Current Sense Research Articles

A UN Reform for the next 75 Years

In June 2019, when the United Nations declared the intention to create a dialogue around ‘The Future we want, the UN we need’, it was impossible to imagine that the world would be in a global pandemic in 2020. Now, it is important to ask: what can the UN do to shape the future world order? At its core, this is a fundamental question of how - or whether or not - it is possible to sustain the current global sense of solidarity and turn back to experts and institutions to facilitate a series of fundamental reforms that will transform the way the UN works for the next 75 years.

Ključni faktori konkurentnosti preduzeća po profilima potrošača u Republici Srbiji

In time of intensified globalization and euro-economic integration, the issue of the competitiveness of Serbian companies, both at national and international level, is gaining special importance. The competitiveness of enterprises is seen as the ability of the company to design, produce and market products/services superior to competition in terms of price and non-price qualities. Since as the ultimate judge of the offered value of the enterprise appears consumer, the knowledge of consumer affinity to specific factors of competitiveness of enterprise as the basis of formulating successful business and marketing strategy emerges as a key prerequisite for achieving competitive advantage and, ultimately, leading market position. As key factors of the competitiveness of enterprise are different for members of different countries, and as Serbian enterprise business is mainly focused on the domestic market, in this research paper the picture of selected the most important price and non-price factors of competitiveness of enterprises in terms of consumers living in the Republic of Serbia is given. The picture of competitiveness factors is considered, apart from general consumer standpoint and from the standpoint of the impact of the demographic characteristics of consumers, the current sense of subjective well-being of consumers and the degree of fulfillment of the various needs of consumers. Results showed that from the general aspect quality and price, respectively, are the dominant factors of competitiveness of enterprises in Serbia, and that successively follow the way of maintenance, product design, delivery deadlines, brand values, product image, the way of payment, distribution, label and promotion.

Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in the Maritime Domain

In its current sense, one of the military functions, which is named as Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), has emerged as a result of operational requirements during the peace operations in the Balkans in the 1990s. In this period, CIMIC was needed to establish liaisons with civilian actors, especially to coordinate humanitarian affairs with military operations and to facilitate cooperation if possible. Current changes in the execution of military operations have obliged changes in CIMIC support as well. These changes brought the assumption that CIMIC is not only applicable during an operation but also prior to the operation during the planning process. However, CIMIC has largely been applied for land-focused operations. The maritime domain, which includes a wide variety of actors and topics, has been ignored by the CIMIC perspective. This article explains how CIMIC can contribute in the maritime domain for maritime security efforts.

<p><strong>A new fossil psyllid, <em>Cacopsylla</em> <em>trigona</em></strong><em> </em><strong>sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae), from the Miocene of China</strong></p>

Psyllinae, a subfamily of Psyllidae, currently includes 29 genera (Burckhardt & Ouvrard, 2012; Ouvrard, 2018), of which Cacopsylla Ossiannilsson, 1970 is the most species-rich genus, distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere (Li, 2011; Ouvrard, 2018). In China, more than 300 extant species of Cacopsylla have been reported (Yang et al., 2004; Li, 2011; Luo et al., 2012, 2016). Based on recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, Cacopsylla in its current sense is a polyphyletic genus (Percy et al., 2018; Cho et al., 2019).

Systematics of the genus veltheimia (Hyacinthaceae: Scilloideae)

The southern African genus Veltheimia (Hyacinthaceae: Scilloideae: Massonieae) comprises the paraptric species pair V. capensis and V. bracteata. Both species are reviewed with full nomenclature, descriptions, ecological notes, and colour illustrations. The two species are distinguished by the shape of the bulb and the texture of the outer tunics, the colour of the foliage, and the flowering time. An epitype is designated to fix the application of the name Aletris capensis in its current sense, and the nomenclature of V. deasii is clarified, including the designation of a lectotype for V. deasii P.E.Barnes, nom. illeg., non V. deasii Coutts.

Sense of Personal Control Intensifies Moral Judgments of Others' Actions.

Recent research in moral psychology has highlighted how the current internal states of observers can influence their moral judgments of others’ actions. In this article, we argue that an important internal state that serves such a function is the sense of control one has over one’s own actions. Across four studies, we show that an individual’s own current sense of control is positively associated with the intensity of moral judgments of the actions of others. We also show that this effect extends not only to judgments of rightness and wrongness (Study 1), but also to assignments of reward and punishment (Study 2). Finally, we demonstrate that this effect is based on the current experience of control by showing a moderation of the effect via motivational states (promotion; prevention) that either lead one to incorporate or disregard internal states when making judgments (Study 3) and by subtly manipulating participants’ sense of control (Study 4).

