bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Machine Learning Methods for Mapping the Stand Characteristics of Temperate Forests Using Multi-Spectral Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Ahmadi Kourosh , Kalantar Bahareh , Saeidi Vahideh , Harandi Elaheh K. G. , Janizadeh Saeid , Ueda Naonori
Published: September 2020

The estimation and mapping of forest stand characteristics are vital because this information is necessary for sustainable forest management. The present study considers the use of a Bayesian additive regression trees (BART) algorithm as a non-parametric classifier using Sentinel-2A data and topographic variables to estimate the forest stand characteristics, namely the basal area (m2/ha), stem volume (m3/ha), and stem density (number/ha). These results were compared with those of three other popular machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as generalised linear model (GLM), K-nearest neighbours (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). A feature selection was done on 28 variables including the multi-spectral bands on Sentinel-2 satellite, related vegetation indices, and ancillary data (elevation, slope, and topographic solar-radiation index derived from digital elevation model (DEM)) and then the most insignificant variables were removed from the datasets by recursive feature elimination (RFE). The study area was a mountainous forest with high biodiversity and an elevation gradient from 26 to 1636 m. An inventory dataset of 1200 sample plots was provided for training and testing the algorithms, and the predictors were fed into the ML models to compute and predict the forest stand characteristics. The accuracies and certainties of the ML models were assessed by their root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R-squared (R2) values. The results demonstrated that BART generated the best basal area and stem volume predictions, followed by GLM, SVM, and KNN. The best RMSE values for both basal area (8.12 m2/ha) and stem volume (29.28 m3/ha) estimation were obtained by BART. Thus, the ability of the BART model for forestry application was established. On the other hand, KNN exhibited the highest RMSE values for all stand variable predictions, thereby exhibiting the least accuracy for this specific application. Moreover, the effectiveness of the narrow Sentinel-2 bands around the red edge and elevation was highlighted for predicting the forest stand characteristics. Therefore, we concluded that the combination of the Sentinel-2 products and topographic variables derived from the PALSAR data used in this study improved the estimation of the forest attributes in temperate forests.
The Effectiveness of Using a Pretrained Deep Learning Neural Networks for Object Classification in Underwater Video
Authors: Szymak Piotr , Piskur Paweł , Naus Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Video image processing and object classification using a Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN) can significantly increase the autonomy of underwater vehicles. This paper describes the results of a project focused on using DLNN for Object Classification in Underwater Video (OCUV) implemented in a Biomimetic Underwater Vehicle (BUV). The BUV is intended to be used to detect underwater mines, explore shipwrecks or observe the process of corrosion of munitions abandoned on the seabed after World War II. Here, the pretrained DLNNs were used for classification of the following type of objects: fishes, underwater vehicles, divers and obstacles. The results of our research enabled us to estimate the effectiveness of using pretrained DLNNs for classification of different objects under the complex Baltic Sea environment. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to establish tuning parameters of the DLNNs. Three different training methods were compared for AlexNet, then one training method was chosen for fifteen networks and the tests were provided with the description of the final results. The DLNNs were trained on servers with six medium class Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Finally, the trained DLNN was implemented in the Nvidia JetsonTX2 platform installed on board of the BUV, and one of the network was verified in a real environment.
Low Power CMOS-Based Hall Sensor with Simple Structure Using Double-Sampling Delta-Sigma ADC
Authors: Lee Juyong , Oh Younggyun , Oh Sein , Chae Hyungil
Published: September 2020

A CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) Hall sensor with low power consumption and simple structure is introduced. The tiny magnetic signal from Hall device could be detected by a high-resolution delta-sigma ADC in presence of offset and flickering noise. Also, the offset as well as the flickering noise are effectively suppressed by the current spinning technique combined with double sampling switches of the ADC. The double sampling scheme of the ADC reduces the operating frequency and helps to reduce the power consumption. The prototype Hall sensor is fabricated in a 0.18-µm CMOS process, and the measurement shows detection range of ±150 mT and sensitivity of 110 µV/mT. The size of active area is 0.7 mm2, and the total power consumption is 4.9 mW. The proposed system is advantageous not only for low power consumption, but also for small sensor size due to its simplicity.
A Ratio Model of L1/L2 Norm for Sound Source Identification
Authors: Huang Linsen , Xu Zhongming , Zhang Zhifei , He Yansong
Published: September 2020

