bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of a Portable Incinerator: A Parametric Study
Authors: Saffari Pour Mohsen , Hakkaki-Fard Ali , Firoozabadi Bahar
Published: August 2020

The application of incinerators for the municipal solid waste (MSW) is growing due to the ability of such instruments to produce energy and, more specifically, reduce waste volume. In this paper, a numerical simulation of the combustion process with the help of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) inside a portable (mobile) incinerator has been proposed. Such work is done to investigate the most critical parameters for a reliable design of a domestic portable incinerator, which is suitable for the Iranian food and waste culture. An old design of a simple incinerator has been used to apply the natural gas (NG), one of the available cheap fossil fuels in Iran. After that, the waste height, place of the primary burner, and the flow rate of the cooling air inside the incinerator, as the main parameters of the design, are investigated. A validation is also performed for the mesh quality test and the occurrence of the chemical reactions near the burner of the incinerator. Results proved that the numerical results have less than 5% error compared to the previous experimental and numerical approaches. In addition, results show that by moving the primary burner into the secondary chamber of the incinerator, the temperature and the heating ability of the incinerator could be affected dramatically. Moreover, it has been found that by increasing the flow rate of the cooling air inside the incinerator to some extent, the combustion process is improved and, on the other hand, by introducing more cooling air, the evacuation of the hazardous gases from the exhaust is also improved.
Electrophysiological Effects of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Cardiosphere-Derived Cells: Unraveling the Antiarrhythmic Properties of Cell Therapies
Authors: Gómez-Cid Lidia , Moro-López Marina , de la Nava Ana , Hernández-Romero Ismael , Fernández Ana , Suárez-Sancho Susana , Atienza Felipe , Grigorian-Shamagian Lilian , Fernández-Avilés Francisco
Published: August 2020

Although cell-based therapies show potential antiarrhythmic effects that could be mediated by their paracrine action, the mechanisms and the extent of these effects were not deeply explored. We investigated the antiarrhythmic mechanisms of extracellular vesicles secreted by cardiosphere-derived cell extracellular vesicles (CDC-EVs) on the electrophysiological properties and gene expression profile of HL1 cardiomyocytes. HL-1 cultures were primed with CDC-EVs or serum-free medium alone for 48 h, followed by optical mapping and gene expression analysis. In optical mapping recordings, CDC-EVs reduced the activation complexity of the cardiomyocytes by 40%, increased rotor meandering, and reduced rotor curvature, as well as induced an 80% increase in conduction velocity. HL-1 cells primed with CDC-EVs presented higher expression of SCN5A, CACNA1C, and GJA1, coding for proteins involved in INa, ICaL, and Cx43, respectively. Our results suggest that CDC-EVs reduce activation complexity by increasing conduction velocity and modifying rotor dynamics, which could be driven by an increase in expression of SCN5A and CACNA1C genes, respectively. Our results provide new insights into the antiarrhythmic mechanisms of cell therapies, which should be further validated using other models.
Non-Extractable Polyphenols from Food By-Products: Current Knowledge on Recovery, Characterisation, and Potential Applications
Authors: Ding Yubin , Morozova Ksenia , Scampicchio Matteo , Ferrentino Giovanna
Published: August 2020

Non-extractable polyphenols (NEPs), or bound polyphenols, are a significant fraction of polyphenols that are retained in the extraction residues after conventional aqueous organic solvent extraction. They include both high molecular weight polymeric polyphenols and low molecular weight phenolics attached to macromolecules. Current knowledge proved that these bioactive compounds possess high antioxidant, antidiabetic, and other biological activities. Plant-based food by-products, such as peels, pomace, and seeds, possess high amount of NEPs. The recovery of these valuable compounds is considered an effective way to recycle food by-products and mitigate pollution, bad manufacturing practice, and economic loss caused by the residues management. The current challenge to valorise NEPs from plant-based by-products is to increase the extraction efficiency with proper techniques, choose appropriate characterising methods, and explore potential functions to use in some products. Based on this scenario, the present review aims to summarise the extraction procedure and technologies applied to recover NEPs from plant-based by-products. Furthermore, it also describes the main techniques used for the characterisation of NEPs and outlines their potential food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications.
Hydrogenation of Trans,Trans-Muconic Acid to Bio-Adipic Acid: Mechanism Identification and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Rosengart Alessandro , Pirola Carlo , Capelli Sofia
Published: August 2020