Are Scientific Models of Life Testable? A Lesson from Simpson’s Paradox

We address the need for a model by considering two competing theories regarding the origin of life: (i) the Metabolism First theory and (ii) the RNA World theory. We discuss two inter-related points. (I) Models are valuable tools in understanding both the processes and intricacies of the origin of life issues. (II) Insights from models also help us to evaluate the core objection to origin of life theories called “the inefficiency objection” commonly raised by proponents of both the Metabolism First theory and the RNA World theory against each other. We use Simpson’s paradox as a tool for challenging this objection. We will use models in various senses ranging from taking them as representations of reality to treating them as theories/accounts that provide heuristics for probing reality. In this paper, we will frequently use models and theories interchangeably. Additionally, we investigate Conway’s Game of Life and contrast it with our Simpson’s Paradox (SP)-based approach to emergence of life issues. Finally, we discuss some of the consequences of our view. A scientific model is testable in three senses: (i) a logical sense, (ii) a nomological sense, and (iii) a current technological sense. The SP-based model is testable in the logical sense. It is also testable nomologically. However, it is not currently feasible to test it.

The Claytonia arctica Complex in Alaska—Analyzing a Beringian Taxonomic Puzzle Using Taxonomic Concepts

Trans-Beringia taxa often present complex puzzles for taxonomists, a reflection of differing traditions and opinions, taxonomic approaches, and access to material from both sides of the Bering Strait. There is wide biological variation in perceived or circumscribed taxa whose populations are widespread within the regions and yet biogeographically isolated in Asia and/or America. The Claytonia arctica complex is one such example; it illustrates these issues well and has been dealt with by North American and Russian botanists in decidedly different ways. We reviewed specimens and examined the various taxonomic concepts of C. arctica through time and source publications. The relationships (alignments) among taxonomic concepts are presented in a graphical format. We found that much of the confusion related to C. arctica in Beringia stems from overlookingC. scammaniana Hultén sensu Hultén (1939), and placing too much emphasis on the woody caudex and perennation structures, during the creation of two taxonomic concepts: C. arctica Adams sensu Porsild and C. porsildii Jurtzev sensu Yurtsev. The C. arctica complex (in our current sense) is an evolutionary work in progress, resulting in partially differentiated races with much overlapping variability and intergradation of characters (particularly in C. scammaniana according to our current sense) that have not reached the level of stability (i.e., individuals may still intergrade freely) usually associated with the concept of species in other arctic lineages.

A comparative study of induced and transferred charges for mass flow rate measurement of pneumatically conveyed particles

In-line measurement of the mass flow rate of solids in pneumatic conveying pipelines is essential for the efficient and optimized operation of many industrial processes. This paper presents a comparative study of using induced and transferred charges from non-intrusive electrodes exposed to the particle flow for mass flow rate measurement. A novel signal conditioning circuit, which consists of a current sense amplifier and a charge amplifier, is designed to convert the induced and transferred charges into two separate voltage signals. Empirical measurement models that relate the particle velocity, the root-mean-square (r.m.s) magnitude of the induced charge signal and the slope of the transferred charge signal to the mass flow rate are proposed. Experiments were undertaken using electrodes of different widths and under different mass flow rate and particle velocity conditions. Results obtained show that both the r.m.s magnitude of the induced charge signal and the slope of the transferred charge signal increase with the mass flow rate and the velocity of particles. In general, the measurement results using the induced and transferred charges from either the narrow or the wide electrode are similar. However, the method based on the transferred charge is less reliable due to confined sensing area and electrode charging by particles adhered to the electrode surface.

Identity Exploration or Labor Market Reaction: Social Class Differences in College Student Participation in Peace Corps, Teach for America, and Other Service Programs

Service programs and other short-term work experiences have become much more common for young adults after college graduation. Emerging adulthood has become a widespread explanation for this phenomenon, namely that a new life stage has arisen between adolescence and young adulthood in which emerging adults prioritize identity exploration. However, using in-depth interviews with juniors and seniors at an elite university, I find that this explanation overlooks two critical social constraints that young adults face during this time period that are shaped by their social class: work values and labor market conditions. Rather than all students seeking to participate in service programs in order to engage in identity exploration, I find four orientations towards service programs, shaped by social class background, current sense of financial stability, and work values: 1) participating as a backup plan to boost resumes, 2) seeking meaningful short-term work during an unsettled stage of life, 3) seeking opportunities to enact identity projects around helping others, and 4) using the programs to facilitate long-term career entry. Thus, I argue that the rise of short-term work experiences after college graduation should not be viewed as young adults engaging in a distinct life course phase prior to entry into full adulthood. Instead, the rise of these programs should be seen as a response to students’ social class backgrounds and the various labor market constraints each group faces.

