bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Adoption of Building Commissioning Practices in the Installation of Building Services Items
Authors: Wahab Akeem Bolaji , Omaka Kingsley 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Of recent, the need to increase the performance of services installations in buildings has been a major point of interest amongst construction professionals through the consideration of commissioning practices required to be adopted during execution of building projects. The aim of the study is to investigate awareness of building professionals on the adoption of building commissioning practices in the installation and use of building services equipment. The study therefore examines the characteristics of building commissioning practices, examines the level of awareness and adoption of building commissioning practices amongst construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria, as well as investigates the factors influencing their adoption. A survey method of research was employed with questionnaire administered on construction professionals available on the list of firms of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) registered with the Lagos State Government. The data collected were analysed with the use of statistical tools, such as frequency distribution, mean item score, analysis of variance and factor analysis. The study shows that amongst the characteristics of building commissioning practices, lighting services have the highest level of engagement with a mean score of 4.45, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning 4.15 while vertical transporting services have a mean score of 3.82. A significant proportion of the respondents are aware of building commissioning practices through different professional training courses and practices. The study also shows that there is relationship between the level of awareness and adoption of building commissioning practices at 95 % confidence level. The indicators in group one are found through the factor analysis to be contributing mostly to the adoption of building commissioning practices by the respondents. The study concludes that with the existing level of its awareness in the study area, efforts should be made by stakeholders to entrench building commissioning practices provisions in the country’s institutional framework/regulatory code, which covers the installation and use of service items in building stock so as to further deepen their adoption in order to enhance performance and comfort of building projects.
Diprion pini L. (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Diprionidae) population dynamics in the Low Dnieper region
Authors: Meshkova Valentyna , Nazarenko Serhii , Kolienkina Maryna 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Pine sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Diprionidae) are the most spread foliage browsing insects of pine forests in Europe, especially monovoltinous European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy, 1785) and common pine sawfly Diprion pini (Linnaeus, 1758), which develops in one or two generations per year depending on weather. The outbreaks of both pine sawflies are the most frequent and intensive in the Steppe zone of Ukraine, especially in the Low Dnieper region, where pine forest (Pinus sylvestris Linnaeus and Pinus pallasiana D. Don) was planted on moving sands in the sixties of the 20th century. This research is aimed at the evaluation of the parameters for D. pini outbreak dynamics in the Low Dnieper region.
Outbreak severity, specific foci area and mean score of stand threat by D. pini were evaluated from the regional statistical reports. In the regional scale for 1979–2017, notable outbreaks of D. pini were registered in 1982, 1993, 2002, 2006 and 2017. An interval between maximums was from 4 to 11 years, in average 9 years. The growth of foci area in 1979–1998 as compared to 1999–2017 as well as correlation between pine stand area and annual area of this pest’s foci in different forests was not statistically significant. Graphical analysis of dynamics of D. pini focal area for 2010–2017 was done based on individual threat levels. Our study confirms the fact of three outbreaks for this period in three forest and hunting enterprises (FHE), two outbreaks in one FHE and one outbreak in one FHE. An interval between the outbreaks makes three or six years. The causes of such shortening of interval are discussed.
Effects of location of Norway spruce (Picea abies) stumps on their colonisation by insects in the mountains
Authors: Skrzecz Iwona , Bulka Maria , Ukalska Joanna 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Tree stumps provide habitat for insect assemblages, which are influenced by various factors. Among these factors, physical and chemical changes of the stumps, fungi developing in the dead wood and stump size are most often reported. However there is limited information about the abundance of insects in stumps that are located on mountains where there are different microclimatic conditions. The studies pointed at the determination whether the location of Picea abies stumps in mountains at different altitudes above sea level and on mountainsides with different sun exposure has an impact on the frequency of insects colonising them. The study was carried out in the Eastern Sudety Mountains situated in south-western Poland. The stumps were in clearcuts located at the altitudes 600–700 m and 900–1000 m above sea level and on southern and northern mountainsides. The insects were collected from 0.05 m2 of bark from each stump and identified to the family, order or species level. The numbers of insects in the stumps were modelled with the use of the Poisson distribution or the negative binomial distribution and the generalised linear models. Picea abies stumps were colonised by insects from 16 families in 3 orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera) in which the Coleoptera was most frequently represented by the families Cerambycidae, Curculionidae (with the sub-family Scolytinae). In the stumps located at the elevation of 900–1000 m there were 28% more insects than in the stumps at 600–700 m. The stumps located on mountainsides with northern exposure were colonised more abundantly by Cerambycidae. Numbers of Curculionidae in the stumps were affected by altitude. Most Curculionidae were found in the stumps located at the elevation 900–1000 m above sea level. The interaction of altitude and mountainside exposure showed more insects in the stumps at higher altitude, regardless of the mountainside exposure. The results showed that the total number of insects in the stumps was influenced by their location in mountains.
