bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Feature Representation in Detection for Optical Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Fu Kun , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Yue , Sun Xian
Published: September 2019

In recent years, deep learning has led to a remarkable breakthrough in object detection in remote sensing images. In practice, two-stage detectors perform well regarding detection accuracy but are slow. On the other hand, one-stage detectors integrate the detection pipeline of two-stage detectors to simplify the detection process, and are faster, but with lower detection accuracy. Enhancing the capability of feature representation may be a way to improve the detection accuracy of one-stage detectors. For this goal, this paper proposes a novel one-stage detector with enhanced capability of feature representation. The enhanced capability benefits from two proposed structures: dual top-down module and dense-connected inception module. The former efficiently utilizes multi-scale features from multiple layers of the backbone network. The latter both widens and deepens the network to enhance the ability of feature representation with limited extra computational cost. To evaluate the effectiveness of proposed structures, we conducted experiments on horizontal bounding box detection tasks on the challenging DOTA dataset and gained 73.49% mean Average Precision (mAP), achieving state-of-the-art performance. Furthermore, our method ran significantly faster than the best public two-stage detector on the DOTA dataset.
Cross Sensor Simulation of Tomographic SAR Stacks
Authors: Mariotti d’Alessandro Mauro , Tebaldini Stefano
Published: September 2019

This paper presents an algorithm for simulating tomographic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data based on another stack actually gathered by a real acquisition system. Through the procedure here proposed, the simulated system can be evaluated according to its capability to image complex natural media rather than reference point targets. This feature is particularly important whenever the biophysical properties of the target of interest must be preserved and cannot be easily modeled. The system to be simulated may be different from the original one concerning resolution, off-nadir angles, bandwidth and central frequency. The algorithm here proposed handles these differences by properly taking into account the wavenumbers of the target illuminated by the real survey and requested by the simulated one. The complex images constituting the synthetic stack are associated with the effective vertical interferometric wavenumber peculiar of the geometry to be simulated, regardless of the original data. Furthermore, the three-dimensional resolution cell of the simulated tomographic system is consistent with the simulated geometry concerning size and spatial orientation. These two latter features cannot be guaranteed by simply filtering the original stack. The simulator here proposed has been used to simulate the tomographic stack expected from the forthcoming European Space Agency (ESA) BIOMASS mission. The relationship between baseline distribution and 3D focusing capability was explored; special attention has been paid to the robustness of tomographic power at being a good proxy for the above ground biomass in tropical regions.
Superpixel-Based Temporally Aligned Representation for Video-Based Person Re-Identification
Authors: Gao Changxin , Wang Jin , Liu Leyuan , Yu Jin-Gang , Sang Nong
Published: September 2019

Most existing person re-identification methods focus on matching still person images across non-overlapping camera views. Despite their excellent performance in some circumstances, these methods still suffer from occlusion and the changes of pose, viewpoint or lighting. Video-based re-id is a natural way to overcome these problems, by exploiting space–time information from videos. One of the most challenging problems in video-based person re-identification is temporal alignment, in addition to spatial alignment. To address the problem, we propose an effective superpixel-based temporally aligned representation for video-based person re-identification, which represents a video sequence only using one walking cycle. Particularly, we first build a candidate set of walking cycles by extracting motion information at superpixel level, which is more robust than that at the pixel level. Then, from the candidate set, we propose an effective criterion to select the walking cycle most matching the intrinsic periodicity property of walking persons. Finally, we propose a temporally aligned pooling scheme to describe the video data in the selected walking cycle. In addition, to characterize the individual still images in the cycle, we propose a superpixel-based representation to improve spatial alignment. Extensive experimental results on three public datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the state-of-the-art approaches.
Active Body Pressure Relief System with Time-of-Flight Optical Pressure Sensors for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Authors: Lee Kang-Ho , Kwon Yeong-Eun , Lee Hyukjin , Lee Yongkoo , Seo Joonho , Kwon Ohwon , Kang Shin-Won , Lee Dongkyu
Published: September 2019

A body pressure relief system was newly developed with optical pressure sensors for pressure ulcer prevention. Unlike a conventional alternating pressure air mattress (APAM), this system automatically regulates air flow into a body supporting mattress with adaptive inflation (or deflation) duration in response to the pressure level in order to reduce skin stress due to prolonged high pressures. The system continuously quantifies the body pressure distribution using time-of-flight (ToF) optical sensors. The proposed pressure sensor, a ToF optical sensor in the air-filled cell, measures changes in surface height of mattress when pressed under body weight, thereby indirectly indicating the interface pressure. Non-contact measurement of optical sensor usually improves the durability and repeatability of the system. The pressure sensor was successfully identified the 4 different-predefined postures, and quantitatively measured the body pressure distribution of them. Duty cycle of switches in solenoid valves was adjusted to 0–50% for pressure relief, which shows that the interface pressure was lower than 32 mmHg for pressure ulcer prevention.
Time-Series Laplacian Semi-Supervised Learning for Indoor Localization
Authors: Yoo Jaehyun
Published: September 2019

