bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometry and classification of carved Monge surfaces
Authors: Gil-oulbé M , Ndomilep A J I
Published: November 2020

There are more and more needs of new forms in the world architecture. The thin shells theory and the surfaces theory give enough materials to scientifics and designers. This article is devoted to the geometric investigation of carved Monge surfaces. The geometry of these surfaces is inner and outer. For this, the coefficients of their fundamental forms are found and allow the classification of these surfaces. The kinetic method is used for their geometric investigation and classification. The parametric definitions of these multitude forms of carved Monge surfaces allow the 3D plotting of these surfaces by mean of the software MathCAD. The results obtained by this investigation are their vector, implicite, explicite and parametric definitions, the mathematic modelling of their inner and outer geometry, their 3D plotting and their classification. This variety of carved Monge surfaces can be used as the median surface of thin elastic shells design from them. The geometry these elastic shells, because their thin is the one of the carved Monge surfaces. The multitude of the designed thin elastic shells are expressive, durable and cover large spans. The multitude of their forms can find applications in the architecture of civil and industrial buildings and also in mechanical engineering.
Additional geometric investigation of carved Monge surfaces
Authors: Gil-oulbé M , Ndomilep A J I
Published: November 2020

The large number of scientific papers on carved Monge surfaces give an idea of the dynamism of the research activity on them. Based on a definition of the concerned surfaces, several investigations have been carried out and many scientific works produced. The methods used by scientists to investigate the geometry of these surfaces are those of the differential geometry. Additional investigations, by mean of the kinematic method gave as a result, an alternative definition: a carved surface is generated by the motion of some plane curve (generatrix) along another arbitrary curve (directrix) so that the generatrix curve lies in the normal plane of the directrix line and is rigidly connected with it. However, it should be noted that the latter condition is necessary, but not sufficient for the formation of a carved surface. To achieve this goal, methods of differential geometry are used. In this article, the equation of the generatrix curve in the polar coordinate system is used and the parametric equation of carved Monge surfaces is specified that allows to more study their inner and outer geometries. New equations are obtained for more kinds of carved Monge surfaces that are classified and plotted by mean of the software Mathcad. These new forms of carved Monge surfaces can be used as middle surfaces for thin elastic shells that will be expressive and cover large spans.
Numerical simulation of gas propagation process behind a shock wave during optical breakdown of air in a cylindrical channel
Authors: Sattarov A G , Ziganshin B R , Sochnev A V , Nagulin K Y , Lapshin S V
Published: November 2020

This paper substantiates the need to study processes during nanosecond optical breakdown inside a cylindrical channel, and gives an analogy between L. Sedov’s theory of point explosion and an optical breakdown. A variant of the evolution of a shock wave inside a cylindrical channel is proposed. Based on the solution of the problem of a point explosion with backpressure, a preliminary estimate of the gas pressure and velocity behind the shock front was obtained to set the initial conditions in Ansys Fluent. As a result of numerical simulation, the characteristics of the shock wave were calculated, and the distributions of the velocity, density and pressure of the gas behind the shock front were obtained. According to comparison of the experiments and results of numerical simulation, an estimate of the shock wave energy is given, which is from 8 to 16% of the energy of a nanosecond laser pulse. The results of the proposed method of numerical calculation are consistent with the experimental data for measuring the time of the shock wave exits from the channel and the target momentum at atmospheric pressure.
The effectiveness of symbolic integer splitting method over both synchronous stream ciphers and perfectly secret ciphers
Authors: Alhussain A H
Published: November 2020

Synchronous stream ciphers are classified up to the used keystream into two types: either to the synchronous ciphers that are used pseudorandom keystreams, or to the perfectly-secret ciphers that are used truly random keystreams; each of these classifications has its disadvantages, so the necessity to find a method that belongs to the synchronous stream ciphers and overcomes their disadvantages is required. In this article, the author proposes a method to satisfy this purpose; the proposed method is called symbolic integer splitting method and it is a mathematical method for representing an integer in form of a certain sequence of integers by using the modular arithmetic operation. Also this method can be classified under perfectly-secret ciphers because it satisfies asymptotic secrecy under a certain condition. The new scientific results are conducted as the ability of this method to success in dealing with the disadvantages of both the traditional synchronous stream ciphers and perfectly-secret ones, likes: insecure protection of information, hide the information about the length of original message from the cryptanalyst, no need to use each gamma only once, not expensive in terms of required resources to store gammas.
Voice signal analysis techniques for cognitive decline (stress) assessment
Authors: Loizou C P , Christodoulides P
Published: November 2020