The hydrogenation of trans,trans-muconic acid was investigated on a Pt/C 5% (wt) catalyst in a batch slurry reactor at constant hydrogen pressure (4 bar) and temperature (323, 333 and 343 K), with the purpose of developing a kinetic model able to predict conversions and product distributions. A dual-site Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) model with hydrogen dissociation provided good fitting of the experimental data. The model parameters were regressed by robust numerical methods to overcome the computational challenges of the model parameters’ collinearity. Different reaction mechanisms were tested; the best model involved two subsequent hydrogenation steps. The first step yielded from trans,trans-muconic acid a monounsaturated intermediate (trans-2-hexenedioic acid), which was further hydrogenated to adipic acid in the second step. The intermediate was subjected to an equilibrium isomerization with cis-2-hexenedioic acid. The activation energy values and the rate constants were calculated for the reactions, providing the first reference for trans,trans-muconic acid hydrogenation.
Bio-Methane Production via Anaerobic Co-Digestion by Optimizing the Mixing Ratios of River Tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) and Dolphin Fish (Coryphaena hippurus) Offal
Authors: Holder Nikolai , Mota-Meira Marilaine , Born Jens , Sutrina Sarah L.
Published: August 2020

Fish offal and other high protein substrates are generally not suitable for anaerobic digestion because of the high levels of ammonia produced as a result of their biodegradation. In order to efficiently use these types of substrates to produce methane, co-digestion is used to balance the amounts of carbon and nitrogen in the feedstock. In this experiment an optimization procedure for maximizing the methane potential of fish offal, using river tamarind as the co-substrates was developed. Our experimental design tested the effects of substrate to substrate mixtures, as well as overall substrate to inoculum combinations, on the methane potentials. This was performed using batch style biochemical methane potential assays, which employed a methodology developed in our laboratory. The optimum of the 25 combinations tested was 50% fish offal to 50% river tamarind at a substrate to inoculum ratio of 0.03, with a specific methane yield of 144 ± 6 NmL/gFM (330 ± 14 NmL/goDM). This gave much improvement when compared with the fish offal alone, which reached 63 ± 4 NmL/gFM (317 ± 20 NmL/goDM) at maximum. These results indicate that with the correct mixture, rivertamarind is a suitable co-substrate for anaerobic co-digestion of fish offal.
Proposal for a Clinical Approach to Geriatric Patients with Anchor Need on Implant for Removable Denture: New Technique
Authors: Ceraulo Saverio , Leonida Alessandro , Lauritano Dorina , Baldoni Alessandro , Longoni Salvatore , Baldoni Marco , Caccianiga Gianluigi
Published: August 2020

A method is proposed using a silicone tube to allow the restoration of incongruous prostheses due to the retention of removable prostheses anchored to implants by ball-attachment, also in medical facilities Health Care Residence (RSA) where the equipment characteristic of dental clinics is lacking. One hundred and thirty-seven patients belonging to the Health Care Residence of the Monza and Brianza area were analyzed. Of these, 13 required retention replacement for ball attachment of total lower prostheses to implant anchorage. The new retention procedure was carried out with the patients bedridden according to the methodology of the present work. All 13 patients were perfectly rehabilitated in the Health Care Residence offices without discomfort and pain. The method presented is easily repeatable, risk-free and can also be carried out in structures not dedicated to dentistry, saving economic resources and inconveniences for patients who are not cooperative.
Temporal-Spatial Frequency Rockfall Data from Open-Pit Highwalls Using a Low-Cost Monitoring System
Authors: Giacomini Anna , Thoeni Klaus , Santise Marina , Diotri Fabrizio , Booth Shaun , Fityus Stephen , Roncella Riccardo
Published: August 2020

In surface mining, rockfall can seriously threaten the safety of personnel located at the base of highwalls and cause serious damage to equipment and machinery. Close-range photogrammetry for the continuous monitoring of rock surfaces represents a valid tool to efficiently assess the potential rockfall hazard and estimate the risk in the affected areas. This work presents an autonomous terrestrial stereo-pair photogrammetric monitoring system developed to observe volumes falling from sub-vertical rock faces located in surface mining environments. The system has the versatility for rapid installation and quick relocation in areas often constrained by accessibility and safety issues and it has the robustness to tolerate the rough environmental conditions typical of mining operations. It allows the collection of synchronised images at different periods with high-sensitivity digital single-lens reflex cameras, producing accurate digital surface models (DSM) of the rock face. Comparisons between successive DSMs can detect detachments and surface movements during defined observation periods. Detailed analysis of the changes in the rock surface, volumes and frequency of the rocks dislodging from the sub-vertical rock surfaces can provide accurate information on event magnitude and return period at very reasonable cost and, therefore, can generate the necessary data for a detailed inventory of the rockfall spatial-temporal occurrence and magnitude. The system was first validated in a trial site, and then applied on a mine site located in NSW (Australia). Results were analysed in terms of multi-temporal data acquired over a period of seven weeks. The excellent detail of the data allowed trends in rockfall event to be correlated to lithology and rainfall events, demonstrating the capability of the system to generate useful data that would otherwise require extended periods of direct observation.
Evaluation of the Spatiotemporal Variations in the Eco-environmental Quality in China Based on the Remote Sensing Ecological Index
Authors: Liao Weihua , Jiang Weiguo
Published: August 2020

