bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Safety of Society for Developing Countries to Meet Sustainable Development Standards: Indicators, Level, Strategic Benchmarks (with Calculations Based on the Case Study of Ukraine)
Authors: Kharazishvili Yurii , Kwilinski Aleksy , Grishnova Olena , Dzwigol Henryk
Published: October 2020

The paper is devoted to identifying the level of social safety of society, taking into account the indicators of shadow economy, and developing its strategic scenarios as a component of sustainable development of Ukraine by 2030. The authors used the modern methods of normalisation, threshold vector determination, and dynamic weight coefficients in order to identify the level of social safety of society. The authors developed the structure and a list of indicators considering three components of social safety: The standard of living, the demographic component, and the quality of life. This method allows determining the list and severity of threats, comparing the dynamics of integral indices with integral thresholds in one scale, identifying the state of security, and defining strategic goals and strategies. The suggested approach is universal and can be used by any country, region, economic activity, or business to develop evidence-based medium-to-long-term sustainable development scenarios.
Living Cost Gap in the European Union Member States
Authors: Kučas Andrius , Kavalov Boyan , Lavalle Carlo
Published: October 2020

The living cost gap refers to the differential amongst income, expenditures, and poverty lines. It is important since it addresses a number of aspects that point towards historic and continued living standards. The purpose of this study is to identify, measure, and compare the living cost gap in the Europe Union member states. Twenty-nine indicators/criteria from Eurostat and World Bank, covering the period 2008–2017, are employed. In order to rank and compare living cost gap by countries, objective functions for each criterion are defined and applied. The importance of each criterion is assessed independently. The composite living cost gap indicator for each MS is calculated using multiple criteria decision support methods. The relationship between the compound annual growth rates of this indicator and each single criterion is estimated and evaluated. The findings of the study suggest that living cost gap is higher where unemployment rates and households’ expenditure on basic needs (housing, food etc.), are larger, while living cost gap is lower where households’ income and expenditure on optional needs are higher. The living cost gap in the majority of countries tends to narrow/decrease, along with the increase in the household income and expenditures. Our research highlights the need to mitigate unemployment and households’ low net income in order to alleviate living cost gap. The analysis and assessment of living cost gap might help identifying the most vulnerable social profiles and groups, and hence might contribute to the adequate formulation and implementation of targeted policy responses and interventions at European Union, national, and regional level.
Valorisation of Natural Resources and the Need for Economic and Sustainability Assessment: The Case of Cocoa Pod Husk in Indonesia
Authors: Picchioni Fiorella , Warren Geoffrey P. , Lambert Smilja , Balcombe Kelvin , Robinson J. Steve , Srinivasan Chittur , D. Gomez Leonardo , Faas Laura , Westwood Nicholas J. , Chatzifragkou Afroditi , Charalampopoulos Dimitris , Shaw Liz J.
Published: October 2020

The uptake of innovative technologies and practices in agriculture aimed at the valorisation of natural resources can be scant in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Integration of financial viability assessments with farmers and environmental evaluations can help to understand some aspects of the low uptakes of innovations. Using the case study of Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH) valorisation in Indonesia, we provide insights into (i) a choice modelling method to assess the economic viability of CPH valorisation and (ii) an agronomic trial assessing the consequences on soil quality of diverting CPH from its role as a natural fertilizer. The economic viability assessment suggested that farmers require higher levels of compensation than might be expected to collect or process CPH (a small proportion of farmers would undertake all processing activities for 117 GBP/t CPH). The agronomic trial concluded that CPH plays only a minor role in the maintenance of soil phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, but it plays an important role for crop potassium. CPH removal would reduce the partial balances for carbon and nitrogen by 15.6% and 19.6%, respectively. Diversion of CPH from current practices should consider the long-term effects on soil quality, especially because it might create increased reliance on mineral fertilizers.
Impacts of Organic and Conventional Management on the Nutritional Level of Vegetables
Authors: Mukherjee Atanu , Omondi Emmanuel C. , Hepperly Paul R. , Seidel Rita , Heller Wade P.
Published: October 2020

The nutrient concentration of fruits and vegetables in the U.S.A. has declined in the past 50–70 years. Crop management practices utilizing on-farm inputs are thought to increase crop nutritional quality, but few studies have evaluated this under long-term side-by-side trials. An experiment was conducted from 2004 to 2005 at Rodale Institute’s long-term Farming Systems Trial to investigate the nutritional quality of vegetables under organic manure (MNR) and conventional (CNV) farming systems, with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatment. AMF reduced the vitamin C content in carrots in both systems in 2004, but the reduction was 87% in CNV and 28% in MNR. AMF also reduced antioxidants in carrots in both CNV and MNR. This trend was likely due to the suppression of native AMF colonization by the non-native AMF inoculum used. Between 2004 and 2005, MNR increased the vitamin C in green peppers by 50% while CNV decreased the vitamin C in red peppers by 48%. Tomatoes under MNR had a 40% greater vitamin C content compared to CNV in 2005. The vegetable yield declined between 2004 and 2005, except for tomato, where the yield increased by 51% and 44% under CNV and MNR, respectively. In general, MNR tended to increase the nutrient concentration of vegetables compared with CNV, while the AMF effects were inconclusive.
Improving Storage Stability and Physicochemical Performance of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Asphalt Binder Modified with Nanosilica
Authors: Lushinga Nonde , Cao Liping , Dong Zejiao , Assogba Cyriaque O.
Published: October 2020

