bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Creativity: Using Visual Mnemonic Devices in the Teaching Process in Order to Develop Creativity in Students
Authors: Cioca Lucian-Ionel , Nerișanu Raluca Andreea
Published: March 2020

(1) Background: In the field of creativity studies there is always space for expansion and new conceptualizations of the methods involved. Therefore, we will present in this paper a brief arrangement of the methods used to enhance creativity and consider whether visual mnemonic devices can increase creativity. The devices are used in the teaching process in order to ease the remembering process by creating a visual representation. Visual mnemonic devices are techniques that increase creativity as part of their own performance. (2) Methods: We will use a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group design, the procedure involving the use of visual mnemonic devices. (3) Results: The results show that the degree of abstracting increased after using visual mnemonic devices, along with fluency and other creativity dimensions. (4) Conclusions: The paper shows that the creativity increased, based on a national percentile system (along with standard creativity index), after using the visual mnemonics devices, thus demonstrating a case for integrating the visual mnemonic devices among methods to foster creativity.
Intellectual Property Strategies for Timber and Forest Products: The Case of Regional Collective Trademark Applications by Japanese Forestry Associations
Authors: Kajima Shuichiro , Uchiyama Yuta , Kohsaka Ryo
Published: March 2020

In this study, we clarify the motivation for applying for regional collective trademarks (RCTs) and the effects perceived by the right holders of wood and forest products. We further examine the historical contexts and social circumstances of production regions with RCT registrations. A survey of eight right holders, including forestry associations that applied for RCTs, was conducted in this study. We obtained a sufficient quantity of perception data for comparisons across different production sites. The primary motivations of forest associations applying for RCTs were preventing counterfeit goods and improving awareness and familiarity. It was identified that the relative lengths of the brand histories have impacted the current branding strategies, including the motives for RCT applications. In terms of the perceived effects of RCTs, four RCT right holders perceived the former positive effect of preventing counterfeit goods, and seven perceived the latter positive effect of improving awareness and familiarity. All of the forest associations intend to renew their RCTs. The primary motivation of the RCT holders is not price enhancement. It remains to be seen whether the RCT brands can differentiate themselves to consumers and constructors in terms of quality or brand stories.
Quantifying Long-Term Urban Grassland Dynamics: Biotic Homogenization and Extinction Debts
Authors: du Toit Marié J. , Kotze D. Johan , Cilliers Sarel S.
Published: March 2020

Sustainable urban nature conservation calls for a rethinking of conventional approaches. Traditionally, conservationists have not incorporated the history of the landscape in management strategies. This study shows that extant vegetation patterns are correlated to past landscapes indicating potential extinction debts. We calculated urban landscape measures for seven time periods (1938–2019) and correlated it to three vegetation sampling events (1995, 2012, 2019) using GLM models. We also tested whether urban vegetation was homogenizing. Our results indicated that urban vegetation in our study area is not currently homogenizing but that indigenous forb species richness is declining significantly. Furthermore, long-term studies are essential as the time lags identified for different vegetation sampling periods changed as well as the drivers best predicting these changes. Understanding these dynamics are critical to ensuring sustainable conservation of urban vegetation for future citizens.
Tipping to Staying on the Ground: Internalized Knowledge of Climate Change Crucial for Transformed Air Travel Behavior
Authors: Jacobson Lisa , Åkerman Jonas , Giusti Matteo , Bhowmik Avit
Published: March 2020

Air travel accounts for a major share of individual greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for people in high-income countries. Until recently, few have reduced flying because of climate concerns, but currently, a movement for staying on the ground is rising. Sweden has been a focal point for this movement, particularly during 2018–2019, when a flight tax was introduced, and air travel reduction was intensely discussed in the media. We performed semi-structured interviews with Swedish residents, focusing primarily on individuals who have reduced flying because of its climate impact. We explore how such individual transformation of air travel behavior comes about, and the phases and components of this process. Applying a framework of sustainability transformation, we identify incentives and barriers in personal and political spheres. We show that internalized knowledge about climate change and the impact of air travel is crucial for instigating behavioral change. Awareness evokes negative emotions leading to a personal tipping point where a decision to reduce or quit flying is made. However, the process is often counteracted by both personal values and political structures promoting air travel. Even individuals with a strong drive to reduce flying feel trapped in social practices, norms and infrastructures. Hence, we argue that personal and political spheres interact complexly and to reduce flying at larger scales, interventions are needed across spheres, e.g., change of norms, effective policy instruments and better alternatives to air travel.
Spatial Distribution of Butterflies in Accordance with Climate Change in the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Lee Sangdon , Jeon Hyeyoung , Kim Minkyung
Published: March 2020

