bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Efficiency, Broadband, Near Diffraction-Limited, Dielectric Metalens in Ultraviolet Spectrum
Authors: Kanwal Saima , Wen Jing , Yu Binbin , Kumar Dileep , Chen Xu , Kang Yi , Bai Chunyan , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) optical devices have plenteous applications in the fields of nanofabrication, military, medical, sterilization, and others. Traditional optical components utilize gradual phase accumulation phenomena to alter the wave-front of the light, making them bulky, expensive, and inefficient. A dielectric metasurface could provide an auspicious approach to precisely control the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the incident light by abrupt, discrete phase changing with high efficiency due to low absorption losses. Metalenses, being one of the most attainable applications of metasurfaces, can extremely reduce the size and complexity of the optical systems. We present the design of a high-efficiency transmissive UV metalens operating in a broadband range of UV light (250–400 nm) with outstanding focusing characteristics. The polarization conversion efficiency of the nano-rod unit and the focusing efficiency of the metasurface are optimized to be as high as 96% and 77%, respectively. The off-axis focusing characteristics at different incident angles are also investigated. The designed metalens that is composed of silicon nitride nanorods will significantly uphold the advancement of UV photonic devices and can provide opportunities for the miniaturization and integration of the UV nanophotonics and its applications.
Reply to “Comment on: A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health? Nutrients 2020, 12, 7”
Authors: Vigar Vanessa , Oliver Christopher , Leifert Carlo , Myers Stephen P
Published: March 2020

We would like to thank Di Renzo et al [...]
Risk Factors for Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Women of Reproductive Age—The Impact of the Wheat Flour Fortification Program in Uzbekistan
Authors: Petry Nicolai , Nizamov Fakhriddin , Woodruff Bradley A. , Ishmakova Regina , Komilov Jasur , Wegmüller Rita , Wirth James P. , Arifdjanova Diyora , Guo Sufang , Rohner Fabian
Published: March 2020

Food fortification can be effective in reducing the prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. This study assessed risk factors for—and the impact of the wheat flour program in Uzbekistan on—anemia, and iron and folate deficiency (FD) in non-pregnant women (NPW) of reproductive age. National data were analyzed for risk factors using multivariable regression. Additional iron intake from fortified flour was not associated with iron deficiency (ID) and did not result in a significantly different prevalence of anemia regardless of the levels, whereas women with additional folic acid intake had a lower relative risk (RR) of FD (RR: 0.67 [95% CI: 0.53, 0.85]). RR for anemia was greater in women with ID (RR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.5) and vitamin A insufficiency (VAI; RR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 1.9). VAI (RR: 1.4 [95% CI: 1.3, 1.6]) and breastfeeding (RR: 1.1 [95% CI: 0.99, 1.2]) were associated with increased risk of ID, while being underweight reduced the risk (RR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58, 0.96]). Breastfeeding (RR: 1.2 [95% CI: 1.1, 1.4]) and inflammation (RR: 1.2 [95% CI: 1.0, 1.3]) increased risk of FD. FD results indicate that the fortification program had potential for impact, but requires higher coverage of adequately fortified wheat flour and a more bioavailable iron fortificant.
Wild Birds in Live Birds Markets: Potential Reservoirs of Enzootic Avian Influenza Viruses and Antimicrobial Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Northern Egypt
Authors: Nabil Nehal M. , Erfan Ahmed M. , Tawakol Maram M. , Haggag Naglaa M. , Naguib Mahmoud M. , Samy Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Wild migratory birds are often implicated in the introduction, maintenance, and global dissemination of different pathogens, such as influenza A viruses (IAV) and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Trapping of migratory birds during their resting periods at the northern coast of Egypt is a common and ancient practice performed mainly for selling in live bird markets (LBM). In the present study, samples were collected from 148 wild birds, representing 14 species, which were being offered for sale in LBM. All birds were tested for the presence of AIV and enterobacteriaceae. Ten samples collected from Northern Shoveler birds (Spatula clypeata) were positive for IAV and PCR sub-typing and pan HA/NA sequencing assays detected H5N8, H9N2, and H6N2 viruses in four, four, and one birds, respectively. Sequencing of the full haemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed a high similarity with currently circulating IAV in Egypt. From all the birds, E. coli was recovered from 37.2% and Salmonella from 20.2%, with 66–96% and 23–43% isolates being resistant to at least one of seven selected critically important antimicrobials (CIA), respectively. The presence of enzootic IAV and the wide prevalence of AMR enterobacteriaceae in wild birds highlight the potential role of LBM in the spread of different pathogens from and to wild birds. Continued surveillance of both AIV and antimicrobial-resistant enterobacteriaceae in wild birds’ habitats is urgently needed.
Light-Activatable Transfection System Using Hybrid Vectors Composed of Thermosensitive Dendron Lipids and Gold Nanorods
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Hirata Tomoya , Yuba Eiji , Harada Atsushi , Kono Kenji
Published: March 2020

