Search

Developing higher-order critical thinking skills as one of the central objectives of education has been recently facilitated via software packages. Whereas one such technology as computer-aided argument mapping is reported to enhance levels of critical thinking (van Gelder ), its application as a pedagogical tool in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings has been rarely explored. In addition, the literature fails to acknowledge whether having the basic skill of representing an argument diagrammatically even with paper and pencil can lead to similar results. That being the case, this study was conducted with the aim of comparing the impact of teaching argument mapping via Rationale software versus paper and pencil on Iranian EFL majors' critical thinking skills development. To this end, 180 EFL participants were screened into low and high levels of reading proficiency based on their scores on a sample reading proficiency test. Next, they were randomly assigned to two experimental and one comparison groups. During 12 sessions, the experimental groups were provided with argument mapping instructions while the comparison group received a conventional reading instruction. All participants were pre- and post-tested with the California critical thinking skills test (CCTST). Results suggested that students in the software group significantly outperformed those in the paper and pencil group on overall CCTST and the sub-skills of inference and inductive reasoning. They also scored significantly higher on all tests compared to the comparison group. However, participants' level of proficiency as well as sex did not show any significant effect on their performance on overall CCTST and its sub-skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to improve the teaching management mode of the track and field (T&F) web course in college. Methods: literature study, interview, system design method, software programming method, questionnaire survey. Results: the course teaching management modules are easy to operate with the multifunction and the smooth links; the design includes resource information, course view and course property, which make the content diverse and rich and easily adjustable; the question types of the assignments, test papers and course forum management are various, the scores are reasonable and the question bank can be recycled and edited; the course questionnaire includes question management, questionnaire management and voting which can be processed by automatic statistics and assessment. Conclusion: this study is applicable to the web-based teaching management of track and field for physical education majors (selective course, required course, minor course), the operation guidance form for the teaching management shall be strengthened; the editing and update of teaching management shall be adjusted and arranged timely according to the teaching practice problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the analysis of the main topics of all IFM-Conferences from the First Meeting in London 1954 to the most recent in Graz 2017 and presents the results of the analysis of 1152 papers.These main topics are analyzed in more detail. This analysis highlights a trend to place the focus of future research and development on the requirements for excellent and reproducible manufacturing in steelmaking and forging.The conclusions include remarks concerning economic aspects and market conditions, climate change and hence the trends derived from these and the needs in the field of heavy open die forging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that the satisfiability problem of feature diagrams (FDs) is computationally hard. This paper examines the complexities of the satisfiability problems of sixteen FD sublanguages, i.e., languages that only permit a subset of the syntactic modeling elements of general FDs. Previous work neglected a detailed examination of the complexities of the satisfiability problems of FD sublanguages, although results in this area could lead to the development of efficient satisfiability checking procedures for the FDs of specific sublanguages. This paper contributes to fill this gap by analyzing the complexities of the satisfiability problems of sixteen FD sublanguages that differ in whether they allow or-groups, xor-groups, excludes constraints, and requires constraints. The results of this paper show that the satisfiability problem is NP-complete for eight of these sublanguages, is solvable in linear time for two of these sublanguages, and is trivial for the remaining six sublanguages in the sense that every FD of these sublanguages is satisfiable. The results are extended to feature model sublanguages with complex cross-tree constraints by extending FD sublanguages that have satisfiability problems, which are solvable in polynomial time. The feature model sublanguages also have satisfiability problems that are solvable in polynomial time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining widespread adoption, which requires expanding the charging infrastructure. This infrastructure is part of a complex ecosystem that consists of multiple entities interacting with each other and exchanging (often personal) user data. Such a heterogeneous system with multiple participants exchanging personal data poses severe privacy risks to users. State-of-the-art literature insufficiently covers privacy aspects of charging ecosystem use cases. In this paper, a profound analysis of this ecosystem with respect to privacy is provided: First, the EV charging ecosystem and its entities are defined. Second, high-level use cases for EV charging identified in literature are analyzed and used for defining data flows within the charging ecosystem. Third, the identified use cases are compared in terms of privacy guarantees and adherence to standards. Fourth, representative implementations of these use cases are evaluated, i.e., all actors and (unintended) data flows are described and potential privacy threats are identified and visualized. It is found that privacy is not sufficiently covered by standards and implementations of EV charging use cases from literature. Furthermore, recommendations and future directions for protecting user privacy in the EV charging ecosystem are derived. In summary, stricter adherence to standards and privacy by design are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many open source software (OSS) quality assessment models are proposed and available in the literature. However, there is little or no adoption of these models in practice. In order to guide the formulation of newer models so they can be acceptable by practitioners, there is need for clear discrimination of the existing models based on their specific properties. Based on this, the aim of this study is to perform a systematic literature review to investigate the properties of the existing OSS quality assessment models by classifying them with respect to their quality characteristics, the methodology they use for assessment, and their domain of application so as to guide the formulation and development of newer models. Searches in IEEE Xplore, ACM, Science Direct, Springer and Google Search is performed so as to retrieve all relevant primary studies in this regard. Journal and conference papers between the year 2003 and 2015 were considered since the first known OSS quality model emerged in 2003. Results: A total of 19 OSS quality assessment model papers were selected. To select these models we have developed assessment criteria to evaluate the quality of the existing studies. Quality assessment models are classified into five categories based on the quality characteristics they possess namely: single-attribute, rounded category, community-only attribute, non-community attribute as well as the non-quality in use models. Our study reflects that software selection based on hierarchical structures is found to be the most popular selection method in the existing OSS quality assessment models. Furthermore, we found that majority (47%) of the existing models do not specify any domain of application. