bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of scenario-based virtual safety testing using low-cost sensor-based instrumented vehicle
Authors: Cheok Jun Hong , Lee Kah Onn , Aparow Vimal Rau , N.H. Amer  , C.S.P. Peter  , Magaswaran Kumaresan
Published: July 2023

Autonomous vehicle (AV) requires millions of miles on road to test the reliability of safety systems. It is also difficult to test the AV for critical scenarios which are rare but will endanger road users. Therefore, virtual safety testing simulation platforms are introduced to test the safety systems of the autonomous vehicles in critical scenarios. However, developing the virtual safety testing simulation platform requires information about the environment and driving data from the real world. Besides, it is challenging to build a system to collect driving data which is normally cost intensive especially in developing countries. Paradoxically, these developing countries have poor traffic environment which can provide valuable scenarios for safety testing test cases. Therefore, in this paper, a scenario-based testing using virtual simulation platform is developed using data captured by a low-cost sensor-based instrumented vehicle. The instrumented vehicle is built by low-cost off-the-shelf components for the testing purpose. The instrumented vehicle is used for validation process in IPG CarMaker’s vehicle model using SAE standards. Then, the validated vehicle model is used as an autonomous vehicle in IPG CarMaker for the virtual scenario-based safety testing. The whole validation process from data collection to data logging is carried out using various economic sensors instead of a single industrial system. This approach greatly reduce the cost of the instrumented vehicle and the result of the scenario-based testing shows that the virtual scenarios developed in IPG CarMaker can be used for validation purpose with actual scenarios using low-cost sensor based instrumented vehicle as low as 4% root mean square percentage error.
Impact of eave and roof pitch on cross ventilation for an isolated building with sawtooth roof
Authors: Moey Lip Kean , Cheong Seng Keat , Zobaied Md Akkik Al , Tai Vin Cent , Go Tze Fong , Chong Perk Lin
Published: July 2023

An eave refers to an extension attached to the building roof to protect the interior space from direct solar radiation and improve the performance on cross ventilation. In this study, the impact of eave inclination angle and roof pitch of an isolated sawtooth roof building on cross ventilation were investigated. The eave configurations at either windward or leeward openings were included. 3D steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation in combination with the Shear-Stress Transport model (SST k-ω model) was used for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Grid sensitivity study was carried out and the performance of cross ventilation was evaluated based on the non-dimensional velocity magnitude, spatial distribution of pressure coefficient as well as the ventilation rate of the building. For the simulation model with 55° roof pitch, it is observed that a region with high velocity magnitude formed on top of the leeward eave due to the higher roof pitch and presence of the leeward eave. Results also indicated that the building model with 90° leeward eave and 55° roof pitch has the highest increment in ventilation rate which is 7.16%. On the other hand, the building model with 90° windward eave has the highest pressure coefficient because more blockage of airflow is caused by a steeper roof as the roof pitch of the building increases. Furthermore, the building model with 90° leeward eave shows a larger region with negative pressure at the leeward façade indicating higher airflow leaving the leeward opening. Therefore, the airflow behavior and characteristic are both dependent on the roof pitch and eave inclination angle for a naturally ventilated building.
Effect of oxygen plasma pre-treatment and titanium dioxide overlay coating on flame retardant finished cotton fabrics
Authors: Lam Yin Ling , Kan Chi Wai , Yuen Chun Wah
Published: July 2023

Flammability properties of plasma pretreated cotton fabrics subjected to flame-retardant treatment were studied. Plasma pretreatment, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), was applied to cotton fabrics to enhance material properties, while retaining inherent advantages of the substrates. An organic phosphorus compound (flame-retardant agent, FR) together with a melamine resin (crosslinking agent, CL) and phosphoric acid (catalyst, PA) were used. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) or nano-TiO2 was used as a co-catalyst for cotton fabrics to improve treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects. Surface morphology of plasma pretreated cotton specimens subjected to flame-retardant treatment showed a roughened and wrinkled fabric surface with high deposition of the finishing agent, caused by an etching effect of plasma and attack of acidic FR. Combustibility of FR-CL-PA-TiO2 and FR-CL-PA-Nano-TiO2 treated fabrics was evaluated by a 45° flammability test. FR-CL-PA-treated specimens showed superior flame-retardancy, which was further improved by plasma pretreatment and addition of metal oxide as a co-catalyst. However, in comparison with the control sample, flame-retardant-treated cotton specimens had lower breaking load and tearing strength, resulting from side effects of the crosslinking agent used, while plasma pretreatment might compensate for the reduction in tensile strength caused by flame-retardant agents. In addition, both plasma pretreatment and metal oxide co-catalyst added in the flame-retardant finishing improved the crosslinking process between FR and cotton fabric, minimizing formation of free formaldehyde and allowing the use of FR in industry.
Pyrolysis of tobacco residue: Part 1. Thermal
Authors: Akalın Mehmet K. , Karagöz Selhan
Published: July 2023