Background: Gene delivery to target cells is crucially important to establish gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Although various virus-based and synthetic molecule-based gene vectors have been developed to date, selective transfection in a site or a cell level is still challenging. For this study, both light-responsive and temperature-responsive synthetic gene vectors were designed for spatiotemporal control of a transfection system. Methods: 11-Mercaptoundecanoic acid-coated gold nanorods were mixed with polyamidoamine dendron-bearing lipids of two types having amino-terminus or ethoxydiethylene glycol-terminus to obtain hybrid vectors. Hybrid vectors were mixed further with pDNA. Then we investigated their physicochemical properties and transfection efficacy with or without near infrared laser irradiation. Results: Hybrid vectors formed complexes with pDNA and exhibited enhanced photothermal property under near infrared laser irradiation compared with parent gold nanorods. Transfection efficacy of complexes was promoted considerably by brief laser irradiation soon after complex application to the cells. Analysis of intracellular distribution revealed that laser irradiation promoted the adsorption of complexes to the cells and cytosolic release of pDNA, which is derived from the change in surface hydrophobicity of complexes through dehydration of temperature-responsive groups. Conclusions: Hybrid vector is promising as a light-activatable transfection system.
Mucoadhesive Buccal Films for Local Delivery of Lactobacillus brevis
Authors: Abruzzo Angela , Vitali Beatrice , Lombardi Francesca , Guerrini Luca , Cinque Benedetta , Parolin Carola , Bigucci Federica , Cerchiara Teresa , Arbizzani Catia , Gallucci Maria Caterina , Luppi Barbara
Published: March 2020

The aim of this work was to prepare mucoadhesive buccal films for local release of Lactobacillus brevis CD2, which shows interesting anti-inflammatory properties due to its high levels of arginine deiminase. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose-based films were prepared by means of a modified casting method, which allowed L. brevis CD2 loading on one side of the film, before its complete drying. Three batches of films were prepared, stored at +2–8 °C and +23–25 °C for 48 weeks and characterized in terms of physico-chemical and functional properties. For each batch, the L. brevis viable count and arginine deiminase activity were evaluated at different time points in order to assess functional property maintenance over time. Moreover, the mucoadhesive properties and ability of the films to release L. brevis CD2 were evaluated. A good survival of L. brevis CD2 was observed, particularly at the storage temperature of +2–8 °C, while the activity of arginine deiminase was maintained at both temperature values. Films showed good mucoadhesive properties and guaranteed a prolonged release of viable lactobacilli, which can be directed towards the whole buccal cavity or specific mucosa lesions. In conclusion, the proposed preparative method can be successfully employed for the production of buccal films able to release viable L. brevis CD2 cells that maintain the anti-inflammatory enzymatic activity.
Regional Intestinal Drug Permeability and Effects of Permeation Enhancers in Rat
Authors: Dahlgren David , Cano-Cebrián Maria-Jose , Olander Tobias , Hedeland Mikael , Sjöblom Markus , Lennernäs Hans
Published: March 2020

Sufficient colonic absorption is necessary for all systemically acting drugs in dosage forms that release the drug in the large intestine. Preclinically, colonic absorption is often investigated using the rat single-pass intestinal perfusion model. This model can determine intestinal permeability based on luminal drug disappearance, as well as the effect of permeation enhancers on drug permeability. However, it is uncertain how accurate the rat single-pass intestinal perfusion model predicts regional intestinal permeability and absorption in human. There is also a shortage of systematic in vivo investigations of the direct effect of permeation enhancers in the small and large intestine. In this rat single-pass intestinal perfusion study, the jejunal and colonic permeability of two low permeability drugs (atenolol and enalaprilat) and two high-permeability ones (ketoprofen and metoprolol) was determined based on plasma appearance. These values were compared to already available corresponding human data from a study conducted in our lab. The colonic effect of four permeation enhancers—sodium dodecyl sulfate, chitosan, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and caprate—on drug permeability and transport of chromium EDTA (an established clinical marker for intestinal barrier integrity) was determined. There was no difference in jejunal and colonic permeability determined from plasma appearance data of any of the four model drugs. This questions the validity of the rat single-pass intestinal perfusion model for predicting human regional intestinal permeability. It was also shown that the effect of permeation enhancers on drug permeability in the colon was similar to previously reported data from the rat jejunum, whereas the transport of chromium EDTA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the colon than in jejunum. Therefore, the use of permeation enhancers for increasing colonic drug permeability has greater risks than potential medical rewards, as indicated by the higher permeation of chromium EDTA compared to the drugs.
Application of Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Networks for the Prediction of the Packing and Capsule Filling Performance of Coated and Plain Pellets Differing in Density and Size
Authors: Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Partheniadis Ioannis , Mitra Konstantina-Sepfora , Toskas Miltiadis , Papadopoulou Labrini , Nikolakakis Ioannis
Published: March 2020

