bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
East Side Story: Disaggregating Gang Homicides in East Los Angeles
Authors: Valasik Matthew , Reid Shannon E.
Published: February 2021

This research extends the homicide literature by using latent class analysis methods to examine the neighborhood structural and demographic characteristics of different categories of homicides in the Hollenbeck Community Policing Area of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The Hollenbeck area itself is a 15 square-mile region with approximately 187,000 residents, the majority of whom are Latino (84 percent). Hollenbeck also has a protracted history of intergenerational Latinx gangs with local neighborhood residents viewing them as a fundamental social problem. Hollenbeck has over 30 active street gangs, each claiming a geographically defined territory, many of which have remained stable during the study period. Over twenty years (1990–2012) of homicide data collected from Hollenbeck’s Homicide Division are utilized to create an empirically rigorous typology of homicide incidents and to test whether or not gang homicides are sufficiently distinct in nature to be a unique category in the latent class analysis.
The Crimes of the Powerful: Between Force and Consensus
Authors: Ruggiero Vincenzo
Published: February 2021

Power entails the ability to act and overcome the obstacles erected by those who are subject to it. It also entails the capacity to make one’s crimes acceptable, while formulating criminal imputations against others. The crimes of the powerful, in this contribution, are examined through the lenses of a number of intertwined variables: coercion, legitimacy, violence, secrecy, consensus, and hegemony. Ostentation, imitation, and admiration are also considered as components of these types of crimes and the feelings they elicit. While the controversies surrounding legal responses to the crimes of the powerful are discussed, the efficacy of concerted action against them is optimistically invoked.
Predicting the Effect of Fly Ash on Concrete’s Mechanical Properties by ANN
Authors: Roshani Mohammad Mehdi , Kargar Seyed Hamidreza , Farhangi Visar , Karakouzian Moses
Published: February 2021

Fly ash, as a supplemental pozzolanic material, reduces concrete’s adverse environmental footprint by decreasing the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the cement manufacturing process. Fly ash, which is a waste material, can enhance both the mechanical characteristics and durability of concrete, and has the capability to play an important role in sustainable design. Considering the widespread interest in applying Fly ash, and despite research studies, the level of replacement is still unclear. In this paper, a novel method using artificial neural networks (ANN) is presented to predict concrete’s mechanical characteristics by adding Fly ash. In this regard, a host of available experimental data, such as the properties of Fly ash, along with concrete additives, was fed into an ANN model. Concrete samples’ tensile and compressive strengths, in addition to their modulus of elasticity, were defined as outputs. It was observed that the predicted outcomes agreed well with the experimental results. To further enhance the research outcomes, simple but practical equations are presented to assess the effect of using Fly ash on concrete’s mechanical characteristics.
Plant Protein and Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Consumer and Nutrition Professional Attitudes and Perceptions
Authors: Estell Madeline , Hughes Jaimee , Grafenauer Sara
Published: February 2021

Plant-based and flexitarian eating patterns are increasingly popular, and the food supply system has responded with a wide range of convenience products despite a lack of understanding regarding consumer views. The aim of this study was to explore consumer and nutrition professional (NP) perceptions and attitudes to plant protein, including plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) within an Australian context. Using an online survey promoted via social media, 679 responses (89% completion rate), achieved an even spread across key age groups. A total of sixty percent reported following a special diet, with 25% vegan and 19% flexitarian. ‘Health’ was a key driver for diet type among the NPs (53.3%) and they were less likely to follow a special diet, while “ethical” reasons were cited by consumers (69%). Plant-based eating was considered a vegan dietary pattern and the most frequently consumed plant-based proteins were whole grains. Most (74%) had tried PBMA, but they were more frequently chosen by consumers, with burger patties then sausages and mince selected as a ‘trendy’ choice; taste was very important across both groups. Products mimicking chicken and fish were of less interest. Plant-based claims were observed by 78% but these were also of greater interest to consumers. Participants reported looking for whole ingredients and iron content and expected that both iron and vitamin B12 would be comparable to red meat. Sodium was the nutrient of greatest interest to NPs and, together, these results help inform the direction for product innovation, while also highlighting the need to assess the adequacy of the dietary pattern when promoting sustainable plant-based eating.
The Influence of Climate, Soil Properties and Vegetation on Soil Nitrogen in Sloping Farmland
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Qin Tianling , Dong Biqiong , Shi Xuan , Lv Zhenyu , Zhang Guangjun
Published: February 2021