The effects of climate change are becoming apparent in the biosphere. In the 20th century, South Korea experienced a 1.5 °C temperature increase due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. If the changes continue, it is predicted that approximately 15–37% of animal and plant species will be endangered after 2050. Because butterflies act as a good indicator for changes in the temperature, the distribution of butterflies can be used to determine their adaptability to climate patterns. Local meteorological data for the period 1938–2011 were used from the National Forest Research Institute of Korea. Local temperature data were additionally considered among the basic information, and the distribution patterns of butterflies were analyzed for both the southern and northern regions. Southern butterflies (with northern limit) tend to increase in number with significant correlation between the temperature and number of habitats (p < 0.000), while northern butterflies (with southern limit) show no statistical significance between the temperature and number of habitats, indicating their sensitivity to temperature change. This finding is in accordance with the conclusion that southern butterflies are more susceptible to climate change when adapting to local environments and expanding their original temperature range for survival, which leads to an increase in the numbers of their habitats.
Residential Energy-Related CO2 Emissions in China’s Less Developed Regions: A Case Study of Jiangxi
Authors: Yang Yong , Jia Junsong , Chen Chundi
Published: March 2020

The residential sector is the second-largest consumer of energy in China. However, little attention has been paid to reducing the residential CO2 emissions of China’s less developed or undeveloped regions. Taking Jiangxi as a case study, this paper thus aims at fully analyzing the difference of the residential energy-related CO2 emissions between urban and rural regions based on the Log-Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) and Tapio decoupling model. The main results are showed as follows: (1) Since 2008, residential energy-related CO2 emissions have increased rapidly in both urban and rural Jiangxi. From 2000 to 2017, the residential energy-related CO2 emissions per capita in rural regions rapidly increased and exceeded that in urban regions after 2015. Furthermore, the residential energy structures had become multiple in both urban and rural regions, but rural regions still had room to optimize its energy structure. (2) Over the study period, consumption expenditure per capita played the dominant role in increasing the residential energy-related CO2 emissions in both urban and rural regions, followed by energy demand and energy structure. Energy price had the most important effect on decreasing the urban and rural residential energy-related CO2 emissions, followed by the carbon emission coefficient. However, urbanization increased the urban residential energy-related CO2 emissions but decreased the CO2 emissions in rural regions. Population made marginal and the most stable contribution to increase the residential energy-related CO2 emissions both in urban and rural regions. (3) Overall, the decoupling status showed the weak decoupling (0.1) and expansive negative decoupling (1.21) in urban and rural regions, respectively.
Influence of Weather Factors on Thermal Comfort in Subtropical Urban Environments
Authors: Huang Chih-Hong , Tsai Hsin-Hua , Chen Hung-chen
Published: March 2020

Urbanization has influenced the distribution of heat in urban environments. The mutual influence between weather factors and urban forms created by dense buildings intensify human perception of the deteriorating thermal environment in subtropics. Past studies have used real-world measurements and theoretical simulations to understand the relationship between climate factors and the urban heat island effect. However, few studies have examined how weather factors and urban forms are connected to the thermal environment. To understand the influence of various weather factors on urban thermal environments in various urban forms, this study applied structural equation modeling to assumptions of linear relationships and used quantitative statistical analysis of weather data as well as structural conversion of this data to establish the structural relationships between variables. Our objective was to examine the relationships among urban forms, weather factors, and thermal comfort. Our results indicate that weather factors do indeed exert influence on thermal comfort in urban environments. In addition, the thermal comfort of urban thermal environments varies with location and building density. In hot and humid environments in the subtropics, humidity and wind speed have an even more profound impact on the thermal environment. Apparent temperature can be used to examine differences in thermal comfort and urban forms. This study also proved that an urban wind field can effectively mitigate the urban heat island effect. Ventilation driven by wind and thermal buoyancy can dissipate heat islands and take the heat away from urban areas.
External-Cost Estimation of Electricity Generation in G20 Countries: Case Study Using a Global Life-Cycle Impact-Assessment Method
Authors: Karkour Selim , Ichisugi Yuki , Abeynayaka Amila , Itsubo Norihiro
Published: March 2020

