bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Proximal Sensing of Pasture Biomass
Authors: Legg Mathew , Bradley Stuart
Published: October 2019

The optimization of pasture food value, known as ‘biomass’, is crucial in the management of the farming of grazing animals and in improving food production for the future. Optical sensing methods, particularly from satellite platforms, provide relatively inexpensive and frequently updated wide-area coverage for monitoring biomass and other forage properties. However, there are also benefits from direct or proximal sensing methods for higher accuracy, more immediate results, and for continuous updates when cloud cover precludes satellite measurements. Direct measurement, by cutting and weighing the pasture, is destructive, and may not give results representative of a larger area of pasture. Proximal sensing methods may also suffer from sampling small areas, and can be generally inaccurate. A new proximal methodology is described here, in which low-frequency ultrasound is used as a sonar to obtain a measure of the vertical variation of the pasture density between the top of the pasture and the ground and to relate this to biomass. The instrument is designed to operate from a farm vehicle moving at up to 20 km h−1, thus allowing a farmer to obtain wide coverage in the normal course of farm operations. This is the only method providing detailed biomass profile information from throughout the entire pasture canopy. An essential feature is the identification of features from the ultrasonic reflectance, which can be related sensibly to biomass, thereby generating a physically-based regression model. The result is significantly improved estimation of pasture biomass, in comparison with other proximal methods. Comparing remotely sensed biomass to the biomass measured via cutting and weighing gives coefficients of determination, R2, in the range of 0.7 to 0.8 for a range of pastures and when operating the farm vehicle at speeds of up to 20 km h−1.
Real-Time Correction and Stabilization of Laser Diode Wavelength in Miniature Homodyne Interferometer for Long-Stroke Micro/Nano Positioning Stage Metrology
Authors: Cai Yindi , Feng Baokai , Sang Qi , Fan Kuang-Chao
Published: October 2019

A low-cost miniature homodyne interferometer (MHI) with self-wavelength correction and self-wavelength stabilization is proposed for long-stroke micro/nano positioning stage metrology. In this interferometer, the displacement measurement is based on the analysis of homodyne interferometer fringe pattern. In order to miniaturize the interferometer size, a low-cost and small-sized laser diode is adopted as the laser source. The accuracy of the laser diode wavelength is real-time corrected by the proposed wavelength corrector using a modified wavelength calculation equation. The variation of the laser diode wavelength is suppressed by a real-time wavelength stabilizer, which is based on the principle of laser beam drift compensation and the principle of automatic temperature control. The optical configuration of the proposed MHI is proposed. The methods of displacement measurement, wavelength correction, and wavelength stabilization are depicted in detail. A laboratory-built prototype of the MHI is constructed, and experiments are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed wavelength correction and stabilization methods.
Topological Frontier-Based Exploration and Map-Building Using Semantic Information
Authors: Gomez Clara , Hernandez Alejandra C. , Barber Ramon
Published: October 2019

Exploration of unknown environments is a fundamental problem in autonomous robotics that deals with the complexity of autonomously traversing an unknown area while acquiring the most important information of the environment. In this work, a mobile robot exploration algorithm for indoor environments is proposed. It combines frontier-based concepts with behavior-based strategies in order to build a topological representation of the environment. Frontier-based approaches assume that, to gain the most information of an environment, the robot has to move to the regions on the boundary between open space and unexplored space. The novelty of this work is in the semantic frontier classification and frontier selection according to a cost–utility function. In addition, a probabilistic loop closure algorithm is proposed to solve cyclic situations. The system outputs a topological map of the free areas of the environment for further navigation. Finally, simulated and real-world experiments have been carried out, their results and the comparison to other state-of-the-art algorithms show the feasibility of the exploration algorithm proposed and the improvement that it offers with regards to execution time and travelled distance.
Real-Time EMG Based Pattern Recognition Control for Hand Prostheses: A Review on Existing Methods, Challenges and Future Implementation
Authors: Parajuli Nawadita , Sreenivasan Neethu , Bifulco Paolo , Cesarelli Mario , Savino Sergio , Niola Vincenzo , Esposito Daniele , Hamilton Tara J. , Naik Ganesh R. , Gunawardana Upul , Gargiulo Gaetano D.
Published: October 2019