Soil nitrogen in farmland ecosystems is affected by climate, soil physical and chemical properties and planting activities. To clarify the effects of these factors on soil nitrogen in sloping farmland quantitatively, the distribution of soil total nitrogen (TN) content, nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) content and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) content at depth of 0–100 cm on 11 profiles of the Luanhe River Basin were analyzed. Meanwhile, soil physical and chemical properties, climatic factors and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were used to construct a structural equation which reflected the influence mechanism of environmental factors on soil nitrogen concentration. The results showed that TN and NO3-N content decreased with the increase of soil depth in the Luanhe River Basin, while the variation of NH4-N content with soil depth was not obvious. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil pH, soil area average particle size (SMD) and NDVI6 (NDVI of June) explained variation of TN content by 77.4%. SOC was the most important environmental factor contributing to the variation of TN content. NDVI5 (NDVI of May), annual average precipitation (MAP), soil pH and SOC explained 49.1% variation of NO3-N content. Among all environmental factors, only NDVI8 (NDVI of August) had significant correlation with soil NH4-N content, which explained the change of NH4-N content by 24.2%. The results showed that soil nitrogen content in the sloping farmland ecosystem was mainly affected by natural factors such as soil parent material and climate.
Co-Word Analysis and Academic Performance of the Term TPACK in Web of Science
Authors: Soler-Costa Rebeca , Moreno-Guerrero Antonio-José , López-Belmonte Jesús , Marín-Marín José-Antonio
Published: February 2021

The progress of technology has led to the emergence of new teaching methods, among which Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) can be found in an attempt to promote the integration of technology and knowledge, combining technology, pedagogy and theoretical content. The aim of this research is to analyze the significance and evolution of the TPACK concept in the publications contained in Web of Science (WoS). The research method chosen is based on bibliometrics, specifically on the analysis of academic performance and on the analysis of co-words. The total number of documents analyzed is 471. The results show that research on TPACK is on the rise, increasing progressively in recent years. The main area of research is education and educational research, with articles, written in English, being the medium used by researchers to present their results. It can be concluded that, although there is an established research base, there is no single line of research. In this case, the main lines of research are “framework-framework-TPACK” and “technology-pedagogy-beliefs”. It can be determined that the studies on TPACK deal with the integration of technological resources and the analysis of their perception in student learning.
Optimizing Wave Overtopping Energy Converters by ANN Modelling: Evaluating the Overtopping Rate Forecasting as the First Step
Authors: Oliver José Manuel , Esteban Maria Dolores , López-Gutiérrez José-Santos , Negro Vicente , Neves Maria Graça
Published: February 2021

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are extremely powerful analytical, parallel processing elements that can successfully approximate any complex non-linear process, and which form a key piece in Artificial Intelligence models. Its field of application, being very wide, is especially suitable for the field of prediction. In this article, its application for the prediction of the overtopping rate is presented, as part of a strategy for the sustainable optimization of coastal or harbor defense structures and their conversion into Waves Energy Converters (WEC). This would allow, among others benefits, reducing their initial high capital expenditure. For the construction of the predictive model, classical multivariate statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), or unsupervised clustering methods like Self Organized Maps (SOM), are used, demonstrating that this close alliance is always methodologically beneficial. The specific application carried out, based on the data provided by the CLASH and EurOtop 2018 databases, involves the creation of a useful application to predict overtopping rates in both sloping breakwaters and seawalls, with good results both in terms of prediction error, such as correlation of the estimated variable.
Equilibrium Relationship between Ecosystem Service Supply and Consumption Driven by Economic Development and Ecological Restoration
Authors: Zhang Xianghua , Dong Lingbo , Huang Yingli , Xu Yanli , Qin Huiyan , Qiao Zhenhua
Published: February 2021

Economic development and ecological restoration guided by policies has had a profound impact on the relationship between ecosystem service supply and consumption in the past few decades. Exploring the relationship in specific study areas is necessary to support regional planning for sustainability. In this study, we analyzed the equilibrium relationship between ecosystem service supply and consumption driven by economic development and ecological restoration from 1995 to 2018 in Northeast China. We quantified the supply and consumption of three critical ecosystem services, food production, water yield and atmospheric regulation, and identified the main areas for supply and consumption of ecosystem services. We measured the quantity and spatial equilibrium relationship between ecosystem service supply and consumption driven by economic development and ecological restoration at economic megaregion scale. We found the new industrial structure shaped by regional economic development policies formed the new ecosystem service consumer demand. The development of agricultural industry not only resulted in the increase of water consumption, but also the scope of water consumption was expanded in Northeast China. The development of tertiary industry causes the change of atmospheric regulation consumption in urban agglomeration. What’s more, economic development exacerbated imbalances in the supply and consumption of ecosystem services. The unbalanced areas where food supply was less than consumption were in the clusters of Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, and coastal cities. Since food products can circulate freely through the market, this imbalance will not fundamentally affect regional food security, but will improve the level of agricultural industrialization and scale. The implementation of the grain economic policy caused the rapid expansion of unbalanced areas where water supply was less than consumption. The incredible space mismatch between the supply and consumption of ecosystem services still exists for a long time. However, the implementation of the ecological restoration didn’t effectively solve the problem of insatiable ecosystem service consumption. The ecosystem service consumption brought by economic development need to be given the utmost attention when formulating ecological restoration policies and economic development policies. The results can provide insights for enhancing economic sustainability in northeast china, as well other economic megaregion with similar characteristics throughout the world.
3D IoT System for Environmental and Energy Consumption Monitoring System
Authors: Mataloto Bruno , Calé Daniel , Carimo Kaiser , Ferreira Joao C. , Resende Ricardo
Published: February 2021

