bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology, Crystallinity, and Molecular Weight of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Graphene Oxide Hybrids
Authors: Castilla-Cortázar Isabel , Vidaurre Ana , Marí Bernabé , Campillo-Fernández Alberto J.
Published: June 2019

A study was carried out to determine the effects of graphene oxide (GO) filler on the properties of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) films. A series of nanocomposites were prepared, incorporating different graphene oxide filler contents (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 wt%) by the solution mixing method, and an in-depth study was made of the morphological changes, crystallization, infrared absorbance, molecular weight, thermal properties, and biocompatibility as a function of GO content to determine their suitability for use in biomedical applications. The infrared absorbance showed the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the PCL’s carbonyl groups and the GO’s hydrogen-donating groups, which is in line with the apparent reduction in molecular weight at higher GO contents, indicated by the results of the gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the thermal property analysis. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) showed that GO acts as a nucleating point for PCL crystals, increasing crystallinity and crystallization temperature. The biological properties of the composites studied indicate that adding only 0.1 wt% of GO can improve cellular viability and that the composite shows promise for use in biomedical applications.
Copolymerization of Norbornene and Styrene with Anilinonaphthoquinone-Ligated Nickel Complexes
Authors: Chowdhury Samiul Islam , Tanaka Ryo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: June 2019

Poly(norbornene-co-styrene)s were synthesized by the use of anilinonaphthoquinone-ligated nickel complexes [Ni(C10H5O2NAr)(Ph)(PPh3): 1a, Ar = C6H3-2,6-iPr; 1b, Ar = C6H2-2,4,6-Me; 1c, Ar = C6H5] activated with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) or B(C6F5)3 in toluene. The effects of the cocatalysts were more significant than those of the nickel complexes, and MMAO gave higher activity than B(C6F5)3. The structural characterizations of the products indicated the formation of statistical norbornene copolymers. An increase of the styrene ratio in feed led to an increase in the incorporated styrene (S) content of the resulting copolymer. The molecular weight of the copolymer decreased with increasing the S ratio in feed at 70 °C. The copolymerization activity, using MMAO as a cocatalyst, decreased with lowering of the temperature from 70 to 0 °C, accompanied by an increase in the molecular weight of the copolymer. The S incorporation up to 59% with Mn of 78,000 was achieved by the 1b-B(C6F5)3 catalytic system. The glass transition temperatures of the norbornene (N)/S copolymers determined by differential scanning calorimetry, decreased from 329 to 128 °C according to the S content.
Structural and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Modified by Various Peroxide Initiators
Authors: Przybysz Marta , Hejna Aleksander , Haponiuk Józef , Formela Krzysztof
Published: June 2019

The modification of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was successfully conducted during reactive processing in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) or di-(2-tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)-benzene (BIB). The peroxide initiators were applied in the various amounts of 0.5 or 1.0 pbw (part by weight) into the PCL matrix. The effects of the initiator type and its concentration on the structure and mechanical and thermal properties of PCL were investigated. To achieve a detailed and proper explication of this phenomenon, the decomposition and melting temperatures of DCP and BIB initiators were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The conjecture of the branching or cross-linking of PCL structure via used peroxides was studied by gel fraction content measurement. Modification in the presence of BIB in PCL was found to effectively increase gel fraction. The result showed that the cross-linking of PCL started at a low content of BIB, while PCL modified by high DCP content was only partially cross-linked or branched. PCL branching and cross-linking were found to have a significant impact on the mechanical properties of PCL. However, the effect of used initiators on poly(ε-caprolactone) properties strongly depended on their structure and content. The obtained results indicated that, for the modification towards cross-linking/branching of PCL structure by using organic peroxides, the best mechanical properties were achieved for PCL modified by 0.5 pbw BIB or 1.0 pbw DCP, while the PCL modified by 1.0 pbw BIB possessed poor mechanical properties, as it was related to over cross-linking.
Drones and Eucharist
Authors: Smith Jason M.
Published: June 2019

In the post-9/11 world, the use of drone strikes has become a critical aspect of U.S. Military strategy in the War on Terror. While the ethics of drones have been argued from a theological perspective, this essay argues that a deeper, more theoretical understanding of drones is necessary in order to mount an adequate theological response. The author argues that the particular epistemological foundations by which drone strikes are justified must be given a theological corrective and that the Eucharist is the site for such a correction. This essay ultimately argues that the Eucharist shows the epistemology that undergirds the use of drones to be severely lacking and that under the judgment of the Eucharist the use of such technology is incompatible with the identity of the Church.
Pansacramentalism, Interreligious Theology, and Lived Religion
Authors: Gustafson Hans
Published: June 2019

