bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calorie Restriction Modulates Reproductive Development and Energy Balance in Pre-Pubertal Male Rats
Authors: Rizzoto Guilherme , Sekhar Deepa , Thundathil Jacob C. , Chelikani Prasanth K. , Kastelic John P.
Published: August 2019

The objective was to determine effects of feed restriction and refeeding on reproductive development and energy balance in pre-pubertal male rats. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32, 24 days old, ~65 g), were randomly allocated into four treatments (n = 8/treatment): (1) Control (CON, ad libitum feed; (2) Mild Restriction (MR, rats fed 75% of CON consumption); (3) Profound Restriction (PR, 50% of CON consumption); or (4) Refeeding (RF, 50% restriction for 14 days, and then ad libitum for 7 days). Feed restriction delayed reproductive development and decreased energy balance and tissue accretion, with degree of reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions related to restriction severity. In RF rats, refeeding largely restored testis weight, sperm production (per gram and total), plasma IGF-1, leptin and insulin concentrations and energy expenditure, although body composition did not completely recover. On Day 50, more CON and RF rats than PR rats were pubertal (5/6, 4/5 and 1/6, respectively; plasma testosterone >1 ng/mL) with the MR group (4/6) not different. Our hypothesis was supported: nutrient restriction of pre-pubertal rats delayed reproductive development, induced negative energy balance and decreased metabolic hormone concentrations (commensurate with restriction), whereas short-term refeeding after profound restriction largely restored reproductive end points and plasma hormone concentrations, but not body composition.
Mediterranean Diet, Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Sevillian Adolescents: A Healthy Lifestyle
Authors: Galan-Lopez Pablo , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio J. , Ries Francis , González-Jurado José Antonio
Published: August 2019

Childhood and adolescent obesity has become one of the most vital challenges to overcome in the present age. Physical fitness, physical activity and the Mediterranean diet (MD) are valuable tools for its prevention and treatment. The main objective of this study is to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness components, body composition and adherence to the MD in 917 adolescents aged from 13- to 16-years-old. The ALPHA-Fitness Test was used to measure physical fitness and body composition, and the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED) questionnaire was employed to assess the adherence to the MD. The associations between variables were tested according to gender and age a generalized linear model (GLM) univariate analysis (two factors) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, with Bonferroni posthoc). As to the body composition and physical fitness variables, significant differences were obtained in both genders but not in relation to the adherence to the MD. The boys performed better in the physical fitness tests. Age was a determinant factor in adherence to the MD in the total sample, lowering as the age of the sample increases. Both the boys and girls who had a significantly higher performance in the endurance test were those who showed high/medium adherence to the MD. It is concluded that higher levels of cardiovascular endurance in boys and girls are associated with a medium and high adherence to the MD.
Erythrocyte Membrane Cloaked Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemotherapy
Authors: Xie Xiaotian , Wang Haijun , Williams Gareth R. , Yang Yanbo , Zheng Yongli , Wu Junzi , Zhu Li-Min
Published: August 2019

In this study, curcumin-loaded porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and surface modified with red blood cell membranes (RBCM) to yield biomimetic RBCM-p-PLGA@Cur NPs. The NPs displayed a visible cell-membrane structure at their exterior and had a uniform size of 162 ± 3 nm. In vitro studies showed that drug release from non-porous PLGA NPs was slow and that much of the drug remained trapped in the NPs. In contrast, release was accelerated from the porous PLGA NPs, and after the RBCM coating, a sustained release over 48 h was obtained. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry results revealed that the RBCM-p-PLGA NPs led to a greater cellular uptake by H22 hepatocarcinoma cells than the uncoated analogue NPs, but could avoid phagocytosis by macrophages. The drug-free formulations were highly biocompatible, while the drug-loaded systems were effective in killing cancer cells. RBCM-p-PLGA@Cur NPs possess potent anti-tumor activity in a murine H22 xenograft cancer model (in terms of reduced tumor volume and mass, as well as inducing apoptosis of tumor cells), and have no observable systemic toxicity. Overall, our study demonstrates that the use of the RBCM to cloak nanoscale drug delivery systems holds great promise for targeted cancer treatment, and can ameliorate the severe side effects currently associated with chemotherapy.
Active Edible Films Based on Arrowroot Starch with Microparticles of Blackberry Pulp Obtained by Freeze-Drying for Food Packaging
Authors: Nogueira Gislaine Ferreira , Fakhouri Farayde Matta , Velasco José Ignacio , de Oliveira Rafael Augustus
Published: August 2019