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study will be a valuable contribution to the community and helps the quality assessment model developers in formulating newer models and also to the practitioners (software evaluators) in selecting suitable OSS in the midst of alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state assessment of remotely-controlled complex technical systems is considered. For this assessment, the authors used high-level digital twins generated through visualization technology. The paper examines modern visualization technologies (including virtual reality), which provide a means to perform various tasks for complex technical systems, such as interactive control and repairs. A scope analysis of visual models revealed that they can serve as either interpreters or simulators. This paper examines simulation models. Of note is that a higher number of properties taken into account when creating models increases their adequacy. Thus, in order to obtain highly adequate models, it is proposed to use current advances in visualization technology, which enables the evaluation of a large number of properties attributed to a real object (a complex technical system). The authors developed a procedure for assessing the state of complex technical systems, proposing an algorithm for the analyst designed to ensure the virtual presence of a specialist at the controlled facility, implement conventional testing techniques, and perform additional measurements when checking for failures. An example is given of how this procedure can be implemented in an interactive analysis and control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of identifying and locating the retina vessels is to specify from the fundus image the various tissues of the vascular structure, which can be wide or tight. The classification of vessels in the retinal image often confronts several challenges, such as the low contrast accompanying the fundus image, the inhomogeneity of the background lighting, and the noise. Moreover, fuzzy c-means (FCM) is one of the most frequently used algorithms for medical image segmentation due to its effectiveness. Hence, many FCM method derivatives have been developed to improve their noise robustness and time-consuming. This paper aims to analyze the performance of some improved FCM algorithms to recommend the best ones for the segmentation of retinal blood vessels. Eight derivatives of FCM algorithm are detained in this study: FCM, EnFCM, SFCM, FGFCM, FRFCM, DSFCM_N, FCM_SICM and SSFCA. The performance analysis is conducted from three viewpoints: noise robustness, blood vessels segmentation performance, and time-consuming. At first, the noise robustness of improved FCM clustering algorithms is evaluated using a synthetic image degraded by various types and levels of noise. Then, the ability of the selected algorithms to segment retinal blood vessels is assessed based on images from the DRIVE and STARE databases after a pre-processing phase. Finally, the time consumption of each algorithm is measured. The experiments demonstrate that the FRFCM and DSFCM_N algorithms achieve better results in terms of noise robustness and blood vessels segmentation. Regarding the running time, the FRFCM algorithm requires less time than other algorithms in the segmentation of retinal images. The results of this study are extensively discussed, and some suggestions are proposed at the end of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding rising stars (FRS) is a hot research topic investigated recently for diverse application domains. These days, people are more interested in finding people who will become experts shortly to fill junior positions than finding existing experts who can immediately fill senior positions. FRS can increase productivity wherever they join due to their vibrant and energetic behavior. In this paper, we assess the methods to find FRS. The existing methods are classified into ranking-, prediction-, clustering-, and analysis-based methods, and the pros and cons of these methods are discussed. Details of standard datasets and performance-evaluation measures are also provided for this growing area of research. We conclude by discussing open challenges and future directions in this prosperous area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geo-environmental information is an important basis for geohazard analysis and the integration of geo-environmental data is crucial in the construction of urban emergency management systems. In existing urban spatial information systems, the integration of geo-environmental data is neither intuitive nor efficient enough to support the analysis of geohazards well. On the basis of Web virtual globe, this paper proposes a comprehensive framework for the integration and analysis of geo-environmental data. This framework can effectively integrate geological data with a 3D geological model as a carrier, seamlessly connect geographic data, dynamically load real-time monitoring data, and build 3D visualisation and analysis scenes of urban full-space temporal information in the browser. The application example shows that the proposed framework can provide good geo-environmental data and practical data analysis functions for geohazard early warning and decision making, and improve the efficiency of government departments' response to geohazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IoT and Embedded devices grow at an exponential rate, however, without adequate security mechanisms in place. One of the key challenges in the cyber world is the security of these devices. One of the main reasons that these devices are active targets for large-scale cyber-attacks is a lack of security standards and thorough testing by manufacturers. Manufacturer-specific operating systems or firmware of various architectures and characteristics are typically included with these devices. However, due to a lack of security testing and/or late patching, the underlying firmware or operating systems are vulnerable to numerous types of vulnerabilities. Reverse engineering and in-depth research of the firmware is required to detect the vulnerabilities. In this paper, we've delved into various aspects of IoT and embedded devices. This includes a comprehensive survey on the architecture of firmware, techniques for firmware extraction, and state-of-the-art vulnerability analysis frameworks for the detection of vulnerabilities using various approaches like static, dynamic, and hybrid approaches. Furthermore, we've scrutinized the challenges of existing vulnerability analysis frameworks and proposed a novel framework to address these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper establishes a mathematical model for analyzing and predicting China's water resources. It first makes a macro-level early warning forecast for water storage across the country. The forecast adopts the revised forecast and linear forecast methods considering different weights. The macro warning of China's water supply and demand shows that the forecast result is in accordance with China's existing forecasts, and the error is less than 5%. The coupling model based on the Particle Swarm Optimization is adopted in the optimization of the water transfer plan, and the optimal plan for the regulation and control project is obtained through multiple iterations in the D-dimensional space at the micro level. The optimal plan for the social and ecological environment and the fuzzy optimal model are used to demonstrate the optimal plan. This paper further discusses the negative impacts of various beneficial projects on the environment and water conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuing effects of climate change require farmers and growers to have greater understanding of how these changes affect crop production. However, while climatic data is generally available to help provide much of that understanding, it can often be in a form not easy to digest. The proposed Combined Location Online Weather Data (CLOWD) framework is an easy-to-use online platform for analysing recent and historical weather data of any location within Australia at the click of a map. CLOWD requires no programming skills and operates in any HTML5 web browser on PC and mobile devices. It enables comparison between current and previous growing seasons over a range of environmental parameters, and can create a plain-English PDF report for offline use, using natural language generation (NLG). This paper details the platform, the design decisions taken and outlines how farmers and growers can use CLOWD to better understand current growing conditions. Prototypes of CLOWD are now online for PCs and smartphones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 30 years, there are many publications in the literature due to global warming and climate change impacts exhibiting non-stationary behaviors in hydro-meteorology time series records especially in the