bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ecosophical Perspective to Advance to the SDGs: Theoretical Approach on Values for Sustainability in a 4S Hotel Company
Authors: Rubio-Mozos Ernestina , García-Muiña Fernando E. , Fuentes-Moraleda Laura
Published: September 2020

Fourth Sector Small and Medium-sized Hotel companies (4S-SM-HCs) that already have a purpose and wish to contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need to base their sustainability policies on universal values that deepen the individual-society-planet interrelations. “The Three Ecologies” essay (Guattari, 1989) provides a suitable theoretical approach to reflect on which values for sustainability are implicit in the purpose of the 4S-SM-HCs under study. This conceptual paper proposes an ecosophical reflection about the relationships between the mental, social, and environmental ecologies, and the company’s values for sustainability, establishing direct interrelations between the company’s purpose and the five dimensions of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (UN2030A), bringing a holistic vision to hotel management and, as a result, to the entire ecosystem, something which has not been addressed by the social sciences and business management literature yet. Through qualitative research methodology consisting of a focus group discussion in which the board of directors of a 4S-SM-HC took part, they delved into the ecosophical values for sustainability that moves them to create economic benefits while contributing to a better quality of life and a better environment. The contribution of this paper is twofold: firstly, to provide an in-depth reflection with an ecosophical approach on which company’s values are meaningful to sustainability, and secondly, to propose a theoretical framework with an ecosophical approach for 4S-SM-HCs to advance from their purpose to the SDGs and thus, to contribute to a Triple Wellbeing of people, the community and the planet.
Technical Viability Analysis of Industrial Synergies—An Applied Framework Perspective
Authors: Dias Rui , Azevedo João , Ferreira Inês , Estrela Marco , Henriques Juan , Ascenço Cristina , Iten Muriel
Published: September 2020

To foster the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis, several support tools have been developed to facilitate the dissemination of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and the engagement of stakeholders; the establishment of exchanges between companies, the so-called synergies; and the assessment of impacts and benefits. Despite this, it has been found that stakeholders still do not have a clear envisioning of the required steps to the technical implementation of synergies and there are no facilitating tools, such as methodologies, frameworks, modelling tools, and databases, among others, that aid to technically support decision-making of synergy implementation. Thus, the goal of this paper is to present a dedicated framework that provides a set of guidelines and defines a technical viability analysis to support the implementation of potential synergies, which can be used and replicated by any IS practitioner. It comprehends a methodological approach to assess the compliance of a given synergy opportunity; its characterization concerning the definition of the necessary intermediary steps for the technical implementation; and an assessment of the technical feasibility of the synergy. The implementation of the framework allowed the successful technical validation of the studied synergy opportunities, providing a final technical viability assessment that can support decision-making of technology selection and synergy implementation.
Optimization and Comparative Analysis of Traffic Restriction Policy by Jointly Considering Carpool Exemptions
Authors: Wei Xueyan , Yu Weijie , Wang Wei , Zhao De , Hua Xuedong
Published: September 2020