The pyrolysis of two types of tobacco residue was carried out at different pyrolysis temperatures between 300 and 600 °C and a residence time of 1 h in a nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the product distributions was investigated and the composition of the bio-oils identified. The variation in product distribution depended on both the temperature and the type of tobacco residues. The maximum liquid yields were obtained at 400°C for one sample and at 500°C for the other. The compositions of bio-oils from the pyrolysis of the two samples were found to be very similar. N-containing compounds were found to be the major compounds identified in ether extracts for both samples.
The effects of tannin and thermal treatment on physical and mechanical properties of laminated chestnut wood composites
Authors: Gunduz Gokhan , Aydemir Deniz , Onat Saadettin Murat , Akgun Kemal
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tannin and thermal treatment on physical properties such as dimensional stability and moisture content (%), as well as mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and compression strength of laminated chestnut wood composites, which are used commonly for shipboard construction in Turkey. The chestnut wood used in boat construction is usually exposed to several treatments in order to achieve better bonding performance and to remove excessive tannins. According to the results obtained, physical properties of laminated chestnut wood without tannin were better compared to samples with tannin. Oven-dry density and air-dry density were found to be higher in samples containing tannins and not exposed to thermal treatment. Moreover, the lowest value of density was observed in samples containing no tannin and exposed to thermal treatment. In terms of mechanical properties, the highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity were obtained from samples containing tannins and not exposed to heat treatment. The lowest values were found in samples without tannin exposed to heat treatment. Regarding compression strength, the maximum and minimum values were found in samples containing tannins and not exposed to heat treatment and samples without tannin and exposed to heat treatment, respectively.
Efectos del COVID-19 y número de deudores en los créditos de consumo en Perú
Authors: Holgado Dorado Kilder
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar si el inicio de la pandemia COVID-19 y la variación en la cantidad de deudores provocó efectos en los montos de los créditos vigentes y en la cartera atrasada de los créditos de consumo. Método: La investigación fue de tipo descriptivo y explicativo. El análisis realizado fue documental y estadístico. Para hallar el efecto de las variables independientes sobre las dependientes se consideró el modelo de mínimo cuadrados ordinarios, donde el periodo COVID-19 tomó el valor de 1 y se consideró 0 en cualquier otro caso; adicionalmente el periodo evaluado fue entre setiembre 2018 hasta setiembre 2021. Resultados: El inicio de la pandemia COVID-19 provocó una disminución de los créditos vigentes e incrementó la cartera atrasada. Conclusión: Las reprogramaciones de créditos de la cartera vigente por el inicio de la pandemia COVID-19 evitó el aumento de provisiones bancarias; sin embargo, el impacto de las reprogramaciones en cada banco fue diferente, aumentando la cartera atrasada.
Metodología de la investigación interdisciplinaria: fundamentos y proyecciones
Authors: Llanos Ceballos Adolfo León
Published: July 2023

El artículo examina la formulación de una metodología de investigación de carácter interdisciplinario para la educación terciaria. La visión parcelada del conocimiento mediante la enseñanza, el aprendizaje y la evaluación de asignaturas que corresponden a disciplinas comienza a agotarse, pues los desafíos frente a la protección del planeta y la defensa de la vida humana exigen la implementación de una perspectiva holística que se aleje de la compartimentalización del saber. El documento, mediante un método de sistematización, en su primera parte, aborda tres categorías, cuyo propósito clave es fundamentar la propuesta, estas son: la universidad, el saber y el territorio. En una segunda instancia, se desagregan dos componentes sustanciales de la disciplina, por un lado los métodos, en su doble vertiente ―normativa y gnoseológica―, y por otro lado los conceptos, en su estructura epistemológica. Seguidamente, se dan a conocer los campos interdisciplinarios, entendidos como los espacios de construcción de la interdisciplina que incluye objetos de estudio, tensiones y, ante todo, necesidades. Como resultado, se esboza un ejercicio sobre la automatización del cultivo de cilantro. Se concluye que este tipo de investigación es factible, y la universidad, como sistema sociocultural donde se construye conocimiento científico, debe orientarse hacia saberes interdisciplinares.
Devolución del saldo a favor del exportador y exportaciones de minerales metálicos del sector minero peruano
Authors: Levano Huamaccto Ronald Studer , Oscanoa Ponce Bill Frank , Chávez Taipe César Enrique
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la devolución del saldo a favor del exportador y las exportaciones de minerales metálicos del sector minero peruano durante el periodo 2005-2021. Método: El enfoque fue cuantitativo, el diseño observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y analítico; de nivel correlacional. Se aplicó la prueba de normalidad de Shapiro-Wilk para determinar si los datos corresponden a una distribución normal; así como pruebas de hipótesis para determinar la relación entre las variables de estudio. Resultado: Existe correlación positiva media entre la devolución del saldo a favor del exportador y las exportaciones de minerales metálicos del sector minero peruano, con un grado de correlación de +0,665. Conclusión: La devolución del saldo a favor del exportador está asociada a las exportaciones de minerales metálicos del sector minero peruano durante el periodo 2005-2021.
The Impact of Objective and Subjective Factors on Fertility in Times of Uncertainty
Authors: KURYLO IRYNA , AKSYONOVA SVITLANA
Published: July 2023