Machine learning-based indoor localization used to suffer from the collection, construction, and maintenance of labeled training databases for practical implementation. Semi-supervised learning methods have been developed as efficient indoor localization methods to reduce use of labeled training data. To boost the efficiency and the accuracy of indoor localization, this paper proposes a new time-series semi-supervised learning algorithm. The key aspect of the developed method, which distinguishes it from conventional semi-supervised algorithms, is the use of unlabeled data. The learning algorithm finds spatio-temporal relationships in the unlabeled data, and pseudolabels are generated to compensate for the lack of labeled training data. In the next step, another balancing-optimization learning algorithm learns a positioning model. The proposed method is evaluated for estimating the location of a smartphone user by using a Wi-Fi received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. The experimental results show that the developed learning algorithm outperforms some existing semi-supervised algorithms according to the variation of the number of training data and access points. Also, the proposed method is discussed in terms of why it gives better performance, by the analysis of the impact of the learning parameters. Moreover, the extended localization scheme in conjunction with a particle filter is executed to include additional information, such as a floor plan.
Automatic Detection of the Pharyngeal Phase in Raw Videos for the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Using Efficient Data Collection and 3D Convolutional Networks
Authors: Lee Jong Taek , Park Eunhee , Jung Tae-Du
Published: September 2019

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a standard diagnostic tool for dysphagia. To detect the presence of aspiration during a swallow, a manual search is commonly used to mark the time intervals of the pharyngeal phase on the corresponding VFSS image. In this study, we present a novel approach that uses 3D convolutional networks to detect the pharyngeal phase in raw VFSS videos without manual annotations. For efficient collection of training data, we propose a cascade framework which no longer requires time intervals of the swallowing process nor the manual marking of anatomical positions for detection. For video classification, we applied the inflated 3D convolutional network (I3D), one of the state-of-the-art network for action classification, as a baseline architecture. We also present a modified 3D convolutional network architecture that is derived from the baseline I3D architecture. The classification and detection performance of these two architectures were evaluated for comparison. The experimental results show that the proposed model outperformed the baseline I3D model in the condition where both models are trained with random weights. We conclude that the proposed method greatly reduces the examination time of the VFSS images with a low miss rate.
Genetic Algorithm Approach to the 3D Node Localization in TDOA Systems
Authors: Díez-González Javier , Álvarez Rubén , González-Bárcena David , Sánchez-González Lidia , Castejón-Limas Manuel , Perez Hilde
Published: September 2019

Positioning asynchronous architectures based on time measurements are reaching growing importance in Local Positioning Systems (LPS). These architectures have special relevance in precision applications and indoor/outdoor navigation of automatic vehicles such as Automatic Ground Vehicles (AGVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The positioning error of these systems is conditioned by the algorithms used in the position calculation, the quality of the time measurements, and the sensor deployment of the signal receivers. Once the algorithms have been defined and the method to compute the time measurements has been selected, the only design criteria of the LPS is the distribution of the sensors in the three-dimensional space. This problem has proved to be NP-hard, and therefore a heuristic solution to the problem is recommended. In this paper, a genetic algorithm with the flexibility to be adapted to different scenarios and ground modelings is proposed. This algorithm is used to determine the best node localization in order to reduce the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) with a heteroscedastic noise consideration in each sensor of an Asynchronous Time Difference of Arrival (A-TDOA) architecture. The methodology proposed allows for the optimization of the 3D sensor deployment of a passive A-TDOA architecture, including ground modeling flexibility and heteroscedastic noise consideration with sequential iterations, and reducing the spatial discretization to achieve better results. Results show that optimization with 15% of elitism and a Tournament 3 selection strategy offers the best maximization for the algorithm.
Analyzing the Use of Accelerometers as a Method of Early Diagnosis of Alterations in Balance in Elderly People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , García-Soidán Jose L. , Romo-Pérez Vicente
Published: September 2019