As a countermeasure to urban exhaust pollution and traffic congestion, traffic restriction policy (TRP) and carpooling strategy have been widely introduced throughout the world. However, their effects are largely determined by the rationality of implementing policies, and unreasonable policies make them controversial on the long-term implementation benefits. To more effectively manage traffic demand and maintain the sustainability of transportation system, it is necessary to make optimization for management policy before implementation. In this paper, the elastic demand model and equilibrium assignment model are developed under TRP. Considering the negative impact of the mandatory TRP on the public acceptance, we propose a novel TRP strategy, namely TRP with carpool exemptions (TRP-CE), that is, a proportion of high occupancy vehicles (HOV) are allowed to travel in the restricted district even if their license plate numbers are restricted. Then, a bi-level programming model is proposed to solve the optimal schemes by combining multi purposes of ensuring travel convenience, alleviating traffic congestion, and reducing the exhaust pollution. Finally, a numerical experiment is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed models and make comparative analysis between separate TRP and TRP-CE. The results indicate that TRP-CE has benefits in the following aspects: (1) Carpool exemptions provide an incentive to carpool for travelers by private cars; (2) the public acceptance of TRP is improved by introducing carpool exemptions as a compensatory mitigation strategy for mandatory TRP; (3) the implementation effect of demand management can be well achieved by joint optimization; and (4) there is no need to design and reconstruct HOV lanes for the implementation of TRP-CE, which is convenient for practical application.
Education for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals: Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions and Knowledge
Authors: García-González Esther , Jiménez-Fontana Rocío , Azcárate Pilar
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the change in the perceptions of pre-service teachers after participating in a training process on Education for Sustainability. The research was conducted during academic year 2019–2020 in the context of the Master’s Degree in Educational Research for Teachers’ Professional Development. The changes related to Education for Sustainability, the knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals, and methodological strategies to integrate both were analysed. An initial and a final questionnaire as well as the activities developed by the students during the course were used to gather information. An analysis was performed of three dimensions (Education for Sustainability, the Sustainable Development Goals, and methodological strategies) with the help of the NVivo 12 Plus software programme. The results show progress was made in all three dimensions. The most significant changes were detected with regard to the knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the majority of the student teachers indicated they knew them on completing the training process. Their perception of Education for Sustainability evolved towards more complex views, while the methodological strategies proposed at the end of the training process did not differ significantly from the initial ones. This shows it is imperative to insist on training processes that include methodological strategies. By doing so, future educational professionals will be able to incorporate Education for Sustainability into their teaching practice.
Cities under Pressure: Strategies and Tools to Face Climate Change and Pandemic
Authors: Moraci Francesca , Errigo Maurizio Francesco , Fazia Celestina , Campisi Tiziana , Castelli Francesco
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the problems and stresses of the contemporary city, mainly due to natural and health factors, related to climate change and the pandemic COVID19. Besides highlighting the characteristics of climate change and the ongoing pandemic, this study focuses on the analysis of the main effects and consequences that these phenomena have produced on the city and the vulnerabilities of the urban system. To understand how these events have impacted the urban environment, directly and indirectly, this research undertakes to define some specific indicators capable of comparing the phenomena and assessing their repercussions. The Methodology is based on the following focal points: on the analysis of the urban shocks that have affected the cities in the last decade, on the comparison between contemporary survey data and those relating to historical trends, on the definition of the main urban sectors particularly affected by the onset of urban shocks, and on the definition of strategies, actions, and tools deemed to be effective in the implementation of a post-pandemic and climate-proof city. These results were achieved through complementary urban design and tools capable of creating a post-pandemic and climate-proof adaptive city, within a cross-disciplinary approach.
A Dynamic Failure Time Degradation-Based Model
Authors: Albabtain Abdulhakim A. , Shrahili Mansour , Alshagrawi Lolwa , Kayid Mohamed
Published: September 2020

A novel methodology for modelling time to failure of systems under a degradation process is proposed. Considering the method degradation may have influenced the failure of the system under the setup of the model several implied lifetime distributions are outlined. Hazard rate and mean residual lifetime of the model are obtained and a numerical situation is delineated to calculate their amounts. The problem of modelling the amount of degradation at the failure time is also considered. Two monotonic aging properties of the model is secured and a characterization property of the symmetric degradation models is established.
Affective and Stress Consequences of Cyberbullying
Authors: Alhujailli Ashraf , Karwowski Waldemar , Wan Thomas T.H. , Hancock Peter
Published: September 2020

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cyberbullying through social exclusion and verbal harassment on emotional, stress, and coping responses. Twenty-nine undergraduate students (16 females aged 18.25 ± 0.58 years and 13 males aged 18.46 ± 1.13 years) volunteered for the study. All volunteers participated in two experiments that stimulated cyberbullying through social exclusion or verbal harassment. In the first experiment, the effects of cyberbullying through social exclusion were investigated using a virtual ball-tossing game known as Cyberball. In the second experiment, the influence of cyberbullying through verbal harassment was tested using a hypothetical scenario together with reading of online comments. Emotional, stress, and coping responses were measured via the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire, and the Coping Inventory for Task Stress, respectively. The results demonstrated that social exclusion and verbal harassment induced a negative emotional state. We also found that verbal harassment through the use of impolite language increased engagement, and increased worry compared with social exclusion effects.
Data Analysis of Beach Sands’ Chemical Analysis Using Multivariate Statistical Methods and Heavy Metal Distribution Maps: The Case of Moonlight Beach Sands, Kemer, Antalya, Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Fusun
Published: September 2020

Multivariate statistical methods are widely used in several disciplines of fundamental sciences. In the present study, the data analysis of the chemical analysis of the sands of Moonlight Beach in the Kemer region was examined using multivariate statistical methods. This study consists of three parts. The multivariate statistical analysis tests were described in the first part, then the pollution indexes were studied in the second part. Finally, the distribution maps of the chemical analyses and pollution indexes were generated using the obtained data. The heavy metals were mostly observed in location K1, while they were sorted as follows based on their concentrations: Mg > Fe > Al > Ti > Sr > Mn > Cr > Ni > Zn > Zr > Cu > Rb. Also, strong positive correlations were found between Si, Fe, Al, K, Ti, P. According to the results of factor analysis, it was found that four factors explained 83.5% of the total variance. On the other hand, the coefficient of determination (R2) was calculated as 63.6% in the regression model. Each unit increase in the value of Ti leads to an increase of 0.022 units in the value of Si. Potential Ecological Risk Index analysis results (RI < 150) revealed that the study area had no risk. However, the locations around Moonlight Beach are under risk in terms of Enrichment Factor and Contamination Factor values. The index values of heavy metals in the anomaly maps and their densities were found to be successful; and higher densities were observed based on heavy metal anomalies.
Fuzzy Model Identification Using Monolithic and Structured Approaches in Decision Problems with Partially Incomplete Data
Authors: Shekhovtsov Andrii , Kołodziejczyk Joanna , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: September 2020