Plain or coated pellets of different densities 1.45, 2.53, and 3.61 g/cc in two size ranges, small (380–550 μm) and large (700–1200 μm) (stereoscope/image analysis), were prepared according to experimental design using extrusion/spheronization. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to predict packing indices and capsule filling performance from the “apparent” pellet density (helium pycnometry). The dynamic packing of the pellets in tapped volumetric glass cylinders was evaluated using Kawakita’s parameter a and the angle of internal flow θ. The capsule filling was evaluated as maximum fill weight (CFW) and fill weight variation (FWV) using a semi-automatic machine that simulated filling with vibrating plate systems. The pellet density influenced the packing parameters a and θ as the main effect and the CFW and FWV as statistical interactions with the coating. The pellet size and coating also displayed interacting effects on CFW, FWV, and θ. After coating, both small and large pellets behaved the same, demonstrating smooth filling and a low fill weight variation. Furthermore, none of the packing indices could predict the fill weight variation for the studied pellets, suggesting that the filling and packing of capsules with free-flowing pellets is influenced by details that were not accounted for in the tapping experiments. A prediction could be made by the application of MLR and ANNs. The former gave good predictions for the bulk/tap densities, θ, CFW, and FWV (R-squared of experimental vs. theoretical data >0.951). A comparison of the fitting models showed that a feed-forward backpropagation ANN model with six hidden units was superior to MLR in generalizing ability and prediction accuracy. The simplification of the ANN via magnitude-based pruning (MBP) and optimal brain damage (OBD), showed good data fitting, and therefore the derived ANN model can be simplified while maintaining predictability. These findings emphasize the importance of pellet density in the overall capsule filling process and the necessity to implement MLR/ANN into the development of pellet capsule filling operations.
Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Activity of Helichrysum plicatum DC. Various Extracts
Authors: Vujić Bojan , Vidaković Vera , Jadranin Milka , Novaković Irena , Trifunović Snežana , Tešević Vele , Mandić Boris
Published: March 2020

Helichrysum plicatum DC. is widely used in folk medicine in treating a variety of health disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different extraction solvents on the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activities of H. plicatum. Aerial parts were separately extracted with ethanol, dichloromethane, and sunflower oil. The oil extract (OE) was re-extracted with acetonitrile. A total of 142 compounds were tentatively identified in ethanolic (EE), dichloromethane (DCME), and acetonitrile (ACNE) extracts using HPLC-DAD/ESI-ToF-MS. The dominant compound class in all extracts were α-pyrones, alongside flavonoids in EE, terpenoids in DCME and ACNE, and phloroglucinols in DCME. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. EE and DCME possessed the most potent radical scavenging capacity. Antimicrobial activity was investigated on eight bacterial, two yeast, and one fungal species. All extracts exhibited high antifungal and notable antibacterial activities compared to control substances, with DCME being the most potent. DCME exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa than the standard chloramphenicol.
The Role of Proteases in Determining Stomatal Development and Tuning Pore Aperture: A Review
Authors: Fanourakis Dimitrios , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos , Pappi Polyxeni , Markakis Emmanouil , Doupis Georgios , Charova Spyridoula N. , Delis Costas , Tsaniklidis Georgios
Published: March 2020

Plant proteases, the proteolytic enzymes that catalyze protein breakdown and recycling, play an essential role in a variety of biological processes including stomatal development and distribution, as well as, systemic stress responses. In this review, we summarize what is known about the participation of proteases in both stomatal organogenesis and on the stomatal pore aperture tuning, with particular emphasis on their involvement in numerous signaling pathways triggered by abiotic and biotic stressors. There is a compelling body of evidence demonstrating that several proteases are directly or indirectly implicated in the process of stomatal development, affecting stomatal index, density, spacing, as well as, size. In addition, proteases are reported to be involved in a transient adjustment of stomatal aperture, thus orchestrating gas exchange. Consequently, the proteases-mediated regulation of stomatal movements considerably affects plants’ ability to cope not only with abiotic stressors, but also to perceive and respond to biotic stimuli. Even though the determining role of proteases on stomatal development and functioning is just beginning to unfold, our understanding of the underlying processes and cellular mechanisms still remains far from being completed.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Sugar Transporter (ST) Gene Family in Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.)
Authors: Fang Ting , Peng Yuan , Rao Ya , Li Shenghao , Zeng Lihui
Published: March 2020