Heliconema monopteri n. sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) from Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) (Osteichthyes: Synbranchidae) in India, with notes on the taxonomy of Heliconema spp.
Authors: Moravec F. , Chaudhary A. , Singh H. S. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
A new nematode species, Heliconema monopteri n. sp. (Physalopteridae), is described from the stomach and intestine of the freshwater fish Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) (Synbranchidae) in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is mainly characterized by the lengths of spicules (468 – 510 µm and 186 – 225 µm), the postequatorial vulva without elevated lips, the presence of pseudolabial lateroterminal depressions and by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae. This is the first representative of the genus reported from a synbranchiform fish. Another new congeneric species, Heliconema pisodonophidis n. sp. is established based on a re-examination of nematodes previously reported as H. longissimum (Ortlepp, 1922) from Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton) (Ophichthidae) in Thailand; ovoviviparity in this species is a unique feature among all physalopterids. Heliconema hamiltonii Bilqees et Khanum, 1970 is designated as a species dubia and the nematodes previously reported as H. longissimum from Mastacembelus armatus (Lacépède) in India are considered to belong to H. kherai Gupta et Duggal, 1989. A key to species of Heliconema Travassos, 1919 is provided.
Detection and identification of Toxocara canis in infected dogs using PCR
Authors: Öge H. , Öge S. , Özbakiş-Beceriklisoy G. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Faecal samples were collected from 224 dogs (47 villages) in Ankara. Toxocara spp. eggs were diagnosed in faeces using centrifugal flotation and sedimentation methods. A total of 21 dogs (9.38 %) were positive for Toxocara spp. eggs. In this study, we used the PCR technique that, in combination with DNA sequencing, allows the detection and identification of T.canis eggs in faeces of infected dogs. For this purpose, the ATPase subunit-6 gene (mtDNA) was selected as a target for the amplification T. canis. The primers were used to amplify 217 bp region. Amongst 21 coproscopically detected Toxocara isolates from dogs, 5 (23.8 %) samples were PCR-positive for T. canis, and the remaining 16 samples were PCR-negative. Results indicate that PCR can detect Toxocara canis DNA in faeces of infected dogs, but efficacy was low when compare to sedimentation/flotation. PCR is additional test for diagnosing of this infection. But, the difficulties of identification based on PCR in faecal examinations need to be investigated further.
Infection patterns of helminths in Norops brasiliensis (Squamata, Dactyloidae) from a humid forest, Northeastern Brazil and their relation with body mass, sex, host size, and season
Authors: Amorim D. M. , Ávila R. W. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Climatic and ecological factors can influence the parasite load of a host. Variation in rainfall, body size, and sex of the hosts may be related to the abundance of parasites. This study investigated the helminth fauna associated with a population of Norops brasiliensis, together with the effect of host biology (sex, body size, and mass) and variation in rainfall regime on the abundance of helminths. Species of three groups of endoparasites were found (Nematoda, Cestoda, and Trematoda), with nematodes as the most representative taxa with eight species, prevalence of 63.2 %, mean intensity of 4.0 ± 0.58 (1 – 25), and mean abundance of 2.66 ± 0.44 (0 – 25). Nine helminth species are new host records for N. brasiliensis. The nematode Rhabdias sp. had the highest prevalence (53.3 %). There was no significant relationship between abundance of the trematode Mesocoelium monas and host sex or season, although the abundance of this parasite increased significantly with host body size and mass, while abundance of nematodes was related to season and host mass. This study increases the knowledge about the diversity of helminth fauna associated with N. brasiliensis, revealing infection levels of hosts from northeastern Brazil.
Recent Dune Migration Along the Coastal Plain of Canoa Quebrada, Ceará State, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Pedrosa Adriana Albuquerque , Claudino-Sales Vanda , Cavalcante IItabaraci Nazareno , Carvalho Alexandre Medeiros 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In the coastal area of Ceará State, northeast Brazil, there are large mobile dunefields, including barchans, barchanoid dunes and sandsheets. The migration rate of these dunes, as measured by several studies, varies between 32 m/y and 9 m/y. This paper analyzes the migration of the dunes in Canoa Quebrada Beach, located in the eastern coast of Ceará State, using remote sensing of aerial photos and satellite imagery from 1988 to 2013 (25 years). The resulting data indicate an average migration rate varying from 1.8 m/y to 9.3 m/y. This is the lowest rate of migration measured for large and undeveloped mobile dunes in Ceará State. The analysis indicates that the element responsible for this low rate is the low wind speed. However, the installation of wind power turbines in the area – which demanded the fixation of part of the dunes to prevent the equipment from being buried and from aeolian erosion – might be another reason for the decreasing dune migration. The dune migration decrease may increase the sedimentary deficit in the coastline downdrift of Canoa Quebrada Beach.