In the field of sound source identification, robust and accurate identification of the targeted source could be a challenging task. Most of the existing methods select the regularization parameters whose value could directly affect the accuracy of sound source identification during the solving processing. In this paper, we introduced the ratio model ℓ1/ℓ2 norm to identify the sound source(s) in the engineering field. Using the alternating direction method of multipliers solver, the proposed approach could avoid the selection of the regularization parameter and localize sound source(s) with robustness at low and medium frequencies. Compared with other three methods employing classical penalty functions, including the Tikhonov regularization method, the iterative zoom-out-thresholding algorithm and the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm, the Monte Carlo Analysis shows that the proposed approach with ℓ1/ℓ2 model leads to stable sound pressure reconstruction results at low and medium frequencies. The proposed method demonstrates beneficial distance-adaptability and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-adaptability for sound source identification inverse problems.
A Heterogeneous Edge-Fog Environment Supporting Digital Twins for Remote Inspections
Authors: Silva Luiz A. Z. da , Vidal Vinicius F. , Honório Leonardo M. , Dantas Mário A. R. , Pinto Milena Faria , Capretz Miriam
Published: September 2020

The increase in the development of digital twins brings several advantages to inspection and maintenance, but also new challenges. Digital models capable of representing real equipment for full remote inspection demand the synchronization, integration, and fusion of several sensors and methodologies such as stereo vision, monocular Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), laser and RGB-D camera readings, texture analysis, filters, thermal, and multi-spectral images. This multidimensional information makes it possible to have a full understanding of given equipment, enabling remote diagnosis. To solve this problem, the present work uses an edge-fog-cloud architecture running over a publisher-subscriber communication framework to optimize the computational costs and throughput. In this approach, each process is embedded in an edge node responsible for prepossessing a given amount of data that optimizes the trade-off of processing capabilities and throughput delays. All information is integrated with different levels of fog nodes and a cloud server to maximize performance. To demonstrate this proposal, a real-time 3D reconstruction problem using moving cameras is shown. In this scenario, a stereo and RDB-D cameras run over edge nodes, filtering, and prepossessing the initial data. Furthermore, the point cloud and image registration, odometry, and filtering run over fog clusters. A cloud server is responsible for texturing and processing the final results. This approach enables us to optimize the time lag between data acquisition and operator visualization, and it is easily scalable if new sensors and algorithms must be added. The experimental results will demonstrate precision by comparing the results with ground-truth data, scalability by adding further readings and performance.
Retirement Rhythms: Retirees’ Management of Time and Activities in Denmark
Authors: Lassen Aske Juul , Mertz Kenneth , Holm Lars , Jespersen Astrid Pernille
Published: September 2020

We scrutinize how the everyday lives of well-educated and healthy Danish retirees are structured and experienced and study how they organise their days and weeks. Our aim is to investigate how retirees manage and organise time and the ways these relate to societal rhythms in order to contribute to theories of retirement and social gerontology. We have combined qualitative (individual interviews, focus group interviews, design games, and drawings) and quantitative (activity monitoring, sleep quality, and health markers) data from 13 participants over the age of 65 years, who are research participants in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Our interdisciplinary dataset allows us to analyse and compare subjective experiences of everyday activities with objective measures of daily activities. The older adults lead busy lives with many diverse activities and use these to structure their everyday lives in ways resembling the rhythms of the labour market with organised and busy mornings and loose afternoons and evenings. We discuss how our findings relate to continuity theory and suggest that Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis allows us to study the retirement rhythms of older adults as part of both biological, social, and societal rhythms. This has practical as well as conceptual implications.
Environment-Friendly Removal Methods for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Gao Xiufang , Kang Shuang , Xiong Rongwei , Chen Ming
Published: September 2020

In the past few decades, many emerging pollutants have been detected and monitored in different water sources because of their universal consumption and improper disposal. Among these, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), a group of organic chemicals, have received global attention due to their estrogen effect, toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. For the removal of EDCs, conventional wastewater treatment methods include flocculation, precipitation, adsorption, etc. However, there are some limitations on these common methods. Herein, in order to enhance the public’s understanding of environmental EDCs, the definition of EDCs and the characteristics of several typical EDCs (physical and chemical properties, sources, usage, concentrations in the environment) are reviewed and summarized in this paper. In particular, the methods of EDC removal are reviewed, including the traditional methods of EDC removal, photocatalysis, biodegradation of EDCs and the latest research results of EDC removal. It is proposed that photocatalysis and biodegradation could be used as an environmentally friendly and efficient EDC removal technology. Photocatalytic technology could be one of the water treatment methods with the most potential, with great development prospects due to its high catalytic efficiency and low energy consumption. Biodegradation is expected to replace traditional water treatment methods and is also considered to be a highly promising method for efficient removal of EDCs. Besides, we summarize several photocatalysts with high catalytic activity and some fungi, bacteria and algae with strong biodegradability.
A Strategic Planning Method to Guide Product—Service System Development and Implementation
Authors: Mitake Yuya , Hiramitsu Kenshiro , Tsutsui Yusuke , Sholihah Mar’atus , Shimomura Yoshiki
Published: September 2020