Due to storage stability drawbacks of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), this study investigated the storage stability and physicochemical performance of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) asphalt binders (herein PMB) modified with Silicone surface-treated nanosilica (SNS). Dosages 0% (control), 1.5%, 3% and 5% SNS powder were added to PMB to prepare modified binders. Hot storage, Viscosity, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fluorescence Microscopy (FM), Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) tests were conducted using modified binders. The study found that adding nanosilica powder to PMB improved storage stability, increased viscosity and complex modulus, and reduced rutting of binders. However, this bitumen modification was not beneficial to fatigue cracking. The performance improvement was because of the interaction between the polymer and nanosilica, creating a new polymer-nanosilica network which lowered the dynamics around the SNS particles, thereby reducing phase separation. Further, the Silicone Si–O–Si backbone bond present in SNS modified asphalt binder reduced temperature sensitivity thereby preventing thermal degradation at high storage temperature. Nanosilica modified binders presented well-dispersed nanosilica particles in the asphalt matrix. The modification mechanism was predominantly physical. Overall, the study concluded that nanosilica improves storage stability, rutting, and morphology of PMB binders.
Extended Model Predictive Controller to Develop Energy Management Systems in Renewable Source-Based Smart Microgrids with Hydrogen as Backup. Theoretical Foundation and Case Study
Authors: Fernández Francisco J. Vivas , Segura Manzano Francisca , Andújar Márquez José Manuel , Calderón Godoy Antonio J.
Published: October 2020

This article presents a methodological foundation to design and experimentally test a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) to be applied in renewable source-based microgrids with hydrogen as backup. The Model Predictive Controller has been developed with the aim to guarantee the best energy distribution while the microgrid operation is optimized considering both technical and economic parameters. As a differentiating element, this proposal provides a solution to the problem of energy management in real systems, addressing technological challenges such as charge management in topologies with direct battery connection, or loss of performance associated with equipment degradation or the required dynamics in the operation of hydrogen systems. That is, the proposed Model Predictive Controller achieves the optimization of microgrid operation both in the short and in the long-term basis. For this purpose, a generalized multi-objective function has been defined that considers the energy demand, operating costs, system performance as well as the suffered and accumulated degradation by microgrid elements throughout their lifespan. The generality in the definition of the model and cost function, allows multi-objective optimization problems to be raised depending on the application, topology or design criteria to be considered. For this purpose, a heuristic methodology based on artificial intelligence techniques is presented for the tuning of the controller parameters. The Model Predictive Controller has been validated by simulation and experimental tests in a case study, where the performance of the microgrid under energy excess and deficit situations has been tested, considering the constrains defined by the degradation of the systems that make up the microgrid. The designed controller always made it possible to guarantee both the power balance and the optimal energy distribution between systems according to the predefined priority and accumulated degradation, while guaranteeing the maximum operating voltage of the system with a margin of error less than 1%. The simulation and experimental results for the case study showed the validity of the controller and the design methodology used.
Active Distribution Network Modeling for Enhancing Sustainable Power System Performance; a Case Study in Egypt
Authors: Radwan Ali A. , Zaki Diab Ahmed A. , Elsayed Abo-Hashima M. , Haes Alhelou Hassan , Siano Pierluigi
Published: October 2020

The remarkable growth of distributed generation (DG) penetration inside electrical power systems turns the familiar passive distribution networks (PDNs) into active distribution networks (ADNs). Based on the backward/forward sweep method (BFS), a new power-flow algorithm was developed in this paper. The algorithm is flexible to handle the bidirectional flow of power that characterizes the modern ADNs. Models of the commonly used distribution network components were integrated with the developed algorithm to form a comprehensive tool. This tool is valid for modeling either balanced or unbalanced ADNs with an unlimited number of nodes or laterals. The integrated models involve modeling of distribution lines, losses inside distribution transformers, automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), DG units, shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) and different load models. To verify its validity, the presented algorithm was first applied to the unbalanced IEEE 37-node standard feeder in both passive and active states. Moreover, the algorithm was then applied to a balanced 22 kV real distribution network as a case study. The selected network is located in a remote area in the western desert of Upper Egypt, far away from the Egyptian unified national grid. Accordingly, the paper examines the current and future situation of the Egyptian electricity market. Comparison studies between the performance of the proposed ADNs and the classical PDNs are discussed. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ADNs in preserving the network assets, improving the system performance and minimizing the power losses.
Risk Perception Gaps Between Construction Investors and Financial Investors of International Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Projects
Authors: Park Chan Young , Jung Wooyong , Han Seung H.
Published: October 2020

