bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Estimating Tropical Forest Canopy Height from Planet Dove Imagery
Authors: Csillik Ovidiu , Kumar Pramukta , Asner Gregory P.
Published: April 2020

Monitoring tropical forests using spaceborne and airborne remote sensing capabilities is important for informing environmental policies and conservation actions. Developing large-scale machine learning estimation models of forest structure is instrumental in bridging the gap between retrospective analysis and near-real-time monitoring. However, most approaches use moderate spatial resolution satellite data with limited capabilities of frequent updating. Here, we take advantage of the high spatial and temporal resolutions of Planet Dove images and aim to automatically estimate top-of-canopy height (TCH) for the biologically diverse country of Peru from satellite imagery at 1 ha spatial resolution by building a model that associates Planet Dove textural features with airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) measurements of TCH. We use and modify features derived from Fourier textural ordination (FOTO) of Planet Dove images using spectral projection and train a gradient boosted regression for TCH estimation. We discuss the technical and scientific challenges involved in the generation of reliable mechanisms for estimating TCH from Planet Dove satellite image spectral and textural features. Our developed software toolchain is a robust and generalizable regression model that provides a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.36 m for Peru. This represents a helpful advancement towards better monitoring of tropical forests and improves efforts in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), an important climate change mitigation approach.
Regional Dependence of Atmospheric Responses to Oceanic Eddies in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ji Jinlin , Ma Jing , Dong Changming , Chiang John , Chen Dake
Published: April 2020

Based on sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) from satellite altimeter and microwave radiometer datasets, this study investigates atmospheric responses to oceanic eddies in four subdomains of the North Pacific Ocean with strongest eddy activity: Kuroshio Extension (KE), Subtropical Front (SF), California Coastal Current (CC) and Aleutian Islands (AI). Analyses show that anticyclonic eddies cause sea surface temperature, surface wind speed and precipitation rate to increase in all four subdomains, and vice versa. Through a further examination of the regional dependence of atmospheric responses to oceanic eddies, it is found that the strongest and the weakest surface wind speed responses (in winter and summer) are observed in the KE and AI region, respectively. For precipitation rate, seasonal variation of the atmospheric responses to oceanic eddies is strongest in winter and weakest in summer in the KE, CC and AI regions, but stronger in summer in the SF area. The reasons for such regional dependence and seasonality are the differences in the strength of SST anomalies, the vertical kinetic energy flux and atmospheric instability in the four subdomains.
Low-Rank Hypergraph Hashing for Large-Scale Remote Sensing Image Retrieval
Authors: Kong Jie , Sun Quansen , Mukherjee Mithun , Lloret Jaime
Published: April 2020

As remote sensing (RS) images increase dramatically, the demand for remote sensing image retrieval (RSIR) is growing, and has received more and more attention. The characteristics of RS images, e.g., large volume, diversity and high complexity, make RSIR more challenging in terms of speed and accuracy. To reduce the retrieval complexity of RSIR, a hashing technique has been widely used for RSIR, mapping high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional Hamming space while preserving the similarity structure of data. In order to improve hashing performance, we propose a new hash learning method, named low-rank hypergraph hashing (LHH), to accomplish for the large-scale RSIR task. First, LHH employs a l2-1 norm to constrain the projection matrix to reduce the noise and redundancy among features. In addition, low-rankness is also imposed on the projection matrix to exploit its global structure. Second, LHH uses hypergraphs to capture the high-order relationship among data, and is very suitable to explore the complex structure of RS images. Finally, an iterative algorithm is developed to generate high-quality hash codes and efficiently solve the proposed optimization problem with a theoretical convergence guarantee. Extensive experiments are conducted on three RS image datasets and one natural image dataset that are publicly available. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LHH outperforms the existing hashing learning in RSIR tasks.
Case Study of a Retrieval Method of 3D Proxy Reflectivity from FY-4A Lightning Data and Its Impact on the Assimilation and Forecasting for Severe Rainfall Storms
Authors: Chen Yaodeng , Yu Zheng , Han Wei , He Jing , Chen Min
Published: April 2020