Opening with a philosophical definition of sacrament(ality) as a mediator (mediation) of the sacred in the concrete world, this article offers pansacramentalism as a promising worldview—especially for those rooted in or emerging from the Christian traditions (since, for them, the language of sacramentality may have a stronger resonance)—for bringing together interreligious theology and data mined by Lived Religion approaches to the study of religion. After articulating the concept of pansacramentalism and emphasizing interreligious theology as an emerging model for doing theology, growing trends and changing sensibilities among young people’s religious and spiritual lives (e.g., the “Nones”) is considered insofar as such trends remain relevant for making contemporary theology accessible to the next generation. The article then considers the intersection of pansacramentalism and interreligious theology, especially the issue of determining sacramental authenticity. To explain how this challenge might be met, Abraham Heschel’s theology of theomorphism is offered as but one example as a nuanced means for determining sacramental authenticity of the sacred in the world. Turning to “Lived Religion” approaches, rationale is offered for why pansacramentalism and interreligious theology ought to be taken seriously in the contemporary world, especially considering recent data about the nature of contemporary religious identities among young people living in the West.
Characteristics of Absorption Spectra of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter in the Pearl River Estuary in Spring
Authors: Lei Xia , Pan Jiayi , Devlin Adam
Published: June 2019

In this study, absorption variation of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was investigated based on spectroscopic measurements of the water surface and bottom during a cruise survey on 2–12 May 2014 in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Multiple spectral signatures were utilized, including the absorption ratios E2/E3 (a(250)/a(365)) and E2/E4 (a(254)/a(436))) as well as the spectral slopes over multiple wavelength ranges. The horizontal variations of a(300), E2/E3, spectral slope (S) of Ultraviolet C (SUVC, 250–280 nm), Ultraviolet B (SUVB, 280–315 nm), and S275–295 (275–295 nm) were highly correlated, revealing that CDOM of terrigenous origin in the upper estuary contained chromophores of larger molecular size and weight, while the marine CDOM in the lower estuary comprised organic compounds of smaller molecular size and weight; the molecular size of surface CDOM was generally larger than that at the bottom. Results of Gaussian decomposition methods showed that CDOM in the middle estuary of terrigenous origin produced more Gaussian components per spectrum than those of marine origin in the lower estuary and the adjacent Hong Kong waters. The surface CDOM composition was more diverse than at the bottom, inferred by the finding that the average number of Gaussian components yielded per surface sample (5.44) was more than that of the bottom sample (4.8). A majority of components was centered below 350 nm, indicating that organic compounds with relatively simple structures are ubiquitous in the estuary. Components centered above 350 nm only showed high peaks at the head of the estuary, suggesting that terrigenous CDOM with chromophores in complex structures rapidly lose visible light absorptivity during its transport in the PRE. The relatively low and homogenous peak heights of the components in Hong Kong waters imply higher light stability and composition consistency of the marine CDOM compared with the terrigenous CDOM.
Sensitivity of the Gravity Model and Orbital Frame for On-board Real-Time Orbit Determination: Operational Results of GPS-12 GPS Receiver
Authors: Kim Eunhyouek , Han Seungyeop , Sayegh Amer Mohammad Al
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the sensitivity of both the orbital frame domain selection and the gravity model on the performance of on-board real-time orbit determination. Practical error sources, which affect the navigation solution of spaceborne global positioning system (GPS) receivers, are analyzed first. Then, a reasonable orbital frame (radial, in-track, cross-track (RIC)) is proposed to clearly represent the characteristics of the error in order to improve the performance of the orbit determination (OD) logic. In addition, the sensitivity of the gravity model affecting the orbit determination logic is analyzed by comparison with the precise orbit ephemeris (POE) of the Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite, and it is confirmed that the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) Gravity Model 03 (GGM03) outperforms the Earth Gravity Model 1996 (EGM96). The effects of both proposed orbit frames and the gravity model on the orbit determination logic are verified using a GPS simulator and observation data from the CHAMP satellite. Moreover, the practical performance of on-board real-time orbit determination logic is verified by updating the software of the spaceborne GPS receiver, GPS-12, on DubaiSat-2 operating at low Earth orbit (LEO). The results show that the position accuracy of on-board real-time orbit determination logic in GPS-12 is improved by 59%, from 12.6 m (1 σ) to 5.1 m (1 σ), after applying the proposed methods. The velocity accuracy is also improved by 57%, from 13.7 mm/s (1 σ) to 5.9 mm/s (1 σ).
Methods for Earth-Observing Satellite Surface Reflectance Validation
Authors: Badawi Moe , Helder Dennis , Leigh Larry , Jing Xin
Published: June 2019