The societal and environmental crises in recent decades have promoted a social awareness of existing challenges to sustainability. While product–service systems (PSS) are considered a promising way to achieve a sustainable future, PSS features also create barriers that hinder the widespread implementation of PSS in society. Recent studies have therefore increasingly focused on the challenges to PSS implementation. However, the existing literature fails to facilitate a strategic plan or practical guide for PSS design activity despite taking into account the importance of visioning in PSS design. This paper, therefore, proposes a strategic planning method for PSS development and implementation by combining technology roadmap and transition scenarios. To illustrate its applicability and validity, the proposed approach is applied to a PSS development project for solving wildlife damage in a suburban city of Tokyo. The case study was conducted as a participatory workshop, which involved relevant stakeholders to develop a roadmap toward a sustainable future PSS vision based on the proposed method. The result of this application demonstrates that the proposed approach enables the formulation of a long-term PSS design strategy, while comprehensively converging the perspectives and knowledge of each stakeholder participating in the PSS development.
Organization of the Building Space of Developments and Its Impact on Residential Housing Prices
Authors: Preweda Edward , Jasińska Elżbieta
Published: September 2020

This study has examined the process of urban space development in Krakow (southern Poland) using two developments as an example. The planning documents were analysed and spatial data obtained from the CAPAP (Centre for Spatial Analysis of Public Administration) project were processed. The data source for analysis comprised 2D outlines of certain buildings from the topographic object database (BDOT10k), elevation data from lidar aerial laser scanning at a density of 12 points per square meter and a numerical terrain model (NMT) with a one-meter mesh grid. In addition, existing models of the boundaries of the plots including their numbers and the ownership structure were used. On this basis, a digital mock-up of the analysed site was created. The issue surrounding the purchasing of these sites is interesting, since on the primary market, the apartments are bought long before the start of the first construction works. For this reason, the buyer is not necessarily aware of how the buildings surrounding his/her property will ultimately look, including whether or not they will obscure the sun’s rays. Until now, there has been no need to analyse the density of buildings, as there was no definitive impact of this feature on property prices; discussions were only held in relation to one of the developments built, as to how the sustainable development of the city should look. The positive actions applied during the implementation of the investment were detailed and the negative aspects of the resulting developments were identified. This allowed general analysis of land use development. The work used a model of regressive trees to determine the impact of certain attributes on the property prices.
Motivational Typology of Online Food Souvenir Shoppers and Their Travel-Related Intentions
Authors: Huang Shu-Chun Lucy , Wang Chih-Yung , Yan Yi-Ru
Published: September 2020

Online shopping has tremendous growth nowadays. Concerns about whether people perceive food souvenirs as commercial goods or products with local connections arise when shopping online for those souvenirs. Another concern is whether people remain interested in knowing or visiting places where food souvenirs originate even if they can simply purchase food souvenirs online. These issues are important for the sustainable development of local tourism. This study aims to investigate consumers’ motivations for purchasing food souvenirs online and whether differences exist between segmented consumers in relation to their travel-related intentions. Participants of this work are individuals who have purchased food souvenirs online and are aged 18 years old or above. Social media applications, such as Facebook and Line, were utilized as the platforms for the questionnaire survey. Participants’ motivations for purchasing food souvenirs online included five factors: exploring trends, local affiliations, social interactions, frugal sampling, and enforcing relationships. According to their motivations, participants were segmented into four types of consumers, including pleasure reminiscers (47.0%), journey recallers (22.9%), economical tasters (17.4%), and social practicers (12.7%). Pleasure reminiscers have stronger intentions toward searching for information on, traveling to, and recommending the places where food souvenirs originate compared with the other three types of consumers. On the basis of the findings, suggestions for the design and marketing of food souvenirs are provided for the producers of food souvenirs and promoters of local tourism.
Abandoned Places and Urban Marginalized Sites in Lugoj Municipality, Three Decades after Romania’s State-Socialist Collapse
Authors: Jucu Ioan Sebastian , Voiculescu Sorina
Published: September 2020

The postsocialist process of urban restructuring came with important spatial, social, and economic consequences. This triggered important transformations that remain palpable in the everyday texture of urban life, spatial patterns, and even the internal structures of the city. Every urban settlement was bound to contribute to the state socialist industry so that postsocialist urban transformations also included multiple aspects of dereliction and ruination of the socialist industrial assets. Threatening postsocialist urban formations and sustainability, the most common feature is collective neglect at national, regional, and local scales. The transition from state-socialist forms of production to the current market-based system poses many difficulties. This article specifically investigates the problems of urban industrial ruins in Lugoj—which are typical for medium-sized postsocialist municipalities in Romania. The research draws on qualitative data gathered by the authors through semi-structured interviews, personal communication, and oral histories and continuous infield observation (2012–2019). The findings unveil the production and the reproduction of abandoned spaces in Romanian urban settlements in the absence of specific regeneration programs and policies on urban redevelopment and marginalized areas. The analysis reveals that urban ruins harm the quality of life in local communities, damaging both the urban landscape and local sustainability. Further actions for local urban regeneration are urgently needed.
Mapping the Dutch Energy Transition Hyperlink Network
Authors: Ludovico Nuccio , Del Valle Marc Esteve , Ruzzenenti Franco
Published: September 2020

