bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economics of Environmental Taxes and Green Tax Reforms
Authors: Labeaga José M. , Labandeira Xavier
Published: January 2020

Environmental taxes and green tax reforms are increasingly seen as powerful tools for promoting a transition to sustainable economies [...]
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Potential Evapotranspiration in the Loess Plateau of China During 1960–2017
Authors: Sun Congjian , Zheng Zhenjing , Chen Wei , Wang Yuyang
Published: January 2020

Potential evapotranspiration (ET0) is an integral component of the hydrological cycle and the global energy balance, and its long-term variation is of much concern in climate change studies. The Loess Plateau is an important area of agricultural civilization and water resources research. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution processes and influential parameters of ET0 at 70 stations in different topographical areas of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). Using the Mann–Kendall trend, Cross wavelet transform, and the ArcGIS platform, the ET0 of each station was quantified using the Penman–Monteith equation, and the effects of climatic factors on ET0 were assessed by analyzing the correlation coefficients and contribution rates of the climatic factors. The results showed that: (1) the overall trend of the ET0 in different terrains of the Loess Plateau is consistent, however, the ET0 values differ; the hill region (HR) has the highest ET0, followed by the valley region (VR), and the mountain region (MR) has the lowest, and ET0 changes differ between seasons. (2) Spatial distribution characteristics of multiyear mean ET0 in the study are as follows: the ET0 values in mountain and hilly areas are decreasing from west to east, and the higher mean annual ET0 value in the VR is mainly concentrated in the eastern CLP. (3) In the past 58 years, the annual mean and the seasonal ET0 of the region showed increasing trends, however, differences in different terrains were obvious. (4) ET0 has significant correlations with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific–North American teleconnection (PNA), and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The resonance period of ET0 and ENSO was 3–6 a, mainly in 1976–1985. The mean coherence phase angle was close to 360°, indicating that ET0 lags behind PNA by approximately 2–6 a; ET0 has a very strong positive correlation with AMO. (5) Relative humidity (RH) is the main influencing factor of ET0 change in the Loess Plateau. Temperature (T) variation has the highest contribution rate (42%) to the regional ET0 variation in the entire CLP. We should pay more attention to the variation of evaporation under future climate change, especially temperature change.
Motives and Role of Religiosity towards Consumer Purchase Behavior in Western Imported Food Products
Authors: Bukhari Faheem , Hussain Saima , Ahmed Rizwan Raheem , Streimikiene Dalia , Soomro Riaz Hussain , Channar Zahid Ali
Published: January 2020

The undertaken study examines the influence of the marketing mix, consumer attributes, and the role of religiosity towards consumer purchase behavior regarding western imported food products in Pakistan. The study has used the theory of planned behaviors as underpinning foundations for testing factors. In total, 1080 respondents from eight cities in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Larkana, and Faisalabad—were part of this study. Path analysis performed through SEM (structural equation modeling). The result unveiled that product attributes, price, self-concept, brand trust, personality, and religiosity positively correlated with consumer’s purchase intention in a Muslim country. The result of this study will also help potential future candidates for the food industry, especially those aimed at using the Asian consumer market. The penetration of western imported food may also bring convergence where the nation can feel upgraded and privileged. The study also adds to the academic literature on Muslim consumer behavior by combining numerous factors on a single model, grounded in the theory of planned behavior. Limited study has analyzed religiosity and other factors in context with a Muslim majority population. This study is a preliminary effort to understand the Muslim consumer food purchase behavior inadequately investigated by the consumer researcher.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Energy-Flexible Factories: A Holistic Case Study of the Model Region Augsburg in Germany
Authors: Roth Stefan , Schott Paul , Ebinger Katharina , Halbrügge Stephanie , Kleinertz Britta , Köberlein Jana , Püschel Danny , Buhl Hans Ulrich , Ober Steffi , Reinhart Gunther , von Roon Serafin
Published: January 2020

Economic solutions for the integration of volatile renewable electricity generation are decisive for a socially supported energy transition. So-called energy-flexible factories can adapt their electricity consumption process efficiently to power generation. These adaptions can support the system balance and counteract local network bottlenecks. Within part of the model region Augsburg, a research and demonstration area of a federal research project, the potential, obstacles, effects, and opportunities of the energy-flexible factory were considered holistically. Exemplary flexibilization measures of industrial companies were identified and modeled. Simulations were performed to analyze these measures in supply scenarios with advanced expansion of fluctuating renewable electricity generation. The simulations demonstrate that industrial energy flexibility can make a positive contribution to regional energy balancing, thus enabling the integration of more volatile renewable electricity generation. Based on these fundamentals, profiles for regional market mechanisms for energy flexibility were investigated and elaborated. The associated environmental additional expenses of the companies for the implementation of the flexibility measures were identified in a life-cycle assessment, with the result that the negative effects are mitigated by the increased share of renewable energy. Therefore, from a technical perspective, energy-flexible factories can make a significant contribution to a sustainable energy system without greater environmental impact. In terms of a holistic approach, a network of actors from science, industry, associations, and civil society organizations was established and actively collaborated in a transdisciplinary work process. Using design-thinking methods, profiles of stakeholders in the region, as well as their mutual interactions and interests, were created. This resulted in requirements for the development of suitable business models and reduced regulatory barriers.
Norwegian Firms’ Green and New Industry Strategies: A Dual Challenge
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Jakobsen Stig-Erik
Published: January 2020