Material analysis of high degree of variability in thin CMOS for SRAM current sense amplifier

Abstract In modern computer memory role is to sense the low power signals, this paper optimally finds the best solutions to improve the performance of the Sense Amplifier for CMOS SRAM. The circuit is designed and simulated in the Advanced Design System. The simulation result shows that the required output voltage 1.2 V is available after addition of an Inverter at the output & having identical PMOS & NMOS in the circuit. It is observed that the performance of the sense amplifier has been improved drastically. To have better results now our future work will concern the 22-nm technology.

Low-Power/Low-Voltage Integrated CMOS Sense Resistor-Free Analog Power/Current Sensor Compatible With High-Voltage Switching DC–DC Converter

A sensor circuit to measure the output power of a dc–dc boost for photo-voltaic (PV) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) application is presented. The proposed approach obviates the need for a series current sense resistor and a complex current/voltage digitization and multiplication circuitry required for calculating power. Thereby, this technique does not require analog multipliers, analog-to-digital converters, digital signal processor, and FPGA, thus reducing the bill of material, silicon area, and power consumption of the overall system. Additionally, it provides the dc electrical isolation between the high output voltage of the boost converter and the low-voltage integrated CMOS power sensor circuit. The proposed power sensor circuit is implemented using a switched capacitor differentiator and a voltage-to-time converter. This approach results in lower complexity, lower silicon area, lower power consumption, and lower component count for the overall PV MPPT system. Designed in a 180-nm CMOS process, the circuit can operate with a supply voltage of 1.8 V. It achieves a power sense accuracy of 7.6%, occupies a die area of 0.0519 mm2, and consumes a power of 0.748 mW.

(Core) common ground and the role of metapragmatic expressions: A comment on Liu and Liu (2017)

Under the socio-cognitive approach, Liu and Liu (2017) explore the role of metapragmatic expressions (MPEs) in business English as lingua franca (BELF) meeting interactions, and maintain that four types of MPEs, viz., commentaries, speech-action descriptions, message glosses and evidentials, are employed to activate shared sense and current sense to construct emergent common ground of knowledge and affiliation. They also repeatedly claim that BELF interactions lack common ground, core common ground in particular. In this paper, we argue that (i) their claim does not really hold water because the very fact that relevant parties are ready to have a meeting together shows that they already obtain adequate information on the meeting as well as other parties, and hence have shared knowledge (i.e., common ground) of the upcoming event and of one another; and (ii) the functions of MPEs they have highlighted are actually not specific to BELF contexts but applicable to other contexts as well, especially English as lingua franca (ELF) contexts.

Common ground and metapragmatic expressions in BELF meetings: A response to Zhang and Wu

In Liu and Liu (2017), we argued that business English as a lingua franca (BELF) speakers lack common ground (CG) and core CG and explored the role of metapragmatic expressions (MPEs) in creating emergent CG in BELF meetings. Zhang and Wu commented on our article in this volume, arguing that BELF speakers share adequate CG, and MPEs are used as the overall discursive strategy rather than as linguistic devices to create emergent CG. In this response, we argue that CG sharing in communication is an issue of ‘more-or-less.’ Compared with participants in intracultural communication, BELF speakers do lack (core) CG. Being aware of potential or existing problems in communication, BELF speakers employ MPEs as emergent CG-creating devices to activate shared sense and current sense to facilitate ongoing interactions.

RELEVANT CONCEPTS OF A TEACHER’S STATE WHEN EXPERIENCING PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY CRISIS

Introduction. Recently, a professional activity and development of a teacher has been carried out in the context of permanent changes in the education system. The necessity to adapt to innovations is accompanied by an increase in tension, in resistance and in the probability of destructive tendencies in teacher’s personality and professional crisis that can face the teacher in the process of professionalisation. A constructive resolution of crisis leads the teacher to the transition to a new stage of professional development and enrichment of his or her professional and personal potential. The non-constructive resolution of the crisis leads to stagnation of the teacher and increased destruction of the personality. In light of this, it is relevant to study the peculiarities of the teacher’s professional personality crisis and to identify the mechanisms for successful recovery from the crisis.The aim of the present article was to disclose the research results on current sense states, which teachers face when experiencing professional personal crisis. Methodology and research methods. The methodological basis of the work was the systemic and phenomenological approaches. The method of cross-sections was used as an organisational method. The collection of empirical data was carried out by means of survey methods: a phenomenological questionnaire “Experiencing a professional personality crisis” and an adapted version of the test of life-sense orientations by D. A. Leontyev. The research sample was made by teachers of secondary schools. The analysis of the results was carried out through content analysis, comparative and frequency analysis.Results and scientific novelty. Theoretical and methodological analysis of the works of foreign and domestic scientists allowed authors to form a hypothesis that the situation of crisis is followed by disagreement in consciousness of the person’s professional past, present and future. The conducted research showed that only 19% of teachers in the state of crisis possessed the balanced temporary loci. Apparently, these respondents were at the stage of recovery from the crisis and the transformation of values and meanings in their consciousness that already occurred. Sense-bearing desynchronosis was observed among vast majority of teachers (81%), expressed in “leaving” into any of temporary loci (in the past, present or future), i.e. a kind of escape from a crisis situation, which, in turn, gave rise to decrease in meaning of life in general. The authors concluded that fragmentary perception of life timelines leads to strengthening of destructive trends in teacher’s professional development and their stagnation. Practical significance. The research materials can provide a framework for design and realisation of the programmes of psycho-pedagogical support for teachers, taking into account their feelings during professional identity crisis.