Many international public–private partnership projects have suffered from frequent project pending status or failure because of dissimilar interests among stakeholders over projects’ long development period. Thus, this study compares the perception gaps of 27 risks between Korean construction investors and Korean financial investors depending on different development phases of international public–private partnership projects. In the project selection phase, construction investors and financial investors show few risk perception gaps. However, in the bid and proposal phase, they perceive many risks differently: construction investors tend to perceive the construction risk and financial risk as more important, whereas financial investors perceive stakeholder risk and country risk as more significant. This study also discusses the causes of risk perception gaps from three perspectives: (1) time-dependent risk; (2) risk exposure period; (3) risk transfer and responsibility. These findings will be helpful in recognizing the dynamic risk perception gaps between two leading investors for the sustainable development and investment of international PPP projects.
Soil Fertility, N2 Fixation and Yield of Chickpea as Influenced by Long-Term Biochar Application under Mung–Chickpea Cropping System
Authors: Khan Shadman , Shah Zahir , Mian Ishaq Ahmad , Dawar Khadim , Tariq Muhammad , Khan Bushra , Mussarat Maria , Amin Hazrat , Ismail Muhammad , Ali Shamsher , Shah Tasneem , Alamri Saud , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Adnan Muhammad , Romman Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Nouman Aqib , Kamal Abid
Published: October 2020

A research study was established at the research farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar during winter 2018–2019. Commercial biochars were given to the experimental site from 2014 to summer 2018 and received 0.95, 130 and 60 tons ha−1 of biochar by various treatments viz., (Biochar1) BC1, (Biochar2) BC2, (Biochar3) BC3 and (Biochar4) BC4, respectively. This piece of work was conducted within the same study to find the long-term influence of biochar on the fertility of the soil, fixation of N2, as well as the yie1d of chickpea under a mung–chickpea cropping system. A split plot arrangement was carried out by RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) to evaluate the study. Twenty-five kilograms of N ha−1 were given as a starter dosage to every plot. Phosphorous and potassium were applied at two levels (half (45:30 kg ha−1) and full (90:60 kg ha−1) recommended doses) to each of the four biochar treatments. The chickpea crop parameters measured were the numbers and masses of the nodules, N2 fixation and grain yield. Soil parameters recorded were Soil Organic Matter (SOM), total N and mineral N. The aforementioned soil parameters were recorded after harvesting. The results showed that nodulation in chickpea, grain yield and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced by phosphorous and potassium mineral fertilizers. The application of biochar 95 tons ha−1 significantly enhanced number of nodules i-e (122), however statistically similar response in terms of nodules number was also noted with treatment of 130 tons ha−1. The results further revealed a significant difference in terms of organic matter (OM) (%) between the half and full mineral fertilizer treatments. With the application of 130 tons ha−1 of biochar, the OM enhanced from 1.67% in the control treatment, to 2.59%. However, total and mineral nitrogen were not statistically enhanced by the mineral fertilizer treatment. With regard to biochar treatments, total and mineral N enhanced when compared with the control treatment. The highest total N of 0.082% and mineral nitrogen of 73 mg kg−1 in the soil were recorded at 130 tons ha−1 of biochar, while the lowest total N (0.049%) and mineral nitrogen (54 mg kg−1) in the soil were recorded in the control treatment. The collaborative influence of mineral fertilizers and biochars was found to be generally non-significant for most of the soil and plant parameters. It could be concluded that the aforementioned parameters were greater for treatments receiving biochar at 95 tons or more per hectare over the last several years, and that the combination of lower doses of mineral fertilizers further improved the performance of biochar.
Circular Economy Practices among Industrial EMAS-Registered SMEs in Spain
Authors: Barón Alexandra , de Castro Rudi , Giménez Gerusa
Published: October 2020

The Eurobarometer report from December 2019 revealed that 80% of European Union (EU) citizens believe that industry is doing too little to protect the environment and that more work needs to be done to help companies transition to a more sustainable economic model. In recent years, the EU has made the Circular Economy (CE) a priority, and an environmental management system based on the EMAS Regulation can help companies achieve this goal by assisting them in analysing and measuring an efficient and sustainable use of resources. Thus, this study analyses EMAS companies’ environmental statements in order to identify and quantify the CE practices they have implemented. Findings identify 23 circular practices and show that the majority of companies focus their efforts on reducing emissions by optimizing the materials cycle and improving internal production processes. Eco-design stands out as the main driver amongst the circular transformation practices. This study has also detected a lack of uniformity in the way companies quantify the various circular practices currently operating, or how they communicate this information. These results may be useful to companies, professionals and administrations responsible for promoting the CE, and it can also provide guidance on what information to include in future environmental statements.
Mass Customization for Social Housing in Evolving Neighborhoods in Brazil
Authors: Vecchia Luisa Felix Dalla , Kolarevic Branko
Published: October 2020