Alterations of balance are a growing public health problem as they affect one in three adults over the age of 65, and one in two over the age of 80. Identifying the factors that affect postural stability is essential in designing specific interventions to maintain the independence and mobility of older people. The aim of this review was to understand the use of accelerometers in order to assess the balance in older people. Analyzing the most appropriate evaluation methodology and protocolizing it will optimize the processes of early identification of balance alterations. However, quantitative assessment methods of balance are usually limited to a laboratory environment, a factor that can be overcome by accelerometers. A systematic search was carried out across eight databases where accelerometers were employed to assess balance in older people. Articles were excluded if they focused on sensor design and did not measure balance or apply the technology on targeted participants. A total of 19 articles were included for full-text analysis, where participants took part in the balance evaluation monitored by accelerometers. The analysis of spatio-temporal parameters and the magnitude of the accelerations recorded by the devices were the most common study variables. Accelerometer usage has potential to positively influence interventions based on physical exercise to improve balance and prevent falls in older people.
Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research
Authors: Kaushik Vibha , Walsh Christine A.
Published: September 2019

Debates around the issues of knowledge of, and for, social work and other social justice–oriented professions are not uncommon. More prevalent are the discussions around the ways by which social work knowledge is obtained. In recent years, social work scholars have drawn on the epistemology of pragmatism to present a case for its value in the creation of knowledge for social work and other social justice–oriented professions. The primary focus of this essay is on providing a critical review and synthesis of the literature regarding pragmatism as a research paradigm. In this essay, we analyze the major philosophical underpinnings and methodological challenges associated with pragmatism, synthesize the works of scholars who have contributed to the understanding of pragmatism as a research paradigm, articulate our thoughts about how pragmatism fits within social work research, and illustrate how it is linked to the pursuit of social justice. This article brings together a variety of perspectives to argue that pragmatism has the potential to closely engage and empower marginalized and oppressed communities and provide hard evidence for the macro level discourse.
Is Agricultural Emissions Mitigation on the Menu for Tea Drinkers?
Authors: Boehm Rebecca , Kitchel Hannah , Ahmed Selena , Hall Anaya , Orians Colin M. , Stepp John Richard , Robbat, Jr. Al , Griffin Timothy S. , Cash Sean B.
Published: September 2019

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases. Prior research has assessed willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental and ethical attributes on foods and beverages such as locally grown, fairly traded, and organically produced. However, few studies have examined WTP for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, especially in the U.S. and to date, no prior study has examined how knowledge or concerns about climate change motivate WTP for climate-friendly products. The objective of this study was to estimate WTP for agricultural GHG mitigation and examine variability in WTP across consumer characteristics, climate change knowledge and risk perception. A sensory-grounded choice experiment and survey assessing climate change knowledge and risk perception was administrated to specialty food and beverage shoppers in the Midwest and Northeastern U.S. Male and lower-income participants, as well as those at the Midwestern study site were willing to pay a higher premium for agricultural GHG mitigation, relative to females, higher income participants, and those in the Northeastern U.S. Knowledge of climate change and level of concerns for the risks it poses were not significantly associated with increased WTP for agricultural GHG mitigation. This suggests that if consumer demand is going to play a role in driving agricultural GHG mitigation, motivations for such purchasing behavior must be more fully understood.
TRLs 5–7 Advanced Manufacturing Centres, Practical Model to Boost Technology Transfer in Manufacturing
Authors: Sastoque Pinilla Leonardo , Llorente Rodríguez Raúl , Toledo Gandarias Nerea , López de Lacalle Luis Norberto , Ramezani Farokhad Mahboobeh
Published: September 2019

Establishing collaboration strategies with interdisciplinary networks in research is a crucial success factor for the companies in any sector, especially in manufacturing for aeronautics. In the aeronautical supply chain, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) lack of these types of alliances with universities and other research institutions, which could give them access to shared and specialized knowledge, may strictly limit those companies to learning from their own experience. One way to break this dynamic for industrial companies is to be an active part of research, development, and innovation centres. In this paper, a study to create new advanced manufacturing centres is presented, centres whose activities are focused on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 5–7. The approach is based on a project management methodology, and it is applied to the aeronautical sector in the Basque Country. An initial study of the international experience and state of the art in this type of facility, as well as an analysis of the current socioeconomic environment of the Basque Country are presented. A benchmark study was done to identify the key processes that this centre must promote for this initiative to succeed, or those areas of knowledge that can make or break the initiative. Finally, the results showed a definitive picture for establishing an advanced manufacturing centre in the Basque Country. This work lays both the foundations of knowledge in the sector and the difficulties noted, so it can serve as guidance for similar initiatives.
Sustainable Tourism and Renewable Energy: Binomial for Local Development in Cocachimba, Amazonas, Peru
Authors: Calderón-Vargas Fátima , Asmat-Campos David , Carretero-Gómez Anselmo
Published: September 2019

