bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dawn of Walkability
Authors: Abedo Mohamed , Salheen Mohamed , Elshater Abeer
Published: June 2020

This explanatory research investigates the impact of configurations in the urban fabric on walkability regarding connectivity and global integration. This study aims to examine this effect by comparing street networks in two residential neighbourhoods in Heliopolis and New Cairo cities. The research methods use DepthMapX and Walk Score to provide relative indicators about distinctive features that enhance the walkability in the case studies. The results show significant differences between the walkability patterns and pedestrians gate counts in two case studies. In study areas, the pedestrian gate count, connectivity, and global integration give signs about people interactions during the day time. The findings figured out that the spatial configurations of street networks—that create urban fabric—play a vital role in enhancing the walkability. The possibility of simulation, to a great extent, can investigate other cases in future research with real situations on the ground. The results confirm a worthy choice for the space syntax technique as a predictor in analysing walkability.
Recasting Feminine Identity in Assamese Cinema
Authors: Pegu Rinku
Published: June 2020

Rarely would an auteur choose a female protagonist as the lead character for one's debut film. In 1935, Jyoti Prasad Agarwal chose a historical figure of Ahom princess Joymoti as the central character for the first Assamese film. Was it enough to portray an Ahom princess as the lead character, or was it lending the historical figure a new perspective? During the stated period in Assam, the cult of Joymoti had gathered momentum. In this discourse, much emphasis was given on Joymoti sacrificing her life rather than revealing the whereabouts of her husband Prince Gadapani to the state authorities. This chapter seeks to explore how the social status of women was addressed and tackled in the film.
Bombay Cinema and Postmodernism
Authors: Alam Majid
Published: June 2020

The chapter explores the inception of the postmodern trends in postmodern cinema in India. It argues that the postmodern cinema in India is a result of multiple factors including foreign investment in Bollywood, the prevalence of the postmodern cinema in the West in the 1970s-1980s, and the experimentation within the cinema industry. This study explores the fact that though there weren't many films to qualify as postmodern cinema, there was a presence of postmodern thoughts in many such films. It tries to locate the representation of poverty in postmodern cinema in Bombay cinema. One of the first movies to portray poverty in the new light with a postmodern approach was Salam Bombay. Similarly, Shwet was another postmodern movie that drew a parallel between a postmodern hero and a poor farmer and tried to show that the tragedies in the modern world unite in death. The chapter sketches a historical trajectory of postmodern movies in Bombay cinema.
Cartographies of Indian Cinema
Authors: Kankaria Lipika , Banerjee Sutanuka
Published: June 2020

The origin of cinema in India has transnational roots and can be traced back to as early as the 1920s. The multicultural connections were not only evident in terms of the cast and the crew but also in terms of the reach of the subject matter as portrayed on screen that had a global appeal. Application of modern technology and interactions between communities created a glocal space that transcended geopolitical boundaries. It is also interesting to note how actors and filmmakers from other nationalities became an integral part of these narratives. This culminated in an excellent combination of foreign technical knowledge and the creativity of the Indian film fraternity that produced an array of unforgettable masterpieces. This chapter attempts to chart the history and map the course of Indian cinema by applying a transnational lens and reexamining the cultural and social implications of these films. Moreover, it aims to situate the evolution of Indian cinema, keeping in view the intersection of gender, race, class, religion, and other categories.
Audiences 2.0
Authors: Basu Surhita
Published: June 2020

From large screen to television to personal devices, experiencing cinema shifted from being communal to familiar and intimate. The emotions, perceptions, understanding, practice, and behaviour of watching movies are simultaneously transforming. However, in a multi-cultural multi-lingual country like India, still carrying characteristics of Gemeinschaft, what is the impact of transnational online streaming platforms on its audiences? The chapter explores the possibility of changes among Indian audiences as a result of exposure to online streaming platforms. In examining the transformation of viewers, the chapter addresses audiences' changing relations with the screen. It traces the evolution of audiences based on the concepts of spectator and performer proposing the digital audience is now a performer rather than just a spectator. The chapter navigates the changing flow of online streaming with active audiences. It raises the concern of digital capitalism and resulting politics of aesthetics in the transformation of regional or national audiences to transnational audiences.
Marketing Strategies of Films in Bollywood Industry
Authors: Barat Ipsita
Published: June 2020

This chapter examines the paradigm shift in the domain of marketing and promotion of Hindi cinema in the new millennium. The post-millennium Hindi film industry has resorted to the multimedia marketing of films with the incorporation of digital and social media marketing platforms as one of the key marketing strategies of contemporary Hindi cinema. Furthermore, in the modern scenario, release strategies such as saturated release and shorter release window have also become commonplace. The chapter elucidates on the impact of such practices on the narratives of Hindi cinema. It thereby considers the prevalence of high-concept style as the principal character is the trait of contemporary Bollywood cinema.
The Diverse Facets of Commercialization and Business in Indian Cinema
Authors: Neyah Ruth , M. Vijayakumar
Published: June 2020