Speech signals may provide important information for measuring and modelling human behaviour, especially for assessing mental health as well as estimating the emotional state of a person. Speaker’s physiological and/or physical state may be thus identified by detecting the cognitive decline (CD) or stress levels using signal analysis of voice. This preliminary study presents a survey on methods introduced for CD and stress voice detection in humans. It is shown that increase in signal’s fundamental frequency (f0) as well as its frequency formants, are the most common effects of CD and stress. Additional voice parameters could be used to identify normal from CD and normal from stressed voice as well as the cognitive state of the elderly. The present study poses the initiation of a project for the development of a mobile application for the automated voice detection and analysis on the fly, which will aid in the detection of early signs of CD and stress. Further investigation with application on a large number of voice samples is required for validating the methods.
The degree of physical depreciation of buildings and structures
Authors: Tamrazyan A G , Ubysz A , Kharun M
Published: November 2020

The influence of an aggressive environment affects the appearance of physico-mechanical and physico-chemical corrosion processes, which in turn affects the depreciation of concrete properties, the redistribution of internal forces in sections and the depreciation of the working conditions of the reinforcement. The article discusses issues related to the degree of influence of environmental aggressiveness on building structures. It was shown that steel corrosion in concrete occurs due to a change in its passivity, which is associated with a decrease in alkalinity to pH <12 during carbonation of concrete. Data on the average rate of destruction of the material (metal and concrete) are given in case of corrosion. Types of solutions to extend the life of buildings and structures are presented. Methods for calculating physical wear are highlighted. The physical depreciation of the building is shown graphically, considering repair work. The definition of physical depreciation of buildings based on the calculation of the physical depreciations of its individual structural elements is given. An example of calculating the physical depreciation of a building is considered. A formula has been developed for determining the degree of damage to structural elements of a building object. The results of calculations of the degree of damage and the degree of physical depreciation of structural elements of the building are presented.
Effect of fire extinguish methods on RHA-concrete strength
Authors: Elshahat M R , Abu Mahadi M I , Elroba S M , Dayoub N , Petrova L A
Published: November 2020

During the few past years reuse these materials to enhancement the mechanical properties of concrete are one of the aims of concrete technology. The previous researches turn the rice hulls into rice husk ash by different methods. In this research, RHA were prepared by two methods which are oven burning at 200ºC and exposure to direct flame. Concrete cubes with 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by weight of cement were prepared and tested under compression test to achieve the optimum percentage of replacement and RHA preparation method. Then, three groups of RHA concrete cubes were casted and exposed to direct fire for one hour. One group of them tested directly to study the enhancement of fire resistance of RHA concrete and act of RHA in concrete fire resistance while, the other groups extinguished by two different methods (Water, and Powder) to study the effect of fire extinguish method on concrete strength. The results found that oven burning rice husk produce RHA better than direct flam. Effect of fire extinguish method has nearly the same effect on the reduction in concrete compressive strength and flexural strength. Concrete fire resistance for RHA concrete is higher than the conventional concrete.
Application of Fuzzy theory in project scheduling
Authors: Dayoub N , Stashevskiy A , Elroba S M , Elshahate M R
Published: November 2020

Project scheduling is considered one of the most important stages of project planning, and aims to optimize the use of available resources to obtain satisfactory results within the limits of time, cost, and quality. Previously, dealing with the issue of project scheduling was considered by some parameters as fixed values (such as the duration of project activities). Subsequently, cloudy theory allowed the development of new methods with the ability to deal with engineering problems in a realistic way close to human processing, relying on the user’s knowledge and experience, and in cases of uncertain data. In this article, a research review of the use of motion blur theory to solve the project scheduling problem showed the potential ability to apply in multiple fields and its ability to integrate with other methods such as (genetic algorithm).
Construction cost control and duration analysis of rehabilitation project
Authors: Koroteev D D , Huang Jueru , Kamrunnaher Mimi
Published: November 2020

In the process of rapid urbanization, the green ecological project is not only an important part of the function of urban space, but also an important way to promote the implementation of ecological civilization in the industrial economy and society. In China green ecological project is mainly embodied in the form of urban landscape engineering. Due to the expansion of the size of the city and the increase of the urban population, many of the original urban landscape projects cannot be matched with the current situation. Such as the original vegetation is destroyed, the equipment becomes old, functional single and so on. Today if the re-construction of the project under the original engineering conditions is carried out, this kind of re-construction project is called the green ecological project. And the construction of the rehabilitation project is called an effective means to realize the value of green ecological projects. This paper takes the landscape and greening re-construction project of Kaifeng West Division scenic spot as the research object, through the system of construction cost control and the construction period analysis research, the case on behalf of the re-construction of the construction.
Cyber-physical predictive diagnostics system for servos of mobile construction robots
Authors: Travush V , Erofeev V , Bulgakov A , Kruglova T , Svetlov D
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to solving the urgent scientific and technical problem of increasing the operational reliability of mobile construction robots. The cyber-physical system for predictive diagnostics of their servo drives is proposed. A five-level structure of a cyber-physical predictive diagnostics system is proposed. A description of each level is provided. An effective set of diagnostic parameters for predictive diagnostics of servo drives has been selected. A method is proposed to distinguish a faulty state from a load change based on wavelet transform and neural networks. A method for predicting the technical state of construction robots and electric motors based on neural networks has been developed. A fuzzy decision-making model based on the results of predictive diagnostics to optimize the trajectory of a mobile construction robot is described in detail. This allows to significantly extend the operational life of the mobile construction robot to eliminate sudden malfunctions and downtime of the construction site.
Features of structural plywood operation in conditions of flat stress state
Authors: Boytemirova I N , Boytemirov F A , Koroteev D D
Published: November 2020