The external costs derived from the environmental impacts of electricity generation can be significant and should not be underrated, as their consideration can be useful to establish a ranking between different electricity generation sources to inform decision-makers. The aim of this research is to transparently evaluate the recent external cost of electricity generation in G20 countries using a global life-cycle impact-assessment (LCIA) method: life cycle impact assessment method based on endpoint modeling (LIME3). The weighting factors developed in the LIME3 method for each G20 country enable one to convert the different environmental impacts (not only climate change and air pollution) resulting from the emissions and resources consumption during the full lifecycle of electricity generation—from resource extraction to electricity generation—into a monetary value. Moreover, in LIME3, not only the weighting factors are developed for each G20 country but also all the impact categories. Using this method, it was possible to determine accurately which resources or emission had an environmental impact in each country. This study shows that the countries relying heavily on coal, such as India (0.172 $/kWh) or Indonesia (0.135 $/kWh) have the highest external costs inside the G20, with air pollution and climate accounting together for more than 80% of the costs. In these two countries, the ratio of the external cost/market price was the highest in the G20, at 2.3 and 1.7, respectively. On the other hand, countries with a higher reliance on renewable energies, such as Canada (0.008 $/kWh) or Brazil (0.012 $/kWh) have lower induced costs. When comparing with the market price, it has to be noted also that for instance Canada is able to generate cheap electricity with a low-external cost. For most of the other G20 countries, this cost was estimated at between about 0.020$ and 0.040 $/kWh. By estimating the external cost of each electricity generation technology available in each G20 country, this study also highlighted that sometimes the external cost of the electricity generated from one specific technology can be significant even when using renewables due to resource scarcity—for example, the 0.068 $/kWh of electricity generated from hydropower in India. This information, missing from most previous studies, should not be omitted by decision makers when considering which type of electricity generation source to prioritize.
Tariff Reduction and Environment: Evidence from CAFTA and Chinese Manufacturing Firms
Authors: He Ling-Yun , Huang Geng
Published: March 2020

In the context of anti-globalization and trade wars (especially between the US and China), China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) now plays a prominent role in many aspects. In this paper, we investigate how import tariff reduction in CAFTA affects the importers’ pollution emissions, using the firm-level data of Chinese manufacturing from 2002 to 2007. The mechanisms of import tariff reduction in CAFTA on pollution emissions are divided into technique, composition and scale effects. Our results indicate that import tariff reduction in CAFTA on final goods is conductive to importers’ pollution reduction, whereas that on intermediates significantly aggravates importers’ pollution emissions. Moreover, import tariff reduction has heterogeneous impacts on different types of enterprises in terms of industries, ownership, and region. Our results also find that the state-owned importers’ emissions can hardly be affected through technique, composition and scale effects.
A Fast Simulation Approach to the Thermal Recovery Characteristics of Deep Borehole Heat Exchanger after Heat Extraction
Authors: Zhao Yazhou , Ma Zhibo , Pang Zhonghe
Published: March 2020

Necessary intermittence after heat extraction for a deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE) is beneficial for sustainable operation. This paper centers on the fast simulation for thermal recovery characteristics of DBHE under intermittent condition. First of all, in view of the existing temperature gradient and multi-layer heterogeneity of rock underground that could never be ignored for DBHE, we extend the classical finite line source model based on heat source theory and superposition principle to account for the vertical heat flux distribution varying along depth and heterogeneous thermal conductivities in the multi-layer rock zone. Moreover, a fast simulation approach for heat transfer analysis inside the borehole coupled with the extended finite line source model is put forward to depict the transient thermal response and dynamic thermal recovery of rock outside borehole. To the authors’ knowledge, no such algorithm for deep BHE has yet been suggested in the previous literature. This approach has proven to be reliable and efficient enough for DBHE simulation under the intermittent condition. Simulation results show that at least 65 days of intermittence for the model in study should be spared after the heating season to achieve sustainable heat extraction in the next cyclic operation. Compared to the detailed solution based on full discretization numerical schemes, the relative error for borehole bottom temperature was 0.79%. In addition, comparison of the simulation results for thermal performance during the heating season in a three-year cyclic operation with 205 days intermittence shows that both the outflow temperature and heat extraction rate in the subsequent cycle after intermittence are in good agreement with the full 3D numerical solution in the reference (with a relative error of 6.36% for the outflow temperature and 9.3% for the heat extraction rate). Regarding the calculation speed, around a 13 times acceleration can be achieved. Finally, it is also promising to be applicable for thermal recovery simulation after heat extraction of vertical closed loop borehole heat exchangers at arbitrary length from shallow to deep.
The Dynamic Process of Ambidexterity in Eco-Innovation
Authors: Alos-Simo Lirios , Verdu-Jover Antonio J. , Gomez-Gras Jose M.
Published: March 2020

In recent years, firms’ sustainable management has been considered a key factor in the achievement of profits, but few studies analyze the antecedents and effects of eco-innovation. Our study proposes a model to analyze the factors that affect eco-innovation, as well as eco-innovation’s effects on dynamic ambidexterity. To pursue this goal, we developed a research model with panel data from 449 firms over five years from the telecom industry and tested the model using structural equations and partial least squares (PLS). Our results demonstrate the influence of R&D expenditure on eco-innovation. They show a slightly ordered sequence of exploration and exploitation results, indicating that some equilibrium between the two orientations is necessary. The study thus shows that eco-innovation facilitates ambidexterity in that exploration and exploitation alternate dynamically in the search for economic profit.
A Model for Estimating Passenger-Car Carbon Emissions that Accounts for Uphill, Downhill and Flat Roads
Authors: Xu Jinliang , Dong Yaping , Yan Menghua
Published: March 2020