Mass customization is being adopted in many housing contexts worldwide to provide families with dwellings that suit their individual needs at costs similar to mass-produced items. However, in many social housing contexts, there are barriers that can hinder the adoption of mass customization, despite the benefits it could bring to residents. This is the case in the Brazilian social housing context considering house units for families of the lowest income range. This paper explores the possibilities and limitations of applying mass customization in this context to improve the living conditions in these neighborhoods as they evolve over time. This study analyzes the ecology of the system of provision of social housing for the lowest income range, pre-occupancy, and post-occupancy in the neighborhood’s development over time. This study argues that it would be more feasible and bring more and longer-lasting benefits to the stakeholders involved if mass customization were applied post-occupancy.
Inorganic and Organic Amendments Affect Soil Fertility, Nutrition, Photosystem II Activity, and Fruit Weight and May Enhance the Sustainability of Solanum lycopersicon L. (cv. ‘Mountain Fresh’) Crop
Authors: Chatzistathis Theocharis , Tzanakakis Vasileios , Giannakoula Anastasia , Psoma Polyxeni
Published: October 2020

One of the most important issues for modern agriculture is how to decrease fertilization rates and enhance the sustainability of crops, without decreasing yields. Two inorganic (zeolite—zeo; vermiculite—ver) amendments and their mixtures with an organic soil amendment (goat manure) (i.e., zeo + ver, manure + ver, manure + zeo) were tested, and compared to the application of a controlled release fertilizer (CRF), in order to investigate if they were able to satisfy the nutritional needs of Solanum lycopersicon L. plants. For this purpose, a 112-day pot experiment was performed. After zeo and manure application, exchangeable K was increased from 16.5 times to 37.5 times. At the end of the experiment, total plant biomass was significantly higher in the CRF treatment, compared to the ver treatments (ver, ver + manure). Leaf K concentration was significantly higher in the zeo treatment (5.93% dw), compared to those determined in the CRF, ver, and ver + manure. In contrast, significantly higher foliar N was found in the CRF (4.83% dw) and zeo + ver (4.24% dw) treatments, compared to manure + ver. Finally, photosystem II (PSII) activity was significantly higher in ver, and this was ascribed to the optimum foliar Mn found in this treatment (138 mg kg−1 dw). It is expected that these data will provide a thorough insight towards decreasing chemical fertilization inputs and enhancing the sustainability of Solanum lycopersicon L. crop.
A Behavioural Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Analysis between Formal and Informal Shading Practices in Urban Sites
Authors: Elnabawi Mohamed H. , Hamza Neveen
Published: October 2020

This study calls for the integration of context-based socio-cultural habits and learning from local practices in providing outdoor thermal comfort in conservation areas. These parameters have direct impacts on outdoor activities, especially in hot arid climates. The study took place in two nearby locations one renovated and all external shadings removed to provide visual vistas to monuments while on the same street, no more than 1500 m apart, local shading practices were left in places. Sun-exposed as opposed to shaded sites were compared for subjective thermal comfort and outdoor activity, via structured interviews, observations, and wide-ranging micrometeorological measurements. The aim was to investigate psychological factors, including overall thermal comfort and perception, in addition to environmental parameters, such as solar radiation intensity and thermal adaptation. The analysis illustrates the importance of shading as a dominant factor in achieving thermal comfort on the urban scale, with a neutral temperature in summer of 29.9 °C and 29.2 °C for shaded and sun-exposed locations, respectively. The results suggest people may be more willing to tolerate higher temperatures in shaded rather than sun-exposed locations. Moreover, cultural constraints and context-based behaviour proved to have some influences on people’s levels of adaptation and their thermal behaviour.
Revisiting the Role of Institutions in Transformative Contexts: Institutional Change and Conflicts
Authors: Zikos Dimitrios
Published: October 2020