The aim of our research work was to study operation features of plywood structures in flat stress state, which takes place in conditions of real operation of sheet structural materials. The method of study the materials in such conditions was developed. It includes determination of optimal form of specimens and equipment, providing tests of structural plywood under various ratio of values and signs of loads, made in mutually perpendicular directions. The research results of plywood operation from larch timber in conditions of biaxial tension and the assessment of its strength criterion under biaxial tension are shown in the research paper. The values of destructive stresses under various ratio of tension stress, directed along the main axes of elastic anisotropy of the tested material, were obtained. The experimental research results testify to possibility of using the test results of plywood specimens in conditions of biaxial tension and show that addition of extra stress almost does not reduce the strength limit of structural plywood.
Evaluation of mechanical properties considering hysteresis characteristic of high damping rubber bearing
Authors: Park K H , Fujiwara Y , Mazda T , Kajita Y
Published: November 2020

Recently, laminated rubber bearings are widely used as seismic isolators for road bridges. Although many studies have been conducted on the dynamic model of High Damping Rubber (HDR) bearings, few models can reflect phenomena such as the dependency of experienced shear strain on initial history. To develop a model that can represent the dependency of the experienced shear strain of HDR and a dynamic loading test was conducted using HDR specimens. The hysteresis characteristics of HDR was measured by applying a horizontal vibration using a hybrid actuator under a constant vertical load. Based on the cyclic shear test, the mechanical properties of HDR were calculated such as absorbed energy, hysteresis loop area, equivalent stiffness, equivalent damping ratio. Dynamic analysis was also performed from the experimental results. The dynamic model applied in program analysis is a bilinear type double-target model. This model can express the nonlinear characteristics related to the initial history of HDR bearings. The parameters required for dynamic analysis were determined from the experimental results. Through this dynamic analysis, the effectiveness of the bilinear type double target model was verified. In this research, a high damping rubber specimen was used.
Influence of electromagnetic atomizers’ technical condition on power and ecological indicators of gasoline I.C.E. in operation
Authors: Khlopkov S , Danilov I , Khodyakov A , Danilov S , Leonteva L
Published: November 2020

Productivity of electromagnetic atomizers (EMA) of gasoline engines has been defined. It is established that EMA productivity removed from engine with an operating time of 30-60 thousand km, as well as new atomizers after their washing by ultrasound can change both productivity growth and its decrease. It is shown that the content of PCO and CH in the exhaust gases of car GAZ-27040 V (run of 30 thousand km) at engine work (on idling turns) with washed MA is below concentration of the specified toxic components in exhaust gases of the motor completed by unwashed ultrasound EMA It is established that the difference in compared values of capacity and a torque, obtained in testing on dynamometric stand (subroutine Pmax, for the EMA engine before processing by ultrasound) is not significant. In the tests conducted in subroutine Vconst, the gain of capacity of the EMA engine washed out by ultrasound has been 0.04 MJ·km−1 (1.71 %).
Redundant electromechanical actuator operation analysis in case of failures
Authors: Samsonovich S L , Rozhnin N B , Makarin M A , Larin A P , Obolenskiy Yu G , Abdulin R R
Published: November 2020

In the modern aircraft control systems electro-hydraulic actuators are used widely, due to structural and elemental redundancy, they remain operational even in case of two heterogeneous failures. However, the hydraulic systems supplying them require regular maintenance and have large overall dimensions. The more electric aircraft concept involves reducing the number of hydraulic systems and replacing part of the actuators with electromechanical ones powered by a centralized electrical system. This requires highly reliable electromechanical actuators development and determines to search for ways to implement their structural and elemental redundancy. The modern elements, including electric motors with rare-earth metals, wave gears and power electronics, has low mass and size specifications. However, the reliability issues associated with structural and elemental redundancy for electromechanical actuators are not well studied and are under development. In this article a redundant electromechanical rotary actuator and its reconfiguration algorithm descriptions are given for in the events of heterogeneous failures. This algorithm is used to compile a mathematical model and conduct simulation experiments. It is shown that by means of structural redundancy the actuator remains operable even in case of two heterogeneous failures.
Parameterization for addressing tasks on flat lever mechanisms kinematic analysis in the AutoCAD environment
Authors: Davydenko P A , Nesterenko M A , Timofeeva T V
Published: November 2020