forms of increasing or decreasing trends. The conventional trend analyzes cover the entire recording time with a single straight-line trend and slope. These methods do not provide information about up and down partial moving trends evolution at shorter durations along the entire record length. This paper proposes a dynamic methodology for identifying such evolutionary finite duration moving trend method (MTM) identifications and interpretations. The purpose of choosing MTM was to investigate the dynamic partial trend evolution over the recording period so that dry (decreasing trend) and wet (increasing trend) segments could be objectively identified and these trends could assist in water resources management in the study area. The moving trend analysis is like the classical moving average methodology with one important digression that instead of arithmetic averages and their horizontal line representations, a series of finite duration successive increasing and decreasing trends are identified over a given hydro-meteorology time series record. In general, partial moving trends of 10-year, 20-year, 30-year and 40-year occur above or below the overall trend and thus provide practical insight into the dynamic trend pattern with important implications. The moving trend methodology is applied to annual records of Danube River discharges, New Jersey state wise temperatures and precipitation time series from the City of Istanbul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarises the equivalent pier method for estimating the settlement of a pile group or a piled raft. Such an approach is very useful for preliminary estimates of settlement, and also for checking on the results of more refined analysis methods. Some suggestions for assessing the properties of the equivalent pier and the supporting soil are provided. A series of finite element analyses are presented in chart form for the settlement of a pier within a two-layer soil system. The accuracy of these analyses has been checked via comparison with some published closed form solutions for a uniform soil mass. Examples of the application of the equivalent pier method are presented for some published case histories to demonstrate that the method is capable of providing adequate preliminary settlement estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly affecting the world population with statistics quickly falling out of date. Due to the limited availability of annotated Coronavirus X-ray and CT images, the detection of COVID-19 remains the biggest challenge in diagnosing this disease. This paper provides a promising solution by proposing a COVID-19 detection system based on deep learning. The proposed deep learning modalities are based on convolutional neural network (CNN) and convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM). Two different datasets are adopted for the simulation of the proposed modalities. The first dataset includes a set of CT images, while the second dataset includes a set of X-ray images. Both of these datasets consist of two categories: COVID-19 and normal. In addition, COVID-19 and pneumonia image categories are classified in order to validate the proposed modalities. The proposed deep learning modalities are tested on both X-ray and CT images as well as a combined dataset that includes both types of images. They achieved an accuracy of 100% and an F1 score of 100% in some cases. The simulation results reveal that the proposed deep learning modalities can be considered and adopted for quick COVID-19 screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches to access control (AC) policy languages, such as eXtensible access control markup language, do not provide a formal representation for specifying rule- and policy-combining algorithms or for verifying properties of AC policies. Some authors propose formal representations for these combining algorithms. However, the proposed models are not expressive enough to represent formally history-based classes of these algorithms, such as ordered-permit-overrides. In addition, some other authors propose a formal representation but do not present automated support for formal verification of properties of AC policies that use these algorithms. This paper demonstrates a new representation that can express all existing AC rule and policy combinations of which the authors are aware. This representation can also be used to automate the formal verification of properties of AC policies related to these algorithms. A new modeling representation for rule- and policy-combining algorithms based on state machines is used to specify rule- and policy-combining algorithms. Examples of these algorithms are programmed in the language of the SPIN model checker, and the programs are then used to support the automated formal verification of properties of AC policies. We present our approach and then use the AC policies and properties of CONTINUE, a conference management system, to compare it with prior work. Our first contribution is a new modeling representation for combining algorithms based on state machines. The second contribution is the formal verification of AC properties under certain combining algorithms that are beyond the capability of other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper addresses the convergence of a first-order in time incremental projection scheme for the time-dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations to a weak solution. We prove the convergence of the approximate solutions obtained by a semi-discrete scheme and a fully discrete scheme using a staggered finite volume scheme on non uniform rectangular meshes. Some first a priori estimates on the approximate solutions yield their existence. Compactness arguments, relying on these estimates, together with some estimates on the translates of the discrete time derivatives, are then developed to obtain convergence (up to the extraction of a subsequence), when the time step tends to zero in the semi-discrete scheme and when the space and time steps tend to zero in the fully discrete scheme; the approximate solutions are thus shown to converge to a limit function which is then shown to be a weak solution to the continuous problem by passing to the limit in these schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a relatively simple approach to examining the interaction among multiple foundation systems for closely spaced high-rise structures, termed here "urban forests", and to assess the extent to which this interaction can influence the foundation performance of a building within this "forest". To simplify the analysis and avoid undue numerical complexity, each foundation system is modelled as an equivalent pier, representing the deep foundations, the connecting mat or raft, and the soil contained within the piled raft system. The behaviour of a single equivalent pier is considered first, with the surrounding foundations being represented by an axisymmetric smeared ring outside the pier. After examining some general behavioural characteristics, a simplified approach using the concept of interaction factors is developed to facilitate estimation of settlement interaction between multiple adjacent foundations. The accuracy of this simplified approach is assessed via comparison with the axisymmetric approach. The significance of the interaction among foundations is examined for some simple cases. It is found that the settlement interaction depends largely on the characteristics of the foundations surrounding the building being examined. When all buildings are supported on foundations extending to a relatively stiff layer, the interaction effects tend to be relatively small. However, if one or more of the buildings is founded on a relatively short foundation system, interaction effects may be more significant. An example is provided to illustrate the application of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In educational, social or organizational studies, open-ended concept maps are used as an instrument to collect data about and analyze individuals' conceptual knowledge. Open-ended concept map studies devoted to knowledge and learning apply a variety of methods of analysis. This literature review systematically summarizes the various ways in which open-ended concept maps have been applied in previous studies of knowledge and learning. This paper describes three major aspects of these studies: what methods of analysis were used, what concept map characteristics were considered, and what conclusions about individuals' knowledge or understanding were drawn. Twenty-five studies that used open-ended concept maps as a research instrument were found eligible for inclusion. In addition, the paper examines associations between the three aspects of the studies and provides guidelines for methodological coherence in the process of such analysis. This review underscores the importance of expatiating on choices made concerning these aspects. The transparency provided by this method of working will contribute to the imitable application of open-ended concept maps as a research tool and foster more informed choices in future open-ended concept map studies." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the simulation of selected activities in the warehouse. Routine logistics activities are the receipt of the goods, the control of the goods, and the goods' storage in the warehousing system on the side of the entry into the warehouse. On the output side, these are activities such as picking, packing and shipping. The economy of warehouse operations depends on the efficiency of the logistics activities performed and on deployed the technical means. The paper's main goal is to present a created simulation model for a selected warehouse activity—receipt of goods into the warehouse. This operation involves unloading the goods from the trucks, moving them to the physical receipt, where the quantitative and qualitative control of the goods is performed (acceptance of goods). An analysis of this activity preceded the creation of the simulation model under operating conditions. The research was performed by observing and measuring the forklift's work cycle, which unloaded pallets from the trucks. The obtained data from the analysis were the input to the simulation model. The EXTENDSIM8 simulation system was used to create a simulation model. The several experiments were performed on the model after its creating and verifying the functionality. The paper evaluates 3 experiments and analyzes their results. The main benefit, novelty, of the article is the simulation of a selected activity for a specific company's conditions. The experiments results are a reasonable basis for the creation of an operational tool for the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire can be especially dangerous when it occurs in hospitals because many patients in any typical hospital are not physically fit enough to quickly respond to emergency measures, especially evacuation calls. The present paper reports an in-depth assessment of the factors which have led to major fire accidents in Indian hospitals. The study reveals that several building safety codes, acts and guidelines are available, not only to prevent accidental fires but also to minimize harm when such fires do take place. However, observance of the stipulations is very lax, and seems to be exercised more in breach than in compliance. The study reveals that hospitals have zones like the intensive care units which are not only more prone to accidents than other zones but can also cause greater loss of lives due to the presence of critically ill patients, or persons who are extremely vulnerable (for instance newborn babies). Special codes and practices need to be framed for such zones. The study has also identified and catalogued a series of measures which must be implemented in future to prevent accidental fires in hospitals. The study is with reference to accidents that have occurred in India from 2010 to the present but is representative of the situation prevailing in most developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of the results obtained with different analysis techniques applied to long-range signal recordings of the acoustic event associated with the loss of the Argentinian submarine ARA San Juan that occurred on 15 November 2017 around 500 km off the coast of Chubut, Argentina. The published works including analyses of those signals have mainly considered the source geolocation. In contrast, this work is focused on the nature of the source that generated the registered signals. An inverse problem approach is followed for estimating some features of impulse-like sources through the application of spectral and cepstral analyses to a set of acoustic data associated with an unknown source. The International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) detected an unusual hydroacoustic signal originating in the vicinity of the last known location of the ARA San Juan, reported as a hydroacoustic anomaly, at two of its hydrophone stations located at Ascension Island and Crozet Island, in the central Atlantic Ocean and the southern Indian Ocean, respectively. The analyses performed on the raw acoustic data provided by the CTBTO are also applied to the signals produced by an underwater explosion of a depth charge during a controlled experiment conducted by the Argentinian Navy in a nearby area on 1 December. The propagation effects along these very long-range paths (approximately 7000 km) are calculated using a range-dependent 2D underwater acoustic propagation model based on the resolution of the wide-angle parabolic equation. Results of exhaustive comparative analyses of the signals generated on 15 November and 1 December, together with comparisons between the energy spectral density of recorded and modelled signal levels, reinforce the hypothesis of at least two close and successive implosions with a time lag of 329 ms and a separation of approximately 38 m, with an azimuth to the north in accordance with the expected heading of the submarine. The values obtained are compatible with the submarine dimensions and the course over ground of the submarine towards Mar del Plata harbour. Finally, an optimization process is performed for estimating the depth of occurrence of the acoustic event related to the submarine loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gear teeth are subject to two different types of stresses: root bending stress and tooth contact stress. Gear teeth break under these two stresses.: contact stress cause pitting failure at the contact surface, and root bending stress causes fatigue fracture. Thus, while constructing gears, both of these strains must be taken into account. Typically, strongly loaded gears are built of ferrous materials, which can withstand bending loads indefinitely. However, it is impossible to create gears that are impervious to surface failure. In industries where power transmission under big loads with smoother and quieter operation is required, helical gears are frequently utilized. Solidworks, a robust and contemporary solid modelling software, creates three-dimensional solid models with differing face widths to determine stress distribution, and ANSYS, an application for finite element analysis, does the numerical solution. The Lewis stress formula is the foundation of the analytical research. A helical gear was modelled on CAD Software for this paper's stress study, which was completed on ANSYS. The outcomes are then contrasted with AGMA Standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the damage mechanism and protection method of ionizing radiation damage based on electromagnetic radiation characteristics. In this paper, the ferroelectric layer polarization model was established based on the ferroelectric field effect transistor (FEFET) capacitance variation with gate voltage. This paper analyzed the ionizing radiation damage mechanism of electrical characteristics from two aspects of horizontal voltage and threshold voltage drift. The reinforcement design of the ferroelectric effect transistor was realized by using the anti-transient ionizing radiation reinforcement design method of the FPGA circuit. The three-fold redundancy design method based on instantaneous ionizing radiation effect was applied to protect electronic devices from ionizing radiation in reinforcement design. The results show that the threshold voltage drift caused by the oxide trap charge is proportional to the radiation dose. The threshold voltage drift caused by the interface trap charge is proportional to the radiation dose in the case of low dose, and the relationship is exponential when the radiation dose is greater than 60 krad SiO2. The delay signal of the FPGA circuit of the FEFET designed by the reinforcement has not been delayed again, to prove the effectiveness of ionizing radiation protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a continuation of earlier work using the finite element method to conduct an engineering failure analysis of an existing polycentric