The Internet facilitates connections between a range of Dutch actors with a stake in the energy transition, including governments, environmental organizations, media outlets and corporations. These connections tease a hyperlink network affecting public access to information on energy transition issues. Despite its societal relevance, however, the characteristics of this network remain understudied. The main goals of this study are to shed some light on the topological characteristics of the Dutch energy transition hyperlink network and reveal the main topics discussed in the network. To do so, we longitudinally collected data from the interactions between key Dutch actors with a stake in the energy transition. Then, these data were analyzed by employing a mixed-method approach, social network analysis and topic modeling. The results of the social network analyses reveal the existence of a sparse network in which few private companies and associations emerge as the most authoritative actors and brokers. Furthermore, our analyses show substantial differences among the communication agendas of the organizations of the Dutch energy transition hyperlink network; while public institutions focus on global, national and local policy issues, private companies, associations and NGOs pay much more attention to employment issues.
Climate Change Adaptation: Operational Taxonomy and Metrics
Authors: Boutang Jérôme , Feutren Etienne , Bachelet Brunilde , Lacomme Cédric
Published: September 2020

The development of adaptation indicators and metrics that can be aggregated and compared to support environmental management is a key challenge for climate experts, finance institutions, and decision-makers. To provide an operational ex-ante evaluation of alternative adaptation strategies, statistical evaluation was conducted on 1562 adaptation projects contained in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by almost all parties who signed the Paris Agreement in 2015. As a preliminary stage, we are suggesting a physical risk taxonomy derived from climate model databases and an adaptation project taxonomy using a text analysis. The second stage, consisting of an evaluation metric using a correspondence analysis between adaptation projects and risk classes, was inspired by the analogy with adaptation mechanisms in living organisms—assessing the correct correspondence between threats from the environment and adaptive solutions. It allowed us to develop a coefficient ranging from 0 to 1, expressing the degree of correspondence between adaptive measures’ categories and hazard levels, which we refer to as fitness. Our coefficient would make it possible to compare project classes with each other ex-ante or, conversely, to deduce the most relevant adaptation solutions from climate-change-related hazards. The fitness coefficient could also be used as a preliminary stage of assessment to create a short-list of adaptation projects that are relevant to address a given physical hazard with a given intensity.
Teleconnections between Snow Cover Change over Siberia and Crop Growth in Northeast China
Authors: Guan Cong , Yu Lingxue , Yan Fengqin , Zhang Shuwen
Published: September 2020

Snow cover is a sensitive indicator of climate change, and the variations in snow cover can influence the global climate system and terrestrial water cycling. However, the teleconnections between snow cover changes of the northern hemisphere and the crop growth of Northeast China (NEC) are less documented. In this study, we estimated the correlations between spring snow cover area over Siberia (SSCA) and the regional climate, as well as the crop growth in NEC based on both satellite measurement and observational climate records from 1982 to 2015. The local temperature, including minimum temperature (Tmin) in May–June, maximum temperature (Tmax), and Tmin in July–August, showed significant negative correlations with SSCA. SSCA is found to be negatively correlated to rainfall during the beginning of the growing season, while positively correlated to rainfall during the peak growing season for the agricultural ecosystem of NEC. The remote responses of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to SSCA varied across different climate zones and different growing periods. The NDVI variations over cold and dry cultivated regions exhibit negative correlations with SSCA in May–June, which is opposite for the wetter areas. The negative correlation between NDVI over the agricultural ecosystem and SSCA during the peak growing season was also detected, implying the variations in SSCA might be an essential driving factor in affecting the crop growth through modifying the regional climate of NEC. In the future, more in situ observations and model simulations should be conducted to verify our results described here, which would have significant implications for maintaining regional food security and sustainable development in Northeast China under the changing climate background.
Efficient Allocation of Customers to Facilities in the Multi-Objective Sustainable Location Problem
Authors: Tang Xifeng , Wu Jiantao , Li Rui
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of customer allocation on the facility location in the multi-objective location problem for sustainable logistics. After a new practical multi-objective location model considering vehicle carbon emissions is introduced, the NSGA-II and SEAMO2 algorithms are employed to solve the model. Within the framework of each algorithm, three different allocation rules derived from the optimization of customer allocation based on distance, cost, and emissions are separately applied to perform the customer-to-facility assignment so as to evaluate their impacts. The results of extensive computational experiments show that the allocation rules have nearly no influence on the solution quality, and the allocation rule based on the distance has an absolute advantage of computation time. These findings will greatly help to simplify the location-allocation analysis in the multi-objective location problems.
Opaque Ventilated Façade (OVF) Thermal Performance Simulation for Office Buildings in Brazil
Authors: Gregório-Atem Camila , Aparicio-Fernández Carolina , Coch Helena , Vivancos José-Luis
Published: September 2020