The objectives on identifying all the links’ position in a flat lever mechanism within the considered time period, as well as determining the values of displacements, speeds and accelerations for the mechanism’s characteristic points are applied in engineering calculations in the course of the mechanisms designing process. Conducting kinematic analysis using the graphoanalytic method is a fairly accurate and visual method in training, but it is quite time-consuming and contains a lot of routine operations. This paper demonstrates a solution enabling to significantly reduce the number of routine operations by creating a dynamic block for the mechanism’s initial position with the parametric dependencies setting up. Designing is performed in the AutoCAD environment. This solution will help to quickly and accurately build a set of the flat lever mechanism links’ positions and display the characteristic curves for angular coordinates "φ" and time “t”. The algorithm for creating such a block, as well as the features of working with parametric models are described. The proposed method allows to introduce the research elements in studying the discipline “Theory of mechanisms and machines”. By imposing dimensional and geometric constraints, one can trace their influence on changing kinematic diagrams of the path, speed and acceleration.
Performance of a single effect absorbing chiller lithium bromide-water coupled to a solar collector
Authors: Souri K , Kashyzadeh K R , Naghdali A S , Mesbah M
Published: November 2020

In this study, the potential of using solar energy which would be catch by a flat plate heat exchanger is investigated as the input source of heat to a single absorption refrigeration system of lithium bromide-water. Validating the simulation, results was compared to the theoretical and empirical results of previous studies. The daily operation of the refrigeration system for atmospheric data in Tehran’s typical day, shows that there would be an optimum number of flat plate collectors in the solar absorption system, which is 50 with a surface area of 5/38 square meters. This number, in addition to have a proper performance factor, can provide a cooling load of about 5 kilowatts, while the power consumption of pumping in the combined cycle is not considerable. Finally, the effect of different performance parameters including temperature of the heat generator, evaporator temperature on the daily efficiency of the solar refrigeration cycle has been investigated. As the evaporator temperature increases, the daily performance of the solar refrigeration system is increased.
Assessment of energy potential for heat recovery in the EU industry
Authors: Panayiotou G , Agathokleous R , Florides G , Christodoulides P
Published: November 2020

Thermal processes account for 70% of the EU industry final energy, with 30% thereof being wasted through losses. This fact has been a motivating factor toward applying various technologies and methods for waste heat recovery. Already such technologies exist and are applied in many industrial sectors, while some “new” technologies have also been tested or suggested. It is therefore useful to obtain insight information into such processes, together with their temperature ranges and, hence, assess the potential market for each industrial sector. Here such an attempt is made, based on existing literature. Estimates on the total energy that can be recovered through the EU industry are given and a special case study on the important Iron and Steel industry is presented. This kind of information can be useful for the improvement of existing and the development of “new” technologies or techniques.
Plasticized epoxy composites for manufacturing of composite reinforcement
Authors: Kablov E N , Erofeev V T , Rimshin V I , Zotkina M M , Dergunova A V , Moiseev V V
Published: November 2020

Composite rebar is a promising building material due to its advantages over steel rebar. Polymer reinforcement consists of a hardened matrix reinforced with a continuous fiber. The main role of the matrix is to determine the performance properties of the composite and to distribute stresses in the reinforcing filler. Optimization of the polymer matrix composition in terms of strength and technical parameters makes it possible to obtain a composite with high performance properties. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of modifying additives on the properties of the matrix for the production of composites with high technical requirements. When performing research, we considered modifiers that interact differently with the components of the polymer matrix as plasticizers. The first type of additive is able to combine with reactive groups of epoxy resin to form a three-dimensional product. Urea resin was used as such a compound. The second group of samples contained a furfurolacetone monomer-a substance that does not contain reactive groups with the resin, but interacts with the hardener of the epoxy resin. And the third type of modifier is dioctyl phthalate, whose role is to change the intermolecular and intramolecular interaction of the spatial structure that it fills. Optimization of compositions to identify areas with high physical and mechanical values was carried out using mathematical methods of experiment planning. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that with the optimal content of plasticizers, in all cases, there is an increase in the compressive and tensile strength indicators compared to materials without additives. Further increase in the content of modifying additives (above the optimal amount) leads to a decrease in strength.
Strength and deformability of cement stone, mortar and concrete during loading
Authors: Erofeev V T , Makridin N I , Maksimova I N , Moiseev V V
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes the structural strength and the main provisions of the mechanical behavior of cement systems under short-term loading. It presents the results of the research into concrete’s strength and deformability at the structural levels of the cement stone, mortar and concrete in general during loading. To fabricate concretes, manufacturable binders, quarry sands and rock – silica clay of the Penza region were used. The following materials were considered: cement stone with different W/C, cement mortar with different sands and with its addition in different proportions, and concrete with the use of a light aggregate – thermolith. It was found that when the W/C increases from 0.25 to 0.31, the ultimate compressibility and ultimate extensibility of cement stone increases to 9% and 29.5%, respectively. The introduction of various types of sand into the composition caused the reduced compressibility and extensibility of materials, despite the fact that the mortars became more plastic. The authors describe the fabrication technology and properties of a light aggregate based on a silica clay - thermolith. Tests of thermolith concrete showed the character of immediate elastic and rapidly increasing creep deformations development in the context of longitudinal compression and transverse expansion.
Planning an experimental study of water valves
Authors: Svintsov A P , Fominov V A
Published: November 2020