Characterization of a Novel Avian Avulavirus 1 of Class I isolated from a Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor) in Macedonia in 2012
Authors: Dodovski Aleksandar , Popova Zagorka , Savić Vladimir 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Avian avulavirus type 1 (AAvV-1) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Avulavirus. Even though belonging to a single serotype, there is great genetic variability between these viruses. On the basis of the available complete fusion (F) gene and whole genome sequences and using the genotype classification system, AAvV-1 viruses are divided in two major groups: class I and class II. Class I viruses are predominantly avirulent viruses and majority of the isolations come from waterfowl and domestic poultry from live bird markets in USA and China although isolations from wild birds are reported globally. In our study we used classical, molecular and phylogenetic tools to characterize an AAvV-1 isolated from a mute swan in Macedonia. Based on the complete F gene sequence, we have concluded that the virus designated as AAvV-1/mute swan/Macedonia/546/2012 (KP123431) belongs to the class I of AAvV-1 with an avirulent cleavage site motif 112ERQER*L117. The virus could not be assigned to any of the four currently existing subgenotypes (1a, 1b, 1c or 1d) of the single genotype 1 of class I viruses. Two distant viruses, isolated from goose in Alaska in 1991 and from goose in Ohio in 1987, shared the highest nucleotide sequence identity of the complete F gene with the isolate in our study: 92.7% and 92.8%, respectively. This is the first report of isolation of class I AAvV-1 in Southeastern Europe. The asymptomatic nature and the underreporting of sequences from the class I viruses impede the understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of this group of viruses.
A Cumulative-signals-based Method for Time Delay Estimation
Authors: Mosorov Volodymyr 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
An original method for time delay estimation is presented. It is based on changing input signals into cumulative ones, followed by determination of inflection points of cumulative curves, and estimation of time delay as time difference of these points’ occurrences. To determine the inflection points, a suitable algorithm is proposed. The preliminary results show that the proposed method is sufficiently efficient, especially in the case of flow measurements based on tomography technique when the cross-correlation function of the signals has no evident peak. This method has no limitations on its application for different types of input signals.
Graphene Langmuir-Schaefer films Decorated by Pd Nanoparticles for NO2 and H2 Gas Sensors
Authors: Kostiuk Dmytro , Luby Stefan , Siffalovic Peter , Benkovicova Monika , Ivanco Jan , Jergel Matej , Majkova Eva 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
NO2 and H2 gas sensing by few-layer graphene (FLG) were studied in dependence on the annealing and decoration of graphene by palladium nanoparticles (NPs). Graphene was deposited onto SiO2 (500 nm)/Si substrates by a modified Langmuir-Schaefer technique. A solution of FLG flakes in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was obtained by a mild sonication of the expanded milled graphite. FLG films were characterized by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and the Brunnauer-Emmett-Teller method. Average FLG flake thickness and lateral dimension were 5 nm and 300 nm, respectively. Drop casting of Pd NP (6–7 nm) solution onto FLG film was applied to decorate graphene by Pd. The room temperature (RT) resistance of the samples was stabilized at 15 kΩ by vacuum annealing. Heating cycles of FLG film revealed its semiconducting character. The gas sensing was tested in the mixtures of dry air with H2 gas (10 to 10 000 ppm) and NO2 gas (2 to 200 ppm) between RT and 200 °C. The response of 26 % to H2 was achieved by FLG with Pd decoration at 70 °C and 10 000 ppm of H2 in the mixture. Pure FLG film did not show any response to H2. The response of FLG with Pd to 6 ppm of NO2 at RT was ≥ 23 %. It is 2 times larger than that of the pure FLG sample. Long term stability of sensors was studied.
The Algebraic Structure of Quantity Calculus II: Dimensional Analysis and Differential and Integral Calculus
Authors: Raposo Álvaro P. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In a previous paper, the author has introduced and studied a new algebraic structure which accurately describes the algebra underlying quantity calculus. The present paper is a continuation of that one, which extends the purely algebraic study by adding two more ingredients: an order structure and a topology. The goal is to give a solid justification of dimensional analysis and differential and integral calculus with quantities.