The study of conflicts over natural resources is neither governed by a coherent set of theories nor limited by strict disciplinary boundaries. Rather, it encompasses a multitude of conceptions grounded within a wide array of disciplines and epistemological assumptions concerning the links between institutional change and conflicts, often concluding in contradictory propositions. This article aims at providing conceptual guidance for the special issue, by reviewing institutional research with a particular focus on institutional change and associated conflicts and drawing some implications from transformative settings. More specifically, the paper explores certain propositions and concepts utilised by institutional economists to explain why conflicts persist despite institutional reforms explicitly or implicitly introduced to resolve them. The author revisits diverse cases from different regions to investigate key concepts related to institutional change and its implications on environmental conflicts associated to transformations, complementing this view from a political science perspective. The paper concludes by offering an overview of factors identified as instrumental in understanding the institutional change and conflict–cooperation continuum.
Characterization and Prediction of Fecal Sludge Parameters and Settling Behavior in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Junglen Katherine , Rhodes-Dicker Leandra , Ward Barbara J. , Gitau Emily , Mwalugongo Wali , Stradley Lindsay , Thomas Evan
Published: October 2020

The safe management of fecal sludge (FS) relies on different treatments, processes, and disposal options in different contexts. Waste transfer stations can improve FS management particularly in resource-constrained areas, including low-income urban informal settlements, by providing a safe discharge and treatment location. Low-footprint options for FS treatment are sensitive to the characteristics of incoming FS, which are typically highly variable, difficult to predict, and differ significantly from the characteristics of traditional wastewater. The success of low-footprint technologies relies on the monitoring of incoming FS characteristics, such as total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. Monitoring the characteristics of incoming FS typically relies on the use of a laboratory, which can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly in resource-constrained areas. Useful correlations between easy to measure parameters and difficult to measure parameters may provide useful information related to the monitoring of FS, while reducing the need for laboratory analysis. In this paper, we describe a sampling campaign at a waste transfer station in Nairobi, Kenya managed by Sanergy Inc., to characterize and observe settling behavior of FS collected from manually emptied pit latrines. The investigation found that easy to measure parameters (e.g., TS, turbidity) could be used to approximate difficult to measure parameters (COD, TSS). Additionally, rapid measurements (turbidity) could be used to approximate time-intensive parameters (TS, COD, TSS) to aid in the design, operation and monitoring of FS treatment facilities in resource and space-constrained areas.
‘Looking to the Future and the University in an Inclusive and Sustainable Way’: A Career Intervention for High School Students
Authors: Santilli Sara , di Maggio Ilaria , Ginevra Maria Cristina , Nota Laura , Soresi Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Career guidance needs new perspectives, considering the challenges that characterize our future, and it cannot exist without solidarity, inclusion, and attention to environmental challenges. It should also positively influence stakeholders to invest in the values of the 2030 Agenda recently proposed by the United Nations, and its encouragement to think about some of the emergencies that new generations will have to face in the future. Based on these premises, we designed and validated a sustainable career guidance intervention for high school students. The participants (N = 75) were assigned to an experimental or a control group. All of the participants answered questions pre- and post-intervention to measure career adaptability, training, future investment, and wishes about the feature. The students from the sustainable career intervention group increased their post-intervention scores on control, curiosity, confidence, training, and future investment. They also indicated future wishes that take into more account attention to relationships and social challenges.
A New Perspective on the Supply and Demand of Weather Services
Authors: Bang Cheol Han , Leem Choon Seong
Published: October 2020

Despite efforts to estimate the demand for weather services, demand surveys that target only a few consumers with different interests have limitations in providing information about the market gap. This study proposes a method for reversing estimated demand trends by considering new value creation requirements such as national economic power or major industry types. Since no direct surveys of the actual status of services supplied through platforms for the weather service market exist, we investigated the web service status of both public (n = 193) and private (n = 144) sectors and established a weather service supply classification system. To analyze the global weather service demand environment, members of the World Meteorological Organization were classified according to their characteristics and compared with the supply status. The trend direction was suggested so that suppliers could provide services suitable for demand trends, and the corresponding significance was discussed.
Enhancing Preservice Teachers’ Key Competencies for Promoting Sustainability in a University Statistics Course
Authors: Suh Heejoo , Kim Sohyung , Hwang Seonyoung , Han Sunyoung
Published: October 2020

In this rapidly changing world, universities have an increased responsibility to prepare professionals for a sustainable future, and teacher education is not an exception to this. In this study, we observed a group of preservice teachers engaging in a statistical investigation project. Specifically, we examined their degree of statistical knowledge; how effective the project was in enhancing their statistical knowledge and thinking; and how they participated in the project to make and share data-driven decisions. To this end, both qualitative and quantitative investigations were used. With the help of pre- and posttests, we found that the degree of knowledge differed between self-perceived and measured knowledge. Moreover, the results demonstrated the project’s effectiveness in enhancing the participating teachers’ statistical knowledge and thinking, specifically estimating the population mean and its interpretation. In making and sharing their decisions, the participating teachers applied multiple key competencies, crucial for promoting sustainability. Thus, the statistical investigation project was effective for enhancing preservice teachers’ statistical knowledge, thinking skills, and ability to promote sustainability.
The Probability of an Unrecoverable Coral Community in Dongsha Atoll Marine National Park Due to Recurrent Disturbances
Authors: Cheng Yu-Rong , Chin Chi-Hsiang , Lin Ding-Fa , Wang Chao-Kang
Published: October 2020