Today, there is strong pressure for firms, in Norway and abroad, to adopt green or sustainable strategies. Furthermore, many Norwegian firms, directly or indirectly dependent on the dominating but declining petroleum sector, face a further challenge as they have to enter new industries in search of market opportunities. We address these dual challenges and study how green and new industry strategies are a function of firm- and regional-level characteristics. Multilevel analyses of Norwegian survey data show that both green and new industry strategies are pursued by knowledge-intensive firms that are innovative and having interfirm innovation collaboration. Green strategies are pursued by large firms and firms localized in sparsely populated regions, but they are avoided by independent firms and firms having carried out layoffs. New industry strategies are pursued by small firms, firms with growth in employees, and firms having carried out mergers or acquisitions and cost reductions.
An ISM Approach for the Barrier Analysis in Implementing Green Campus Operations: Towards Higher Education Sustainability
Authors: Gholami Hamed , Bachok Mohamad Faizal , Saman Muhamad Zameri Mat , Streimikiene Dalia , Sharif Safian , Zakuan Norhayati
Published: January 2020

Although various initiatives have been undertaken by the universities worldwide to ensure that their campus operates sustainably, there are emergent barriers that pose serious challenges to the practitioners and subsequently hinder the successful implementation. The research for this paper was built upon the discussion concerning ‘campus operations’, which is one of the dominant sustainability elements in the university systems. It analyzes the barriers for green campus operations implementation through a methodological approach, which was implemented in two tiers. For identification of the barriers, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and consulted with academic experts who have been involved in greening campus operations in the university. Next, interpretive structural modeling was used to analyze and develop a model of interactions, mutual influence, and relationship among barriers. The results revealed an eighteen-barrier interpretive structural model with eight levels. The analysis indicated that ‘lack of awareness’, ‘lack of knowledge’, ‘resistance to change’, and ‘inefficient communication’ are the dominant barriers with high driving and low dependence powers. The research findings highlighted the importance of this structural model for universities to facilitate the implementation of campus operations by removing the dominant barriers.
Fiscal Deficit and Its Less Inflationary Sources of Borrowing with the Moderating Role of Political Instability: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Khan Hanana , Marimuthu Maran , Lai Fong-Woon
Published: January 2020

Theoretically, fiscal deficit may be inflationary, but its sources of financing can bring change in significance and impact. Malaysia is facing a high tendency of fiscal deficit from the last decade. To finance the fiscal deficit, which sources are less inflationary in the country? To answer this question, the study aims to analyze the quarterly financial time-series data covering the period from 2000 Q1 to 2018 Q4 of Malaysia using recent econometric techniques. The analysis is carried out in three stages. In the first stage, it is tested that the fiscal deficit is inflationary along with the money supply. In the second stage, it is determined that political instability moderates the link between inflation and the fiscal deficit and the external sources of borrowing in the short-run, while the domestic sources of borrowing in the long run are found inflationary. In the third stage, the central bank borrowing and Bank institutions borrowing from the domestic sources and the short-term borrowing from the external sources are found less inflationary. The findings suggest that borrowing through the central bank and bank institutions (domestic sources) is less inflationary in the long term; while for a short-term policy, from external sources, only short-term borrowing is less inflationary; medium- and long-term borrowing are much more sensitive to inflation.
Stakeholder Perspectives to Prevent Soil Organic Matter Decline in Northeastern Italy
Authors: Dal Ferro Nicola , Camarotto Carlo , Piccoli Ilaria , Berti Antonio , Mills Jane , Morari Francesco
Published: January 2020

A transition from conventional to more sustainable soil management measures (SMMs) is required to reverse the current soil organic matter (SOM) losses in the agroecosystems. Despite the innovations and technologies that are available to prevent SOM decline, top–down knowledge transfer schemes that incentivize a certain measure are often ineffective. Here, we discuss relevant outcomes from a participatory approach where researchers, farmers, practitioners and government officials have discussed opportunities and barriers around SMM application to prevent SOM decline. Within a series of workshops, stakeholders identified, scored, and selected SMMs to field-tests and evaluated the benefits and drawbacks from their application. Results showed that the stakeholders recognized the need for innovations, although they valued the most promising SMM as already available continuous soil cover and conservation agriculture. In contrast, more innovative SMMs, such as biochar use and the variable rate application of organic amendments through precision farming, were the least valued, suggesting that people’s resistance to new technologies is often governed by the socio-cultural perception of them that goes beyond the economic and technological aspects. The valuation of benefits and drawbacks by stakeholders on trialed measures emphasized that stakeholders’ perspective about soil management is a combination of economic, environmental, and socio-cultural aspects, thus corroborating the need for transdisciplinary bottom–up approaches to prevent SOM depletion and increase soil rehabilitation and SOM content.
Impact Quantification of Decentralization in Urban Growth by Extracting Impervious Surfaces Using ISEI in Model Maker
Authors: Twumasi Nana Yaw Danquah , Chisenga Chikondi , Saleem Nayyer , Lyimo Neema Nicodemus , Altan Orhan
Published: January 2020