In this study an initial validation of the Landsat 8 (L8) Operational Land Imager (OLI) Surface Reflectance (SR) product was performed. The OLI SR product is derived from the L8 Top-of-Atmosphere product via the Landsat Surface Reflectance Code (LaSRC) software and generated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. The goal of this study is to develop and evaluate proper validation methodology for the OLI L2 SR product. Validation was performed using near-simultaneous ground truth SR measurements during Landsat 8 overpasses at 13 sites located in the U.S., Brazil, Chile and France. The ground truth measurements consisted of field spectrometer measurements, automated hyperspectral ground measurements operated by the Radiometric Calibration Network (RadCalNet) and derived SR measurements from Airborne Observation Platforms (AOP) operated by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). The 13 sites cover a broad range of 0–0.5 surface reflectance units across the reflective solar spectrum. Results show that the mean reflectance difference between OLI L2 SR products and ground truth measurements for the 13 validation sites and all bands was under 2.5%. The largest uncertainties of 11% and 8% were found in the CA and Blue bands, respectively; whereas, the longer wavelength bands were within 4% or less. Results consistently indicated similarity between the OLI L2 SR product and ground truth data, especially in longer wavelengths over dark and bright targets, while less reliable performance was observed in shorter wavelengths and sparsely vegetated targets.
Geographic and Climatic Attributions of Autumn Land Surface Phenology Spatial Patterns in the Temperate Deciduous Broadleaf Forest of China
Authors: Lang Weiguang , Chen Xiaoqiu , Liang Liang , Ren Shilong , Qian Siwei
Published: June 2019

Autumn vegetation phenology plays a critical role in identifying the end of the growing season and its response to climate change. Using the six vegetation indices retrieved from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer data, we extracted an end date of the growing season (EOS) in the temperate deciduous broadleaf forest (TDBF) area of China. Then, we validated EOS with the ground-observed leaf fall date (LF) of dominant tree species at 27 sites and selected the best vegetation index. Moreover, we analyzed the spatial pattern of EOS based on the best vegetation index and its dependency on geo-location indicators and seasonal temperature/precipitation. Results show that the plant senescence reflectance index-based EOS agrees most closely with LF. Multi-year averaged EOS display latitudinal, longitudinal and altitudinal gradients. The altitudinal sensitivity of EOS became weaker from 2000 to 2012. Temperature-based spatial phenology modeling indicated that a 1 K spatial shift in seasonal mean temperature can cause a spatial shift of 2.4–3.6 days in EOS. The models explain between 54% and 73% of the variance in the EOS timing. However, the influence of seasonal precipitation on spatial variations of EOS was much weaker. Thus, spatial temperature variation controls the spatial patterns of EOS in TDBF of China, and future temperature increase might lead to more uniform autumn phenology across elevations.
Simulation Tool for the Analysis of Cooperative Localization Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ruz Mario , Garrido Juan , Jiménez Jorge , Virrankoski Reino , Vázquez Francisco
Published: June 2019

Within the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Location of Things (LoT) service, this paper presents an interactive tool to quantitatively analyze the performance of cooperative localization techniques for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In these types of algorithms, nodes help each other determine their location based on some signal metrics such as time of arrival (TOA), received signal strength (RSS), or a fusion of them. The developed tool is intended to provide researchers and designers a fast way to measure the performance of localization algorithms considering specific network topologies. Using TOA or RSS models, the Crámer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) has been implemented within the tool. This lower bound can be used as a benchmark for testing a particular algorithm for specific channel characteristics and WSN topology, which allows determination if the necessary accuracy for a specific application is possible. Furthermore, the tool allows us to consider independent characteristics for each node in the WSN. This feature allows the avoidance of the typical “disk graph model,” which is usually applied to test cooperative localization algorithms. The tool allows us to run Monte-Carlo simulations and generate statistical reports. A set of basic illustrative examples are described comparing the performance of different localization algorithms and showing the capabilities of the presented tool.
Signal Amplification Gains of Compressive Sampling for Photocurrent Response Mapping of Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Koutsourakis George , Blakesley James C. , Castro Fernando A.
Published: June 2019

Spatial characterisation methods for photodetectors and other optoelectronic devices are necessary for determining local performance, as well as detecting local defects and the non-uniformities of devices. Light beam induced current measurements provide local performance information about devices at their actual operating conditions. Compressed sensing current mapping offers additional specific advantages, such as high speed without the use of complicated experimental layouts or lock-in amplifiers. In this work, the signal amplification advantages of compressed sensing current mapping are presented. It is demonstrated that the sparsity of the patterns used for compressive sampling can be controlled to achieve significant signal amplification of at least two orders of magnitude, while maintaining or increasing the accuracy of measurements. Accurate measurements can be acquired even when a point-by-point scan yields high noise levels, which distort the accuracy of measurements. Pixel-by-pixel comparisons of photocurrent maps are realised using different sensing matrices and reconstruction algorithms for different samples. The results additionally demonstrate that such an optical system would be ideal for investigating compressed sensing procedures for other optical measurement applications, where experimental noise is included.
Q-Learning Based Fair and Efficient Coexistence of LTE in Unlicensed Band
Authors: Bajracharya Rojeena , Shrestha Rakesh , Kim Sung Won
Published: June 2019

