bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and microstructural study of SnS thin film semiconductor of 0.2<tâ‰¤ 0.4 Î¼m thickness for application in a field effect transistor
Authors: Ojonugwa Daniel Thomas , Essang Uno Uno , Uthman Isah Kasim , Ahmadu Umaru 
Published: February 2021

SnS semiconductor thin film of 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40 Î¼m were deposited using aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACV) on glass substrates and were investigated for use in a field effect transistor. Profilometry, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterise the structural and microstructural properties of the SnS semiconductor. The SnS thin film was found to initially consist of a single crystal at thickness of 0.20 to 0.25Î¼m after which it becomes polycrystalline with an orthorhombic crystal structure consisting of Sn and S elements whose composition varied with increase in thickness. The SnS film of 0.4 Î¼m thickness shows a more uniform grain distribution and growth with a crystal size of 60.57 nm and grain size of 130.31 nm signifying an optimum for the as deposited SnS films as the larger grains reduces the number of grain boundaries and charge trap density hence allowing charge carriers to move freely in the lattice thereby causing a reduction in resistivity, increase in conductivity of the films and enhanced energy band gap which are essentially parameters for a semiconductor material for application in a field effect transistor.Â Â
Empirical models for predicting global solar radiation using meteorological parameters for Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: O. Akpootu Davidson , I. Tijjani Bello , M. Gana Usman 
Published: February 2021

The performances of sunshine, temperature and multivariate models for the estimation of global solar radiation for Sokoto (Latitude 13.020N, Longitude 05.250E and 350.8 m asl) located in the Sahelian region in Nigeria were evaluated using measured monthly average daily global solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperatures, sunshine hours, rainfall, wind speed, cloud cover and relative humidity meteorological data during the period of thirty one years (1980-2010). The comparison assessment of the models was carried out using statistical indices of coefficient of determination (R2), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), t â€“ test, Nash â€“ Sutcliffe Equation (NSE) and Index of Agreement (IA). For the sunshine based models, a total of ten (10) models were developed, nine (9) existing and one authorâ€™s sunshine based model. For the temperature based models, a total of four (4) models were developed, three (3) existing and one authorâ€™s temperature based model. The results of the existing and newly developed authorâ€™s sunshine and temperature based models were compared and the best empirical model was identified and recommended. The results indicated that the authorâ€™s quadratic sunshine based model involving the latitude and the exponent temperature based models are found more suitable for global solar radiation estimation in Sokoto. The evaluated existing â„«ngstrÃ¶m type sunshine based model for the location was compared with those available in literature from other studies and was found more suitable for estimating global solar radiation. Comparing the most suitable sunshine and temperature based models revealed that the temperature based models is more appropriate in the location. The developed multivariate regression models are found suitable as evaluation depends on the available combination of the meteorological parameters based on two to six variable correlations. The recommended models are found suitable for estimating global solar radiation in Sokoto and regions with similar climatic information with higher accuracy and climatic variability.Â Â Â
Gamma activity in Tigris river water and Rustumai wastewater treatment plant
Authors: R. Al-Ani Rana , A. Amin Sahar 
Published: February 2021

The activity level of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides at selected locations of Tigris River and Rustumai water treatment plant (before and after treatment) has been determined by using NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry. The results show that the total average activity values were 44.3Bq kgâˆ’1 and 789.6Bq kgâˆ’1 for 226Raand 40K, respectively. These values are higher than the world recommended values given by UNSCEAR, while the total activity concentration of 232Th was within the world recommended value of 30 Bq.kg-1. Radiological hazard indices such as: radium equivalent activity in Bq.kgâˆ’1, annual equivalent dose in Sv.yâˆ’1, external and internal hazard indexes, representative gamma index, dose rate in nGy.hâˆ’1 and annual effective dose equivalent (outdoor and indoor) in mSv.yâˆ’1 were calculated. The calculated indices were below the world recommended values, hence they have no serious effects on people health and environmental species and the Tigris River water can be considered un-harmful for the environment and humans as they are within the world median limits. In the case of Rustumai wastewater treatment plant samples for untreated and treated samples, the average activity concentrations of the three radionuclides were higher than the world recommended values.Â Â
Dark soliton solutions to (2 + 1)-dimensional Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar equation via the first integral method
Authors: Subhaschandra Singh Salam 
Published: February 2021

