bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Mixing Ratio for Particleboard Production from Groundnut Shell and Rice Husk
Authors: Olawale Olamide , Akinyemi Banjo A. , Attabo Favourite 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The aim of this work is to optimize the mixing ratio for production of particleboard (PB) from groundnut shell and rice husk. This research is focused on optimization approach for turning the agricultural waste into quality value-added composite PB for sustainable development. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the effect of three process variables: groundnut husk (0–100 g); rice husk (0–100 g) and resin (1.5–2.5 g). The best process levels for PB production predicted by the software were validated. The PB samples produced were analysed using scanning electron microscope. The best results were obtained at levels: groundnut husk – 50 g; rice husk –100 g; resin – 3.50 g with rupture modulus of 3.50 N·mm−2 and elasticity modulus of 932.4 N·mm−2, the predicted optimal levels of 65.99 g; 86.34 g and 1.69 g were validated. The validation results gave rupture modulus of 3.49 N·mm−2, and elasticity modulus of 932.10 N·mm−2. It can be concluded that PB produced at the optimized conditions satisfied the American National Standard ANSI/A208.1-999 specification for general purpose particleboards for sustainable development.
Mathematical Modelling of Pyrolysis of Hardwood (Acacia)
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Singh Suraj B. , Bacskai Istvan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper emphasises the analogous modelling of hardwood (acacia) pyrolysis. The impacts of physical characteristics of hardwood chips on the pyrolysis are examined through the conservation of biomass solid mass fraction. The ONORM standard chips of sizes ‘G30’ and ‘G50’ and their combination are individually tested in the pyrolysis reactor. In the analogous situation, the fixed bed is assumed to be a wooden slab with a porosity equivalent to the voidage of bed. Bulk density, bed length and porosity are several of the physical attributes of a fixed bed used to examine the variation in the hardwood solid mass across the fixed bed. To measure temperature, the four-temperature sensors separated from each other by 80 mm are fixed along periphery of a reactor. The heating element of 2 kWe is provided to initiate the biomass pyrolysis. The proposed model is also used to establish the relationship between the kinetics of pyrolysis and the structural properties of hardwood.
Mathematical Model of Uniform Cereal Crops Seeding Using a Double-Disk Coulter
Authors: Derevjanko Dmytro , Holovach Ivan , Bulgakov Volodymyr , Ihnatiev Yevhen , Nozdrovický Ladislav 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The paper provided presents a new design of two-disk wide-row coulter that ensures uniform distribution of seeds to an even bed at the furrow bottom, as well as preserving of optimal distances between the seeds. Seeds fall from the seed tube of coil sowing apparatus onto a metal distribution plate with staggeringly arranged metal pins, which distribute the seeds to furrow bottom surface in a form of separate strips. To substantiate the kinematic and constructive parameters of proposed coulter design, a mathematical model for transport of seeds along the surface of a distribution plate was developed and the Cauchy problem for a system of the second-order quasi-linear differential equations was solved by the finite difference methods using embedded software procedures in mathematical software packages (Mathcad, Maple, etc.). The finite-difference method implementation was carried out using computer software allowing the determination of coordinates of seeds and, if necessary, changing of direction of their movement by adjusting the coulter operation to improve the distribution of seeds to soil in order to reduce the injury to them, which ultimately can contribute to an increased yield. Coverage of the plate surface and distribution pins with a rubber material can also contribute to a significant reduction in seed injury during sowing.
Comparison of Smoke Emissions in Different Combustion Engine Fuels
Authors: Angelovič Michal , Jablonický Juraj , Tkáč Zdenko , Angelovič Marek 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Goal of this study was to investigate and evaluate an impact of two alternative fuels on smoke emissions in comparison to diesel fuel. This study observes three different combustion engine fuels: biodiesel produced by Meroco, Inc. Company (Alternative fuel I); biodiesel produced in factory situated in Sereď (Alternative fuel II); and conventional diesel fuel (Diesel fuel) from Slovnaft, Inc. Company service station. All measurements were repeated three times. Measurements were conducted by free acceleration test at different engine loads. A statistically significant difference (P <0.05) in smoke emissions values was detected between Alternative fuel I and conventional Diesel fuel, and between Alternative fuel I and Alternative fuel II. The difference in smoke emissions values between conventional fuel and Alternative fuel II was not statistically significant (P >0.05). Tested engine has met the requirements of the EURO 3 emission limit values in relation to the measurement results of particulate matter emissions.