Energy consumption in buildings depends on the local climate, building characteristics, and user behavior. Focusing on user interaction, this research work developed a novel approach to monitoring and interaction with local users by providing in situ context information through graphic descriptions of energy consumption and indoor/outdoor environment parameters: temperature, luminosity, and humidity, which are routinely measured in real-time and stored to identify consumption patterns and other savings actions. To involve local users, collected data are represented in 3D color representation using building 3d models. A simplified color scale depicts environmental comfort (low/comfortable/high temperature/relative humidity) and energy consumption (above/below usual patterns). We found that these indices induced user commitment and increased their engagement and participation in saving actions like turning off lights and better management of air conditioning systems.
Influencing Factors on Knowledge Management for Organizational Sustainability
Authors: Kavalić Mila , Nikolić Milan , Radosav Dragica , Stanisavljev Sanja , Pečujlija Mladen
Published: February 2021

This paper analyses the level of knowledge management implementation in organizations and the impact of control variables on knowledge management dimensions. In addition, the importance of knowledge management influence on the competitive sustainability of an organization is addressed. The idea of the research is to highlight key factors that affect the effectiveness and efficiency of knowledge management applications in transition conditions. Data for the study were obtained by surveying 520 respondents—managers of all levels from manufacturing enterprises in Serbia. A t-test was conducted in several variations. More precisely, the t-test analysis was conducted on the average assessments of knowledge management dimensions and with specific control variables. The findings indicate that knowledge management dimensions differ in domestic enterprises and foreign enterprises as well as that their impact differs across organizational levels. Financial performance (profitability, sales growth, asset growth, market share, competitive position in a specific industry, productivity, and salaries) was found to be a reliable indicator of knowledge management success. It can be concluded that knowledge management dimensions have an important role in transition countries, and it is evident that effective knowledge management is imperative for the competitive sustainability of an organization.
Learnings from Developing a Context-Specific LCA Tool for Buildings—The Case of LCAbyg 4
Authors: Kanafani Kai , Kjær Zimmermann Regitze , Nygaard Rasmussen Freja , Birgisdóttir Harpa
Published: February 2021

Buildings are a major cause of global resource consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other impacts on the environment, originating from both operational energy and material use. Informed design decisions can help mitigate potential impacts on the environment, by the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) in the early project stages. In order to mitigate building environment impacts throughout the industry, architects and engineers need tools that are integrated in the design workflow and based on the information available. Existing LCA tools for building design professionals are predominantly embedded in a specific context such as a country or a sustainability scheme. This paper provides learnings for the development of context-tailored tools for building-LCA using the case of Denmark, with specific focus on GHG-emissions that are in focus worldwide. Based on stakeholder involvement, four key areas were defined: Default information, flexibility, environmental design feedback and transparent results. Tool functions include a component library and a quantity estimator for bridging incomplete building information. A comparison monitor displays the performance of design solutions selected in the model, while a number of graphs and tables provide analysis of inventory and results. Finally, a customisable model data export, a complete input/output file for revision and custom analysis are among key functions for transparency.
Empirical Study on Weather Resistance of White Artificial Stones in Subtropical Island Climate
Authors: Chiu Ying-Chiao , Chen Po-Han , Liao Wen-Cheng
Published: February 2021

White building components, whether decorative or the overall structure, are susceptible to extreme weathering conditions, which affect the durability of the building’s external surface. In particular, white natural stone materials can provide buildings with beauty, durability, and sustainability, but this beauty is affected by key factors determining their weather resistance, namely physical properties such as porosity and acid and alkali resistances. As indicated by a past study, marble used as the exterior wall of a building in a similar environment will exhibit tarnishing after six months of weathering. Taiwan is a subtropical island, so the weather resistance of building materials to this environment is worthy of attention. As pointed out by the study, raw stone materials containing zirconium and silica can have greater weather resistance, do not easily change color, and possess good stress resistance properties. Focusing on this, this study attempted to identify stone materials with such compositions and sent samples to SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance S.A., New Taipei City, Taiwan) for testing of weather resistance. This paper uses Spanish artificial stones for the study and observes the changes in the surface cleanliness on two buildings in Yilan County and Taipei in Taiwan after exposure to sun and rain. The experiments were conducted over two years. The study results showed that the artificial stones displayed no change in outward appearance under both rainy and acid rain environments. In Yilan, construction of an exterior wall was carried out in February 2018. The exterior wall used the white artificial stone directly from the manufacturer, and the black artificial stone with added paint for stone protection. After two months, the black artificial stone covered with paint exhibited a change in color and stains appeared on the surface, while the white artificial stone not covered with paint maintained the same cleanliness after two years. In Taipei, white Spanish artificial stone was used for the exterior wall of an entire building block in February 2020. After the frame was dismantled in September 2020, the color was found to be unaffected, being as pure white as it was when new. Therefore, this study selected Spanish artificial stone for the design of a building’s exterior wall, as the cleanliness of the stone surface is not affected and it has good applicability in rainy and acid rain island environments.
Adapting a Circular Economy in Regional Strategies of the European Union
Authors: Vanhamäki Susanna , Rinkinen Satu , Manskinen Kati
Published: February 2021