prosthetic knee. The primary purpose of this work is to enhance the quality of the existing knee which has been reported with multiple cases of failure during its clinical practice in India. A modified design of the polycentric knee has been proposed based on the findings of failure analysis. Simulation-based comparative analysis of polycentric knees has been performed as per the ISO 10328:2016 standard in terms of stress distribution, total contour deformation, safety factor, and fatigue life. The upper extension lever is subjected to static and cyclic loads of 4130 and 1230 N, whereas the lower plate has a translational constraint. The modified polycentric knee prosthesis outperforms static and fatigue strength tests. The standard of the existing knee prosthesis has significantly improved as a result of design variations and integration of high-strength and lightweight aluminium 7075-T6 alloy. The modified polycentric knee prosthesis has a predicted maximum deformation of less than 0.7 mm and a minimum safety factor between 1.7 and 2 compared to 2.66 mm and 1.0 for the existing knee prosthesis. Based on the fatigue simulation results, it is predicted that the modified polycentric knee will have a lifespan of at least ten years indicating a safe design. It has improved alignment stability and kinematics, with a significant weight reduction of 33 g, and a high cost–benefit ratio to reach the maximum amputee population in low-income countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the experimental results of the thermal decomposition of the digestate obtained as a result of anaerobic digestion of dairy manure and dry biomass of Amaranthus retroflexus L. The high yield of Amaranth green mass in the main soil and climate zones of Russia is its advantage over other crops. The ratio of amaranth stems, amaranth leaves, and dairy manure for volatile solids was equal to 1:5:16. Amaranthus retroflexus L. is a weed; therefore, a thermochemical digestate processing is proposed to avoid the seed integrity. The higher heating value (HHV) of digestate was 18.6 MJ/kg. The HHV of the char residue was 19 MJ/kg. In the inorganic part of the digestate sample, the oxides CaO, SiO2, and K2O are prevailed. Thermal decomposition of digestate was studied in the temperature range 25–1000 °C in an inert atmosphere using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) at the heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min. Char residue mass was ranged from 39.8 to 41.08%. Consequently, the rest of the organic matter components pass into the pyrolysis gas and liquid phase. Additionally, studies of the digestate pyrolysis process were carried out in a laboratory setup (in an inert atmosphere) at the heating rate of 10 °C/min and the temperature of 550 °C. As a result, 31% of pyrolysis liquid, 28% of gas, and 41% of char residue were obtained. The HHV of the char residue increased on 4.8% compared with the initial value of digestate. The main components of the pyrolysis liquid are acetic acid (71.44%) and propionic acid (6.12%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of late, Convolutional Neural Networks have been very successful in segmentation and classification tasks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a favored medical imaging method that comes up with interesting information for the diagnosis of different diseases.MR method is getting to be exceptionally well-known due to its non-invasive rule and for this reason, automated processing of this sort of image is getting noticed. MRI is effectively and widely used for tumor detection. Brain tumor detection is a popular medical application of MRI. Automating segmentation using CNN assists radiologists to lessen the high manual workload of tumor evaluation. CNN classification accuracy depends on network parameters and training data. CNN has the benefit of learning image features automatically directly out of multi-modal MRI images. In this survey paper, we have presented a summary of CNN's recent advancement in its technique applied on MRI images. The aim of this survey is to discuss various architectures and factors affecting the performance of CNN for learning features from different available MRI datasets. Based on the survey, section III (CNN for MRI analysis) comprises three subsections: A) MRI data and processing, B) CNN dimensionality, C) CNN architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of purple glazed pottery in fifteenth-century England represented a major change in the character of domestic material culture. These wares typically evolved from the orange bodied, green glazed pottery of the later medieval period and were produced by a number of centres. This paper examines the technological advancements made by potters working at West Cowick (East Yorkshire) as they navigated the transition from green to purple glazed Humber wares. While it well known that recipes and firing regimes can be manipulated by potters to modify and enhance their colour pallet, the change exacted by West Cowick’s potters has been overlooked, dismissed by archaeologists as the result of over-firing. Through a range of analytical techniques (thin section petrology, scanning electron microscopy microstructural analysis, chemical characterisation of fabric and glaze by portable X-ray fluorescence analysis and scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectroscopy), we reconstruct the glazing practices employed by these potters, revealing innovative artisans, skilled in controlling glaze recipes and firing regimes, and able to effect major intentional changes in their product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the parameters of reactors and reduce the cost of generated electricity, we carry out research aimed at determining the most rational use of fuel. Different methods use different mathematical and physical models, which leads to some difference in the obtained data. One of these methods is the profiling of fuel assemblies. In this paper, we present the theory used in modeling and calculations by the Serpent 2 software package, consider methods of axial profiling of compositions in a reactor, and provide a comparison of the obtained results and substantiation of their reliability at an intermediate stage of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of forms of occurrence of gold in technogenic raw materials—lying clinker of zinc production of the Belovsky Zinc Plant (Belovo, Kemerovo oblast)—are considered in the paper. The Belovsky plant operated from 1930 to 2003 using zinc concentrates from the Salair Mining and Concentration Plant. After the shutdown of the plant, the clinker dumps were stored at the plant's industrial site and were repeatedly washed with acidic solutions to isolate copper. This form of storage and leaching has led to the transformation of the forms of noble metals found in clinker, which currently makes it difficult to extract gold. The gold content in clinker is at the level of 2–3 g/t, which makes gold recovery profitable. The presence of carbon in clinker complicates the known methods of both analytical detection of gold and its recovery. A method is proposed for determining the forms of occurrence and content of gold, taking into account the fact that gold may be present in the form of free fine gold and gold finely disseminated in iron and its oxides, in sulfide phases, in the quartz-silicate part of the clinker, and in the carbonaceous phase. It is shown that, depending on the storage conditions and the previous acid treatment, the forms of gold in the clinker change, which affects the choice of the technological scheme for processing the material. The share of gold available for leaching is at least 40%. The increased associativity of gold with the coal (flotation) phase and the sorption activity of coal brings significant interference into the study of the properties of gold forms in clinker, which requires preliminary carbon removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of carbon neutrality has been promoted and implemented in increasing countries since the twenty-first century. In-depth research on carbon neutrality has helped improve the environmental conditions and played a particular role in sustaining economic and social development. However, there is a less comprehensive review of the status in this field; therefore, this article uses the information visualization software CiteSpace to thoroughly analyze carbon neutrality research from multiple perspectives. This study aims to reveal