The article examines a complex of objective and subjective factors that determine fertility on a macro and micro level, as well as the specificity of their relationships during periods of uncertainty. The purpose of this study is to identify objective and subjective factors of fertility, analyze the relationships between them, and the characteristics of their influence under conditions of socio-economic and military-political uncertainty in Ukraine. To accomplish this, a range of methods were employed, including systematization and generalization, critical evaluation of scientific progress in the relevant field, categorization, conceptual modeling of factors affecting demographic processes (reproductive behavior and fertility), structural-logical analysis, comparative analysis and others. The novelty of the work lies in identifying the nature of the influence of objective and subjective factors, their interrelationships and role in the determination of fertility on a macro and micro level in conditions of uncertainty. Objective and subjective factors are interrelated and, depending on the context and level of fertility determination (macro or micro level), their significance and the nature of influence differ. The specificity of the relationship between objective and subjective factors of fertility is reflected in the “transition” of ones into others at various levels. The influence of objective factors on fertility is mostly mediated and occurs through subjective perception by individuals of any particular objective factors and circumstances. Subjective perceptions at the micro level are characterized by variability and may not coincide with the nature of changes in objective factors. In conditions of uncertainty and social upheavals (such as economic crisis, pandemic, war, etc.), discrepancies increase, and the influence of the subjective in fertility determination increases and takes on special characteristics. One manifestation of this is the increased role of expectations for the future (narratives of the future) in reproductive decision-making. Positive narratives about the future, reinforced by the implementation of measures to improve the quality of life for the population in a free democratic space, could become a driving force for increasing birth rate in Ukraine, parti - cularly for strengthening the compensatory effect in its dynamics after the war.
Social Capital of the Territorial Communities of Ukraine in the Conditions of War: Current Transformations and Forecasted Changes
Authors: DYAKONENKO OKSANA
Published: July 2023