Upper limb amputation is a condition that significantly restricts the amputees from performing their daily activities. The myoelectric prosthesis, using signals from residual stump muscles, is aimed at restoring the function of such lost limbs seamlessly. Unfortunately, the acquisition and use of such myosignals are cumbersome and complicated. Furthermore, once acquired, it usually requires heavy computational power to turn it into a user control signal. Its transition to a practical prosthesis solution is still being challenged by various factors particularly those related to the fact that each amputee has different mobility, muscle contraction forces, limb positional variations and electrode placements. Thus, a solution that can adapt or otherwise tailor itself to each individual is required for maximum utility across amputees. Modified machine learning schemes for pattern recognition have the potential to significantly reduce the factors (movement of users and contraction of the muscle) affecting the traditional electromyography (EMG)-pattern recognition methods. Although recent developments of intelligent pattern recognition techniques could discriminate multiple degrees of freedom with high-level accuracy, their efficiency level was less accessible and revealed in real-world (amputee) applications. This review paper examined the suitability of upper limb prosthesis (ULP) inventions in the healthcare sector from their technical control perspective. More focus was given to the review of real-world applications and the use of pattern recognition control on amputees. We first reviewed the overall structure of pattern recognition schemes for myo-control prosthetic systems and then discussed their real-time use on amputee upper limbs. Finally, we concluded the paper with a discussion of the existing challenges and future research recommendations.
Structure from Articulated Motion: Accurate and Stable Monocular 3D Reconstruction without Training Data
Authors: Kovalenko Onorina , Golyanik Vladislav , Malik Jameel , Elhayek Ahmed , Stricker Didier
Published: October 2019

Recovery of articulated 3D structure from 2D observations is a challenging computer vision problem with many applications. Current learning-based approaches achieve state-of-the-art accuracy on public benchmarks but are restricted to specific types of objects and motions covered by the training datasets. Model-based approaches do not rely on training data but show lower accuracy on these datasets. In this paper, we introduce a model-based method called Structure from Articulated Motion (SfAM), which can recover multiple object and motion types without training on extensive data collections. At the same time, it performs on par with learning-based state-of-the-art approaches on public benchmarks and outperforms previous non-rigid structure from motion (NRSfM) methods. SfAM is built upon a general-purpose NRSfM technique while integrating a soft spatio-temporal constraint on the bone lengths. We use alternating optimization strategy to recover optimal geometry (i.e., bone proportions) together with 3D joint positions by enforcing the bone lengths consistency over a series of frames. SfAM is highly robust to noisy 2D annotations, generalizes to arbitrary objects and does not rely on training data, which is shown in extensive experiments on public benchmarks and real video sequences. We believe that it brings a new perspective on the domain of monocular 3D recovery of articulated structures, including human motion capture.
Fatty Acids from Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin Shells Obtained via Rapid Solid Liquid Dynamic Extraction (RSLDE)
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , Ciaravolo Martina , Cirino Paola , Toscano Alfonso , Salvatore Francesco , Gallo Monica , Naviglio Daniele , Andolfi Anna
Published: October 2019

Sea urchins (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) are good a source of bioactive compounds belonging to different classes of natural substances. The edible Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is a renowned animal model for study in different fields of biology, but it is intensively harvested for high commercial value due to the delicacy of its gonads. Most studies have focused on the composition and the nutritional value of P. lividus gonads (the edible part), but little interest has been taken in the other body parts, such as the shells and spines, which are generally considered waste material. The purpose of this study was to obtain an extract from sea urchin shells, with a green methodology of extraction, and to characterize the lipophilic components for potential applications. The shells of P. lividus were extracted via a very well performing technology based on rapid solid liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) implemented via an automated device (Naviglio Extractor®). The obtained extract shows the presence of fatty acids and their esters (methyl, ethyl and 1-glycerol esters). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) measurements were used to determine fatty acid abundance in the chromatographic fractions of the extract. Arachidonic acid (ARA), 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and 11-eicosenoic acids and their esters are the most abundant components. The presence of many polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the extract, even in low percentages allows a future application in nutrition or medical use.
Sustainable Policy Dynamics—A Study on the Recent “Bust” of Foreign Residential Real Estate Investment in Sydney
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhang Zhe , Han Yan , Yue Xiao-Guang
Published: October 2019

We undertook an autopsy of the drivers of individual foreign real estate investment ‘bust’ in Australia through a new theoretical lens of ‘habitus’. Our autopsy data drew contours around the individual foreign real estate capital ‘boom and bust’ cycle, as well as the long-term commitment of professionals in the real estate sector to Australia’s real estate market. More specifically, we showed that the foreign capital ‘boom and bust’ cycle began in earnest in about 2010 (starting at A$8.7 billion), grew to A$72.4 billion in 2016–2017, and then declined to A$12.5 billion in 2017–2018. This decline in foreign capital into Australian real estate occurred within a domestic real estate market in Sydney that also started to slow in 2017. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews with real estate professionals in Sydney and public material culture data, we found out that the off-the-plan apartment sales and global policy landscape changes contributed to the decline of foreign real estate investment in Australia. The three possible implications for Sydney’s future residential real estate development: (1) The loss of investors, (2) the evolution of the labor force, and (3) the diversification of housing products, have been raised as part of a future research road map.
Air Quality Trend of PM10. Statistical Models for Assessing the Air Quality Impact of Environmental Policies
Authors: Vicente Ana Belen , Juan Pablo , Meseguer Sergi , Serra Laura , Trilles Sergio
Published: October 2019

