bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possibilities of Automated Diagnostics of Odontogenic Sinusitis According to the Computer Tomography Data
Authors: Avrunin Oleg G. , Nosova Yana V. , Abdelhamid Ibrahim Younouss , Pavlov Sergii V. , Shushliapina Natalia O. , Wójcik Waldemar , Kisała Piotr , Kalizhanova Aliya
Published: February 2021

Individual anatomical features of the paranasal sinuses and dentoalveolar system, the complexity of physiological and pathophysiological processes in this area, and the absence of actual standards of the norm and typical pathologies lead to the fact that differential diagnosis and assessment of the severity of the course of odontogenic sinusitis significantly depend on the measurement methods of significant indicators and have significant variability. Therefore, an urgent task is to expand the diagnostic capabilities of existing research methods, study the significance of the measured indicators, and substantiate the expediency of their use in the diagnosis of specific pathologies in an automated mode. Methods of digital filtering, image segmentation and analysis, fluid dynamics, and statistical and discriminant analysis were used. Preliminary differential diagnosis of odontogenic sinusitis can be performed by densitemetric analysis of tomographic images of the maxillary sinuses, performed using frontal multiplanar reconstructions according to a given algorithm. The very manifestation of the characteristic changes in the densitography of the maxillary sinus allows for the initiation of certain pathological processes and permits the development of the effectiveness of the diagnosis of the pathology of the sinus sinuses, which can be realized automatically in real life.
Turning Base Transceiver Stations into Scalable and Controllable DC Microgrids Based on a Smart Sensing Strategy
Authors: Tradacete Miguel , Santos Carlos , Jiménez José A. , Rodríguez Fco Javier , Martín Pedro , Santiso Enrique , Gayo Miguel
Published: February 2021

This paper describes a practical approach to the transformation of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) into scalable and controllable DC Microgrids in which an energy management system (EMS) is developed to maximize the economic benefit. The EMS strategy focuses on efficiently managing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) along with photovoltaic (PV) energy generation, and non-critical load-shedding. The EMS collects data such as real-time energy consumption and generation, and environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed and irradiance, using a smart sensing strategy whereby measurements can be recorded and computing can be performed both locally and in the cloud. Within the Spanish electricity market and applying a two-tariff pricing, annual savings per installed battery power of 16.8 euros/kW are achieved. The system has the advantage that it can be applied to both new and existing installations, providing a two-way connection to the electricity grid, PV generation, smart measurement systems and the necessary management software. All these functions are integrated in a flexible and low cost HW/SW architecture. Finally, the whole system is validated through real tests carried out on a pilot plant and under different weather conditions.
On Systematic Design of Fractional-Order Element Series
Authors: Koton Jaroslav , Kubanek David , Dvorak Jan , Herencsar Norbert
Published: February 2021

In this paper a concept for the efficient design of a series of floating fractional-order elements (FOEs) is proposed. Using even single or a very limited number of so-called “seed” FOEs it is possible to obtain a wide set of new FOEs featuring fractional order α being in the range [−n,n], where n is an arbitrary integer number, and hence enables to overcome the lack of commercial unavailability of FOEs. The systematic design stems from the utilization of a general immittance converter (GIC), whereas the concept is further developed by proposing a general circuit structure of the GIC that employs operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) as active elements. To show the efficiency of the presented approach, the use of only up to two “seed” FOEs with a properly selected fractional order αseed as passive elements results in the design of a series of 51 FOEs with different α being in the range [−2,2] that may find their utilization in sensor applications and the design of analog signal processing blocks. Comprehensive analysis of the proposed GIC is given, whereas the effect of parasitic properties of the assumed active elements is determined and the optimization process described to improve the overall performance of the GIC. Using OTAs designed in 0.18 μm TSMC CMOS technology, Cadence Virtuoso post-layout simulation results of the GIC are presented that prove its operability, performance optimization, and robustness of the proposed design concept.
Collision Avoidance Resource Allocation for LoRaWAN
Authors: Chinchilla-Romero Natalia , Navarro-Ortiz Jorge , Muñoz Pablo , Ameigeiras Pablo
Published: February 2021