The increased demand for spectrum resources for multimedia communications and a limited licensed spectrum have led to widespread concern regarding the operation of long term evolution (LTE) in the unlicensed (LTE-U) band for internet of things (IoT) systems. Because Wi-Fi and LTE are diverse with dissimilar physical and link layer configurations, several solutions to achieve an efficient and fair coexistence have been proposed. Most of the proposed solutions facilitate a fair coexistence through a discontinuous transmission using a duty cycling or contention mechanism and an efficient coexistence through a clean channel selection. However, they are constrained only by fairness or efficient coexistence but not both. Herein, we propose joint adaptive duty cycling (ADC) and dynamic channel switch (DCS) mechanisms. The ADC mechanism supports a fair channel access opportunity by muting certain numbers of subframes for Wi-Fi users whereas the DCS mechanism offers more access opportunities for LTE-U and Wi-Fi users by preventing LTE-U users from occupying a crowded channel for a longer time. To support these mechanisms in a dynamic environment, LTE-U for IoT applications is enhanced using Q-learning techniques for an automatic selection of the appropriate combination of muting period and channel. Simulation results show the fair and efficient coexistence achieved from using the proposed mechanism.
Game-Calibrated and User-Tailored Remote Detection of Stress and Boredom in Games
Authors: Bevilacqua Fernando , Engström Henrik , Backlund Per
Published: June 2019

Emotion detection based on computer vision and remote extraction of user signals commonly rely on stimuli where users have a passive role with limited possibilities for interaction or emotional involvement, e.g., images and videos. Predictive models are also trained on a group level, which potentially excludes or dilutes key individualities of users. We present a non-obtrusive, multifactorial, user-tailored emotion detection method based on remotely estimated psychophysiological signals. A neural network learns the emotional profile of a user during the interaction with calibration games, a novel game-based emotion elicitation material designed to induce emotions while accounting for particularities of individuals. We evaluate our method in two experiments ( n = 20 and n = 62 ) with mean classification accuracy of 61.6%, which is statistically significantly better than chance-level classification. Our approach and its evaluation present unique circumstances: our model is trained on one dataset (calibration games) and tested on another (evaluation game), while preserving the natural behavior of subjects and using remote acquisition of signals. Results of this study suggest our method is feasible and an initiative to move away from questionnaires and physical sensors into a non-obtrusive, remote-based solution for detecting emotions in a context involving more naturalistic user behavior and games.
Decision Support System for Variable Rate Irrigation Based on UAV Multispectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Shi Xiang , Han Wenting , Zhao Ting , Tang Jiandong
Published: June 2019

Rational utilization of water resources is one of the major methods of water conservation. There are significant differences in the irrigation needs of different agricultural fields because of their spatial variability. Therefore, a decision support system for variable rate irrigation (DSS-VRI) by center pivot was developed. This system can process multi-spectral images taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and obtain the vegetation index (VI). The crop evapotranspiration model (ETc) and crop water stress index (CWSI) were obtained from their established relationships with the VIs. The inputs to the fuzzy inference system were constituted with ETc, CWSI and precipitation. To provide guidance for users, the duty-cycle control map was outputted using ambiguity resolution. The control command contained in the map adjusted the duty cycle of the solenoid valve, and then changed the irrigation amount. A water stress experiment was designed to verify the rationality of the DSS-VRI. The results showed that the more severe water stress is, the more irrigation is obtained, consistent with the expected results. Meanwhile, a user-friendly software interface was developed to implement the DSS-VRI function.
Low-Cost Three-Dimensional Modeling of Crop Plants
Authors: Martinez-Guanter Jorge , Ribeiro Ángela , Peteinatos Gerassimos G. , Pérez-Ruiz Manuel , Gerhards Roland , Bengochea-Guevara José María , Machleb Jannis , Andújar Dionisio
Published: June 2019