The eco-environment is dynamic and shows a continuous process of long-term change. It is helpful for policymakers to know the status of the regional eco-environment through accurate evaluations of the history and current situation of the regional eco-environment. The remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) model of China was established in this study by using four indexes: wetness, greenness, dryness, and heat. Knowledge granulation of the RSEIs were carried out, and a method to determine the weights of the knowledge granulation entropy of the indexes based on their characteristics was proposed. This study used Moderate Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from the Google Cloud Computing Platform to study and calculate the eco-environmental quality of China from 2000–2017. The overall eco-environmental quality in China tended to improve from 2000–2017, although there were large areas of ecological degradation from 2009–2014. The eco-environment of eastern China was better than that of western China. Most of the national ecological areas were third-level ecological areas, which had moderate environmental quality. Dryness was the most important factor affecting the quality of the eco-environment, followed by greenness, which reflected the increasing environmental damage caused by human activities in China in recent years.
3D Fine-scale Terrain Variables from Underwater Photogrammetry: A New Approach to Benthic Microhabitat Modeling in a Circalittoral Rocky Shelf
Authors: Prado Elena , Rodríguez-Basalo Augusto , Cobo Adolfo , Ríos Pilar , Sánchez Francisco
Published: August 2020

The relationship between 3D terrain complexity and fine-scale localization and distribution of species is poorly understood. Here we present a very fine-scale 3D reconstruction model of three zones of circalittoral rocky shelf in the Bay of Biscay. Detailed terrain variables are extracted from 3D models using a structure-from-motion (SfM) approach applied to ROTV images. Significant terrain variables that explain species location were selected using general additive models (GAMs) and micro-distribution of the species were predicted. Two models combining BPI, curvature and rugosity can explain 55% and 77% of the Ophiuroidea and Crinoidea distribution, respectively. The third model contributes to explaining the terrain variables that induce the localization of Dendrophyllia cornigera. GAM univariate models detect the terrain variables for each structural species in this third zone (Artemisina transiens, D. cornigera and Phakellia ventilabrum). To avoid the time-consuming task of manual annotation of presence, a deep-learning algorithm (YOLO v4) is proposed. This approach achieves very high reliability and low uncertainty in automatic object detection, identification and location. These new advances applied to underwater imagery (SfM and deep-learning) can resolve the very-high resolution information needed for predictive microhabitat modeling in a very complex zone.
Global Assessments of the HY-2B Measurements and Cross-Calibrations with Jason-3
Authors: Jia Yongjun , Yang Jungang , Lin Mingsen , Zhang Youguang , Ma Chaofei , Fan Chenqing
Published: August 2020

The HY-2B satellite was successfully launched on 25 October 2018. One of the main payloads of the HY-2B was a radar altimeter. In the present study, the quality of the HY-2B along-track sea surface heights (SSH), significant wave heights (SWH), and sea surface wind speeds (SSWS) were assessed, including their precision and accuracy. In order to achieve this goal, the mono-mission metrics of the HY-2B were analyzed and compared with those of the Jason-2 and Jason-3 over the same periods of time. The results of both direct comparison and cross comparison methods were presented in this study. The comparison results indicated that the quality of the HY-2B satellite’s geophysical data records (GDRs) data was excellent, with 95% of the sea surfaces effectively observed between 82 degrees north and south latitudes. In addition, the standard deviation of the sea level anomalies (SLA) at the single mission crossovers was 4.6 cm to 5.8 cm, and at the dual-crossovers with Jason-3, the standard deviation was determined to be 5.1 cm to 5.8 cm. The accuracy levels of the significant wave heights and products of the HY-2B satellite radar altimeter were observed to be greater than 0.3 m and 1.4 m/s (STD), respectively. Therefore, it was concluded in this study that the data quality and system performance of the HY-2B satellite were excellent and stable, and could be widely utilized in such fields as global sea-level change monitoring, wave numerical assimilation predictions etc.
Evaluation of Evapotranspiration Models Using Different LAI and Meteorological Forcing Data from 1982 to 2017
Authors: Chen Huiling , Zhu Gaofeng , Zhang Kun , Bi Jian , Jia Xiaopeng , Ding Bingyue , Zhang Yang , Shang Shasha , Zhao Nan , Qin Wenhua
Published: August 2020