The (Co-)Location Sharing Game
Authors: Olteanu Alexandra-Mihaela , Humbert Mathias , Huguenin Kévin , Hubaux Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Most popular location-based social networks, such as Facebook and Foursquare, let their (mobile) users post location and co-location (involving other users) information. Such posts bring social benefits to the users who post them but also to their friends who view them. Yet, they also represent a severe threat to the users’ privacy, as co-location information introduces interdependences between users. We propose the first game-theoretic framework for analyzing the strategic behaviors, in terms of information sharing, of users of OSNs. To design parametric utility functions that are representative of the users’ actual preferences, we also conduct a survey of 250 Facebook users and use conjoint analysis to quantify the users’ benefits o f sharing vs. viewing (co)-location information and their preference for privacy vs. benefits. Our survey findings expose the fact that, among the users, there is a large variation, in terms of these preferences. We extensively evaluate our framework through data-driven numerical simulations. We study how users’ individual preferences influence each other’s decisions, we identify several factors that significantly affect these decisions (among which, the mobility data of the users), and we determine situations where dangerous patterns can emerge (e.g., a vicious circle of sharing, or an incentive to over-share) – even when the users share similar preferences.
Privacy Protection for Audio Sensing Against Multi-Microphone Adversaries
Authors: Gao Chuhan , Fawaz Kassem , Sur Sanjib , Banerjee Suman 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Audio-based sensing enables fine-grained human activity detection, such as sensing hand gestures and contact-free estimation of the breathing rate. A passive adversary, equipped with microphones, can leverage the ongoing sensing to infer private information about individuals. Further, with multiple microphones, a beamforming-capable adversary can defeat the previously-proposed privacy protection obfuscation techniques. Such an adversary can isolate the obfuscation signal and cancel it, even when situated behind a wall. AudioSentry is the first to address the privacy problem in audio sensing by protecting the users against a multi-microphone adversary. It utilizes the commodity and audio-capable devices, already available in the user’s environment, to form a distributed obfuscator array. AudioSentry packs a novel technique to carefully generate obfuscation beams in different directions, preventing the multi-microphone adversary from canceling the obfuscation signal. AudioSentry follows by a dynamic channel estimation scheme to preserve authorized sensing under obfuscation. AudioSentry offers the advantages of being practical to deploy and effective against an adversary with a large number of microphones. Our extensive evaluations with commodity devices show that protects the user’s privacy against a 16-microphone adversary with only four commodity obfuscators, regardless of the adversary’s position. AudioSentry provides its privacy-preserving features with little overhead on the authorized sensor.
Skip, Skip, Skip, Accept!!!: A Study on the Usability of Smartphone Manufacturer Provided Default Features and User Privacy
Authors: Ramokapane Kopo M. , Mazeli Anthony C. , Rashid Awais 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Smartphone manufacturer provided default features (e.g., default location services, iCloud, Google Assistant, ad tracking) enhance the usability and extend the functionality of these devices. Prior studies have highlighted smartphone vulnerabilities and how users’ data can be harvested without their knowledge. However, little is known about manufacturer provided default features in this regard—their usability concerning configuring them during usage, and how users perceive them with regards to privacy. To bridge this gap, we conducted a task-based study with 27 Android and iOS smart-phone users in order to learn about their perceptions, concerns and practices, and to understand the usability of these features with regards to privacy. We explored the following: users’ awareness of these features, why and when do they change the settings of these features, the challenges they face while configuring these features, and finally the mitigation strategies they adopt. Our findings reveal that users of both platforms have limited awareness of these features and their privacy implications. Awareness of these features does not imply that a user can easily locate and adjust them when needed. Furthermore, users attribute their failure to configure default features to hidden controls and insufficient knowledge on how to configure them. To cope with difficulties of finding controls, users employ various coping strategies, some of which are platform specific but most often applicable to both platforms. However, some of these coping strategies leave users vulnerable.
Oblivious DNS: Practical Privacy for DNS Queries
Authors: Schmitt Paul , Edmundson Anne , Mankin Allison , Feamster Nick 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Virtually every Internet communication typically involves a Domain Name System (DNS) lookup for the destination server that the client wants to communicate with. Operators of DNS recursive resolvers—the machines that receive a client’s query for a domain name and resolve it to a corresponding IP address—can learn significant information about client activity. Past work, for example, indicates that DNS queries reveal information ranging from web browsing activity to the types of devices that a user has in their home. Recognizing the privacy vulnerabilities associated with DNS queries, various third parties have created alternate DNS services that obscure a user’s DNS queries from his or her Internet service provider. Yet, these systems merely transfer trust to a different third party. We argue that no single party ought to be able to associate DNS queries with a client IP address that issues those queries. To this end, we present Oblivious DNS (ODNS), which introduces an additional layer of obfuscation between clients and their queries. To do so, ODNS uses its own authoritative namespace; the authoritative servers for the ODNS namespace act as recursive resolvers for the DNS queries that they receive, but they never see the IP addresses for the clients that initiated these queries. We present an initial deployment of ODNS; our experiments show that ODNS introduces minimal performance overhead, both for individual queries and for web page loads. We design ODNS to be compatible with existing DNS protocols and infrastructure, and we are actively working on an open standard with the IETF.