Carbohydrates are nutrients and important signal molecules in higher plants. Sugar transporters (ST) play important role not only in long-distance transport of sugar, but also in sugar accumulations in sink cells. Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) is one of the most important commercial tropical/subtropical evergreen fruit species in Southeast Asia. In this study, a total of 52 longan sugar transporter (DlST) genes were identified and they were divided into eight clades according to phylogenetic analysis. Out of these 52 DlST genes, many plant hormones (e.g., MeJA and gibberellin), abiotic (e.g., cold and drought), and biotic stress responsive element exist in their promoter region. Gene structure analysis exhibited that each of the clades have closely associated gene architectural features based on similar number or length of exons. The numbers of DlSTs, which exhibited alternative splicing (AS) events, in flower bud is more than that in other tissues. Expression profile analysis revealed that ten DlST members may regulate longan flowerbud differentiation. In silico expression profiles in nine longan organs indicated that some DlST genes were tissue specificity and further qRT-PCR analysis suggested that the transcript level of seven DlSTs (DlINT3, DlpGlcT1, DlpGlcT2, DlPLT4, DlSTP1, DlVGT1 and DlVGT2) was consistent with sugar accumulation in fruit, indicating that they might be involved in sugar accumulations during longan fruit development. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of sugar transporters in woody plant.
Coagulation of Chitin Production Wastewater from Shrimp Scraps with By-Product Chitosan and Chemical Coagulants
Authors: Tran Nguyen Van Nhi , Yu Qiming Jimmy , Nguyen Tan Phong , Wang San-Lang
Published: March 2020

Chitin production wastewater contains nutrient-rich organic and mineral contents. Coagulation of the wastewater with a natural coagulant such as by-product chitosan would be an economical and environmentally friendly method of treatment. This study investigated the treatment efficiencies of a preliminary sedimentation process followed by coagulation. The removal efficiencies for wastewater parameters were evaluated and compared for coagulants including by-product chitosan, polyaluminum chloride, and polyacryamide. The evaluation was based on the removal of wastewater turbidity and other criteria, including tCOD, sCOD, TKN, NH4+–N, TP, TSS, calcium, and crude protein. The results showed that the preliminary sedimentation (before coagulation) can remove over 80% of turbidity and more than 93% of TSS at pH 4 in 30 min. At optimal conditions, when the ratio of crude protein and calcium was 4.95, by-product chitosan dose of 77.5 mg·L−1 and pH = 8.3, the wastewater characteristics changes were tCOD 23%, sCOD 32%, TKN and ammonium 25%, TP 90%, TSS 84%, Ca2+ 29%, and crude protein 25%. The residue recovered through coagulation consists of up to 55 mg·g−1 crude protein, which is used for animal feed or crop fertilizer.
Efficient Extraction and Structural Characterization of Hemicellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse Pith
Authors: Xie Yitong , Guo Xin , Ma Zhiyu , Gong Jingwei , Wang Haisong , Lv Yanna
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction process and structural properties of hemicellulose from sugarcane bagasse pith. Response surface model (RSM) was established in order to optimize the extraction conditions for the highest hemicellulose yield based on the single-factor experiments. A maximum total hemicellulose yield of 23.05% was obtained under the optimal conditions of ultrasonic treatment time of 28 min, KOH mass concentration of 3.7%, and extraction temperature of 53 °C, and it evidently increased 3.24% compared without ultrasound-assisted extraction. The obtained hemicellulose was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The monosaccharide composition and average molecular weight of hemicellulose were characterized by using ion chromatography (IC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results indicated that xylose was dominant component in water-soluble hemicellulose (WH, 69.05%) and alkali-soluble hemicellulose (AH, 85.83%), respectively. Furthermore, the monosaccharides (otherwise xylose) and uronic acids contents of WH were higher than that of AH. Weight average molecular weight of WH was 29923 g/mol, lower than that of AH (74,872 g/mol). These results indicate that ultrasonic-assisted alkaline extraction is an efficient approach for the separation of hemicellulose from sugarcane bagasse pith.
Dynamics of Confined Short-Chain alkanol in MCM-41 by Dielectric Spectroscopy: Effects of matrix and system Treatments and Filling Factor
Authors: Bartoš Josef , Arrese-Igor Silvia , Švajdlenková Helena , Kleinová Angela , Alegría Angel
Published: March 2020

The dynamics of n-propanol confined in regular MCM-41 matrix with the pore size Dpore = 40 Å, under various matrix conditioning and sample confining conditions, using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), is reported. First, various drying procedures with the capacitor filling under air or N2 influence the BDS spectra of the empty MCM-41 and the confined n-PrOH/MCM-41 systems, but have a little effect on the maximum relaxation time of the main process. Finally, various filling factors of n-PrOH medium in the optimally treated MCM-41 system lead to unimodal or bimodal spectra interpreted in terms of the two distinct dynamic phases in the confined states.
Multiobjective Combination Optimization of an Impeller and Diffuser in a Reversible Axial-Flow Pump Based on a Two-Layer Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Meng Fan , Li Yanjun , Yuan Shouqi , Wang Wenjie , Zheng Yunhao , Osman Majeed Koranteng
Published: March 2020