A significant challenge in the current trend in decision-making methods is the problem’s class in which the decision-maker makes decisions based on partially incomplete data. Classic methods of multicriteria decision analysis are used to analyze alternatives described by using numerical values. At the same time, fuzzy set modifications are usually used to include uncertain data in the decision-making process. However, data incompleteness is something else. In this paper, we show two approaches to identify fuzzy models with partially incomplete data. The monolithic approach assumes creating one model that requires many queries to the expert. In the structured approach, the problem is decomposed into several interrelated models. The main aim of the work is to compare their accuracy empirically and to determine the sensitivity of the obtained model to the used criteria. For this purpose, a study case will be presented. In order to compare the proposed approaches and analyze the significance of the decision criteria, we use two ranking similarity coefficients, i.e., symmetric rw and asymmetric WS. In this work, the limitations of each approach are presented, and the results show great similarity despite the use of two structurally different approaches. Finally, we show an example of calculations performed for alternatives with partially incomplete data.
Hot Isostatic Pressing of Aluminum–Silicon Alloys Fabricated by Laser Powder-Bed Fusion
Authors: Hafenstein Stephan , Hitzler Leonhard , Sert Enes , Öchsner Andreas , Merkel Markus , Werner Ewald
Published: September 2020

Hot isostatic pressing can be utilized to reduce the anisotropic mechanical properties of Al–Si–Mg alloys fabricated by laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF). The implementation of post processing densification processes can open up new fields of application by meeting high quality requirements defined by aircraft and automotive industries. A gas pressure of 75 MPa during hot isostatic pressing lowers the critical cooling rate required to achieve a supersaturated solid solution. Direct aging uses this pressure related effect during heat treatment in modern hot isostatic presses, which offer advanced cooling capabilities, thereby avoiding the necessity of a separate solution annealing step for Al–Si–Mg cast alloys. Hot isostatic pressing, followed by rapid quenching, was applied to both sand cast as well as laser powder-bed fused Al–Si–Mg aluminum alloys. It was shown that the critical cooling rate required to achieve a supersaturated solid solution is significantly higher for additively manufactured, age-hardenable aluminum alloys than it is for comparable sand cast material. The application of hot isostatic pressing can be combined with heat treatment, consisting of solution annealing, quenching and direct aging, in order to achieve both a dense material with a small number of preferred locations for the initiation of fatigue cracks and a high material strength.
Mechanisms of Increased Indoxacarb Toxicity in Methoxyfenozide-Resistant Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Wang Qinqin , Rui Changhui , Wang Qiyuan , Wang Li , Li Fugen , Nahiyoon Shahzad Ali , Yuan Huizhu , Cui Li
Published: September 2020

Indoxacarb is an important insecticide for the selective control of Helicoverpa armigera. It can be bioactivated to the more effective N-decarbomethoxylated indoxacarb (DCJW) by esterases in pests. It was observed that both field and laboratory selected populations of H. armigera showed negative cross-resistance between indoxacarb and methoxyfenozide. The Handan population exhibited moderate resistance to indoxacarb, but was susceptible to methoxyfenozide; the Baoding and Yishui populations exhibited moderate resistance to methoxyfenozide, but they were susceptible to indoxacarb. Moreover, the toxicity of indoxacarb was enhanced 1.83-fold in the laboratory methoxyfenozide-resistant H. armigera, and susceptibility to methoxyfenozide was increased 2.81-fold in the laboratory indoxacarb-resistant H. armigera. In vivo, DCJW concentrations in the susceptible and methoxyfenozide-selected (laboratory methoxyfenozide-resistant) populations were 4.59- and 4.31-fold greater than in the indoxacarb-resistant Handan population 1 h after dosing. After 2 h, the highest concentrations of DCJW and indoxacarb appeared in the methoxyfenozide-selected population. Meanwhile, increased carboxyl esterase (CarE) and decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were observed in the methoxyfenozide-selected population. However, the indoxacarb-selected (laboratory indoxacarb-resistant) and Handan populations showed a higher disappearance of indoxacarb and DCJW, and the activity of cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase in these populations were significantly increased. This study showed that the improved toxicity of indoxacarb, as observed in the methoxyfenozide-selected H. armigera, was correlated with increased CarE activity, decreased GST activity, and the in vivo accumulation of indoxacarb and DCJW. The significantly increased cytochrome P450 activity and higher disappearance of indoxacarb and DCJW in indoxacarb-resistant H. armigera resulted in the decreased toxicity of indoxacarb.
Prevalence, Fate and Effects of Plastic in Freshwater Environments: New Findings and Next Steps
Authors: Khan Farhan R.
Published: September 2020

