bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Improving the Coefficient of Performance by Comparing Balancing Well and Standing Column Well Heat Exchange Systems
Authors: Lim Myungkwan , Lim Kyoungbin , Lee Changhee
Published: December 2020

This study proposed a technology to improve the performance characteristics and coefficient of performance (COP) of a geothermal system by fundamentally preventing underground water discharge and maintaining a constant temperature of the underground heat exchanger composed of bleed discharge water that utilizes two balancing wells using cross-mixing methods. Using the standing column well (SCW) and cross-mixing balancing well underground heat exchanger, we compared and analyzed the effective thermal conductivity characteristics and COP characteristics during heating and cooling modes. Consequently, the cross-mixing balancing well underground heat exchanger exhibited more effective thermal conductivity than the SCW underground heat exchanger, with a high COP. Therefore, suggesting the performance was improved using groundwater flow rather than SCW. The comparison and analysis results of the effective heat map characteristics using the results of the SCW and balancing well system showed that the heating operation for the SCW underground heat exchanger had better thermal conductivity characteristics than the cooling operation. In addition, regarding a balancing well underground heat exchanger, the cooling operation exhibited superior thermal conductivity characteristics. Thus, the performance was considered to have improved due to the flow of activated groundwater in the ground and the rapid heat transfer without heat accumulation.
Ecosystem Services of Urban Agriculture: Perceptions of Project Leaders, Stakeholders and the General Public
Authors: Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Specht Kathrin , Vávra Jan , Artmann Martina , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: December 2020

Within the scholarly debate, Urban Agriculture (UA) has been widely acknowledged to provide diverse environmental and socio-cultural ecosystem services (ESs) for cities. However, the question of whether these potential benefits are also recognized as such by the involved societal groups on the ground has not yet been investigated. This paper aims at (1) assessing the perceived ESs of UA, comparing the views of different societal groups in the city of Bologna, Italy (namely: UA project leaders, stakeholders and the general public) and (2) to identify differences in the evaluation of specific UA types (indoor farming, high-tech greenhouses, peri-urban farms, community-supported agriculture, community rooftop garden and urban co-op). In total, 406 individuals evaluated 25 ESs via a standardized Likert-scale survey. The study unveiled similarities and divergences of perceptions among the different societal groups. The statistical analysis indicated that the general public and UA stakeholders agree on the high relevance of socio-cultural ESs, while provisioning ESs was considered as less significant. UA types focusing on social innovation were expected to provide higher socio-cultural ESs whereas peri-urban activities were more closely linked to habitat ESs. We assume that involvement and knowledge of UA are determining factors for valuing the provision of ESs through UA, which needs to be considered for ES valuation, particularly in a policymaking context.
Hints at the Applicability of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria for the Biodegradation of Plastics
Authors: Barone Giovanni Davide , Ferizović Damir , Biundo Antonino , Lindblad Peter
Published: December 2020

Massive plastic accumulation has been taking place across diverse landscapes since the 1950s, when large-scale plastic production started. Nowadays, societies struggle with continuously increasing concerns about the subsequent pollution and environmental stresses that have accompanied this plastic revolution. Degradation of used plastics is highly time-consuming and causes volumetric aggregation, mainly due to their high strength and bulky structure. The size of these agglomerations in marine and freshwater basins increases daily. Exposure to weather conditions and environmental microflora (e.g., bacteria and microalgae) can slowly corrode the plastic structure. As has been well documented in recent years, plastic fragments are widespread in marine basins and partially in main global rivers. These are potential sources of negative effects on global food chains. Cyanobacteria (e.g., Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942), which are photosynthetic microorganisms and were previously identified as blue-green algae, are currently under close attention for their abilities to capture solar energy and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide for the production of high-value products. In the last few decades, these microorganisms have been exploited for different purposes (e.g., biofuels, antioxidants, fertilizers, and ‘superfood’ production). Microalgae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) are also suitable for environmental and biotechnological applications based on the exploitation of solar light. Can photosynthetic bacteria and unicellular eukaryotic algae play a role for further scientific research in the bioremediation of plastics of different sizes present in water surfaces? In recent years, several studies have been targeting the utilization of microorganisms for plastic bioremediation. Among the different phyla, the employment of wild-type or engineered cyanobacteria may represent an interesting, environmentally friendly, and sustainable option.
Monitoring and Predicting Spatio-Temporal Land Use/Land Cover Changes in Zaria City, Nigeria, through an Integrated Cellular Automata and Markov Chain Model (CA-Markov)
Authors: Koko Auwalu Faisal , Yue Wu , Abubakar Ghali Abdullahi , Hamed Roknisadeh , Alabsi Akram Ahmed Noman
Published: December 2020