A statistical modelling of PM10 concentration (2006–2015) is applied to understand the behaviour, to know the influence of the variables to exposure risk, to treat the missing data to evaluate air quality, and to estimate data for those sites where they are not available. The study area, Castellón region (Spain), is a strategic area in the framework of EU pollution control. A decrease of PM10 is observed for industrial and urban stations. In the case of rural stations, the levels remain constant throughout the study period. The contribution of anthropogenic sources has been estimated through the PM10 background of the study area. The behaviour of PM10 annual trend is tri-modal for industrial and urban stations and bi-modal in the case of rural stations. The EU Normative suggests that 90% of the data per year are necessary to control air quality. Thus, interpolation statistical methods are presented to fill missing data: Linear Interpolation, Exponential Interpolation, and Kalman Smoothing. This study also focuses on testing the goodness of these methods in order to find the ones that better approach the gaps. After analyzing graphically and using the RMSE the last method is confirmed to be the best option.
Impact of Taxation Policy on Household Spirit Consumption and Public-Finance Sustainability
Authors: Laković Tanja , Mugoša Ana , Čizmović Mirjana , Radojević Gordana
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity of spirit quantity demanded for price and income changes in Montenegro and to show the effectiveness of taxation-policy changes in the reduction of spirit consumption. It is the first study on this topic in Montenegro, where adverse effects of alcohol are recognized as an important obstacle in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The price elasticity of spirits was estimated using Deaton’s methodology on the Household Budget Survey (HBS) data in the period of 2006–2017. Cigarettes were included as a control variable as, along with spirits, they are one of the most harmful substances used in Montenegro. Using these results, we simulated the effects of spirit use on public revenue. The results show that the spirits’ own price elasticity equaled −0.45, while the cross-price elasticity equaled −0.17, showing that spirits and cigarettes are complementary goods. These results, along with elasticities calculated by sex (male, −0.55; female, −0.5), income groups (low income, −1.16; middle-income, −0.46; high-income, −0.26), and for the working-age group (−0.74), demonstrate that an increase in excise taxes could be a very efficient tool in decreasing the adverse effect of spirits and cigarettes on household member’s productivity, health, and budget, which is in line with SDGs. An efficient road map for sustainable development for Montenegro must include the reduction of health-harmful substance use through excise tax increase.
A Novel Approach of IoT Services Orchestration Based on Multiple Sensor and Actuator Platforms Using Virtual Objects in Online IoT App-Store
Authors: Malik Sehrish , Ahmad Shabir , Kim DoHyeun
Published: October 2019

The information and communication technology (ICT) is witnessing a revolutionary era with the advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT). An IoT network is a combination of sensor and actuator networks, connected and communicating in certain ways to design and provide IoT services to the end users. These IoT services are created by mapping physical-world objects into virtual-world objects. In this work, we propose a novel approach of IoT services orchestration based on multiple sensor and actuator platforms using virtual objects in online IoT application-store (app-store). In this work, we focused on combining the concepts of do-it-yourself (DIY) IoT marketplace, virtual objects (VOs), and virtual services. We built a fusion IoT services platform on a previously proposed IoT application store. The IoT application store enables the sharing and discovery of IoT VOs, along with micro-services associated with each VO uploaded into the application store. The fusion IoT services platform enables the user to fetch the desired or all VOs from the IoT app store and map the available VOs to form the fusion IoT services. The user can either select all the available VOs and see all the possible services’ combinations or select the desired (DIY) services and customize the virtual services scope. The performance of the proposed fusion IoT services platform was evaluated on the basis of the service connection times, service response times with varying load of VOs, virtual users, and active platforms. The proposed idea also offers a sustainable solution by proposing the reuse of existing resources and reducing duplicate deployments, which can lessen the total cost of the physical networks’ deployment and maintenance. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed work is the first of its kind.
International MOOC Trends in Citizenship, Participation and Sustainability: Analysis of Technical, Didactic and Content Dimensions
Authors: Delgado-Algarra Emilio José , Román Sánchez Isabel María , Ordóñez Olmedo Eva , Lorca-Marín Antonio Alejandro
Published: October 2019