Decentralization problems in Africa have caused some infrastructure disparity between country capitals and distant districts. In Ghana, less public investment has created a gap between implementation results and theoretical benefits. Spectral indices are a good approach to extracting impervious surfaces, which is a good method of measuring urbanization. These are restricted by complexity, sensor limitation, threshold values, and high computational time. In this study, we measure the urbanization dynamics of Wa District in Ghana by applying a proposed method of impervious surface extraction index (ISEI), to evaluate the decentralization policy using Landsat images from 1984–2018 and a single S2A data. Comparing our proposed method with five other existing indexes, ISEI provided good discriminated results between target feature and background, with pixel values ranging between 0 and +1. Other indexes produced negative values. ISEI accuracy varied from 84.62–94.00% while existing indexes varied from 73.85–90.00%. Our results also showed increased impervious surface areas of 83.26 km2, which is about 7.72% of total area while the average annual urban growth was recorded as 4.42%. These figures proved that the quantification of decentralization is very positive. The study provides a foundation for urban environment research in the context of decentralization policy.
The Drivers of Corporate Water Disclosure in Enhancing Information Transparency
Authors: Yu Hui-Cheng , Kuo Lopin , Ma Beiling
Published: January 2020

This paper explores drivers of corporate water disclosure (CWD) from an aspect of accountability. Based on legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory, we propose six potential drivers of CWD. First, this paper uses an independent sample t-test to analyze differences in CWD among US firms. Later, potential drivers on CWD were identified using ordinal logit regression. These hypotheses posit that debt ratio, blockholders’ ownership ratio, inclusion in a capital market index (i.e., S&P500), and the status of belonging to a water-sensitive industry (WSensi) all have a positive effect on CWD. However, the relations of firm size and profitability on CWD are insignificant. This suggests that the supervision of blockholders and creditors can effectively improve the transparency of CWD.
The Virtuous Circle of Sustainable Welfare as a Transformative Policy Idea
Authors: Hirvilammi Tuuli
Published: January 2020

Welfare states are highly dependent on the economic growth paradigm. Especially in social democratic welfare states, growth dependence has historically been accompanied by the notion of a virtuous circle, which ensures that social policy measures do not conflict with economic growth. However, this policy idea ignores the environmental impacts that are now challenging human wellbeing and welfare goals. In this conceptual research article, I reframe the virtuous circle of the welfare state by revealing its unintended consequences and internal contradictions before introducing a more sustainable policy idea. I argue that this new concept—a virtuous circle of sustainable welfare—could have transformative potential in designing a planned and socially sustainable degrowth transformation. Drawing on historical institutionalism, degrowth, social policy and sustainable welfare state research, I advocate for the virtuous circle as a heuristic tool to provide an appealing and convincing narrative for sustainable welfare state beyond growth. The policy idea of virtuous circle addresses interrelated institutional reforms and positive feedbacks between different institutions and policy goals. It also emphasizes that a holistic approach is necessary to avoid trade-offs and contradictions between social, environmental, and economic policies.
Evaluation of Nitrate Load Estimations Using Neural Networks and Canonical Correlation Analysis with K-Fold Cross-Validation
Authors: Jung Kichul , Bae Deg-Hyo , Um Myoung-Jin , Kim Siyeon , Jeon Seol , Park Daeryong
Published: January 2020

The present work aimed to examine the feasibility of using artificial neural network (ANN) based models to obtain accurate estimates of nitrate loads in river basins, which is an important parameter for water quality management. Both Single ANN (SANN) and Ensemble ANN (EANN) models were used to obtain the load estimations for five river basins in the Midwest United States. These basins included the Cuyahoga, Raisin, Sandusky, Muskingum, and Vermilion basins in Michigan and Ohio. Further, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was applied to the ANN models to improve the performance. The k-fold cross-validation method was then utilized to evaluate the proposed models based on two statistical indices, namely, the rRMSE and rBAIS, and the estimates were compared for four different k values (k = 3, 5, 7, and 10). According to the results, the EANN model seemed to produce better load estimations than the SANN model, and the CCA based EANN model tended to produce the best estimates among all of the proposed models in this study. The box plot data for the rRMSE index were also investigated, and the plot results indicated that increasing values of k tended to generate better estimates. Thus, the use of k = 10 is recommended for load estimations since this value was associated with better performances and less biased estimates.
Exploring the Important Attributes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Generating Decision Rules
Authors: Cheng Ching-Hsue , Wang Yun-Chun
Published: January 2020