Monitoring land use/land cover (LULC) change dynamics plays a crucial role in formulating strategies and policies for the effective planning and sustainable development of rapidly growing cities. Therefore, this study sought to integrate the cellular automata and Markov chain model using remotely sensed data and geographical information system (GIS) techniques to monitor, map, and detect the spatio-temporal LULC change in Zaria city, Nigeria. Multi-temporal satellite images of 1990, 2005, and 2020 were pre-processed, geo-referenced, and mapped using the supervised maximum likelihood classification to examine the city’s historical land cover (1990–2020). Subsequently, an integrated cellular automata (CA)–Markov model was utilized to model, validate, and simulate the future LULC scenario using the land change modeler (LCM) of IDRISI-TerrSet software. The change detection results revealed an expansion in built-up areas and vegetation of 65.88% and 28.95%, respectively, resulting in barren land losing 63.06% over the last three decades. The predicted LULC maps of 2035 and 2050 indicate that these patterns of barren land changing into built-up areas and vegetation will continue over the next 30 years due to urban growth, reforestation, and development of agricultural activities. These results establish past and future LULC trends and provide crucial data useful for planning and sustainable land use management.
Eco-Acoustic Indices to Evaluate Soundscape Degradation Due to Human Intrusion
Authors: Benocci Roberto , Brambilla Giovanni , Bisceglie Alessandro , Zambon Giovanni
Published: December 2020

The characterization of environmental quality and the detection of the first sign of environmental stress, with reference to human intrusion, is currently a very important goal to prevent further environmental degradation, and consequently habitat destruction, in order to take appropriate preservation measures. Besides the traditional field observation and satellite remote sensing, geophonic and/or biophonic sounds have been proposed as potential indicators of terrestrial and aquatic settings’ status. In this work, we analyze a series of short audio-recordings taken in urban parks and bushes characterized by the presence of different human-generated-noise and species abundance. This study aims to propose a tool devoted to the investigation of urban and natural environments in a context with different soundscape qualities, such as, for example, those that can be found in urban parks. The analysis shows the ways in which it is possible to distinguish among different habitats by the use of a combination of different acoustic and sound ecology indices.
Adopting Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices and the Role of Quality Labels and Producer Organisations: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Two European Case Studies
Authors: Duvaleix Sabine , Lassalas Marie , Latruffe Laure , Konstantidelli Vasilia , Tzouramani Irene
Published: December 2020

Various drivers behind the adoption of environmentally friendly practices have been investigated at the farm level in the literature, e.g., farmers’ motivations and attitudes, farms’ structure, and management or policies. Yet, the way in which quality labels and producer organisations influence the adoption of environmentally friendly practices by farmers is still under-researched. We contribute to this topic and present the results of qualitative interviews with producer organisations, conducted in 2019 in two contrasting case studies: the pig sector in Brittany (western France), and the olive oil sector in Crete (Greece). Our study shows that economic actors of food supply chains in these two case studies use European quality labels, a couple of national schemes, and a proliferation of private quality labels (in Brittany’s pig sector). Our interviews reveal that many quality labels, for which agricultural farming systems must comply with a set of rules, are not specifically aimed at improving environmental impacts. In the Cretan olive oil sector, we observe several European public labels. In the French pig sector, many quality labels do not include requirements for practices aiming at improving the environment, but instead focus on other practices that matter for society, namely improving animal welfare. However, advisory services provided by the producer organisations can play a key role in the adoption of environmentally friendly practices. They include research programmes and agronomic events. In Crete, producer organisations are able to offer technical assistance thanks to European support programmes.
Perceived Overqualification and Job Crafting: The Curvilinear Moderation of Career Adaptability
Authors: Woo Hyung Rok
Published: December 2020