This research work evaluated the influence of the type of incorporation and variation in the concentration of blackberry pulp (BL) and microencapsulated blackberry pulp (ML) powders by freeze-drying on the chemical and physical properties of arrowroot starch films. Blackberry powders were added to the film-forming suspension in different concentrations, 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% (mass/mass of dry starch) and through two different techniques, directly (D) and by sprinkling (S). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the incorporation of blackberry powder has rendered the surface of the film rough and irregular. Films incorporated with BL and ML powders showed an increase in thickness and water solubility and a decrease in tensile strength in comparison with the film containing 0% powder. The incorporation of blackberry BL and ML powders into films transferred colour, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity to the resulting films. Films added with blackberry powder by sprinkling were more soluble in water and presented higher antioxidant capacity than films incorporated directly, suggesting great potential as a vehicle for releasing bioactive compounds into food.
Durable Epoxy@ZnO Coating for Improvement of Hydrophobicity and Color Stability of Wood
Authors: Tuong Vu Manh , Huyen Nguyen Van , Kien Nguyen Trong , Dien Nguyen Van
Published: August 2019

The hydrophobicity and color stability of wood are important properties that can be easily changed when wood is used as a raw material for outdoor products, reducing the service life of wood. Herein, an epoxy@ZnO coating was applied by a two-step simple spray coating method to improve the hydrophobicity and color stability of Styrax tonkinensis wood. The hydrophobicity, robustness of coating, as well as the color stability of uncoated wood samples and epoxy@ZnO coated wood samples were evaluated. The microstructure morphology and crystal structures of the coating were also characterized by a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, respectively. Results showed that the obtained epoxy@ZnO coating was not only superhydrophobic with an average water contact angle of 154.1°, but also maintained superhydrophobicity with an average water contact angle of 149.6° after five water jetting tests. The color stability of the coated wood samples was improved by around 50% compared to that of uncoated wood samples. Additionally, a continuous epoxy@ZnO coating with hierarchical micro/nanoscale structures constructed by the wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO micro/nanoparticles on wood surfaces was confirmed.
Foaming of Polycaprolactone and Its Impregnation with Quercetin Using Supercritical CO2
Authors: García-Casas Ignacio , Montes Antonio , Valor Diego , Pereyra Clara , Martínez de la Ossa Enrique J.
Published: August 2019

Foamed polycaprolactone impregnated with quercetin was carried out with a batch foaming technique using supercritical CO2. The experimental design was developed to study the influence of pressure (15–30 MPa), temperature (308–333 K), and depressurization rate (0.1–20) on the foam structure, melting temperature, and release tests of composites. The characterization of the experiments was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. It was observed that the porosity created in the polymer had a heterogeneous structure, as well as the impregnation of the quercetin during the process. On the other hand, controlled release tests showed a significant delay in the release of quercetin compared to commercial quercetin.
3D Printing of Amino Resin-based Photosensitive Materials on Multi-parameter Optimization Design for Vascular Engineering Applications
Authors: Chiu Yung-Cheng , Shen Yu-Fang , Lee Alvin Kai-Xing , Lin Shu-Hsien , Wu Yu-Chen , Chen Yi-Wen
Published: August 2019

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the most common cause of death globally and of which, the golden treatment method for severe cardiovascular diseases or coronary artery diseases are implantations of synthetic vascular grafts. However, such grafts often come with rejections and hypersensitivity reactions. With the emergence of regenerative medicine, researchers are now trying to explore alternative ways to produce grafts that are less likely to induce immunological reactions in patients. The main goal of such studies is to produce biocompatible artificial vascular grafts with the capability of allowing cellular adhesion and cellular proliferation for tissues regeneration. The Design of Experimental concepts is employed into the manufacturing process of digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology to explore near-optimal processing parameters to produce artificial vascular grafts with vascular characteristics that are close to native vessels by assessing for the cause and effect relationships between different ratios of amino resin (AR), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), dopamine, and curing durations. We found that with proper optimization of fabrication procedures and ratios of materials, we are able to successfully fabricate vascular grafts with good printing resolutions. These had similar physical properties to native vessels and were able to support cellular adhesion and proliferation. This study could support future studies in exploring near-optimal processes for fabrication of artificial vascular grafts that could be adapted into clinical applications.
Sustainable Solutions for Oyster Shell Waste Recycling in Thailand and the Philippines
Authors: Chilakala Ramakrishna , Thannaree Chottitisupawong , Shin Eunsoo Justin , Thenepalli Thriveni , Ahn Ji Whan
Published: August 2019