Opaque ventilated façades (OVFs) are increasingly gaining in importance in the design of sustainable buildings, given that they can lessen the building´s environmental impact. Opaque ventilated façades can reduce thermal gains in hot climate zones, improving the thermal comfort indoors, and reducing air conditioning demand. Nevertheless, the thermal behaviour of the opaque ventilated façade depends on the climatic conditions and the building´s specific design. This study analyses the effect of opaque ventilated façades in office buildings using 30 constructive configurations under eight tropical climate conditions. The study considers three options for the external layer of cladding (ceramic, stone, and aluminium composite material) and two configurations for the inner layer (plasterboard with mineral wool and ceramic). Simulations were carried out using the software tools TRanNsient SYstem Simulation program (TRNSYS) and TRNFlow. The model developed considers bioclimatic characteristics, including solar radiation and wind conditions for each climatic zone. The operating temperature was selected from within the range established by occupant comfort regulations. The findings suggest that it is possible to select the best office building opaque ventilated façade configuration for each of the specific climate conditions in Brazil.
Predictive Methodology for the Quantification of Environmental Aspects in Urban Infrastructures
Authors: Araújo Adolpho Guido de , Carneiro Arnaldo Manoel Pereira , Palha Rachel Perez
Published: September 2020

The interest in sustainability in the construction industry arose in the 1990s, and current studies have created models to predict environmental aspects. Previous quantitative research to investigate environmental aspects was based on the perception of specialists. The present article proposes a methodology applicable to urban infrastructure activities in order to quantify environmental aspects by applying duration and severity criteria, using calculations founded in the scientific literature. The quantitative methodology to assess environmental aspects calculated ten aspects for six construction activities based on duration and severity criteria, eliminating the judgement of the latter criterion of earlier methodologies. The results revealed five significant environmental aspects: greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, noise pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution, due to the type of construction, which required a large amount of equipment that impacted the atmosphere, soil, and water. Possibly for the first time, urban projects can be objectively assessed based on a methodology that quantifies environmental aspects in the pre-construction phase.
Choice Experiments for Estimating the Non-Market Value of Ecosystem Services in the Bang Kachao Green Area, Thailand
Authors: Petcharat Areeyapat , Lee Yohan , Chang Jae Bong
Published: September 2020

Bang Kachao, the largest green area in the Bangkok metropolitan area, delivers significant ecosystem services to sustain society free of charge. It is therefore difficult to achieve socially optimal services because of inefficient allocation of resources, over-consumption, and negative externalities resulting from market failures. This study’s purpose is to assess consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for enhancing ecosystem services from the Bang Kachao Green Area and to investigate factors influencing the WTP of Bangkok residents. A choice experiment was applied by interviewing 200 respondents living in the Bangkok metropolitan area. The data were collected between July and September 2016 and analyzed using a conditional logit model. The results reveal that the respondents are willing to pay 42 USD per year to improve the ecosystem services in Bang Kachao. The respondents demand clean air the most, followed by food, recreation, and bird diversity. The government of Bangkok may take proactive steps to promote agroforestry and ecotourism in Bang Kachao. A Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme may ensure the provision of ecosystem services in Bang Kachao.
Sustainable Platform Economy: Connections with the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Fuster Morell Mayo , Espelt Ricard , Renau Cano Melissa
Published: September 2020

The platform economy is growing exponentially while creating expectations for its potential to contribute to a sustainable development. However, research aimed at showing the potential contribution of each platform’s business model to sustainable development is needed. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are driving the policy agenda, but it remains unclear how far they encourage a sustainable platform economy. First, this article aims to study how each different type of platform contributes to sustainable development. Second, it analyses if and how the factors that contribute to the sustainable design of platforms are considered in SDGs. The paper departs from a framework of sustainable democratic qualities of the platform economy that considers governance, economic sustainability, technological and data policies, social responsibility, and external impact dimensions. The study is based on an empirical analysis of 60 platforms. The results show that a sustainable design of a platform economy promotes sustainable development. Furthermore, the contributions of the sustainable dimensions of a platform to SDGs are mainly connected to the impact and responsibility and the economic model, but governance and data dimensions are not present in the SDGs. This suggests that SDGs should improve their digital perspective to intertwine better with the sustainable platforms.
Sustainability of Transport System of Large Russian City in the Period of COVID-19: Methods and Results of Assessment
Authors: Petrov Artur I. , Petrova Daria A.
Published: September 2020