the current research evolutions and hotspots in this field, predict future research trends, and construct the framework for better understanding. The results find that the number of papers published on carbon neutrality keeps increasing annually, and carbon neutrality has been the widely participated domain. In addition, publications by organizations and in top journals have aroused wide attention, and the hot spots on carbon neutrality have shifted to policy, recovery, and efficiency. Based on the results, a knowledge framework of this domain is constructed to give readers a clearer understanding of the evolvement and trends, which will also provide targeted references and help for future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Network and service management is an established research field within the general area of computer networks. A few years ago, an initial taxonomy, organizing a comprehensive list of terms and topics, was established through interviews with experts from both industry and academia. This taxonomy has since been used to better partition standardization efforts, identify classes of managed objects and improve the assignment of reviewers to papers submitted in the field. Because the field of network and service management is rapidly evolving, a biyearly update of the taxonomy was proposed. In this paper, a large-scale questionnaire is presented which was answered by experts in the field, evaluating the relevance of each individual topic for the next five years. Missing topics, which are likely to become relevant over the next few years, are identified as well. Furthermore, an analysis is performed of the records of papers submitted to major conferences in the area. Based on the obtained results, an updated version of the taxonomy is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines variation in the structure and properties of an antifriction composite produced from grinding waste of the R6AM5 high-speed steel with additives of CaF2 solid lubricant depending on the quantitative composition of the main components. The composite is intended to perform in friction units of offset and press cylinders of printing machines that operate in self-lubrication conditions at high rotation speeds (up to 5,000 rpm) and increased loads (up to 5 MPa) in air. The developed production modes allowed the R6AM5 steel grinding waste composite to be appropriately structured. The composite structure is a metal matrix in which CaF2 solid lubricant particles are evenly distributed. The composite's metal matrix consists of pearlite–carbide and carbonitride phases formed in the presence of R6AM5 steel doping elements. The appropriate amount of the CaF2 solid lubricant, which contributes to reaching the maximum antifriction properties, was determined by a series of experimental mechanical and tribotechnical tests and by fractographic analysis of the materials containing from 3.0 to 10.0 wt.% CaF2. The microstructural, fractographic, mechanical, and tribotechnical tests showed that content of the CaF2 solid lubricant that ensured high mechanical properties and significantly increased the antifriction characteristics of the composites varied from 4.0 to 8.0 wt.%. Electron microscopy studies of the friction surfaces of the R6AM5 + (4.0–8.0)% CaF2 composites confirmed the formation of uniform continuous protective antifriction films that completely covered the contact pair's friction surfaces and provided self-lubrication. Field tests showed the feasibility of using antifriction bushings made of the new composites produced from R6AM5 steel grinding waste and (4.0−8.0)% CaF2 in the friction units of offset and press cylinders of roll newspaper offset printing machines. The research identified prospects for expanding studies over a wide range of valuable metal waste for the development of new effective antifriction composites with a well-grounded content of components. This would also make another important contribution to protecting the environment against contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 virus has spread rapidly to the Arab World, affecting the public health and economy. As a result, people started communicating about the pandemic through social media such as Twitter. This paper utilizes text mining to extract useful insights into people's perceptions and reactions to the pandemic. First, we identified 11 general topics under which COVID-19 tweets emerging from the Arab region fall. Next, we generated training data consisting of English, multidialectal Arabic, and French tweets that were manually classified into one or more of the identified 11 topics via crowdsourcing. These training data were then used to train various deep learning models to automatically classify a tweet into one or more of the 11 topics. Our best performing models were then used to perform a large-scale analysis of COVID-19 tweets emerging from the Arab region and spanning a period of over one year. Our analysis indicates that the majority of the tweets analyzed emerged from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt and that the majority of the tweets were generated by males. We also observed a surge in tweeting about all the topics as the pandemic broke followed by a slow and steady decline over the following months. We finally performed sentiment analysis on the analyzed tweets, which indicated a strong negative sentiment until mid of September 2020, after which we observed a strong positive sentiment that coincided with the surge in tweeting about vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global position system (GPS) has become a satellite based critical international navigation and timing system. Navigation has a significant effect in our daily life. Hence, such a commonly used system is an interesting goal for criminal utilizing. Trusting GPS navigation, need spacious knowledge to inadvertent and intentional interferences. The position deviation in GPS, which is subject to spoofing, is analyzed in this paper. Serious research into spoofing has been carried out in recent years. One of the basic requirements and major challenges in designing anti-spoofing methods and evaluating a successful GPS spoofing countermeasure is collection of actual spoofing data used to verify the proposed protection algorithm. Since actual spoofing data is acquired through an expensive spoofer-receiver device, preparing genuine spoofing data without expensive spoofing devices, including extra software or hardware, can be helpful in the development of anti-spoofing studies. In this paper, after providing a refined assessment of existing approaches, a new practical and low-cost technique is proposed that helps to generate a set of spoofing data only with the employment of software receiver and a set of real GPS measurements. In this way, a new kind of spoofing data is resulted by utilizing delay and mixing procedure. This data will be generated in victim receiver antenna, if a spoofer-receiver device is used in practice. After explanation of the spoofing algorithm, its influence on the GPS receiver is studied in details, and then validation of proposed method is proved by appropriate tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The service quality is a key driving factor of passengers' intention of reusing the urban rail transit. Developing and using multi-criteria evaluation models to prioritize rail transit service quality is important for promoting sustainable development of urban rail transit. This paper involves a multi-attribute group decision making model which aims to assess the service quality for the urban rail transit, the assessment is mainly build on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy value. We also establish the model to identify and confirm the optimal weights of attribute with the principle of maximum entropy. Taking Tianjin urban rail transit, which contains six lines, as an example, a comprehensive analysis for the service quality of the urban rail transit lines were conducted. The research shows that the line M3 owns the highest level of service quality, while the lowest service quality level is line M9. Meanwhile, the result shows that the process of decision making is not comparatively sensitive with the weight of passengers. The results can promote the operator of urban rail transit to identify their advantages and disadvantages in specific areas of passenger service and the improvement of service quality in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to more than 200 countries