Cinema is a medium through which eclectic art is portrayed. Commercialisation is placed into this slot to manifest that it's predominantly for financial gain. In the recent decade, commercialization has become a large part of cinema due to the budget, intensity of the issues projected through the medium, and the famous actors who have indulged in the project. The transparency into making it a business can be seen. Indian cinema has many regional slots. Their inclusion in the project would further elevate the brand and enormity of the budget as well as the business of the film. Marketing and commercialisation have played a key role in bringing into the limelight the impact and the perks of influence cinema has brought on the people who view it. The chapter attempts to study the diverse facets of commercialisation and business in Indian cinema.
The Transformations of Aesthetic Theory
Authors: Berleant Arnold
Published: June 2020

Recent decades have witnessed a dramatic broadening in the scope of aesthetic inquiry. No longer focused exclusively on the arts and natural beauty, the mainstream of aesthetics has entered a delta in which its flow has spread out into many channels before entering the oceanic expanse that is Western civilization. Several decades ago, environmental aesthetics began to attract interest and has grown to be an important focus of present-day inquiry in aesthetics. Along with environmental ethics, it has become part of the broader range of environmental studies and the environmental movement in general. This expansion has continued, interpreting environment not only as natural but also as social. Aesthetics has been applied to social relations and political uses, and now, most recently to the objects and situations of everyday life. The course of the arts has displayed a similar succession of changes.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mihret Estifanos Tilahun
Published: June 2020

Artificial intelligence and robotics are very recent technologies and risks for our world. They are developing their capacity dramatically and shifting their origins of developing intention to other dimensions. When humans see the past histories of AI and robotics, human beings can examine and understand the objectives and intentions of them which to make life easy and assist human beings within different circumstances and situations. However, currently and in the near future, due to changing the attitude of robotic and AI inventors and experts as well as based on the AI nature that their capacity of environmental acquisition and adaptation, they may become predators and put creatures at risk. They may also inherit the full nature of creatures. Thus, finally they will create their new universe or the destiny of our universe will be in danger.
Effect of Online-Based Concept Map on Student Engagement and Learning Outcome
Authors: Fatawi Izzul , Degeng I Nyoman Sudana , Setyosari Punaji , Ulfa Saida , Hirashima Tsukasa
Published: June 2020

One of the success factors in online learning is student engagement. Therefore, the use of technology to influence student engagement in meaningful and effective learning experiences is worthy for investigation. Concept mapping is an effective knowledge construction strategy to help students. This study investigates the influence of concept maps as a formative assessment of online learning and its impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. The design of experiment used the non-equivalent comparison group pretest-posttest. It was included in the quasi-experiment to compare two different groups. The results reveal strong evidence that concept mapping not only improves learning outcomes, but also increases student engagement in all types of tested engagements, namely behavioral, emotional, and cognitive.
Value Enablement of Collaborative Supply Chain Environment Embedded With the Internet of Things
Authors: Yerpude Samir , Singhal Tarun Kumar
Published: June 2020

Currently, industry is going through the fourth Industrial Revolution, also termed Industry 4.0. It is characterized mainly by the cyber-physical systems dominated by digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Organizations are making significant effort to understand customer needs and subsequently align them to the business goals for achieving market leadership. It is imperative for the longevity of the organization that goods and services be made available to the customer at the most appropriate place, time, and price. Supply chains are contributing to achieving this organizational goal. A paradigm shift was observed in the past few decades when organizations competed as supply chains in the market more than an individual brand. This shift brought forward the importance of collaborative supply chains. Researchers in this study have presented the impact of IoT origins on real-time data on a collaborative supply chain model, including internally and externally aligned parameters. The study recommends the best model basis for the goodness of fit from the customer and vendor perspective for the automotive industry in India.
Analyzing the Effect of B4C/Al2O3 on the Wear Behavior of Al-6.6Si-0.4Mg Alloy Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kumar Vishnu Anil , Kumar Vaishnave Vinodkumar Vinod , Menon Goutham S , Bimaldev Sivcharan , Sankar Manu , Shankar Karthik V , Balachandran Meera
Published: June 2020

The current study deals with the development of a hybrid metal matrix composite and studies their wear characteristics. Suitable wt - % of Al2O3/B4C was reinforced into Al-Si-Mg alloy and the composites were fabricated using liquid metallurgy route. The developed composites were analyzed for their wear behavior by using a wear testing apparatus. Three process parameters including applied load, sliding distance, and velocity were chosen for carrying out the wear experiments. The influence of the reinforcement on wear rate was investigated through response surface methodology methods. The formulation of the regression equation was done and the effect of each experimental parameter was studied. Results from the investigation illustrate that the wear rate was found to decrease and then increase with the increasing wt-% of reinforcement and the wear rate was found to increase with an increase in the sliding distance but the wear rate was found to decrease with an increase in the sliding velocity. The worn-out surface of the hybrid composite was characterized using SEM.
A Qualitative Research Assessment of the MBA for 2020 and Beyond
Authors: Burrell Darrell Norman , Burton Sharon L. , Springs Delores , Wright Jorja B. , Harmon Maurice D. , Lewis Eugene J.M.
Published: June 2020