The number of connected IoT devices is significantly increasing and it is expected to reach more than two dozens of billions of IoT connections in the coming years. Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) have become very relevant for this new paradigm due to features such as large coverage and low power consumption. One of the most appealing technologies among these networks is LoRaWAN. Although it may be considered as one of the most mature LPWAN platforms, there are still open gaps such as its capacity limitations. For this reason, this work proposes a collision avoidance resource allocation algorithm named the Collision Avoidance Resource Allocation (CARA) algorithm with the objective of significantly increase system capacity. CARA leverages the multichannel structure and the orthogonality of spreading factors in LoRaWAN networks to avoid collisions among devices. Simulation results show that, assuming ideal radio link conditions, our proposal outperforms in 95.2% the capacity of a standard LoRaWAN network and increases the capacity by almost 40% assuming a realistic propagation model. In addition, it has been verified that CARA devices can coexist with LoRaWAN traditional devices, thus allowing the simultaneous transmissions of both types of devices. Moreover, a proof-of-concept has been implemented using commercial equipment in order to check the feasibility and the correct operation of our solution.
Piezoelectric Ring Bender for Characterization of Shear Waves in Compacted Sandy Soils
Authors: Kim Dong-Ju , Yu Jung-Doung , Byun Yong-Hoon
Published: February 2021

Shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus are widely used as the mechanical properties of soil. The objective of this study is to develop a new shear wave monitoring system using a pair of piezoelectric ring benders (RBs) and to evaluate the suitability of RB in compacted soils compared with the bender element and ultrasonic transducer. The RB is a multilayered piezoelectric actuator, which can generate shear waves without disturbing soils. For five compacted soil specimens, the shear waves are monitored by using three different piezoelectric transducers. Results of time-domain response show that the output signals measured from the RB vary according to the water content of the specimen and the frequency of the input signal. Except at the water content of 9.3%, the difference in the resonant frequencies between the three transducers is not significant. The shear wave velocities for the RB are slightly greater than those for the other transducers. For the RB, the exponential relationship between the shear wave velocity and dry unit weight is better established compared with that of the other transducers. The newly proposed piezoelectric transducer RB may be useful for the evaluation of the shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus of compacted soils.
Overview of Sample Preparation and Chromatographic Methods to Analysis Pharmaceutical Active Compounds in Waters Matrices
Authors: Almeida Cristina M. M.
Published: February 2021

In the environment, pharmaceutical residues are a field of particular interest due to the adverse effects to either human health or aquatic and soil environment. Because of the diversity of these compounds, at least 3000 substances were identified and categorized into 49 different therapeutic classes, and several actions are urgently required at multiple steps, the main ones: (i) occurrence studies of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in the water cycle; (ii) the analysis of the potential impact of their introduction into the aquatic environment; (iii) the removal/degradation of the pharmaceutical compounds; and, (iv) the development of more sensible and selective analytical methods to their monitorization. This review aims to present the current state-of-the-art sample preparation methods and chromatographic analysis applied to the study of PhACs in water matrices by pinpointing their advantages and drawbacks. Because it is almost impossible to be comprehensive in all PhACs, instruments, extraction techniques, and applications, this overview focuses on works that were published in the last ten years, mainly those applicable to water matrices.
Energy Efficiency Indicators for Hotel Buildings
Authors: Dibene-Arriola Luis Martin , Carrillo-González Fátima Maciel , Quijas Sandra , Rodríguez-Uribe María Carolina
Published: February 2021

Hotels are energy-intensive buildings; therefore, in this study, we investigate the indicators used for measuring the energy efficiency of one- to five-star hotels, in temperate and tropical regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa. There are several indicators for measuring energy intensity, but we found that the “total average annual energy use intensity index”, measured in kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2 year), was most often used. Surveys and energy audits are the methods used most often to collect the indicator data. Hotels in the tropics tend to consume more energy than those located in temperate zones, with four- and five-star hotels consuming the most energy.
Providers and Practices: How Suppliers Shape Car-Sharing Practices
Authors: Svennevik Elisabeth M. C.
Published: February 2021

Social practice theories can be useful for studying changes in mobility systems as regards automobility practices. However, many studies address the demand side and the user practices of consumers, without examining the supplier side. This Norwegian study focuses on the role of providers in car-sharing practices, using data from household interviews with car-sharing users, stakeholder workshops, and interviews with providers of car-sharing services. How are car-sharing providers shaping car-sharing practices, and with what implications? How do business models and platform technologies affect car-sharing practices? The results show how new car-sharing service companies, in addition to established firms such as car dealers and car rental companies, affect car-sharing practices by offering several alternatives for accessing cars. The implications of this are discussed, noting how car-sharing practices are shaped by car-sharing providers in the recursive relationship between practice-as-entity and practice-as-performance. The conclusions offer a critical view of how the providers contribute to various kinds of car-sharing understandings, as well as the implications for policy and practitioners.
The Effect of the Acculturation of Chinese Immigrants on Tourist Satisfaction and Quality of Life
Authors: Cho Taeyoung , Cho Taesoo , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2021