Â In the present work, the First Integral Method is being applied in finding a non-soliton as well as a soliton solution of the ( 2 + 1 ) dimensional Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar (KMN) equation which is a variant of the well-known Nonlinear Schrodinger ( NLS ) equation. Using the method, a dark optical soliton solution and a periodic trigonometric solution to the KMN equation have been suggested and the relevant conditions which guarantee the existence of such solutions are also indicated therein.Â Â
The thermodynamic principles as the theoretical basis of fair remuneration
Authors: Dobija MieczysÅ‚aw , Renkas Jurij 
Published: February 2021

Thermodynamics is the key to solving many economic problems. Since the human body is driven by heat engines, there is a loss of energy source. Measuring this loss means it is possible to indicate the size of a fair wage. Another version of the second principle justifies the amount of depreciation of real assets, such as machinery and equipment. A significant purpose of the article is to indicate that the category of capital cannot be understood without knowing the first and second principle of thermodynamics. The main aim is to present the theory of equitable remuneration developed using the second principle of thermodynamics and the discovered economic constant. Theoretical research leads to the creation of a model of capital and a model of fair pay with the understanding of the existence of an economic constant quantifying the action of natural forces on capital growth. Empirical research estimates the size of the constant and verifies the fairness of remuneration. The research reveals the existence of an economic constant necessary in capital theory, especially in the field of remuneration for work. Models for measuring human capital of employees and formulas enabling calculation of fair remuneration and its updating are presented. Additionally, using the entropic version of the second principle, the depreciation amounts of fixed assets are determined. The main conclusion of the presented research and the formulated theory is that thermodynamics is essential for the correct understanding of the category of capital defining as the abstract ability to perform work.Â Â
Circular Gabor wavelet algorithm for fingerprint liveness detection
Authors: F.W. Onifade Olufade , Akinde Paul , Olubusola Isinkaye Folasade 
Published: February 2021

Biometrics usage is growing daily and fingerprint-based recognition system is among the most effective and popular methods of personality identification. The conventional fingerprint sensor functions on total internal reflectance (TIR), which is a method that captures the external features of the finger that is presented to it. Hence, this opens it up to spoof attacks. Liveness detection is an anti-spoofing approach that has the potentials to identify physiological features in fingerprints. It has been demonstrated that spoof fingerprint made of gelatin, gummy and play-doh can easily deceive sensor. Therefore, the security of such sensor is not guaranteed. Here, we established a secure and robust fake-spoof fingerprint identification algorithm using Circular Gabor Wavelet for texture segmentation of the captured images. The samples were exposed to feature extraction processing using circular Gabor wavelet algorithm developed for texture segmentations. The result was evaluated using FAR which measures if a user presented is accepted under a false claimed identity. The FAR result was 0.03125 with an accuracy of 99.968% which showed distinct difference between live and spoof fingerprint.Â Â Â
Beyond Compassionate Aid: Precarious Bureaucrats and Dutiful Asylum Seekers in Italy
Authors: Giudici Daniela 
Published: February 2021

In this article, I track shifting paradigms of refugee management in Italy in times of austerity and welfare state restructuring. Drawing on an ethnographic analysis of asylum-related bureaucratic work in Bologna, the essay explores paradoxical and violent effects of welfare decline both on reception workers’ labor conditions and on the dynamic of aid that they end up providing to asylum seekers. On the one hand, recent developments in asylum management in Italy suggest a transition to post-compassionate forms of aid, hinged more on the making of dutiful subjects ready to repay the “hospitality” offered by the state than on the moral imperative to rescue suffering bodies and lives. On the other hand, reception workers’ precarious positioning and unrest hold the potential for exposing the inherent contradictions of state-based narratives, thereby shaping alternative discourses on the causes and responsibilities of both refugee and economic “crises.”
Abstract