Plant modeling can provide a more detailed overview regarding the basis of plant development throughout the life cycle. Three-dimensional processing algorithms are rapidly expanding in plant phenotyping programmes and in decision-making for agronomic management. Several methods have already been tested, but for practical implementations the trade-off between equipment cost, computational resources needed and the fidelity and accuracy in the reconstruction of the end-details needs to be assessed and quantified. This study examined the suitability of two low-cost systems for plant reconstruction. A low-cost Structure from Motion (SfM) technique was used to create 3D models for plant crop reconstruction. In the second method, an acquisition and reconstruction algorithm using an RGB-Depth Kinect v2 sensor was tested following a similar image acquisition procedure. The information was processed to create a dense point cloud, which allowed the creation of a 3D-polygon mesh representing every scanned plant. The selected crop plants corresponded to three different crops (maize, sugar beet and sunflower) that have structural and biological differences. The parameters measured from the model were validated with ground truth data of plant height, leaf area index and plant dry biomass using regression methods. The results showed strong consistency with good correlations between the calculated values in the models and the ground truth information. Although, the values obtained were always accurately estimated, differences between the methods and among the crops were found. The SfM method showed a slightly better result with regard to the reconstruction the end-details and the accuracy of the height estimation. Although the use of the processing algorithm is relatively fast, the use of RGB-D information is faster during the creation of the 3D models. Thus, both methods demonstrated robust results and provided great potential for use in both for indoor and outdoor scenarios. Consequently, these low-cost systems for 3D modeling are suitable for several situations where there is a need for model generation and also provide a favourable time-cost relationship.
Accurate Performance Analysis of Coded Large-Scale Multiuser MIMO Systems with MMSE Receivers
Authors: Zhai Kai , Ma Zheng , Lei Xianfu
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we estimate the uplink performance of large-scale multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) networks. By applying minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) detection, a novel statistical distribution of the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for any user is derived, for path loss, shadowing and Rayleigh fading. Suppose that the channel state information is perfectly known at the base station. Then, we derive the analytical expressions for the pairwise error probability (PEP) of the massive multiuser MMSE–MIMO systems, based on which we further obtain the upper bound of the bit error rate (BER). The analytical results are validated successfully through simulations for all cases.
Performing Borders: Queer and Trans Experiences at the Canadian Border
Authors: Hodge Edwin , Hallgrimsdottir Helga , Much Marianne
Published: June 2019

Biometric security and screening systems have revolutionized border crossings. As bodies move across the physical space of the borderland, the border moves through them, scanning and cataloguing and scrutinizing bodies for irregularity. While such technologies have been scrutinized, they have largely been so through heteronormative and cisnormative lenses that fail to recognize the vastly different experiences of nonbinary, nonconforming, transgender, and queer border crossers. This paper examines the implications of what we argue is the individualization of the border, and the effects of biometric security screenings for people whose bodies do not conform to heteronormative and cisnormative standards. We argue that border securitization increasingly equates body differences to narratives of threat and risk, which endangers nonbinary, trans, and queer border crossers, and places their safe passage at risk.
Effect of Sports and Growth on Hamstrings and Quadriceps Development in Young Female Athletes: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sugimoto Dai , Borg Dennis R. , Brilliant Anna N. , Meehan William P. , Micheli Lyle J. , Geminiani Ellen T.
Published: June 2019

Context: Lower extremity muscular strength may vary by different sport participation during growth process. Objective: To investigate effect of sport participation and growth by comparing strength of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q ratio) between young female figure skaters and soccer players. Design: Cross-sectional. Settings: Laboratory affiliated with regional sports medicine center. Participants: pediatric and adolescent female athletes. Procedures: Isometric hamstrings and quadriceps strength were measured. Main Outcome Measures: Strength of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q ratio). Statistical Analysis: Effect of sport participation and growth was analyzed through a two-way (two sports: figure skaters and soccer players; three age groups: <12 years, 13–16 years, and >17 years) analysis of covariance. Results: Hamstrings strength was significantly greater in figure skaters than soccer players. Also, hamstring strength of 13–16 years and >17 years was higher compared to <12 years. Additionally, significantly higher H:Q ratio in figure skaters compared to soccer players. Conclusions: There is effect of growth on hamstrings strength among 13–16 years and >17 years compared to <12 years. Figure skaters showed greater hamstrings strength and H:Q ratio than female soccer players.
Sustainable Human Resource Management Nurtures Change-Oriented Employees: Relationship between High-Commitment Work Systems and Employees’ Taking Charge Behaviors
Authors: Li Shao-Long , Sun Fang , Li Mingze
Published: June 2019

In today’s business world, the environment is changing rapidly. Employers need to rely upon their employees in order to produce long-term competitive advantage and sustainable performance. However, little research has investigated whether sustainable human resource management could prompt change-oriented behaviors in employees. By integrating the job demands–resources (JD-R) model and the proactive motivation model with the existing literature on sustainable human resource management, we explored the relationship between high-commitment work systems (HCWS) and the employees’ taking charge behaviors. Data from 352 employees of 96 organizations provided support for the positive effect of HCWS on the employees’ taking charge behaviors. The results of this study showed that HCWS affect the employees’ taking charge behaviors through their work engagement only when they felt a high level of impact. Based on these results, we not only provide several theoretical contributions to the literature on HCWS and taking charge, but also provide some practical suggestions for how to nurture change-oriented employees using sustainable human resource management within the organizations.
Linking Soil Health to Sustainable Crop Production: Dairy Compost Effects on Soil Properties and Sorghum Biomass
Authors: Acharya Pramod , Ghimire Rajan , Cho Youngkoo
Published: June 2019