As the first Geostationary Satellite with the LMI (Lightning Mapping Imager) instrument aboard running over the eastern hemisphere, FY-4A (Feng-Yun-4A) can better indicate severe convection and compensate for the limitations of radar observation in temporal and spatial resolution. In order to realize the application of FY-4A lightning data in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, a logarithmic relationship between FY-4A lightning density and maximum radar reflectivity is presented to convert FY-4A lightning data into maximum FY-4A proxy reflectivity. Then, according to the profiles of radar reflectivity, the maximum FY-4A proxy reflectivity is extended to 3D FY-4A proxy reflectivity. Finally, the 3D FY-4A proxy reflectivity is assimilated in RMAPS-ST (Rapid-refresh Multi-scale Analysis and Prediction System—Short Term) to compare with radar assimilation. Four groups of continuous cycling data assimilation and forecasting experiments are carried out for a severe rainfall case. The results demonstrate that cycling assimilation of 3D FY-4A proxy reflectivity can adjust the moisture condition effectively, and indirectly affects the temperature and wind fields, then makes the thermal and dynamic analysis more reasonable. The Fractions Skill Scores (FSSs) show that the rainfall forecasts are improved significantly within 6 h by assimilating 3D FY-4A proxy reflectivity, which is similar to the parallel experiments in assimilating radar reflectivity. In addition, other cycling data assimilation experiments are carried out in mountainous areas without radar data. The improvement of precipitation forecasts in mountainous areas further proves that the application of assimilating 3D FY-4A proxy reflectivity can be considered a useful substitute where observed radar data are missing. Through the two severe rainfall cases, this method could be framed as an example of how to use lightning for data assimilation.
Uncertainty in Measured Raindrop Size Distributions from Four Types of Collocated Instruments
Authors: Chang Wei-Yu , Lee GyuWon , Jou Ben Jong-Dao , Lee Wen-Chau , Lin Pay-Liam , Yu Cheng-Ku
Published: April 2020

Four types (2D-video disdrometer: 2DVD; precipitation occurrence sensor system: POSS; micro-rain radar: MRR; and Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer: JWD) of sixteen instruments were collocated within a square area of 400 m2 from 16 April to 8 May 2008 for intercomparison of drop size distribution (DSD) of rain. This unique dataset was used to study the inherent measurement uncertainty due to the diversity of the measuring principles and sampling sizes of the four types of instruments. The DSD intercomparison shows generally good agreement among them, except that the POSS and MRR had higher concentrations of small raindrops (<1.0 mm) and offered a better chance to observe big raindrops (>5.2 mm). The measurement uncertainty ( σ ) was obtained quantitatively after considering the zero or non-zero measurement error covariance between two instruments of the same type. The results indicate the measurement uncertainties were found to be neither independent nor identical among the same type of instruments. The MRR is relatively accurate (lower σ ) due to large sampling volumes and accurate measurement of the Doppler power spectrum. The JWD is the least accurate due to the small sampling volumes. The σ decreases rapidly with increasing time-averaging window. The 2DVD shows the best accuracy of R in longer averaging time, but this is not true for Z due to the small sampling volume. The MRR outperformed other instruments for Z for entire averaging time due to its measuring principle.
Assessment of Sampling Effects on Various Satellite-Derived Integrated Water Vapor Datasets Using GPS Measurements in Germany as Reference
Authors: Carbajal Henken Cintia , Dirks Lisa , Steinke Sandra , Diedrich Hannes , August Thomas , Crewell Susanne
Published: April 2020

Passive imagers on polar-orbiting satellites provide long-term, accurate integrated water vapor (IWV) data sets. However, these climatologies are affected by sampling biases. In Germany, a dense Global Navigation Satellite System network provides accurate IWV measurements not limited by weather conditions and with high temporal resolution. Therefore, they serve as a reference to assess the quality and sampling issues of IWV products from multiple satellite instruments that show different orbital and instrument characteristics. A direct pairwise comparison between one year of IWV data from GPS and satellite instruments reveals overall biases (in kg/m

2

) of 1.77, 1.36, 1.11, and −0.31 for IASI, MIRS, MODIS, and MODIS-FUB, respectively. Computed monthly means show similar behaviors. No significant impact of averaging time and the low temporal sampling on aggregated satellite IWV data is found, mostly related to the noisy weather conditions in the German domain. In combination with SEVIRI cloud coverage, a change of shape of IWV frequency distributions towards a bi-modal distribution and loss of high IWV values are observed when limiting cases to daytime and clear sky. Overall, sampling affects mean IWV values only marginally, which are rather dominated by the overall retrieval bias, but can lead to significant changes in IWV frequency distributions.
An Automatic Method for Black Margin Elimination of Sentinel-1A Images over Antarctica
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Holland David M.
Published: April 2020

The Sentinel-1A satellite was launched in April 2014 with a primary C-Band terrain observation with progressive scans synthetic aperture radar (TOPSAR) onboard and has collected plenty of high-quality images for global change studies. However, low magnitude signals around image margins (black margins) does not preserve the normal standard level, influencing the potential usage with these data. Through image analysis, we find that the signal from black margin (BM) is highly dominated by the closest effective signals and the signal in BM shows an increasing trend along the direction from image boundary to image center. An edge detector is developed based on the signal characteristics of BM. Furthermore, an automatic method to discriminate and eliminate BM is designed. Images from both extra wide (EW) and interferometric wide (IW) swath observation modes, covering the land, ocean, and coast of the Antarctic, are taken to verify the robustness of our method. Through comparison with BM edges extracted by human interpretation, our method has the maximum BM edge extraction error of 1.9 ± 3.2 pixels. When considering perimeter (or area) difference along radial direction of BM edge, our method has an averaging extraction accuracy of −0.35 ± 0.11 (or 0.14 ± 1.38) pixels, which suggests that our method is effective and can be potentially used to eliminate BM for multidisciplinary applications of Sentinel-1 data.
DNAzyme-Based Target-Triggered Rolling-Circle Amplification for High Sensitivity Detection of microRNAs
Authors: Liu Chen , Han Jialun , Zhou Lujian , Zhang Jingjing , Du Jie
Published: April 2020