Questo articolo ricostruisce l’emergere di nuovi paradigmi di gestione dei rifugiati in Italia, in tempi di austerità e ristrutturazione dei sistemi di welfare. Prendendo spunto dall’analisi etnografica di un ufficio di supporto per l’asilo a Bologna, l’articolo esplora effetti violenti e paradossali dello smantellamento del welfare pubblico, sia sulle condizioni di lavoro degli operatori dell’accoglienza, che sulle dinamiche di aiuto a richiedenti asilo che essi finiscono col contribuire a produrre. Le recenti trasformazioni nella gestione dell’asilo in Italia suggeriscono uno slittamento verso forme di aiuto post-compassionevoli, incentrate più sulla costruzione di soggetti attivamente impegnati nel ricompensare “l’ospitalità” offerta dallo stato, che sull’imperativo morale di salvare corpi e vite sofferenti. Al tempo stesso, la precarietà e il dissenso dei lavoratori dell’accoglienza sono potenzialmente in grado di illuminare alcune delle contraddizioni intrinseche alle narrazioni statali, elaborando così discorsi alternativi sulle cause e responsabilità della “crisi”, sia migratoria che economica.
Comparative application of photogrammetry, handmapping and android smartphone for geotechnical mapping and slope stability analysis
Authors: Matsimbe Jabulani 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
With increasing awareness of geotechnical risks in civil and mining structures, taking advantage of smartphone technology to study rocky slopes can play a key role in the development of safe and economical structures for human welfare. In Malawi, there is a research gap on application of portable devices to collect geotechnical data. Geological engineers still use the unsafe tedious handmapping technique to collect geotechnical data. A road cut that experiences frequent rockfall is used as a case study to investigate if there is a role for smartphones in geotechnics by comparing set statistics of data clusters collected through photogrammetry, smartphone and clar inclinometer. Besides low cost, smartphone’ data capture speed is faster than clar inclinometer. Stereographic and kinematic analysis shows that the 75° dipping road cut is predominantly prone to wedge failure with minor planar failure. For slope stability, Q-slope suggests a new slope angle of 60–66°. An acceptable tolerance limit or error between handmapping and remote data capture systems should be less than ±15°. Set analysis on 111 comparable data points gave a maximum pole vector difference of 10.5°, with the minimum having a difference of 4.8°. For dip, the standard deviations vary from 4.9 to 9.5°, while their mean values vary from −2 to 2.75°. For dip directions, the standard deviations vary from 3.2 to 4.3°, while their mean values vary from −6 to 0.75°. Therefore, android smartphones have a role in geotechnics due to their allowable orientation errors, which show less variance in measured dip/dip direction.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Surface Layer Conditions after Carbonitriding of Powder Metallurgical Steels. Part 1: Diffusion in Components of Graded Porosity
Authors: Damon J. M. , Surm H. , Saddei P. , Dietrich S. , Schulze V. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Case hardening processes such as carbonitriding can be used to improve the performance of powder metallurgical structural components. Due to the amount of carbon and nitrogen introduced, it is possible to adjust the hardness and residual stress of the surface layer. Due to their porosity, powder metallurgical components show a significantly increased diffusivity and therefore increased demands on the process control. In order to be able to make a quantitative statement about the effects of diffusivity as a function of porosity, common densities of 6.9 g/cm3, 7.2 g/cm3and 7.35 g/cm3for PM-steel are examined in a total of ten process sequences. By means of simulative approaches, the resulting element depth profiles can be calculated and the surface layer condition can be predicted by a subsequent heat treatment simulation. In a two-part work, the mass transport during carbonitriding is investigated in the first part and the resulting surface layer conditions after heat treatment in the second part. By considering different process combinations and porosities, model approaches of volume and pore diffusion can be formulated and quantitative element depth profiles can be predicted and validated depending on the process parameters. ◼
Modified bamboo-based activated carbon as the catalyst carrier for the gas phase synthesis of vinyl acetate from acetylene and acetic acid