Developments in direct and indirect educational systems have increased the number of individuals with competencies that are higher than the required expectations of their current jobs. This concept of overqualification is drawing interest today, while underqualification was the focus in the past. Currently, research on perceived overqualification (POQ) has focused on its negative influences; however, this study aimed to explore the positive and nonlinear influence of POQ on job crafting and the moderating effect of career adaptability on these functions. Data were collected from 257 individuals in three Korean telecom companies. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicate that POQ had a reverse U-shaped nonlinear influence on job crafting, indicating that an appropriate level of POQ can drive job crafting, leading to performance improvements in organizations and individuals. Moreover, career adaptability moderated the relationship between POQ and job crafting. When career adaptability was at an average or high level, the reverse U-shaped nonlinear influence of POQ on job crafting strengthened. These results are expected to assist in creating both an environment to reduce the negative influence of POQ and healthy sustainability in human resources development.
Questioning Low-Carbon Transition Governance: A Comparative Analysis of European Case Studies
Authors: Rotondo Federica , Abastante Francesca , Cotella Giancarlo , Lami Isabella Maria
Published: December 2020

To achieve the international emission reduction targets, current researches underline the need to overcome the dominant techno-centric approaches to energy transition, in favor of analyses that explore in more detail those practices and organizational assets that play a role in favoring a transition towards a low-carbon society. In this light, the article focuses on governance practices and, in particular, on the different tools and actors involved across variable scales and temporalities. Drawing on the activities of the ERASMUS+ Strategic Partnership for Higher Education LOTUS (Locally Organized Transition of Urban Sustainable Spaces), a selection of European case studies is explored and compared in light of (i) the implemented actions in terms of energy production and efficiency measures, (ii) the legal framework and the origin of the funding and (iii) the number and type of involved actors and their partnerships. On this basis, the analysis outlines, from both a theoretical and a practical stand, a number of critical issues that characterize these episodes of energy transition governance. In particular, the authors reflect upon the interaction between energy measures and urban contexts, the need for synergies among government level and the emergence of new forms of partnership among public, private and third parties’ actors.
A High Step-Up Partial Power Processing DC/DC T-Source Converter for UPS Application
Authors: Rajaei Amirhossein , Shahparasti Mahdi , Nabinejad Ali , Savaghebi Mehdi
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new modified structure of a DC/DC T-source converter is proposed. Since the proposed converter provides high voltage gain, it is suitable for photovoltaic integration into uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. The proposed structure employs partial power processing technique to increase the output voltage as well as efficiency without requiring new hardware. Partial power converters (PPCs) process only a fraction of flowing power while the remaining power directly flows through output. This generally causes an improvement in efficiency and output voltage. A total of two structures are presented: conventional partial power T-source converters and improved partial power T-source converters. The key advantage of the improved partial power converter is a higher voltage gain. Furthermore, it reduces the voltage and the current stresses on switches and diodes. The steady-state operation principles are described for both converters and the governed rules and equations are derived. The PPCs and full power converter are compared in terms of efficiency, voltage gain, voltage stress, and current stress of converter elements. The converter performance is evaluated through experimental and simulation studies. The presented results show good consistency with the theoretical analysis.
Limits of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Malaysia: Dam Politics, Rent-Seeking, and Conflict
Authors: Ho Peter , Nor-Hisham Bin Md Saman , Zhao Heng
Published: December 2020

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is often portrayed as a policy measure that can mitigate the environmental influence of corporate and government projects through objective, systematic, and value-free assessment. Simultaneously, however, research has also shown that the larger political context in which the EIA is embedded is crucial in determining its influence on decision-making. Moreover, particularly in the case of mega-projects, vested economic interests, rent-seeking, and politics may provide them with a momentum in which the EIA risks becoming a mere formality. To substantiate this point, the article examines the EIA of what is reportedly Asia’s largest dam outside China: the Bakun Hydro-electric Project (BHP) in Malaysia. The study is based on mixed methods, particularly, qualitative research (semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and archival study) coupled to a survey conducted in 10 resource-poor, indigenous communities in the resettlement area. It is found that close to 90% of the respondents are dissatisfied with their participation in the EIA, while another 80% stated that the authorities had conducted the EIA without complying to the procedures. The findings do not only shed light on the manner in which the EIA was used to legitimize a project that should ultimately have been halted, but are also testimony to the way that the BHP has disenfranchised the rights of indigenous people to meaningfully participate in the EIA.
Can Road Toll Convince Car Travelers to Adjust Their Departure Times? Accounting for the Effect of Choice Behavior under Long and Short Holidays
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Guan Hongzhi , Han Yan , Li Wanying
Published: December 2020