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) plays a significant role in developing managers in a plethora of global organizations. In most circles, it is considered a degree to develop corporate managers. With the leadership failures of organizations like pharmaceutical price collusion and price increase of 539% of Perrigo Pharmaceuticals, the fake account fraud practices at Wells Fargo, sexual harassment issues at Uber, the Equifax data breach, and the video of a forcible, bloody removal of a passenger on a United Airlines in the U.S., there has been increased criticism concerning the effectiveness of current MBA programs and leadership development in general. This qualitative research study explores how the curriculum of the MBA of the future should look.
Hedonic and Utilitarian Values Behind Engagement of Online Consumers
Authors: Zeba Farrah , Shaheen Musarrat , Krishnankutty Raveesh
Published: June 2020

In the hyper-competitive Indian airline industry, the low-cost carriers as well as full-service airlines are in dire need of innovative marketing strategies to engage their customers. To understand the dynamics behind the process of customer engagement, the purpose of this paper is to gain insights into the lived experience of consumers about their online air-ticket bookings experiences. In total, 60 frequent air travellers were approached to participate in the study and the self-completion diary method was incorporated to record their ticket booking experiences. The responses recorded in the diaries were analyzed on the basis of their content from which eight themes were derived. The findings bring forth the importance of hedonic experiential values along with utilitarian experiential values toward the engagement of customers during the online air-ticket booking process. The current study is one of the pioneers in conceptualization of customer engagement as a third-order construct by uncovering the sub-dimensions of the second order factors—utilitarian and hedonic experiential values.
Engaging Stakeholders of Crowdsourced Work
Authors: Pandey Jatin , Sohani Shrihari S.
Published: June 2020

With the advent of mobile application-based aggregator models, engaging stakeholders has become more challenging as the lines separating external and internal customer are blurred. This study deciphers the points of engagement and points of disengagement for the major stakeholders viz. drivers and commuters for the cab aggregators in India. Through semi-structured interviews of cab drivers and triangulation through media reports, interviews of customers, bank officers and regional transport officers, the authors elicit what enhances customer and driver engagement and what reduces it. Results show that technology has a dual nature where it enhances as well as diminish the engagement of drivers. The identity of a professional and the flexibility offered by this app-based work fosters engagement for drivers as well as customers. Changes in organizational and government norms are a source of disengagement. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Trait selection using procrustes analysis for the study of genetic diversity in Conilon coffee
Authors: Pontes Daiana Salles , Rosado Renato Domiciano Silva , Cruz Cosme Damião , Nascimento Moysés , Oliveira Ana Maria Cruz , Pensky Scott Michael
Published: June 2020

Trait selection is occasionally necessary to save money and time, as well as accelerate breeding program processes. This study aimed to propose two criteria to select traits based on a Procrustes analysis that are poorly explored in genetic breeding: Criterion 1 (backward algorithm) and Criterion 2 (exhaustive algorithm). Then, these two criteria were further compared with Jolliffe’s criterion, which has often been used to select traits in genetic diversity studies. Sixteen agronomic traits were considered, and 40 Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) accessions were evaluated. This study showed that the flexibility in selecting traits by researcher preference, graphical visualization, and Procrustes  statistic through criteria 1 and 2 is a fast and reliable alternative for decision-making. These decisions are based on the removal and addition of traits for phenotyping in studies of Conilon coffee diversity that can be applied to other crops. Other relevant aspects of selection traits criteria were also discussed.
Repeatability coefficients and number of measurements for evaluating traits in strawberry
Authors: Diel Maria Inês , Lúcio Alessandro Dal'Col , Olivoto Tiago , Pinheiro Marcos Vinícius Marques , Krysczun Dionatan Ketzer , Sari Bruno Giacomini , Schmidt Denise
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to estimate the coefficient of repeatability and the number of measurements required for production and quality variables in a strawberry crop. An experiment was conducted with two strawberry cultivars from two origins grown in four substrate mixtures, totaling 16 treatments, evaluated in a randomized block design with four replications. Mass (MF) and number (NF) of fruits per plant were evaluated as measures of production, and total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity (AT) and firmness (FIR) of fruits during the crop cycle were evaluated as measures of quality. Subsequently, the repeatability coefficient was estimated by the following methods: analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis using a correlation matrix (PCcor), principal component analysis using a variance-covariance matrix (PCcov) and structural analysis (SA). The number of measurements was adjusted for each studied variable based on determination coefficients of 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, and 0.95. The repeatability coefficients ranged from low to medium. The ANOVA method gave the lowest r values, while the PCcov method presented the highest values of r. When using the PCcov method, 3.6, 2.9, 6.2, 3.2, and 3.8 measurements were needed to reach 80% confidence for the variables MF, NF, SST, AT, and FIR, respectively, and this increased to 7.3, 14.0, 29.6, 15.4, and 18.1 for 95% confidence in the results for MF, NF, SST, AT, and FIR, respectively.
A longitudinal study of sweet orange flowering with grouped count data
Authors: Lara Idemauro Antonio Rodrigues de , Taconeli Cesar Augusto , Moral Rafael de Andrade , Hinde John , Voigt Vanessa , Freitas Silvia Maria de
Published: June 2020