The geometric longitudinal slope line of a given road significantly effects the carbon emissions of vehicles traversing it. This study was conducted to explore the carbon emission rules of passenger cars on various highway slopes. The law of conservation of mechanical energy, the first law of thermodynamics and the vehicle longitudinal dynamics theory were utilized to determine the influence of slope design indicators on fuel consumption. The energy conversion, fuel consumption, and carbon emission models of passenger cars on a flat straight road, uphill road, and downhill road sections were derived accordingly. Two types of passenger cars were selected for analysis. A field test was carried out to verify the proposed model where the vehicle maintained a cruise speed on flat straight road, uphill road and downhill road with equal gradient and mileage, and continuous longitudinal slope to gather fuel consumption data. The proposed model showed strong accuracy and a maximum error of 9.97%. The main factor affecting the vehicle’s carbon emissions on the continuous longitudinal slope was found to be the average gradient. For a round-trip longitudinal slope with a small gradient, the main factor affecting the vehicle’s carbon emissions is speed: higher speed results in higher carbon emissions. The results of this study are likely to provide the data for support and a workable reference for the low-carbon highway design and operation.
Does an Innovative Climate Help to Sustain Competitiveness? The Moderating Effect of Government Support and Market Competition
Authors: Gao Ang , Lin Yuying , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: March 2020

Innovation has become a key source of competitive advantage that supports companies in achieving sustainable development. Organizational innovations usually start from employees’ innovative ideas, irrespective of the company’s size. If there were no specific rules to restrain employees from generating novel ideas, innovation could happen anywhere in an organization. The quest for innovation calls for a broad range of management strategies that are far beyond the research and development (R&D) investment. How can managers integrate intra-organizational management and external factors to incentivize people for innovations? Drawing on the interactional theory of organizational innovation, this study adopted a systematic perspective and tested the effect of the innovative climate on sales and manufacturing department innovation while examining the moderating effects of government support and market competition. Our findings from a survey of 482 companies showed that: (1) an innovative climate has a positive effect on both sales and manufacturing department innovation, (2) government support strengthens the positive effect of an innovative climate on department innovations, and (3) market competition enhances the positive moderating effect of government support on the relationship between an innovative climate and department innovation, such that the innovative climate exerts a stronger influence on department employee-driven innovation when government support and market competition are both high. Our study provides companies with an effective and low-cost approach to enhance competitiveness. We discuss the theoretical contributions and practical implementations of this study.
TKRM: A Formal Knowledge Representation Method for Typhoon Events
Authors: Ye Peng , Zhang Xueying , Shi Ge , Chen Shuhui , Huang Zhiwen , Tang Wei
Published: March 2020

Typhoon events can cause serious environmental damage and economic losses. Understanding the development of typhoon events will provide valuable knowledge for disaster prevention and mitigation. In the age of big data, the sharp contrast between the sudden increase of mass information and the lack of a knowledge appreciation mechanism appears. There is an urgent need to promote the transformation of information services to knowledge services in the field of hazard management. Knowledge representation, as a strategy for symbolizing and formalizing knowledge, affects knowledge acquisition, storage, management, and application, and is the basis and prerequisite for the implementation of knowledge services. Based on the evolution law of typhoon events and human cognitive habits, a formal knowledge representation method for typhoon events (TKRM) is proposed in this paper. First, by analyzing the evolution characteristics of typhoon events, the TKRM framework with three layers consisting of “event–process–state” was constructed, which was used to describe the knowledge composition and relationship of the different granularity of typhoon events. Second, the formal representation of the TKRM framework was formed by using a finite state machine (FSM) as a reference, taking time and location as the basic conditions, and extending the hierarchical and parallel representation mechanism. Finally, the rationality and practical value of the TKRM were verified using a case study.
Exploring the Effects of the Built Environment on Two Transfer Modes for Metros: Dockless Bike Sharing and Taxis
Authors: Ni Ying , Chen Jiaqi
Published: March 2020

The success of metro systems depends on effective multimodal solutions that bridge the first-and-last-mile gaps. Both dockless bike sharing (DBS) and taxis are important feeder modes for metros, which provide on-demand travel options with high flexibility and accessibility. Based on one-week trip data of DBS and taxis during a concurrent period in Beijing, China, the paper aims to compare the temporal-spatial distribution of two modes as first-and-last-mile connectors and find out the socio-demographic and built-environment factors that impact their usage. K-means clustering is implemented to visualize the spatial distribution of DBS and taxis around metro stations, and the spatial lag model incorporating spatial autocorrelations of variables is developed. The results show that people prefer to use DBS as a substitutable mode for bus services to serve first-mile interchange in the morning. Also, less economically developed areas with a high density of branches and fewer signalized intersections are more favored by DBS users, whereas people in the central areas with high housing price and developed arterial road network tend to take a taxi, especially during evening peak period. The study can offer the policy guidance to improve DBS services, and several recommendations are suggested to ensure the sustainable development of DBS.
Gigafactory Logistics in Space and Time: Tesla’s Fourth Gigafactory and Its Rivals
Authors: Cooke Philip
Published: March 2020