The adjustment of road toll is an important measure that can alleviate road traffic congestion by convincing car travelers to travel during off-peak times. In order to reduce congestion on the expressway on the first day of a holiday, factors that affect the departure times of holiday travelers must be comprehensively understood to determine the best strategy to persuade car travelers to avoid peak travel times. This paper takes holiday car travelers as the research object and explores the characteristics and rules of departure time choice behavior for different holiday lengths. Based on Utility Maximization Theory, a multinomial logit (MNL) model of departure time choice for a three-day short holiday and a seven-day long holiday was established. Model calibration and elastic analysis were carried out using Revealed Preference/Stated Preference (RP/SP) survey data. Additionally, the influence of the highway toll policy on departure times for long and short holidays was analyzed. The results show that the rate of first-day departures is much higher than that of other departure times for both short and long vacations under the current policy of free holiday passage on highways. Factors such as trip duration, size of the tourist group, the number of visits, travel range, travel time, monthly income, occupation, age and road toll have a significant influence on the departure time decisions of holiday car travelers, and the effect and degree of influence are markedly different for different holiday lengths. The effects of tolls for each departure time and different pricing scenarios on the choice behavior of travelers are different between long and short holidays. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the road toll policy also varies for travelers with different travel distances. This study can provide useful information for the guidance of holiday travelers, the management of holiday tolls on expressways and the formulation of holiday leave time.
Rwenzori Score (RS): A Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index for Biomonitoring Rivers and Streams in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda
Authors: Musonge Peace Liz Sasha , Boets Pieter , Lock Koen , Ambarita Minar Naomi Damanik , Forio Marie Anne Eurie , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: December 2020

The Rwenzori region in Uganda, a global biodiversity hotspot, is currently undergoing exponential economic and population growth, which puts continuous stress on its freshwater ecosystems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, biomonitoring campaigns using region-specific biotic indices is limited, particularly in Uganda. In this research, we present the Rwenzori Score (RS), a new macroinvertebrate-based biotic index developed to specifically assess the aquatic health of Rwenzori streams and rivers. We collected and measured both biological and physicochemical variables and identified 34,202 macroinvertebrates, belonging to 64 different taxa. The RS was developed in two steps. First, using canonical ordination, we identified chemical variables that correlated significantly with gradients in macroinvertebrate assemblage distribution and diversity. Second, based on selected variables and weighted averages, we determined specific family indicator values and assigned pollution tolerance values (varying from 1: tolerant; to 10: sensitive) to a family. Finally, we established four water quality classes: poor, fair, good, and excellent. The RS is highly correlated with the Average Score Per Taxon System (p < 0.05), a well-known and widely used biotic index. The RS has 5 unique taxa that are not included in other regional indices. In this regard, the development of the RS is a beneficial tool for tailor-made biomonitoring that can contribute to the sustainable development of the Rwenzori stream and river basins.
Does Emotional Intelligence Have an Impact on Linguistic Competences? A Primary Education Study
Authors: Perpiñà Martí Georgina , Sidera Caballero Francesc , Serrat Sellabona Elisabet
Published: December 2020

The relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic achievement has received a lot of attention in the school environment. The objective of this study is to identify which EI components are more related to linguistic competences in primary education. One hundred eighty students between 8 and 11 years of age participated in the study. We administered the BarOn EI Inventory, the intellectual skills test (EFAI) to determine the intellectual abilities, and a test of basic linguistic competences. The results showed that the EI factors of adaptability and interpersonal had the strongest impact on linguistic competences. Specifically, adaptability was the EI component more related to reading comprehension, explaining 13.2% of the reading score’s variance, while adaptability and stress management were the best predictors of writing skills, accounting for 15.4% of the variance of the writing score. These results point to the need to consider emotional competences to help students reach academic success and personal well-being.
Design and Implementation of a Co-Simulation Framework for Testing of Automated Driving Systems
Authors: Nalic Demin , Pandurevic Aleksa , Eichberger Arno , Rogic Branko
Published: December 2020