In spring 2020 the whole world went through the “black swan”—COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare systems of all countries and the world economy, in general, became very stressed. The extraordinary decline of activity in all spheres, except healthcare, led to a drop in the demand for transport services, including city public transport. It was important for city management to support the sustainability of the local transport system. The article presents fundamental approaches to assessing the sustainability of a transport service, particularly city passenger public transport (CPPT), for the example of the large Russian city Tyumen (size of population—nearly 807 thousand people). Methods of analysis of the sustainability of the transport process in conditions of negative environmental impact (COVID-19 pandemic) are considered. During the period from 30.03.2020 to 31.05.2020 (nine weeks—the acute phase of COVID-19 pandemic) structural sustainability of the CPPT system in Tyumen kept a high level. By changing the parameters of the planned characteristics of the CPPT system state, an attempt to adapt the transport service supply to a sharp decrease in transport demand was made. In the period of “self-isolation”, the demand for the CPPT transport service reduced more than the transport service supply. Sustainability of CPPT functioning was evaluated by calculating the elasticity of the transport supply (number of trips) in relation to the actual demand (actual volume of transportations). Calculation of the elasticity index of the CPPT system of Tyumen during nine weeks of April–May 2020 (duration of “self-isolation“) is provided. A conclusion was made from the results of the research. In particular, it was found that the foreground target function of city management was the maintenance of a high level of transportation processes to the detriment of the transportations’ effectiveness. Such a policy led to contradictory results—the additional financial expenses at the rate of 135–150 million rubles and quite a high level of contentment of the Tyumen population with the quality of the CPPT work (sociological research established that 80–85% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of the transport service in April–May 2020).
A Techno-Economic Optimization and Performance Assessment of a 10 kWP Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System
Authors: Kebede Abraham , Berecibar Maitane , Coosemans Thierry , Messagie Maarten , Jemal Towfik , Behabtu Henok , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: September 2020

The system under consideration in this paper consists of a photovoltaic (PV) array, described as having a 10 kWp capacity, battery storage, and connection to the grid via a university grid network. It is stated that the system meets a local load of 4–5 kVA. The system is in Ethiopia, and the authors give details of the location and solar resource to provide information to assess its performance. However, the performance assessment will be specific to the details of the installation and the operational rules, including the variable nature of the load profile, charging and discharging the battery storage, and importing from and exporting to the university grid. The nearby load is mostly supplied from PV and grid sources, and hence the battery installed is found to be idle, showing that the PV together with storage battery system was not utilized in an efficient and optimized way. This in turn resulted in inefficient utilization of sources, increased dependency of the load on the grid, and hence unnecessary operational expenses. Therefore, to alleviate these problems, this paper proposes a means for techno-economic optimization and performance analysis of an existing photovoltaic grid-connected system (PVGCS) by using collected data from a plant data logger for one year (2018) with a model-based Matlab/Simulink simulation and a hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) software. According to the simulation result, the PVGCS with 5 kWp PV array optimized system was recommended, which provides a net present cost (NPC) of 5770 (€/kWh), and a cost of energy (COE) of 0.087 (€/kWh) compared to an existing 10 kWp PV system, which results in a NPC value of 6047 (€/kWh) and COE of 0.098 (€/kWh). Therefore, the resulting 5 kWp PV system connected with a storage battery was found to be more efficient and techno-economically viable as compared to the existing 10 kWp PVGCS plant.
Ecocritical Engagement with Picturebook through Literature Conversations about Beatrice Alemagne’s On a Magical Do-Nothing Day
Authors: Goga Nina , Pujol-Valls Maria
Published: September 2020

This article addresses the need for student teachers to experience how to engage ecocritically with children’s literature to be able to support and develop the sustainability competencies of their future students. In order to respond to this need, we designed a research project examining how Norwegian and Catalan student teachers express and negotiate their ideas about an Italian–French picturebook in a teacher–researcher designed ecocritical literature conversation (ELC). The collected material, consisting of students’ notes and sound recorded and transcribed group discussions, was analysed following the steps of content analysis with an emphasis on finding evidence of dialogic competencies and ecocritical competencies. Although the students did not explicitly integrate ecocritical terminology in their discussions, we found that when structured in line with ideas of dialogic teaching, ecocritical thinking, and literature didactics, literature conversations proved to be a useful tool for these students to critically engage with and negotiate about representations of nature and ecological wisdom from the selected picturebook.
Some Properties of Blow up Solutions in the Cauchy Problem for 3D Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Semenov Vladimir I.
Published: September 2020