worldwide, leading to more than 36 million confirmed cases as of October 10, 2020. As such, several machine learning models that can forecast the outbreak globally have been released. This work presents a review and brief analysis of the most important machine learning forecasting models against COVID-19. The work presented in this study possesses two parts. In the first section, a detailed scientometric analysis presents an influential tool for bibliometric analyses, which were performed on COVID-19 data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. For the above-mentioned analysis, keywords and subject areas are addressed, while the classification of machine learning forecasting models, criteria evaluation, and comparison of solution approaches are discussed in the second section of the work. The conclusion and discussion are provided as the final sections of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an interpretation of Father Bocheński's saying "Beyond logic there is only nonsense." He considered the battle against superstitions of various kinds as one of the most important intellectual and social duties. The phrase in itself suggests that logic is a weapon in the mentioned battle. Logic is understood broadly, that is, as semantics, formal logic and the methodology of science, and was considered by Bocheński as the main instrument of rational philosophy. Hence, the formula under discussion has an explicit metaphilosophical significance, although Bochenski's understanding of the concept of differs from that of the Vienna Circle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a balance model of the blast-furnace process improved by the researchers from the Ural Federal University and Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. It generally represents a system of deterministic dependencies characterizing the thermal, reduction, gas dynamics, blast, and slag modes of blast-furnace melting. The basic principle underlying the model is full-scale mathematical modeling. Indicators characterizing the process of the final slag for implementation of the normal slag mode of blast-furnace melting (the slag viscosity at temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1550°C, as well as the values of slag viscosity gradients) were proposed. The slag viscosity gradient along with the acceptable ranges of slag viscosity at different slag temperatures are used in modeling the slag mode as the limiting factors for the diagnosis of slag mode. Selection of the limit values of each of the ranges and the viscosity gradient is carried out by the expert evaluation method. The structure of the model for calculating the parameters of the final slag is considered. Using a mathematical model of the blast-furnace process, the analysis of the slag mode of blast-furnace melting was performed according to the actual indicators of their operation. It was established that desulfurizing ability of the slag is insufficiently used; as a result, the smelted cast iron has a down-graded quality in terms of both the sulfur and silicon content. Due to the changes in the slag mode characteristics, other conditions being equal, it is possible to get a positive effect on the gas permeability in the slag formation zone; the gas reducing ability and productivity of the blast furnace increase; the coke consumption decreases. The authors present the results of design calculations of the performance indicators of the furnaces of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works when changing the composition of loaded materials. Recommendations on the slag optimal basicity are given. Calculations showed that the optimal values of basicity of the final slag, which ensure its maximum liquid mobility, for the operating conditions of blast furnaces of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works are 1.04–1.05 for the CaO/SiO2 ratio and 1.30–1.32 for the (CaO + MgO)/SiO2 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quite likely the most sacrosanct principle in epistemology, it is near-universally accepted that knowledge is factive: knowing that p entails p. Recently, however, Bricker, Buckwalter, and Turri have all argued that we can and often do know approximations that are strictly speaking false. My goal with this paper is to advance this nascent non-factive project in two key ways. First, I provide a critical review of these recent arguments against the factivity of knowledge, allowing us to observe that elements of these arguments mutually reinforce respective weaknesses, thereby offering the non-factive project a much stronger foundation than when these arguments were isolated. Next, I argue tentatively in favor of Bricker's truthlikeness framework over the representational adequacy account favored by Buckwalter and Turri. Taken together, while none of this constitutes a knock-down argument against factivity, it does allow us to quiet some of the more immediate worries surrounding the non-factive project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several possibilities for rehabilitating quarries after mineral resource excavation. In Estonia, creating forest, water body, meadow, arable land or recreational area are main reuse alternatives to rehabilitate sand, gravel, clay, limestone, dolomite and oil shale quarries. Rehabilitation decisions are currently being made inconsistently based on different limited arguments and without the involvement of stakeholders. To choose the optimal alternative for each site, legislative, environmental and socio-economic criteria should be considered in a systematic way. The main aim of the paper is to create a decision model containing decision tree with restrictive criteria and decision-matrix with comparison criteria, and test it to choose the optimal reuse alternatives for three quarries in Estonia. This increases the transparency of such decisions and creates a tool for choosing optimal reuse alternative for mineral resource quarries. Decision tree was created in cooperation with experts based on environmental and legislative criteria. To find out the comparison criteria and their weights, 93 stakeholders such as landowner, local communities, experts from governmental agencies, environmental NGOs, universities, environmental management and excavation companies were engaged via survey. The decision model succeeded to find optimal reuse alternative for three tested quarries, and application of this decision model supports the sustainable land-use and development. With some country-specific or legislation-based modifications, the model can be applied also in other countries. The model is easily usable and will fasten making sustainable decisions of the reuse of quarry areas and give clear arguments in the communication with the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of microfluidic systems has led to significant developments in lab-on-a-chip devices integrating several functions onto a single platform. Over the years, these miniature devices have become a promising tool for faster analytical testing, displaying high precision and efficiency. Nonetheless, most microfluidic systems are not commercially available. Research is actually undergoing on the application of these devices in environmental, food, biomedical, and healthcare industries. The lab-on-a-chip industry is predicted to grow annually by 20%. Here, we review the use of lab-on-a-chip devices in the food sector. We present fabrication technologies and materials to developing lab-on-a-chip devices. We compare electrochemical, optical, colorimetric, chemiluminescence and biological methods for the detection of pathogens and microorganisms. We emphasize emulsion processing, food formulation, nutraceutical development due to their promising characteristics. Last, smart packaging technologies like radio frequency identification and indicators are highlighted because they allow better product identification and traceability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model transformations are one of the core artifacts of a model-driven engineering approach. The relational logic language Alloy has been used in the past to verify properties of model transformations. In this paper we introduce the concept of functional Alloy modules. In essence a functional Alloy module can be viewed as an Alloy module representing a model transformation. We describe a sublanguage of Alloy called F-Alloy specifically designed to concisely specify functional Alloy modules. The restrictions on F-Alloy's syntax are meant to allow efficient