This article addresses the relationship between sustainable tourism and the use of renewable energy sources. To this end, we evaluate the spatial–temporal tourist flow evolution as well as the wind/solar energy potential in Cocachimba, which is located in the Amazonas region of Peru. This is a place that has seen a considerable increase in tourist activity in the past decade. This is a result of its rich flora and fauna, but especially because of the presence of the Gocta waterfall, considered the third highest in the world. Currently, business initiatives associated with a variety of touristic services have been started. However, there is still a lack of infrastructure, which negatively impacts the tourists’ ability to stay overnight. In order to improve the resident-directed services quality and sustainable tourism, we propose the incorporation of sustainable lodging houses that are based, as previously described, on the usage of clean energy sources, which are harmless to the natural environment. To respond effectively to all this, a methodology based on the use of highly reliable sources and databases, statistical analysis, and highly supported physical calculations was used. The study shows that during the peak season there is insufficient lodging. Furthermore, by incorporating sustainable lodging houses, a reduction in fixed costs for the lodging establishments can be reached. We also found that the solar/wind potential possesses the minimal conditions necessary in order to implement heating systems and sustainable electrification based on conventional systems.
On the Use of Market-Based Instruments to Reduce Air Pollution in Asia
Authors: Coria Jessica , Köhlin Gunnar , Xu Jintao
Published: September 2019

The high rates of economic activity and environmental degradation in Asia demand the implementation of creative and cost-effective environmental policy instruments that provide polluters with more flexibility to find least-cost solutions to pollution reduction. Despite their many theoretical advantages, the use of market-based instruments (MBIs) is a relatively recent phenomenon in Asia, partly due to policymakers being unfamiliar with MBIs and countries lacking the institutional capacity to implement and enforce them. This paper reviews the Asian experience with MBIs intended to reduce air pollution emissions and synthetizes lessons to be drawn and areas for improvement.
The Anthropological Analysis of the Key Determinants on the Purchase Decision Taken by the Romanian Consumers Regarding the Ecological Agroalimentary Products
Authors: Butu Alina , Vasiliu Codrin Dinu , Rodino Steliana , Brumă Ioan-Sebastian , Tanasă Lucian , Butu Marian
Published: September 2019

Should you attend to the relevant published literature on perceptions belonging consumers of ecological products, it can be easily noticed that, as a rule, the interpretation insists heavily on the analysis of an error: the consumer’s confusion about the ecological product. The official concept of an ecological product does not overlap with the idea of an ecological product at the mental level of the consumer. Most studies, if not all of them, tax this confusion and analyze it as a deviant phenomenon. The starting point for this study was based on this very confusion: If there is so much confusion, it most likely means we are dealing with a symbolic projection at a social level. We found intriguing the idea of trying to understand what exactly are the mechanisms behind the ideological forming of this symbolic projection and their impact upon the decision of purchasing ecological agroalimentary products. The study was based on a nationwide questionnaire conducted in Romania in 2016. The collected data were employed in an anthropological analysis of phenomenological approach to further understand the concept of ecological agroalimentary products as it appears in the mentality of the contemporary Romanian consumer.
Projections and Recommendations for Energy Structure and Industrial Structure Development in China through 2030: A System Dynamics Model
Authors: Han Song , Lin Changqing , Zhang Baosheng , Farnoosh Arash
Published: September 2019

In this research, we established a System Dynamics Model named “E&I-SD” to study the development of the energy structure and industrial structure in China from 2000 to 2030 using Vensim Simulation Software based on energy economy theory, system science theory and coordinated development theory. We used Direct Structure Test, Structure-oriented Behavior Test, and Behavior Pattern Test to ensure the optimal operation of the system. The model’s results showed that the indicators of total energy consumption, total added value of GDP after regulation, energy consumption per capita, and GDP per capita were on the rise in China, but emissions per unit of energy showed a downward trend. Separately, the model predicted average annual growth rates in China through 2030. Based on these findings, we proposed important policies for China’s sustainable development. Firstly, short- and long-term policy measures should be implemented to replace fossil fuels with clean energy. Secondly, the utilization efficiency of raw coal should be appraised future. The planning should provide for steady development and improvement of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Thirdly, the mid- and long-term plans for development and management of various industrial sectors and the corresponding energy consumption should be based on technological trends. Finally, a market-oriented pricing mechanism for energy should be established in China as soon as possible.
A Review on Ecosystem Health Research: A Visualization Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Yang Hui , Shao Xuexin , Wu Ming
Published: September 2019