In recent decades, coral reefs worldwide have been impacted annually by climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Marine parks are utilized to protect coral reef ecosystems and to ensure it is in sustainable use. In the present study, a 15-year change in coverage and composition of a hard coral community at Dongsha Atoll Marine National Park (DAMNP) was examined from 2005 to 2019. The reef has experienced several disturbances, including 11 typhoons and six coral bleaching events. A 34.39% decline in coral coverage had been recorded over the past 15 years in response to multiple and recurrent natural disturbances. The coral communities and functional ecology of the Dongsha Atoll changed during this period. The average dissimilarities in coral communities ranged from 55.38 to 59.02%. The dramatic decrease in the abundance of branching corals in addition to a slight increase in massive and encrusting corals suggest the habitat has simplified. The degraded coral reef communities represent a low resilience ecosystem, even though the DAMNP has been established. Without effective management, the coral reef ecosystem of the Dongsha Atoll may not persist due to repeated impacts from recurrent disturbances.
Segmenting the South Korean Public According to Their Preferred Direction for Electricity Mix Reform
Authors: Li Qingchang , Roh Seungkook , Lee Jin Won
Published: October 2020

The current South Korean government headed by President Moon Jae-in has put a great deal of effort into electricity mix reform by pushing forward the phasing out of coal and nuclear power and the expansion of natural gas and new renewable energy in the country’s electricity generation processes. Noting the importance of understanding public responses to energy policy, the present study segmented the South Korean public according to their preferred direction for electricity mix reform using a nationwide sample. Through a series of latent class analyses, we extracted four distinct segments: Gradual Reformists, Drastic Reformists, Selective Gradual Reformists, and Status-quo Seekers. Overall, apart from the Status-quo Seekers segment (8.75%), support for the transition from coal and nuclear power to natural gas and new renewable energy seems to be the prevailing opinion of the Korean public. However, the degree of such preferences varies across the segments. In addition, regardless of the segment, the South Korean public generally seems to categorize the energy sources in a manner consistent with the underlying framework of the government’s electricity mix reform: they tend to treat coal and nuclear power similarly and natural gas and new renewable energy similarly.
The Short-Term Forecasting of Asymmetry Photovoltaic Power Based on the Feature Extraction of PV Power and SVM Algorithm
Authors: Wang Lishu , Liu Yanhui , Li Tianshu , Xie Xinze , Chang Chengming
Published: October 2020

To improve forecasting accuracy for photovoltaic (PV) power output, this paper proposes a hybrid method for forecasting the short-term PV power output. First, by introducing the noise level, an improved complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) is developed to determine the ensemble size and amplitude of the added white noise adaptively. ICEEMDAN can change PV power output with non-symmetry into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with symmetry. ICEEMDAN can enhance the forecasting accuracy for PV power by IMFs with physical meaning (not including spurious modes). Second, the selection method of relative modes (IF), which is determined by the comprehensive factor, including the shape factor, crest factor and Kurtosis, is introduced to adaptively classify the IMFs into groups including similar fluctuating components. The IF can avoid the drawbacks of threshold determination by an empirical method. Third, the modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) (MPSO) is proposed to optimize the hyper-parameters in the support vector machine (SVM) by introducing the piecewise inertial weight. MPSO can improve the global and local search ability to make the particles traverse the global space and strengthen the performance of local convergence. Finally, the proposed method (ICEEMDAN-IF-MPSO-SVM) is used to forecast the PV power output of each group individually, and then, the single forecasting result is reconstructed to obtain the desired forecasting result for PV power output. By comparison with the other typical methods, the proposed method is more suitable for forecasting PV power output.
Thermo-Mechanical Performance of a Phase Change Energy Pile in Saturated Sand
Authors: Du Ting , Li Yubo , Bao Xiaohua , Tang Waiching , Cui Hongzhi
Published: October 2020

To reduce the thermal response and improve the heat storage capacity of energy piles, a phase change (PC) energy pile was proposed. This innovative PC pile is made of concrete containing macro-encapsulated PCM hollow steel balls (HSB) as coarse aggregates. A numerical model was developed to simulate the thermo-mechanical behaviors of the PC pile under thermal cycles and sustained loading. The computational model is a three-dimensional model that is symmetrical for the two horizontal directions in geometry. Heat transfer process follows conservation laws of energy. The numerical model was validated by the experiments conducted on the PC pile and the results show that the model can reproduce the major thermo-mechanical effects. Then, the model was used to compare the performance between the ordinary concrete pile and the PC pile in saturated sand under the same experimental conditions, where the piles were considered to be thermo-elastic in nature and the sand was considered as a Mohr–Coulomb elastic-plastic material. The thermo-mechanical response of the PC pile under different thermal loads was analyzed. The results show that at the end of heating, the temperature, strain, and displacement of the PC pile were lower than those of the ordinary pile. As the thermal loading increased, the range of temperature change in the soil around the PC pile increased, as well as the strain and displacement of the pile. The residual strain and plastic displacement after the temperature cycles also increased with the increase of thermal loading. Therefore, when designing phase change energy piles, full consideration should be given to the matching of thermal loads and PC temperature, so as to balance the heat transfer rate of the pile and the thermal response.
Asymmetric Scattering and Reciprocity in a Plasmonic Dimer
Authors: Kuntman Mehmet Ali , Kuntman Ertan , Arteaga Oriol
Published: October 2020