Given the rapidly increasing number of foreign nationals migrating to Korea, this study investigates the relationship between cultural adaptation, tourist satisfaction, and quality of life among Chinese immigrants in Korea. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 344 Chinese immigrants in Korea who visited Gyeongju, where Korean World Heritage sites and modern tourist facilities coexist. A structural equation model was used to verify the hypothesis and indicated that cultural assimilation and cultural separation had a significant effect on tourist satisfaction, whereas cultural integration and cultural change did not have any statistically significant effect on tourist satisfaction. Additionally, tourist satisfaction had a significant effect on quality of life (in terms of subjective well-being and psychological well-being). The results of this study can function as a reference for improving Chinese immigrants’ cultural adaptation, tourist satisfaction, and quality of life.
Urban Policies and Planning Approaches for a Safer and Climate Friendlier Mobility in Cities: Strategies, Initiatives and Some Analysis
Authors: Tiboni Michela , Rossetti Silvia , Vetturi David , Torrisi Vincenza , Botticini Francesco , Schaefer Marco Domenico
Published: February 2021

How can urban policies and planning approaches help in achieving a safer mobility and carbon reduction in the transport sector? The attention of planners and policy makers towards the promotion of sustainability and reduction of environmental impacts has grown in recent years. This paper investigates the role that Urban Planning plays in the long term towards a safer and climate friendlier mobility, highlighting the need for integrated approaches gathering spatial planning and mobility management. After a review of several urban policies and planning strategies, initiatives, and approaches, mainly based on the urban scale, the paper presents an urban regeneration case study leading to an increase of pedestrian accessibility at the neighborhood level. This can be seen as a support tool to foster sustainable, safe, and climate friendly mobility in cities. The results of the performed analysis show a dependency of accessibility from two different factors: the distribution of services and the capillarity of the soft mobility network, which can contribute to creating a more walkable space.
Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior in Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Maramures County, Romania
Authors: Boca Gratiela Dana
Published: February 2021

The article explores consumer behavior in the context of sustainable consumption and the changes related to healthy food that have occurred during the pandemic. The study seeks to identify the factors that influenced consumer behavior on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1230 people from Maramures County, Romania. This study evaluates consumer behavior and attitudes on sustainable healthy food consumption; determining factors of consumer behavior are established by the needs, knowledge, selection of quality products, and the degree of culture and education in health diet issues. The study also presents a specific classification for fruits and vegetables in terms of consumer preferences and the clustering of local consumers by their interest in healthy food habits according to consumer culture, consumer loyalty, consumer needs, and consumer knowledge. In this study, it was revealed that consumer behavior consumption is not influenced by age, gender, or education. As a result of the correlation analysis, a positive relation was identified between the consumer preference, consumer attitude, and consumer behavior variables. The results of this study offer practical solutions and directions for future research on redesigning sustainable development of local, traditional foods. The new trend focuses on brand offerings and consumer needs for quality food and shows the consumer’s ethnocentrism and orientation for practical solutions.
Development and Preliminary Validation of Social Media as an Educational and Professional Tool Student Perceptions Scale (SMEPT-SPS)
Authors: López-Carril Samuel , González-Serrano María Huertas , Calabuig-Moreno Ferran , Añó Vicente , Anagnostopoulos Christos
Published: February 2021

Although social media has an increasing presence both in university and sports settings, in the sports-management education context, no instruments (without being focused on one particular social-media platform, e.g., Facebook and Twitter) have been developed and validated that globally allow the academy to explore the perceptions of sports-management students concerning the educational and professional learning potential that these tools offer. Therefore, this research’s main objective is to develop and perform a preliminary validation of the social media as an educational and professional tool student perceptions scale (SMEPT-SPS). This study sample was composed of 90 Spanish undergraduate sports-management students (M = 22.56; SD = 3.55). A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the psychometric properties of the SMEPT-SPS. The statistical analysis reflects the scale’s three-dimensional nature, explaining 67.87% of the variance and presents adequate psychometric properties (α = 0.87). Nevertheless, further validity and reliability analysis are required to confirm these initial findings with a larger and more representative sample. Considering the foregoing limitation, this research contributes to the literature by providing a new instrument, the SMEPT-SPS, that could help sports-management faculty expand the scope and understanding of social media’s educational and professional potential.
Responsible Innovation in Business: Perceptions, Evaluation Practices and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Gurzawska Agata
Published: February 2021

This study derives from the results of the European Union (EU)-funded SATORI (Stakeholders Acting Together on the ethical impact assessment of Research and Innovation) project. It seeks to gain insights about, firstly, integration of the responsible innovation (RI) concept into companies’ practices; and secondly, various evaluation approaches to companies’ innovation practices that consider responsibility, ethics and sustainability. Twenty four interviews with companies and business experts were conducted to understand the ways in which companies apply principles, frameworks and evaluation practices related to RI. The results emphasize the confined character of companies’ RI practices in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and ethics. Moreover, the results indicate two main types of RI evaluation and control among companies, namely assessment and guidance. This paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of discrepancies in understanding and evaluating RI for large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, new approaches to RI in business are proposed, calling for strategic and responsible innovation management.
Assessing the Learning Effects of Host Communications on the Green Knowledge and Behavior of Festival Attendees—Evidence from Compulsory Garbage Sorting in China
Authors: Yan Qi , Shen Huawen James , Hu Yunhong
Published: February 2021