This study proposed a kind of optimization design for a reversible axial-flow pump based on an ordinary one-way pump. Three-dimensional (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations was used to predict the pump performance, and the optimized design was validated by an external characteristic test. Six main geometry parameters of an impeller and diffuser based on an orthogonal experiment were set as design variables. The efficiency and head under forward and reverse design conditions were set as the optimization objective. Based on 120 groups of sample designs obtained from Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), a two-layer artificial neural network (ANN) was used to build a non-linear function with high accuracy between the design variables and optimization objective. The optimized design was obtained from 300 groups of Pareto-optimal solutions using the non-dominated based genetic algorithm (NSGA) for multiobjective optimization. After optimization, there was a slight decrease in the forward pump efficiency and head. The reverse pump efficiency and head on the other hand was largely improved and the high efficiency range was also widened.
A Visualization and Control Strategy for Dynamic Sustainability of Chemical Processes
Authors: Li Shuyun , Ruiz-Mercado Gerardo J. , Lima Fernando V.
Published: March 2020

Our societal needs for greener, economically viable products and processes have grown given the adverse environmental impact and unsustainable development caused by human activities, including chemical releases, exposure, and impacts. To make chemical processes safer and more sustainable, a novel sustainability-oriented control strategy is developed in this work. This strategy enables the incorporation of online sustainability assessment and process control with sustainability constraints into chemical process operations. Specifically, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s GREENSCOPE (Gauging Reaction Effectiveness for the ENvironmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multi-Objective Process Evaluator) tool is used for sustainability assessment and environmental release minimization of chemical processes. The multivariable GREENSCOPE indicators in real time can be represented using a novel visualization method with dynamic radar plots. The analysis of the process dynamic behavior in terms of sustainability performance provides means of defining sustainability constraints for the control strategy to improve process sustainability aspects with lower scores. For the control task, Biologically Inspired Optimal Control Strategy (BIO-CS) is implemented with sustainability constraints so that the control actions can be calculated considering the sustainability performance. This work leads to a significant step forward towards augmenting the capability of process control to meet future demands on multiple control objectives (e.g., economic, environmental, and safety related). The effectiveness of the proposed framework is illustrated via two case studies associated with a fermentation system. The results show that the proposed control strategy can effectively drive the system to the desired setpoints while meeting a preset sustainability constraint and improving the transient sustainability performance by up to 16.86% in terms of selected GREENSCOPE indicators.
Selecting the Optimal Configuration for a Solar Air Heater Using the Grey–Taguchi Method
Authors: Nowzari Raheleh , Mirzaei Nima , Parham Kiyan
Published: March 2020

In this study, a typical Grey–Taguchi method has been applied in order to select the optimal configuration of a solar air heater to achieve optimum performance. The analysis is performed for different system configurations in terms of collector type, mass flow rate, and cover type. The Grey–Taguchi method, which requires the minimum possible numbers of the demanded experiments for accomplishing a robust statistical decision for a given experimental problem, has been employed, and temperature difference and thermal performance have been used as the two main criteria. It is found that by considering the temperature difference criterion, at a mass flow rate of 0.011 kg/s, the best configuration is the double-pass solar collector owning a one-fourth pierced Plexiglas cover with a distance of 60 mm between the centers of the holes. On the other hand, by considering the thermal performance as the criterion, the best configuration at a mass flow rate of 0.032 kg/s is found to be the double-pass solar collector holding a half-pierced Plexiglas cover and a distance of 60 mm distance between the centers of the holes. Finally, once both factors are taken into consideration, the optimal configuration suggested by the method is the double-pass collector with a one-quarter pierced Plexiglas cover. The method also suggests keeping a 30 mm distance between the centers of the holes and applying 0.032 kg/s of the mass flow rate to achieve the highest performance.
Estimating Growing Season Evapotranspiration and Transpiration of Major Crops over a Large Irrigation District from HJ-1A/1B Data Using a Remote Sensing-Based Dual Source Evapotranspiration Model
Authors: Yu Bing , Shang Songhao
Published: March 2020

Crop evapotranspiration (ET) is the largest water consumer of agriculture water in an irrigation district. Remote sensing (RS) technique has provided an effective way to map regional ET using various RS-based ET models over the past several decades. To map growing season ET of different crops and partition ET into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) at regional scale, appropriate ET models should be further integrated with crop distribution maps in different years and crop growing seasons determined for each crop pixel. In this study, a hybrid dual-source scheme and trapezoid framework-based ET Model (HTEM) fed with HJ-1A/1B data was applied in Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of China from 2009 to 2015 to map crop growing season ET and T at 30 m resolution. The HTEM model with HJ-1A/1B data performed well in estimating ET in HID, and the finer spatial resolution of model input data can improve the estimation accuracy of ET. Combined with the annual crop planting map identified in previous study, and crop growing seasons determined from fitted Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) curves for crop pixels, the spatial and temporal variations of growing season ET and T of major crops (maize and sunflower) were examined. The results indicate that ET and T of maize and sunflower reach their minimum values in the southwest HID with smaller crop planting density, and reach their maximum values in northwest HID with higher crop planting density. Over the study period with a decreasing trend of available irrigation water, ET and T in maize and sunflower growing seasons show decreasing trends, while ratios of T/ET show increasing trends, which implies that the adverse effect of decreased irrigation water diversion on crop growth is diminished due to the favorable portioning of E and T in cropland of HID. In addition, the calculation results of crop coefficients show that there is water stress to crop growth in the study area. The present results are helpful to better understand the spatial pattern of crop water consumption and water stress of different crops during crop growing season, and provide the basis for optimizing the spatial distribution of crop planting with less water consumption and more crop yield.
Advanced Machine Learning Optimized by The Genetic Algorithm in Ionospheric Models Using Long-Term Multi-Instrument Observations
Authors: Li Wang , Zhao Dongsheng , He Changyong , Hu Andong , Zhang Kefei
Published: March 2020