Dairy compost is utilized in agricultural fields to supplement nutrients, yet its role in optimizing nutrient supply and health of semiarid soils is not clear. A greenhouse study was conducted over two months to evaluate soil properties and forage sorghum production under various compost rates. The study had six treatments and four replications. Treatments included compost application rates at 6.7 (C1), 13.5 (C2), 20.2 (C3), 26.9 (C4), and 33.6 Mg ha−1 (C5) and a control (C0). Soil samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), total nitrogen (N), inorganic N, potentially mineralizable N (PMN), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Plant biomass production and biomass C, N, and lignin contents were also estimated. High compost rates improved soil properties significantly (p < 0.05) indicated by increased SOC, N, P, K, Ca, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Sorghum biomass production did not increase significantly with compost rate, while shoot N content increased at higher rates of compost. A nutrient management plan that integrates dairy compost application has potential to improve soil health and support sustainable forage production in semiarid regions.
Sustainable Land Use Management Needed to Conserve the Dragon’s Blood Tree of Socotra Island, a Vulnerable Endemic Umbrella Species
Authors: Maděra Petr , Volařík Daniel , Patočka Zdeněk , Kalivodová Hana , Divín Josef , Rejžek Martin , Vybíral Jan , Lvončík Samuel , Jeník David , Hanáček Pavel , Amer Abdullateef Saad , Vahalík Petr
Published: June 2019

Unsustainable overgrazing is one of the most important threats to the endemic and endangered population of dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) on Socotra Island (Republic of Yemen). However, there is a lack of information about the exact population size and its conservation status. We estimated the population size of D. cinnabari using remote sensing data. The age structure was inferred using a relationship between crown projection area and the number of branch sections. The conservation importance of each sub-population was assessed using a specially developed index. Finally, the future population development (extinction time) was predicted using population matrices. The total population size estimated consists of 80,134 individuals with sub-populations varying from 14 to 32,196 individuals, with an extinction time ranging from 31 to 564 years. Community forestry controlled by a local certification system is suggested as a sustainable land management approach providing traditional and new benefits and enabling the reforestation of endemic tree species on Socotra Island.
Tensile Behavior and Diffusion of Moisture through Flax Fibers by Desorption Method
Authors: Radkar Swarda S. , Amiri Ali , Ulven Chad A.
Published: June 2019

There has been a substantial increase in the usage of natural fibers and biodegradable polymers in composite materials due to the recent focus on sustainability of materials. Flax fibers have exhibited higher mechanical properties compared to most other natural fibers available. However, one of the major challenges faced in the use of flax fiber is its hydrophilicity. In this study, the tensile behavior of flax fiber tows removed from commercially available woven fabrics were investigated at different moisture levels. The breaking tenacity of fiber tows was shown to increase with an increase in moisture content of up to 25%. After this point, additional absorption of moisture resulted in a decrease of fiber tenacity. In addition, the diffusion process through flax fiber mat with different areal densities was investigated and the diffusion coefficients were determined using the desorption curves. Diffusion rates were not found to significantly change with varying areal densities of 200 to 400 gsm, but were significantly different when exposed to temperatures of 55 °C versus 80 °C.
Assessment of Visitor Preferences and Attendance to Singletrails in the Moravian Karst for the Sustainable Development Proposals
Authors: Fialová Jitka , Březina David , Žižlavská Nikola , Michal Jakub , Machar Ivo
Published: June 2019

An optional leisure activity in forest areas for mountainbikers is the subject of discussion in this article. Cycling has become a popular leisure time activity, not only in the Czech Republic but internationally. A bicycle offers the user an unparalleled freedom that seems to have great appeal in these globalized, modern times. A singletrail is a narrow single-directional path for mountain bicycles in the landscape, in contrast to the two-lane forest roads mainly intended for the industrial purposes of forest management. The singletrails of Moravský kras (Moravian Karst) are built on the land owned by the Mendel University in Brno (Masaryk Forest Enterprise Křtiny) near the Jedovnice municipality of the Czech Republic. The aim of the article is to assess the attendance of the area using automatic counters, and to analyse the results, especially according to the illegal transits in the area of interest. The preferences of visitors were evaluated using questionnaires as well. Hypotheses were defined, and the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney testing methods were used to validate or improve them. Separate preferences for men and women were analysed in order to detect the differences or similarities of preferences. According to the results, women notably prefer the medium to easiest level of difficulty of the trails while men mainly prefer the trails of medium difficulty, although they use the most difficult trails too. Contact with nature is important for both the target groups. Training on singletrails is not as important for women as for men, but physical activity is very important to both groups. Women mainly ride on the singletrails for the joy of movement, which they consider to be a more important reason than men. The results of this study will be used to improve the area for mountainbikers as well as singletrail design for newly planned areas. Both human preferences and environmental needs will be taken into account.
Hot Chili Peppers, Tears and Sweat: How Experiencing Sichuan Cuisine will Influence Intention to Visit City of Origin
Authors: Pu Bo , Teah Min , Phau Ian
Published: June 2019

This purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between food experiences, attitudes towards Sichuan cuisine, intention to revisit a restaurant, and intention to visit the city of origin (Chengdu). Results show that intellectual food experience and intention to revisit the restaurant have a significant effect on intention to visit the city of origin, whereas behavioural food experience and attitude towards food authenticity positively influenced intention to revisit the restaurant. Attitude towards food authenticity plays a vital role in the relationships between food experience, intention to revisit the restaurant, and intention to visit the city of origin.
Design for Social Sustainability: Using Digital Fabrication in the Humanitarian and Development Sector
Authors: Corsini Lucia , Moultrie James
Published: June 2019

The demand for humanitarian and development aid has risen to an unprecedented level in recent years. With a pressing need for new solutions, designers have started using digital fabrication (3D printing, CNC milling and laser cutting) to produce life-saving items. However, many organisations are failing to create the impacts they desire, and the social aspect of sustainability has been largely overlooked. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating guidelines for Design for Social Sustainability, specifically looking at digital fabrication for humanitarian and development projects. Building on existing literature and conducting three in-depth case studies of healthcare related products, the research develops a framework for Design for Social Sustainability. It provides useful guidelines to help plan and evaluate digital fabrication projects in the humanitarian and development sector. The findings show how design can trigger social sustainability at product, process and paradigm levels. Specifically, the case studies reveal the potential for digital fabrication to lead to more systems-focused, radical social sustainability. The paper concludes that an iterative and holistic approach to Design for Sustainability is needed, that begins by examining the social dimension first.
Science Mapping of the Knowledge Base on Sustainable Entrepreneurship, 1996–2019
Authors: Thananusak Trin
Published: June 2019

After the launch of the United Nations’ Brundtland’s report in 1987, entrepreneurship has been promoted as one of the tools for achieving sustainable development. Since then, the studies in sustainable entrepreneurship have flourished and this topic has emerged as a subfield of entrepreneurship research. In order to examine the current stage of sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) research, this review utilized science mapping tools to analyze 712 Scopus-indexed documents written on the topic of sustainable entrepreneurship. This review assesses the size, publication evolution, and worldwide dispersion of research publications of this knowledge base as well as topics that have gained increased interest over the past few years. The review documented an emerging knowledge base, concentrated in Western developed societies. Sustainable entrepreneurship has evolved from earlier incarnations such as ecopreneurship and social entrepreneurship. Author co-citation analysis, three Schools of Thoughts (or three sub-themes) were identified in this knowledge base, namely Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability Innovation. This review aspires to provide a baseline bibliometric analysis of sustainable entrepreneurship research that both charts the evolution of this knowledge base and points towards productive lines of future inquiry.
Consumer Purchase Intention toward Crowdfunding Products/Services: A Cost–Benefit Perspective
Authors: Li Yixiao , Zhang Zhanda , Wang Ruiqin , Chen Yuangao
Published: June 2019

With the popularity of crowdfunding, many small- and medium-sized ventures and startups which have insufficient funds advertise and sell their services or products in reward-based crowdfunding markets. The success of crowdfunding projects for sale purposes is therefore beneficial to the sustainable development of these growing enterprises. Based upon goal attainment theory, a research model based on a cost–benefit framework is proposed to analyze consumer purchase intention in reward-based crowdfunding markets. The research model is empirically tested with data collected from 398 participants in China. A structural equation modeling analysis reveal that perceived benefits (price concession and perceived innovation) exert a significant positive impact on perceived net goal attainment (PNGA), whereas perceived costs (transaction cost and performance risk) have a weak negative effect on PNGA. The results also indicate that satisfaction mediates between PNGA and purchase intention. Furthermore, we use an artificial neural network analysis to weigh the relative importance of the antecedents of PNGA. The results suggest that perceived innovation is more important than price concession, which is consistent with the structural equation modeling analysis. These results might deepen our understanding of how consumers trade off costs and benefits in the purchase of crowdfunding products/services.
Symmetry Analysis and Conservation Laws of a Generalization of the Kelvin-Voigt Viscoelasticity Equation
Authors: Márquez Almudena P. , Bruzón María S.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study a generalization of the well-known Kelvin-Voigt viscoelasticity equation describing the mechanical behaviour of viscoelasticity. We perform a Lie symmetry analysis. Hence, we obtain the Lie point symmetries of the equation, allowing us to transform the partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation by using the symmetry reductions. Furthermore, we determine the conservation laws of this equation by applying the multiplier method.
A Novel Bradykinin-Related Peptide, RVA-Thr6-BK, from the Skin Secretion of the Hejiang Frog; Ordorrana hejiangensis: Effects of Mammalian Isolated Smooth Muscle
Authors: Wu Yue , Shi Daning , Chen Xiaoling , Wang Lei , Ying Yuan , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Zhou Mei , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris
Published: June 2019