At a time when a global pandemic rightly holds our collective attention, environmental issues have taken a backseat to the ongoing battle against Covid-19 [...]
Evolutionary Study of the Crassphage Virus at Gene Level
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Treu Laura , Toppo Stefano , Zschach Henrike , Campanaro Stefano , Dutilh Bas E.
Published: September 2020

crAss-like viruses are a putative family of bacteriophages recently discovered. The eponym of the clade, crAssphage, is an enteric bacteriophage estimated to be present in at least half of the human population and it constitutes up to 90% of the sequences in some human fecal viral metagenomic datasets. We focused on the evolutionary dynamics of the genes encoded on the crAssphage genome. By investigating the conservation of the genes, a consistent variation in the evolutionary rates across the different functional groups was found. Gene duplications in crAss-like genomes were detected. By exploring the differences among the functional categories of the genes, we confirmed that the genes encoding capsid proteins were the most ubiquitous, despite their overall low sequence conservation. It was possible to identify a core of proteins whose evolutionary trees strongly correlate with each other, suggesting their genetic interaction. This group includes the capsid proteins, which are thus established as extremely suitable for rebuilding the phylogenetic tree of this viral clade. A negative correlation between the ubiquity and the conservation of viral protein sequences was shown. Together, this study provides an in-depth picture of the evolution of different genes in crAss-like viruses.
The Genetic Diversification of a Single Bluetongue Virus Strain Using an In Vitro Model of Alternating-Host Transmission
Authors: Kopanke Jennifer H. , Lee Justin S. , Stenglein Mark D. , Mayo Christie E.
Published: September 2020

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus that has been associated with dramatic epizootics in both wild and domestic ruminants in recent decades. As a segmented, double-stranded RNA virus, BTV can evolve via several mechanisms due to its genomic structure. However, the effect of BTV’s alternating-host transmission cycle on the virus’s genetic diversification remains poorly understood. Whole genome sequencing approaches offer a platform for investigating the effect of host-alternation across all ten segments of BTV’s genome. To understand the role of alternating hosts in BTV’s genetic diversification, a field isolate was passaged under three different conditions: (i) serial passages in Culicoides sonorensis cells, (ii) serial passages in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, or (iii) alternating passages between insect and bovine cells. Aliquots of virus were sequenced, and single nucleotide variants were identified. Measures of viral population genetics were used to quantify the genetic diversification that occurred. Two consensus variants in segments 5 and 10 occurred in virus from all three conditions. While variants arose across all passages, measures of genetic diversity remained largely similar across cell culture conditions. Despite passage in a relaxed in vitro system, we found that this BTV isolate exhibited genetic stability across passages and conditions. Our findings underscore the valuable role that whole genome sequencing may play in improving understanding of viral evolution and highlight the genetic stability of BTV.
Generation of Combinatorial Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Multiple Anti-Hepatitis C Virus shRNAs and Their Validation on a Novel HCV Replicon Double Reporter Cell Line
Authors: Elbadawy Hossein M. , Mohammed Abdul Mohi I. , Aljuhani Naif , Vitiello Adriana , Ciccarese Francesco , Shaker Mohamed A. , Eltahir Heba M. , Palù Giorgio , Di Antonio Veronica , Ghassabian Hanieh , Del Vecchio Claudia , Salata Cristiano , Franchin Elisa , Ponterio Eleonora , Bahashwan Saleh , Thabet Khaled , Abouzied Mekky M. , Shehata Ahmed M. , Parolin Cristina , Calistri Arianna , Alvisi Gualtiero
Published: September 2020

Despite the introduction of directly acting antivirals (DAAs), for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their cost, patient compliance, and viral resistance are still important issues to be considered. Here, we describe the generation of a novel JFH1-based HCV subgenomic replicon double reporter cell line suitable for testing different antiviral drugs and therapeutic interventions. This cells line allowed a rapid and accurate quantification of cell growth/viability and HCV RNA replication, thus discriminating specific from unspecific antiviral effects caused by DAAs or cytotoxic compounds, respectively. By correlating cell number and virus replication, we could confirm the inhibitory effect on the latter of cell over confluency and characterize an array of lentiviral vectors expressing single, double, or triple cassettes containing different combinations of short hairpin (sh)RNAs, targeting both highly conserved viral genome sequences and cellular factors crucial for HCV replication. While all vectors were effective in reducing HCV replication, the ones targeting viral sequences displayed a stronger antiviral effect, without significant cytopathic effects. Such combinatorial platforms as well as the developed double reporter cell line might find application both in setting-up anti-HCV gene therapy approaches and in studies aimed at further dissecting the viral biology/pathogenesis of infection.
Control of Cytoskeletal Dynamics by β-Arrestin1/Myosin Vb Signaling Regulates Endosomal Sorting and Scavenging Activity of the Atypical Chemokine Receptor ACKR2
Authors: Vacchini Alessandro , Cancellieri Cinzia , Milanesi Samantha , Badanai Sabrina , Savino Benedetta , Bifari Francesco , Locati Massimo , Bonecchi Raffaella , Borroni Elena Monica
Published: September 2020