Authors: Guo Xiuling , Duan Jihai , Li Chaojie , Zhang Zisheng , Wang Weiwen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As a significant component of catalyst system, catalyst carrier can impact on coating amount of active component, and in turn catalytic activity. In this work, study of bamboo-based activated carbon as the catalyst carrier for gas phase synthesis of vinyl acetate from acetylene and acetic acid was carried out. Characterization and experimental results showed that bamboo-based activated carbon possessed the conditions and potential of being a catalyst carrier and characterized a greater advantage in structure and properties after modification. After ultrasonic treatment, it was found that the mesoporous distribution of activated carbon increased, which promoted the adsorption to zinc acetate and resulted in 23% increase in productivity of catalyst. Simultaneously, it had a different effect on surface area and pore-size distribution of activated carbon by thermal treatment at high temperatures in N2 and CO2 atmosphere. The productivity of catalyst with bamboo-based activated carbon as catalyst carrier after thermal treatment in N2 and CO2 can be increased by 14 and 20%, respectively. Furthermore, based on the influence of pore size on adsorption and reaction of active components, the necessity of expanding pores of carbon was explained in this paper, which pointed out the direction of activated carbon modification.
Formation mechanism and chaotic reinforcement elimination of the mechanical stirring isolated mixed region
Authors: Fan Yuewei , Wang Shibo , Wang Hua , Xu Jianxin , Xiao Qingtai , Wei Yonggang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The isolated mixed region (IMR) is gradually formed during stirring and reduces the mixing efficiency. The unsteady-state formation process of the IMR was modeled and its formation mechanism was analyzed. The rotating frequency of the impeller was optimized using the chaos mathematical theory to improve the stirring efficiency without increasing the power consumption. The calculated results demonstrate that the IMR is a coherent structure, and its formation process is based on the free shear effect of the mixed layer. The chaotic stirring method can accelerate the momentum dissipation process by 37% by eliminating the IMR, and increase the speed by up to 31%. Therefore, chaotic mixing can eliminate the IMR in a shorter time and lower the power consumption.
A methodology for dynamic behavior analysis of the slider-crank mechanism considering clearance joint
Authors: Chen Yu , Feng Jun , He Qiang , Wang Yu , Sun Yu , Yu Chengtao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The slider-crank mechanism is used widely in modern industrial equipment whereby the contact-impact of a revolute clearance joint affects the dynamic behavior of mechanical systems. Combining multibody dynamic theory and nonlinear contact theory, the computational methodology for dynamic analysis of the slider-crank mechanism with a clearance joint is proposed. The differential equations of motion are obtained considering the revolute clearance joint between the connecting rod and slider. In the mechanical system, the contact force is evaluated using the continuous force model proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh, which can describe the contact-impact phenomenon accurately. Then, the experimental study is performed whereby the numerical results are compared with the test data to validate the proposed model. Moreover, the dynamic response analysis is conducted with various driving velocities and clearance sizes, which also explains that the sensitive dependence of a mechanical system on the revolute clearance joint.
Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies – the role of maternal age
Authors: Toussia-Cohen Shlomi , Mohr-Sasson Aya , Tsur Abraham , Levin Gabriel , Orvieto Raoul , Machtinger Ronit , Meyer Raanan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We aim to study the association of maternal age with maternal and neonatal complications in twin pregnancies.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study of dichorionic–diamniotic twin pregnancies stratified into three groups according to maternal age (“A” <25, “B” 25–34 and “C” 35–44 years old). Outcome measures included pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications. A sub-analysis of in vitro fertilization pregnancies only was conducted.