This paper studies the utilization and management of the waste mollusk shell. The two major export countries of mollusk shell are the Southeast Asia’s Thailand and the Philippines. First, the aquaculture of oysters and bivalve shells has been studied as background understanding. The effect of the global climate change on farming and the consequences of farming on the nearby environment and neighborhoods have also been discussed. The utilization technologies on the waste shell are available on a small scale and not industrialized. This study offers an enabling context under which a suitable method can take action to solve the overflow waste shell problem, and at the same time, provide sustainable management.
Stability Control and Turning Algorithm of an Alpine Skiing Robot
Authors: Kim Si-Hyun , Lee Bumjoo , Hong Young-Dae
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a general stability control method that uses the concept of zero-moment-point (ZMP) and a turning algorithm with a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor for a bipedal alpine skiing robot. There is no elaborate simulator for skiing robots since the snow has complicated characteristics, such as compression and melting. However, real experiments are laborious because of the many varied skiing conditions. The proposed skiing simulator could be used, so that a humanoid robot can track its desired turning radius by modeled forces that are similar to real ones in the snow. Subsequently, the robot will be able to pass through gates with LiDAR sensors. By using ZMP control, the robot can avoid falling down while tracking its desired path. The performance of the proposed stabilization method and autonomous turning algorithm are verified by a dynamics simulation software, Webots, and the simulation results are obtained while using the small humanoid robot platform DARwIn-OP.
On the Implementation of Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Excitations and Measurements for Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Darnajou Mathieu , Dupré Antoine , Dang Chunhui , Ricciardi Guillaume , Bourennane Salah , Bellis Cédric
Published: August 2019

The investigation of quickly-evolving flow patterns in high-pressure and high-temperature flow rigs requires the use of a high-speed and non-intrusive imaging technique. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) allows reconstructing the admittivity distribution characterizing a flow from the knowledge of currents and voltages on its periphery. The need for images at high frame rates leads to the strategy of simultaneous multi-frequency voltage excitations and simultaneous current measurements, which are discriminated using fast Fourier transforms. The present study introduces the theory for a 16-electrode simultaneous EIT system, which is then built based on a field programmable gate array data acquisition system. An analysis of the propagation of uncertainties through the measurement process is investigated, and experimental results with fifteen simultaneous signals are presented. It is shown that the signals are successfully retrieved experimentally at a rate of 1953 frames per second. The associated signal-to-noise ratio varies from 59.6–69.1 dB, depending on the generated frequency. These preliminary results confirm the relevance and the feasibility of simultaneous multi-frequency excitations and measurements in EIT as a means to significantly increase the imaging rate.
Flipped Classroom as an Active Learning Methodology in Sustainable Development Curricula
Authors: Buil-Fabregá Marian , Martínez Casanovas Matilde , Ruiz-Munzón Noemí , Filho Walter Leal
Published: August 2019

Goal 4 of the Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) is aimed at working towards quality in education. Universities have an important role in teaching sustainability principles. Yet, which methods are effective for engaging students in understanding the importance of sustainable development and introducing them to new perspectives to make changes? The methodology of the flipped classroom is a possible alternative for the pedagogic renovation. This is known as an information-based environment in which teachers provide a variety of learning resources so that students can complete the knowledge transfer process before the class. Once inside classroom, teachers and students can complete the internalization of knowledge by answering questions, and through collaborative consultations and interactive exchanges, among others. A survey of 154 students taught by flipped classroom methodology was conducted in order to analyze whether this helps with learning about sustainable development. The results show the active and reflexive learning from flipped classroom methodology makes students more committed to sustainable development. This research would be useful to anyone interested in applying the flip the class teaching methodology as an integrated form of thinking and training in the curriculum of sustainable development for higher education students.
Green Facades and Living Walls—A Review Establishing the Classification of Construction Types and Mapping the Benefits
Authors: Radić Mina , Brković Dodig Marta , Auer Thomas
Published: August 2019

The green facades and living walls of vertical greenery systems (VGS) are gaining increasing importance as sustainable building design elements because they can improve the environmental impact of a building. The field could benefit from a comprehensive mapping out of VGS types, an improved classification and nomenclature system, and from linking the benefits to a specific construction type. Therefore, this research reviews existing VGS construction types and links associated benefits to them, clearly differentiating empirical from descriptive supporting data. The study adopted a scoping research review used for mapping a specific research field. A systematic literature review based on keywords identified 13 VGS construction types—four types of green facades, nine types of living walls, and ten benefits. Thermal performance, as a benefit of VGS, is the most broadly empirically explored benefit. Yet, further qualitative studies, including human perception of thermal comfort are needed. Improvements in air quality, reduction of noise, positive effects on hydrology, and visual benefits need much further empirical testing, as the current supporting data is mostly descriptive and based on the similarities with green roofs. The educational benefits of VGS has no supporting empirical evidence, while the social benefits have only been empirically evaluated through one identified study. Future progress of the field depends on the adoption of a clear VGS nomenclature system and further qualitative and quantitative empirical testing of VGS benefits, which should be clearly linked to a specific VGS construction type so that cross-comparison of studies is enabled.
Shandong’s Yintan Town and China’s “Ghost City” Phenomenon
Authors: Wang Qianyi , Li Ran , Cheong Kee Cheok
Published: August 2019