We study the scattering of polarized light by two equal corner stacked Au nanorods that exhibit strong electromagnetic coupling. In the far field, this plasmonic dimer manifests very prominent asymmetric scattering in the transverse direction. Calculations based on a system of two coupled oscillators, as well as simulations based on the boundary element method, show that, while in one configuration both vertical and horizontal polarization states are scattered to the detector, when we interchange the source and the detector, the scattered intensity of the horizontal polarization drops to zero. Following Perrin’s criterion, it can be shown that this system, as well as any other linear system not involving magneto-optical effects, obeys the optical reciprocity principle. We show that the optical response of the plasmonic dimer, while preserving electromagnetic reciprocity, can be used for the non-reciprocal transfer of signals at a subwavelength scale.
Matrix Expression of Convolution and Its Generalized Continuous Form
Authors: Geum Young Hee , Rathie Arjun Kumar , Kim Hwajoon
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the matrix expression of convolution, and its generalized continuous form. The matrix expression of convolution is effectively applied in convolutional neural networks, and in this study, we correlate the concept of convolution in mathematics to that in convolutional neural network. Of course, convolution is a main process of deep learning, the learning method of deep neural networks, as a core technology. In addition to this, the generalized continuous form of convolution has been expressed as a new variant of Laplace-type transform that, encompasses almost all existing integral transforms. Finally, we would, in this paper, like to describe the theoretical contents as detailed as possible so that the paper may be self-contained.
Determining Asymptotic Stability and Robustness of Networked Systems
Authors: August Elias
Published: October 2020

This paper is motivated by the notion that coupling systems allows for mitigating the failure of individual ones. We present a novel approach to determining asymptotic stability and robustness of a network consisting of coupled dynamical systems, where individual system dynamics are represented through polynomial or rational functions. The analysis relies on a local analysis; thus, making it computationally implementable. We present an efficient computational method that relies on semidefinite programming. Importantly, for cases where multiple equilibrium points exist, we show how to determine regions around an asymptotically stable equilibrium point that bounds solutions. These regions increase when systems are coupled as we observe when applying the presented analysis framework to a mathematical model of a continuous stirred tank reactor. Importantly, the presented work has implications to other fields as well.
An Improved GreenOFDM Scheme for PAPR Reduction
Authors: Gulfo Monsalve Jorge Luis , Ros Laurent , Brossier Jean-Marc , Mestdagh Denis
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose an improvement to a recent Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) reduction technique for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), the GreenOFDM. This technique, which is inspired by SeLected Mapping (SLM), generates several waveform candidates using a given number of Inverse Fast Fourier Transforms (IFFT), and selects the one with the lowest PAPR for the transmission of the OFDM symbol. For U IFFTs, GreenOFDM provides better PAPR reduction capabilities than SLM-OFDM as it increases the number of waveform candidates from U (for SLM-OFDM) to U2/4. In this work, we propose an extension of the GreenOFDM that further increases the number of waveform candidates by a factor of 4 (from U2/4 to U2), or equivalently reduces by a factor of 2 the number of IFFTs for a same PAPR performance. Compared to SLM-OFDM, the improved GreenOFDM technique reduces the complexity by requiring only the square-root of the number of IFFTs for a same PAPR reduction performance. Furthermore, exciting methods for additional complexity reduction are also implemented and discussed.
Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs
Authors: Massányi Peter , Massányi Martin , Madeddu Roberto , Stawarz Robert , Lukáč Norbert
Published: October 2020