The atypical chemokine receptor ACKR2, formerly named D6, is a scavenger chemokine receptor with a non-redundant role in the control of inflammation and immunity. The scavenging activity of ACKR2 depends on its trafficking properties, which require actin cytoskeleton rearrangements downstream of a β-arrestin1-Rac1-PAK1-LIMK1-cofilin-dependent signaling pathway. We here demonstrate that in basal conditions, ACKR2 trafficking properties require intact actin and microtubules networks. The dynamic turnover of actin filaments is required to sustain ACKR2 constitutive endocytosis, while both actin and microtubule networks are involved in processes regulating ACKR2 constitutive sorting to rapid, Rab4-dependent and slow, Rab11-dependent recycling pathways, respectively. After chemokine engagement, ACKR2 requires myosin Vb activity to promote its trafficking from Rab11-positive recycling endosomes to the plasma membrane, which sustains its scavenging activity. Other than cofilin phosphorylation, induction of the β-arrestin1-dependent signaling pathway by ACKR2 agonists also leads to the rearrangement of microtubules, which is required to support the myosin Vb-dependent ACKR2 upregulation and its scavenging properties. Disruption of the actin-based cytoskeleton by the apoptosis-inducing agent staurosporine results in impaired ACKR2 internalization and chemokine degradation that is consistent with the emerging scavenging-independent activity of the receptor in apoptotic neutrophils instrumental for promoting efficient efferocytosis during the resolution of inflammation. In conclusion, we provide evidence that ACKR2 activates a β-arrestin1-dependent signaling pathway, triggering both the actin and the microtubule cytoskeletal networks, which control its trafficking and scavenger properties.
Satellites HY-1C and Landsat 8 Combined to Observe the Influence of Bridge on Sea Surface Temperature and Suspended Sediment Concentration in Hangzhou Bay, China
Authors: Huang Shuyi , Liu Jianqiang , Cai Lina , Zhou Minrui , Bu Juan , Xu Jieni
Published: September 2020

We analyzed the influence of a cross-sea bridge on the sea surface temperature (SST) and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) of Hangzhou Bay based on landsat8_TIRS data and HY-1C data using an improved single window algorithm to retrieve the SST and an empirical formula to retrieve the SSC. In total, 375 paired sampling points and 70 transects were taken to compare the SST upstream and downstream of the bridge, and nine transects were taken to compare the SSC. The results show the following. (i) In summer, when the current flows through the bridge pier, the downstream SST of the bridge decreases significantly, with a range of 3.5%; in winter, generally, the downstream SST decreases but does not change as obviously as in summer. The downstream SSC increases obviously. (ii) The range of influence of the bridge pier on the downstream SST is about 0.3–4.0 km in width from the bridge and that on the downstream SSC is approximately 0.3–6.0 km. (iii) When the current flows around the pier, a portion of the flow is dispersed in upward and downward directions; the downward flow generates local scour. When the scouring at the front end of the pier stops, the upward flow behind the pier brings the sediment and the bottom cold water downstream, causing the downstream SST to decrease and the SSC to increase. (iv) The other portion passes around the pier, which generates a wake vortex. Once a wake vortex is released, a low-pressure center appears, sucking the sediment and the bottom cold water to the downstream sea surface, reducing the downstream SST and raising the SSC. (v) The range of reduction of the SST downstream of the bridge is shorter than the range of increase in the SSC. This is because the wake vortices have an effect in the 0.3–4.0 km downstream but not in the 4.0–6.0 km. Therefore, the SST and SSC are affected within the range of 0.3–4.0 km by wake vortices, while in the 4.0–6.0 km region, the SSC is still high due to the transport of sediment by currents.
A Nation-Wide Framework for Evaluating Freshwater Health in China: Background, Administration, and Indicators
Authors: Xie Chen , Yang Yifan , Liu Yang , Liu Guoqing , Fan Ziwu , Li Yun
Published: September 2020