This paper concerns the spatial structure of Tesla’s four ‘gigafactories’ (‘giga’ is gigawatt hour, GWh) which are located in Tesla’s first Gigafacility (1) at Sparks, near Reno, Nevada; the Solar City Gigafactory (2) at Buffalo, New York state; the 2019 Tesla plant at Shanghai, China Gigafactory (3); and the new Tesla gigafactory Europe Gigafactory (4), which is a manufacturing plant to be constructed in Grünheide, near Berlin, Germany. The newest campus is 20 miles southeast of central Berlin on the main railway line to Wrocław, Poland. Three main features of the ‘gigafactory’ phenomenon, apart from their scale, are in the industry organisation of production, which thus far reverses much current conventional wisdom regarding production geography. Thus, Tesla’s automotive facility in Fremont California reconcentrates manufacturing on site as in-house own brand componentry, especially heavy parts, or by requiring hitherto distant global suppliers to locate in proximity to the main manufacturing plant. Second, as an electric vehicle (EV) producer, the contributions of Tesla’s production infrastructure and logistics infrastructure are important in meeting greenhouse gas mitigation and the reduction of global warming. Finally, the deployment of Big Data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and ‘predictive management’ are important. This lies in gigafactory logistics contributing to production and distribution efficiency and effectiveness as a primer for all future industry and services in seeking to minimise time-management issues. This too potentially contributes significantly to the reduction of wasteful energy usage.
Design and Experiment of Banana De-Handing Device Based on Symmetrical Shape Deployable Mechanism
Authors: Guo Jie , Jin Mohui , Duan Jieli , Li Jun , Fu Han , Zhao Lei , Xu Zeyu , Ding Yunhe , Jiang Yinlong , Yang Zhou
Published: March 2020

Aiming at the problem that the banana de-handing device has poor radial deployment to the banana bunch stalk during the mechanized banana de-handing procedure, this paper presented a ring deployable mechanism based on a set of planar seven-bar linkages. It consists of multiple basic deployable units, which has great folding/deploying performance and is suitable for manufacturing a banana de-handing device, the diameter of which can be variably larger. The kinematics analysis of the mechanism was done, and the trajectory in space was obtained. When the mechanism is fully deployed, the diameter is 164 mm. The ratio of the folded height to the deployed diameter is 0.732, the ratio of the folded diameter to the deployed diameter is 0.262, and the ratio of the folded volume to the maximum of the deployed volume is 0.069. An experimental prototype of 500, 500, and 768 mm in length, width, and height was manufactured, and the deploying performance was analyzed to show the feasibility. Finally, experimental results show that 71.43% of the banana hands are de-handed successfully. The mechanism has a great deploying effect on banana bunch stalk, and the quality of the banana crown incision is good.
Chebyshev-Type Integral Inequalities for Continuous Fields of Operators Concerning Khatri–Rao Products and Synchronous Properties
Authors: Ploymukda Arnon , Chansangiam Pattrawut
Published: March 2020

We consider bounded continuous fields of self-adjoint operators which are parametrized by a locally compact Hausdorff space Ω equipped with a finite Radon measure μ . Under certain assumptions on synchronous Khatri–Rao property of the fields of operators, we obtain Chebyshev-type inequalities concerning Khatri–Rao products. We also establish Chebyshev-type inequalities involving Khatri–Rao products and weighted Pythagorean means under certain assumptions of synchronous monotone property of the fields of operators. The Pythagorean means considered here are three classical symmetric means: the geometric mean, the arithmetic mean, and the harmonic mean. Moreover, we derive the Chebyshev–Grüss integral inequality via oscillations when μ is a probability Radon measure. These integral inequalities can be reduced to discrete inequalities by setting Ω to be a finite space equipped with the counting measure. Our results provide analog results for matrices and integrable functions. Furthermore, our results include the results for tensor products of operators, and Khatri–Rao/Kronecker/Hadamard products of matrices, which have been not investigated in the literature.
On New Extensions of Darbo’s Fixed Point Theorem with Applications
Authors: Işık Hüseyin , Banaei Shahram , Golkarmanesh Farhan , Parvaneh Vahid , Park Choonkil , Khorshidi Maryam
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we extend Darbo’s fixed point theorem via weak JS-contractions in a Banach space. Our results generalize and extend several well-known comparable results in the literature. The technique of measure of non-compactness is the main tool in carrying out our proof. As an application, we study the existence of solutions for a system of integral equations. Finally, we present a concrete example to support the effectiveness of our results.
Connections and Divergence between Public Health and Built Environment—A Scoping Review
Authors: Hu Ming , Roberts Jennifer D.
Published: March 2020