Within globalization and the development of information and communication technologies (ICT), social and civic competence and sustainability take on a relevant role in the international scope. To this end, a theoretical section on citizenship models and the different fingerprints of sustainability is presented. The study is quantitative, with a sample of 161 massive open online courses (MOOCs) from three of the main platforms (Coursera, EdX and MiriadaX) with content on citizenship, citizen participation and/or sustainability. Both data collection and analysis are structured around a system of four categories: Technical dimension, didactic dimension, citizenship and sustainability. An exploratory analysis is carried out, followed by a factorial analysis focused on correlations and reduction of factors that allows us to define a main formative profile of the MOOC in relation to the reference themes. In this way, this research concludes that there is an international trend in MOOCs in citizenship and sustainability, whose predominant training proposals include contents related to the ecological citizenship model, as well as issues such as lack of resources, the need to reduce waste derived from consumption, climate change, or the impact of companies on the local economy and environment.
The Problem of Lighting in Underground Domes, Vaults, and Tunnel-Like Structures of Antiquity; An Application to the Sustainability of Prominent Asian Heritage (India, Korea, China)
Authors: Salguero Andujar Francisco , Rodriguez-Cunill Inmaculada , Cabeza-Lainez Jose M.
Published: October 2019

Lighting in heritage is complex because of the forms intervening in it. The historical evolution of cultures has not been analytical and therefore, the shapes involved differ greatly from the cuboids typically found in 21st century architecture. As a vector, light inevitably attaches to surface sources. In this research, we focused on 3D curved geometries. Following a different trail to radiative transfer by virtue of detailed knowledge of the spatiality of volumes, we present new expressions, previously undefined in the literature, that are derived from a combination of surfaces that we have found in many archaeological sites around Asia. In the discussion, we start from the particularities of spherical surfaces where a normal vector has to pass through the center. By means of easy calculations, we deducted innovative laws. These in turn, allowed us to formulate several new expressions for configuration factors based on the adroit use of spherical fragments. The method easily extends to organic shapes that are often contained in the sustainable architecture of the past. The method finishes with suitable algorithms to assess the reflections in such curved forms. Finally, we implemented the results in our creative software. In this way, we enhanced the sustainable paradigms for heritage structures in Asia that we present as a conclusion of the article.
Amazing Grazing: A Public and Private Partnership to Stimulate Grazing Practices in Intensive Dairy Systems
Authors: Schils René , Philipsen Bert , Hoekstra Nyncke , Holshof Gertjan , Zom Ronald , Hoving Idse , van Reenen Kees , Stienezen Marcia , Klootwijk Cindy , van der Werf Joop , Sebek Léon , van Eekeren Nick , van Dixhoorn Ingrid , van den Pol-van Dasselaar Agnes
Published: October 2019

In many intensive dairy regions in northwest Europe, a decline in grazing is observed. In the Netherlands, the proportion of dairy cows with access to pasture is declining, as well as the time spent grazing per cow. The decline in grazing is seen as an unwanted trend by many stakeholders and is, thus, under debate amongst dairy farmers, the dairy chain, and society. Therefore, a public–private partnership was initiated to encourage grazing by providing farmers with usable means of improving their grazing systems. The partnership involved stakeholders from the dairy farming community, dairy and feed industry, agrotechnical industries, advisory services, and research. The objective of this partnership was to develop and stimulate technological innovations and management measures that increase fresh grass intake at pasture. The innovation network combined an integrated research approach with farmer working groups and broader stakeholder interactive meetings. The project started with a comprehensive grass intake framework, which was the foundation for exploration of innovations. The framework consisted of six interlinked components: soil, grass growth, grass supply, grass intake, feed supplementation, and cow behavior. In a continuous interactive cycle, strategic choices were made to focus on potentially effective innovations. The use of a public–private partnership to develop usable innovations that encourage grazing practices proven to be a good approach to develop a shared vision among stakeholders. It provided a basis to work together toward innovative practices and to disseminate the outcomes to the foreseen users. The approach succeeded in design concepts for two specific innovations, i.e., weekly grass growth predictions and daily fresh grass intake tracking. We demonstrated that meaningful grazing and fresh grass intake are possible in intensive dairy systems with high stocking rates and high levels of supplementary feeding.
Financial Support and University Performance in Korean Universities: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Lee Young-Hwan , Kim Hyung-Kee
Published: October 2019

This study analyzes the relationship between governmental financial support and university performance to determine whether the former enhances the latter or if universities enhance performance to attain government financial support. The types of financial support to universities considered in this study include those from central and local governments. University performance is defined in terms of the job-finding rates of students, number of publications in South Korean academic journals per full-time faculty member, and number of publications in SCI journals per full-time faculty member. This study uses financial support data of 148 universities from 2009 to 2017. To investigate the relationship between university financial support and performance, we use panel Granger causality testing and panel vector auto-regressive modeling. The results show that both central and local governmental financial support have an endogenous association with students’ job-finding rates. However, local governmental financial support and research performance show a reverse causality association.
A New Stability Theory for Grünwald–Letnikov Inverse Model Control in the Multivariable LTI Fractional-Order Framework
Authors: Hunek Wojciech Przemysław , Wach Łukasz
Published: October 2019