Designing the plan of the experiment represents the optimal control of empirical research while processing an incomplete knowledge of the mechanism of phenomena. Experiments are usually performed in small series according to a pre-compiled algorithm, optimal in a pre-defined range. After each series of experiments, the measurement results are processed and an informed decision is made. Statistical processing of experiment data allows us to get the correct research results with errors that do not exceed the tolerance limits. The research goal is to develop a program and plan for the experimental study of the laws and quantitative values of the hydraulic characteristics of water folding valves. As a result of the research, attention is emphasized on the preliminary processing of the experiment data provided for the design of the experiment to study the hydraulic characteristics of the valves. As a part of the research of the experiment design, a program for the experimental change in water flow through the passage opening of the water valves was developed and verified. The results of the research allow us to carry out experimental studies of the hydraulic characteristics of the valves and obtain data with a given statistical security.
Mathematical model to determine the runoff coefficient based on precipitation and curve number data, in the Manabi hydrographic demarcation, Ecuador
Authors: Zambrano X H V , Campos Cedeno A F , Mendoza Alava J O , Mendoza Cedeno J J , Sinichenko E K , Gritsuk I I
Published: November 2020

During the last five decades, the forests and natural resources have been highly disrupted by human activities, causing a significant decrease of the plant coverage, consequently resulting in an increase runoff and soil erosion. Likewise, since 1989 non-basic information related to these topics has been obtained from the field, which does not allow appropriate hydraulic structure design. The purpose of the current paper is to determine the relation between the Curve Number CN and runoff coefficient C, from information of the 34 meteorological stations located in the Manabi Hydrographic Demarcation (MHD), during the period 1963-2013. This work is developed using information provided by several State institutions, and support of Geographic Information System. The information is processed using lineal correlation analysis to find an equation that relates the CN a C values.
Ore of the Tomtor rare-earth deposit for its industrial processing
Authors: Yu Malkova M , Zadiranov A N , Zaya Kyaw , Dkhar P
Published: November 2020

One of the most promising rare-earth metal (REE) deposits is the Tomtor deposit. The purpose of the work was to study the technological sample of the Tomtor ore deposit to determine the methods of its industrial processing. To achieve this target, studies were conducted on the particle size distribution, mineral and chemical composition of the ore. It was established that the ore of the Tomtor deposit is a fine-disperse material, the particles of which are represented by polymineral aggregates of microcrystals smaller than micrometer. The ore belongs to pyrochlore-monazite-crandallite variety of phosphate-rare-metal ores and is rich in the content of minerals of rare-earth elements. Due to the fine-disperse and high complexity, the ore under this studying cannot be enriched by the traditional methods. An option for processing ore using combined pyro- and hydrometallurgy methods is proposed.
Design and performance characterisation of the HAPG von Hámos Spectrometer at the High Energy Density Instrument of the European XFEL
Authors: Preston T.R. , Göde S. , Schwinkendorf J.-P. , Appel K. , Brambrink E. , Cerantola V. , Höppner H. , Makita M. , Pelka A. , Prescher C. , Sukharnikov K. , Schmidt A. , Thorpe I. , Toncian T. , Amouretti A. , Chekrygina D. , Falcone R.W. , Falk K. , Fletcher L.B. , Galtier E. , Harmand M. , Hartley N.J. , Hau-Riege S.P. , Heimann P. , Huang L.G. , Humphries O.S. , Karnbach O. , Kraus D. , Lee H.J. , Nagler B. , Ren S. , Schuster A.K. , Smid M. , Voigt K. , Zhang M. , Zastrau U.
Published: November 2020