Public health and built environment design have a long-intertwined history of promoting a healthy quality of life. They emerged with the common goal of preventing infectious disease outbreaks in urban areas and improving occupants’ living conditions. In recent years, however, the two disciplines have become less engaged and with each developing a distinct focus. To respond to this disconnection, a systematic review was conducted to identify the connection and divergence between public health and built environment design and planning. This paper aims to establish a context for understanding the connections, synergies, and divergence between public health and built environment design disciplines. Further, the four main health factors in the built environment are identified and explained: physical, physiological, biological, and psychological factors. Finally, future trends to reconnect public health with build environment design are then outlined.
The Interactions Between HBV and the Innate Immunity of Hepatocytes
Authors: Megahed Fayed Attia Koutb , Zhou Xiaoling , Sun Pingnan
Published: March 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects ~350 million people and poses a major public health problem worldwide. HBV is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Fewer than 5% of HBV-infected adults (but up to 90% of HBV-infected infants and children) develop chronic HBV infection as indicated by continued, detectable expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for at least 6 months after the initial infection. Increasing evidence indicates that HBV interacts with innate immunity signaling pathways of hepatocytes to suppress innate immunity. However, it is still not clear how HBV avoids monitoring by the innate immunity of hepatocytes and whether the innate immunity of hepatocytes can be effective against HBV if re-triggered. Moreover, a deep understanding of virus–host interactions is important in developing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HBV infection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding how HBV represses innate immune recognition, as well as recent progress with respect to in vitro models for studying HBV infection and innate immunity.
Superinfection by PHYVV Alters the Recovery Process in PepGMV-Infected Pepper Plants
Authors: Rodríguez-Gandarilla Myriam G. , Rodríguez-Negrete Edgar A. , Rivera-Bustamante Rafael F.
Published: March 2020

Geminiviruses are important plant pathogens that affect crops around the world. In some geminivirus–host interactions, infected plants show recovery, a phenomenon characterized by symptom disappearance in newly emerging leaves. In pepper–Pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV) interaction, the host recovery process involves a silencing mechanism that includes both post-transcriptional (PTGS) and transcriptional (TGS) gene silencing pathways. Under field conditions, PepGMV is frequently found in mixed infections with Pepper huasteco yellow vein virus (PHYVV), another bipartite begomovirus. Mixed infected plants generally show a synergetic phenomenon and do not present recovery. Little is known about the molecular mechanism of this interaction. In the present study, we explored the effect of superinfection by PHYVV on a PepGMV-infected pepper plant showing recovery. Superinfection with PHYVV led to (a) the appearance of severe symptoms, (b) an increase of the levels of PepGMV DNA accumulation, (c) a decrease of the relative methylation levels of PepGMV DNA, and (d) an increase of chromatin activation marks present in viral minichromosomes. Finally, using heterologous expression and silencing suppression reporter systems, we found that PHYVV REn presents TGS silencing suppressor activity, whereas similar experiments suggest that Rep might be involved in suppressing PTGS.
Elements for the Successful Computer Simulation of Sediment Management Strategies for Reservoirs
Authors: Anari Razieh , Hotchkiss Rollin H. , Langendoen Eddy
Published: March 2020

Computer simulation of reservoir sediment management strategies is becoming more important as worldwide water supply shrinks due to sediment deposition, while population growth continues. We identified the physical processes underlying each of the several alternatives available to transport incoming or deposited sediments downstream into receiving waters and the governing equations that describe each process. The purpose of this paper is to understand how physical characteristics of reservoir sediment management can be simulated with available computer codes. We described commonly available computer codes and their abilities to solve the appropriate equations in one, two, or three dimensions. The results revealed that one dimensional models are most appropriate for long-term simulations of the evolving reservoir bottom profile, while two or three dimensional codes are more appropriate for simulating density currents and detailed lateral movement of sediments, such as during local pressure flushing near reservoir outlets. We conclude that existing codes can successfully simulate sediment management, but because each code has limitations, they require seasoned judgment in their choice, application, and interpretation. Incorporating sediment prediction and management correctly into the planning, design, and operational phases of dam projects is essential for ensuring that the benefits of reservoir storage are sustained over the long term. The implications of our key findings are that sediment management strategies can be successfully simulated and that such simulations should be performed for our aging dams and newly proposed projects.
Rainfall Erosivity in Soil Erosion Processes
Authors: Bellocchi Gianni , Diodato Nazzareno
Published: March 2020