With ecological environments that play vital roles in sustaining human communities worsening, ecological health has drawn extensive attention from scholars and practitioners. It is obvious that research results relevant to ecological health are increasing. This study applies scientometric methods to evaluate the current situation of ecological heath research, and explore the developing trends of ecological health research based on the literature data obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Study results generated in this paper could clearly answer the three following questions: (1) What are the subject categories that scholars are most concerned about in the ecological health research area? (2) Which authors and journals are the most representative in this area? On which research areas do researchers focus at different stages? What are the documents that attract scholarly attention? (3) What are the representative keywords in the different periods? What are the research focuses and the new emerging trends in the field of ecological health? In general, this paper provides an effective research method to evaluate the performance of ecological health research. The paper may assist new researchers to pick out the most relevant journals, articles, keywords, and influential authors, consequently assisting researchers to be at the research frontier in the ecological health field, and finally, to establish future research directions.
Dynamic Simulation of Land Use Change of the Upper and Middle Streams of the Luan River, Northern China
Authors: Xu Xia , Guan Mengxi , Jiang Honglei , Wang Lingfei
Published: September 2019

Climatic, socio-economic, geophysical, and human activity factors, among others, influence land use patterns. However, these driving factors also have different relationships with each other. Combining machine learning methods and statistical models is a good way to simulate the dominant land use types. The Luan River basin is located in a farming-pastoral transitional zone and is an important ecological barrier between Beijing and Tianjin. In this study, we predicted future land use and land cover changes from 2010 to 2020 in the Luan River’s upper and middle reaches under three scenarios—the natural scenario, the ecological scenario, and the sustainable scenario. The results indicate that cultivated land will decrease while the forested areas will increase quantitatively in the future. Built-up areas would increase quickly in the natural scenario, and augmented expansion of forest would be the main features of land use changes in both the ecological scenario and the sustainable scenario. Regarding the spatial pattern, different land use patterns will be aggregated and patches will become larger. Our findings for the scenario analysis of land use changes can provide a reference case for sustainable land use planning and management in the upper and middle Luan River basin.
Energy Sustainability Analysis (ESA) of Energy-Producing Processes: A Case Study on Distributed H2 Production
Authors: Gómez-Camacho Carlos E. , Ruggeri Bernardo
Published: September 2019

In the sustainability context, the performance of energy-producing technologies, using different energy sources, needs to be scored and compared. The selective criterion of a higher level of useful energy to feed an ever-increasing demand of energy to satisfy a wide range of endo- and exosomatic human needs seems adequate. In fact, surplus energy is able to cover energy services only after compensating for the energy expenses incurred to build and to run the technology itself. This paper proposes an energy sustainability analysis (ESA) methodology based on the internal and external energy use of a given technology, considering the entire energy trajectory from energy sources to useful energy. ESA analysis is conducted at two levels: (i) short-term, by the use of the energy sustainability index (ESI), which is the first step to establish whether the energy produced is able to cover the direct energy expenses needed to run the technology and (ii) long-term, by which all the indirect energy-quotas are considered, i.e., all the additional energy requirements of the technology, including the energy amortization quota necessary for the replacement of the technology at the end of its operative life. The long-term level of analysis is conducted by the evaluation of two indicators: the energy return per unit of energy invested (EROI) over the operative life and the energy payback-time (EPT), as the minimum lapse at which all energy expenditures for the production of materials and their construction can be repaid to society. The ESA methodology has been applied to the case study of H2 production at small-scale (10–15 kWH2) comparing three different technologies: (i) steam-methane reforming (SMR), (ii) solar-powered water electrolysis (SPWE), and (iii) two-stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD) in order to score the technologies from an energy sustainability perspective.
Insights for Building Community Resilience from Prioritizing Youth in Environmental Change Research
Authors: Andrews Evan J. , Staples Kiri , Reed Maureen G. , Carriere Renee , MacColl Ingrid , McKay-Carriere Lily , Fresque-Baxter Jennifer , Steelman Toddi A.
Published: September 2019