The ionospheric delay is of paramount importance to radio communication, satellite navigation and positioning. It is necessary to predict high-accuracy ionospheric peak parameters for single frequency receivers. In this study, the state-of-the-art artificial neural network (ANN) technique optimized by the genetic algorithm is used to develop global ionospheric models for predicting foF2 and hmF2. The models are based on long-term multiple measurements including ionospheric peak frequency model (GIPFM) and global ionospheric peak height model (GIPHM). Predictions of the GIPFM and GIPHM are compared with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model in 2009 and 2013 respectively. This comparison shows that the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of GIPFM are 0.82 MHz and 0.71 MHz in 2013 and 2009, respectively. This result is about 20%–35% lower than that of IRI. Additionally, the corresponding hmF2 median errors of GIPHM are 20% to 30% smaller than that of IRI. Furthermore, the ANN models present a good capability to capture the global or regional ionospheric spatial-temporal characteristics, e.g., the equatorial ionization anomaly and Weddell Sea anomaly. The study shows that the ANN-based model has a better agreement to reference value than the IRI model, not only along the Greenwich meridian, but also on a global scale. The approach proposed in this study has the potential to be a new three-dimensional electron density model combined with the inclusion of the upcoming Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC-2) data.
A Precise Indoor Visual Positioning Approach Using a Built Image Feature Database and Single User Image from Smartphone Cameras
Authors: Li Ming , Chen Ruizhi , Liao Xuan , Guo Bingxuan , Zhang Weilong , Guo Ge
Published: March 2020

Indoor visual positioning is a key technology in a variety of indoor location services and applications. The particular spatial structures and environments of indoor spaces is a challenging scene for visual positioning. To address the existing problems of low positioning accuracy and low robustness, this paper proposes a precision single-image-based indoor visual positioning method for a smartphone. The proposed method includes three procedures: First, color sequence images of the indoor environment are collected in an experimental room, from which an indoor precise-positioning-feature database is produced, using a classic speed-up robust features (SURF) point matching strategy and the multi-image spatial forward intersection. Then, the relationships between the smartphone positioning image SURF feature points and object 3D points are obtained by an efficient similarity feature description retrieval method, in which a more reliable and correct matching point pair set is obtained, using a novel matching error elimination technology based on Hough transform voting. Finally, efficient perspective-n-point (EPnP) and bundle adjustment (BA) methods are used to calculate the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the positioning image, and the location of the smartphone is obtained as a result. Compared with the ground truth, results of the experiments indicate that the proposed approach can be used for indoor positioning, with an accuracy of approximately 10 cm. In addition, experiments show that the proposed method is more robust and efficient than the baseline method in a real scene. In the case where sufficient indoor textures are present, it has the potential to become a low-cost, precise, and highly available indoor positioning technology.
Stand-Alone Microgrid with 100% Renewable Energy: A Case Study with Hybrid Solar PV-Battery-Hydrogen
Authors: Dawood Furat , Shafiullah GM , Anda Martin
Published: March 2020

A 100% renewable energy-based stand-alone microgrid system can be developed by robust energy storage systems to stabilize the variable and intermittent renewable energy resources. Hydrogen as an energy carrier and energy storage medium has gained enormous interest globally in recent years. Its use in stand-alone or off-grid microgrids for both the urban and rural communities has commenced recently in some locations. Therefore, this research evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy-based systems using hydrogen as energy storage for a stand-alone/off-grid microgrid. Three case scenarios in a microgrid environment were identified and investigated in order to select an optimum solution for a remote community by considering the energy balance and techno-economic optimization. The “HOMER Pro” energy modelling and simulating software was used to compare the energy balance, economics and environmental impact amongst the proposed scenarios. The simulation results showed that the hydrogen-battery hybrid energy storage system is the most cost-effective scenario, though all developed scenarios are technically possible and economically comparable in the long run, while each has different merits and challenges. It has been shown that the proposed hybrid energy systems have significant potentialities in electrifying remote communities with low energy generation costs, as well as a contribution to the reduction of their carbon footprint and to ameliorating the energy crisis to achieve a sustainable future.
Music as a Resource Against Bullying and Cyberbullying: Intervention in two Centers in Spain
Authors: Epelde-Larrañaga Amaya , Oñederra Ramírez José Antonio , Estrada-Vidal Ligia Isabel
Published: March 2020