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe phase of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Living with HIV results in a weakened immune system, with AIDS being the final stage of HIV and puzzling the world. The current medical environment remains unable to effectively cure AIDS, with treatment depending on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). To effectively treat and prevent HIV, it is important to elucidate the key factors of HIV propagation. This study proposes a rough set classifier based on adding recency (R) (i.e., the last physician visit), frequency (F) (i.e., the frequency of medical visits), and monetary (M) (i.e., medication adherence) attributes and integrated attribute selection methods to generate discriminatory rules and find the core attributes of HIV. The collected data consist of 1308 HIV infection records from Taiwan. From the experimental results, the frequency of CD4+ cells in the peripheral blood is able to determine patient medication, treatment willingness, and HIV infection stages, because HIV patients are less likely to be willing to receive long-term ART. Furthermore, drug abuse is found to be the greatest cause of HIV infection. These results show that the additional RFM attributes can improve classification accuracy, with the core attributes being M, R, plasma viral load (PVL) and age. Hence, we suggest that clinical physicians use these core attributes to understand the HIV infection stages.
Interval Intuitionistic Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm Based on Symmetric Information Entropy
Authors: Lin Jian , Duan Guanhua , Tian Zhiyong
Published: January 2020

Based on the continuous optimal aggregation operator, a novel distance measure is proposed to deal with interval intuitionistic fuzzy clustering problems. The optimal ordered weighted intuitionistic fuzzy quasi-averaging (OOWIFQ) operator and the continuous OOWIFQ operator are presented to aggregate all the values in an interval intuitionistic fuzzy number. Some of their desirable properties are also studied. The OOWIFQ operator can describe the fuzzy state of things more realistically and present the fuzzy properties more accurately. The opinions of experts are very important, the OOWIFQ operators take expert preferences into account to reduce systematic errors. Considering the hesitation of things and avoiding distortion of information, we put forward the distance measure for interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers by using symmetric information entropy. Based on the continuous OOWIFQ operator and proposed distance measure, a new interval intuitionistic fuzzy clustering (IIFC) algorithm is proposed. The application in soil clustering shows the validity and practicability of the IIFC algorithm.
On Quantum Duality of Group Amenability
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liu Ming
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we investigate the co-amenability of compact quantum groups. Combining with some properties of regular C*-norms on algebraic compact quantum groups, we show that the quantum double of co-amenable compact quantum groups is unique. Based on this, this paper proves that co-amenability is preserved under formulation of the quantum double construction of compact quantum groups, which exhibits a type of nice symmetry between the co-amenability of quantum groups and the amenability of groups.
Phytotoxic Responses of Soybean (Glycine max L.) to Botryodiplodin, a Toxin Produced by the Charcoal Rot Disease Fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Abbas Hamed K. , Bellaloui Nacer , Butler Alemah M. , Nelson Justin L. , Abou-Karam Mohamed , Shier W. Thomas
Published: January 2020

Toxins have been proposed to facilitate fungal root infection by creating regions of readily-penetrated necrotic tissue when applied externally to intact roots. Isolates of the charcoal rot disease fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina, from soybean plants in Mississippi produced a phytotoxic toxin, (−)-botryodiplodin, but no detectable phaseolinone, a toxin previously proposed to play a role in the root infection mechanism. This study was undertaken to determine if (−)-botryodiplodin induces toxic responses of the types that could facilitate root infection. (±)-Botryodiplodin prepared by chemical synthesis caused phytotoxic effects identical to those observed with (−)-botryodiplodin preparations from M. phaseolina culture filtrates, consistent with fungus-induced phytotoxicity being due to (−)-botryodiplodin, not phaseolinone or other unknown impurities. Soybean leaf disc cultures of Saline cultivar were more susceptible to (±)-botryodiplodin phytotoxicity than were cultures of two charcoal rot-resistant genotypes, DS97-84-1 and DT97-4290. (±)-Botryodiplodin caused similar phytotoxicity in actively growing duckweed (Lemna pausicostata) plantlet cultures, but at much lower concentrations. In soybean seedlings growing in hydroponic culture, (±)-botryodiplodin added to culture medium inhibited lateral and tap root growth, and caused loss of root caps and normal root tip cellular structure. Thus, botryodiplodin applied externally to undisturbed soybean roots induced phytotoxic responses of types expected to facilitate fungal root infection.
Calcium-Induced Activity and Folding of a Repeat in Toxin Lipase from Antarctic Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain AMS8
Authors: Ali Nur Shidaa Mohd , Salleh Abu Bakar , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd , Leow Thean Chor , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad
Published: January 2020