Youths are the next generation to foster community resilience in social–ecological systems. Yet, we have limited evidence on how to engage them effectively in learning about environmental change. One opportunity includes the involvement of youths in research that connects them with older generations who can share their values, experiences, and knowledge related to change. In this community-based study, we designed, assessed, and shared insights from two intergenerational engagement and learning interventions that involved youths in different phases of research in the Saskatchewan River Delta, Canada. For Intervention 1, we involved students as researchers who conducted video and audio recorded interviews with adults, including Elders, during a local festival. For Intervention 2, we involved students as research participants who reflected on audio and video clips that represented data collected in Intervention 1. We found that Intervention 1 was more effective because it connected youths directly with older generations in methods that accommodated creativity for youths and leveraged technology. Engaging the youths as researchers appears to be more effective than involving them as research participants.
The Influence of a Firm’s Capability and Dyadic Relationship of the Knowledge Base on Ambidextrous Innovation in Biopharmaceutical M&As
Authors: Lee Ye Jin , Shin Kwangsoo , Kim Eungdo
Published: September 2019

In recent years, technological mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have become important strategic tools for enterprises to access and utilize new external knowledge. In particular, in the biopharmaceutical industry, M&A activities are actively being progressed due to an increase in new drug development costs, a decrease in R&D productivity, and the patent expiration of blockbuster drugs. However, there is a lack of research on the integrated view of (1) the acquirer’s capability and (2) the dyadic relationship of the knowledge base between the acquirer and target on the innovation performance of the acquirer. Furthermore, there are few empirical studies on the impact of these factors on ambidextrous innovation; that is, exploitative and explorative innovation. Therefore, with this integrated view in mind, this study analyzed the effect of each factor on the exploitative and exploratory innovation performance of the acquirer. A negative binomial regression was conducted using patent data to measure the innovation outcome of the acquirer after M&A. The findings suggest that (1) the acquisition experience of the acquirer and (2) the technological commonness between the acquirer and the target both had a significant impact on the exploitation and exploration innovation performance.
Spatiotemporal Coupling Factors and Mode of Tourism Industry, Urbanization and Ecological Environment: A Case Study of Shaanxi, China
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Li Cui , Tao Jinqing , Ma Yaofeng , Wen Xiaojin
Published: September 2019

Identifying the factors and patterns of coordinated development in the tourism industry, urbanization, and the ecological environment sheds light on how to ensure the high-quality and sustainable development of the regional economy, but the research on this issue is relatively insufficient. Taking Shaanxi Province as an example, this paper analyzes the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics between the tourism industry, urbanization and ecological environment in cities of Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2017. After identifying the leading factors of coupling of the three systems, the paper summarizes the coupling development mode in each city under the leading factors. The coupling between the tourism industry, urbanization and ecological environment in various cities has realized the fundamental transformation from incoordination to coordination and finally, formed a spatial development pattern featuring strong central regions, and weak southern and northern regions. Before 2010, ecological environment factors dominated the coupling between the tourism industry, urbanization, and ecological environment in Shaanxi’s cities, while after 2010, urbanization and tourism industry gradually became the leading factors of the coupling development of the three systems. The coupling development mode in each city has generally undergone an evolution process of “ecological environment mode--urbanization mode--tourism industry mode”. A coupling development mode dominated by urbanization has formed in cities in Northern Shaanxi, a coupling development mode dominated by mixed urbanization and the tourism industry has formed in the Guanzhong Region, and a coupling development mode dominated by the tourism industry has formed in cities in Southern Shaanxi. This paper provides theoretical and practical references for promoting the precise macro-control of cities and guaranteeing the high-quality development of the regional economy.
Beyond Assuming Co-Benefits in Nature-Based Solutions: A Human-Centered Approach to Optimize Social and Ecological Outcomes for Advancing Sustainable Urban Planning
Authors: Colléony Agathe , Shwartz Assaf
Published: September 2019

Urbanization deletes and degrades natural ecosystems, threatens biodiversity, and alienates people from the experience of nature. Nature-based solutions (NbS) that are inspired and supported by nature have the potential to deliver multifunctional environmental and social benefits to address these challenges in urban areas under context-specific conditions. NbS implementation often relies on a one-size-fits-all approach, although interventions that maximize one benefit (e.g., biodiversity conservation) may have no influence on, or even negatively affect, others (e.g., social justice). Furthermore, the current pathways from NbS to various benefits do not rely on a deep understanding of the underlying processes, prohibiting the identification of optimal solutions that maximize synergies across pathways. We present a comprehensive socio-ecological framework that addresses these issues by recognizing that cities are human-dominated environments that are foremost built and maintained to support humans. Our framework demonstrates how we can use experiments and niche species models to understand and predict where species will be and where people will be healthy and happy in a comparable manner. This knowledge can then be integrated into decision support tools that use optimization algorithms to understand trade-offs, identify synergies, and provide planners with the tools needed to tailor context-specific NbS to yield greener, more resilient cities with happier people and reduced inequality.
Opinions of Preschool Teachers and Pre-Service Teachers on Environmental Education and Environmental Awareness for Sustainable Development in the Preschool Period
Authors: Türkoğlu Bengü
Published: September 2019