Although much research has been devoted to urbanization and city growth, urban dynamics also include city decay and renewal. Extant theories and models have been developed to explain these dynamics. They do not, however, fit the experience of China’s “ghost cities”. These cities have been characterized as state-built but minimally inhabited, testimony to planning failure by the monolithic Chinese state. The goal of the article is to provide in-depth insights to China’s ghost city phenomenon and its effects to residents from local stakeholders’ perspectives. A review of Shandong’s new Yintan city reveals many ghost city attributes, but its development trajectory was at odds with this stereotype. Yintan’s lack of success was attributable to too little, not too much, state intervention, reflecting limited state capacity to develop and manage the new city by Rushan, the nearby small city seeking to capitalize on the central government’s development imperatives. These distinctive features notwithstanding, generic key drivers of city growth can help explain Yintan’s lack of development, in a sense, reconciling the city’s experience with extant research elsewhere.
Geomorphological Landscape Research and Flood Management in a Heavily Modified Tyrrhenian Catchment
Authors: Piana Pietro , Faccini Francesco , Luino Fabio , Paliaga Guido , Sacchini Alessandro , Watkins Charles
Published: August 2019

Since the nineteenth century, most urban catchments in Europe have been subject to significant landscape variations. These modifications have been caused by population change and the transition through rural, industrial and post-industrial economies. Land use and rainfall regime changes, together with land use variations, are frequently associated with flood hazard increase. This paper examines geomorphological landscape changes from the nineteenth century to the present day in the Bisagno Valley, Genoa metropolitan area. The Valley is internationally known for its recurring floods: the last events with fatalities occurred in 2011 and 2014. The extent of landscape change and the history of floods were examined by combining scientific data and information from historical maps, written accounts, topographical drawings and photographs. Historical–geographical and geomorphological analyses were used to reconstruct the runoff for three different periods since 1850. Our results demonstrate that geomorphological landscape variations, including modifications of the river bed, and the abandonment of the countryside and terraces are not sustainable and have progressively allowed an increase in flooding, making it necessary to implement sustainable management policies. In particular, specific spatial urban planning and management measures are necessary in order to mitigate flood hazard and vulnerability.
Methodological Insights to Measure the Agenda 2030 at Urban Level in Italy
Authors: Farnia Luca , Cavalli Laura , Lizzi Giula , Vergalli Sergio
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we deal with the issue of measuring the Agenda 2030 at the urban level in Italy; the results are useful for the policy analysis and dissemination of sustainable development at the local level. The proposed tool merges 53 available economic, social and environmental elementary indicators into 16 composite indices and one composite dimension representing 16 out of 17 Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The contribution of the paper is twofold: While the results of the indices show the geographical and demographic heterogeneity within the country when considering each of the 16 dimensions, the methodological discussion highlights the complexity of the phenomena, due to the multidimensional definition of the Agenda 2030.
Perceived Inconveniences and Muslim Travelers’ Loyalty to Non-Muslim Destinations
Authors: Han Heesup , Al-Ansi Amr , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: August 2019

Muslim travelers’ growth is an emerging sector of the global tourism industry. Yet, little has been discovered about their behaviors and perceived inconveniences in a non-Muslim destination. The present research was an attempt to identify international Muslim travelers’ loyalty generation process for the non-Muslim destination by considering the effect of inconveniences that they possibly perceive while traveling to the non-Muslim destination. An empirical approach comprising a field survey method was used to collect the Muslim travelers’ views in a non-Muslim destination (Korea). Our result revealed that halal-friendly image, emotional experiences, and desire played a significant role in building Muslim travelers’ loyalty. In addition, a moderator test result of Muslim travelers’ perceived inconveniences at the non-Muslim destination significantly weakened the effect of desire and halal-friendly image on loyalty. The comparative importance of emotional experiences at a destination was identified. Our findings help non-Muslim destination marketers to develop effective attraction and retention strategies for international Muslim travelers.
ITACAFood: A Model to Certificate the Sustainability of Food Processing Facilities
Authors: Barreca Francesco , Cardinali Giuseppe Davide
Published: August 2019

