities. Furthermore, exposure to artificial UVR such as those emitted by artificial devices, classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans, is also to be considered. Due to the prominent role of UVR, primary prevention of skin cancer is very suitable, because when following specific rules this risk factor can be reduced. The incidence rate of skin cancer is higher in people with fair skin. Outdoor workers exposed to solar UVR are at risk of developing skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers, and welders exposed to artificial UVR are at risk of developing ocular melanoma. A specific project on solar UVR risk in outdoor workers in Tuscany, Italy, has shown that outdoor workers had an unsatisfactory sun protection behaviour. The project demonstrates the complexity of studying UVR exposure and recommended the need for prevention programs. Risk increases with increasing ambient solar radiation and with unsafe behaviours in the sun or when using artificial UVR (e.g., sunbeds). Effective prevention strategies have to be adopted both for the outdoor workers and for the general population exposed to UVR. A standardized program of proven efficacy, such as that implemented in Australia, should also be implemented in other countries. All these strategies could contribute to the aim of decreasing the morbidity and mortality of cancers associated with this exposure. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of UVR exposure risk, particularly occupational risk, and to give some elements to understand the complexity of the relation between UVR exposure and cancer risk, as well as to outline primary prevention measures, focusing also on Italian experiences that could be useful for providing additional elements of knowledge on this topic.
Growth Trends of Coniferous Species along Elevational Transects in the Central European Alps Indicate Decreasing Sensitivity to Climate Warming
Authors: Oberhuber Walter , Bendler Ursula , Gamper Vanessa , Geier Jacob , Hölzl Anna , Kofler Werner , Krismer Hanna , Waldboth Barbara , Wieser Gerhard
Published: January 2020

Tree growth at high elevation in the Central European Alps (CEA) is strongly limited by low temperature during the growing season. We developed a tree ring series of co-occurring conifers (Swiss stone pine, Norway spruce, European larch) along elevational transects stretching from the subalpine zone to the krummholz limit (1630–2290 m asl; n = 503 trees) and evaluated whether trends in basal area increment (BAI) are in line with two phases of climate warming, which occurred from 1915–1953 and from 1975–2015. Unexpectedly, results revealed that at subalpine sites (i) intensified climate warming in recent decades did not lead to a corresponding increase in BAI and (ii) increase in summer temperature since 1915 primarily favored growth of larch and spruce, although Swiss stone pine dominates at high elevations in the Eastern CEA, and therefore was expected to mainly benefit from climate warming. At treeline, BAI increases in all species were above the level expected based on determined age trend, whereas at the krummholz limit only deciduous larch showed a minor growth increase. We explain missing adequate growth response to recent climate warming by strengthened competition for resources (nutrients, light, water) in increasingly denser stands at subalpine sites, and by frost desiccation injuries of evergreen tree species at the krummholz limit. To conclude, accurate forecasts of tree growth response to climate warming at high elevation must consider changes in stand density as well as species-specific sensitivity to climate variables beyond the growing season.
Groundwater Level Fluctuations Affect the Mortality of Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.)
Authors: Tulik Mirela , Grochowina Adam , Jura-Morawiec Joanna , Bijak Szymon
Published: January 2020

Since the 1990s, a decline of riparian black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) has been observed over Europe. The fungus-like eukaryotic pathogen Phytophthora alni subsp. alni is thought to be a causal agent of this process; however, abiotic factors may also be involved. Previous studies suggest that climate conditions and, especially, depletion of groundwater level may be among the most important factors that trigger this phenomenon. We investigated the radial growth and wood vessel diameter of black alder trees of various vigour classes as well as their response to groundwater level changes to search for the link between soil water resources availability and mortality related to alder dieback. Samples were collected in the natural stand located near Sieraków village in the Kampinoski National Park, central Poland, in the area where alder dieback has been recently observed. Based on the crown defoliation level, three vigour classes (healthy, weakened, and dead trees) were distinguished. Cross sections were prepared with a sliding microtome, and Cell P image analysis software was used for the measurements. Tree-ring width (TRW) and vessel diameter (VD) were determined and correlated with the monthly values of precipitation and groundwater level. Alders of the analysed vigour classes exhibited similar patterns of TRW and VD changes over the analysis time. The narrowest tree rings were observed in weakened alders, while the largest vessels were noted in healthy trees. In the case of TRW and VD chronologies, the weakest, and hence insignificant, resemblance was found for healthy and dead trees. TRW and VD of the analysed alders were not correlated with the monthly sum of precipitation, but a negative influence of rainfall in April was observed. In turn, groundwater level had an impact on the radial growth and wood anatomical features of the analysed trees. A negative effect of the highest water table level was found for TRW of weakened and dead trees as well as for VD of healthy and weakened alders. The lowest groundwater level and the amplitude of the water table positively affected VD of the dead trees. Alder decline has a polyetiological nature, and groundwater level fluctuations are one of many factors contributing to disease development.
Validation and Completion of Initial Data of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Development Based on 3D Models
Authors: Zavyalov Dmitry , Nebaba Stepan , Zavyalova Kseniya , Zakharova Alena , Rizen Yuliya
Published: January 2020

The validation of initial data is an important process to reduce the risk of errors in calculations. The large amount of heterogeneous data in the area of hydrocarbon reservoirs development leads to a significant increasing in complexity and calculation time of data validation. Here, we consider the problem of validation and completion of the initial data for the task of hydrocarbon reservoirs development. A validation and completion method, based on the use of 3D visual models and searching of analogies, is proposed. The results of testing the proposed method on the data of reservoirs of the Tomsk region of the Russian Federation are shown. The results showed that the time of the procedure of validation and completion of the initial data was reduced by 22.2% for projects of reserve calculation and by 32.2% for projects of development forecast in comparison with standard manual validation procedure. During the validation, experts identified 18% and 13.5% more errors with the proposed method for projects of reserve calculation and development forecast, respectively, showing that the proposed method could be an effective tool for data validation and completion.