Rostania revised: testing generic delimitations in Collemataceae (Peltigerales, Lecanoromycetes).

Here, we test the current generic delimitation of Rostania (Collemataceae, Peltigerales, Ascomycota) utilizing molecular phylogeny and morphological investigations. Using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial SSU rDNA and two nuclear protein-coding genes (MCM7 and β-tubulin) and utilizing parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods, Rostania is shown to be non-monophyletic in the current sense. A new generic delimitation of Rostania is thus proposed, in which the genus is monophyletic, and three species (Rostaniacoccophylla, R.paramensis, R.quadrifida) are excluded and transferred to other genera. Rostaniaoccultata is further non-monophyletic, and a more detailed investigation of species delimitations in Rostania s. str. is needed. The new combinations Leptogiumparamense and Scytiniumquadrifidum are proposed.

Death by Folklore

My original essay “Death by Folklore” was written soon after the 1982 murders of teenagers Annette Cooper and Todd Schultz in an area of Southeastern Ohio plagued by rumors of Satanic cults. I argued that the killings and the local reaction to them could be understood as acts of ostension, possibly criminal acts or, more likely, acts of interpreting ambiguous events in terms of familiar legends about Satanism. Since then, the original defendant has been exonerated, and a convict has confessed to being the actual murderer, which he says was the result of an unmeditated impulse with no folklore relevance. So, was my article irrelevant to the crime? The essay surveys new information uncovered through investigative journalism and criminal justice research, and concludes that ostension, in its current sense, remains the best theoretical tool for understanding the murders’ cultural significance.

Hydnoporia, an older name for Pseudochaete and Hymenochaetopsis, and typification of the genus Hymenochaete (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota).

The genus name Hydnoporia is reinstated to encompass the Hymenochaete tabacina group currently addressed to Pseudochaete (illegitimate genus) or Hymenochaetopsis. Identity of the type species of Hydnoporia, Sistotrema fuscescens (= Hydnoporia olivacea in current sense), is clarified, and a lectotype is selected. In total, 12 species are combined in Hydnoporia: H. corrugata, H. gigasetosa, H. lamellata, H. laricicola, H. latesetosa, H. lenta, H. rhododendri, H. rimosa, H. subrigidula, H. tabacina, H. tabacinoides, and H. yasudai. Hydnoporia diffissa is described as new. Analyses of all available ITS (94) and newly produced tef1 sequences (20) indicate that there are at least 20-27 species in the genus. Identity of the type species of Hymenochaete, H. rubiginosa, is clarified; the name is retained for the species so named in Europe while other species are present in North America and East Asia. Additionally, three new combinations in Hymenochaete are proposed: H. campylopora (= Cyclomyces fuscus), H. microcycla (= Cyclomyces tabacinus), and H. saepiaria.

A High Accuracy Weak Voltage LED Analog Dimming Method

A weak voltage analog dimming method for high precision light emitting diode (LED) current control with N-Bits analog static offset calibration (N-Bits ASOC), dynamic offset cancellation (DOC) and K-times dimming duty to voltage (KD2V) conversion is presented. The N-Bits ASOC circuit decreases the analog dimming error to V OSMAX /2 N - 1 by pre-calibrating the error amplifier offset. Moreover, through a smart combination of KD2V circuits and DOC amplifier, the KD2V and DOC operational amplifier magnify the dimming reference and LED current sense voltage K-times, respectively, which reduces the residual dimming error K-times without any modification to the LED current sampling resistor. Based on the 0.18μm 5V/40V Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process, experimental results for a cell phone backlighting driver show that the analog dimming ILED error reduces to 30μA at maximum 200mV LED current feedback voltage. This deviation mostly keeps constant through a dimming duty range of 0.5% to 100% and VIN range of 2.7V to 5.5V. Furthermore, a 200-sample measurement data suggests that this method is effective even when dimming duty is smaller than 0.5% for mass production.

Our current sense of anxiety or after Gellner*

AbstractThe paper begins by describing three elements of Gellner's social philosophy that lay behind his essentially optimistic version of liberalism. The argument that follows suggests that all these elements – respect for the procedures of modern science, general participation in a growing economy and ‘ironic’ nationalism – are under attack. In consequence, we live again in an age of anxiety.