We evaluated the performance of three global evapotranspiration (ET) models at local, regional, and global scales using the multiple sets of leaf area index (LAI) and meteorological data from 1982 to 2017 and investigated the uncertainty in ET simulations from the model structure and forcing data. The three ET models were the Simple Terrestrial Hydrosphere model (SiTH) developed by our team, the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model (PT-JPL), and the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ET algorithm (MOD16). Comparing the observed with simulated monthly ET by the three models over 43 Fluxnet sites, we found that SiTH overestimated ET for forests with mean slope from 1.25 to 1.67, but it performed better than the other two models over short vegetation. MOD16 and PT-JPL models simulated well for forests but poorly in dryland biomes (slope = 0.25~0.55; R2 = 0.02~0.46). At the catchment scale, all models performed well, except for some tropical and high latitudinal catchments, with NSE values lower than 0 and RMSE and MAE values far beyond their mean values. At the global scale, SiTH highly overestimated ET in tropics, while PT-JPL slightly underestimated ET between 30°N and 60°N and MOD16 underestimated ET between 15°S and 30°S. Generally, the PT-JPL provided the better performance than SiTH and MOD16 models. This study also revealed that the estimated ET by SiTH and especially PT-JPL model were influenced by the uncertainty in meteorological data, and the estimated ET was performed better using MERRA-2 datasets for PT-JPL and using ERA5 datasets for SiTH. While the estimated ET by MOD16 were relatively sensitive to LAI data. In addition, our results suggested that the GLOBMAP and GIMMS datasets were more suitable for long-term ET simulations than the GLASS dataset.
Linear and Non-Linear Models for Remotely-Sensed Hyperspectral Image Visualization
Authors: Coliban Radu-Mihai , Marincaş Maria , Hatfaludi Cosmin , Ivanovici Mihai
Published: August 2020

The visualization of hyperspectral images still constitutes an open question and may have an important impact on the consequent analysis tasks. The existing techniques fall mainly in the following categories: band selection, PCA-based approaches, linear approaches, approaches based on digital image processing techniques and machine/deep learning methods. In this article, we propose the usage of a linear model for color formation, to emulate the image acquisition process by a digital color camera. We show how the choice of spectral sensitivity curves has an impact on the visualization of hyperspectral images as RGB color images. In addition, we propose a non-linear model based on an artificial neural network. We objectively assess the impact and the intrinsic quality of the hyperspectral image visualization from the point of view of the amount of information and complexity: (i) in order to objectively quantify the amount of information present in the image, we use the color entropy as a metric; (ii) for the evaluation of the complexity of the scene we employ the color fractal dimension, as an indication of detail and texture characteristics of the image. For comparison, we use several state-of-the-art visualization techniques. We present experimental results on visualization using both the linear and non-linear color formation models, in comparison with four other methods and report on the superiority of the proposed non-linear model.
The T Index: Measuring the Reliability of Accuracy Estimates Obtained from Non-Probability Samples
Authors: Waldner François
Published: August 2020

In remote sensing, the term accuracy typically expresses the degree of correctness of a map. Best practices in accuracy assessment have been widely researched and include guidelines on how to select validation data using probability sampling designs. In practice, however, probability samples may be lacking and, instead, cross-validation using non-probability samples is common. This practice is risky because the resulting accuracy estimates can easily be mistaken for map accuracy. The following question arises: to what extent are accuracy estimates obtained from non-probability samples representative of map accuracy? This letter introduces the T index to answer this question. Certain cross-validation designs (such as the common single-split or hold-out validation) provide representative accuracy estimates when hold-out sets are simple random samples of the map population. The T index essentially measures the probability of a hold-out set of unknown sampling design to be a simple random sample. To that aim, we compare its spread in the feature space against the spread of random unlabelled samples of the same size. Data spread is measured by a variant of Moran’s I autocorrelation index. Consistent interpretation of the T index is proposed through the prism of significance testing, with T values < 0.05 indicating unreliable accuracy estimates. Its relevance and interpretation guidelines are also illustrated in a case study on crop-type mapping. Uptake of the T index by the remote-sensing community will help inform about—and sometimes caution against—the representativeness of accuracy estimates obtained by cross-validation, so that users can better decide whether a map is fit for their purpose or how its accuracy impacts their application. Subsequently, the T index will build trust and improve the transparency of accuracy assessment in conditions which deviate from best practices.
Research on Multi-Alternatives Problem of Finite Element Model Updating Based on IAFSA and Kriging Model
Authors: Kang Juntao , Zhang Xueqiang , Cao Hongyou , Qin Shiqiang
Published: August 2020

Due to insufficient test data, insufficient constraint equations and uncertain objective function, the local optimal solution and the global optimal solution of the objective function in finite element model updating may represent the actual parameters of the structure. Based on this, this paper proposes an improved artificial fish school algorithm. By combining the niche technology with the artificial fish school algorithm, the improved algorithm can systematically find multiple global optimal solutions and local optimal solutions of the objective function. Aiming at the difficulty of determining the niche radius, an adaptive niche radius mechanism is proposed. The improved algorithm is used to study the multi-alternatives problem of finite element model updating after verifying its feasibility through numerical simulation analysis. In the case of benchmark framework model updating, it is confirmed that multi-alternative problems exist and the global optimal solution of the objective function does not necessarily represent the true parameters of the structure. In case 2, the improved algorithm combined with the Kriging model is applied to the model updating of a cable-stayed footbridge, and 15 sets of solutions are obtained, in which the error objective function values of the measured and theoretical values of the bridge modes are close but the solutions are completely different. Combining with the actual bridge condition and reanalysis technology, the author takes the suboptimal solution 2 as the most representative solution of the bridge parameters, which reduces the possibility of misjudgment of structural parameters.
Mathematics and Poetry • Unification, Unity, Union
Authors: Nichita Florin F.
Published: August 2020