The increasingly used approach of combining different simulation softwares in testing of automated driving systems (ADSs) increases the need for potential and convenient software designs. Recently developed co-simulation platforms (CSPs) provide the possibility to cover the high demand for testing kilometers for ADSs by combining vehicle simulation software (VSS) with traffic flow simulation software (TFSS) environments. The emphasis on the demand for testing kilometers is not enough to choose a suitable CSP. The complexity levels of the vehicle, object, sensors, and environment models used are essential for valid and representative simulation results. Choosing a suitable CSP raises the question of how the test procedures should be defined and constructed and what the relevant test scenarios are. Parameters of the ADS, environments, objects, and sensors in the VSS, as well as traffic parameters in the TFSS, can be used to define and generate test scenarios. In order to generate a large number of scenarios in a systematic and automated way, suitable and appropriate software designs are required. In this paper, we present a software design for a CSP based on the Model–View–Controller (MVC) design pattern as well as an implementation of a complex CSP for virtual testing of ADSs. Based on this design, an implementation of a CSP is presented using the VSS from IPG Automotive (CarMaker) and the TFSS from the PTV Group (Vissim). The results showed that the presented CSP design and the implementation of the co-simulation can be used to generate relevant scenarios for testing of ADSs.
Assessment of the Use of Potatoes as a Binder in Flax Heating Pellets
Authors: Souček Jiří , Jasinskas Algirdas
Published: December 2020

This article focuses on an examination of the possibility of using potatoes as a binder in the production of heating pellets from flax stalks. This research was carried out in the form of an experimental production, laboratory analyses, and combustion tests of pellets with the Biltstar variety of flax stalks. The production was carried out using an MGL 200 pelletizing line. Adéla potatoes were used as a binder at a dose of 10%. The results were compared to the control variant without the addition of potatoes. Potatoes had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the pellets as well as on carbon monoxide emissions. A positive effect of the addition of potatoes was recorded by an increase in specific weight (599.2 kg/m3 for the potato-free variant and 1092.3 kg/m3 for the variant with potatoes) and a significant increase in mechanical durability (4.39% for the potato-free variant and 0.71% for the variant with potatoes). The biggest difference was measured in carbon monoxide emissions (13,082 mg/m3N for the potato-free mg/m3N ariant and 5186 mg/m3N for the variant with potatoes). The values were converted to a reference oxygen content of 10%.
Neural Network Modeling Based on the Bayesian Method for Evaluating Shipping Mitigation Measures
Authors: Yuan Jun , Zhu Jiang , Nian Victor
Published: December 2020

Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is of critical concern to international shipping. A large portfolio of mitigation measures has been developed to mitigate ship gas emissions by reducing ship energy consumption but is constrained by practical considerations, especially cost. There are difficulties in ranking the priority of mitigation measures, due to the uncertainty of ship information and data gathered from onboard instruments and other sources. In response, a neural network model is proposed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mitigation measures based on decarbonization. The neural network is further enhanced with a Bayesian method to consider the uncertainties of model parameters. Three of the key advantages of the proposed approach are (i) its ability to simultaneously consider a wide range of sources of information and data that can help improve the robustness of the modeling results; (ii) the ability to take into account the input uncertainties in ranking and selection; (iii) the ability to include marginal costs in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of mitigation measures to facilitate decision making. In brief, a negative “marginal cost-effectiveness” would indicate a priority consideration for a given mitigation measure. In the case study, it was found that weather routing and draft optimization could have negative marginal cost-effectiveness, signaling the importance of prioritizing these measures.
Influence of the Composition on the Environmental Impact of a Casting Magnesium Alloy
Authors: García Gutiérrez Isabel , Elduque Daniel , Pina Carmelo , Tobajas Rafael , Javierre Carlos
Published: December 2020