Statistical Analysis of the Physicochemical Parameters of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Ecotype Oils in the Oasis Region of Degache (Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Amar Fathi , Ben Maachia Sihem , Ayadi Mohamed 
Published: December 2020

Summary
A total of seventeen olive ecotypes were identified in the oasis region of Degache (Tozeur, Tunisia). The following physicochemical parameters of their oils were studied: acidity, refraction index, polyphenol, chlorophyll and carotene contents, oleic, palmitic and linoleic acid levels and the UV absorbance (K232 and K270). The acidity, K232 and K270 parameter values were used to classify most of the olive oils considered as ‘extra virgin’. The highest carotene, chlorophyll and polyphenol contents of the olive oils examined were found to be 13.60 ppm, 9.10 ppm and 796 ppm, respectively. The oleic acid level of the olive oils considered ranged between 47% and 73%, whereas the palimtic acid level ranged between 11.8% and 23%, and the linoleic acid level ranged between 8.8% and 22.5%. Therefore, the fatty acid composition of the most olive oils considered was in keeping with the IOC norms. The Pearson correlation coefficients obtained were found to be negatively significant for the oleic, palmitic and linoleic acid levels recorded. The cluster and principal component analyses performed revealed the importance of fatty acids and polyphenol contents in the clustering of olive ecotypes. The selection of olive ecotypes according to oil quality is possible, requiring further studies focusing especially on their agronomic characters.
Nutritional Characteristics and Seed Germination Improvement of the Forage Shrub Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss
Authors: Kheloufi Abdenour , Mansouri Lahouaria Mounia , Djelilate Mohamed , Touka Mourad , Chater Abdallah , Dekhinet Charaf 
Published: December 2020

Summary
Retama sphaerocarpa shrubs form populations that can be an important forage resource during the dry season when pasture shortages are common in certain arid and semi-arid Mediterranean basin regions. The leaves of R. sphaerocarpa were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents. Leaves were also analyzed for the concentration of macro- (P, K, Ca and Mg) and microelements (Mn, Zn, Fe, and Na). According to the contents of CP, NDF, ADF and ADL in the leaves examined, this species could strike an appropriate balance between available feed ingredients for daily nutritional needs of animals. The contents of Ca, K, Na, P, Fe, Mg, and Zn in Retama sphaerocarpa shrubs were found to be high, compared to a number of other forage shrub species. Conversely, the rate of natural regeneration of this shrub in situ was estimated at 2-5%. R. sphaerocarpa seeds are affected by seed coat dormancy that prevents seed germination under natural conditions. The seed germination was assessed at a laboratory after the chemical scarification of seeds by concentrated sulphuric acid in the duration range of 0 min and 240 min. The principal component analysis of data related to the germination ability and seedling emergence showed that the best pretreatment was 120 min immersion in sulphuric acid at 25°C (± 2°C), resulting in 86% of the final germination percentage (FGP) and 14.6 cm of the seedling length (SL). According to the results obtained, this species could be considered a ruminant feed of great nutritive value when drought decreases grazing herbaceous biomass yields. These results should encourage farmers and foresters to integrate R. sphaerocarpa into their planting programs.
Gender Assessment of Coping Strategies Adopted by Rural Households During Economic Recession: A Case of Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Dorcas Lola , Alao Oluwagbenga Titus , Famakinwa Michael , Ogunleke Temiloluwa Rebecca 
Published: December 2020

Summary
The study assessed coping strategies adopted during economic recession by male and female members of rural households in Osun State, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the perceived causes of economic recession, investigated the perceived effects and identified the coping strategies adopted by the male and female members of the rural households during economic recession and their level of adoption. A multistage procedure was used to select 120 respondents from 6 local Government Areas of the State. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means and independent T-test analysis. The mean ages of the male and female respondents were 45.2 ± 14.1 years and 37 ± 12.6 years respectively. The majority of the males (78.3%) and females (80%) were married with the mean household size of 7 ± 3 people for the male and 6 ± 2 for the female respondents. The cause of economic recession mostly perceived by the male and female respondents was poor economic planning (mean=3.87, 3.77), while prioritizing spending (mean=2.80, 2.52) was the most adopted strategy by both males and females. No significant difference was found in the effects of economic recession on the male and female respondents (t = -0.19; p >0.05) and likewise no significant difference was found in their economic recession coping strategies (t=0.115; p ≥ 0.05). The study concluded that there was no significant difference in the economic recession coping strategies between the male and female members of rural households in the study area.