It is hypothesized that the Ca2+ ions were involved in the activity, folding and stabilization of many protein structures. Many of these proteins contain repeat in toxin (RTX) motifs. AMS8 lipase from Antarctic Pseudomonas fluorescens strain AMS8 was found to have three RTX motifs. So, this research aimed to examine the influence of Ca2+ ion towards the activity and folding of AMS8 lipase through various biophysical characterizations. The results showed that CaCl2 increased lipase activity. The far-UV circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis suggested that the secondary structure content was improved with the addition of CaCl2. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that the presence of CaCl2 increased protein folding and compactness. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis suggested that AMS8 lipase became aggregated at a high concentration of CaCl2.The binding constant (Kd) value from the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis proved that the Ca2+ ion was tightly bound to the AMS8 lipase. In conclusion, Ca2+ ions play crucial roles in the activity and folding of the AMS8 lipase. Calcium binding to RTX nonapeptide repeats sequences will induced the formation and folding of the RTX parallel β-roll motif repeat structure.
Global Gene Expression Analysis of the Brainstem in EV71- and CVA16-Infected Gerbils
Authors: Sun Yi-Sheng , Yang Zhang-Nv , Xu Fang , Chen Chen , Lu Hang-Jing , Jiang Jian-Min , Zhang Yan-Jun , Zhu Han-Ping , Yao Ping-Ping
Published: January 2020

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are the two most important pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). However, the neuropathogenesis of EV71 and CVA16 has not been elucidated. In our previous study, we established gerbils as a useful model for both EV71 and CVA16 infection. In this work, we used RNA-seq technology to analyze the global gene expression of the brainstem of EV71- and CVA16-infected gerbils. We found that 3434 genes were upregulated while 916 genes were downregulated in EV71-infected gerbils. In CVA16-infected gerbils, 1039 genes were upregulated, and 299 genes were downregulated. We also found significant dysregulation of cytokines, such as IP-10 and CXCL9, in the brainstem of gerbils. The expression levels of 10 of the most upregulated genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR, and the upregulated tendency of most genes was in accordance with the differential gene expression (DGE) results. Our work provided global gene expression analysis of virus-infected gerbils and laid a solid foundation for elucidating the neuropathogenesis mechanisms of EV71 and CVA16.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Rotaviruses among under-Five Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Damtie Debasu , Melku Mulugeta , Tessema Belay , Vlasova Anastasia N.
Published: January 2020

Rotavirus infection is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis among children globally. Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia is disproportionally affected by the disease. The aims of this review were to determine the pooled prevalence of rotavirus infection among children under-five and to identify the dominant rotavirus genotypes in Ethiopia. Twelve studies were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis and five studies were used to determine predominantly circulating genotypes of rotavirus. The pooled prevalence of rotavirus infection was 23% (95% CI = 22%–24%). G3 (27.1%) and P[8] (49%) were the dominant G and P types, respectively. The G8 G-type uncommon in humans but highly prevalent in cattle was also reported accounting for 1% of all cases. The major G/P combinations were G12P[8] (15.4%), G3P[6] (14.2%), G1P[8] (13.6%) and G3P[8] (12.9%) collectively accounting for 56.1% of rotavirus strains. Similar to other parts of the world, the dominance of G1, G3, P[6] and P[8] genotypes was noted in Ethiopia. The increased prevalence of G12P[8] strains observed in Ethiopia was similar to observations in other geographic regions in the post-vaccine introduction period. Thus, further studies are required on the vaccine effectiveness, genotype distribution and inter-species transmission potential of rotaviruses in Ethiopia.
An Evaluation of Soil Moisture Anomalies from Global Model-Based Datasets over the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia , Parinussa Robert M. , Wang Guojie , Draper Clara S.
Published: January 2020

Soil moisture is an important factor in land-atmosphere interactions and other land processes. Improved estimates from climate models have, in the last two decades, become an important alternate source of information. In this study, we extend the evaluation of soil moisture anomalies of different generations of three families of model datasets (the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ (ECMWF) reanalysis, the Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications of NASA, and the Global Land Data Assimilation System of theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) in recent studies to the People’s Republic of China. Two validation techniques, namely, root-mean-square error (RMSE) from triple collocation analysis (TCA) and correlations (R) with ground observations, were used. The study confirmed the results of previous studies that focused on other regions and showed that the newer generations of each modeling family generally had better skill than the older generations with higher correlations and lower RMSEs. A cross-validation of the results from the two techniques for the newer products showed that the higher correlations and lower RMSEs from the TCA were found over regions with moderate vegetation cover, while regions with less vegetation cover had lower correlations and larger RMSEs (ECMWF (R: −0.93), NASA (R: −0.73), and NOAA (R: −0.61)), indicating that these two techniques complement each other to fairly validate the products.
Optimal Design and Prediction-Independent Verification of Groundwater Monitoring Network
Authors: Janardhanan Sreekanth , Gladish Dan , Gonzalez Dennis , Pagendam Dan , Pickett Trevor , Cui Tao
Published: January 2020