In this paper is proposed a specific model for assessing the sustainability level for building structures in the food facilities based on the ITACA protocol deriving from the SBTools model. The evaluation models currently defined at international level are developed to determine the level of building sustainability mainly in terms of energy and environmental loads generated by the structure itself. But in the food industry, building structures must comply with specific needs that often do not take into account the well-being occupants but also, and in many cases exclusively, the product that must comply with certain production protocols that are indispensable for production and typicality of the product. For these reasons, the criteria in the ITACA protocol have been added by those specific to the food industry necessary for assessing the sustainability level. The proposed method was applied in the Dolciaria Monardo (Italy) a food factory in southern Italy. The final scores evaluation showed a variation between the models, equal to 14% in fact that relative to proposed model ITACAFood is equal to 1.23, while that relative to the application of the ITACA protocol adopted by Calabria Region is equal to 1.43.
The Contribution of Global Alliances to Airlines’ Environmental Performance
Authors: Payán-Sánchez Belén , Pérez-Valls Miguel , Plaza-Úbeda José Antonio
Published: August 2019

Global alliances have traditionally been related to improvements in the economic and operational performances of companies, particularly in the airline industry. However, we still do not know the effect of the participation in this kind of multilateral agreement on the environmental performance of airlines. The main aim of this work is to analyze whether the alliance membership of airlines has an effect upon their environmental performance, and if so, whether or not the characteristics of the global alliance, as well as the business model of the airline, may influence this relation to a greater or lesser extent. The results of regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a sample of 252 airlines (58 included in one of the three global alliances: Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam) show a strong and inverse relationship between environmental performance and belonging to an alliance. The paper also shows empirical evidence of the influence of the business model of the airline on environmental performance. These results suggest important implications for managers facing challenges regarding sustainability.
Three Dimensions of Design for Sustainable Behaviour
Authors: Shin Hyunjae Daniel , Bull Richard
Published: August 2019

Designing products to be more sustainable is crucial if the UK is to meet the challenge of its ambitious new carbon reductions targets by 2050. How designers, manufacturers and service providers conceptualise behaviour is key to understanding how there will be widespread adoption of new products. The research area referred to as Design for Sustainable Behaviour has emerged to explore measures of reducing environmental impact through moderating the way people use products, services and systems. To date, though, characterisations of its strategies have been relatively one-dimensional, with an emphasis on environmental psychological approaches to understanding behaviour. This paper draws on a wider set of literature and academic disciplines to propose a conceptual framework that incorporates three dimensions: empowerment, information and motivation. This three-dimensional framework argues for a wider understanding of behaviour that encompasses feedback, participation and acknowledgement of the wider social and organisational context that behaviour is situated in. This framework is presented, the implications for theory and practice are explored, and a challenge is laid down to designers, academics and policymakers to consider how this framework can be applied, tested and further developed.
Aligning the Criteria of Green Economy (GE) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Implement Sustainable Development
Authors: Khoshnava Seyed Meysam , Rostami Raheleh , Zin Rosli Mohamad , Štreimikienė Dalia , Yousefpour Alireza , Strielkowski Wadim , Mardani Abbas
Published: August 2019

Global economic trends have shown the progression of social inequalities and environmental deterioration in the grey economy. New economic practices and policies need to be developed in order to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A green economy (GE) has a correlative role with the implementation of sustainable development (SD), which could revive the grey economy, human well-being, and social equity, as well as substantially decrease environmental risks and ecological scarcities. This study aims to develop a hybrid methodological and mathematical approach to prioritize the most effective variables from classified GE and SDGs criteria (23 criteria) to implement SD. This study has deliberated over the Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique for considering interconnections among numerous criteria to collect the most effective variables (12 criteria) based on three pillars (3Ps) of SD. Likewise, the analytic network process (ANP) technique ranked these effective variables by considering their network relations based on three indicators. Lastly, integration was used to finalize and prioritize the most effective variables based on their weight from the ANP technique. This study will highlight the green economy with exclusive environmental issues and sustainable growth as the greatest effective variables among GE and SDGs criteria for SD implementation.
To Green or Not to Green: The Influence of Green Marketing on Consumer Behaviour in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Mercade Mele Pere , Molina Gomez Jesus , Garay Lluis
Published: August 2019