The relevance of the study of current and forecasted transformations of the social capital of territorial communities is due to the need to strengthen social capital at the local level as a means of consolidating the population in the conditions of the destabilizing pressure of war and the risks of reducing the regulatory capabilities of state administration. The purpose of the study is to reveal the transformational shifts in the social capital of the territorial communities of Ukraine in the war and post-war periods. The scientific novelty of the work consists in revealing the peculiarities of the influence of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the humanitarian crisis caused by it on the trends of the development of social capital of the territorial communities of Ukraine. Forecasting of social capital transformations is based on the use of systemic approach, methods of abstraction and generalization, modeling, and scenario forecasting of time series. The use of the scenario approach is due to the low predictability and instability of military actions and includes realistic, optimistic, and pessimistic forecast versions. The prediction according to the realistic version is based on the assumption of building up the potential of social capital by the communities of the country and, above all, the territories freed from temporary occupation. It is substantiated that social capital will grow mainly within the community and to a lesser extent outside it, which is due to the residents’ need to identify themselves with the community and its values in conditions of threat to life. The surge of social capital and high motivation of the population will be manifested in the active participation of residents in the public life of territorial communities and the post-war reconstruction of the economy. The trends of the social capital transformation are substantiated for three groups of communities: temporarily occupied territories, territorial communities of the «near rear», and communities of the «deep rear». The optimistic version is based on the assumption that in the forecast period, the transformation of social capital will take place in the conditions of the successful end of hostilities and the liberation of the territory of Ukraine from the occupying forces. It is expected that in the conditions of the post-war reconstruction of communities, the multiplier effect of increasing financial capacity will have a positive impact on the social capital of the community and will manifest itself in the strengthening of the residents’ sense of social protection and the reduction of the economic anxiety level. According to the pessimistic version, the transformation of the social capital of territorial communities will take place in the conditions of a repeated massive offensive of Russian troops and the capture of new territories, which may cause a decrease in the level of trust between residents in the struggle for limited resources, discord, and a decrease in civic participation.
Global Social Risks in the Field of Labor: Lack of Decent Employment in Ukraine
Authors: NOVAK IRYNA , ZHUK INESA
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the study of decent employment in Ukraine in the context of global social risks in the field of labor. Based on the generalization of approaches to understanding global risks, the concepts of decent work, and sustainable human development, the lack of decent employment is considered one of the manifestations of the crisis in the field of employment, which is characterized by wage stagnation, the growth of unemployment and underemployment, geographical or sectoral mismatches between the demand and supply of labor force etc. The purpose of this article is to study decent employment in Ukraine in the context of global social risks in the field of labor, to identify the main problems that cause a lack of decent employment, the solution of which is necessary to ensure sustainable human development and post-war recovery of the country, to realize the prospects of European integration. The scientific novelty of the study is the substantiation of the methodological approach to the study of decent employment in the context of global social risks in the field of labor based on the analysis of such components as inadequate employment, forced underemployment for economic reasons, and informal employment. To achieve the defined goal, the following research methods are applied: comparative and statistical analysis of data, graphical method of presenting results — for quantitative assessment and research of decent employment; methods of system approach, logical analysis, induction and deduction, generalization and analogy — when substantiating and developing a methodological approach to the study of decent employment in Ukraine in the context of global social risks in the field of labor. On the basis of national data on labor statistics from statistical observations of enterprises, as well as a sample survey of the workforce, the dynamics of inadequate employment, forced underemployment for economic reasons, and informal employment were analyzed, in particular at sectoral and regional levels. It has been established that the main problems that cause a lack of decent employment in Ukraine are: an increase in inadequate employment with low wages in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, as well as in the field of providing services, information, and telecommunications; high level of forced underemployment in industry and increased loss of working time despite overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; lack of choice at the lower level of entering the informal labor market for rural women, young people, and people of retirement age.
Bifurcations and Stability of Nonlinear Vibrations of a Three-Layer Composite Shell with Moderate Amplitudes
Authors:   Anatolii Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NAS of Ukraine, Avramov Kostiantyn V. , Uspenskyi Borys V. ,   Anatolii Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NAS of Ukraine, Urniaieva Inna A. ,   Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, Breslavskyi Ivan D. ,   McGill University
Published: July 2023

The authors derived a mathematical model of geometrically nonlinear vibrations of three-layer shells, which describes the vibrations of the structure with amplitudes comparable to its thickness. The high-order shear theory is used in the derivation of this model. Rotational inertia is also taken into account. At the same time, the middle layer is a honeycomb structure made thanks to additive FDM technologies. In addition, each shell layer is described by five variables (three displacement projections and two rotation angles of the normal to the middle surface). The total number of unknown variables is fifteen. To obtain a model of nonlinear vibrations of the structure, the method of given forms is used. The potential energy, which takes into account the quadratic, cubic, and fourth powers of the generalized displacements of the structure, is derived. All generalized displacements are decomposed by generalized coordinates and eigenforms, which are recognized as basic functions. It is proved that the mathematical model of shell vibrations is a system of nonlinear non-autonomous ordinary differential equations. A numerical procedure is used to study nonlinear periodic vibrations and their bifurcations, which is a combination of the continuation method and the shooting method. The shooting method takes into account periodicity conditions expressed by a system of nonlinear algebraic equations with respect to the initial conditions of periodic vibrations. These equations are solved using Newton's method. The properties of nonlinear periodic vibrations and their bifurcations in the area of subharmonic resonances are numerically studied. Stable subharmonic vibrations of the second order, which undergo a saddle-node bifurcation, are revealed. An infinite sequence of bifurcations leading to chaotic vibrations is not detected.
Bending of Plates with Complex Shape Made from Materials that Differently Resist to Tension and Compression
Authors:   Anatolii Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NAS of Ukraine, Sklepus Serhii M.
Published: July 2023

A new numerical-analytical method for solving physically nonlinear bending problems of thin plates with complex shape made from materials that differently resist to tension and compression is developed. The uninterrupted parameter continuation method is used to formulate and linearize the problem of physically nonlinear bending. For the linearized problem, a functional in the Lagrange form, given on the kinematically possible displacement rates, is constructed. The main unknown problems (displacements, strains, stresses) were found from the solution of the initial problem, which was solved by the Runge-Kutta-Merson method with automatic step selection, by the parameter related to the load. The initial conditions are found from the solution of the problem of linear elastic deformation. The right-hand sides of the differential equations at fixed values of the load parameter corresponding to the Runge-Kutta-Merson scheme are found from the solution of the variational problem for the functional in the Lagrange form. Variational problems are solved using the Ritz method in combination with the R-function method, which allows to submit an approximate solution in the form of a formula – a solution structure that exactly satisfies the boundary conditions and is invariant with respect to the shape of the domain where the approximate solution is sought. The test problem for the nonlinear elastic bending of a square hinged plate is solved. Satisfactory agreement with the three-dimensional solution is obtained. The bending problem of the plate of complex shape with combined fixation conditions is solved. The influence of the geometric shape and fixation conditions on the stress-strain state is studied. It is shown that failure to take into account the different behavior of the material under tensile and compression can lead to significant errors in the calculations of the stress-strain state parameters.
Evaluation of the Influences of Different Roof Shapes on the Flow Properties and Performance of Small Wind Turbines
Authors:   University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Hirschl Alexander , Österreicher Daniel ,   University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien
Published: July 2023