MicroRNAs regulate and control the growth and development of cells and can play the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which are involved in the occurrence and development of cancers. In this study, DNA fragments obtained by target-induced rolling-circle amplification were constructed to complement with self-cleaving deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) and release fluorescence biomolecules. This sensing approach can affect multiple signal amplification permitting fluorescence detection of microRNAs at the pmol L−1 level hence affording a simple, highly sensitive, and selective low cost detection platform.
Investigation of Machine Learning Approaches for Traumatic Brain Injury Classification via EEG Assessment in Mice
Authors: Vishwanath Manoj , Jafarlou Salar , Shin Ikhwan , Lim Miranda M. , Dutt Nikil , Rahmani Amir M. , Cao Hung
Published: April 2020

Due to the difficulties and complications in the quantitative assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its increasing relevance in today’s world, robust detection of TBI has become more significant than ever. In this work, we investigate several machine learning approaches to assess their performance in classifying electroencephalogram (EEG) data of TBI in a mouse model. Algorithms such as decision trees (DT), random forest (RF), neural network (NN), support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) were analyzed based on their performance to classify mild TBI (mTBI) data from those of the control group in wake stages for different epoch lengths. Average power in different frequency sub-bands and alpha:theta power ratio in EEG were used as input features for machine learning approaches. Results in this mouse model were promising, suggesting similar approaches may be applicable to detect TBI in humans in practical scenarios.
Silicon Photomultiplier Sensor Interface Based on a Discrete Second Generation Voltage Conveyor
Authors: Stornelli Vincenzo , Pantoli Leonardo , Barile Gianluca , Leoni Alfiero , D’Amico Emanuele
Published: April 2020

This work presents the design of a discrete second-generation voltage conveyor (VCII) and its capability to be used as electronic interface for silicon photomultipliers. The design addressed here exploits directly at the transistor level, with commercial components, the proposed interface; the obtained performance is valuable considering both the discrete elements and the application. The architecture adopted here realizes a transimpedance amplifier that is also able to drive very high input impedance, as usually requested by photons detection. Schematic and circuital design of the discrete second-generation voltage conveyor is presented and discussed. The complete circuit interface requires a bias current of 20 mA with a dual 5V supply voltage; it has a useful bandwidth of about 106 MHz, and considering also the reduced dimensions, it is a good candidate to be used in portable applications without the need of high-cost dedicated integrated circuits.
Feasibility Assessments Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology in Heritage Buildings: Rehabilitation-Restoration, Spatial Analysis and Tourism Potential Analysis
Authors: Sestras Paul , Roșca Sanda , Bilașco Ștefan , Naș Sanda , Buru Stefan M. , Kovacs Leontina , Spalević Velibor , Sestras Adriana F.
Published: April 2020

The Transylvanian region of Romania is a place of rich history since ancient times, where the original natural environment around architectural heritage sites or buildings has not been severely altered by urban development. Unfortunately, many such places are left by the authorities to degrade or totally collapse for lack of funds, vision or initiatives. The current paper addresses the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the assessment of a viable and feasible prospect of restoration on a 19th century mansion that belonged to a nobiliary family. UAV use is rising in many industries and has become very popular in the last decade, but for survey engineering and related domains they represent a quantum leap in technology. Integrating UAV-acquired data and structure from motion software, has enabled modern techniques to obtain useful metrics from the field, accurate photorealistic 3D models for visual inspection, structural damage analyses, architectural rehabilitation-restoration, conservation and spatial analysis of the surrounding area. In this work a socio-cultural planning and design process is explored and presented to improve the local community and inclusion in a tourist circuit based on the regional potential, as well as an evaluation of accessibility derived from a vector-raster database that highlights the central position of the cultural heritage in regards to the axis of circulation between the important metropolitan areas and the local tourist attractions. This established workflow of modern topographic and construction measurements is fully integrable into the architectural process, building information modelling, heritage conservation and reconstruction.
Effect of Open-Ended Coaxial Probe-to-Tissue Contact Pressure on Dielectric Measurements
Authors: Maenhout Gertjan , Markovic Tomislav , Ocket Ilja , Nauwelaers Bart
Published: April 2020