Different studies have analysed how green marketing influences the sustainable image of tourist companies or have focused on the identification and engagement between these companies and their consumers. In any case, the question of how this process influences consumers’ behaviour in the hotel industry requires even more in-depth study, with the intention of explaining the changes that occur in the current consumer and how this affects the hotel industry. This study is useful to demonstrate that beyond the direct influence of green marketing on green word of mouth indicators there are other indirect influences which are represented by other mediating variables: green attitudinal loyalty and green trust. From the literature on green marketing and the conceptual approaches offered by the Hierarchy of Effects Model and the Associate Learning Principles, this study conducted an empirical approach using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire responses, obtained from a sample of 238 hotel users, were analysed using a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the research hypothesis related to the positive influence of green marketing on green trust, green attitudinal loyalty, and green word of mouth. This research provides theoretical and managerial implications to help executives adopt green marketing strategies, thanks to their positive effects on consumers’ recommendations, both direct and indirect, through loyalty and trust. It is concluded that green marketing actions have a greater effect on their indirect relationship with word of mouth than on their direct relationship and that loyalty is the aspect with the highest influence regarding trust.
Italian Road Tunnels: Economic and Environmental Effects of an On-Going Project to Reduce Lighting Consumption
Authors: Moretti Laura , Cantisani Giuseppe , Carrarini Luigi , Bezzi Francesco , Cherubini Valentina , Nicotra Sebastiano
Published: August 2019

Tunnel lighting represents a major cost item for road managers, and particularly in Italy owing to its specific geomorphological and orographic features. In 2018, ANAS, the Italian government-owned road company launched an ambitious program to rehabilitate the lighting systems of more than 700 tunnel tubes across Italy. The Greenlight plan aims to reduce consumption and improve the management of lighting systems while minimizing the impact of works. Outdated high-pressure sodium (HPS) luminaries will be substituted with state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED) luminaries without modifying the position and the number of the existing luminaires. The project involves an amount of 155 million euros and provides a total return over a less than seven-year period. The first phase of the project involves 147 tubes and is still on-going: 28 GWh (on average 55% of the current consumption) will be saved every year against a 30 million euro investment. More importantly, the economic benefits also have a direct impact on the environment for citizens and safety levels for road users—every year more than 17,000 t of CO2 eq. and 230 TJ from combustion of fossil fuels will be saved. The lighting quality of the artificial lighting inside the tunnel will be enhanced thanks to better uniformity and the color temperature of the luminaries. The experience presented here could be useful since other road managers may pursue a similar approach in order to balance often-conflicting environmental, economic and safety goals.
Dynamics of Shrimp Farming in the Southwestern Coastal Districts of Bangladesh Using a Shrimp Yield Dataset (SYD) and Landsat Satellite Archives
Authors: Karim Md Fazlul , Zhang Xiang , Li Ru
Published: August 2019

The shrimp-farming area and shrimp yield are continuously changing in the southwestern coastal districts of Bangladesh. The three southwestern coastal districts, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Khulna, along with Rampal, a subdistrict of Bagerhat, contribute 75% of the total shrimp yield of Bangladesh. However, the shrimp yield and farming area have declined in Bagerhat district, and the cause of this decline is uncertain. In this research, the differences in the shrimp yield were quantified using a shrimp yield dataset (SYD) and k-means classification. A supervised image classification approach was applied to quantify the spatiotemporal changes and identify the influencing factors behind the declining shrimp-farming area and yield in Rampal, Bagerhat district, using Landsat satellite archives. K-means classification reveals that, between 2015 and 2017, the shrimp yield in Bagerhat district declined significantly compared to Satkhira and Khulna. The satellite-based monitoring results affirm that the shrimp-farming area of Rampal also decreased rapidly, from 21.82% in 2013 to 6.52% in 2018. This research estimates that approximately 70% of the shrimp-farming area was lost in Rampal since December 2013. Hence, the findings of this research might motivate the responsible bodies to declare the shrimp-farming coastal area as a “shrimp zone” and implement an active policy to protect the vulnerable shrimp-farming industry and shrimp farmers, considering it is the second-largest export earning source in Bangladesh after ready-made garments.
The Contribution of Immigrants to Multifunctional Agricultural Systems in Italy
Authors: De Rosa Marcello , Bartoli Luca , Leonardi Sandra , Perito Maria Angela
Published: August 2019

This paper explores the role of immigrants within farms and is framed within constructivist approaches to the analysis of immigrants in rural areas. The aim of the paper is to analyse migrants’ contributions to building up multifunctional agricultural systems. To achieve this purpose, a sound empirical analysis is carried out, built on the profile of farms employing immigrants, with special reference to three indicators: the style of farming, territorial localisation of farming activity and the qualification held by the immigrant employed in the farm. The results of analysis confirm a diversified range of contribution on behalf of migrants, with strong diversification on the basis of workers’ provenance. The results of the study suggest that an adequate policy action targeted to the immigrants may bring about positive effects in terms of multifunctionality building at both the individual and territorial level.
Shared Space and Pedestrian Safety: Empirical Evidence from Pedestrian Priority Street Projects in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Lee Haeryung , Kim Seung-Nam
Published: August 2019