The orange variety “x11”, which is a spontaneous mutant of the sweet orange, has a short juvenile period with early flowering. The data used in this paper are from a randomized design experiment that aimed to assess the plants' flowering characteristics when grafted onto two different varieties of lemon rootstock. The plants were pruned in each of the four seasons, and on each pruning occasion, the number of branches on each plant was counted and classified into four mutually exclusive flowering categories. The data presented large variability and many zeros. The statistical analysis included the use of generalized linear mixed models with a Bayesian approach. The results showed that flowering is not equal over the seasons, i.e., there are significant differences in the classification of the branches across the four seasons and the two varieties, with interactions between seasonal and branch effects.
Yield potential of super sweet corn genotypes in progressive breeding stages
Authors: Gonçalves Gabriel Moreno Bernardo , Ferreira Júnior José Arantes , Durães Nayara Norrene Lacerda , Crevelari Jocarla Ambrosim , Viana Flávia Nicácio , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to present the advancements in different breeding stages of super sweet corn (SS), from heterotic field corn populations to the single-cross of SS. Two parental field corn populations, four backcrossed SS populations, four SS intervarietal hybrids (SS-IH), eighteen SS single hybrids (SS-SCH) and two controls were evaluated in two environments over two crop years. The SS-IH and SS-SCH categories presented the highest ear yield, and SS-SCH presented the highest ear yield without husk (11.3 t ha-1). Although SS-SCH was the most productive category, it presented the lowest husk coverage quality. The ear yield and husk cover traits expressed the highest heterosis based on the midparents. The hybrid genotype categories (SS-SCH, SS-IH and controls) had the greatest ear length and diameter, as well as plant and ear height. It was possible to conclude that the techniques used to exploit heterosis are efficient in increasing SS yield but not husk coverage, since this trait requires productive parents. Single-crosses, such as LCSH-116 x LP8HS-129 and LCSH-116 x LP8HS-130, stood out as promising genotypes for registration since they recorded high husk coverage yield and quality.
The culture medium volume and the inoculation method should be considered in semi-quantitative screening of calcium phosphate solubilization by bacteria
Authors: Oliveira-Longatti Silvia Maria de , Marra Leandro Marciano , Carvalho Teotonio Soares de , Moreira Fatima Maria de Souza
Published: June 2020

Agar media with insoluble phosphates are used for semi-quantitative screening of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria based on the solubilization halo formed around the colonies. We show that the volume of the culture medium (15, 20, and 30 mL) and the inoculation method (toothpick vs microdrop) strongly influence the diameter of the solubilization halo, and this should be considered in advance selection of the isolates most efficient in this process.
Oil composition and physiological quality of niger seeds after drying
Authors: Quequeto Wellytton Darci , Siqueira Valdiney Cambuy , Nazario Carlos Eduardo Domingues , Junqueira Maria Heloisa , Schoeninger Vanderleia , Martins Elton Aparecido Siqueira
Published: June 2020

With the depletion of fossil fuel resources accelerating the search for renewable energy sources, studies on agricultural products containing a significant amount of oil in their compositions have intensified. The objective of this work was to investigate the fatty acid profile and the physiological quality of the oil extracted from niger seeds dried at different temperatures. The seeds were dried at 40, 50, 60, and 70°C, until their moisture content reached 8.5 ± 1% (wet basis). The physiological properties of niger seeds were determined by assessing their germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, cold test, accelerated aging with a saturated solution, emergence percentage, and emergence speed index. The quality of the oil was evaluated using gas chromatography, based on the fatty acid profile. We concluded that drying air temperatures of 40 and 50°C did not compromise the physiological quality of niger seeds. However, the 70°C drying temperature seriously impaired seed quality. The drying temperatures that were used in this study did not substantially alter the fatty acid profile of niger oil.
Effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of soil microorganisms in coffee agroecosystems with different resilience to climate variability, Colombia
Authors: Garzón Andrea Fernández , Perdomo Rivas Laura Patricia , Avellaneda Torres Lizeth Manuela
Published: June 2020

The effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of microorganisms of soil in agroecosystems with different resilience scores reported to climate variability in Anolaima, Colombia was evaluated. Were found clustering associated with management and cellulolytic bacteria and fungi abundances. No differences found in diversity of phosphate solubilizing or nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, related to management. The diversity of microbial functional groups was affected by the climatic condition of sampling season. Management was relevant in relationships between resilience scores to climate variability and cellulolytic microorganisms; in ecological agroecosystems, biodiversity knowledge, agroecological main structure, and the participation of farmers in organizations were important
Comparison of tests on covariance structures of normal populations
Authors: Campos Isabella Marianne Costa , Nogueira Denismar Alves , Ferreira Eric Batista , Butturi-Gomes Davi
Published: June 2020

In some studies, there is interest in testing the variance structure, as in the context of multivariate or modelling techniques. Therefore, the importance of using hypothesis tests on covariance structures is emphasized. The purpose of this study was to perform a detailed performance study regarding the power and type I error rate of some existing identity and sphericity tests, considering the scenarios with different numbers of variables (2 to 64) and sample sizes (5 to 100). The proposal of Ledoit and Wolf (2002) is the most appropriate to test the identity structure. For the sphericity test, the version of John (1972), modified by Ledoit and Wolf (2002), followed by the proposal of Box (1949), were the ones with the best performance.
Natural agents as auxiliaries in water clarification: literature review and experimental evaluation
Authors: Armeloni João Paulo Nascimento , Oliveira Danieli Soares de , Donadel Clainer Bravin
Published: June 2020

The increasing demand for water resources (primarily for human consumption and industrial and agricultural activity) is driven by socio-economic development, and population growth. Recent research has been focusing on alternative coagulants based on natural elements, as opposed to the commonly used iron and aluminum salts, for use in water and wastewater treatment processes. In this context, a thorough literature review on alternative coagulants and their application to water treatment processes has been conducted in this work. In addition, three experiments have been conducted with a widely used natural organic coagulant (Moringa oleifera). The alternative clarification system used is the helically coiled tube flocculator (HCTF), with high turbidity removal efficiency and low processing times. A comparative analysis of the turbidity reduction over time was performed with samples collected after 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2400, and 2700 s from the hydraulic circuit. The process efficiency using the proposed alternative coagulant reached 95.3% (after 1800 s). The turbidity removal efficiency remained almost constant after 1800 s, with variations below 1%. These results prove that natural alternative agents can be powerful tools in the water treatment process, with efficiency values exceeding those obtained using chemicals (e.g., aluminum sulphate) as coagulant/ flocculant agents.
Optimal linear control design applied to the synchronism of vocal folds with asymmetric stiffness
Authors: Alarcão Sunamita Souza e Silva , Chavarette Fábio Roberto , Vandana
Published: June 2020

The emission of sounds is an important means of communication between animals, which helps them to find a partner, establish their territory, and even alert other members of a population about a possible threat. In human beings, the emission of sounds allows an even more specialized communication, because it possibly render a wide exchange of ideas and knowledge. The most important process related to voice emission is the movement of vocal folds. Therefore, their proper functioning is essential for the emission of sounds. Vocal folds possess a muscular tissue, and are located inside the larynx. When air passes through them, they vibrate, thus emitting the sound by which we communicate. The vocal folds are elastic fibers that distend or relax under the action of the larynx muscles, thus modulating and modifying the sound as we speak or sing, for example. This complex process is modeled by a system of differential equations. In this paper, we present a study about asymmetric vocal folds, where a difference in their stiffness is considered. The objective of this study is to synchronize the movement of vocal folds caused by that asymmetry through the optimal linear control method, showing their functioning for different values of stiffness for each vocal fold. In this way, the control design has shown to be efficient, producing a good functioning of the vocal folds and rendering the emission of sound possible even in diseased vocal folds.
Petri dish method to select yeasts able to produce more pigmented table olives
Authors: Caridi Andrea
Published: June 2020