In this study, we developed a workflow that applies a complex groundwater model for purpose-driven groundwater monitoring network design and uses linear uncertainty analysis to explore the predictive dependencies and provide insights into the veracity of the monitoring design. A numerical groundwater flow model was used in a probabilistic modelling framework for obtaining the spatial distribution of predicted drawdown for a wide range of plausible combination of uncertain parameters pertaining to the deep sedimentary basin and groundwater flow processes. Reduced rank spatial prediction was used to characterize dominant trends in these spatial drawdown patterns using empirical orthogonal functions (EOF). A differential evolution algorithm was used to identify optimal locations for multi-level piezometers for collecting groundwater pressure data to minimize predictive uncertainty in groundwater drawdown. Data-worth analysis helps to explore the veracity of the design by using only the sensitivities of the observations to predictions independent of the absolute values of predictions. A 10-bore monitoring network that collects drawdown data from multiple depths at each location was designed. The data-worth analysis revealed that the design honours sensitivities of the predictions of interest to parameters. The designed network provided relatively high data-worth for minimizing uncertainty in the drawdown prediction at locations of interest.
Water-Scarcity Footprint Associated with Crop Expansion in Northeast China: A Case Study Based on AquaCrop Modeling
Authors: Huai Heju , Chen Xin , Huang Jing , Chen Fu
Published: January 2020

In recent decades, China’s crop production experienced a spatial shift, and this shift may significantly influence the national water resources due to the geographical mismatch between water resources and cropland. By applying the widely applied AquaCrop model, this study quantified the impact of grain crop (rice and maize) expansion in northeastern China on the country’s water resources. We found that the production of rice and maize increased by 60% and 43%, respectively, in the northeast, whereas the water scarcity-footprint (WSF) increased by 200% and 125%. Using sensitivity analysis, we found that the increase in the WSF was mainly caused by the increase in regional water scarcity, as reflected by a water scarcity index, and by the increase in production. To alleviate regional water scarcity, crop expansion into regions that experience high water stress should be constrained. A detailed reassessment of this situation is urgently needed.
Experimental Analysis on Pressure Fluctuation Characteristics of a Centrifugal Pump with Vaned-Diffuser
Authors: Liu Houlin , Xia Ruichao , Wang Kai , Jing Yucheng , He Xianghui
Published: January 2020

Experimental measurements to analyze the pressure fluctuation performance of a centrifugal pump with a vaned-diffuser, which its specific speed is 190. Results indicate that the main cause of pressure fluctuation is the rotor-stator interference at the impeller outlet. The head of the pump with vaned-diffuser at the design flow rate is 15.03 m, and the efficiency of the pump with a vaned-diffuser at the design flow rate reaches 71.47%. Pressure fluctuation decreases gradually with increasing distance from the impeller outlet. Along with the increase of the flow rate, amplitude of pressure fluctuation decreases. The amplitude of pressure fluctuation at the measuring points near the diffusion section of the pump body is larger than other measuring points. The variation tendency of pressure fluctuation at P1–P10 is the same, while there are wide frequency bands with different frequencies. The dominant frequency of pressure fluctuation is the blade passing frequency. The rotor-stator interference between the impeller and the vaned-diffuser gives rise to the main signal source of pressure fluctuation.
Stable Isotopes of Water and Nitrate for the Identification of Groundwater Flowpaths: A Review
Authors: Jung Hyejung , Koh Dong-Chan , Kim Yun , Jeen Sung-Wook , Lee Jeonghoon
Published: January 2020

Nitrate contamination in stream water and groundwater is a serious environmental problem that arises in areas of high agricultural activities or high population density. It is therefore important to identify the source and flowpath of nitrate in water bodies. In recent decades, the dual isotope analysis (δ15N and δ18O) of nitrate has been widely applied to track contamination sources by taking advantage of the difference in nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios for different sources. However, transformation processes of nitrogen compounds can change the isotopic composition of nitrate due to the various redox processes in the environment, which often makes it difficult to identify contaminant sources. To compensate for this, the stable water isotope of the H2O itself can be used to interpret the complex hydrological and hydrochemical processes for the movement of nitrate contaminants. Therefore, the present study aims at understanding the fundamental background of stable water and nitrate isotope analysis, including isotope fractionation, analytical methods such as nitrate concentration from samples, instrumentation, and the typical ranges of δ15N and δ18O from various nitrate sources. In addition, we discuss hydrograph separation using the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of water in combination with the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate to understand the relative contributions of precipitation and groundwater to stream water. This study will assist in understanding the groundwater flowpaths as well as tracking the sources of nitrate contamination using the stable isotope analysis in combination with nitrate and water.
A Model to Forecast Methane Emissions from Topical and Subtropical Reservoirs on the Basis of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Tabassum-Abbasi  , Abbasi Tasneem , Luithui Chirchom , Abbasi S. A.
Published: January 2020