A Study into the Relationship between Restaurant Tipping and Food Service Tangibility in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Were Simon O. , Miricho Moses N. , Maranga Vincent N. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Tipping is believed to have vast influence on restaurant food service tangibility, and thus, quality. This forms the basis of the assumption that foodservice clients are in a better position to reward and monitor the quality of restaurant food services. Nonetheless, the act of tipping has seriously been abused by food servers, hence compromising food service tangibles and thus quality. As a consequence, this is the origin of the observed service failures, not only within restaurant food service but also in the entire service industry. Therefore, the study sought to investigate the relationship between tipping and tangibility of restaurant foodservice. Cross tabulation, correlation as well as multiple regression was used in the analysis of data. The study found a weak significant association between tipping and food service tangibility (Pearson's R = 0.150, P-value > 0.05). However, multiple regression results indicate that restaurant tipping does not statistically significantly predicts the dependent variable – tangibility of food service (F = 45.619). Thus, at 95% confidence level, the study therefore concluded that there is no statistically significant relationship between restaurant tipping and tangibility of food service within the sampled hotels in Kisumu County, Kenya.
Experimentally Validated Numerical Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slab-Column Connections Subjected to Punching Shear
Authors: Floruț S.C. , Popescu D.A. , Stoian V. , Dan D. , Nagy-György T. , Todea V. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The paper presents the results of experimental investigations and numerical analyses performed on reinforced concrete flat slabs. Two tests were carried out on two flat slab specimens designed without specific shear reinforcement. The present paper deals only with the experimental behaviour and numerical modelling of such slabs, this representing the initial part of a larger study which aims to evaluate the shear capacity of such deficient slabs resulted from faulty design or execution and to identify viable and efficient strengthening solutions. ATENA finite element software package was used to numerically model the behaviour of the specimens. A very good agreement was achieved between the results of experimental investigations and numerical modelling with deviations of 0.2% in terms of maximum load carrying capacity and of 7% in terms of corresponding displacement. The specimens were able to carry loads of more than 950kN, larger than those evaluated using designated Eurocodes, displaying a safety factor of 2.72.
Experimental Determination of the Discharge Coeffcient Through Circular Orifice in PVC Pipes
Authors: Hotupan Anca , Hadarean Adriana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Real water losses derived from water supply systems represent an important topic, nowadays. It is difficult to predict and to calculate the water lost volume, these values being crucial in any water balance. In addition, the leakage flow can be estimated only when the geometric and hydraulic characteristics of the pipes and the period of time associated to the leakage are known. Also, by using the equation of the water flow can be obtained inaccurate values, especially when incorrect values of discharge coefficient are used. The values of the discharge coefficient can vary between 0.6 and 0.85, depending on a multiple aspects, such as the pipe diameter, the orifice size and shape, the pipe material, the orifice position on the pipe wall, the pipe thickness and the hydraulic parameters of the water (flow and pressure). This paper is focused of an experimental study of a leak simulation in a PVC pipe. Thereby, a circular orifice is drilled on PVC pipe wall and the influence of the water flow and pressure on the discharge coefficient (Cd) is analysed. The experimental values obtained for de Cd are 0.59 - 0.86, values that are in accordance with the results from similar studies.
Assessing Financial Risk in Public-Private Partnership Financing for Road Construction Projects in Iran Using Uncertainty Conditions Approach
Authors: Jaafarian M. , Ardeshir A. , Boyaghchi A. Firozi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Private section investment in the construction of transportation infrastructure, one of the most important of which is freeway projects, has been extensively used in developing countries in recent decades. However, in many cases due to the lack of necessary investigations and studies, the criteria have not been properly identified and, as a result, the proper way of participating in large-scale transport projects has resulted in numerous problems and, in some cases, project failure. However, choosing a private-public partnership will have a major impact on the success of freeway construction. However, due to the current conditions of the country’s economy, these projects are following with some risks. Therefore, in this study, the financial risk assessment of “public-private partnership” financing for road construction projects in Iran was investigated using the uncertainty approach and the BAS method. The research population of this study consisted of 23 researchers and experts with Ph.D. degree in finance with minimum degree of associate degree and experience of research and financial consulting in investment firms. According to the results, the lack of stability in planning and implementation of government programs and political risks, increases the risk of road construction projects and, in this regard, controlling the price fluctuations and bank financing of road construction projects can reduce the risk of these projects.