This study reviewed the existing experience of implementing the nation-wide freshwater health evaluation in China and around the world and proposes a new framework that works in collaboration with the River Chief System (RCS). The institutional context of China with intertwined political and scientific considerations makes it essential to establish a concise and quantitative approach to assess the effectiveness of the RCS as well as local freshwater health conditions that can be easily understood by non-experts for decision-making. To fulfil this objective, we reconstructed the indicator categories based on the best practices in major western countries and the existing regional standards in China. The new indicator framework includes two main aspects: Ecosystem integrity (physical habitat, water quantity, water quality, and aquatic life) and non-ecological performance (social services and water governance). Specifically, the non-ecological attributes of freshwaters are in accordance with the purposes of the RCS and are usually ignored in many countries. The final health grade for a specific water body is determined by a weighted averaging method; this grade is the core element of an evaluation protocol designed to produce reliable data for adaptable water resources governance in China. The research findings in this study will also be integrated into the new national standard to be issued by the Ministry of Water Resources of China in late 2020.
Kernel Extreme Learning Machine: An Efficient Model for Estimating Daily Dew Point Temperature Using Weather Data
Authors: Alizamir Meysam , Kim Sungwon , Zounemat-Kermani Mohammad , Heddam Salim , Kim Nam Won , Singh Vijay P.
Published: September 2020

Accurate estimation of dew point temperature (Tdew) has a crucial role in sustainable water resource management. This study investigates kernel extreme learning machine (KELM), boosted regression tree (BRT), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) models for daily dew point temperature estimation at Durham and UC Riverside stations in the United States. Daily time scale measured hydrometeorological data, including wind speed (WS), maximum air temperature (TMAX), minimum air temperature (TMIN), maximum relative humidity (RHMAX), minimum relative humidity (RHMIN), vapor pressure (VP), soil temperature (ST), solar radiation (SR), and dew point temperature (Tdew) were utilized to investigate the applied predictive models. Results of the KELM model were compared with other models using eight different input combinations with respect to root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) statistical indices. Results showed that the KELM models, using three input parameters, VP, TMAX, and RHMIN, with RMSE = 0.419 °C, NSE = 0.995, and R2 = 0.995 at Durham station, and seven input parameters, VP, ST, RHMAX, TMIN, RHMIN, TMAX, and WS, with RMSE = 0.485 °C, NSE = 0.994, and R2 = 0.994 at UC Riverside station, exhibited better performance in the modeling of daily Tdew. Finally, it was concluded from a comparison of the results that out of the five models applied, the KELM model was found to be the most robust by improving the performance of BRT, RBFNN, MLPNN, and MARS models in the testing phase at both stations.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Antibiotic Resistance and Bacterial Communities in Drinking Water Distribution System in Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Siedlecka Agata , Wolf-Baca Mirela , Piekarska Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

Antibiotic resistance of bacteria is an emerging problem in drinking water treatment. This paper presents the comparison of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) prevalence during the summer and winter season in a full-scale drinking water distribution system (DWDS) supplied by two water treatment plants (WTPs). The effect of distance from WTP and physical–chemical water parameters on its microbial properties was also tested. Bacterial consortia dwelling in bulk tap water were additionally compared by means of denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results showed that among ARB, bacteria resistant to ceftazidime (CAZ) were the most abundant, followed by bacteria resistant to amoxicillin (AML), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and tetracycline (TE). Numerous ARGs were detected in tested tap water samples. Only CAZ resistant bacteria were more prevalent in the season of increased antibiotic consumption, and only AML resistant bacteria relative abundances increase was statistically significant with the distance from a WTP. The investigated tap water meets all legal requirements. It is therefore safe to drink according to the law. Nevertheless, because antibiotic resistance could pose a threat to consumer health, it should be further monitored in DWDSs.
Leverage Points Used in a Systems Approach of River and River Basin Restoration
Authors: Endreny Theodore A.
Published: September 2020

River basins are complex spatiotemporal systems, and too often, restoration efforts are ineffective due to a lack of understanding of the purpose of the system, defined by the system structure and function. The river basin system structure includes stocks (e.g., water volume or quality), inflows (e.g., precipitation or fertilization), outflows (e.g., evaporation or runoff), and positive and negative feedback loops with delays in responsiveness, that all function to change or stabilize the state of the system (e.g., the stock of interest, such as water level or quality). External drivers on this structure, together with goals and rules, contribute to how a river basin functions. This article reviews several new research projects to identify and rank the twelve most effective leverage points to address discrepancies between the desired and actual state of the river basin system. This article demonstrates river basin restoration is most likely to succeed when we change paradigms rather than trying to change the system elements, as the paradigm will establish the system goals, structure, rules, delays, and parameters.
Acute Ileal Perforation Caused by Radiation Enteritis After Restoration
Authors: Kim Jong Beom , Lee Jong Lyul , Park Seong Ho , Kim Jihun , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: September 2020