In view of the great paucity of information on the exact contributions of different causes which lead to different extents of emission of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) form reservoirs, it is tremendously challenging to develop statistical or analytical models for forecasting such emissions. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have the ability to discern linear or non-linear relationships despite very limited data inputs and can recognize even complex patterns in a data set without a priori understating of the underlying mechanism. Hence, we have used ANNs to develop a model linking CH4 emissions to five of the reservoir parameters about which data is most commonly available in the prior art. Using a compendium of all available data on these parameters, of which a small part was kept aside for use in model validation, it has been possible to develop a model which is able to forecast CH4 emissions with a root mean square error of 37. It indicates a precision significantly better than the ones achieved in previous reports. The model provides a means to estimate CH4 emissions from reservoirs of which age, mean depth, surface area, latitude and longitude are known.
Assessment of Spatial Nitrate Patterns in An Eastern Iowa Watershed Using Boat-Deployed Sensors
Authors: Meulemans Matthew J. , Jones Christopher S. , Schilling Keith E. , Young Nathan C. , Weber Larry J.
Published: January 2020

Water quality sensors deployed on boats, buoys, and fixed monitoring stations along rivers allow high frequency monitoring at dense spatial and temporal resolutions. Research characterizing nitrate (NO3–N) delivery along extended reaches of navigable rivers, however, is sparse. Since land use and stream biogeochemistry can vary within agricultural watersheds, identifying detailed spatial patterns of stream NO3–N can help identify source area contributions that can be used to develop strategies for water quality improvement. Identifying spatial patterns is especially critical in agricultural watersheds that span multiple landscapes and have dynamic hydrological regimes. We developed and tested a new method that quantifies NO3–N delivery to streams at a high spatial resolution by continuously measuring stream NO3–N using a boat-deployed sensor. Traveling up the Iowa and Cedar Rivers (located within agricultural Upper Mississippi River Basin) and their major tributaries with the system, we automatically measured NO3–N concentrations every 15 s during four excursions spanning the months of May to August, 2018, and characterized stream NO3–N both laterally and longitudinally in river flow. Iowa River NO3–N concentrations were highest nearest the headwaters and gradually declined as the river flowed toward the Mississippi River. Conversely, Cedar River NO3–N concentrations increased from the headwaters toward the mid-watershed areas due to elevated NO3–N delivery from tributaries of the Middle Cedar River; NO3–N concentrations declined in the lower reaches. Our results confirm that NO3–N mitigation efforts should focus on level and intensely-farmed subwatersheds. Data collected with our sensor system compliments permanently deployed sensors and provides an option to support NO3–N removal efforts.
Strategi Perencanaan dan Biaya Pemasaran yang Efektif bagi UMKM Mitra Binaan PT. Semen Indonesia Tbk
Authors: Saraswati Erwin
Published: January 2020

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia play an important role in the economy, as they contribute to 57-60% of national GDP and employ 97% of all labors in the country. Besides raising capital, the main problem of MSMEs are marketing their products. Most MSME businessmen are merely product-oriented, not consumer-oriented and tend to focus only on fulfilling their families’ needs. So do the Fostered Partners of PT Semen Indonesia. After we conduct a training session, an FGD grouped by types of business, and knowledge sharing on web-based technology, MSMEs should be able to solve marketing-related problems and always budget marketing expenses.
ANALYSIS OF AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE INTAKE AND EXHAUST DUCTS
Authors: Czyż Zbigniew
Published: January 2020

The paper presents numerical analysis of charge exchange in an opposed-piston two-stroke engine. The research engine is a newly designed internal diesel engine. This unit is composed of three cylinders in which operate three pairs of opposed-pistons. The numerical investigations were carried out using ANSYS FLUENT solver. The geometrical model includes an intake manifold, a cylinder and an outlet manifold. The calculations specified a swirl coefficient obtained under steady conditions for fully open intake and exhaust ports as well as the CA value of 280° for all cylinders. In addition, mass flow rates were identified separately in all of the intake and exhaust ports to achieve the best possible uniformity of flow in particular cylinders.
Kajian Ergonomi di Sentra Persiapan BCCT: Menggugah Minat Baca-Tulis Anak Usia Dini Melalui Penataan Lingkungan Belajar yang Ergonomis
Authors: Hidayati Laily
Published: January 2020

Humans influence and are influenced by their environment. That rule is fully accepted in the study of behavioral science or psychology. Thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and tendencies to act can "change" a situation, and can "changed" because of a situation. Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between humans and their environment, in order to improve the quality of these relationships so as to produce positive situations for humans, as well as positive for their environment. This conceptual writing wants to try to apply the study and the results of ergonomics studies into the practice of early childhood learning, by taking a learning approach that is closely related to environmental structuring, namely a center and circle based learning approach, also known as a Beyond Center and Circle Time (BCCT). Which is one of the centers of learning in the BCCT approach is the preparation center. That is the center for early childhood learning environments arranged in such a way that supports the achievement of the purpose of preparing early childhood to master the ability to read, write, and count. This paper wants to integrate the principles of environmental management of the preparation center, with the psychological fact that effective environmental management can really affect human performance, in this case the achievement of early childhood development in read, write, and count preparation. So that it is expected that the efforts of early childhood education institutions to prepare well the tasks of early childhood development can be increased to the optimal level.
Pengaruh APE Montessori Manich Math terhadap Kemampuan Berhitung Kelompok A Di RA Brudu Sumobito Jombang
Authors: Ismawati Putri , Ningtias Ike Wahyu
Published: January 2020