We consider a multitude of topics in mathematics where unification constructions play an important role: the Yang–Baxter equation and its modified version, Euler’s formula for dual numbers, means and their inequalities, topics in differential geometry, etc. It is interesting to observe that the idea of unification (unity and union) is also present in poetry. Moreover, Euler’s identity is a source of inspiration for the post-modern poets.
Toward an Integrated Model of Topical, Spatial, and Temporal Scales of Research Inquiry in Park Visitor Use Management
Authors: Perry Elizabeth E. , Thomsen Jennifer M. , D’Antonio Ashley L. , Morse Wayde C. , Reigner Nathan P. , Leung Yu-Fai , Wimpey Jeremy , Taff B. Derrick
Published: August 2020

Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are facing complex, transboundary, social, and ecological pressures, including those related to visitor use. Effective visitor use management (VUM) in PPAs requires interdisciplinary thinking across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Yet, the majority of this VUM research is short-term and occurs at relatively discrete spatial scales. A few existing frameworks and conceptual models used in VUM encourage thinking across scales. No single, interdisciplinary conceptual model exists, however, despite longstanding recognition of the need for one. This need was highlighted as a research priority by PPA and VUM subject area experts from across the U.S. at a workshop at Clemson University in 2018. This manuscript draws from the discussions at that workshop and addresses this recognized need. We propose and describe a single multi-scalar conceptual model that integrates topical areas in PPA VUM. Thoughtful, multi-scalar research that transcends disciplines is essential to address contemporary issues across VUM topics. The proposed model and the subsequent discussion are meant to serve as a catalyst for VUM researchers to begin considering both spatial and temporal scales in their PPA-based inquiries.
Behind the Review Curtain: Decomposition of Online Consumer Ratings in Peer-to-Peer Markets
Authors: Kaimann Daniel
Published: August 2020

Peer-to-peer markets are especially suitable for the analysis of online ratings as they represent two-sided markets that match buyers to sellers and thus lead to reduced scope for opportunistic behavior. We decompose the online ratings by focusing on the customer’s decision-making process in a leading peer-to-peer ridesharing platform. Using data from the leading peer-to-peer ridesharing platform BlaBlaCar, we analyze 17,584 users registered between 2004 and 2014 and their online ratings focusing on the decomposition of the explicit determinants reflecting the variance of online ratings. We find clear evidence to suggest that a driver’s attitude towards music, pets, smoking, and conversation has a significantly positive influence on his received online ratings. However, we also show that the interaction of female drivers and their attitude towards pets has a significantly negative effect on average ratings.
Influence of Plant Biostimulant as Technique to Harden Citrus Nursery Plants before Transplanting to the Field
Authors: Conesa María R. , Espinosa Pedro J. , Pallarés Diego , Pérez-Pastor Alejandro
Published: August 2020

The supply of commercial plant biostimulants (PB) for sustainable agriculture is currently very broad but also confusing, as there is little information on their use to mitigate the negative effects of water stress on plants growing in areas of water scarcity. The issue addressed in this article deals with the effects of Amalgerol®, a PB and soil conditioner mainly based on seaweed extracts (SWEs), on the water relations and the growth patterns of mandarin trees grown in pots and their response to a subsequent period of water stress compared with un-treated plants. When the SWE treatment accumulated 75 mL of product, plants exhibited an increase in vegetative growth and higher values of gas exchange rate, with 57% higher substrate microbiological activity than un-treated plants. After this, the irrigation was completely suppressed in all plants until a mean threshold value of −1.6 MPa of midday stem water potential was reached, and it was then reestablished after 7 consecutive days. The un-treated plants showed a higher level of water stress, around 0.4–0.7 MPa, compared to the treated ones, recovering at least three days after irrigation recovery. Furthermore, the presence of mycorrhized roots was 60% higher than un-treated plants, which resulted in greater resistance to water stress. The use of Amalgerol® resulted in a good complement for mineral plant fertilization in semi-arid agrosystems, where water resources are limited, allowing the hardening of citrus nursery plants, which can contribute to their more efficient field transplantation in water scarcity areas.
Strongly and Loosely Bound Water in Ambient Particulate Matter—Qualitative and Quantitative Determination by Karl Fischer Coulometric Method
Authors: Widziewicz-Rzońca Kamila , Tytła Malwina , Majewski Grzegorz , Rogula-Kopiec Patrycja , Loska Krzysztof , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta
Published: August 2020