Small wind turbines offer a complement to photovoltaic systems and are becoming an interesting solution in the wake of rising energy prices. The measurement results indicate that some locations on and around the building are not suited for installing wind turbines, while others show increased wind potential. Due to limited space, rooftop mounting is an interesting alternative to free mounting on a mast from a technical point of view. For this reason, the influence of roof shapes on the flow on and behind the building was measured and the performance of two different types of small wind turbines was investigated. The turbines assessed in the project are VertikonM with a vertical axis and helix-shaped rotor blades, and Superwind 1250 wind turbine with a horizontal axis and centrifugal force pitch control. The results showed that there is an average increase in wind speed of 0.2 m/s on gable roofs at hub height (7 m). In comparison, there is an increase of 0.4 m/s on flat roofs at hub height (7 m). In relation to the performance of the turbines, high turbulence on the roof seems to cancel out this effect. The performance of the horizontal axis small wind turbine has not increased in comparison with gable roof and free-standing mast. For the vertical-axis turbine, a power increase by a factor of 2.23 was achieved between free-standing mast and gable roof. Vertical wind flow above the gable roof was identified as the main cause for power increase. The experiment was conducted on the Lichtenegg energy research park (Lower Austria) and its results make it possible to better identify all effects that affect the turbine output power.
Marketing strategy of ecotourism in Uzbekistan and Indonesia
Authors: Yuliarni Novia , Hurriyati Ratih , Disman Disman , Hendrayati Heny , Warlina Lia
Published: July 2023

This study aims to compare a marketing strategy for ecotourism in Uzbekistan and Indonesia. A marketing strategy study for ecotourism in Uzbekistan used a literature review. However, ecotourism in Indonesia used a model to examine how the ecotourism experience influences tourist satisfaction and loyalty.  The authors used structural equation modeling with 400 tourists who have visited the Kawah Putih Ecotourism in West Java, Indonesia. According to study findings, Uzbekistan's ecotourism industry has a more significant positive impact on the nation's economy and society. The results show that a positive ecotourism experience in Indonesia increases tourist satisfaction and loyalty, which is essential in marketing strategy. The impact of this research is that all stakeholders in the ecotourism sector should improve marketing strategies that can increase tourist satisfaction. As a result, the tourists will repeat visits to other ecotourism destinations.
The driver of purchase intentions in omnichannel retail: Perceived value examination
Authors: Rakhmanita Ani , Hurriyati Ratih , Disman Disman , Hendrayati Heny , Susilawati Erna
Published: July 2023

The research aims to develop a theoretical model of consumption value associated with adopting omnichannel service technology, with the empirical context of the household appliance retail sector consisting of functional value, epistemic value, social value, and emotional value influencing purchase intention. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test and analyze the data. The sample consists of 384 responses that can be used from individuals who purchased household appliances in the Omnichannel. The results showed that functional and social values influenced purchasing household appliances, while emotional and epistemic values did not affect purchase intention. Because of that, Omnichannel retail should focus on creating functional value and social value. Despite this, all channels have to work to guarantee a seamless transition between online and offline channels. This study's findings are helpful for businesses in implementing an omnichannel approach.
Animation video design as promotion for nature school as habituation of green lifestyle
Authors: Ekawardhani Yully Ambarsih , Subandi Didi , Kurniadi Bisma Hikmah
Published: July 2023

This article explains the creation of an animated video design to promote a nature school. Conducted in two stages, the method used to process data is the promotion mix, in the form of deepening the marketing 7Ps mix model representing: product, price, promotion, place, people, physical evidence, and processes. Need to tell readers what 7 P is about. Meanwhile, the creation of the work uses art-based research for capturing activities in the nature school environment to become an animated video design based on informal education, has a passion for raising students' awareness of green lifestyles. Currently, it is still constrained by the number of participants registered. Meanwhile, the various activities carried out involve the surrounding nature and are directed to produce works and activities for students. The result is an animated video design that is able to provide an overview of the positive activities in school. In conclusion, this video will attract potential applicants to continue becoming students and reinforce a green lifestyle.
Sustainability performance impact of corporate performance in Indonesia banking
Authors: Adi Tristanto Triyono , Nugraha Nugraha , Waspada Ikaputera , Mayasari Mayasari , Sukaesih Kurniati Poni
Published: July 2023