To provide safe and comfortable walking environments on narrow streets without sidewalks, the Seoul city government has implemented the Pedestrian Priority Street (PPS) projects. Based on Monderman’s “shared space” concept, the PPS involves applying diverse paving design techniques, particularly stamped asphalt pavement of various colors and patterns. This study investigated the effectiveness of the PPS for pedestrian safety. Data sources were (1) video recordings of the nine concurrent PPS in 2014 before and after the projects were completed and (2) a cross-sectional survey at the nine streets. Two groups of multiple regression models analyzed the objective safety, by using the variables, mean vehicle speed and change in mean speed, which were then compared with subjective safety through a questionnaire analysis. The results found that the design strategies reduced the vehicle speed and increased perceptions of pedestrian safety. These suggest that the PPS principles are practical and feasible ways to tackle the safety problems of narrow streets without sidewalks. Further, vehicle speeds increased on streets where the pedestrian zone was clearly distinguishable from the vehicular zone by applying PPS techniques only at the roadside. Thus, clearly separating pedestrians from vehicular zones, which is neither the original principle nor the intent of the PPS, should be avoided.
Suitability of Scoria as Fine Aggregate and Its Effect on the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Warati Getachew Kebede , Darwish Muge Mukaddes , Feyessa Fekadu Fufa , Ghebrab Tewodros
Published: August 2019

The increase in the demand for concrete production for the development of infrastructures in developing countries like Ethiopia leads to the depletion of virgin aggregates and high cement demand, which imposes negative environmental impacts. In sustainable development, there is a need for construction materials to focus on the economy, efficient energy utilization, and environmental protections. One of the strategies in green concrete production is the use of locally available construction materials. Scoria is widely available around the central towns of Ethiopia, especially around the rift valley regions where huge construction activities are taking place. The aim of this paper is therefore to analyze the suitability of scoria as a fine aggregate for concrete production and its effect on the properties of concrete. A differing ratio of scoria was considered as a partial replacement of fine aggregate with river sand after analyzing its engineering properties, and its effect on the mechanical properties of concrete were examined. The test results on the engineering properties of scoria revealed that the material is suitable to be used as a fine aggregate in concrete production. The replacement of scoria with river sand also enhanced the mechanical strength of the concrete. Generally, the findings of the experimental study showed that scoria could replace river sand by up to 50% for conventional concrete production.
Therapeutic Effects of Botulinum Toxin A, via Urethral Sphincter Injection on Voiding Dysfunction Due to Different Bladder and Urethral Sphincter Dysfunctions
Authors: Lee Yu-Khun , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: August 2019

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) urethral sphincter injections have been applied in treating voiding dysfunction but the treatment outcome is not consistent. This study analyzed treatment outcomes between patients with different bladder and urethral sphincter dysfunctions. Patients with refractory voiding dysfunction due to neurogenic or non-neurogenic etiology were treated with urethral sphincter 100 U BoNT-A injections. The treatment outcomes were assessed by a global response assessment one month after treatment. The bladder neck opening and urodynamic parameters in preoperative videourodynamic study were compared between successful and failed treatment groups. A total of 80 non-neurogenic and 75 neurogenic patients were included. A successful outcome was noted in 92 (59.4%) patients and a failed outcome in 63 (40.6%). The treatment outcome was not affected by the gender, voiding dysfunction subtype, bladder dysfunction, or sphincter dysfunction subtypes. Except an open bladder neck and higher maximum flow rate, no significant difference was noted in the other variables between groups. Non-neurogenic patients with successful outcomes had a significantly higher detrusor pressure, and patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction with successful results had higher maximum flow rates and smaller post-void residuals than those who failed the treatment. However, increased urinary incontinence was reported in 12 (13%) patients. BoNT-A urethral sphincter injection is effective in about 60% of either neurogenic or non-neurogenic patients with voiding dysfunction. An open bladder neck during voiding and a higher maximum flow rate indicate a successful treatment outcome.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin (LtxA; Leukothera®): Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Vega Brian A. , Belinka Jr. Benjamin A. , Kachlany Scott C.
Published: August 2019

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral pathogen that produces the RTX toxin, leukotoxin (LtxA; Leukothera®). A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with the development of localized aggressive periodontitis. LtxA acts as a virulence factor for A. actinomycetemcomitans to subvert the host immune response by binding to the β2 integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18) on white blood cells (WBCs), causing cell death. In this paper, we reviewed the state of knowledge on LtxA interaction with WBCs and the subsequent mechanisms of induced cell death. Finally, we touched on the potential therapeutic applications of LtxA (trade name Leukothera®) toxin therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies and immune-mediated diseases.
Sustainable Irrigation in Agriculture: An Analysis of Global Research
Authors: Velasco-Muñoz Juan F. , Aznar-Sánchez José A. , Batlles-delaFuente Ana , Fidelibus Maria Dolores
Published: August 2019