The objective to be achieved in this study was to determine the effect of APE Montessori Manic Math on the numeracy ability of group A RA Al Khodijah Brudu Sumobito Jombang, The research method used in the purpose of this study in the Quantitative method with the type of research being Experimental Research, population and sample of 27 children, the research instrument in the form of a checklist in order determine to fint out the numeracy ability of group A in RA Al Khodijah through APE Montessori Manic Math and documentation in the formof photos of children during the learning process, while assessment instrument uses ratting scale which is used for raw data in the form of numbers and more flexible to measure the kegia process.tan in a learning with observation method then the collected data is calculated as the total value. Data analysis techniques used are non parametric statistical analysis techniques using t-test for small correlated samples. The value of Z = -4.324 and the Asymp value Sig (tailed) 0, and Sig (2-tailed) smaller than 0.01 then Ha is accepted, it means there is a very significant influence so concluded there is a very significant effect of APE Montessori Manic Math on the ability to count group A in RA Al Khodijah Brudu Sumobito Jombang.
Pengaruh permainan lompat kelinci terhadap perkembangan motorik kasar di PAUD Rajo Sulah Kabupaten Kerinci
Authors: Puputri Eyzela , Yeni Indra
Published: January 2020

This research originated from the fact that in Rajo Sulah PAUD Kerinci Regency tahat yaung childrens gross motor skills deloped optimally, children were unable to bend both legs and when jumping into a childs activity were still not balanced. Lack of gross motoric devalopment activities of children in the learning process. School in developing development. Therefore this rabbit jumping game is thought to have an influence on the childs motoric development. This study has an influence on the gross motor development of children. This study aims to determine the effect of rabbit jumping games on the gross motoric development of children in Rajo Sulah ECD Kerinci Regency. This type of researth is quantitative wiyh quasy experimental research menthods in the form of quasy experiments. Using the rabbit jumpng game affects the gross motoric development of children in Rajo Sulah ECD Kerinci Regency. Based on analysis, the average test results of the experimental proup were 84,89 and elementary school was 74,598 while in the control group there were 77,08 and elementary school at 67.274 in testing the hypothesis obtained tcount of 2.1764498 and ttable of 2.074 at the real leve α =0,05 and dk=22, it can be concluded that the rabbit jumping game proved to have a large influence on the gross motoric development of children in Rajo Sulah PAUD Kerinci Regency.
Upaya Mengembangkan Kemampuan Motorik Halus Anak melalui Pemanfaatan Bahan Bekas dalam Pembelajaran di Kelompok B RA Ar-Rafif Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
Authors: Ni'mah Afifah Fatihakun , Munastiwi Erni
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research to find the efforts of development children’s motor fine skills in group B RA Ar-Rafif, Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta through utilization of used materials. The type of this research is collaborative classroom action research which is uses research model by Kurt Levin. The Method of collect data are observation, interviews, and documentation. The current data analysis are descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative. The Indicator of success minimum is very high category and children’s motor fine skills minimum 85% which develop as expected category (develop as expected and develop very well) from 12 children. This research was conducted in two cycles, each cycle consist of three meetings. The Research process are planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The results showed that: First, development children’s motor fine skills before given action 16,67% which develop as expected category (develop as expected and develop very well), the ability motor fine skills of childhood less optimal. Second, implementation utilization of used materials in learning in group B RA Ar-Rafif Kalasan can increase children’s motor fine skills. Third, development children motor fine skills after given action an increase cycle 1 of 50% (develop as expected and develop very well) and increase cycle 2 of 91,66% (develop as expected and develop very well).
The Design of Hybrid Crop Recommendation System using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors:   B received her BCA degree from Bishop Heber College, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India., Ms. Viviliya*  , V Prof. Vaidhehi ,   received her MSc degree from Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu and MPhil Degree from Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: January 2020

Crop Recommendation System for agriculture is based on various input parameters. This paper proposes a hybrid model for recommending crops to south Indian states by considering various attributes. The recommender model is built as a hybrid model using the classifier algorithm such as Naive Bayes, J48 and association rules. Based on the appropriate parameters, the system will recommend the crop. Technology-based crop recommendation system for agriculture helps the farmers to increase the crop yield by recommending a suitable crop for their land with the help of geographic and the climatic parameters. The proposed hybrid recommender model is found to be effective in recommending a suitable crop.