The new general theory dedicated to the stability for LTI MIMO, in particular nonsquare, fractional-order systems described by the Grünwald–Letnikov discrete-time state–space domain is presented in this paper. Such systems under inverse model control, principally MV/perfect control, represent a real research challenge due to an infinite number of solutions to the underlying inverse problem for nonsquare matrices. Therefore, the paper presents a new algorithm for fractional-order perfect control with corresponding stability formula involving recently given H- and σ -inverse of nonsquare matrices, up to now applied solely to the integer-order plants. On such foundation a new set of stability-related tools is introduced, among them the key role played by so-called control zeros. Control zeros constitute an extension of transmission zeros for nonsquare fractional-order LTI MIMO systems under inverse model control. Based on the sets of stable control zeros a minimum-phase behavior is specified because of the stability of newly defined perfect control law described in the non-integer-order framework. The whole theory is complemented by pole-free fractional-order perfect control paradigm, a special case of fractional-order perfect control strategy. A significant number of simulation examples confirm the correctness and research potential proposed in the paper methodology.
The Cauchy Conjugate Gradient Algorithm with Random Fourier Features
Authors: Huang Xuewei , Wang Shiyuan , Xiong Kui
Published: October 2019

Random Fourier mapping (RFM) in kernel adaptive filters (KAFs) provides an efficient method to curb the linear growth of the dictionary by projecting the original input data into a finite-dimensional space. The commonly used measure in RFM-based KAFs is the minimum mean square error (MMSE), which causes performance deterioration in the presence of non-Gaussian noises. To address this issue, the minimum Cauchy loss (MCL) criterion has been successfully applied for combating non-Gaussian noises in KAFs. However, these KAFs using the well-known stochastic gradient descent (SGD) optimization method may suffer from slow convergence rate and low filtering accuracy. To this end, we propose a novel robust random Fourier features Cauchy conjugate gradient (RFFCCG) algorithm using the conjugate gradient (CG) optimization method in this paper. The proposed RFFCCG algorithm with low complexity can achieve better filtering performance than the KAFs with sparsification, such as the kernel recursive maximum correntropy algorithm with novelty criterion (KRMC-NC), in stationary and non-stationary environments. Monte Carlo simulations conducted in the time-series prediction and nonlinear system identification confirm the superiorities of the proposed algorithm.
Sensor Fusion Based Pipeline Inspection for the Augmented Reality System
Authors: Kumar G. Ajay , Patil Ashok Kumar , Kang Tae Wook , Chai Young Ho
Published: October 2019

Augmented reality (AR) systems are becoming next-generation technologies to intelligently visualize the real world in 3D. This research proposes a sensor fusion based pipeline inspection and retrofitting for the AR system, which can be used in pipeline inspection and retrofitting processes in industrial plants. The proposed methodology utilizes a prebuilt 3D point cloud data of the environment, real-time Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scan and image sequence from the camera. First, we estimate the current pose of the sensors platform by matching the LiDAR scan and the prebuilt point cloud data from the current pose prebuilt point cloud data augmented on to the camera image by utilizing the LiDAR and camera calibration parameters. Next, based on the user selection in the augmented view, geometric parameters of a pipe are estimated. In addition to pipe parameter estimation, retrofitting in the existing plant using augmented scene are illustrated. Finally, step-by-step procedure of the proposed method was experimentally verified at a water treatment plant. Result shows that the integration of AR with building information modelling (BIM) greatly benefits the post-occupancy evaluation process or pre-retrofitting and renovation process for identifying, evaluating, and updating the geometric specifications of a construction environment.
Enhancing Biodiversity in Urban Green Space; An Exploration of the IAD Framework Applied to Ecologically Mature Trees
Authors: MacKenzie Andrew , Gibbons Philip
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates how institutions in urban settings potentially identify, frame, and operationalise biodiversity conservation policies. It adopts the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework (IAD) to analyse a case study regarding the retention of ecologically mature trees in urban green space in Canberra, Australia. The research investigates; what are the structural and institutional arrangements that catalyze or inhibit biodiversity conservation in urban green space? Specifically, the IAD framework is applied to explore the institutional structures and the role of key decision-makers in the conservation and management of ecologically mature trees in urban green space. Ecologically mature trees represent an exclusive habitat for many species and are key structures for conserving biodiversity in urban settings. The results suggest the application of the IAD ‘rules-in-use’ analysis reveals that ecologically mature trees are inconsistently managed in Canberra, leading to conflicting approaches between institutions in managing urban biodiversity. It suggests that a more structured and replicable institutional analysis will help practitioners to empirically derive a more comprehensive understanding of the roles of institutions in supporting or inhibiting biodiversity conservation in urban settings. The research finds that developers, asset managers, and other stakeholders could benefit from explicitly mapping out the defined rules, norms and strategies required to negotiate economically, socially and environmentally achievable outcomes for biodiversity conservation in urban green space.
Prioritizing Sustainable City Indicators for Cambodia
Authors: Chan Puthearath , Lee Myeong-Hun
Published: October 2019