The study of pigment adsorption of yeasts used for table olive fermentation may allow the protection of olive colour, by excluding those strains adsorbing phenolic compounds responsible for the colour. Fifty-one table olive yeasts were grown on Petri dishes using two olive-based screening media - ‘olive pulp agar’ and ‘olive seed agar’; the red, green, and blue colour components of the yeast’s biomass were measured. Wide and significant differences among the yeasts were observed. Based on the statistical analysis, ten yeasts were selected, excluding all the strains exhibiting a too high pigment adsorption. The research proposes a simple analytical method to characterize yeasts for their pigment adsorption, thus allowing the enhancement of the table olive colour. The two media may be prepared using any olive cultivar, thus allowing a specific screening of the yeasts. The selection of those yeasts unable to adsorb olive pigments may allow the production of more pigmented table olives.
Unorganized machines and linear multivariate regression model applied to atmospheric pollutant forecasting
Authors: Campos Daniel Silva , Tadano Yara de Souza , Alves Thiago Antonini , Siqueira Hugo Valadares , Marinho Manoel Henrique de Nóbrega
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is a relevant issue studied worldwide, and its prediction is important for social and economic management. Linear multivariate regression models (LMR) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely applied to forecasting concentrations of pollutants. However, unorganized machines are scarcely used. The present investigation proposes the application of unorganized machines (echo state networks - ESN and extreme learning machines - ELM) to forecast hourly concentrations of particulate matter with the aerodynamic diameter up to 10 µm (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) at the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The results were compared with multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) and LMR. The prediction was made using or not meteorological variables (wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity) as input data. The results showed that the inclusion of these variables could increase the general performance of the models considering one step ahead forecasting horizons. Also, the ELM and the LMR achieved the best overall results.
A Comparison between ∑3 Asymmetrical Tilt Grain Boundary Energies in Niobium Obtained Analytically and through Molecular Dynamics Based Simulations
Authors: Singh Divya , Parashar Avinash
Published: June 2020

Niobium is an important constituent of Zr-Nb alloys being used widely in the nuclear industries as fuel claddings and pressure tubes. In this article, MD based simulations are performed to obtain grain boundary (GB) energies in ∑3 symmetrical and asymmetrical tilt grain boundaries (ATGBs) along <110> tilt axis. Grain boundary energies are also obtained analytically by utilizing the equation establishing the relationship between inclination angle and grain boundary energy for ATGBs. It is observed that in both the cases the GB energies increase with the increase in inclination angle of the ATGBs. The increase in the GB energy follows the same trend with a little offset between the results obtained analytically and MD based simulations. The offset between both the results can be attributed to the limitations of the potentials employed for the simulations. MD based simulations thus provide an accurate method to calculate the GB energies.
The Influence of the Waste Foundry Sand on the Microstructure and the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Authors: Melichar Jindřich , Černý Vit , Drochytka Rostislav
Published: June 2020

Thanks to its porous structure the autoclaved aerated concrete has excellent thermal insulation properties. The production of this building material is carried out in two main steps. At first calcium hydroxide reacts with aluminum powder. This reaction releases hydrogen which creates the porous structure. Secondly lime reacts with siliceous components under hydrothermal conditions. This reaction forms crystalline calcium hydrosilicates which represent a binder component in the material. Focus of this paper is to study the degree of crystallization of calcium hydrosilicates depending on the quantity and fineness of the admixture of the waste foundry sand. This material was tested in three different values of specific surface. The influence of granularity of the waste foundry sand on the microstructure and physical-mechanical properties of the autoclaved aerated concrete was monitored. At the same time, the influence primary filler substitution by foundry sand was also observed. The substitution was realized in amounts of 10%, 30% and 50%. As the final step the influence of the waste foundry sand admixture on the autoclaved aerated concrete porous structure was evaluated. The microstructure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Obtained values show that admixture of waste foundry sand has positive effect on the crystallisation of calcium hydosilicate phases. Substitution of primary filler by waste foundry sand is possible up to 50%. With a higher amount of substitution, the higher values of compressive strength of autoclaved aerated concrete were monitored.
Abrasion Wear Resistance of Ni - Mo Alloyed High-Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Pokusova Marcela , Gabrisova Zuzana , Brusilova Alena , Pribulová Alena , Futaš Peter
Published: June 2020

The paper presents the results of research on the high-chromium cast irons of chemical composition (in wt. %) 2-4 C, 21-22 Cr, 1-2 Mo, 5-6 Ni, 1 Mn with the trace amount of Ti and. The cast irons were examined in the as-cast state and after heat treatment which comprised the austenitizing at temperature of 900°C for 1 hour and cooling to room temperature in air, followed by tempering at 450 or 600°C for 6 hours and cooling in air. The abrasion resistance of cast irons was evaluated using the pin-on-disk method under the dry abrasion conditions. Tests showed the as-cast chromium cast irons with mostly austenitic matrix have proven the higher abrasion resistance than those after destabilization treatment and tempering.
Correlation of UCS and CBR on Lightweight Geocomposite of Soil-EPS Stabilized by Waste of Buton Asphalt
Authors: Rauf Ichsan , Samang Lawalenna , Harianto Tri , arsyad ardy
Published: June 2020