Compulsory waste sorting has been in practice in pilot cities in China and is expected to be fully implemented in urban areas of the country by 2025. However, the learning of compulsory waste sorting by non-local festival attendees in a semi-free choice festival context and the roles of the relevant factors require further investigation. In particular, for the non-local attendees, the festival context avails both the opportunity and occasion for effective learning of compulsory waste sorting, a unique research window worth further exploration. Employing a systematic modeling approach to comprehensively investigate the interrelationships among the identified significant factors, this study explores and examines the mechanism of this learning process with a hierarchy of positive relationships between the host communications, learning outcomes and behavioral intentions of the festival attendees concerning compulsory waste sorting. The research subject of this study was a branded forest music festival held in a waste-sorting pilot city in East China, which has long been pivoting to the promotion of environmental-friendly values. The objective measurement of the learning outcomes integrated by this study accentuate the effectiveness of the proposed structural model. Our research findings confirmed all of the hypothesized relationships and established positive learning outcomes for the festival attendees on waste sorting as instructed by the festival hosts. The role of the festival attendees’ environmental attitudes in mediating their learning outcomes was corroborated. This study advances the understanding of the experiential learning processes of pro-environment and sustainability knowledge and behavior in festival contexts, areas that require future research attention with growing reflections on and awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Farm Households’ Vulnerability to Multidimensional Poverty in Rural China
Authors: Liu Yuan Li , Zhu Kai , Chen Qi Yao , Li Jing , Cai Jin , He Tian , Liao He Ping
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the economy and livelihoods of people worldwide. To analyze the impact of the pandemic on material conditions, income levels, health conditions, industrial development and employment opportunities of farmers in China’s rural areas, especially poor areas and explore whether farmers can achieve stable poverty eradication during the COVID-19 pandemic, we interviewed 2662 farm households in poverty-stricken areas of China and used the multidimensional poverty measurement model, three-step feasible generalized least squares and propensity score matching to analyze data. We achieved the following results. First, the overall level of multidimensional poverty vulnerability index (MPVI) of the surveyed households was low and the MPVI of each dimension varied significantly. The MPVI of households in the treated group was higher than that of the control group. Second, COVID-19 increased farm households’ vulnerability to multidimensional poverty in poverty-stricken regions; MPVI increased by 27.9%. Third, COVID-19′s impact on various dimensions differed: the greatest impact was on the vulnerability to health deprivation, followed by industrial development, employment and income deprivation. However, the pandemic slightly reduced the vulnerability to material deprivation. Finally, we proposed various measures in response to the impact of the pandemic to assist farm households in poverty-stricken areas.
Sustainability of the Moderating Role of Financial Development in the Determinants of Environmental Degradation: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Rjoub Husam , Odugbesan Jamiu Adetola , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: February 2021

One of the questions that remain unanswered in the literature on determinants of carbon emissions is the moderating effect of “financial development”. This becomes imperative, owing to the connection of carbon emissions to environmental degradation, which is considered to be one of the main challenges to sustainable development. Thus, this study investigated the moderating role of financial development in the determinants of carbon emissions for Turkey during the period of 1960 to 2016. Zivot–Andrew and Lee–Strazicich “unit root tests” were utilized to investigate the stationarity properties of the series. The cointegration among the variables employed was examined by utilizing the ARDL bounds test and Bayer–Hanck cointegration test. In contrast, the long-run causal relationship of the variables with carbon emissions was examined by using fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), dynamic OLS (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR). The empirical findings reveal the significance of “economic growth”, “capital formation”, “energy consumption”, “urbanization”, and “financial development” as determinants of environmental degradation in Turkey. The study also found the significant moderating role of “financial development” in the relationship between “economic growth” and carbon emissions, capital formation and carbon emissions, and urbanization and carbon emissions. The environmental–financial related policies were suggested for the policymakers in Turkey to aid the reduction of carbon emission with the view of improving environmental quality.
Integrating Solar Photovoltaics in Residential Buildings: Towards Zero Energy Buildings in Hail City, KSA
Authors: Abdelhafez Mohamed Hssan Hassan , Touahmia Mabrouk , Noaime Emad , Albaqawy Ghazy Abdullah , Elkhayat Khaled , Achour Belkacem , Boukendakdji Mustapha
Published: February 2021