The transition towards a sustainable circular economy (CE) model is seen as a solution to keep the consumption of the earth’s resources within planetary boundaries. In the regional context, the CE is promoted through various policy actions, one being the smart specialisation concept. This paper provides a novel approach to examining the spatial adaption of a CE through a conceptual framework of research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (S3) in Europe. This interdisciplinary research presents a multi-country comparison of S3 implementation in Europe in 12 regions that have defined the CE as a priority area. The data consist of interviews with representatives of organisations responsible for the regional S3 process. The findings indicate that a political demand exists for proceeding further with the construction of transformative activities involving the CE, but the models and stages of implementation vary. In addition, most regions still struggle with building specific monitoring and evaluation measures and mechanisms for the CE. Despite these challenges, promoting the CE as a strategic priority through the S3 process has, at least in some regions, helped define the CE targets and actions by focusing on existing regional assets and future potential.
Generating Clustering-Based Interval Fuzzy Type-2 Triangular and Trapezoidal Membership Functions: A Structured Literature Review
Authors: Khairuddin Siti Hajar , Hasan Mohd Hilmi , Hashmani Manzoor Ahmed , Azam Muhammad Hamza
Published: February 2021

Clustering is more popular than the expert knowledge approach in Interval Fuzzy Type-2 membership function construction because it can construct membership function automatically with less time consumption. Most research proposed a two-fuzzifier fuzzy C-Means clustering method to construct Interval Fuzzy Type-2 membership function which mainly focused on producing Gaussian membership function. The other two important membership functions, triangular and trapezoidal, are constructed using the grid partitioning method. However, the method suffers a drawback of not being able to represent actual data composition in the underlying dataset. Some research proposed triangular and trapezoidal membership functions construction using readily formed Fuzzy Type-1 membership functions, which means it remains unclear how the membership functions are heuristically constructed using fuzzy C-Means outputs. The triangular and trapezoidal membership functions are important because previous works have shown that they may produce superior performance than Gaussian membership function in some applications. Therefore, this paper presents a structured literature review on generating triangular and trapezoidal Interval Fuzzy Type-2 membership functions using fuzzy C-Means. Initially, 110 related manuscripts were collected from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. These manuscripts went through the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion processes, and as a result, 21 manuscripts were reviewed and discussed in this paper. To ensure that the review also covers the important components of fuzzy logic, this paper also reviews and discusses another 49 manuscripts on fuzzy calculation and operation. Furthermore, this paper also discusses the contributions of the conducted review to the body of knowledge, future research directions and challenges, with the aim to motivate the future works of constructing the methods to generate Interval Fuzzy Type-2 triangular and trapezoidal membership functions using fuzzy C-Means. The methods imply flexibility in choosing membership function type, hence increasing the effectiveness of fuzzy applications through leveraging the advantages that each of the three membership function types could provide.
On Convergence Analysis and Analytical Solutions of the Conformable Fractional Fitzhugh–Nagumo Model Using the Conformable Sumudu Decomposition Method
Authors: Alfaqeih Suliman , Mısırlı Emine
Published: February 2021

The current article studied a nonlinear transmission of the nerve impulse model, the Fitzhugh–Nagumo (FN) model, in the conformable fractional form with an efficient analytical approach based on a combination of conformable Sumudu transform and the Adomian decomposition method. Convergence analysis and error analysis were also carried out based on the Banach fixed point theory. We also provided some examples to support our results. The results obtained revealed that the presented approach is very fantastic, effective, reliable, and is an easy method to handle specific problems in various fields of applied sciences and engineering. The Mathematica software carried out all the computations and graphics in this paper.
An Improved Transient Search Optimization with Neighborhood Dimensional Learning for Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Yang Wenbiao , Xia Kewen , Li Tiejun , Xie Min , Zhao Yaning
Published: February 2021