The von Hámos spectrometer setup at the HED instrument of the European XFEL is described in detail. The spectrometer is designed to be operated primarily between 5 and 15 keV to complement the operating photon energy range of the HED instrument. Four Highly Annealed Pyrolitic Graphite (HAPG) crystals are characterised with thicknesses of 40 μm or 100 μm and radius-of-curvature 50 mm or 80 mm, in conjunction with either an ePix100 or Jungfrau detector. The achieved resolution with the 50 mm crystals, operated between 6.5 and 9 keV, matches that reported previously: ∼8 eV for a thickness of 40 μm, whereas, with an 80 mm crystal of thickness 40 μm, the resolution exceeds that expected. Namely, a resolution of 2 eV is demonstrated between 5–6 keV implying a resolving power of 2800. Therefore, we posit that flatter HAPG crystals, with their high reflectivity and improved resolving power, are a powerful tool for hard x-ray scattering and emission experiments allowing unprecedented measurements of collective scattering in a single shot.
Comparison of food supply system in China and Japan based on food nitrogen footprints estimated by a top-down method
Authors: Shindo Junko , Oita Azusa , Hayashi Kentaro , Shibata Hideaki
Published: November 2020

Food nitrogen footprints (N-footprints) for China in 2013 and Japan in 2011 were estimated with a top-down method (the N-Input method). This method evaluates the new nitrogen input for food production in both the country of interest and the countries from which food is imported. The food N-footprints in China and Japan were 21.96 kg N capita–1 yr–1 and 18.44 kg N capita–1 yr–1, respectively, which were similar to published values estimated with the N-calculator method, which evaluates nitrogen loss to the environment during production and consumption. To compare the nitrogen use efficiency for different type of food supplied in both countries, we calculated the ratio (R
I/O) of new nitrogen input to nitrogen output to each type of food domestically produced and imported. R
I/O for crops tended to be larger in China than in Japan, whereas the opposite was observed for livestock products. The larger N-footprint in China was mainly attributable to the higher per capita protein intake in China compared with Japan; per capita nitrogen intake in China has been increasing and is 6.95 kg N yr–1 in 2013, exceeding the intake in Japan (5.86 kg N yr–1 in 2011). We also showed that R
I/O can be converted to the virtual nitrogen factors, which can be used for N-calculator method, in heavy food importing countries. Some methodological differences in food N-footprint estimation methods were discussed. For example, approximately 10% of the N-footprint in both countries by the N-Input method was attributable to supply of secondary products such as sugar, vegetable oil and alcoholic beverages, but these were not included in the N-calculator method.
The effect of cultural practices and perceptions on global climate change response among Indigenous peoples: a case study on the Tayal people in northern Taiwan
Authors: Bayrak Mucahid Mustafa , Hung Li-San , Hsu Yi-Ya
Published: November 2020

Many Indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected by global climate change. Current research is focused on how Indigenous adaptation and mitigation strategies can be integrated into mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach, this study explored the effects of culture and local perceptions on coping strategies and adaptations to climate change among Indigenous communities, of which knowledge is inadequate, with a specific focus on two Indigenous Tayal communities in northern Taiwan (N = 101). From our findings, we developed a typology based on a polychoric factor analysis, which includes four key aspects: commercialized response; experience and anticipation; culture, preparedness and recovery; and external support and institutions. The typology shows that cultural practices and perceptions profoundly shape how Indigenous households respond to climate-related disasters and should therefore be incorporated more comprehensively into climate change adaptation and mitigation policy. Our findings reflect a nuanced understanding of Indigenous peoples’ complicated relationship with global climate change. The proposed typology could be used as a theoretical and/or policy-oriented framework to advance an agenda for strengthening Indigenous livelihood resilience to global climate change.
Formation and dissipation dynamics of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer
Authors: He Qianshan , Ma Jianzhong , Zheng Xiangdong , Wang Yanyu , Wang Yuhang , Mu Haizhen , Cheng Tiantao , He Ruilian , Huang Guan , Liu Dongwei , Lelieveld Jos
Published: November 2020

The Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL) is characterized by enhanced aerosol concentrations in the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere at 13–18 km altitude. A growing body of evidence suggests that the aerosol enhancement is closely connected with deep convection during the monsoon. However, the origin of the aerosols is under debate, and the key factors that determine the ATAL variability remain poorly understood. We investigated the formation and dissipation mechanisms of the ATAL and the inter-annual variation from a dynamical viewpoint using satellite observations and meteorological reanalysis data from 2012 to 2018. We identified the northern Bay of Bengal and adjacent land area, where air pollution from the Indian subcontinent converges, as the major convection source area of aerosols to the ATAL. The spatial extent of the ATAL, represented by the mean attenuated scattering ratio from satellite measurements, appears to be related to a secondary circulation driven by the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation. The aerosols are not homogeneously distributed within the ATAL, and descending motion in the western part is found to play an important role in dissipation of the layer. These findings elucidate the ATAL dynamics and associated regional and global air pollution transports.
Asymptotic behavior of Toeplitz determinants with a delta function singularity
Authors: Marić Vanja , Franchini Fabio
Published: November 2020