execution of the specified transformation, without the use of backtracking, by an adapted interpretation algorithm. F-Alloy's semantics is given in this paper as a direct translation to Alloy; hence, F-Alloy specifications are also analyzable using the powerful automatic analysis features of Alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the politics that characterised the Nigeria 2019 national minimum wage negotiations and implementation, which so far is the most prolonged in Nigeria's history. Workers' welfare is the responsibility of governments across the world through fixing and regulation of the national minimum wage. But in Nigeria, this has been problematic, and the entire process is characterised by industrial actions undertaken to compel the government to commit to wage negotiations and implementation. The paper argues that the absence of functional standing machinery with a focus on labour economics, deciding the condition and time for a minimum wage review is seen as the main bane in government–labour frequent face-off in Nigeria, which has negatively impacted on harmonious industrial relations. Writing from the analytical point of view, the paper finds that industrial actions have become one action too many because of government's political approach to labour demands. Deciphered in the foregoing is that the current system of government–labour negotiation for new national minimum wage cannot guarantee workers' welfare in Nigeria. Thus, for the Nigeria government to address this perennial minimum wage problem and be seen as fulfilling its obligation to the International Labour Organisation, it must urgently put in place an acceptable mechanism for fixing and regulating the national minimum wage in Nigeria to cushion the effect of the hike in petroleum products on which the national economy largely depends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design optimization of structural and multidisciplinary systems under uncertainty has been an active area of research due to its evident advantages over deterministic design optimization. In deterministic design optimization, the uncertainties of a structural or multidisciplinary system are taken into account by using safety factors specified in the regulations or design codes. This uncertainty treatment is a subjective and indirect way of dealing with uncertainty. On the other hand, design under uncertainty approaches provide an objective and direct way of dealing with uncertainty. This paper provides a review of the uncertainty treatment practices in design optimization of structural and multidisciplinary systems under uncertainties. To this end, the activities in uncertainty modeling are first reviewed, where theories and methods on uncertainty categorization (or classification), uncertainty handling (or management), and uncertainty characterization are discussed. Second, the tools and techniques developed and used for uncertainty modeling and propagation are discussed under the broad two classes of probabilistic and non-probabilistic approaches. Third, various design optimization methods under uncertainty which incorporate all the techniques covered in uncertainty modeling and analysis are reviewed. In addition to these in-depth reviews on uncertainty modeling, uncertainty analysis, and design optimization under uncertainty, some real-life engineering applications and benchmark test examples are provided in this paper so that readers can develop an appreciation on where and how the discussed techniques can be applied and how to compare them. Finally, concluding remarks are provided, and areas for future research are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal qualitative research can provide rich understanding of the life circumstances of vulnerable groups who experience health inequities, of whether, how and why these circumstances change, and of how these circumstances and processes of change impact health. But, this rich understanding is not automatic and requires systematic and thoughtful approaches to data collection and analysis. The purpose of this paper is to describe two longitudinal qualitative studies embedded in mixed-methods studies of social determinants of HIV in the United States and the Dominican Republic. We compare these two studies to critically reflect on specific techniques that facilitate longitudinal and iterative data collection, management, and analysis, in particular the use of participant-specific matrices and analytic summaries across the distinct phases of the research. We conclude that combining cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis that engages with both themes and processes of change can contribute to improved contextualization and understanding of social determinants of HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of parameters of soil nailing is an important task in reinforcement soil problems. This paper focuses on the effect of nail geometric parameters on soil nailed wall analysis and identifies which factors that most affect their stability and cost using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM has been chosen to achieve an optimum combination of the soil nailing wall design. The influence of three factors has been considered; it included nail length, its inclination, and vertical spacing between nails. After a finite element analysis to model and perform the soil nailing simulations, a Box–Behnken design was applied, based on a set of experiments using various combinations. For this purpose, 15 runs were conducted to analyze tested parameters and to determine their interactions. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and contour lines plots were investigated, and therefore, the most important parameters affecting the safety factor and the cost were identified. From the goodness-of-fit analyses of the model and the illustrative example, the proposed regression model provides a reasonably good estimate of the overall safety factor for soil nail walls and their cost. The results obtained from this study showed that RSM is an efficient and effective tool to identify the optimal combination, and it emerges that the safety factor and cost are most influenced by nail length and vertical spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National Science and Technology Information Service (NTIS) is a comprehensive information system that collects and manages the information of the national R&D projects such as R&D projects and outputs, equipment and human resource for the efficient support of the national R&D planning, evaluation, management, and utilization. NTIS also provides a cloud service that supports the configuration of disaster recovery environment, the system expecting traffic congestion, the configuration of development and test environment, existing legacy system utilization, security enhancement, short-term server utilization, cost reduction, and the configuration of the high-availability infrastructure. In this paper, we propose a NTIS cloud service as the information analysis system with a consideration of the security of the national R&D information on the cloud computing environment. The purpose of the proposed NTIS cloud service is to provide the raw data of the national R&D information to the researchers who need a range of analysis for project planning, and research paper and patent publication planning. We aim to improve the productivity of the national R&D by providing the easy and convenient user interface and analysis environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of Arabic corpora is constantly increasing, there is an obvious and growing need for concordancing software for corpus search and analysis that supports as many features as possible of the Arabic language, and provides users with a greater number of functions. This paper evaluates six existing corpus search and analysis tools based on eight criteria which seem to be the most essential for searching and analysing Arabic corpora, such as displaying Arabic text in its right-to-left direction, normalising diacritics and Hamza, and providing an Arabic user interface. The results of the evaluation revealed that three tools: Khawas, Sketch Engine, and aConCorde, have met most of the evaluation criteria and achieved the highest benchmark scores. The paper concluded that developers' conscious consideration of the linguistic features of Arabic when designing these three tools was the most significant factor behind their superiority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]