In recent years, most cities have faced great demand for electricity supply due to rapid population growth and industrialization. Supplying sufficient electrical energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the major concerns of policymakers and scientists all over the world. In Saudi Arabia, local authorities are increasingly aware of the necessity of reducing the environmental impact of nonrenewable energy by exploring alternative sustainable energy sources and improving buildings’ energy efficiency. Recently, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology has been regarded as a promising technology for generating instantaneous sustainable energy for buildings. To achieve a substantial contribution regarding zero energy buildings, solar energy should be widely used in residential buildings within the urban context. This paper examines how to achieve an appropriate model for integrating photovoltaics on the rooftop of residential buildings in Hail city to provide alternative energy sources. The estimated rooftop areas in Hail city, utilizable for PV application were calculated. Using PV*SOL simulation software, the performance ratio and the system efficiency, as well as the annual energy output in several tilt angles, were determined and presented. The amount of energy expected when using all effective roof area in the city was also calculated. The amount of CO2 emissions that could be reduced as a result of using a PV system was estimated. The results show a significant area of rooftop suitable for PV system in residential buildings in Hail city, which exceeds 9 million square meters. On the other hand, the performance ratio and the system efficiency are affected by the tilt angle of the PV module, where the efficiency increases with higher tilt angle, this is due to the PV module temperature, where, with the decrease in the PV module temperature its efficiency increases. The results indicate that the 30° tilt PV produced the highest amount of energy, whereas the 75° tilt PV records the smallest one although it achieves the best possible efficiency. There is a significant amount of energy produced from the use of all residential rooftops in Hail, and there is also a significant reduction in the amount of CO2 emissions. It is expected that this research would develop innovative building design strategies and specifications allowing for better climate and energy efficiency as well.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Sustainable Indexes
Authors: Chiappini Helen , Vento Gianfranco , De Palma Leonardo
Published: February 2021

This paper analyzes the response of sustainable indexes to the pandemic lockdown orders in Europe and the USA, contributing to both the research on the effects of the global pandemic outbreak and the resiliency of sustainable investments under market distress. Our results demonstrate that sustainable indexes were negatively impacted by lockdown orders; however, they did not show statistically significant different abnormal returns compared to traditional indexes. Similarly, our empirical results confirm that sustainable screening strategies (negative, positive, best in class) did not have an influence during such announcements. These results are robust across several model specifications and robustness tests, including nonparametric tests, generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) estimation of abnormal returns, and alternative events. The findings suggest that investors do not have to pay the price for the investments in sustainable assets when a bear market occurs; consequently, ceteris paribus, these investments appear suitable for financial-first investors. Such results have relevant practical consequences in terms of sustainable investment attractiveness and market growth.
Sustainable Replacement Strategies for Bentonite in Wine Using Alternative Protein Fining Agents
Authors: Sommer Stephan , Tondini Federico
Published: February 2021

Protein stability is an important quality attribute in wines and protein haze will lead to consumer rejection. Traditionally, stability is achieved by bentonite addition; however, environmental concerns and disposal problems mean that alternatives are required to achieve the same goal. In this study, the use of Sacharomyces paradoxus, chitosan, polystyrene, carboxymethyl cellulose, and bentonite were evaluated. Trials in finished wines were agitated for 10 h overnight and analyzed for turbidity and color characteristics spectrophotometrically. Experiments were conducted with wines that are expected to develop protein instabilities, Muscat Canelli, White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon blanc de noir, Barbera rosé, and Touriga Nacional. Results indicate that S. paradoxus can help with the removal of proteins from wine. Wines with low protein instability can be stabilized with S. paradoxus as well as polystyrene and chitosan to a lesser degree. All fining agents except for bentonite show efficiency variability between white and red wines. With an average protein reduction around 50%, none of the alternative fining methods could reach the efficiency level of bentonite. Experiments in a model system confirm the findings and explain some of the mechanisms involved, for example the specificity of chitosan and challenges related to the use of yeast as a fining agent.
Economic Complexity and Human Development: Moderated by Logistics and International Migration
Authors: Le Caous Emilie Sophie , Huarng Fenghueih
Published: February 2021

Living in a world where we can expand our economic wealth and the richness of human life is the core of the human development concept. Greater well-being for all can be achieved by improving people’s capabilities and more importantly, by giving individuals the ability to use their knowledge and skills. The economic complexity index (i.e., ECI) is a new indicator that defines a country’s complexity. Through a vast network, citizens can transfer an enormous quantity of relevant knowledge, leading to the creation of diversified and complex products. However, the relationship between economic complexity and human development is not that simple. Thus, this paper aimed to understand it deeper—international migration and logistics performance are used as moderators. Hierarchical linear modeling was the statistical tool used to analyze two groups of countries from 1990 to 2017. For robustness and to deal with possible endogeneity issues, different year lags were also included. The results show that international migration and logistics performance are decisive moderators as they change the relationship between economic complexity and human development.
Microbes as Biofertilizers, a Potential Approach for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Nosheen Shaista , Ajmal Iqra , Song Yuanda
Published: February 2021