The conventional embankment has disadvantages in terms of its weight; it has an implication for the level of deformation that will occur on the subgrade layer. This study was conducted dealing with the design of geocomposite material compositions based on their mechanic characteristics. The lightweight geocomposit material (LWGM) was constructed by composing soil with expanded polystyrene (EPS) with by-product of buton asphalt as the binder agent (WBA). Unconfined Compression Test (UCT) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were examined to figure out the mechanical behavior of LWGM. The percentages of WBA used on specimens were 3%, 5%, 7% and 9%, while those of EPS were 0.15% and 0.30%, based on weight of soils dry density. Furthermore, to understand the curing period effect, all the specimens were cured and tested within 7 days and 28 days. The results showed that the LWGM could reduce the embankment densities from 20% to 35%, compared to conventional embankment. The compressive strength and CBR values presented the same tendency, so that, based on correlation of UCS and CBR value, the LWGM compositions that are appropriate for road foundation criteria as subbase courses are 3.2% to 7% for the WBA and 0,15% - 0,30% for the EPS.
The Effect of Heat Induction on Shear Strength of Soft Soil in Radial Zone
Authors: Panjaitan Maraden , Samang Lawalenna , Muhiddin Achmad Bakri , Harianto Tri
Published: June 2020

The main problem in infrastructure development at the soft clay was its bearing capacity therefore it needs to be improved. In this research, the improvement method was carried out by modeling in small scale of preloading and heat induction combination. Location of soft clay sampling was in Takalar, Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the shear strength of soft soil corresponding with heat induction at the radial zone. The shear strength was obtained by vane shear test and compressive strength from unconfined compressive test (UCT). The heat applied ranging from 100o C, 200o C, 300o C, and 400o C with static preloading load 0.20 kg/cm2. The strengths of the soil in radial zones have been tested at R0, R1, and R2. At lowest temperature 100° at R0 the compressive strength was 0.203 kg/cm2, at highest temperature 400° at R0 the compressive strength 0.467 kg/cm2, there was a significant increasing of compressive strength value with the change of temperature. At the highest temperature 4000 the shear strength from vane shear tests resulting at R0 0.240 kg/cm2, R1 of 0.128 kg/cm2, R2 of 0.077 kg/cm2. At the lowest temperature of 100o C shows R0 at 0.116 kg/cm2, R1 at 0.070 kg/cm2, R3 of 0.046 kg/cm2. The results show a tendency of declining strength value as the soil farther away from center of heat induction. The experimental result from this model produces strength that can be used as a parameter of the foundation model on soft soil.
The Background to Superplastic Forming and Opportunities Arising from New Developments
Authors: Langdon Terence G.
Published: June 2020

The occurrence of superplastic flow in metals has a long history but it is only over the last three or four decades that it was recognized that this process provides an opportunity for fabricating complex parts, especially curved panels, that may be used in a wide range of industrial applications. In practice, this use is dependent upon the high strain rate sensitivity of ~0.5 which is an inherent feature of true superplastic flow but in practice excellent forming may be achieved also through the use of metals deforming within the range of dislocation glide where the strain rate sensitivity is close to 0.3. New possibilities have arisen over the last two decades with the demonstrations that exceptionally refined microstructures, usually within the submicrometer or even the nanometer range, may be prepared from a wide range of commercial alloys through the application of severe plastic deformation in which the material is subjected to a very high strain without any significant changes in the overall dimensions of the sample. This presentation examines these historical developments and describes the new processing procedures that provide new opportunities within the field of superplastic forming.
Superplastic Materials Characterisation Based on Free-Bulge Tests
Authors: García-Barrachina Luis , Gámez A.J.
Published: June 2020

A new characterisation method based on free-bulge tests is proposed to find the characteristic parameters of the strainstress relation in superplastic alloys. The method is applied to experimental tests found in the literature and to new adhoc tests performed on aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys. The parameters are then compared to independent values obtained from tensile test and computer-aided simulations. The characterisation of the material is evaluated as an apparent viscosity function of the strain-rate and is extracted from the height evolution at the apex dome during the forming process. Results show a good agreement between parameter estimation using this method and independent values. Moreover, this characterisation method exposes the non-newtonian fluid behaviour of these materials during superplastic processes known as shear-thinning or pseudoplasticity.
Comparison of Technological Properties of Sheet Titanium Alloys VT6 and VST2k
Authors: Safiullin Rinat , Malysheva Svetlana , Galeyev Rafail , Mukhametrakhimov Minnaul , Safiullin Arthur , Khazhaliev Ruslan , Berestov Aleksandr
Published: June 2020

The manuscript considers microstructure, mechanical and processing properties (formability and solid state weldability) of sheet titanium alloy VT6(Ti-6Al-4V) with improved superplastic properties production of JSC «VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation" for the process of superplastic forming at low temperatures and new experimental cheaper sheet titanium alloy VST2k. Complex studies of microstructure, mechanical properties, formability and weldability in the solid state of these titanium alloys were carried out. Studies have shown that both alloys in the temperature range 750-850oC have good weldability in the solid state and exhibit good superplastic properties. Technological properties of the alloy VST2k almost as good as the properties of the alloy VT6. This makes it possible to recommend the sheet alloy VST2k along with the alloy VT6 for the manufacture of hollow structures by SPF/DB in low-temperature superplasticity.
Microstructure Evolution of Ti-Al-Mo-V Titanium Alloy During the Superplastic Forming with FES Estimated Strain Rates Across the Formed Parts at Constant Gas Pressure
Authors: Mosleh Ahmed O. , Kotov Anton D. , Medvedeva Svetlana V. , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V.
Published: June 2020