The influence of the composition of magnesium alloys on their environmental impact was analyzed. In order to perform a more accurate environmental impact calculation, life cycle assessment (LCA) with the ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint and IPCC 2013 GWP (100 y) methodology was used, taking the EcoInvent AZ91 magnesium alloy dataset as reference. This dataset has been updated with the material composition range of several alloys included in the European standard EN 1753:2019. The balanced, maximum, and minimum environmental impact values were obtained. In general, the overall impact of the studied magnesium alloys varied from 3.046 Pt/kg to 4.853 Pt/kg and from 43.439 kg CO2 eq./kg to 55.427 kg CO2 eq./kg, depending on the composition. In the analysis of maximum and minimum environmental impacts, the alloy that had the highest uncertainty was 3.5251, with a range of ±7.20%. The element that contributed the most to increase its impact was silver. The AZ91 alloy, provided by the EcoInvent dataset, had a lower environmental impact than all the magnesium alloys studied in this work. The content of critical raw materials (CRMs) was also assessed, showing a high content in CRMs, between 89.72% and 98.22%.
Preliminary Analysis and Design of the Energy Conversion System for the Molten Salt Fast Reactor
Authors: Di Ronco Andrea , Giacobbo Francesca , Lomonaco Guglielmo , Lorenzi Stefano , Wang Xiang , Cammi Antonio
Published: December 2020

The unique design features of the molten salt fast reactor (MSFR) should enable higher coolant temperatures than in conventional water reactors, with a significant improvement in the achievable thermodynamic performance. The use of a molten salt as both fuel and coolant, however, poses several advanced heat transfer challenges, such as the design of innovative heat exchangers and energy conversion systems. In this work, we address a preliminary but quantitative analysis of the energy conversion system for the MSFR, based on reference design data from the SAMOFAR H2020-EURATOM project. We consider three main technologies, i.e., the supercritical steam cycle, the closed helium cycle and the helium/steam combined cycle. Preliminary design results are presented for each technology, based on a simplified modelling approach. The considered cycles show promising efficiency improvements, with the best performance being proven by the supercritical steam cycle. The analysis also highlights the critical issue related to the risk of freezing of the molten salts within the secondary heat exchangers, due to the low inlet temperatures of the working fluids. Results show potential incompatibility between the freezing point of molten salts and the temperatures typical of steam cycles, while helium cycles offer the best chances of freezing avoidance. The combined cycle promises intermediate performance in terms of thermodynamic efficiency and thermal compatibility with molten salts comparable with closed helium cycles.
A Superellipse with Deformation and Its Application in Describing the Cross-Sectional Shapes of a Square Bamboo
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Li Yueyi , Niklas Karl J. , Gielis Johan , Ding Yongyan , Cao Li , Shi Peijian
Published: December 2020

Many cross-sectional shapes of plants have been found to approximate a superellipse rather than an ellipse. Square bamboos, belonging to the genus Chimonobambusa (Poaceae), are a group of plants with round-edged square-like culm cross sections. The initial application of superellipses to model these culm cross sections has focused on Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (Franceschi) Makino. However, there is a need for large scale empirical data to confirm this hypothesis. In this study, approximately 750 cross sections from 30 culms of C. utilis were scanned to obtain cross-sectional boundary coordinates. A superellipse exhibits a centrosymmetry, but in nature the cross sections of culms usually deviate from a standard circle, ellipse, or superellipse because of the influences of the environment and terrain, resulting in different bending and torsion forces during growth. Thus, more natural cross-sectional shapes appear to have the form of a deformed superellipse. The superellipse equation with a deformation parameter (SEDP) was used to fit boundary data. We find that the cross-sectional shapes (including outer and inner rings) of C. utilis can be well described by SEDP. The adjusted root-mean-square error of SEDP is smaller than that of the superellipse equation without a deformation parameter. A major finding is that the cross-sectional shapes can be divided into two types of superellipse curves: hyperellipses and hypoellipses, even for cross sections from the same culm. There are two proportional relationships between ring area and the product of ring length and width for both the outer and inner rings. The proportionality coefficients are significantly different, as a consequence of the two different superellipse types (i.e., hyperellipses and hypoellipses). The difference in the proportionality coefficients between hyperellipses and hypoellipses for outer rings is greater than that for inner rings. This work informs our understanding and quantifying of the longitudinal deformation of plant stems for future studies to assess the influences of the environment on stem development. This work is also informative for understanding the deviation of natural shapes from a strict rotational symmetry.
A Case Study on Evolution of Car Styling and Brand Consistency Using Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Hung-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Ping
Published: December 2020