This research is based on our previous research that developed consensus sustainable city indicators for Cambodia through three-round Delphi panel surveys. That research developed indicators in the first round based on UN sustainable development goal 11, ASEAN environmentally sustainable city, Korean case study, and domestic green and clean city indicators, and validated the developed indicators in the last two rounds. After consensus analysis, that research obtained 32 assessment indicators categorized by nine criteria. However, these indicators are not prioritized yet due to the limitation of the Delphi technique. Hence, this research aims to prioritize these indicators by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and to confirm whether the levels of importance verified by Delphi can be used for prioritizing or ranking the indicators. This research surveyed potential respondents experienced and working in relevant fields both offline and online. Online surveys were processed through E-mail, Facebook, and LinkedIn. A total of 118 questionnaires were gathered from the surveys, and 16 were inconsistent (consistency ratio > 0.1). The results showed that the highest and lowest weights are 0.0557 and 0.086. The top ten indicators are slum population (0.0557), unemployment (0.0516), crime prevention (0.0470), water supply (0.0469), city’s migration (0.0462), low-income housing (0.0445), solid waste collection (0.0437), labor-force (0.0421), construction safety (0.0400), and traffic congestion (0.0398). The rank of all indicators based on their levels of importance is completely different from the rank of their weights. Therefore, this research confirms that the levels of importance verified by Delphi cannot be used for ranking or prioritizing the consensus indicators. The priority weights in this research would be useful to policymaking, strategic direction, and budget allocation for the development and management of sustainable cities in Cambodia.
Investigation on the Effect of Structural Parameters on Cavitation Characteristics for the Venturi Tube Using the CFD Method
Authors: Tang Pan , Juárez Juan Manzano , Li Hong
Published: October 2019

The venturi tube is a special kind of pipe which has been widely applied in many fields. Cavitation is one of the most important research issues for the Venturi tube. Hence, three key structural parameters (contraction angle, diffusion angle and contraction ratio) were selected to investigate the influence of different factors on cavitation characteristics, using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. A series of experiments for measuring the relationship between differential pressure and flow rate were carried out to verify the accuracy of the simulation method. Results showed that the simulation results had a high accuracy and the numerical method was feasible. The average vapor volume fraction of cross-section from the throat in the axial direction increased with increasing contraction angle. The cavity length increased with increasing contraction angle. The average volume fraction in the diffusion section rapidly decreased with increasing diffusion angle. The diffusion angle had no significant effect on the cavitation characteristics in the throat section and had a significant influence in the diffusion section. The average vapor volume fraction increased with decreasing contraction ratio. The contraction ratio had no significant effect on the cavity length under the same differential pressure. The average vapor volume fraction increased with decreasing contraction ratio. However, the variation in the throat section was less than the diffusion section. Under the same inlet and outlet pressure, the cavity lengths for different contraction ratios were basically the same, which indicated that the contraction ratio had no significant effect on the cavity length.
Computationally Efficient Solution of a 2D Diffusive Wave Equation Used for Flood Inundation Problems
Authors: Artichowicz Wojciech , Gąsiorowski Dariusz
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a study dealing with increasing the computational efficiency in modeling floodplain inundation using a two-dimensional diffusive wave equation. To this end, the domain decomposition technique was used. The resulting one-dimensional diffusion equations were approximated in space with the modified finite element scheme, whereas time integration was carried out using the implicit two-level scheme. The proposed algorithm of the solution minimizes the numerical errors and is unconditionally stable. Consequently, it is possible to perform computations with a significantly greater time step than in the case of the explicit scheme. An additional efficiency improvement was achieved using the symmetry of the tridiagonal matrix of the arising system of nonlinear equations, due to the application of the parallelization strategy. The computational experiments showed that the proposed parallel implementation of the implicit scheme is very effective, at about two orders of magnitude with regard to computational time, in comparison with the explicit one.
Future Response of the Wadden Sea Tidal Basins to Relative Sea-Level rise—An Aggregated Modelling Approach
Authors: Lodder Quirijn J. , Wang Zheng B. , Elias Edwin P.L. , van der Spek Ad J.F. , de Looff Harry , Townend Ian H.
Published: October 2019