The study empirically investigates how sustainability performance affects corporate performance through Leverage which is moderated by managerial and institutional ownership. This research employs verification analysis and data analysis techniques based on conditional process analysis. Financial Sector Companies, especially Banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2021, constitute the study population. The study's findings indicate that: Leverage mediates the impact of Sustainability Performance on Corporate Performance which is moderated by Institutional Ownership, Managerial Ownership moderates the impact of Sustainability Performance on Corporate Performance and moderating the impact of Leverage on Corporate Performance, Institutional Ownership moderates the impact of Sustainability Performance on Corporate Performance and Institutional Ownership moderates the impact of Leverage on Corporate Performance. This conclusion is crucial for decision-makers who want to maximize sustainability performance to boost business performance.
Auditor quality analysis of audit findings in Timor-Leste
Authors: Aris Astuti Wati , Surtikanti Surtikanti , Eneida  , Haji Daud Dalila
Published: July 2023

This study aims to provide empirical evidence regarding the quality of auditors obtained from audit findings and the performance of local government apparatus in producing audit findings at the Central Government Inspectorate. The research method used is a descriptive verification method with SPSS 2.0. The results of the study show that auditor quality has a significant effect on audit findings. This proves that a qualified auditor in disclosing audit findings requires professional expertise and skills in carrying out his duties. And the results of research on audit findings have a poor performance impact on local government administration. This indicates that the fewer the number of audit findings found, the better the performance of local government administration. In other words, the fewer problems or violations found during the audit process, the better the performance of the local government.
Assessment of Awareness and Barriers to the Application of Lean Construction Techniques in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Mohammed Mukhtar , Mallam Saleh Ibrahim , Ibrahim Yakubu , Adamu Dandajeh Mukhtar
Published: July 2023

Generally, construction industry is notable for its poor performances in terms of cost and time overruns, as well as poor project planning. To improve efficiency and effectiveness of construction process, many countries adopt lean construction. However, in Nigerian construction practitioners do not apply most of the lean techniques in their projects. The aim of this study is to assess level of awareness and barriers to the application of lean construction techniques in Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative approach, whereby 200 questionnaires were administered to construction professionals in the study area. A total of 159 were returned completed, representing 79.5% response rate. The data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, and effect index analyses. The results reveal that, the level of awareness/ knowledge of lean techniques among construction practitioners in the study area was low. In addition, the study found that the major barriers to the application of lean techniques in construction projects were lack of awareness program to increase knowledge about LC and lack of education and training needed to apply LC techniques in construction improvement.  It can be concluded that, construction firms in the study area are still using traditional approach in project management instead of adopting innovative approach that improve project performance. The study has proposes guiding strategies that will help increase the level of application of lean techniques in Nigeria. Thus, the study can assist government and construction practitioners to understand strategies that can lead to improvement in the application of lean techniques in Nigeria.

 

Keywords: Awareness; Barriers; Construction projects; Lean techniques; Questionnaire survey.
Determinants of Intention to Use Fintechs Services by Accounting Students: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Frare Anderson Betti , Fernandes Carla Milena Gonçalves , Santos Mariele Castro dos , Quintana Alexandre Costa
Published: July 2023

Fintechs are startups that operate in the financial sector and have gradually been receiving space in the market. However, it is still not clear which elements lead individuals, especially those involved in the business field, to adopt and use these services. Thus, this study aims to analyze which elements encourage the behavioral intention to use Fintech services from the perspective of students in the business field. The theoretical basis and hypothesis development were based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which contemplates the facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and the behavioral intention to use said services. The study also included the variable “security” as an antecedent. Age and gender were controlled for this study. A survey resulted in a sample of 107 students, and the data was analyzed with a mixed-method approach: partial least squares - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). With PLS-SEM, the findings demonstrate the positive effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy and security on the behavioral intention to use fintech services. The fsQCA showed that different causal configurations can lead students to a high adoption of services provided by these startups. This study brings up new evidence that contributes to the UTAUT theory by intertwining this discussion with the security variable perceived during technology usage. Furthermore, it expands the entire discussion to the context of accepting a contemporary technology. Regarding the students, practical evidence is gathered regarding the determinants of their intention to use financial services.
The Daily Life of Nuns in Seventeenth-century Papal Rome: Prayers, Supernatural Events, Everyday Concerns and Violence
Authors: Lirosi Alessia
Published: July 2023