Continuous decline of earth’s natural resources and increased use of hazardous chemical fertilizers pose a great concern for the future of agriculture. Biofertilizers are a promising alternative to hazardous chemical fertilizers and are gaining importance for attaining sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers play a key role in increasing crop yield and maintaining long-term soil fertility, which is essential for meeting global food demand. Microbes can interact with the crop plants and enhance their immunity, growth, and development. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and silica are the essential nutrients required for the proper growth of crops, but these nutrients are naturally present in insolubilized or complex forms. Certain microorganisms render them soluble and make them available to the plants. The potential microbes, their mode of action, along with their effect on crops, are discussed in this review. Biofertilizers, being cost effective, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, serve as a good substitute for expensive and harmful chemical fertilizers. The knowledge gained from this review can help us to understand the importance of microbes in agriculture and the ways to formulate these microbes as biofertilizers for sustainable crop production.
An Analysis of Renewable Energy Usage by Mobile Data Network Operators
Authors: Syed Sheraz , Arfeen Asad , Uddin Riaz , Haider Umaima
Published: February 2021

The exponential growth in mobile data traffic has resulted in massive energy usage and therefore has increased the carbon footprint of the Internet. Data network operators have taken significant initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts of carbon emissions (CE). Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have emerged as the most promising way to reduce carbon emissions. This article presents the role of renewable energy (RE) in minimizing the environmental impacts of mobile data communications for achieving a greener environment. In this article, an analysis of some selected mobile data network operators’ energy consumption (EC) has been presented. Based on the current statistics of different mobile network operators, the future energy values are estimated. These estimations of carbon emissions are based on the predicted data traffic in the coming years and the percentage consumption of energy from renewable sources by the network operators. The analysis presented in this article would be helpful to develop and implement energy policies that accelerate the process of increasing the renewable shares in total energy requirements. Incrementing the share of renewable energy in total energy requirements can be a way forward to reach Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Will the Consequences of Covid-19 Trigger a Redefining of the Role of Transport in the Development of Sustainable Tourism?
Authors: Więckowski Marek
Published: February 2021

As there are very marked relationships between tourism and transport, integrated knowledge of these processes is essential if destinations and tourism enterprises are to be developed, an effective tourism policy pursued, and emerging local and global issues and conflicts surrounding tourism resolved. Beyond this, in an era of huge change reflecting the consequences of the COVID-19 viral pandemic, the importance of sustainable transport in tourism’s sustainable development appears to be of critical importance. Adopting this kind of perspective, this paper seeks to achieve a critical overview of conceptual dimensions of sustainability that link up with tourism and transport. To this end, ideas based on the literature and previous discussions are extended to include certain new propositions arising out of a (hopefully) post-COVID-19 world. Proceeding first with a systematic literature review (SLR), this article discusses the importance of transport to the development of tourism, dealing critically with modes of transport and their changing roles in sustainable development under COVID and post-COVID circumstances. The author summarises likely new way(s) of thinking in the aftermath of the pandemic, with the need for this/these to be far more sustainable and responsible, and characterised by a reorientation of behaviour in a “green” direction. It is further concluded that three aspects of transport–tourism relations will prove crucial to more sustainable utilisation—i.e., proximity, slower and less energy-intensive travel, and green transport.
The Effect of Multiple Large Shareholders on Banks’ Profitability and Risk
Authors: Soana Maria Gaia , Barbieri Laura , Lippi Andrea , Rossi Simone
Published: February 2021

The wide-ranging academic literature on corporate governance in the banking sector includes only a few studies on bank ownership and, specifically, on the comparative power of shareholders within the corporate structure. This paper reports an investigation into the presence of multiple large shareholders and their influence on profitability and risk in the long-term, considering a sample of 697 U.S. and European listed commercial banks from 2008 to 2018. It was found that the number of large and institutional shareholders has a positive impact on profitability, but no effect on risk. However, long-term ownership by multiple large shareholders contributes to decreasing risk in banks.
Multinomial Logit Model Building via TreeNet and Association Rules Analysis: An Application via a Thyroid Dataset
Authors: Changpetch Pannapa
Published: February 2021