Few radiation-induced bowel perforations have been reported to date. Furthermore, perforation after ileal restoration in asymptomatic patients is rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who was administered preoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer. The patient underwent ultra-low anterior resection with ileal diversion, followed by ileal restoration. Perforation was detected 9 days after restoration, and he underwent a right hemicolectomy. The histologic evaluation indicated ileal perforation caused by acute radiation enteritis.
Detour Extra Straight Lines in the Euclidean Plane
Authors: Szalay I. , Szalay B.
Published: September 2020

Using the theory of exploded numbers by the axiom-systems of real numbers and Euclidean geometry, we explode the Euclidean plane. Exploding the Euclidean straight lines we get super straight lines. The extra straight line is the window phenomenon of super straight line. In general, the extra straight lines are curves in Euclidean sense, but they have more similar properties to Euclidean straight lines. On the other hand, with respect of parallelism we find a surprising property: there are detour straight lines.
Research of viscoelastic and adhesion-strength property and development of effective vibration absorbing composite polymeric materials and coatings of mechanical engineering purpose
Authors: Negmatov S. S. , Abed N. S. , Saidakhmedov R. Kh. , Ulmasov T. U. , Grigoriev A. Y. , Sergienko V. P. , Negmatova K. S. , Jovliev S. S. , Negmatov J. N. , Makhammadjonov Z. U. , Sadykova M. M. , Negmatova M. N. , Abdullaev O. Kh. , Navruzov F. M.
Published: September 2020

The choice of objects of research for reducing vibration of parts and increasing the durability of machine designs and, consequently, the noise level in industrial premises is stated and justified. Methods for obtaining vibration-absorbing polymer compositions and samples for their testing under vibration conditions are described, as well as methods for studying viscoelastic properties, chemical structure, adhesive strength, microhardness, impact strength of polymer coatings and thermal conductivity of the obtained samples from compositions based on homopolymers filled with organomineral ingredients. The results of studies of the vibration-absorbing and adhesive-strength properties of polymer composite materials based on epoxy polymers and an organomineral filler - rubber powder are presented.
Coaching for Continuous Improvement
Authors: Courtney Matthew B.
Published: September 2020

Since 2015, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has provided schools across the state with access to highly skilled instructional coaches. Primarily working in rural settings, these coaches provide a voluntary, integrated coaching model that focuses on building sustainable systems. Coaches provide a range of services, including systems design, strategic planning support, whole-team professional learning, professional learning community (PLC) LC facilitation, and fidelity monitoring. This article describes the theory of action for KDE’s Continuous Improvement Coaching program, presents two case studies of rural elementary schools who utilized the program, and discusses the key features of the program and its relevance for rural schools.
An EEG investigation on planning human-robot handover tasks
Authors: Cooper Sara , Gow Stuart , F.P.Fensome Samuel , Dragone Mauro , Kourtis Dimitrios
Published: September 2020

Human-robot joint action is a key requirement in many advanced robotic applications where robots are not only

expected to work alongside humans but also collaborate with them in the performance of physical tasks. Robots are already programmed to model and predict human actions in order to ensure smooth collaboration and overall task efficiency. However, little is known on how humans represent and account for robot’s actions as part of their own plans. This paper presents a first joint psychological and HRI user study designed to answer this question in the context of human-robot handover scenarios.

Our analysis showed that the participants had a positive userexperience of the interaction and adopted gaze patterns similar to a large extent to the ones in human-to-human handover tasks.

The EEG analysis suggests that, compared to solo action, the human participants were at a state of higher motor readiness when they prepared to hand over the object to the robot either because they represented the robot’s action in advance or alternatively that they anticipated that passing the object to the robot would be a more effortful action, thus highlighting the increased demands in planning a human-to-robot interaction.

Our findings highlight the value of gaze as a positive method of non-verbal communication in HRI and provides new insights in the neural mechanisms that allows a person to plan an effective interaction with a robot.
The language of dissent – how school leaders adjust to policy change
Authors:   University of Chichester, United Kingdom, Kurowski Andre
Published: September 2020

Education has changed recently in the England and leadership of schools has changed with it. This paper examines the language of dissent, the political opposition of school leaders who meet the challenges of the educational system resulting from the government policies. They question whether these policies really serve the pupils and the community effectively. It is based on a wider piece of research involving interviews with head teachers and senior managers in a range of schools; it illustrates their frustrations at delivering a prescriptive curriculum. The research takes a grounded theory approach; throughout the interview process, themes emerged and were developed through layers of analysis. This led to the construction of a framework based on the ideas of power, ethics, resistance, and mistrust. This explains the views of school leader in conceptual terms, and it was found that they use of any form of control at their disposal, bring their own values to education, subvert where they see necessary, and at best tolerate policy./ Keywords: discourse, new public management, grounded theory, resistance
A virtual conference: the first of its kind for ERLA – a personal account
Authors:   University of Derby, United Kingdom, Muir Kim
Published: September 2020