Open-ended coaxial probes are widely used to gather dielectric properties of biological tissues. Due to the lack of an agreed data acquisition protocol, several environmental conditions can cause inaccuracies when comparing dielectric data. In this work, the effect of a different measurement probe-to-tissue contact pressure was monitored in the frequency range from 0.5 to 20 GHz. Therefore, we constructed a controlled lifting platform with an integrated pressure sensor to exert a constant pressure on the tissue sample during the dielectric measurement. In the pressure range from 7.74 kPa to 77.4 kPa, we observed a linear correlation of − 0.31 ± 0.09 % and − 0.32 ± 0.14 % per kPa for, respectively, the relative real and imaginary complex permittivity. These values are statistically significant compared with the reported measurement uncertainty. Following the literature in different biology-related disciplines regarding pressure-induced variability in measurements, we hypothesize that these changes originate from squeezing out the interstitial and extracellular fluid. This process locally increases the concentration of membranes, cellular organelles, and proteins in the sensed volume. Finally, we suggest moving towards a standardized probe-to-tissue contact pressure, since the literature has already demonstrated that reprobing at the same pressure can produce repeatable data within a 1% uncertainty interval.
Do Local Food Products Contribute to Sustainable Economic Development?
Authors: Cvijanović Drago , Ignjatijević Svetlana , Vapa Tankosić Jelena , Cvijanović Vojin
Published: April 2020

Local food production benefits sustainable regional development and should be considered as one the pillars of sustainable regional development strategies. Local food producers share a common heritage because of the cultural and historical ties in their regions, while consumers tend to value food products produced locally. The purpose of this article was to explore market participants’ attitudes toward the impact of local food product attributes on sustainable regional development. The authors’ findings on the main advantages and barriers to consumption of local food products have pointed out the complexity of the relationships between market participants (i.e., producers and consumers) and indicated that a deeper understanding is necessary for overall economic development. The problems of local food products in Serbia, in the context of sustainable regional development, have not been investigated so far, and for this reason, it is important to analyze the differences between consumer and producer attitudes to reduce this perceived gap in the literature. In this way, these insights can offer opportunities for strategic actions in regard to the local food product supply and consumption, with the aim of including different regional stakeholders.
Impacts of 1.5 °C and 2 °C Global Warming on Net Primary Productivity and Carbon Balance in China’s Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Yu Li , Gu Fengxue , Huang Mei , Tao Bo , Hao Man , Wang Zhaosheng
Published: April 2020

Assessing potential impacts of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming and identifying the risks of further 0.5 °C warming are crucial for climate adaptation and disaster risk management. Four earth system models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and a process-based ecosystem model are used in this study to assess the impacts and potential risks of the two warming targets on the carbon cycle of China’s terrestrial ecosystems. Results show that warming generally stimulates the increase of net primary productivity (NPP) and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) under both representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The projected increments of NPP are higher at 2 °C warming than that at 1.5 °C warming for both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios; approximately 13% and 19% under RCP4.5, and 12.5% and 20% under RCP8.5 at 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming, respectively. However, the increasing rate of NPP was projected to decline at 2 °C warming under the RCP4.5 scenario, and the further 0.5 °C temperature rising induces the decreased NPP linear slopes in more than 81% areas of China’s ecosystems. The total NEP is projected to be increased by 53% at 1.5 °C, and by 81% at 2 °C warming. NEP was projected to increase approximately by 28% with the additional 0.5 °C warming. Furthermore, the increasing rate of NEP weakens at 2 °C warming, especially under the RCP8.5 scenario. In summary, China’s total NPP and NEP were projected to increase under both 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming scenarios, although adverse effects (i.e., the drop of NPP growth and the reduction of carbon sequestration capacity) would occur in some regions such as northern China in the process of global warming.
Teacher Training in Lifelong Learning—The Importance of Digital Competence in the Encouragement of Teaching Innovation
Authors: Garzón Artacho Esther , Martínez Tomás Sola , Ortega Martín José Luís , Marín Marín José Antonio , Gómez García Gerardo
Published: April 2020

The vertiginous advance of society in recent years has forced a modification of demands among citizens and educators. The arrival of information and communication technologies to the educational atmosphere has led to the development of the digital competence of teachers, which is one of the educational challenges teacher training has to face now. Based on this, this work intends to carry out an evaluation of the development of digital competence in teachers of the Lifelong Learning stage in the community of Andalusia (Spain). In order to do so, a quantitative and transversal work design was used, with a sample of 142 teachers from different schools in this area. The results showed a deficit of teachers in the five digital dimensions, especially in the creation of digital content. It was also clarified that there was a direct relationship between previous information and communication technology (ICT) training and the dimensions of communication and collaboration, and content creation. Finally, the work here showed that the teachers concerned with preservice ICT training were young and with less than 10 years of experience. In conclusion, the development of digital teaching competence continues to be a challenge for the education system which must therefore be addressed, and it shall continue to be a key issue in the training of current teachers, as it is indeed a fundamental pillar for promoting a new way of teaching, being the only way to develop an areal teaching innovation panorama.
Driving Mechanism of Port-City Spatial Relation Evolution from an Ecological Perspective: Case Study of Xiamen Port of China
Authors: Yu Ling , Xu Pengfei , Shi Jia , Chen Jihong , Zhen Hong
Published: April 2020