The paper aims to examine the daily life of Italian Catholic nuns in Baroque Rome. During the seventeenth century, several important nunneries were founded in the Papal City. Many were established especially for women from the most important or wealthy families. Almost all of these
religious communities were compelled to observe the strict enclosure. The nuns' daily life alternated between prayer, work, and visits (more or less intrusive) by aristocratic noblewomen, princesses and foreign queens; but the nunneries were also witness to events perceived as being supernatural,
such as spiritual fights with the devil, along with more or less severe penances and self-flagellation. More than a few were the sisters whose holiness and excellence were celebrated by contemporary chroniclers. Nevertheless, the repetitive nature of the life in a restricted space could cause
concerns, troubles, escape attempts which occasionally exploded with brutal consequences, such as brawls and even murders. This was specially linked to those nuns who were forced to profess religious vows but also to rival and opposing factions existing inside the nunneries. However, such
inconveniences were carefully hidden by the ecclesiastical authorities so as not to alter the image of Roman monasteries as terrestrial paradises, in opposition to Protestants who had abolished monasticism. The paper reconstructs such a scenario looking through various documentary sources:
from monastic chronicles to city chronicles; and to reports written by those who were in charge of controlling nuns, especially cardinals and Roman Curia.
When acquisition and aphasia converge: the case of copula omission
Authors: Brunetto Valentina , Kershaw Charlotte , Garraffa Maria
Published: July 2023

This paper reports evidence for a convergence between child language acquisition and Broca’s aphasia in the domain of copula omission. Our data shows that, in the spontaneous speech of people with Broca’s aphasia (PWBA), copula omission is confined to aspectual predicates, replicating a finding previously reported by Becker (2002) for child English. This grammatical property is a much stronger predictor of copula omission than alternative, extra-grammatical factors, such as predicate length or utterance length. We argue that grammatical accounts which predict the fragility of Tense by virtue of its cartographic location, in terms of ‘tree- pruning’/‘growing trees’, fare better than others in explaining similarities in patterns of omission in these two populations.
Diseño y despliegue de un sistema de monitoreo basado en IoT para cultivos hidropónicos
Authors: Montaño-Blacio Manuel , González-Escarabay Jorge , Jiménez-Sarango Óscar , Mingo-Morocho Leydi , Carrión-Aguirre César
Published: July 2023

El IoT es tendencia tecnológica que hace posible sistemas inteligentes entre cosas conectadas. Su aplicación se encuentra en diferentes campos, uno de ellos es la agricultura, donde el uso de nuevas técnicas, como la hidroponía, está en auge. Es importante abordar esta área, porque la población mundial alcanzará un aproximado de 9600 millones de habitantes para el 2050, por ende, para satisfacer esta demanda se necesita que el ritmo industrial agrícola sea aún más rápido y preciso. Además, el aumento de la temperatura ambiente y los cambios climáticos por el calentamiento global también están afectando negativamente a la producción agraria. En esta investigación se presenta un sistema de monitoreo IoT escalable basado en la tecnología Sigfox con capacidades de predicción del 89,37 % a través de redes neuronales para aplicaciones agrícolas. Se proporciona una arquitectura efectiva de cuatro capas que consta de percepción, red, middleware y aplicación. Para la validación, el sistema fue construido, probado experimentalmente y validado mediante el monitoreo de la temperatura, humedad y control de la recirculación de nutrientes, en un sistema hidropónico de la ciudad de Loja en Ecuador, durante cinco meses. El sistema desarrollado es lo suficientemente inteligente para proporcionar la acción de control adecuada para el entorno hidropónico, en función de los múltiples parámetros de entrada recopilados, facilitando una gestión efectiva para los agricultores, por ende, mejorando su producción.
Evolutionary artificial neural network for temperature control in a batch polymerization reactor
Authors: Sánchez-Ruiz Francisco Javier , Argüelles Hernandez Elizabeth , Terrones-Salgado José , Fernández Quiroz Luz Judith
Published: July 2023

The integration of artificial intelligence techniques introduces fresh perspectives in the implementation of these methods. This paper presents the combination of neural networks and evolutionary strategies to create what is known as evolutionary artificial neural networks (EANNs). In the process, the excitation function of neurons was modified to allow asexual reproduction. As a result, neurons evolved and developed significantly. The technique of a batch polymerization reactor temperature controller to produce polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by free radicals was compared with two different controls, such as PID and GMC, demonstrating that artificial intelligence-based controllers can be applied. These controllers provide better results than conventional controllers without creating transfer functions to the control process represented.
Propuesta metodológica para la protección de distancia en líneas de transmisión ante la integración de energías renovables no convencionales
Authors: Velasco M. F. , Maliza Paladines Génesis , Vaca-Urbano Fernando
Published: July 2023