Reproductive organs are essential not only for the life of an individual but also for the survival and development of the species. The response of reproductive organs to toxic substances differs from that of other target organs, and they may serve as an ideal “barometer” for the deleterious effects of environmental pollution on animal and human health. The incidence of infertility, cancers, and associated maladies has increased in the last fifty years or more, while various anthropogenic activities have released into the environment numerous toxic substances, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. Data from epidemiological studies suggested that environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury may have produced reproductive and developmental toxicity. The present review focused on experimental studies using rats, mice, avian, and rabbits to demonstrate unambiguously effects of cadmium, lead, or mercury on the structure and function of reproductive organs. In addition, relevant human studies are discussed. The experimental studies reviewed have indicated that the testis and ovary are particularly sensitive to cadmium, lead, and mercury because these organs are distinguished by an intense cellular activity, where vital processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis occur. In ovaries, manifestation of toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, or mercury included decreased follicular growth, occurrence of follicular atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum, and alterations in cycle. In testes, toxic effects following exposure to cadmium, lead, or mercury included alterations of seminiferous tubules, testicular stroma, and decrease of spermatozoa count, motility and viability, and aberrant spermatozoa morphology.
Truncated Expression of a Carboxypeptidase A from Bovine Improves Its Enzymatic Properties and Detoxification Efficiency of Ochratoxin A
Authors: Xiong Lu , Peng Mengxue , Zhao Meng , Liang Zhihong
Published: October 2020

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced mainly by Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. and commonly found in foodstuffs and feedstuffs. Carboxypeptidase A (CPA) can hydrolyze OTA into the non-toxic product ochratoxin α, with great potential to realize industrialized production and detoxify OTA in contaminated foods and feeds. This study constructed a P. pastoris expression vector of mature CPA (M-CPA) without propeptide and signal peptide. The results showed that the degradation rate of OTA by M-CPA was up to 93.36%. Its optimum pH was 8, the optimum temperature was 40 °C, the value of Km was 0.126 mmol/L, and the maximum reaction rate was 0.0219 mol/min. Compared with commercial CPA (S-CPA), the recombinant M-CPA had an improve stability, for which its optimum temperature increased by 10 °C and stability at a wide range pH, especially at pH 3–4 and pH 11. M-CPA could effectively degrade OTA in red wine. M-CPA has the potential for industrial applications, such as can be used as a detoxification additive for foods and feeds.
Development of an Ultrasensitive and Rapid Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay for Ochratoxin A in Rice
Authors: Huang Xiaorong , Tang Xiaoqian , Jallow Abdoulie , Qi Xin , Zhang Wen , Jiang Jun , Li Hui , Zhang Qi , Li Peiwu
Published: October 2020

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a known food contaminant that affects a wide range of food and agricultural products. The presence of this fungal metabolite in foods poses a threat to human health. Therefore, various detection and quantification methods have been developed to determine its presence in foods. Herein, we describe a rapid and ultrasensitive tracer-based fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for the detection of OTA in rice samples. Four fluorescent tracers OTA-fluorescein thiocarbamoyl ethylenediamine (EDF), OTA-fluorescein thiocarbamoyl butane diamine (BDF), OTA-amino-methyl fluorescein (AMF), and OTA-fluorescein thiocarbamoyl hexame (HDF) with fluorescence polarization values (δFP = FPbind-FPfree) of 5, 100, 207, and 80 mP, respectively, were synthesized. The tracer with the highest δFP value (OTA-AMF) was selected and further optimized for the development of an ultrasensitive FPIA with a detection range of 0.03–0.78 ng/mL. A mean recovery of 70.0% to 110.0% was obtained from spiked rice samples with a relative standard deviation of equal to or less than 20%. Good correlations (r2 = 0.9966) were observed between OTA levels in contaminated rice samples obtained by the FPIA method and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a reference method. The rapidity of the method was confirmed by analyzing ten rice samples that were analyzed within 25 min, on average. The sensitivity, accuracy, and rapidity of the method show that it is suitable for screening and quantification of OTA in food samples without the cumbersome pre-analytical steps required in other mycotoxin detection methods.
The Impact of Coronal Mass Ejections on the Seasonal Variation of the Ionospheric Critical Frequency f0F2
Authors: Farid Hussein M. , Mawad Ramy , Ghamry Essam , Yoshikawa Akimasa
Published: October 2020

We investigated the relations between the monthly average values of the critical frequency (f0F2) and the physical properties of the coronal mass ejections (CMEs), then we examined the seasonal variation of f0F2 values as an impact of the several CMEs properties. Given that, f0F2 were detected by PRJ18 (Puerto Rico) ionosonde station during the period 1996–2013. We found that the monthly average values of f0F2 are varying coherently with the sunspot number (SSN). A similar trend was found for f0F2 with the CMEs parameters such as the CME energy (linear correlation coefficient R = 0.73), width (R = 0.6) and the speed (R = 0.6). The arrived CMEs cause a plasma injection into the ionosphere, in turn, increasing the electron density, and consequently, f0F2 values. This happens in the high latitudes followed by the middle and lower latitudes. By examining the seasonal variation of f0F2, we found that the higher correlation between f0F2 and CMEs parameters occurs in the summer, then the equinoxes (spring and autumn), followed by the winter. However, the faster CMEs affect the ionosphere more efficiently in the spring more than in the summer, then the winter and the autumn seasons.