With the economic globalization continuing to advance, coastal port cities have enjoyed increasingly prominent status and roles as the link between the sea and the land and an important window of foreign trade and exchanges. However, port cities, while embracing rapid development, have also produced a significant impact on natural resources and the ecological environment. Ecological environment protection has become a must-consider factor for sustainable development of port cities. To secure coordinated and sustainable development of ports and cities, this paper utilizes the system dynamics theory and approaches the subject from driver analysis. In the traditional port-city collaboration system model, indicators of ecological perspectives such as land resources and environmental protection are introduced to build a dynamic model for the spatial evolution system of port-city coupling system based on ecological protection, and the dynamic mechanism of port-city spatial relation evolution is analyzed in depth with a case study of Dongdu Port Area of Xiamen Port. The model’s simulation results show that from an ecological perspective, the spatial distance between the port and the city is critical to their sustainable and coordinated development. Only after the port-city spatial distance increases moderately can the development efficiency of the port-city system welcomes a relatively significant increase. Managing the port-city distance well has a significant driving effect on capacity enhancement of the port and economic development of the city. This provides a theoretical reference for further studies on port-city coordinated and sustainable development and provides constructive suggestions for the government to make relevant decisions.
Are Socially Responsible Companies Really Ethical? The Moderating Role of State-Owned Enterprises: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Safdar Sial Muhammad , Tran Dang Khoa , Alhaddad Waseem , Hwang Jinsoo , Thu Phung Anh
Published: April 2020

The present research aims to explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility and earnings management (EM). For this study, we utilized the panel data of companies registered with the Shanghai and the Shenzhen stock exchanges. The data consists of 10years of financial data from 2010 to 2019. After a thorough investigation, we discovered that CSR hurts the EM practice, which mainly relates to the prevalence of the ethical stance and the moral stance in corporate decision-making. When firms engage in activities about CSR, they tend to improve their corporate image and their social image as the stakeholder satisfaction level increases. The results also indicate that, when firms engage in these types of activities, they tend to incorporate practices related to CSR as part of their corporate strategy. This also results in a higher moral standing amongst the decision-makers, and they prefer to reject malpractices, such as EM, as a result. In the case of the Chinese state-owned firms, the results indicate that these companies increasingly engage in real earnings management (REM), even though they have increased their CSR activities. The results point towards management opportunism with Chinese state-owned companies.
Linking Work-Family Conflict (WFC) and Talent Management: Insights from a Developing Country
Authors: Ahmad Mahira , Muazzam Amina , Anjum Ambreen , Visvizi Anna , Nawaz Raheel
Published: April 2020

Considering the profound societal change taking place in several developing countries, the objective of this paper is to reflect on work-family conflict (WFC) both as a concept and a social phenomenon. Given that WFC is a concept rooted in academic debate focusing on developments in Western, largely individualistic, societies, this paper reconsiders WFC’s value added as applied in a context of a collectivist society in a developing country. The objective of this paper is thus threefold, i.e., (i) to assess WFC’s applicability in a context of a collectivist society in a developing country, where the position and role of women gradually changes; (ii) to develop a culturally adjusted/sensitive scale to measure the scope of WFC in Pakistan, whereby the latter is treated here as a case study; and (iii) to reflect on the possibility of devising a set of good practices that would allow a smooth inclusion of women in the formal workforce, while at the same time mitigating the scope and scale of WFC. The value added of this paper stems from these three objectives.
Exploring the Systematic Attributes Influencing Gerontechnology Adoption for Elderly Users Using a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Jining , Zhang Bo , Tan Runhua , Tseng Ming-Lang , Zhang Yaya
Published: April 2020