Climate change, and especially the associated acceleration of sea-level rise, forms a serious threat to the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea contains the world’s largest coherent intertidal flat area and it is known that these flats can drown when the rate of sea-level rise exceeds a critical limit. As a result, the intertidal flats would then be permanently inundated, seriously affecting the ecological functioning of the system. The determination of this critical limit and the modelling of the transient process of how a tidal basin responds to accelerated sea-level rise is of critical importance. In this contribution we revisit the modelling of the response of the Wadden Sea tidal basins to sea-level rise using a basin scale morphological model (aggregated scale morphological interaction between tidal basin and adjacent coast, ASMITA). Analysis using this aggregated scale model shows that the critical rate of sea-level rise is not merely influenced by the morphological equilibrium and the morphological time scale, but also depends on the grain size distribution of sediment in the tidal inlet system. As sea-level rises, there is a lag in the morphological response, which means that the basin will be deeper than the systems morphological equilibrium. However, so long as the rate of sea-level rise is constant and below a critical limit, this offset becomes constant and a dynamic equilibrium is established. This equilibrium deviation as well as the time needed to achieve the dynamic equilibrium increase non-linearly with increasing rates of sea-level rise. As a result, the response of a tidal basin to relatively fast sea-level rise is similar, no matter if the sea-level rise rate is just below, equal or above the critical limit. A tidal basin will experience a long process of ‘drowning’ when sea-level rise rate exceeds about 80% of the critical limit. The insights from the present study can be used to improve morphodynamic modelling of tidal basin response to accelerating sea-level rise and are useful for sustainable management of tidal inlet systems.
Systematic Study of Calcination Temperature on Photocatalytic Activity of Luminescent Copper(I) Pyrazolate Complex/Titanium Oxide Composites
Authors: Sabran Nurul Husna , Yuliati Leny , Lee Siew Ling , Lintang Hendrik Oktendy
Published: October 2019

Columnar assembly of luminescent 3,5-dimethyl pyrazolate complexes/titanium oxide composites with different metal ions has shown significant improvement in its photocatalytic activity for the removal and degradation of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Since photocatalytic activity of semiconductor titanium oxide (TiO2) with an anatase phase can be improved by calcination temperature, we report the effect of heat treatments on the preparation of copper(I) 3,5-dimethyl pyrazolate complex/titanium oxide composite ([Cu3Pz3]/TiO2) for the removal and degradation of 2,4-D. Photocatalyst composites [Cu3Pz3]/TiO2 were successfully prepared using an impregnation method with different calcination temperature at 373, 473 and 573 K. Although, the activity of photocatalyst composites [Cu3Pz3]/TiO2 was significantly improved with increasing of calcination temperature on pure TiO2, it was slightly reduced with an increase of calcined temperature to 473 and 573 K. These results showed that [Cu3Pz3]/TiO2 was unstable at high temperature due to the decomposition of molecular structure of [Cu3Pz3] during the preparation of the photocatalyst. Hence, suitable calcination temperature is an important parameter to increase photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst composites [Cu3Pz3]/TiO2.
FEATURES OF STATE REGULATION OF EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE FORMATION OF THE SOCIAL STATE
Authors: Vasylieva Tetyana , Anna Vorontsova , Tetyana Mayboroda
Published: October 2019

Introduction. In today's economic conditions, there is a transformation of the priority of the country's development from the economic to the extra social, which is connected with the existing concept of a social state. Education, as an important social institution, is also affected by these changes, which leads to further research in the context of its state regulation.
Purpose. The article aims to determine the peculiarities of state regulation of the field of education in the context of the formation of a social state.
Method (methodology). To achieve this goal, the following general scientific and special methods are used: method of induction and deduction, method of logical generalization, method of analysis and synthesis, method of comparison, method of grouping.
Results The essence of the concept of a social state and its connection with the institute of education has been investigated. Its historical formation, the basic principles and functions have been considered. The main models of the social state and the current state of its development have been analysed, taking into account the educational component.
DIAGNOSTICS OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC MODERNIZATION OF COMMODITY CIRCULATION SPHERE IN UKRAINE
Authors: Melnyk Iryna
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The article focuses on the study of the role of the commodity circulation sphere in the social and economic development of Ukraine and the consequences of modernization of this sector for society and economy.
Purpose. The article aims to diagnose positive and negative trends in the development of the commodity circulation sphere in the process of its social and economic modernization.
Method (methodology). To achieve the goal, it is carried out the economic assessment of such indicators of the development of the commodity circulation sector as the volume of retail turnover per unit of the existing population; the population's supply of retail space; the retail turnover per one retail trade object; the turnover of goods stocks; labour productivity; number of employees and wages according to the State Statistics Service. The object of the study is the development of the commodity circulation sphere in Ukraine. The subject of the research is the scientific and practical principles of the diagnostics of the commodity circulation sphere in the conditions of its social and economic modernization.
Results. It is noted that the efficiency of functioning and development of the commodity circulation sphere in Ukraine is still not on the sufficient level. Such characteristics as retail trade turnover per unit of population in rural areas, rural population's supply of shops, volumes and levels of employment, wages, and in particular its material and immaterial stimulation have to be improved within the social plan. The negative aspects and trends of the social and economic modernization of the commodity circulation sphere in Ukraine, which have been revealed, should be taken into account when planning and implementing a more qualitative, well-balanced and effective state policy in this area.
INSTITUTIONAL REGULATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE AND
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF ECONOMY OF UKRAINE
Authors: Naumov Oleksandr , Naumova Larysa , Naumova Olha
Published: October 2019