Brand style and product identity are critical to the core value of a brand. Yet how to identify the style and identity is highly dependent on the human expert’s judgment. As deep learning for image recognition has made a rapid process in recent years, it’s the application of brand style and design features have potential. This investigation assessed the car styling evolution of two car brands, Dodge and Jaguar, by training convolutional neural network. The method used heat map analysis of deep learning and was supplemented by statistical methods. The two datasets in this investigation were the car design features dataset and the car style images dataset. Results using the deep learning method show that the average accuracy of the last ten under verification modes was 95.90%, while 78% of the new cars continue the early brand style. Moreover, Jaguar had a higher proportion of style consistency than Dodge. Results using statistical methods reveal two cars had evolved in two different trends regarding the vehicle length. In terms of the design features, Jaguar had no noticeable design features of the rocket-tailfin. The heat map method of deep learning indicates a design feature’s focus area, and the method is beneficial for future brand style analysis.
Simultaneous and Non-Simultaneous Quenching for a System of Multi-Dimensional Semi-Linear Heat Equations
Authors: Boonklurb Ratinan , Treeyaprasert Tawikan , Wanna Aong-art
Published: December 2020

This article deals with finite-time quenching for the system of coupled semi-linear heat equations ut=uxx+f(v) and vt=vxx+g(u), for (x,t)∈(0,1)×(0,T), where f and g are given functions. The system has the homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions and the bounded nonnegative initial conditions that are compatible with the boundary conditions. The existence result is established by using the method of upper and lower solutions. We obtain sufficient conditions for finite time quenching of solutions. The quenching set is also provided. From the quenching set, it implies that the quenching solution has asymmetric profile. We prove the blow-up of time-derivatives when quenching occurs. We also find the criteria to identify simultaneous and non-simultaneous quenching of solutions. For non-simultaneous quenching, the corresponding quenching rate of solutions is given.
Weight Queue Dynamic Active Queue Management Algorithm
Authors: Baklizi Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

The current problem of packets generation and transformation around the world is router congestion, which then leads to a decline in the network performance in term of queuing delay (D) and packet loss (PL). The existing active queue management (AQM) algorithms do not optimize the network performance because these algorithms use static techniques for detecting and reacting to congestion at the router buffer. In this paper, a weight queue active queue management (WQDAQM) based on dynamic monitoring and reacting is proposed. Queue weight and the thresholds are dynamically adjusted based on the traffic load. WQDAQM controls the queue within the router buffer by stabilizing the queue weight between two thresholds dynamically. The WQDAQM algorithm is simulated and compared with the existing active queue management algorithms. The results reveal that the proposed method demonstrates better performance in terms mean queue length, D, PL, and dropping probability, compared to gentle random early detection (GRED), dynamic GRED, and stabilized dynamic GRED in both heavy or no-congestion cases. In detail, in a heavy congestion status, the proposed algorithm overperformed dynamic GRED (DGRED) by 13.3%, GRED by 19.2%, stabilized dynamic GRED (SDGRED) by 6.7% in term of mean queue length (mql). In terms of D in a heavy congestion status, the proposed algorithm overperformed DGRED by 13.3%, GRED by 19.3%, SDGRED by 6.3%. As for PL, the proposed algorithm overperformed DGRED by 15.5%, SDGRED by 19.8%, GRED by 86.3% in term of PL.
miRID: Multi-Modal Image Registration Using Modality-Independent and Rotation-Invariant Descriptor
Authors: Borvornvitchotikarn Thuvanan , Kurutach Werasak
Published: December 2020

Axiomatically, symmetry is a fundamental property of mathematical functions defining similarity measures, where similarity measures are important tools in many areas of computer science, including machine learning and image processing. In this paper, we investigate a new technique to measure the similarity between two images, a fixed image and a moving image, in multi-modal image registration (MIR). MIR in medical image processing is essential and useful in diagnosis and therapy guidance, but still a very challenging task due to the lack of robustness against the rotational variance in the image transformation process. Our investigation leads to a novel, local self-similarity descriptor, called the modality-independent and rotation-invariant descriptor (miRID). By relying on the mean of the intensity values, an miRID is simply computable and can effectively handle the complicated intensity relationship between multi-modal images. Moreover, it can also overcome the problem of rotational variance by sorting the numerical values, each of which is the absolute difference between each pixel’s intensity and the mean of all pixel intensities within a patch of the image. The experimental result shows that our method outperforms others in both multi-modal rigid and non-rigid image registrations.
Mean Value of the General Dedekind Sums over Interval \({[1,\frac{q}{p})}\)
Authors: Liu Lei , Xu Zhefeng
Published: December 2020