Up to now, it is unknown an existence of blow up solutions in the Cauchy problem for Navier–Stokes equations in space. The first important property of hypothetical blow up solutions was found by J. Leray in 1934. It is connected with norms in Lp(R3),p>3. However, there are important solutions in L2(R3) because the second power of this norm can be interpreted as a kinetic energy of the fluid flow. It gives a new possibility to study an influence of kinetic energy changing on solution properties. There are offered new tools in this way. In particular, inequalities with an invariant form are considered as elements of latent symmetry.
Model Test Study on the Anisotropic Characteristics of Columnar Jointed Rock Mass
Authors: Zhu Zhende , Que Xiangcheng , Niu Zihao , Lu Wenbin
Published: September 2020

Because of its special structure, the anisotropic properties of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) are complicated, which brings difficulty to engineering construction. To comprehensively study the anisotropic characteristics of CJRM, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on artificial CJRM specimens. Quadrangular, pentagonal and hexagonal prism CJRM models were introduced, and the dip direction of the columnar joints was considered. Based on the test results and the structural features of the three CJRM models, the deformation and strength characteristics of CJRM specimens were analyzed and compared. The failure modes and mechanisms of artificial specimens with different dip directions were summarized in accordance with the failure processes and final appearances. Subsequently, the anisotropic degrees of the three CJRM models in the horizontal plane were classified, and their anisotropic characteristics were described. Finally, a simple empirical expression was adopted to estimate the strength and deformation of the CJRM, and the derived equations were used in the Baihetan Hydropower Station project. The calculated values are in good agreement with the existing research results, which reflects the engineering application value of the derived empirical equations.
Norepinephrine Leads to More Cardiopulmonary Toxicities than Epinephrine by Catecholamine Overdose in Rats
Authors: Lu Wen-Hsien , Chen Hsin-Hung , Chen Bo-Hau , Lee Jui-Chen , Lai Chi-Cheng , Li Che-Hsing , Tseng Ching-Jiunn
Published: September 2020

While catecholamines like epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) are commonly used in emergency medicine, limited studies have discussed the harm of exogenously induced catecholamine overdose. We investigated the possible toxic effects of excessive catecholamine administration on cardiopulmonary function and structure via continuous 6 h intravenous injection of E and/or NE in rats. Heart rate, echocardiography, and ventricular pressure were measured throughout administration. Cardiopulmonary structure was also assessed by examining heart and lung tissue. Consecutive catecholamine injections induced severe tachycardia. Echocardiography results showed NE caused worse dysfunction than E. Simultaneously, both E and NE led to higher expression of Troponin T and connexin43 in the whole ventricles, which increased further with E+NE administration. The NE and E+NE groups showed severe pulmonary edema while all catecholamine-administering groups demonstrated reduced expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products and increased connexin43 levels in lung tissue. The right ventricle was more vulnerable to catecholamine overdose than the left. Rats injected with NE had a lower survival rate than those injected with E within 6 h. Catecholamine overdose induces acute lung injuries and ventricular cardiomyopathy, and E+NE is associated with a more severe outcome. The similarities of the results between the NE and E+NE groups may indicate a predominant role of NE in determining the overall cardiopulmonary damage. The results provide important clinical insights into the pathogenesis of catecholamine storm.
Serosurvey of IgG Antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia typhi in the Population of Attica, Greece
Authors: Dougas Georgios , Mavrouli Maria , Tsakris Athanassios , Billinis Charalambos , Papaparaskevas Joseph
Published: September 2020

Rickettsia typhi and Bartonella henselae are the causative agents of murine typhus and cat-scratch disease, respectively. A small-scale survey (N = 202) was conducted in the Attica region, Greece, for determining the prevalence rates of IgG antibodies against B. henselae and R. typhi by indirect fluorescence antibody test. IgG against B. henselae and R. typhi were present in 17.8% (36/202) and 4.5% (9/202) of the participants, respectively; co-occurring IgG against both B. henselae and R. typhi were detected in 3.5% (7/202), whereas only anti-B. henselae IgG in 14.3% (29/202), and only anti-R. typhi IgG in 1.0% (2/202). Titres 1/64, 1/128, 1/256, and 1/512, of anti-B. henselae IgG were identified in 6.4%, 4.5%, 4.5%, and 2.4%, whereas titres 1/40 and 1/80 of anti-R. typhi IgG were detected in 4.0%, and 0.5%, respectively. A positive association of anti-B. henselae IgG prevalence with a coastal area featuring a major seaport (p = 0.009) and with younger age (p = 0.046) was identified. The findings of this survey raise concern for exposure of the population of Attica to B. henselae and R. typhi, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis when compatible symptoms are present. Our results also suggest that seaports may represent high-risk areas for exposure to Bartonella spp.
COVID-19-Induced Thrombosis in Patients without Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Elevated Fecal Calprotectin: Hypothesis Regarding Mechanism of Intestinal Damage Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Giuffrè Mauro , Di Bella Stefano , Sambataro Gianluca , Zerbato Verena , Cavallaro Marco , Occhipinti Alessandro Agostino , Palermo Andrea , Crescenzi Anna , Monica Fabio , Luzzati Roberto , Crocè Lory Saveria
Published: September 2020