This research is a qualitative study to determine the opinions of preschool teachers and pre-service teachers on environmental education and environmental awareness for sustainable development. The phenomenology approach, which focuses on individuals’ own experiences and the meaning of a phenomenon, was used in this direction. The study group of the research consisted of 68 preschool teachers and 72 pre-service preschool teachers. In the study, a semi-structured interview form consisting of open-ended questions was used as a data collection tool. The content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data obtained from the interview form. According to the research results, it can be said that pre-service teachers have more theoretical knowledge than teachers and teachers have more practical knowledge than pre-service teachers. This can be explained by the fact that the knowledge that pre-service teachers obtain at university is quite new, they spend more limited time with children within the scope of applied courses, teachers communicate much more with children every day and they are more distant from theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, it can be said that teachers and pre-service teachers are sensitive towards environmental problems, interested in environmental education, willing and open to development.
Sustainability and the Built Environment: The Role of Durability
Authors: Andersson David Emanuel , Andersson Åke E.
Published: September 2019

A sustainable city combines stable long-term economic growth with a resilient ecological system. It is also a region of social sustainability with low levels of spatial segregation of different socio-economic groups. Spatial inclusion primarily involves provision of equalized city-wide access to territorial public goods. High durability of physical networks and buildings facilitates economic, environmental and social sustainability. This study shows that durability varies considerably between Asian, European and North American cities, with mean life expectancies of buildings that range from below 20 years in Chinese cities to over 100 years in European cities such as Paris. Urban planning principles that focus on the slow and steady expansion of accessibility and density within a durable built environment are consistent with general economic equilibria, while avoiding the pitfalls of political planning of the markets for private goods.
Divergent Leading Factors in Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Change among Subregions of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Area from 2006 to 2016: An Extended LMDI Analysis
Authors: Zou Jialing , Tang Zhipeng , Wu Shuang
Published: September 2019

In recent decades, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region has experienced rapid economic growth accompanied by increasing energy demands and CO2 emissions. Understanding the driving forces of CO2 emissions is necessary to develop effective policies for low-carbon economic development. However, because of differences in the socioeconomic systems within the BTH region, it is important to investigate the differences in the driving factors of CO2 emissions between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. In this paper, we calculated the energy-related industrial CO2 emissions (EICE) in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei from 2006 to 2016. We then applied an extended LMDI (logarithmic mean Divisia index) method to determine the driving forces of EICE during different time periods and in different subregions within the BTH region. The results show that EICE increased and then decreased from 2006 to 2016 in the BTH region. In all subregions, energy intensity, industrial structure, and research and development (R&D) efficiency effect negatively affected EICE, whereas gross domestic product per capita effect and population had positive effects on EICE. However, R&D intensity and investment intensity had opposite effects in some parts of the BTH region; the effect of R&D intensity on EICE was positive in Beijing and Tianjin but negative in Hebei, while the effect of investment intensity was negative in Beijing but positive in Tianjin and Hebei. The findings of this study can contribute to the development of policies to reduce EICE in the BTH region.
Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in a Post-Crisis Context. Prediction-Oriented Modeling to Enhance the Particular Importance of a Social and Sustainable Approach
Authors: Monferrer Diego , Segarra José Ramón , Estrada Marta , Moliner Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2019

Research into the influence of service quality on customer loyalty has typically focused on confirming isolated direct causal influences regarding particular dimensions of quality, usually undertaken in the context of positive, firm-customer relations. The present study extends analysis of these factors through a new lens. First, the study was undertaken in a market context following a crisis that has had far-reaching consequences for customers’ relational behaviors. We explore the case of the Spanish banking industry, a sector that accurately reflects these new relational conditions, including a rising demand for more socially responsible banking. Second, we propose a holistic model that combines the effects of four key factors associated with service quality (outcome, personnel, servicescape and social qualities). We also apply an innovative predictive methodological technique using partial least squares (PLS) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) that enables us not only to determine the direct causal effects among variables, but also to consider different scenarios in which to predict customer loyalty. The results highlight the role of outcome and social qualities. The novelty of the social qualities factor helps to underscore the importance of social, ethical and sustainable practices to customer loyalty, although personnel and servicescape qualities must also be present to improve the predictive capability of service quality on loyalty.
On Neutrosophic Offuninorms
Authors: Caballero Erick González , Smarandache Florentin , Leyva Vázquez Maikel
Published: September 2019