The transient search algorithm (TSO) is a new physics-based metaheuristic algorithm that simulates the transient behavior of switching circuits, such as inductors and capacitors, but the algorithm suffers from slow convergence and has a poor ability to circumvent local optima when solving high-dimensional complex problems. To address these drawbacks, an improved transient search algorithm (ITSO) is proposed. Three strategies are introduced to the TSO. First, a chaotic opposition learning strategy is used to generate high-quality initial populations; second, an adaptive inertia weighting strategy is used to improve the exploration ability, exploitation ability, and convergence speed; finally, a neighborhood dimensional learning strategy is used to maintain population diversity with each iteration of merit seeking. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon’s rank sum test were also used by comparing the experiments with recently popular algorithms on 18 benchmark test functions of various types. Statistical results, nonparametric sign tests, and convergence curves all indicate that ITSO develops, explores, and converges significantly better than other popular algorithms, and is a promising intelligent optimization algorithm for applications.
Effective Complex Properties for Three-Phase Elastic Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Different Unit Cells
Authors: Sabina Federico J. , Espinosa-Almeyda Yoanh , Guinovart-Díaz Raúl , Rodríguez-Ramos Reinaldo , Camacho-Montes Héctor
Published: February 2021

The development of micromechanical models to predict the effective properties of multiphase composites is important for the design and optimization of new materials, as well as to improve our understanding about the structure–properties relationship. In this work, the two-scale asymptotic homogenization method (AHM) is implemented to calculate the out-of-plane effective complex-value properties of periodic three-phase elastic fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) with parallelogram unit cells. Matrix and inclusions materials have complex-valued properties. Closed analytical expressions for the local problems and the out-of-plane shear effective coefficients are given. The solution of the homogenized local problems is found using potential theory. Numerical results are reported and comparisons with data reported in the literature are shown. Good agreements are obtained. In addition, the effects of fiber volume fractions and spatial fiber distribution on the complex effective elastic properties are analyzed. An analysis of the shear effective properties enhancement is also studied for three-phase FRCs.
Biological Control and Mitigation of Aflatoxin Contamination in Commodities
Authors: Peles Ferenc , Sipos Péter , Kovács Szilvia , Győri Zoltán , Pócsi István , Pusztahelyi Tünde
Published: February 2021

Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites produced mostly by Aspergillus species. AF contamination entering the feed and food chain has been a crucial long-term issue for veterinarians, medicals, agroindustry experts, and researchers working in this field. Although different (physical, chemical, and biological) technologies have been developed, tested, and employed to mitigate the detrimental effects of mycotoxins, including AFs, universal methods are still not available to reduce AF levels in feed and food in the last decades. Possible biological control by bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, their excretes, the role of the ruminal degradation, pre-harvest biocontrol by competitive exclusion or biofungicides, and post-harvest technologies and practices based on biological agents currently used to alleviate the toxic effects of AFs are collected in this review. Pre-harvest biocontrol technologies can give us the greatest opportunity to reduce AF production on the spot. Together with post-harvest applications of bacteria or fungal cultures, these technologies can help us strictly reduce AF contamination without synthetic chemicals.
Animal Venom for Medical Usage in Pharmacopuncture in Korean Medicine: Current Status and Clinical Implication
Authors: Sung Soo-Hyun , Kim Ji-Won , Han Ji-Eun , Shin Byung-Cheul , Park Jang-Kyung , Lee Gihyun
Published: February 2021

Animal venoms, widespread throughout the world, are complex mixtures, the composition of which depends on the venom-producing species. The objective of this study was to contribute to the development of animal venom-based medicines by investigating the use of animal venom pharmacopuncture in Korean medicine (KM) institutions. We surveyed 256 public health centers from 1 through 31 October 2019 as guided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW). A questionnaire developed by an expert group was distributed and collected for statistical analysis. The survey identified three types of animal venom-based pharmacopuncture: bee, snake, and toad venoms. The medications are based on a single animal venom ingredient and produced in 11 external herbal dispensaries (EHDs). Each animal venom is processed, refined, and freeze-dried in a cleanroom to produce a powder formulation that is later measured, diluted, filtered, filled, sealed, sterilized, and packaged as pharmacopuncture injections used in KM institutions. Bee venom therapy is effective in treating musculoskeletal pain, snake venom therapy is effective in controlling bleeding during surgery, and toad venom therapy is effective in cancer treatment. The study suggests that bee, snake, and toad venoms could be used in medical institutions and have the potential for drug development.
Quaternion Algebra on 4D Superfluid Quantum Space-Time: Can Dark Matter Be a Manifestation of the Superfluid Ether?
Authors: Sbitnev Valeriy
Published: February 2021