Simple physical characterization of water evaporation can provide detailed information regarding its component distribution in particulate matter (PM) samples. The water presence in PM can greatly influence its polarity and subsequent reaction activity, for example, in secondary inorganic and organic matter formation. In this study, the presence of PM-bound water is detected using the Karl Fischer titration method in a temperature gradient with an aim to quantitatively assess different types of water occurrence. The analyses were initiated by testing two reference materials, namely urban particulate matter 1648a and urban dust 1649b (NIST). Four different types of water were found in both NIST materials, which helped to optimize the temperature ramp program and its adjustment for real PM samples. It was found that water contents in total suspended particles (TSP) are similar to those typically occurring in urban background stations—approximately 7.12–45.13% of the TSP mass, differentiated into the following water mass contributions: 48.5% of the total water found was loosely bound water; 23.3% was attributed to the absorption water; while the missing 20% could be probably attributed to crystal water removed only above 180 °C and artifacts connected with the drift correction problem. By comparing water release curves for single PM-compounds like pure SiO2; Al2O3; NH4NO3; (NH4)2SO4 and NH4Cl with water spectra obtained for real PM samples, it was found that water in particulate matter mainly comes from the dehydration of TSP-bound crystalline like Al2O3, SiO2 and to a lesser extent from salts like NH4NO3; (NH4)2SO4 and NH4Cl. A newly used thermal ramp method was able to assess water contents from Teflon–polypropylene baked filters characterized by low melting points and therefore filter degradation even under temperatures oscillating around 200 °C. The advantage of this new work is the separation of different types of TSP-bound water contributions, facilitating and promoting further research on the origin of PM-bound water and its role in atmospheric chemistry, secondary aerosol formation and visibility.
Land-Use and Health Issues in Malagasy Primary Education—A Delphi Study
Authors: Niens Janna , Richter-Beuschel Lisa , Bögeholz Susanne
Published: August 2020

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a key role in Sustainable Development. In low-income countries like Madagascar, this key role is particularly relevant to primary education. However, the curricula lack a comprehensive ESD approach that incorporates regional issues. In Madagascar, sustainable land-use practices (Sustainable Development Goals 12, 15) and health prevention (SDGs 2, 3, 6) are educational challenges. Procedural knowledge allows problem-solving regarding unsustainable developments. We adapted and further developed a measure of ESD-relevant procedural knowledge. Considering curricula, sustainability standards, research, and a two-round Delphi study (n = 34 experts), we identified regionally relevant land-use practices and health-protective behavior. After the experts rated the effectiveness and possibility of implementation of courses of actions, we calculated an index of what to teach under given Malagasy (regional) conditions. Combined with qualitative expert comments, the study offers insights into expert views on land-use and health topics: For example, when teaching ESD in Northeast Madagascar, sustainable management of cultivation and soil is suitable, particularly when linked to vanilla production. Health-protective behavior is ultimately more difficult to implement in rural than in urban areas. These results are important for further curricula development, for ESD during primary education, and because they give insights into the topics teacher education should address.
Green Social Responsibility and Company Financing Cost-Based on Empirical Studies of Listed Companies in China
Authors: Ji Duan , Liu Yuyu , Zhang Lin , An Jingjing , Sun Wenyan
Published: August 2020

Taking Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2007 to 2018 as research samples, this paper studies the relationship between green corporation social responsibility (CSR) and financing cost of Chinese companies by means of moderating effect and multiple regression analysis. It is found that, for companies, the better the performance of green social responsibility, the lower the financing cost. However, it is also found that for companies with different pollution degrees and natures of property rights, the financing cost reduction effects due to green social responsibility are quite different. Compared with low-polluting companies, the financing cost reduction effect arisen by green CSR will be weakened for high-polluting companies. Compared with private companies, the financing cost reduction effect from green CSR will also be weakened for state-owned companies. To sum up, the research results of this paper show that there is a significant saving effect on financing cost for companies undertaking green CSR, and companies’ characteristics of pollution degree and property right can regulate the impact of green CSR on financing cost. The conclusion of this paper can encourage companies to take green social responsibility actively and reduce the cost of financing.
Sustaining Collaborative Effort in Work Teams: Exchange Ideology and Employee Social Loafing
Authors: Byun Gukdo , Lee Soojin , Karau Steven J. , Dai Ye
Published: August 2020

To sustain the effort of work team members as a collaborative resource over time, organizations need to avoid the social loafing of employees. Recognizing the importance of this relationship, we investigated both individual (i.e., exchange ideology) and situational factors (i.e., task visibility and professional respect) that influence employees’ attitudes toward social exchange and team collaboration and thus their social loafing. Using survey responses of 223 employee–supervisor dyads in South Korean firms, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that employees with a low exchange ideology were unlikely to engage in social loafing. In addition, exchange ideology interacted with both task visibility and professional respect to influence social loafing. Specifically, task visibility was negatively associated with social loafing, and this effect was stronger when employees were low, rather than high, in exchange ideology. Moreover, professional respect was negatively associated with social loafing, and this effect was stronger among those low in exchange ideology. Thus, a low level of exchange ideology can reduce social loafing and can also enhance the potential for task visibility and professional respect to strengthen effort levels. Accordingly, this study suggested that individual characteristics, especially exchange ideology, are important in reducing social loafing and clearly stated what managerial guidelines can be implemented to practically reduce social loafing.
Sustainable Value Creation Within Planetary Boundaries—Reforming Corporate Purpose and Duties of the Corporate Board
Authors: Sjåfjell Beate
Published: August 2020