A model-building framework is proposed that combines two data mining techniques, TreeNet and association rules analysis (ASA) with multinomial logit model building. TreeNet provides plots that play a key role in transforming quantitative variables into better forms for the model fit, whereas ASA is important in finding interactions (low- and high-order) among variables. With the implementation of TreeNet and ASA, new variables and interactions are generated, which serve as candidate predictors in building an optimal multinomial logit model. A real-life example in the context of health care is used to illustrate the major role of these newly generated variables and interactions in advancing multinomial logit modeling to a new level of performance. This method has an explanatory and predictive ability that cannot be achieved using existing methods.
Design of a Hyperbolic Metamaterial as a Waveguide for Low-Loss Propagation of Plasmonic Wave
Authors: Chang Ya-Chen , Chan Teh-Li , Lee Cheng-Chung , Jen Yi-Jun , Ma Wei-Chieh
Published: February 2021

A stratiform hyperbolic metamaterial comprises multiple units of symmetrical metal-dielectric film, stacked to have a precisely equivalent refractive index, admittance, and iso-frequency curve. A metamaterial that is composed of stacks of symmetrical films as a waveguide to couple a diffracted wave into a horizontally propagating plasmonic wave is designed herein. By tuning the parameters of the constituent thin films within a hyperbolic metamaterial, both the loss of the plasmonic wave and admittance matching are minimized and optimized, respectively.
Automatic Retrieval of Shoeprints Using Modified Multi-Block Local Binary Pattern
Authors: Alizadeh Sayyad , Jond Hossein B. , Nabiyev Vasif V. , Kose Cemal
Published: February 2021

A shoeprint is a valuable clue found at a crime scene and plays a significant role in forensic investigations. In this paper, in order to maintain the local features of a shoeprint image and place a pattern in a block, a novel automatic method was proposed, referred to as Modified Multi-Block Local Binary Pattern (MMB-LBP). In this method, shoeprint images are divided into blocks according to two different models. The histograms of all blocks of the first and second models are separately measured and stored in the first and second feature matrices, respectively. The performance evaluations of the proposed method were carried out by comparing with state-of-the-art methods. The evaluation criteria are the successful retrieval rates obtained using the best match score at rank one and cumulative match score for the first five matches. The comparison results indicated that the proposed method performs better than other methods, in terms of retrieval of complete and incomplete shoeprints. That is, the proposed method was able to retrieve 97.63% of complete shoeprints, 96.5% of incomplete toe shoeprints, and 91.18% of incomplete heel shoeprints. Moreover, the experiments showed that the proposed method is significantly resistant to the rotation, salt and pepper noise, and Gaussian white noise distortions in comparison with the other methods.
Polarization of Lyman-α Line Due to the Anisotropy of Electron Collisions in a Plasma
Authors: Goto Motoshi , Ramaiya Nilam
Published: February 2021

We have developed an atomic model for calculating the polarization state of the Lyman-α line in plasma caused by anisotropic electron collision excitations. The model assumes a nonequilibrium state of the electron temperature between the directions parallel (T‖) and perpendicular (T⊥) to the magnetic field. A simplified assumption on the formation of an excited state population in the model is justified by detailed analysis of population flows regarding the upper state of the Lyman-α transition with the help of collisional-radiative model calculations. Calculation results give the polarization degree of several percent under typical conditions in the edge region of a magnetically confined fusion plasma. It is also found that the relaxation of polarization due to collisional averaging among the magnetic sublevels is effective in the electron density region considered. An analysis of the experimental data measured in the Large Helical Device gives T⊥/T‖=7.6 at the expected Lyman-α emission location outside the confined region. The result is derived with the absolute polarization degree of 0.033, and T⊥=32 eV and ne=9.6×1018m−3 measured by the Thomson scattering diagnostic system.
Occurrence of Bisphenols and Benzophenone UV Filters in White-Tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) from Smøla, Norway
Authors: Oró-Nolla Bernat , Lacorte Silvia , Vike-Jonas Kristine , Gonzalez Susana V. , Nygård Torgeir , Asimakopoulos Alexandros G. , Jaspers Veerle L.B.
Published: February 2021

There is a growing concern about the occurrence of bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters in natural ecosystems, while data are limited regarding their actual occurrence in wildlife species, especially in raptors. In this study, concentrations of bisphenol and benzophenone UV filter analogues were determined in liver tissue samples (n = 38) from white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) that were found dead in Smøla (2006–2018), which is a Norwegian municipality that holds one of the densest breeding populations of white-tailed eagles in Europe. Bisphenol AF (BPAF; a fluorinated analogue) was the most ubiquitous contaminant since it was detected in 32 liver samples at concentrations ranging from 1.08 to 6.68 ng/g wet weight (w.w.), followed by bisphenol A (BPA, mean 10.4 ng/g w.w.), benzophenone-1 (BzP-1, mean 3.24 ng/g w.w.), and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BzP, mean 0.62 ng/g w.w.). The concentrations found in livers suggested that white-tailed eagles potentially accumulate bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters, which raises concern, as these plastic and personal care product-related emerging contaminants can show endocrine-disrupting properties. The high detection frequency of the fluorinated BPAF warrants further attention as other fluorinated compounds have proven to be extremely persistent and potentially harmful to wildlife.
Trapped Gravitational Waves in Jackiw–Teitelboim Gravity
Authors: Bae Jeong-Myeong , Ben-Dayan Ido , Schiffer Marcelo , Yun Gibum , Zoe Heeseung
Published: February 2021