Aggressive conflicts are quite frequent in schools, and all students take part in them. Bullying and cyberbullying are the most common methods used. The main objective of this work was to prevent and reduce aggressive behaviors among school children. In this study we present the results of an intervention that we have carried out in two education centers, one public and one semi-public, with students between the ages of 11 and 14. This intervention was done using music and was reinforced by a talk about human values. Two hundred adolescents from the autonomous city of Melilla, Spain, took part in this study. This was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test/post-test design and an equivalent randomized control group. The instrument used was the Garaigordóbil Cyberbullying Test. The musical intervention lasted for four months. The effect of the intervention program was checked through the t-test of related samples, checking the size of the effect through Cohen's d. The results showed a decrease in victims, aggressors and witnesses of cyberbullying in the semi-public education center and a decrease in victims of bullying in the public center. It is concluded that music can be a valid resource in making people aware of aggressive behaviors and in helping to reduce it.
Understanding the Drivers of National-Level Energy Audit Behavior: Demographics and Socioeconomic Characteristics
Authors: Hewitt Elizabeth , Wang Yiyi
Published: March 2020

The energy audit—an assessment of a home’s energy systems performed by a trained auditor in order to provide the resident with strategies for saving energy and money—is provided by many utility companies throughout the United States for free or at a reduced cost. The uptake of such programs is generally low, and little is known about audit participants. Importantly, as more evidence points to the need to look beyond physical building characteristics to increase energy efficiency, this work explores if specific characteristics of the individual are correlated with increased participation in audit programs. This research analyzes the most recent (2015) national level Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data through a binary logit regression to determine what socioeconomic and demographic factors, if any, are statistically significant in linking to the decision to undertake an audit, while controlling for physical building characteristics. The findings indicate that age has a significant and positive relationship with the decision to undertake an audit, as does being non-white, while renting has a significant and negative relationship. Knowledge about national-level participation in audit programs can help policy makers craft more strategic incentives to increase participation and, ultimately, help connect the audit decision to the more important next step of retrofits and upgrades to save energy.
Examining Supply Chain for Seafood Industries Using Structural Path Analysis
Authors: Seung Chang K. , Kim Do-Hoon
Published: March 2020

The present study investigates the supply chain for seafood industries in Korea. Unlike previous studies, which analyze the supply chain from input users’ perspective only, the present study examines the supply chain from both input users’ (backward linkage) and input suppliers’ (forward linkage) perspectives. In doing so, this study utilizes structural path analyses (SPAs) to scrutinize the specific paths along which the effects of a shock to a seafood industry are transmitted in both backward and forward directions. This study executes these two types of SPAs (backward linkage and forward linkage SPAs) for three seafood industries in Korea that include wild fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing, thus depicting a more detailed and complete picture of the mechanisms through which the influences of the seafood industries spill over to the rest of the economy. One important finding is that our SPAs are able to identify a number of seemingly unlikely non-seafood industries that play a critical role in transmitting the effects of a shock to a seafood industry.
Erratum: Forte, F., et al. Valuation of the Vocationality of Cultural Heritage: The Vesuvian Villas. Sustainability 2020, 12, 943
Authors: Forte Fabiana , Del Giudice Vincenzo , De Paola Pierfrancesco , Troisi Federica
Published: March 2020

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Multi-Agent Simulation of Safe Livability and Sustainable Development in Cities
Authors: Pan Lihu , Yang Fenyu , Lu Feiping , Qin Shipeng , Yan Huimin , Peng Rui
Published: March 2020

Urban livability is an important factor affecting the sustainable development of modern cities. Safe livability is an important part of urban livability. In view of this, this paper takes security as an example, and based on the actual data of Futian District, Shenzhen City, China, establishes a multi-agent simulation model of urban safe livability. The dynamic interaction feedback mechanism between decision-making behaviors of residents and urban safe livability under the influence of environment and policies has been explored, and residents’ decision-making simulation of the change of urban safe livability is realized. Finally, the main factors influencing urban safe livability are summarized through simulation conclusions. The research can not only provide scientific suggestions for improving the safe livability of Shenzhen, it also provides strong support for the sustainable development of the city.
Assessment of the Industrial Structure and its Influence on Sustainable Economic Development and Quality of Life of the Population of Different World Countries
Authors: Gryshova Inna , Kyzym Mykola , Khaustova Viktoriia , Korneev Volodymyr , Kramarev Hennadii
Published: March 2020