Business, and the dominant legal form of business, that is, the corporation, must be involved in the transition to sustainability, if we are to succeed in securing a safe and just space for humanity. The corporate board has a crucial role in determining the strategy and the direction of the corporation. However, currently, the function of the corporate board is constrained through the social norm of shareholder primacy, reinforced through the intermediary structures of capital markets. This article argues that an EU law reform is key to integrating sustainability into mainstream corporate governance, into the corporate purpose and the core duties of the corporate board, to change corporations from within. While previous attempts at harmonizing core corporate law at the EU level have failed, there are now several drivers for reform that may facilitate a change, including the EU Commission’s increased emphasis on sustainability. Drawing on this momentum, this article presents a proposal to reform corporate purpose and duties of the board, based on the results of the EU-funded research project, Sustainable Market Actors for Responsible Trade (SMART, 2016–2020).
Assessing the Environmental Impact of Thermal Transmittance Tests Performed in Façades of Existing Buildings: The Case of Spain
Authors: Bienvenido-Huertas David
Published: August 2020

Thermal transmittance tests constitute an appropriate tool to assess the energy performance of existing buildings. The heat flow meter method and the thermometric method are the most used experimental methods. One of the main criteria to guarantee appropriate test conditions and the representation of results is to ensure a high thermal gradient. For this purpose, heating or air conditioning systems should be used from three to seven days. Most studies related to experimental methods have addressed the appropriate test conditions; however, the environmental impact related to these conditions have not been analyzed. This study analyzes the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions related to the conditions of the thermal gradient required for tests. An energy analysis of 129,600 cases located in Spain was conducted. The results showed that heating systems are the best option to perform thermal transmittance tests, whereas air conditioning systems do not guarantee appropriate test conditions. As for the energy consumption and the percentage of hours with an appropriate thermal gradient, the adequacy of the heating setpoint temperature according to the predicted estimations of the external temperature during tests would mitigate their environmental impact. The reason is that, in certain cases, the increase of the setpoint temperature does not improve test conditions. Also, the use of heating systems would imply short test durations. Finally, the selection of small rooms with a small façade length would reduce the percentage of CO2 emissions between 31.37% and 36.1%. The results of this study could guarantee a more sustainable performance of thermal transmittance tests. In addition, the results could be used to perform life cycle analysis on buildings where thermal transmittance tests are performed.
Multi-Objective Flight Altitude Decision Considering Contrails, Fuel Consumption and Flight Time
Authors: Xue Dabin , Ng Kam K. H. , Hsu Li-Ta
Published: August 2020

The rapid growth of air travel and aviation emissions in recent years has contributed to an increase in climate impact. Contrails have been considered one of the main factors of the aviation-induced climate impact. This paper deals with the formation of persistent contrails and its relationship with fuel consumption and flight time when flight altitude and true airspeed vary. Detailed contrail formation conditions pertaining to altitude, relative humidity and temperature are formulated according to the Schmidt–Appleman criterion. Building on the contrail formation model, the proposed model would minimise total travel time, fuel consumption and contrail length associated with a given flight. Empirical data (including pressure, temperature, relative humidity, etc.) collected from seven flight information regions in Chinese observation stations were used to analyse the spatial and temporal distributions of the persistent contrail formation area. The trade-off between flight time, fuel consumption and contrail length are illustrated with a real-world case. The results provided a valuable benchmark for flight route planning with environmental, flight time, sustainable flight trajectory planning and fuel consumption considerations, and showed significant contrail length reduction through an optimal selection of altitude and true airspeed.
Sensitivity of Discrete Symmetry Tests in the Positronium System with the J-PET Detector
Authors: Gajos Aleksander
Published: August 2020

Study of certain angular correlations in the three-photon annihilations of the triplet state of positronium, the electron–positron bound state, may be used as a probe of potential CP and CPT-violating effects in the leptonic sector. We present the perspectives of CP and CPT tests using this process recorded with a novel detection system for photons in the positron annihilation energy range, the Jagiellonian Positron Emission Tomography (J-PET). We demonstrate the capability of this system to register three-photon annihilations with an unprecedented range of kinematical configurations and to measure the CPT-odd correlation between positronium spin and annihilation plane orientation with a precision improved by at least an order of magnitude with respect to present results. We also discuss the means to control and reduce detector asymmetries in order to allow J-PET to set the first measurement of the correlation between positronium spin and momentum of the most energetic annihilation photon which has never been studied to date.
Integration of Dirac’s Efforts to Construct a Quantum Mechanics Which is Lorentz-Covariant
Authors: Kim Young , Noz Marilyn
Published: August 2020