Improvement of Fracture Network Modeling in Fractured Reservoirs Using Conditioning and Geostatistical Method
Authors: Madani Seyyedeh Ellieh Moafi , Hassani H. , Tokhmechi B. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The fracture network in hydrocarbon reservoirs plays a major role in reservoir fluid transfer to production wells. Modeling of fracture in fractured reservoir is often done randomly. Modelling is based on image logs and core information. Because the information is available in a small number of wells, the model is not reliable and this problem makes it impossible to predict the correct flow rate and the amount of wells produced. In this study, an algorithm based on primary and secondary data for fracture network modelling in one of the southwest fields of Iran has been presented. The initial data include aperture fracture and fracture density, and secondary data includes petrophysical data, i.e. electrical resistance and resistance logs used to scale-up characteristics of fracture in wells. In this study, we tried to increase the accuracy of modelling by using modelling conditionality on existing and constructed data. Gaussian conditional simulation produces a set of realizations on which non-linear statistics can be readily available. In this way, information was entered into the model in areas where fracture was predicted to exist. Using the turning bands co-simulation method in geostatistic, the fracture characteristics were simulated in wells that were not available. Using the results of the 3D model, the fracture of the reservoir was re-constructed. The results showed that the modelling performed in this study has been able to increase the fracture prediction accuracy and their properties in fracture density by about 9% and in the fracture opening by about 5%.
The Effects of Height and Plan on the Along-Wind Response of Structures Considering Wind-Soil-Structure Interaction
Authors: Shirkhanghah B. , Kalehsar H. Eimani 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of cross-section and slenderness on the dynamic response of high-rise buildings constructed on the coarse soil. In this work, the simulation of the wind and soil effects on the high-rise buildings are done numerically using the ABAQUS software. The wind-induced vibration of the building models is studied through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD). Co-simulation is accepted for the transfer of loads from the fluid to the structural domain. The mechanical response of the soil system is modeled using direct method. Suitable contact elements for slippage and separation modeling between subsurface elements are also considered. Finally, fluid and structural responses are compared in terms of mean and root mean square values with laboratory results on the wide range of reduced velocities. It is concluded that height and cross-section of building affect the vibrational response of the building, and therefore the designer must carefully consider these factors in order to ensure that the design is safe.
Theoretical and Practical Assessments of Transfer Prices. Legal Evidence from Romanian Case Law
Authors: Dumiter Florin Cornel , Jimon Ștefania Amalia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Transfer pricing represents the mainstream agenda in the light of tax law, lato sensu, and international taxation, stricto sensu. At the international level, there can be an emphasis on several problems related to taxation: double taxation, double non – taxation, permanent establishment, business profits, residence criteria, arm's length principle, mutual agreement procedure, dispute resolution of tax conflicts. However, the problem of transfer pricing has more profound judicial and economic implications. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate and assess the underlying features and characteristics of transfer prices in the economical and judicial actual context. The operational objectives are related to a quid pro quo analysis regarding the fine-tuning aspects of transfer pricing in the digital taxation era. The case law presented in this article tackles the main problems of applying transfer pricing international regulation upon Romanian tax jurisprudence. The conclusion of this article highlights the need, mutadis mutandis, for a tax policy agenda revealing a strengthened fiscal and financial environment towards the creation of a new proper fiscal space.
Analysis of Criminal Activities Exploiting Social Media: With Special Regards to Criminal Cases of Wechat Fraud in Chinese Jurisdiction
Authors: Li Xingan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Social media provide a more convenient way for daily communication and business transaction, while they are also exploited by potential criminals to perpetrate offenses of different natures. Fraud is one of the most frequently reported offenses, some of which involve the use of WeChat, an application now used by 846 million users worldwide. The article is designed to give a comprehensive statement of features, causes, and types of WeChat fraud currently existing in China. The article also formulates important countermeasures based on academic conclusions, law enforcement opinions as well as written criminal judgments collected from Chinese courts during the research.
Relevant Issues of Exploration the Concept of Indigenous People in the International Legal Instruments and Ukrainian Legal Doctrine
Authors: Melnykova Dariia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the problem of determination of the legal personality of indigenous people as a subject of international law is considered. Hence, the problem articulated above leads to the issue related to aspects of practical realization and protection of rights and freedoms of indigenous people enshrined in international legal instruments, which is revealed. The confusion of the term “indigenous people” with that of “national minorities” can be avoided by the subjects of international law. However, one cannot find a solution to this problem without envisaging written rules on the concept of ingenious people in one obligatory, for contracting parties, an international legal instrument. Thereafter, the concept of indigenous people must be unified and, consequently, used by all international legal community. The relevance of this study is due to the need to determine the legal status of indigenous peoples in Ukrainian law. Ukraine has recently acceded to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which defines the need to implement these provisions in national legislation and ensure the practical implementation of the rights and freedoms enshrined for indigenous peoples. To date, the Constitution of Ukraine makes a distinction between the categories of national minorities and indigenous peoples, but there is no specialized comprehensive law that would determine the legal status of indigenous peoples in Ukraine, in the presence of such a law on national minorities. Thus there is a need to determine the concept of indigenous peoples in Ukrainian legislation.