Quaternions are a natural framework of 4D space-time, where the unit element relates to time, and three others relate to 3D space. We define a quaternion set of differential torsion operators (shifts with rotations) that act to the energy-momentum tensor written on the same quaternion basis. It results in the equations of gravity-torsion (gravitomagnetic) fields that are similar to Maxwell’s equations. These equations are parent equations, generating the following equations: (a) equations of the transverse gravity-torsion waves; (b) the vorticity equation describing vortices orbital speed of which grows monotonically in the vortex core but far from it, it goes to a permanent level; (c) the modified Navier–Stokes equation leading to the Schrödinger equation in the nonrelativistic limit and to the Dirac equation in the relativistic limit. The Ginsburg–Landau theory of superfluidity resulting from the Schrödinger equation shows the emergence of coupled proton-antiproton pairs forming the Bose–Einstein condensate. In the final part of the article, we describe Samokhvalov’s experiment with rotating nonelectric, nonferromagnetic massive disks in a vacuum. It demonstrates an unknown force transferring the rotational moment from the driving disk to a driven one. It can be a manifestation of the dark matter. For studying this phenomenon, we propose a neutron interference experiment that is like the Aharonov–Bohm one.
Possibilities of Detecting Light Dark Matter Produced via Drell-Yan Channel in a Fixed Target Experiment
Authors: Ursov Eduard , Anokhina Anna , Khalikov Emil , Vidulin Ivan , Roganova Tatiana
Published: February 2021

This work presents the complete modeling scheme of production and detection of two types of light dark matter (LDM)—Dirac fermionic and scalar particles—in a fixed target experiment using SHiP experiment as an example. The Drell-Yan process was chosen as a channel of LDM production; the deep inelastic scattering on lead nuclei was simulated and analyzed in the detector; the production of secondary particles was modeled with the aid of PYTHIA6 toolkit. Obtained observable parameters of secondary particles produced in events associated with LDM were compared with the background neutrino events that were simulated using GENIE toolkit. The yield of LDM events was calculated with various model parameter values. Using machine learning methods, a classifier that is able to distinguish LDM events from neutrino background events based on the observed parameters with high precision has been developed.
Urban Form Resilience: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional, Semi-Planned, and Planned Neighborhoods in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Sharifi Ayyoob , Roosta Maryam , Javadpoor Masoud
Published: February 2021

As cities are exposed to a portfolio of risks, the concept of resilience has risen to prominence over the past two decades. Consequently, a large volume of research has been published on different aspects of urban resilience. However, urban form resilience is still relatively understudied. As a step toward filling this gap, this study examines resilience of nine selected neighborhoods from Shiraz, an old Iranian city. The selected cases represent three different urban form patterns, namely, traditional, semi-planned, and planned. Different indicators related to the physical configuration of lots, blocks, open and green spaces, and street networks are used to examine resilience of each neighborhood to three major stressors, namely, earthquakes, extreme heat events, and floods. Additionally, a combination of Shannon entropy and the VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizcija I Kaompromisno Resenje in Serbian) method is used to rank the resilience of each neighborhood to each of the three stressors. Results show that, overall, the physical form of the planned neighborhoods is more conducive to urban resilience. In contrast, the urban form of traditional neighborhoods was found to be less resilient. There were, however, some variations depending on the type of stressor considered. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to consider social and economic factors in future studies of urban form resilience.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Moose (Alces alces), Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), and Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from Norway
Authors: Sacristán Carlos , Madslien Knut , Sacristán Irene , Klevar Siv , das Neves Carlos G.
Published: February 2021

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in Europe. Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and wild boars (S. scrofa) are recognized as important HEV reservoirs. Additionally, HEV infection and exposure have been described in cervids. In Norway, HEV has been identified in pigs and humans; however, little is known regarding its presence in wild ungulates in the country. We used a species-independent double-antigen sandwich ELISA to detect antibodies against HEV in the sera of 715 wild ungulates from Norway, including 164 moose (Alces alces), 186 wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), 177 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 86 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 102 muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). The overall seroprevalence was 12.3% (88/715). Wild reindeer had the highest seropositivity (23.1%, 43/186), followed by moose (19.5%, 32/164), muskoxen (5.9%, 6/102), and red deer (4%, 7/177). All roe deer were negative. According to our results, HEV is circulating in wild ungulates in Norway. The high seroprevalence observed in wild reindeer and moose indicates that these species may be potential reservoirs of HEV. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of HEV exposure in reindeer from Europe and in muskoxen worldwide.
Technological Spaces in the Semi-Arid High Plains: Examining Well Ownership and Investment in Water-Saving Appliances
Authors: Ternes Brock
Published: February 2021

Groundwater depletion has been a consequential problem in Kansas, a drought-prone state widely reliant on the High Plains aquifer. This manuscript explores well ownership’s moderating effects on the relationships between awareness of water supplies and the use of water-saving devices. It assesses one of the only quantitative datasets of private water well owners used in social scientific research (n = 864) and discusses the intricate results of multi-group structural equation models with respondents organized by their water supplies. Well ownership and water literacy are significantly correlated to owning water-conservation technologies, and well ownership combined with access to municipal water weakens the correlations between awareness and owning water-saving appliances.
A Highly Packed Biofilm Reactor with Cycle Cleaning for the Efficient Treatment of Rural Wastewater
Authors: Luan Yanan , Qiu Chen , Li Yaoxian , Kang Weichang , Zhang Jianhua , Liao Zuliang , Bi Xuejun
Published: February 2021