We find the asymptotic behaviors of Toeplitz determinants with symbols which are a sum of two contributions: one analytical and non-zero function in an annulus around the unit circle, and the other proportional to a Dirac delta function. The formulas are found by using the Wiener–Hopf procedure. The determinants of this type are found in computing the spin-correlation functions in low-lying excited states of some integrable models, where the delta function represents a peak at the momentum of the excitation. As a concrete example of applications of our results, using the derived asymptotic formulas we compute the spin-correlation functions in the lowest energy band of the frustrated quantum XY chain in zero field, and the ground state magnetization.
Entanglement and fermionization of two distinguishable fermions in a strict and non strict one-dimensional space
Authors: Cuestas Eloisa , Jiménez Martín D , Majtey Ana P
Published: November 2020

The fermionization regime and entanglement correlations of two distinguishable harmonically confined fermions interacting via a zero-range potential is addressed. We present two alternative representations of the ground state that we associate with two different types of one-dimensional spaces. These spaces, in turn, induce different correlations between particles and thus require a suitable definition of entanglement. We find that the entanglement of the ground state is strongly conditioned by those one-dimensional space features. We also find that in the strongly attractive regime the relative ground state is a highly localized state leading to maximum entanglement. Our analysis shows that in the strongly repulsive regime the ground state changes smoothly from a superposition of Slater-like states to a finite superposition of Slaters, this lack of accessible states yields to Pauli blocking as a strong signature of fermionization. Our results indicate that entangled states could be obtained in current experiments by reaching the non-interacting regime from the interacting regime. Entangled states could also be obtained when a state is brought from the interacting regime into the strongly repulsive regime by changing the scattering length near the confinement-induced resonance (CIR). Finally, we show that the first excited state obtained in the absence of interactions and the third excited fermionized state are maximally entangled.
Determination of peppermint compounds in breath by needle trap micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Bellagambi Francesca G , Lomonaco Tommaso , Ghimenti Silvia , Biagini Denise , Fuoco Roger , Francesco Fabio Di
Published: November 2020

Breath analysis is an alternative approach for disease diagnosis and for monitoring therapy. The lack of standardized procedures for collecting and analysing breath samples currently limits its use in clinical practice. In order to overcome this limitation, the ‘Peppermint Consortium’ was established within the breath community to carry out breath wash-out experiments and define reference values for a panel of compounds contained in the peppermint oil capsule. Here, we present a needle trap micro-extraction technique coupled with gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry for a rapid and accurate determination of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, menthofuran, menthone, menthol and menthyl acetate in mixed breath samples. Detection limits between 1 and 20 pptv were observed when 25 ml of a humidified standard gas mixture were loaded into a needle trap device at a flow rate of 10 ml min−1. Inter- and intra-day precisions were lower than 15%, thus confirming the reliability of the assay. Our procedure was used to analyse breath samples taken from a nominally healthy volunteer who was invited to swallow a 200 mg capsule of peppermint oil. Six samples were collected at various times within 6 h of ingestion. Analyte concentrations were not affected by the sampling mode (i.e. mixed vs. end-tidal fraction), whereas respiratory rate and exhalation flow rate values slightly influenced the concentration of the target compounds in breath samples.
Protection and Development Strategies for the Native Landscape of Dong Villages in Guangxi
Authors: Zhu Wenshuang , Han Jinjiang
Published: November 2020

The development and inheritance of the native landscape of Dong villages in Guangxi are embracing new opportunities as well as threats under the impact of accelerating urbanization. Therefore, the thoughts on the status quo and future development approaches of the native landscape of Dong villages in Guangxi and the conclusion of strategies for improvement and what to inherit as it evolves might provide references for the construction of “Beautiful Village” and “Guangxi of Magnificence”.
Floristic Composition and Characteristics of Xuzhou, China
Authors: Ju Shuming , Bu Peijiao , Zhang Yuting , Zhao Huaxiang , Chen Jiayi , Li Peigen , Yang Chengfang , Nan Nan
Published: November 2020