This study aims to explore the key systematic attributes influencing the acceptance of gerontechnology by seniors in response to global aging and rapid technological progress. A meta-analysis was carried out to quantitatively synthesize the results of 25 empirical studies published from 2010 to 2020. After standardized coding and descriptive statistics, as well as tests and analysis of main effects and heterogeneity, publication bias. The following results were obtained: Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a significant positive impact on the user’s attitude and behavioral intention; performance expectancy, effort expectancy, trust, technical performance and subjective norm have a significant positive correlation with the user’s behavioral intention; social influence, facilitating conditions have a positive correlation with the user’s behavioral intention; anxiety has a significant negative correlation to the user’s behavioral intention. The key systematic influencing attributes are classified into three categories: (1) User individual characteristics; (2) product and technical characteristics; and (3) environmental characteristics. This study provides researchers and practitioners with a systematic evidence-based basis to reduce the gap in decision-making for gerontechnology practices.
On the Design of an Integrated System for Wave Energy Conversion Purpose with the Reaction Mass on Board
Authors: Wu Jinming , Ni Zhonghua
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we investigate the design of an integrated system consisting of two non-rigidly connected bodies: A floating buoy and an emerged offshore structure. When waves excite the buoy to oscillate, the relative motion between the two bodies are converted to useful energy through a spring damper system, resulting in wave energy being absorbed. The parameter to design includes the mass and underwater shape of the buoy. The spring stiffness of the power take-off (PTO) system is constrained to be non-negative with the concerns of complexity in implementation and system stability. Results suggest that a larger mass of the buoy is advantageous due to smaller optimal spring stiffness and damping coefficient of the PTO system, more absorbed wave power, and less motion amplitude of the two bodies. A favorable underwater shape of the buoy is characterized by large diameter to draft ratio, with the section profile preferring a circle or square rather than an equilateral triangle. Investigations on the designed buoy in irregular waves show that the integrated system presents its peak power absorption within the common range of energy period, and the motion amplitude of the offshore structure is larger than the wave amplitude in a certain range of sea states.
As-Hg Compound Pollution: Rice Growth, Yield, and Environmental Safety Limits
Authors: Cao Mengzhuo , He Shanying , Islam Ejazul , Hong Chunlai , Wang Weiping , Yao Yanlai , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhu Fengxiang
Published: April 2020

With rapid economic and industrial development, the potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution of farmlands in China has become increasingly serious. Based on the Hakanson potential ecological risk index (RI) and national food pollutant limit standards (GB 2762-2017), the effects of exogenous potentially toxic elements (PTEs), i.e., arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), on rice growth were studied. Common varieties of hybrid (YY 538, CY 84) and conventional (XS 134, JH 218) rice were grown in pots having representative paddy soil from Zhejiang Province, China. The results showed that As and Hg in soil significantly inhibited growth; however, the plant height of hybrid rice was less affected. Further, there were significant correlations between concentrations of PTEs in soil and rice grains; however, hybrid rice had a stronger ability to absorb and accumulate PTEs. The comprehensive potential ecological RI of soil PTEs was 39.4–89.9, which is below the level of ‘minor ecological hazard’, and the contribution rate of Hg was 79.9%–84.2%; as such, Hg posed the greatest potential ecological risk in the study area. The ecological risk limits of As and Hg in the safe production of different rice varieties decreased in the order XS 134 > JH 218 > YY 538 > CY 84. The ecological risk limits of As and Hg for conventional rice were higher, and the risk limits of As and Hg for hybrid rice were lower, than the limit of the soil environmental quality assessment index in the national “Soil quality control criteria for soil pollution in agricultural land (for trial implementation) (Trial)” (GB15618-2018). The health risk limit of soil As in the typical paddy soil of China decreased in the order XS 134 > JH 218 > CY 84 > YY 538. The health risk limit of Hg decreased in the order XS 134 > JH 218 > YY 538 > CY 84. The health risk limit of As was lower, whereas the risk limit of Hg was higher, than the limit of the soil environmental quality evaluation index in the national “Soil quality control criteria for soil pollution in agricultural land (for trial implementation) (Trial)”(GB15618-2018).
Creating Sustainable Order Fulfillment Processes through Managing the Risk: Evidence from the Disposable Products Industry
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Lai Kin Keung , Zhou Xiaohu
Published: April 2020

Retailers face a major operational challenge in fulfilling online orders while managing their traditional store-based distribution processes. In this context, the following order fulfillment options available to retailers are considered: store-facing distribution centers (DCs), dedicated order fulfillment facilities (DTCs), retail stores, and direct-fill by vendors. The current study provides an order fulfillment evaluation for the Disposable Products Industry, which is one of the industries that have a tremendous effect over the downstream industries, as it is the source for production. Also, the differences in the factor focus are provided for various parties and countries. The results show that the order fulfillment risk factors identified from various research studies are good enough for the Disposable Products Industry, even though they are not intentionally designed for this highly diversified industry. Among them, sustainability is the most important factor that the companies in the Disposable Products Industry should pay attention to. This is because sustainability is believed to lead to large deviations in various types of order fulfillment losses and incur a higher chance of having the order fulfillment failure for the companies with an international customer base. The companies should focus on how to improve the sustainability (long-term relationships with the various parties along the chain) rather than over-emphasis on the short-term documentation accuracy as the long-term improvement is likely to result in an overall improvement in performance on order fulfillment.
A Dynamic Spatial Panel of Subnational GHG Emissions: Environmental Effectiveness of Emissions Taxes in Spanish Regions
Authors: Vallés-Giménez Jaime , Zárate-Marco Anabel
Published: April 2020