Biological treatment processes perform satisfactory in wastewater treatment, but the relatively high cost and complicated maintenance limit its application in rural areas. In this study, a highly packed biofilm reactor (HPBR), with a 90% packing ratio of carriers in the bioreactor, was designed for rural wastewater treatment. The results showed that the removal rates for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia were 3.04 ± 1.81 kg/m3/d and 0.49 ± 0.18 kg/m3/d, respectively. Besides, the removal efficiency of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) was 35.4% by the HPBR. The removal capacity of the HPBR is higher than other reported systems with fewer operational costs and maintenance. High-throughput sequencing was applied to further investigate the kinetics and principals. Microorganisms capable of simultaneous nitrification-denitrification were found to be dominant species in the HPBR system, which indicated that the nitrogen removal in HPBR is governed by simultaneous nitrification-denitrification. These findings suggest that HPBR can be used as an efficient reactor for rural wastewater treatment, demonstrating its feasibility in real applications.
Evolution of Salinity and Water Table Level of the Phreatic Coastal Aquifer of the Emilia Romagna Region (Italy)
Authors: Giambastiani Beatrice Maria Sole , Kidanemariam Assaye , Dagnew Addisu , Antonellini Marco
Published: February 2021

The coastal aquifers of the Mediterranean region are highly susceptible to seawater intrusion due to a combination of challenges such as land subsidence, high aquifer permeability, urbanization, drainage, and an unsustainable use of water during the dry summer months. The present study is focused on a statistical analysis of groundwater data to evaluate the spatial changes of water level and electrical conductivity in the coastal phreatic aquifer of the Emilia-Romagna (Northeast Italy) for the period from 2009 to 2018. Data from 35 wells distributed across the entire regional coastal area are used to establish a temporal trend, as well as correlations between salinity, water table level, and rainfall. Water table and salinity distribution maps for the entire study area are discussed regarding surface geology and water management. Most of the wells are in the beach wedge sand unit, which allows for easy connectivity between groundwater and surface water. Surface water and groundwater salinization are enhanced along the surface water bodies connected to the sea. The lowest water table level occurs in the western and northern parts of the study area, because of the semiconfined behavior of the aquifer. Only in the northernmost, close to the Po River, and in the southernmost parts of the study area does the groundwater remain fresh for the whole period considered due to river aquifer recharge. In the rest of the region, the thickness of freshwater lenses, where present, is less than 4.5 m. The existence of a water table level below sea level and high saline water at the bottom of the aquifer in most of the study area suggest that the aquifer is in unstable hydrodynamic conditions and groundwater quality is not fit for human consumption or for irrigation. This study is the first to provide a regional overview of the state of groundwater level and salinization within the coastal aquifer of the Emilia-Romagna Region; it also suggests that, overall, the salinization trend has slightly decreased from 2009 to 2018.
Hydrological and Hydro-Meteorological Extremes and Related Risk and Uncertainty
Authors: Loukas Athanasios , Garrote Luis , Vasiliades Lampros
Published: February 2021

Natural hazards have caused significant damages to natural and manmade environments during the last few decades [...]
Flood Suspended Sediment Transport: Combined Modelling from Dilute to Hyper-Concentrated Flow
Authors: Pu Jaan H. , Wallwork Joseph T. , Khan Md. Amir , Pandey Manish , Pourshahbaz Hanif , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Hanmaiahgari Prashanth R. , Gough Tim
Published: February 2021

During flooding, the suspended sediment transport usually experiences a wide-range of dilute to hyper-concentrated suspended sediment transport depending on the local flow and ground conditions. This paper assesses the distribution of sediment for a variety of hyper-concentrated and dilute flows. Due to the differences between hyper-concentrated and dilute flows, a linear-power coupled model is proposed to integrate these considerations. A parameterised method combining the sediment size, Rouse number, mean concentration, and flow depth parameters has been used for modelling the sediment profile. The accuracy of the proposed model has been verified against the reported laboratory measurements and comparison with other published analytical methods. The proposed method has been shown to effectively compute the concentration profile for a wide range of suspended sediment conditions from hyper-concentrated to dilute flows. Detailed comparisons reveal that the proposed model calculates the dilute profile with good correspondence to the measured data and other modelling results from literature. For the hyper-concentrated profile, a clear division of lower (bed-load) to upper layer (suspended-load) transport can be observed in the measured data. Using the proposed model, the transitional point from this lower to upper layer transport can be calculated precisely.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA DE RESÍDUOS DE PAPEL TÉRMICO VISANDO OBTENÇÃO DE PRODUTOS DERIVADOS DE AÇÚCARES
Authors: Soares Isaías Barbosa
Published: February 2021