A novel naturally-occurring bradykinin-related peptide (BRP) with an N-terminal extension, named RVA-Thr6-Bradykinin (RVA-Thr6-BK), was here isolated and identified from the cutaneous secretion of Odorrana hejiangensis (O. hejiangensis). Thereafter, in order to evaluate the difference in myotropic actions, a leucine site-substitution variant from Amolops wuyiensis skin secretion, RVA-Leu1, Thr6-BK, was chemically synthesized. Myotropic studies indicated that single-site arginine (R) replacement by leucine (L) at position-4 from the N-terminus, altered the action of RVA-Thr6-BK from an agonist to an antagonist of BK actions on rat ileum smooth muscle. Additionally, both BK N-terminal extended derivatives (RVA-Thr6-BK and RVA-Leu1, Thr6-BK) exerted identical myotropic actions to BK, such as increasing the frequency of contraction, contracting and relaxing the rat uterus, bladder and artery preparations, respectively.
Animal Models for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Human Disease
Authors: Garrison Aura R. , Smith Darci R. , Golden Joseph W.
Published: June 2019

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an important tick-borne human pathogen endemic throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. CCHFV is also an emerging virus, with recent outbreaks in Western Europe. CCHFV can infect a large number of wild and domesticated mammalian species and some avian species, however the virus does not cause severe disease in these animals, but can produce viremia. In humans, CCHFV infection can lead to a severe, life-threating disease characterized by hemodynamic instability, hepatic injury and neurological disorders, with a worldwide lethality rate of ~20–30%. The pathogenic mechanisms of CCHF are poorly understood, largely due to the dearth of animal models. However, several important animal models have been recently described, including novel murine models and a non-human primate model. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of CCHF-mediated pathogenesis and describe how animal models are helping elucidate the molecular and cellular determinants of disease. This information should serve as a reference for those interested in CCHFV animal models and their utility for evaluation of medical countermeasures (MCMs) and in the study of pathogenesis.
Influence of Convex and Concave Curvatures in a Coastal Dike Line on Wave Run-up
Authors: Subramaniam Suba , Scheres Babette , Schilling Malte , Liebisch Sven , Kerpen Nils , Schlurmann Torsten , Altomare Corrado , Schüttrumpf Holger
Published: June 2019

Due to climatic change and the increased usage of coastal areas, there is an increasing risk of dike failures along the coasts worldwide. Wave run-up plays a key role in the planning and design of a coastal structure. Coastal engineers use empirical equations for the determination of wave run-up. These formulae generally include the influence of various hydraulic, geometrical and structural parameters, but neglect the effect of the curvature of coastal dikes on wave run-up and overtopping. The scope of this research is to find the effects of the dike curvature on wave run-up for regular wave attack by employing numerical model studies for various dike-opening angles and comparing it with physical model test results. A numerical simulation is carried out using DualSPHysics, a mesh-less model and OpenFOAM, a mesh-based model. A new influence factor is introduced to determine the influence of curvature along a dike line. For convexly curved dikes (αd = 210° to 270°) under perpendicular wave attack, a higher wave run-up was observed for larger opening angles at the center of curvature whereas for concavely curved dikes (αd = 90° to 150°) under perpendicular wave attack, wave run-up increases at the center of curvature as the opening angle decreases. This research aims to contribute a more precise analysis and understanding the influence of the curvature in a dike line and thus ensuring a higher level of protection in the future development of coastal structures.
Transboundary Water Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Substitutes or Complements
Authors: Tayia Ahmed
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the transboundary water resources conflict resolution mechanisms. Various academic fields have provided conflict resolution mechanisms that could be used to analyse transboundary water conflicts. These mechanisms include social planner, water market, game theory, static and dynamic systems engineering models, and negotiation analyses. These mechanisms share some common characteristic features. This similarity has led to a general belief that these mechanisms are competitive substitutes. However, closer examination by this research reveals that these mechanisms have more complementarity than similarity. This complementarity permits researchers and practitioners to combine any two or more of them to develop more comprehensive mechanisms with stronger analytical capacity to analyse the different elements of the process of transboundary water conflict resolution.