In this paper we study the effectiveness of environmental taxes and policies of the regional level of government to reduce GHG emissions. We use panel data for the 17 Spanish regions in the period 1999–2017, controlling the spatial nexus between regions and using a dynamic Durbin model. The results show there is spatial dependence and spatio-temporal persistence of GHG emissions at the regional level in Spain, and that in this context, the taxes and policies intended to manage emissions introduce a slight disincentive to generating them. This fact, together with some relative decoupling which seems to exist between growth and emissions at the regional level, would suggest the need for tougher measures to combat environmental pollution in order to meet EU commitments.
A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses
Authors: Fulton Lawrence , Beauvais Bradley , Brooks Matthew , Kruse Clemens Scott , Lee Kimberly
Published: April 2020

A major consideration for consumers and the residential construction industry is the cost–benefit and break-even of various sustainable construction options. This research provides a publicly available simulation that allows users to compare baseline construction options versus sustainable options and evaluates both break-even costs as well as environmental effects. This R Shiny Monte Carlo simulation uses common pseudo-random number streams for replicability and includes options for solar, rainwater harvesting, wells, Icynene foam, engineered lumber, Energy Star windows and doors, low flow fixtures, aerobic/non-aerobic/city waste treatment, electric versus gasoline vehicles, and many other options. This is the first simulation to quantify multiple sustainable construction options, associated break-even points, and environmental considerations for public use. Using user default parameters, coupled with a 100% solar solution for a baseline 3000 square foot/279 square meter house with 2 occupants results in a break-even of 9 years. Results show that many of the sustainable options are both green for the environment and green for the pocketbook.
Soil Recovery Assessment after Timber Harvesting Based on the Sustainable Forest Operation (SFO) Perspective in Iranian Temperate Forests
Authors: Sohrabi Hadi , Jourgholami Meghdad , Jafari Mohammad , Shabanian Naghi , Venanzi Rachele , Tavankar Farzam , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: April 2020

Minimizing the impact of timber harvesting on forest stands and soils is one of the main goals of sustainable forest operation (SFO). Thus, it is necessary to make an accurate assessment of forest operations on soil that is based on the SFO perspective. The present study was conducted according to SFO principles to investigate the time required for the natural recovery of soil after disturbance by skidding operations in some Iranian forests. The physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil found in abandoned skid trails from different time periods were compared with undisturbed forest soils. The soil bulk density, the penetration resistance, and the microporosity of a 25-year-old skid trail were 8.4–27.4% and 50.4% greater, and the total porosity, macroporosity, and soil moisture were 1.9–17.1% and 4.6% lower than the undisturbed area. In a 25-year-old skid trail, the values of pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), C, N, available P, K, Ca, and Mg, earthworm density, and biomass were lower than in the undisturbed area, and the C/N ratio value was higher than in the undisturbed area. High traffic intensity and slope classes of 20–30% in a three-year-old skid trail had the greatest impact on soil properties. In order to have sustainable timber production, SFO should be developed and soil recovery time should be reduced through post-harvest management operation.
Improving Rural Accessibility: A Multilayer Approach
Authors: Vitale Brovarone Elisabetta , Cotella Giancarlo
Published: April 2020

Rural territories are worse equipped than urban ones in terms of accessibility to services and opportunities, due to their scattered development and peripheral character. Increasing cuts to loss-making services in traditional public transport contributed to increased social inequality and marginality, in so doing undermining the livability of rural communities. In this light, improving accessibility is an essential prerequisite for the sustainable development of rural areas. Whereas demand responsive transport solutions are often seen as a panacea in circumstances where traditional services are not viable, their implementation is more challenging than it may seem, due to the potential barriers intrinsically related to the differential socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional features of places. Furthermore, enhancing transport offer is only one side of the multifaceted prism of rural accessibility, and the institution of effective multi-level and multi-sector governance mechanisms is a precondition to approach the mentioned challenges under a more comprehensive perspective. Drawing on the results of the European Territorial Observatory Network (ESPON) Urban-Rural Connectivity in Non-Metropolitan Areas (URRUC) project, the paper sheds light on this issue, exploring the accessibility challenges of rural areas and proposing a multilayer policy approach aimed at supporting decision-makers in improving rural accessibility across Europe.
Analysis of the Reduction of Pollutant Emissions by the Vehicle Fleet of the City of Reggio Calabria Due to the Introduction of Ecological Vehicles
Authors: Marino Concettina , Monterosso Cosimo , Nucara Antonino , Panzera Maria Francesca , Pietrafesa Matilde
Published: April 2020