The lifelong efforts of Paul A. M. Dirac were to construct localized quantum systems in the Lorentz covariant world. In 1927, he noted that the time-energy uncertainty should be included in the Lorentz-covariant picture. In 1945, he attempted to construct a representation of the Lorentz group using a normalizable Gaussian function localized both in the space and time variables. In 1949, he introduced his instant form to exclude time-like oscillations. He also introduced the light-cone coordinate system for Lorentz boosts. Also in 1949, he stated the Lie algebra of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group can serve as the uncertainty relations in the Lorentz-covariant world. It is possible to integrate these three papers to produce the harmonic oscillator wave function which can be Lorentz-transformed. In addition, Dirac, in 1963, considered two coupled oscillators to derive the Lie algebra for the generators of the O(3,2) de Sitter group, which has ten generators. It is proven possible to contract this group to the inhomogeneous Lorentz group with ten generators, which constitute the fundamental symmetry of quantum mechanics in Einstein’s Lorentz-covariant world.
The Response of Nanobeams with Temperature-Dependent Properties Using State-Space Method via Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Marin Marin
Published: August 2020

At present, with the development in nanotechnology, nanostructures with temperature-dependent properties have been used in nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). Thus, introducing an accurate mathematical model of nanobeams with temperature-dependent properties is a major and important topic for the design of NEMS. This paper aims to discuss nonlocal nanobeams analysis depending on the theories of Euler–Bernoulli and modified couple-stress (MCS). It also is assumed that the thermal conductivity of the nanobeam is dependent on the temperature. Physical fields of the nanobeam are obtained utilizing Laplace transform and state-space techniques. The effects of the size and nonlocal parameters, variability of thermal conductivity and couple stress on various distributions are presented graphically and studied in detail. Numerical results are presented as application scales and the design of nanoparticles, nanoscale oscillators, atomic force microscopes, and nanogenerators, in which nanoparticles as nanobeams act as essential and basic elements.
Charge Asymmetry in Top Quark Pair Production
Authors: Lysák Roman
Published: August 2020

The top quark is the heaviest elementary particle known. It has been proposed many times that new physics beyond the current theory of elementary particles may reveal itself in top quark interactions. The charge asymmetry in the pair production of a fermion and its antiparticle has been known for many decades. Early measurements of such asymmetry in top quark pair production showed a disagreement with the prediction by more than 3 standard deviations. Many years of an effort on both experimental and theoretical side have allowed to understand the top quark pair charge asymmetry better and to bring back the agreement between the measurements and the theory. In this article, these efforts are reviewed together with the discussion about a potential future of such measurements.
Rephasing Invariant for Three-Neutrino Oscillations Governed by a Non-Hermitian Hamiltonian
Authors: Naumov Dmitry V. , Naumov Vadim A. , Shkirmanov Dmitry S.
Published: August 2020

Time-reversal symmetry is broken for mixed and possibly unstable Dirac neutrino propagation through absorbing media. This implies that interplay between the neutrino mixing, refraction, absorption and/or decay can be described by non-Hermitian quantum dynamics. We derive an identity which sets up direct connection between the fundamental neutrino parameters (mixing angles, CP-violating phase, mass-squared splittings) in vacuum and their effective counterparts in matter.
Genetic Features of HIV-1 Integrase Sub-Subtype A6 Predominant in Russia and Predicted Susceptibility to INSTIs
Authors: Kirichenko Alina , Lapovok Ilya , Baryshev Pavel , van de Vijver David A. M. C. , van Kampen Jeroen J. A. , Boucher Charles A. B. , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Kireev Dmitry
Published: August 2020

The increasing use of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) class for the treatment of HIV-infection has pointed to the importance of analyzing the features of HIV-1 subtypes for an improved understanding of viral genetic variability in the occurrence of drug resistance (DR). In this study, we have described the prevalence of INSTI DR in a Russian cohort and the genetic features of HIV-1 integrase sub-subtype A6. We included 408 HIV infected patients who were not exposed to INSTI. Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected among 1.3% of ART-naïve patients and among 2.7% of INSTI-naïve patients. The prevalence of 12 polymorphic mutations was significantly different between sub-subtypes A6 and A1. Analysis of the genetic barriers determined two positions in which subtype A (A1 and A6) showed a higher genetic barrier (G140C and V151I) compared with subtype B, and one position in which subtypes A1 and B displayed a higher genetic barrier (L74M and L74I) than sub-subtype A6. Additionally, we confirmed that the L74I mutation was selected at the early stage of the epidemic and subsequently spread as a founder effect in Russia. Our data have added to the overall understanding of the genetic features of sub-subtype A6 in the context of drug resistance.