Results
Compared with younger women (groups A [n=65] and B [n=783]), older women [group C (n=392)] demonstrated significantly higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (B 6.6% vs. A 0%, p =0.027, C 10.2% vs. B 6.6%, p =0.032), were more likely to undergo cesarean deliveries (C 66.6%, B 57.6%, A 52.3%, p =0.007), and were at increased risk of having more than 20% difference in weight between the twins (C 24.5%, B 17.4%, A 16.9%, p =0.013). Other outcomes, including preeclampsia, did not differ between the groups. A sub-analysis of the in vitro fertilization only pregnancies was performed. Compared with younger women (groups A [n=18] and B [n=388]), older women (group C [n=230]) underwent more cesarean deliveries (p=0.004), and had more than 20% difference in weight between the twins (p<0.004). Other outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus rates and preeclampsia, did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions
Women at advanced maternal age with dichorionic twin pregnancies had significantly higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean deliveries and fetal weight discordancy as compared with younger women. In contrast, the incidence of preeclampsia was not affected by maternal age.
Typology of partitives
Authors: Seržant Ilja A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the coding patterns of partitives and their functional extensions, based on a convenience sample of 138 languages from 46 families from all macroareas. Partitives are defined as constructions that may express the proportional relation of a subset to a superset (the true-partitive relation). First, it is demonstrated that, crosslinguistically, partitive constructions vary as to their syntactic properties and morphological marking. Syntactically, there is a cline from loose – possibly less grammaticalized – structures to partitives with rigid head-dependent relations and, finally, to morphologically integrated one-word partitives. Furthermore, partitives may be encoded NP-internally (mostly via an adposition) or pronominally. Morphologically, partitives primarily involve markers syncretic with separative, locative or possessive meanings. Finally, a number of languages employ no partitive marker at all. Secondly, these different strategies are not evenly distributed in the globe, with, for example, Eurasia being biased for the separative strategy. Thirdly, on the functional side, partitives may have functions in the following domains in addition to the true-partitive relation: plain quantification (pseudo-partitives), hypothetical events, predicate negation and aspectuality. I claim that the ability to encode plain quantification is the prerequisite for the other domains. Finally, it is argued that there is a universal preference towards syncretism of two semantically distinct concepts: the proportional, true-partitive relation (some of the books) and plain quantification (some books).
Characterization of fibers after xylanase and modified laccase-glutamate system biobleaching of old newsprint pulp
Authors: Chen Guozheng , Wan Jinquan , Ma Yongwen , Wang Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The macroscopic and microscopic properties of old newsprint pulp with xylanase, MLac/Glu (modified laccase-glutamate system), and X-MLac/Glu (xylanase synergistic modified laccase-glutamate system) pretreatment was investigated by means of fiber quality measurements (FQA), attenuated total reflectance-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), headspace gas chromatography (HSGC), X-ray diffract ion method (XRD), Low-temperature nitrogen absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that, compare with the control pulp, the brightness and lightness (

L

∗

{L^{\ast }}

) of hydrogen peroxide bleached pulp after X-MLac/Glu pretreatment increased by 5.86 % ISO and 3.58 %, respectively. FQA analysis revealed that coarseness and fine fiber content increased slightly. The content of carboxyl groups and water retention value increased remarkably by 31.11 % and 39.22 %, respectively. The paper physical analysis showed that the paper strength properties have improved significantly. The crystallinity of cellulose decreased by 3.82 % due to X-MLac/Glu pretreatment. ATR-IR analysis indicated some non-cellulose components are removed. The BJH average pore size and BET specific surface area increased after enzyme pretreatment. The SEM analysis showed that through X-MLac/Glu treatment the fiber surface becomes rough and the connections between the fibers become tighter, more fibrils appeared.