Background: Patients with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) and gastrointestinal symptoms showed increased values of fecal calprotectin (FC). Additionally, bowel abnormalities were a common finding during abdominal imaging of individuals with COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic. The current pilot study aims at evaluating FC concentrations in patients without gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: we enrolled 25 consecutive inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia, who were admitted without gastrointestinal symptoms and a previous history of inflammatory bowel disease. Results: At admission, 21 patients showed increased FC with median values of 116 (87.5; 243.5) mg/kg despite absent gastrointestinal symptoms. We found a strong positive correlation between FC and D-Dimer (r = 0.745, p < 0.0001). Two patients developed bowel perforation. Conclusion: our findings may change the current understanding of COVID-19 intestinal-related disease pathogenesis, shedding new light on the potential role of thrombosis and the consequent hypoxic intestinal damage.
The Efficacy of Allocating Housing Growth in the Los Angeles Region (2006–2014)
Authors: Ramsey-Musolf Darrel
Published: September 2020

California is known for home values that eclipse U.S. housing prices. To increase housing inventory, California has implemented a regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) to transmit shares of housing growth to cities. However, no study has established RHNA’s efficacy. After examining the 4th RHNA cycle (i.e., 2006–2014) for 185 Los Angeles region cities, this study determined that RHNA directed housing growth to the city of Los Angeles and the region’s outlying cities as opposed to increasing density in the central and coastal cities. Second, RHNA directed 62% of housing growth to the region’s unaffordable cities. Third, the sample suffered a 34% shortfall in housing growth due to the Great Recession but garnered an average achievement of approximately 93% due to RHNA’s transmission of minimal housing growth shares. Lastly, RHNA maintained statistically significant associations with increased housing inventory, housing affordability, and housing growth rates, indicating that RHNA may influence housing development.
Potent Protective Immune Responses to Senecavirus Induced by Virus-Like Particle Vaccine in Pigs
Authors: Mu Suyu , Sun Shiqi , Dong Hu , Bai Manyuan , Zhang Yun , Teng Zhidong , Ren Mei , Yin Shuanghui , Guo Huichen
Published: September 2020

Senecavirus A (SVA) is the pathogen that has recently caused porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD). The clinical symptoms of PIVD are similar to those of acute foot-and-mouth disease and also can result in the death of newborn piglets, thus entailing economic losses. Vaccine immunization is the most effective way to prevent and control SVA. Among all SVA vaccines reported, only the SVA inactivated vaccine has been successfully developed. However, to ensure the elimination of this pathogen, safer and more effective vaccines are urgently required. A virus-like particles (VLPs)-based vaccine is probably the best alternative to inactivated vaccine. To develop an SVA VLPs vaccine and evaluate its immune effect, a prokaryotic expression system was used to produce SVA capsid protein and assemble VLPs. The VLPs were characterized by affinity chromatography, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, ZetaSizer and transmission electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the SVA CH-HB-2017 strain was used to infect pigs and to determine infection routes and dose. Experimental pigs were then immunized with the SVA VLPs vaccine emulsified in an ISA 201 adjuvant. The results showed that the VLPs vaccine induced neutralizing and specific antibodies at similar levels as an inactivated SVA vaccine after immunization. The level of INF-γ induced by the VLPs vaccine gradually decreased—similar to that of inactivated vaccine. These results indicated that VLPs vaccine may simultaneously cause both cellular and humoral immune responses. Importantly, after the challenge, the VLPs vaccine provided similar levels of protection as the inactivated SVA vaccine. In this study, we successfully obtained novel SVA VLPs and confirmed their highly immunogenicity, thus providing a superior candidate vaccine for defense and elimination of SVA, compared to the inactivated vaccine.
Vaccination into the Dermal Compartment: Techniques, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Hettinga Johanna , Carlisle Robert
Published: September 2020

In 2019, an ‘influenza pandemic’ and ‘vaccine hesitancy’ were listed as two of the top 10 challenges to global health by the WHO. The skin is a unique vaccination site, due to its immune-rich milieu, which is evolutionarily primed to respond to challenge, and its ability to induce both humoral and cellular immunity. Vaccination into this dermal compartment offers a way of addressing both of the challenges presented by the WHO, as well as opening up avenues for novel vaccine formulation and dose-sparing strategies to enter the clinic. This review will provide an overview of the diverse range of vaccination techniques available to target the dermal compartment, as well as their current state, challenges, and prospects, and touch upon the formulations that have been developed to maximally benefit from these new techniques. These include needle and syringe techniques, microneedles, DNA tattooing, jet and ballistic delivery, and skin permeabilization techniques, including thermal ablation, chemical enhancers, ablation, electroporation, iontophoresis, and sonophoresis.