This paper studies the influence of the strain rate during the superplastic forming on the microstructure evolution of Ti-4Al-3Mo-1V titanium alloy. The finite elements simulation (FES) of the superplastic forming process at a temperature of 875 °C, which considered to be the optimum forming temperature of this alloy, and at a constant uniform gas pressure of 0.4, 0.7, and 1 MPa were performed. The strain rate response across the formed part via FES at each applied gas pressure was analyzed. The superplastic forming using the same forming condition of the FES, applied gas pressure and forming time, was performed via lab forming machine. In initial state before forming, the studied alloy exhibits a mixture of lamellar and equiaxed grain structure. The microstructure evolution after the superplastic forming process for each applied gas pressure was investigated. It was observed that the lamellar microstructure significantly affects the superplastic forming process and the uniformity of the thickness profile after forming.
COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on sexual life: Recommendations from the Italian Society of Andrology
Authors: Maretti Carlo , Privitera Salvatore , Arcaniolo Davide , Cirigliano Lorenzo , Fabrizi Adele , Rizzo Michele , Ceruti Carlo , Ortensi Ilaria , Lauretti Stefano , Cai Tommaso , Bitelli Marco , Palumbo Fabrizio , Palmieri Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the coronavirus that causes an infectious disease, called COVID-19, first detected in patients with pneumonia in Wuhan (People's Republic of China) on December 2019. Italy was the first European country to state the outbreak of the infection and its Council of Ministers declared the state of health emergency on 31.01.2020, then the World Health Organization ruled a global pandemic on 11.03.2020. The nasopharyngeal swab is based on the detection of virus RNA and is the only reliable one for declaring COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients before hospitalization may be fever, chills, cough, dyspnea, asthenia, myalgia and/or arthralgia. This symptomatology can be often complicated in a dramatically increasing manner such as to require hospitalization starting from the third-fourth week. COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically affected the quality of life by changing inter-personal relationships, community life and obviously sexual health. The purpose of this work, based on available evidence, is to provide recommendations to help the population to face their sexual life in this critical period.
First COVID-19 sub-intensive respiratory unit in Europe: the Italian experience
Authors: Henchi Sonia , Conti Clara Benedetta , Vanoni Nicolò , Repossi Alice Claudia , Cipolla Giuseppe , Marra Mirko , Esposti Elena , Fiini Michela , Raimondi Cominesi Irene , Crepaldi Monica , Scozzafava Mariano
Published: June 2020

European SARS-CoV-2 pandemic epicenter was detected in Northern Italy, in a little Italian town of Lodi province, the Lodi Hospital was therefore rapidly saturated, and in particularly the departments of respiratory diseases and Intensive Care Unit had been largely involved. In this paper, we describe how the first Sub-intensive Respiratory Unit in Europe completely dedicated to COVID-19 patients was organized and managed in our hospital. From February 25th to April 30th 2020, 156 patients were admitted to our Respiratory Sub-intensive Unit. Among them, 100 were discharged, 28 dead and 28 transferred to ICU for intubation.
Comparative analysis of the profitability of small and medium scale cassava and palm fruit processing in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoronkwo F.C. , Onya S.C. , Amah J.E.
Published: June 2020

This study was designed to comparatively examine the profitability of small and medium scale cassava and palm fruit processing in Abia State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 50 cassava and 50 palm fruit processors to give total respondents of 100. Simple descriptive statistics such as means and percentages, cost and returns analysis and Z-test were adopted in analyzing the data. The socioeconomiccharacteristics of the processors showed that middle aged persons between 25 and 54 accounted for majority (70% and 60%) of the respondents for cassava and palm fruit processors respectively. Also majority (60% and 64%) of the respondents were female. The majority of the respondents (60% and 54%) of the cassava and palm fruit processors had at least secondary education implying that the processing business was dominated by literates/elites. Cassava processors gained monthly net returns of N308,000 as against N 227,000 realized by palm fruit processors, indicating that cassava processing is more profitable than palm fruit processing. In view of its contribution to this paper, the following are recommended: a re-establishment of active processing firms which are income-spinning ventures; on the macro-level, government should discourage the exportation of competing products which has a multiplier effect on the operations of the firms and as such protect them from harsh competitions capable of weakening their profit performances.

Key words: This study was designed to comparatively examine the profitability of small and medium scale