Regional studies on the erosive power of rainfall patterns are still limited and the actual impacts that may follow on erosional and sedimentation processes are poorly understood. Given the several interrelated challenges of environmental management, it is also not always unclear what is relevant for the development of adaptive and integrated approaches facilitating sustainable water resource management. This editorial introduces the Special Issue entitled “Rainfall Erosivity in Soil Erosion Processes”, which offers options to fill some of these gaps. Three studies performed in China and Central Asia (by Duulatov et al., Water 2019, 11, 897, Xu et al., 2019, 11, 2429, Gu et al. 2020, 12, 200) show that the erosion potential of rainfall is increasing in this region, driving social, economic, and environmental consequences. In the same region (the Weibei Plateau in China), Fu et al. (Water 2019, 11, 1514) assessed the effect of raindrop energy on the splash distance and particle size distribution of aggregate splash erosion. In the Mediterranean, updated estimates of current and future rainfall erosivity for Greece are provided by Vantas et al. (Water 2020, 12, 687), while Diodato and Bellocchi (Water 2019, 11, 2306) reconstructed and investigated seasonal net erosion in an Italian catchment using parsimonious modelling. Then, this Special Issue includes two technologically oriented articles by Ricks at al. The first (Water 2019, 11, 2386) evaluated a large-scale rainfall simulator design to simulate rainfall with characteristics similar to natural rainfall. The data provided contribute to the information that may be useful for the government’s decision making when considering landscape changes caused by variations in the intensity of a rainfall event. The second article (Water 2020, 12, 515) illustrated a laboratory-scale test of mulching methods to protect against the discharge of sediment-laden stormwater from active construction sites (e.g., highway construction projects).
Flow Resistance Equation in Sand-bed Rivers and Its Practical Application in the Yellow River
Authors: Cai Rongrong , Zhang Hongwu , Zhang Yu , Zhang Luohao , Huang Hai
Published: March 2020

To fully reflect the effect of the flow characteristics, sidewall conditions and sediment concentrations on the bed roughness of sand-bed rivers, this study established a new flow resistance equation by introducing a comprehensive influence coefficient presented via a combination of power-function forms of the relative flow velocity, von Karman constant of sediment-laden flows and the ratio of particle size to viscous sublayer thickness. The comprehensive influence coefficient accordingly acts as a synthesized factor representing the combined effects of the flow intensity, bed material movement, energy consumption condition, and relative friction condition in the near-wall region of sediment-laden flows. Based on the field data from sediment-laden flows under scenarios of both high and low sediment concentrations, the performance of the proposed equation was validated to achieve the best accuracy in the calculation of Manning’s roughness coefficient compared with that of several previously presented flow resistance equations. Furthermore, the proposed flow resistance equation was adopted to quantify the stable channel width of the Lower Yellow River (LYR), i.e., the optimum main channel width for sediment transportation in the typical wandering reach of the LYR. The calculated stable channel width is consistent with the current river training width of the LYR, indicating that the proposed equation has great potential as a theoretical tool that can be used to support the determination of the river training strategy for the LYR.
MEDIA TANAMORGANIK DAN POSISI TANAM BENIH PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT KOPI ROBUSTA (COFFEA CANEPHORA )
Authors: PUTRA ANAK AGUNG GEDE , GUNAMANTA PANDE GEDE , WINTEN KETUT TURAINI INDRA
Published: March 2020

The study aimed to determine the effect of organic planting media and the position of seed planting on the growth of Robusta coffee seedlings. The study is conducted at the Tabanan Agrotechnology Study Program, Tabanan University, which conducted from July 2019 to September 2019. The treatments are arranged in factorial in a randomized block design (RBD). Two treatments examined in this study were the doses of organic matter in the growing media (0g, 150 g, 300 g, 450 g) and seed position (prone position, upside down, tilted position). The results show that the interaction between organic planting media (soil + coffee leaf compost) and seed planting position did not significantly affect all coffee seedlings growth variables. The dose of organic compost in the growing media has a very significant effect on all growth variables except when growing and the percentage of growth. The dosing of 450 g organic matter gave the highest root fresh weight, fresh stem weight and fresh leaf weight (1.00 g, 2.97 g and 8.64 g respectively) and oven dry weight for the three variables (respectively 0.39 g, 0.55 g and 1.36 g). Seed planting position has no significant effect on all observed variables, but there is The tendency of planting position with the prone on average gives better growth compared to other positions.
Analysis of Business Development on Organic Products at Muslim SMEs (MSMEs) in Malang, Indonesia
Authors: Muljaningsih Sri
Published: March 2020

Objective - This study aims to determine the constraints on business development of organic products run by Muslim SMEs (MSMEs) in Malang city. Businesses concerned with organic generally adopt the principles of health, ecology, justice and protection. Organic products are very popular in today's global market. This is because organic products provide great opportunity for development. However, the requirements of organic products can be quite stringent, as is the experience of developers of organic products in Muslim SMEs (MSMEs) in Malang, Indonesia.