News of the fifth conference hosted by the International Association for the Educational Role of Language (ERLA) started filtering into my inbox in October 2019. The scope of the conference was to be ‘Learner and Teacher identity.’ This focus instantly appealed after grappling with my own issues of teacher identity following a change in role a few years ago, so I secured my place. Then the global health crisis hit. As the virus rampaged across the globe, countries went into lockdown, people were confined to home, and life went virtual. Our movements may have been quietened by the pandemic, but our voices have certainly not; the ERLA conference was to go online. A significant date was chosen – 5 May to mark the significance of the fifth conference.
Penanggulangan COVID-19 Tingkat Lokal Melalui Kebijakan Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru (AKB) di Provinsi Jawa Barat
Authors: Herdiana Dian
Published: September 2020

The West Java Provincial Government issued a New Life Adaptation (AKB) policy in response to the implementation of a ‘new normal’ that will be implemented in the cities and districts among West Java Province. Conceptually this AKB policy needs to be assessed whether the substance is in line with the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government or is a new and different concept? Empirically what issues and opportunities arise when the AKB policy is implemented?. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods, data collection is taken from secondary sources in the form of government reports, books, journals and other relevant sources. The results revealed that the AKB policy was substantially the adoption of the the new normal guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government. The issue that arises empirically is how the implementation of the AKB policy can minimize the spread of COVID-19 in line with the sustainability of community activities. Efforts to be made by the West Java Provincial Government in the future are to synergize AKB policy at the provincial level with AKB policy at the city and district level, as well as educating and disseminating information about COVID-9 and AKB Policy to the public.
Tendências hidroclimáticas sazonais na bacia do rio Parnaíba
Authors: Penereiro Júlio César
Published: September 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e analisar a ocorrência de tendências sazonais em medidas de séries temporais da temperatura média, precipitação pluviométrica e dos índices de vazão em rios, registradas em localidades pertencentes à região hidrográfica do Parnaíba. Pelos testes estatísticos não paramétricos de Mann-Kendall e de Pettitt, foram identificados pontos de alterações nos comportamentos climáticos e hidrológicos em séries temporais. Trabalhou-se com as medições de 18 e 24 localidades realizadas pela Agência Nacional de Águas e pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, respectivamente. Os resultados, apresentados em forma de gráficos, tabelas e mapas, confirmam que a maioria dos locais avaliados não acusou tendência na precipitação pluviométrica. Contudo, as análises dos dados de vazão e temperatura média revelaram que, dependendo do período sazonal examinado, em vários locais foram confirmadas tendências significativas. Julga-se que esses comportamentos na vazão estejam relacionados às alterações no clima local, e não à interferência do ser humano.
Palavras-chave: Séries Temporais. Análises de tendências. Mudanças ambientais.
Writing Strategies across four disciplines in a Tunisian Context
Authors: Dallagi Maha
Published: September 2020

English is now widely established as the world language for information exchange, communication, and conducting research (Cenoz & Jessner, 2000; Wood, 2001); and developing satisfactory writing strategies is crucial.  Writing is a challenging skill, the complexity of which is mainly felt at University Level. This paper investigated writing strategies among 147 Tunisian university students, majoring in Hard Science and Soft Science courses (English, French, Medicine and Engineering). Its objective was to verify to what extent factors such as academic field, gender, and proficiency interact with each other and with writing strategies. A Survey of Writing strategies was adopted as the main investigating instrument. Findings reveal that Language majors are higher users of strategies than other majors, yet this does not seem to impact their proficiency level.  The results suggest raising students’ awareness of Writing strategies by teaching them explicitly and drawing their attention to them.
The Effect of Strategy Training on Vocabulary Learning of EFL University Students
Authors: Seffar Salma
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the effect of training in five vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) on the vocabulary learning of EFL university students. The five vocabulary learning strategies were ‘Dictionary Work’, ‘Word Cards’, ‘Semantic Mapping’, ‘Word Parts’, and ‘Guessing from Context’. Forty-eight first year university students, in both the control group (24 students receiving English language courses) and the experimental group (24 students receiving English language courses besides VLS training) belonging to similar proficiency and vocabulary size levels, participated in the study. Data were collected utilizing two research instruments namely a vocabulary learning strategy questionnaire, pre-and post-tests of vocabulary learning ability. The vocabulary learning strategy questionnaire was used to elicit what types of vocabulary learning strategies the subjects employed while they learned and memorized the vocabulary taught independently outside and inside the class. The pre-test was employed to determine pre-existing knowledge of the participants. The posttest was administered to identify the impact of vocabulary learning strategy instruction on the students’ vocabulary knowledge. Descriptive statistics and t-test showed that after introducing vocabulary learning strategies training (VLST) in class, subjects from the experimental group used more VLS and significantly outperformed subjects of the control group in their ability to learn new words.