Located in the southeastern part of the North China Plain, Xuzhou is the northernmost city in Jiangsu Province. According to the investigation, there are 733 species of 462 genera and 127 species of wild plants in Xuzhou. According to the type of distribution area of families and genera, the proportion of the pantropical distribution is 31.50%, which is the largest in the tropical northern margin of Xuzhou. The total tropical composition is 144 genera, accounting for 31.17%. The temperate distribution has a total of 236 genera, accounting for 51.08%. According to the geographical composition of the subordinates, the wild flora of Xuzhou is mainly composed of temperate elements, and the typical temperate components account for 51.08%. Therefore, the wild flora of Xuzhou should be temperate flora.
Study on the Permit System of Sewage Discharge Based On Water Pollution
Authors: Ding Zeya
Published: November 2020

Pollutant discharge standards are a technical legal norm. The essence of emission permit system is to meet the technical standards. Based on the classification of China’s two-level and four categories of water pollutant emission standard system, this paper analyses the poor performance of this system. The main reasons are the lack of special laws and regulations, the failure to break through key technical issues and backward management. In view of the key reasons, this paper discusses the feasible solutions. For example, to improve the total amount examination system of the pollutant discharge license, to formulate the relevant technical specifications for the management of the pollutant discharge license, to improve the drainage basin discharge standard with the goal of reaching the water quality standard, and to increase the punishment of illegal discharge.
Impact of Environmental Costs on Export Trade
Authors: Ouyang Ke
Published: November 2020

With the rapid growth of trade, the problem of environmental protection has become increasingly prominent. In the export trade, environmental costs are highly valued and become one of the enterprises important considerations for production and export in China. This paper analyzes the impact of environmental cost internalization and environmental regulation on export trade based on the related literature on environmental cost and export trade; using China’s one-time energy consumption data from 1997 to 2017 and 2001-2015 China’s major industrial pollution discharge data. It simply calculated the environmental costs based on energy consumption. The research results show that the impact of environmental costs on export trade is mainly reflected in the impact on trade advantages and export product structure. Whether it is internalization of environmental costs or reasonable environmental regulation, it has a positive effect on the protection of pollutants from export enterprises and the protection of environmental resources within a certain scope, but excessive environmental costs or environmental regulations will increase the production cost of export products, which is ultimately not conducive to the growth of export trade. The government needs to further strengthen the coordinated development of environment and export trade to build an environment-friendly trade power.
Rapid Repair of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers
Authors: Yin Xueqian , Qu Yuan , Liu Hongting
Published: November 2020

The traditional repair process is slow in the repair process, the materials used in the construction process are relatively expensive, the fire performance is poor, and the wet paving construction effect is not good. Therefore, a new technology for rapid repair of reinforced concrete piers is studied. Combined with the maintenance process, the section of the existing reinforced concrete bridge pier is repaired; on the basis of the repair process, the reinforcement sleeve of the reinforced concrete pier is repaired; the feasibility of the designed repair technology is verified by simulation experiment. The experimental results show that the bridge pier repair technology can quickly and effectively realize the overall reinforcement of reinforced concrete pier, with less consumables, low cost, small steel section thickness and good repair effect.
Collapse Behavior and Microstructural Change of Loess under Different Wetting-Drying Cycles
Authors: Yuan Kang-ze , Ni Wan-kui , Lü Xiang-fei
Published: November 2020

Densely compacted loess on which many man-made infrastructures are built are often exposed to strong weathering processes such as repeated wetting-drying (WD) cycles. In this paper, explore the relationship between collapsibility and wetting-drying cycles. all the samples were characterized by the XRD, surface micrographs, MIP and Collapsibility analysis. The results illustrated that the dominant inter-aggregate pore size and its peak intensity decrease as the specimens were increasing from 1 WD Cycle to 4WD Cycles, while intra-aggregate pores remained almost unchanged. Therefore, we finally get the wetting-drying cycles with a small number of times, the collapsibility coefficient will decrease. And the size of the particles and pore play an important role in collapsibility.
Exploring the Habitat Restoration and Landscape Construction of the Wetland Lakeside Zone in the Lujiang Section on the Southern Bank of the Chaohu Lake
Authors: Cheng Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaofan
Published: November 2020

This article proposes the corresponding situation from the four aspects of the wetland along the south bank of the Chaohu Lake, the aquatic reed wetland habitat, the aquatic plant landscape, the anti-wave forest and the slope protection, combined with the current situation and treatment of the lakeside line in the Lujiang section on the south bank of Chaohu Lake. Focusing on the habitat and landscape construction of the south bank of the Chaohu Lake wetland, it emphasizes the principle of ecological priority, highlights the application of ecological engineering technology, continues the urban“blue vein green network” ecological pattern, which strengthens the construction of ecological corridors and protection systems, and that establishes a stable and excellent ring. Chaohu wetland lakeside ecosystem.