Uninorms comprise an important kind of operator in fuzzy theory. They are obtained from the generalization of the t-norm and t-conorm axiomatic. Uninorms are theoretically remarkable, and furthermore, they have a wide range of applications. For that reason, when fuzzy sets have been generalized to others—e.g., intuitionistic fuzzy sets, interval-valued fuzzy sets, interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, or neutrosophic sets—then uninorm generalizations have emerged in those novel frameworks. Neutrosophic sets contain the notion of indeterminacy—which is caused by unknown, contradictory, and paradoxical information—and thus, it includes, aside from the membership and non-membership functions, an indeterminate-membership function. Also, the relationship among them does not satisfy any restriction. Along this line of generalizations, this paper aims to extend uninorms to the framework of neutrosophic offsets, which are called neutrosophic offuninorms. Offsets are neutrosophic sets such that their domains exceed the scope of the interval [0,1]. In the present paper, the definition, properties, and application areas of this new concept are provided. It is necessary to emphasize that the neutrosophic offuninorms are feasible for application in several fields, as we illustrate in this paper.
Influence of Mucosal Thickness, Implant Dimensions and Stability in Cone Morse Implant Installed at Subcrestal Bone Level on the Peri-Implant Bone: A Prospective Clinical and Radiographic Study
Authors: Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Bercianos Mauro , Aguerrondo Jorge Gonzalo , Calvo-Guirado José Luis , Prados-Frutos Juan Carlos
Published: September 2019

The objective of this observational clinical study was to analyze the behavior of peri-implant tissues around cone Morse dental implants installed in the subcrestal bone position considering different clinical variables: Mucosal thickness, implant diameter, and implant length. Thirty patients were selected and included in the present study. Initially the thickness of the mucosa was measured by periapical radiographic and clinically (after the mucosal displaced). According to the planning for each treatment, implants with different dimensions (in length and diameter) were selected and used. Periapical radiographs were obtained at different times: Immediate postoperative (time t1) and 90 days after implantation (time t2). The initial stability of the implants (ISQ) was measured immediately of the implant insertion and 90 days after. The means and standard deviations of the ISQ values were in time t1 was 63.2 ± 6.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 41 to 83) and in time t2 was 69.7 ± 7.09 (95% CI: 61 to 87). Overall mean of mesial and distal bone loss 90 days after the implantations were 1.11 ± 1.16 mm and 1.11 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. When the variables were considered, in all situations proposed, the bone loss showed differences statistically significant. In conclusion, the implant diameter and mucosal thickness variables showed an important effect on bone loss values. However, the implant length did not show an effect on the peri-implant behavior.
Reinforcement Learning Approach to Design Practical Adaptive Control for a Small-Scale Intelligent Vehicle
Authors: Hu Bo , Li Jiaxi , Yang Jie , Bai Haitao , Li Shuang , Sun Youchang , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2019

Reinforcement learning (RL) based techniques have been employed for the tracking and adaptive cruise control of a small-scale vehicle with the aim to transfer the obtained knowledge to a full-scale intelligent vehicle in the near future. Unlike most other control techniques, the purpose of this study is to seek a practical method that enables the vehicle, in the real environment and in real time, to learn the control behavior on its own while adapting to the changing circumstances. In this context, it is necessary to design an algorithm that symmetrically considers both time efficiency and accuracy. Meanwhile, in order to realize adaptive cruise control specifically, a set of symmetrical control actions consisting of steering angle and vehicle speed needs to be optimized simultaneously. In this paper, firstly, the experimental setup of the small-scale intelligent vehicle is introduced. Subsequently, three model-free RL algorithm are conducted to develop and finally form the strategy to keep the vehicle within its lanes at constant and top velocity. Furthermore, a model-based RL strategy is compared that incorporates learning from real experience and planning from simulated experience. Finally, a Q-learning based adaptive cruise control strategy is intermixed to the existing tracking control architecture to allow the vehicle slow-down in the curve and accelerate on straightaways. The experimental results show that the Q-learning and Sarsa (λ) algorithms can achieve a better tracking behavior than the conventional Sarsa, and Q-learning outperform Sarsa (λ) in terms of computational complexity. The Dyna-Q method performs similarly with the Sarsa (λ) algorithms, but with a significant reduction of computational time. Compared with a fine-tuned proportion integration differentiation (PID) controller, the good-balanced Q-learning is seen to perform better and it can also be easily applied to control problems with over one control actions.