The article deals with the main causes and consequences of the de-industrialization of the national economy of Ukraine. The impact of foreign trade policy on the dynamics of the domestic industrial sector is analysed. Features of the Ukrainian economy sectors’ integration into international value chains are defined. The decisive role of the state in the formation of favourable prerequisites for the development of domestic industry is justified.
ANALYSIS OF NON-BANK FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACTIVITY AS PARTICIPANTS OF MODERN FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET
Authors: Didenko Liudmyla , Kobzar Inna , Khanaliieva Iryna
Published: October 2019

Banking system, that is, the National Bank of Ukraine, other banks and branches of foreign banks operating in the country, is the basis of the Ukrainian credit system. However, non-bank financial and credit institutions play an important role in the financial services market. Today they provide quite a wide range of services and thus become serious competitors for banks. Therefore, the study of the peculiarities of the activities of non-bank financial and credit institutions and their role in the economic growth of the state is an urgent problem for investigation. The article assesses the activities of the main non-bank financial institutions. The main indicators of the effectiveness of non-banking financial institutions in the context of the main segments of the modern financial services market are analysed. The problems that impede the development of the insurance services market, the non-state pension insurance market and the Lombard loan market are identified. It is concluded that it is an urgent necessary to solve the system problems in the financial services market in order to ensure its effective and stable operation in the future.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL–PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF SOCIALIZATION OF INCLUSIVE HIGH SCHOOLS OF GENERALIZED VALUE
Authors: Tripak Marian
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The problem of inclusive education in the modern Ukrainian educational space is of particular importance given that the integration of people with special needs in the socio-cultural and socio-economic environment of socialization is extremely relevant today.
Purpose. The purpose of educational inclusion is to carry out a number of activities aimed at the search for socio-economic and financial-psychological mechanisms for the socialization of inclusive universities of nation-wide importance.
Results. The article provides a comprehensive systemic monitoring of socio-economic and financial-psychological inclusive socialization. The priority of inclusive socialization of the subject of a society with limited physical abilities in the economic system is determined. Represented economic model of socialization of inclusive universities of national importance. Various approaches to understanding the outcome of moral education have been analyzed, since the state of the Ukrainian economy depends primarily on the moral professional incentive of managers, politicians and businessmen.
GENERATIONS IN BAYESIAN NETWORKS
Authors: Litvinenko Alexander , Litvinenko Natalya , Mamyrbayev Orken , Shayakhmetova Assem
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on the study of some aspects of the theory of oriented graphs in Bayesian networks. In some papers on the theory of Bayesian networks, the concept of “Generation of vertices” denotes a certain set of vertices with many parents belonging to previous generations. Terminology for this concept, in our opinion, has not yet fully developed. The concept of “Generation” in some cases makes it easier to solve some problems in Bayesian networks and to build simpler algorithms. 
In this paper we will consider the well-known example “Asia”, described in many articles and books, as well as in the technical documentation for various toolboxes. For the construction of this example, we have used evaluation versions of AgenaRisk.
TOOL CONTROL THE CONCENTRATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE FLUE GAS BOILERS BASED ON THE OPTICAL ABSORPTION METHOD
Authors: Vasilevskyi Oleksandr , Dudatiev Ihor , Ovchynnykov Kostyantyn
Published: October 2019

The methodology for controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide in flue gases from boilers is an optical absorption method with improved metrological characteristics. Studies done in the article, provided the new, scientifically-based theoretical and practical results that are essential for improving the accuracy at the required speed process, control the carbon dioxide concentration in dual gas boilers based on the optical absorption method with compensation effect on the factors optical converter.
APPLICATION OF CLONAL SELECTION ALGORITHM FOR PID CONTROLLER SYNTHESIS OF MIMO SYSTEMS IN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Authors: Shiryayeva Olga , Samigulin Timur
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the results of the Smart technologies application to the synthesis of MIMO-systems in oil and gas industry. In particular, there is considered a multidimensional multiply connected system for gas distillation process control through a distillation column with regulators configured on the basis of Smart-technologies – clonal selection algorithm (CLONALG) of an artificial immune system (AIS).