The article proves that despite a significant growth in the service sector in recent years, industry remains the main engine of economic growth. Moreover, using the analysis of statistical data, it is shown that the development of industrial complexes of countries of the world is accompanied by corresponding structural changes, which in turn determines their economic development in general. The study aims to solve the following issues: which structure of the national industry can be considered progressive under modern conditions, i.e., can lead to progress and sustainable socio-economic growth; whether there is a correlation between the progressive structure of the country’s industry and its economic development and the quality of life of its population; how the approach of the country’s industrial structure to its progressive state influences the country’s economic development and quality of life of its population. The purpose of the study is to justify or refute the hypothesis about influence of progressiveness of the industrial structure on sustainable economic development and quality of life of the population. The main methods used in the study are cluster analysis and integral assessment. The statistical basis of the study is the data on inter-branch balances for 36 countries of the world for 2009, 2011 and 2014. The results obtained in the study allowed confirming the hypothesis about the positive influence of approach of the industrial structure of countries of the world to its progressive state on the sustainable economic development and quality of life of their population. This conclusion can be considered as the basis for forming the state policy of the world’s countries to develop their economies and improve the quality of life of their population.
Urban Vegetation Types are Not Perceived Equally in Providing Ecosystem Services and Disservices
Authors: Drillet Zuzana , Fung Tze , Leong Rachel , Sachidhanandam Uma , Edwards Peter , Richards Daniel
Published: March 2020

Urban vegetation is important in providing ecosystem services to people. Different urban vegetation types provide contrasting suites of ecosystem services and disservices. Understanding public perceptions of the ecosystem services and disservices can therefore play an important role in shaping the planning and management of urban areas. We conducted an online survey (n = 1000) to understand how residents in the tropical city of Singapore perceived urban vegetation and the associated ecosystem services and disservices. The questionnaire was designed to explore whether different urban vegetation types (grass, shrubs, trees, trees over shrubs, and secondary forest) were perceived as equal in providing benefits. Respondents considered ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation to be more important than disservices. Among ecosystem services, regulating services were most highly rated, with more than 80% of the respondents appreciating urban vegetation for providing shade and improving air quality. Respondents recognized that different vegetation types provided different ecosystem services. For example, secondary forest was most commonly associated with education and wildlife, while trees were strongly associated with cooling and air quality. We conclude that in developing plans and designs for urban vegetation and ecosystem services, it is important to understand the perceptions, priorities, and concerns of residents.
LNG and Cruise Ships, an Easy Way to Fulfil Regulations—Versus the Need for Reducing GHG Emissions
Authors: Lindstad Elizabeth , Rialland Agathe
Published: March 2020

Liquified natural gas (LNG), with its low sulphur content, its favorable hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, and the lower nitrogen oxide emission when combusted compared to conventional fuels, fulfils all International Maritime Organization (IMO) air emission regulations. For the cruise industry, with their large number of customers and their high public visibility, LNG has therefore become a tempting option for new cruise ships. However, larger well-to-tank (WTT) emissions for the LNG supply chain as well as un-combusted methane (CH4) from the ship’s engine might more than nullify any greenhouse gas (GHG) gains. Previous studies have shown very different GHG impacts from the use of LNG as a ship fuel. With climate change potentially being the largest threat to mankind, it is important that decisions with an impact on future GHG emissions are based on the best available knowledge within a sector and across sectors. The motivation for this study has therefore been to establish comparable GHG estimates for well-to-wake (WTW) emissions for LNG and traditional fuels in a transparent way. The results show that there is a need for adopting policies that can reduce the broader GHG emissions of shipping instead of CO2 only, including the well-to-tank emissions of ship fuels. If not, we might end up with a large number of ships with GHG savings on paper only, while the real GHG emissions increases.
China Railway Express Subsidy Model Based on Game Theory under “the Belt and Road” Initiative
Authors: Feng Fenling , Zhang Tianzuo , Liu Chengguang , Fan Lifeng
Published: March 2020

China Railway Express (CR Express) is an emerging freight transport mode between China and Europe, which provides a new option in addition to air transport and ocean shipping. At the initial stage of development, due to the higher freight costs compared to ocean shipping, the government subsidy provided for the China Railway Express operator plays an important role in the process of market cultivation. The original intention of the government subsidy was to promote the rapid and sustainable development of China Railway Express and the further subsidy scheme should encourage China Railway Express operators to act towards the expected goal of the local government. This research is devoted to modeling and solving the problem of optimal subsidy amount in the operation of China Railway Express. Firstly, a subsidy model is established with the consideration of different objectives of local government and China Railway Express operator, which are affected by the operational effort level of the China Railway Express operator, actual freight rate and the highest freight rate that the shipper is willing to pay. Then, the validity of the proposed model is analyzed in the case study of the China Railway Express line (Wuhan–Hamburg). The effects of different subsidy amounts on the social benefits of local government and profits of the China Railway Express operator are analyzed and the sensitivity analysis is carried on the operational effort level of China Railway Express operator and the highest freight rate that shipper is willing to pay. The analysis results show that the optimal subsidy amount is between 2000 and 2500 USD per Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit (FEU). Finally, suggestions are proposed according to the analysis results. These findings can provide useful references for promoting the sustainable development of China Railway Express.