Methodology/Technique - This research analyses the root problem using a fishbone method. To determine the main problem, an AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method is used. The data is obtained using FGD (Focus Group Discussion) attended by informants with an understanding of organic products produced by: Lily Group, Organic Vigur, Representatives of AOI (Organic Alliance of Indonesia) and Representatives of Pamor (Association of Organic Society) in East Java.

Finding and Novelty - The research results identifies the problems faced by Muslim SMEs including: raw material, market condition, organic certification, and financial and social capital. Furthermore, the main policy issue faced by these businesses is organic certification. The implications of these policies impact market accessibility and expansion of market reach. The novelty of this research is the identification of the effect of business development policies on Muslim SMEs producing organic products.

Type of Paper - Empirical.

Keywords: Organic Products; Muslim SMEs; Organic Certification; Business Development.

JEL Classification: L20, L23, L29
Sustaining the Implementation of Dual-Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysian Secondary Schools
Authors: Suliman Ashairi , Nor Mohamed Yusoff Mohd , Yunus Melor Md
Published: March 2020

Objective - The implementation of Dual-Language Programmes (DLP) in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics is an initiative under the ‘Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language’ (MBMMBI) policy. Though it has some similarities with the previous policy known as ‘English for the Teaching of Science and Mathematics’ (PPSMI), its execution is idiosyncratic in its own way. Since its inception in 2016, the programme has entered its third cycle involving students in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. The curiosity to scrutinise the programme implementation has led to this study. The study aims to investigate the execution of this programme and to assess its sustainability.
Methodology/Technique – Gleaning through the students’ language capabilities, attitudes, teachers’ support and acceptance of the programme, the study uses a questionnaire with open-ended questions and focus group discussions to unravel the aforementioned issues. 1,530 students from secondary schools across Malaysia were selected as the respondents of this study.
Findings - The results reveal findings that may represent a measure on the direction of this programme. Looking from the student perspective, the challenges confronted in addition to those put forward may further serve as an indicator for the sustainability of the program.
Novelty – This study infers how the programme can be further enhanced in terms of its implementation in its fourth year since inception. The findings of this study may assist policy makers in shaping the direction of the programme.
Type of Paper: Empirical.

Keywords: Dual-Language Programme (DLP); Sustainability; Science and Mathematics; Students; Policy and Programme Implementation.
JEL Classification: A20, A23 A29.
Determinants of Personal Financial Literacy among Young Adults in Malaysian Accounting Firms
Authors: Loh Aik Myin , Peong Kwee Kim , Peong Kwee Peng
Published: March 2020

Objective - In the twenty-first century, financial competencies are an essential tool in understanding the connection between financial behaviour and knowledge of individual financial problems. High financial knowledge may encourage young adults to carry less debt, increase their wealth and have a better financial retirement plan. According to Wolla (2017), less than one-third of youths have basic financial knowledge. This will have an impact to their lifelong financial well-being. Hence, this research intends to explore the personal financial literacy of young adults in Malaysian accounting firms.
Methodology/Technique – The study examines 150 young working adults between the ages of 18-35 years old, working in accounting firms in Malacca, Malaysia. Stratified sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to distribute questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses were also employed.
Findings - The empirical findings show that geographical locations and family characteristics are significantly related to the personal financial literacy of young adults in accounting firms in Malacca. However, financial education and financial experience do not influence young adults in their financial decision making.
Novelty – The results of this study suggest that the relevant authority should take an appropriate action to improve the financial well-being of young adults in Malacca, Malaysia.
Type of Paper: Empirical.
JEL Classification: M40, M41, M49

Keywords: Financial Literacy; Financial Education; Financial Experience; Family Characteristics; Geographical Location.
Teaching Romanian Business Law through the Medium of English
Authors: Cojocaru Cristina
Published: March 2020

Objective - The course of Business Law aims to provide students with the basic legal terms and concepts necessary in their economic activity. Teaching law through the English language does not mean translating the course or the laws from Romanian but involves applying interactive methods so that the information is well conveyed and language does not become a barrier in the process of learning.

Methodology/Technique - By turning to action research, the aim of the study is to identify students' perception on the relevance of the content and the teaching methodology of the current Business Law course, to identify the key elements of the new Business law course to be designed, employing active learning methodology and designing specific activities to be proposed to students.

Findings - Debates or discussions are never absent from class activities, in which I try to engage all students. The lectures are delivered with visual aids, i.e. Power Point program, while the slides are drafted in an enjoyable manner.

Novelty - Most recently in Romania, there has been a legislative change which saw the introduction of new fiscal advantages into limited liability companies fulfilling certain requirements (SRL-D), a topic which exceeds the current curriculum.

Type of Paper - Empirical.

Keywords: Romanian Business Law; Teaching; Law; Students' Perception; Teaching Methodology.

JEL Classification: K10, K29.