Diariamente, grandes quantidades de resíduos de papel são desperdiçadas por diferentes segmentos da sociedade, como bancos, universidades e escritórios. Esses materiais são principalmente jornais, papel de escritório, papelão, folders e revistas que podem potencialmente ser uma fonte de açúcares fermentáveis, devido ao alto teor de celulose contido em sua estrutura química. Recentemente, no entanto, há uma preocupação crescente com um determinado tipo de papel, normalmente utilizado para a impressão de recibos de loja, chamado papel térmico. É um resíduo sem qualquer propósito de uso, e que está bastante disponível no ambiente. No presente trabalho, foi utilizada uma metodologia validada amplamente utilizada para análise de resíduos lignocelulósicos (aplicados principalmente para resíduos de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar) na caracterização química desses resíduos. Os resultados mostraram que a metodologia foi aplicada com sucesso ao papel térmico (com perdas inferiores a 0,5%). Um alto teor de celulose (aproximadamente 88%) foi encontrado nas amostras, o que indica que o material tem um alto potencial para produtos derivados do açúcar
REVITALIZAÇÃO DE CORPOS DÁGUA COM O USO DA BIORREMEDIAÇÃO
Authors: Souza Luís Henrique Nunes de , Arruda Regina De Oliveira Moraes
Published: February 2021

Água é a principal e essencial fonte de vida, indispensável para há vida como compreendemos, com está mentalidade de preservação da vida e das águas, métodos como biorremediação foram desenvolvidas para tratar algumas dessas fontes de vida ou tratar contaminações nas massas de água. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revitalizar a massa dagua presente no interior do Zoológico Município de Guarulhos  SP, por meio de técnicas de Biorremediação. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos foi realizados métodos de biorremediação mediante, bioaumentação por meio de um misto de bactérias heterotróficas, bolores e leveduras e bioestimulação por equipamentos do laboratório. As coletas obedeceram aos parâmetros de preservação e transporte, estabelecidos pela Agência Nacional de Águas. Foram analisadas as variáveis; condutividade elétrica (CE), clorofila a (CL), coliformes termotolerantes (CF), demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), nitrogênio total (NT), oxigênio dissolvido (OD), pH, Fósforo  total (PT), sólidos totais (ST), temperatura (T) e Turbidez (TU). Foram calculados o índice de qualidade das águas (IQA) e do índice do estado estrófico (IET). O tratamento foi feito por 7 dias na Incubadora a 30ºC/ 135 rpm. Dentre os métodos avaliados tanto a bioaumentação como a biorremediação com um produto comercial (composto por  bactérias heterotróficas, bolores e leveduras,  bactérias anaeróbicas facultativas) não apresentou efeito sobre a eutrofização e qualidade geral das águas do lago estudado, nas condições estudadas. Novos estudos com diferentes biorremediadores devem ser realizados a fim de solucionar o problema de lagos urbanos eutrofizados
O compartilhamento de conhecimentos por intermédio de vídeos
Authors: Melo Felipe Pereira de , Bernardelli Fabrício Ricardo Tomaz , Scarabelli Bruna Hernandes , Schraiber Fernanda Crocetta , Marchi Luis Augusto Sautchuk , Urpia Arthur Gualberto Bacelar da Cruz
Published: February 2021

As constantes transformações no cenário social, proporcionaram um grande acúmulo de conhecimentos e informações por parte dos indivíduos, não se trata apenas de possuir a informação, mas saber de que forma torná-la valor e potencializar em oportunidades. Assim sendo, utilizar os recursos tecnológicos disponíveis para o compartilhamento do conhecimento torna-se essencial para a ampliação do conhecimento como um todo, diante da perspectiva de que a troca de conhecimentos gera crescimento. Diante disso, o objetivo geral deste trabalho é analisar o processo de compartilhamento do conhecimento por intermédio de vídeos em uma turma de Pós-graduação stricto sensu de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) do norte do Paraná. Para tal, do ponto de vista metodológico, esta pesquisa aplicada se enquadra, quanto ao procedimento, como um estudo de caso. Como principal resultado, observa-se que, com base nas análises das interpretações pessoais dos integrantes do grupo de trabalho utilizado na pesquisa, o exercício das práticas de compartilhamento da Gestão do Conhecimento empregados na preparação e elaboração dos vídeos resumos facilitaram no processo de aprendizagem de forma a garantir que o conhecimento transpassasse muito além do que estava apenas nos textos, trazendo ricas contribuições advindas das experiências e das discussões, gerindo o conhecimento por meio da Gestão do Conhecimento e proporcionando a transformação do conhecimento tácito em explícito.