Nowadays, the effects of pollution at a global scale are mainly due to the emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2 in particular), especially generated by thermoelectrical plants, as well as the transport, industrial, and civil sectors. Moreover, local pollution effects are generated by several pollutants, such as CO, NOx, SOx, VOC, and PM, produced during combustion in transports or building thermal plants. Because of the increasing demand for mobility at an urban scale, pollution caused by transportation plays a significant role. To reduce its environmental impact, a partial or total replacement of old and polluting vehicles with more ecological ones must be urgently implemented. With this aim, in the paper, a detailed analysis of the vehicle fleet of the city of Reggio Calabria (Italy), with reference to passenger cars has been carried out, elaborating four scenarios to reduce their pollutant emissions from 2017 to 2025, both greenhouse gases and local scale ones, through the replacement of old and polluting vehicles with hybrid or electric ones.
Analysis of Techno-Economic-Environmental Suitability of an Isolated Microgrid System Located in a Remote Island of Bangladesh
Authors: Masrur Hasan , Howlader Harun Or Rashid , Elsayed Lotfy Mohammed , Khan Kaisar R. , Guerrero Josep M. , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: April 2020

Following a rise in population, load demand is increasing even in the remote areas and islands of Bangladesh. Being an island that is also far from the mainland of Bangladesh, St. Martin’s is in need of electricity. As it has ample renewable energy resources, a renewable energy-based microgrid system seems to be the ultimate solution, considering the ever-increasing price of diesel fuel. This study proposes a microgrid system and tests its technical and economic feasibility in that area. All possible configurations have been simulated to try and find the optimal system for the island, which would be eco-friendly and economical with and without considering renewable energy options. The existing power supply configuration has also been compared to the best system after analyzing and investigating all technical and economic feasibility. Sensitivity and risk analysis between different cases provide added value to this study. The results show that the current diesel-based system is not viable for the island’s people, but rather a heavy burden to them due to the high cost of per unit electricity and the net present cost. In contrast, a PV /Wind/Diesel/Battery hybrid microgrid appeared to be the most feasible system. The proposed system is found to be around 1.5 times and 28% inexpensive considering the net present cost and cost of energy, respectively, with a high (56%) share of renewable energy which reduces 23% carbon dioxide.
Performance, Body Water Balance, Ingestive Behavior and Blood Metabolites in Goats Fed with Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) Silage Subjected to An Intermittent Water Supply
Authors: Albuquerque Italo , Araújo Gherman , Santos Fernanda , Carvalho Gleidson , Santos Edson , Nobre Ismael , Bezerra Leilson , Silva-Júnior Jarbas , Silva-Filho Edson , Oliveira Ronaldo
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the performance, body water balance, ingestive behavior and blood metabolites in goats fed with cactus pear silage subjected to an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six goats were distributed in a randomized block design arranged as a 3 × 3 factorial with cactus pear silage in the goats’ diet (on a 0%, 21% and 42% dry matter-DM basis) and water offer frequency (ad libitum, and 24 and 48 h water restrictions). There was an interaction only between the cactus pear silage level and water offerings for drinking water. Goats fed 42% cactus pear silage had greater intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates, energy, Ca, Mg and Na minerals, water intake, urinary water excretion, body water retention and nutrient digestibility. Cactus pear silage inclusion up to a 42% rate reduced eating and ruminating time and increased the time spent idling as well as the eating and the ruminating efficiency rate. Water restriction at 48 h reduced drinking water intake. Performance and blood metabolites were not affected by cactus silage inclusion or water offering. Cactus pear silage inclusion at up to 42% for goats is recommended during periods of water shortage in semiarid and arid regions because it improves eating, the ruminating efficiency rate, and body water retention; cactus pear silage inclusion at this rate reduces water consumption and it does not affect the performance or health of the animals.
A User-Based Look at Visualization Tools for Environmental Data and Suggestions for Improvement—An Inventory among City Planners in Gothenburg
Authors: Stahre Wästberg Beata , Billger Monica , Adelfio Marco
Published: April 2020

With a growing interest in environmental data and the need to consider various environmental factors earlier in the planning processes, it becomes more important to disseminate this type of information to different target groups in a comprehensible way. To support easier decision making, many cities and municipalities are increasingly using digital city models where it is possible to integrate different types of information based on simulation and visualization of future scenarios. Such tools have high potential, but the visual representation of data still needs to be developed. In this paper, we investigate how professionals within urban planning currently use visualization to communicate environmental data, and what their needs are regarding tools and visual representation. We discuss challenges for representing environmental data in urban development processes, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of these issues. We base our investigation on a literature study, an inventorying survey and a focus group discussion with professionals within urban planning. This study provides an end-user perspective among urban planners and valuable insights on tool usage and visualization. Results show that applications used for environmental visualization still can be improved regarding, e.g., user friendliness and information handling, which may increase their efficiency.