Este artículo propone una metodología para ajustar la protección de distancia (ANSI-21) en sistemas de potencia que integran energías renovables no convencionales (ERNC). Se utiliza el sistema New England de 9 barras IEEE modificado como caso de estudio, con un parque eólico compuesto por 33 aerogeneradores de 2.5 MW y sistemas de control validados según estándares internacionales, como el IEC60909-2016. Se considera un valor de resistencia de falla calculado mediante el método de Warrintong. Los ajustes propuestos se simulan utilizando el software Digsilent Power Factory® y un relé Siemens 7SA522 con características cuadrilaterales. La metodología se basa en el uso de datos de voltaje y corriente de los transformadores de instrumentación para calcular la impedancia de la línea hasta el punto de falla. El método adaptativo propuesto demuestra un rendimiento positivo en distintos escenarios de cortocircuito, donde varían el lugar de la falla, la resistencia de la misma y las fluctuaciones de potencia del parque generador. Esto demuestra que el relé actúa en la zona de protección adecuada de manera efectiva.
How to Measure the Illumination Overhead (IO) of a Fluorescence Microscope v1
Authors: M Brown Claire
Published: July 2023

This protocol outlines in detail how to measure illumination overhead (IO) and collect raw illumination intensity data using the Rigol ds1054z oscilloscope. In fluorescence microscopy, IO is defined as the time a sample is illuminated without the emitted light being captured by the camera, resulting in unnecessary photobleaching and phototoxicity. Minimizing IO is critical for all live imaging experiments. IO occurs due to delays/errors in the synchronization between the microscope fluorescence excitation light source, exposure of the sample to excitation light and the camera exposure time for capturing emitted fluorescence light. The amount of IO varies greatly across setups due to software settings, physical hardware and how components are connected and triggered by the hardware and/or software. Thus, it is recommended that each individual measure the IO of their own microscope and experimental setup including for their exact image acquisition settings. More details use of this protocol and the need to measure IO can be found in Kiepas et. al. JCS, 2020 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31988150/) and Kiepas et. al. Microscopy Today, 2020 (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/microscopy-today/article/microscope-hardware-and-software-delays-cause-phototoxicity/B964736E4617AEC17C8B1BBD8B4F37B8)
Guest Editorial
Authors: Cañado María Luisa Pérez , Moreno Diego Rascón
Published: July 2023

This Volume 14, Issue 4 includes six selected best papers from the VIII International Conference on Bilingual Teaching in Educational Centers (CIEB), held at the University of Jaén in October 2022. Bilingual education initiatives have been firmly taking root across the European continent (and increasingly, in Asia and Latin America) for the past two decades. In particular, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), considered to be the European approach to plurilingual education, has been steadfastly advancing within the language teaching arena and evolving in exciting new directions which have posed novel challenges to researchers, practitioners, gate-keepers, and educational authorities alike. These new avenues for CLIL development include extending its implementation from infant education through to tertiary degrees (as research -e.g. Pérez Cañado, 2018 - has voiced that the effects of CLIL grow stronger with time), setting in place diversity-sensitive bilingual education systems which can increasingly cater for all types of students (Pérez Cañado, 2021), ensuring quality assurance within CLIL programs in order to determine those traits which characterize successful pedagogical practices (Pérez Cañado, 2016), or polling stakeholders’ self-reported perceptions, which are particularly relevant in our field, as “their interpretations and beliefs are crucial to understand how the CLIL programme is socially viewed, understood and constructed, and the expectations it raises” (Barrios Espinosa, 2019, p. 1). These are precisely the key issues which the present volume seeks to address.
Rationale for a Conceptual Model of Teaching English for Special Purposes
Authors: Chernysh Valentyna , Rubtsova Svitlana , Nykonenko Nataliia , Matkovska Natalia , Melnyk Kateryna
Published: July 2023

Teachers’ professional and personal qualities and the latest information and communication technologies combined with student-centered teaching methods are the prerequisites for effective English language teaching. The study's objective is to design a conceptual model of active English language learning to be implemented in the course of professional training for technical specialists in academic settings. The conceptual model for teaching English for special purposes has been designed based on the descriptive method, scientific literature data analysis, and theoretical modelling technique. The method of expert evaluations was used to identify professionally significant research areas. Specific features of intensive learning technologies, which can be effectively combined in the learning process, have been identified. A modern interpretation of active learning in English as a generalized conceptual model of learning is presented. The established combination of intensive teaching methods and technologies can be used to teach English for Special Purposes at technical universities.