We discuss the possibility that gravitational fluctuations (“gravitational-waves”) are trapped in space by gravitational interactions in two dimensional Jackiw–Teitelboim gravity. In the standard geon (gravitational electromagnetic entity) approach, the effective energy is entirely deposited in a thin layer, the active region, that achieves spatial self-confinement and raises doubts about the geon’s stability. In this paper we relinquish the “active region” approach and obtain self-confinement of “gravitational waves” that are trapped by the vacuum geometry and can be stable against the backreaction due to metric fluctuations.
Special Issue “Emerging Viruses 2020: Surveillance, Prevention, Evolution and Control”
Authors: Campos Fabrício Souza , de Arruda Luciana Barros , da Fonseca Flávio Guimaraes
Published: February 2021

This Special Issue of Viruses is a collection of the current knowledge on a broad range of emerging human, animal, and plant viral diseases [...]
The Key Role of Nucleic Acid Vaccines for One Health
Authors: Fomsgaard Anders , Liu Margaret A.
Published: February 2021

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted both the importance of One Health, i.e., the interactions and transmission of pathogens between animals and humans, and the potential power of gene-based vaccines, specifically nucleic acid vaccines. This review will highlight key aspects of the development of plasmid DNA Nucleic Acid (NA) vaccines, which have been licensed for several veterinary uses, and tested for a number of human diseases, and will explain how an understanding of their immunological and real-world attributes are important for their efficacy, and how they helped pave the way for mRNA vaccines. The review highlights how combining efforts for vaccine development for both animals and humans is crucial for advancing new technologies and for combatting emerging diseases.
VIBRATION PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH AN ELASTIC INTERFERENCE RING CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS AND THEIR TESTING
Authors: PROKOPOV Е.Е. , GORIN A.V. , PROSEKOVA A.V. , TOKMAKOV N.V.
Published: February 2021

The article considers a vibration protection system with an elastic intermittent link. A constructive solution is presented in the form of a mechanical oscillator simulating the process of operation of the considered vibration protection system. The results of experimental studies of the operation of a mechanical oscillator are presented. Conclusions have been drawn on the prospects of using a vibration protection system with an intermittent elastic link.
TECHNOLOGY OF COMBINED ELECTROMECHANOULTRASONIC TREATMENT OF SURFACE LAYERS OF MACHINE PARTS
Authors: EDIGAROV V.R.
Published: February 2021

The technology of combined electro–mechanical–acoustic treatment is presented, which is a combination of electro–mechanical treatment and surface plastic deformation by ultrasonic treatment. Microhardness and residual stresses in strengthened EMUzO surface layer of machine parts investigated.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF NON–EQUILIBILITY OF COMPLEX PROFILE WORKING SURFACES
Authors: SELEМENEVA E.М. , CHEREPENKO A.A. , TKACHENKO A.N. , FROLENKOVA L.Yu.
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the operation of wet – heat treatment (WTO), which are special processing of parts by heat and pressure. The regularities of changing the geometric dimensions of complex–profile work surfaces during operation are studied. Mathematical models of non–equidistance of complex–profile work surfaces have been developed.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE PROPAGATION OF A GAS SHOCK WAVE IN ELECTRICALLY CHARGED AND NEUTRAL GAS SUSPENSION IN A FLAT CHANNEL
Authors: TUKMAKOV D.A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the propagation of a shock wave from a pure gas into a heterogeneous mixture consisting of solid particles suspended in a gas and having an electric charge. The applied mathematical model takes into account the speed and thermal interaction of the carrier and dispersed components of the mixture. The force interaction of particles and gas was described by the Stokes force. The carrier medium was described as a viscous compressible heat–conducting gas. The equations of the mathematical model were solved by the explicit finite–difference method of the second order of accuracy, using the non–linear correction of the grid function. The system of equations of the mathematical model was supplemented by boundary and initial conditions for the desired functions. As a result of numerical simulation, it was found that in an electrically charged gas suspension there is a difference in gas pressure and velocity, “average density” and velocity of the dispersed component, compared with similar values in a gas suspension with an electrically neutral dispersed component. The revealed differences in the dynamics of neutral and electrically charged dusty media can be explained by the fact that the dispersed component of an electrically charged gas suspension is affected by both aerodynamic drag forces and Coulomb forces. Due to interfacial interaction, the dynamics of the carrier medium changes.