Irrigated agriculture plays a fundamental role as a supplier of food and raw materials. However, it is also the world’s largest water user. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies analyzing agricultural irrigation from the perspective of sustainability with a focus on its environmental, economic, and social impacts. This study seeks to analyze the dynamics of global research in sustainable irrigation in agriculture between 1999 and 2018, including the main agents promoting it and the topics that have received the most attention. To do this, a review and a bibliometric analysis were carried out on a sample of 713 articles. The results show that sustainability is a line of study that is becoming increasingly more prominent within research in irrigation. The study also reveals the existence of substantial differences and preferred topics in the research undertaken by different countries. The priority issues addressed in the research were climatic change, environmental impact, and natural resources conservation; unconventional water resources; irrigation technology and innovation; and water use efficiency. Finally, the findings indicate a series of areas related to sustainable irrigation in agriculture in which research should be promoted.
Predicting Lake Quality for the Next Generation: Impacts of Catchment Management and Climatic Factors in a Probabilistic Model Framework
Authors: Moe S. , Couture Raoul-Marie , Haande Sigrid , Lyche Solheim Anne , Jackson-Blake Leah
Published: August 2019

Lake ecosystems across the world are under combined pressures of eutrophication and climate change, which increase the risk of harmful cyanobacteria blooms, reduced ecological status, and degraded ecosystem services. In Europe, the third cycle of river basin management plans (2021–2027) according to the Water Framework Directive must take into account the potential impacts of climate change on water quality, including effects on relevant biological indicators. Here, we applied a Bayesian network as a meta-model for linking future climate and land-use scenarios for the time horizon 2050–2070, via process-based catchment and lake models, to cyanobacteria abundance and ecological status of a eutrophic lake. Building upon previous applications of the model, a new version was developed to include relevant climatic variables such as wind speed. Explorative scenarios showed that the combination of low wind and high temperature gave the most synergistic effects on cyanobacteria under high levels of eutrophication (Chl-a concentration). Considering the management target of good ecological status, however, the climate-related promotion of cyanobacteria blooms contributed most to degrading the ecological status at intermediate levels of eutrophication. Future developments of this model will aim to strengthen the link between climate variables and ecological responses, to make the model also useful for seasonal forecasting.
Farmers’ Attitudes to the Pricing of Natural Resources for Sustainability: GAP-Şanlıurfa Sampling of Turkey
Authors: Aydogdu Mustafa Hakki
Published: August 2019

This research aims to evaluate farmers’ attitudes to the pricing of natural resources, mainly water and soil resources, in GAP-Şanlıurfa-Turkey. It will also define farmers’ willingness to accept pricing for the sustainability of resources and explore the potential factors that contribute to such willingness. The data comes from a sample of 1105 farmers in Şanlıurfa who were chosen by a simple random sampling method and participants were interviewed face to face by questionnaires. The logistic regression is used for analysis. The results indicate that 40% of the farmers have a positive attitude to the pricing of resources for protection and sustainability. The most affecting factors are the location of the farmers, the number of agricultural manpower at the household, land amount, ownership status, income derived from agriculture, and livestock. The average willingness-to-pay amount was calculated in USD as $48.8/ha. Where public finance is insufficient to meet the demands, the willingness-to-pay amount may be used in co-investments. In this way, both the financing problem can be overcome and the ownership rate of the users can be increased. Therefore, the results could be helpful for decision- and policy-makers to develop strategies for the sustainability of resources for GAP-Turkey and areas with similar socioeconomic characteristics.
Trade-Offs between Human and Environment: Challenges for Regional Water Management under Changing Conditions
Authors: Hassanzadeh Elmira
Published: August 2019

Water resource systems are under unprecedented pressure mainly due to rapid socio-economic growth, weak water and land management decisions, as well as variability and change in climate conditions. These pressures have disrupted the functionality of freshwater ecosystems and have generated water management challenges in various regions across the globe. Here, we showcase the potential trade-offs in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, between upstream human activities and downstream environmental needs under changing water availability conditions. We showed that an increase in irrigation areas can boost provincial economy but alter timing, magnitude and rhythmicity of the peak flows reaching downstream ecosystems. This indicates that the business as usual management might not be able to handle such emerging challenges. To improve water management, we argue that there is a need to better represent the dynamic interactions between human water use and water quantity and quality conditions and their influence on ecosystems. In addition, impact assessment frameworks need to be improved to better identify system vulnerabilities under changing natural and anthropogenic conditions. Moreover, due to the key role of stakeholders in adopting land and water management decisions, their viewpoints need to be understood and included in management decisions.