Let q>2 be a prime, p be a given prime with p<q. The main purpose of this paper is using transforms, the hybrid mean value of Dirichlet L-functions with character sums and the related properties of character sums to study the mean value of the general Dedekind sums over interval [1,qp), and give some interesting asymptotic formulae.
Demystifying Members’ Social Capital and Networks within an Agritourism Association: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Barbieri Carla
Published: December 2020

Membership associations are vital to build social capital and networks among their members through the exchange of information and resources, roles especially valuable for emerging entrepreneurs. That is the case of associations catering to professionals in agritourism, an enterprise bringing farming and tourism together. However, whether the exchange of information and resources among members holds true within agritourism associations is yet to be known. Filling this knowledge gap is critical given the stated benefits agritourism delivers to society and farmers’ necessity to expand their business networks to increase entrepreneurial success. Therefore, this study evaluated the extent of social capital and networks within a prominent agritourism-focused association in North America. Data were collected from members using a web-based survey in 2016. Analyses included descriptive statistical tests and Social Network Analysis (SNA). Results showed high levels of social capital among members, especially related to its relational dimension (e.g., share professional advice), as well as strong bi-directional (to/from) trust, cooperation, and reciprocity among members. SNA indicated members were well connected and had a healthy information exchange, without the organization intervention. Study results are discussed to provide managerial intelligence towards strengthening social capital and networks within associations catering to agritourism and other niche-tourism professionals.
Discovery of Lanama Virus, a Distinct Member of Species Kunsagivirus C (Picornavirales: Picornaviridae), in Wild Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
Authors: Kuhn Jens H. , Sibley Samuel D. , Chapman Colin A. , Knowles Nick J. , Lauck Michael , Johnson Joshua C. , Lawson Cristine Campos , Lackemeyer Matthew G. , Valenta Kim , Omeja Patrick , Jahrling Peter B. , O’Connor David H. , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: December 2020

We report the discovery and sequence-based molecular characterization of a novel virus, lanama virus (LNMV), in blood samples obtained from two wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), sampled near Lake Nabugabo, Masaka District, Uganda. Sequencing of the complete viral genomes and subsequent phylogenetic analysis identified LNMV as a distinct member of species Kunsagivirus C, in the undercharacterized picornavirid genus Kunsagivirus.
Characterization and Diversity of 243 Complete Human Papillomavirus Genomes in Cervical Swabs Using Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Latsuzbaia Ardashel , Wienecke-Baldacchino Anke , Tapp Jessica , Arbyn Marc , Karabegović Irma , Chen Zigui , Fischer Marc , Mühlschlegel Friedrich , Weyers Steven , Pesch Pascale , Mossong Joël
Published: December 2020

In recent years, next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been widely used for the discovery of novel human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, variant characterization and genotyping. Here, we compared the analytical performance of NGS with a commercial PCR-based assay (Anyplex II HPV28) in cervical samples of 744 women. Overall, HPV positivity was 50.2% by the Anyplex and 45.5% by the NGS. With the NGS, we detected 25 genotypes covered by Anyplex and 41 additional genotypes. Agreement between the two methods for HPV positivity was 80.8% (kappa = 0.616) and 84.8% (kappa = 0.652) for 28 HPV genotypes and 14 high-risk genotypes, respectively. We recovered and characterized 243 complete HPV genomes from 153 samples spanning 40 different genotypes. According to phylogenetic analysis and pairwise distance, we identified novel lineages and sublineages of four high-risk and 16 low-risk genotypes. In total, 17 novel lineages and 14 novel sublineages were proposed, including novel lineages of HPV45, HPV52, HPV66 and a novel sublineage of HPV59. Our study provides important genomic insights on HPV types and lineages, where few complete genomes were publicly available.
miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Viral Hepatitis B and C
Authors: Loureiro Dimitri , Tout Issam , Narguet Stéphanie , Benazzouz Sabrina Menasria , Mansouri Abdellah , Asselah Tarik
Published: December 2020

Around 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection and 71 million with hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. Both HBV and HCV infections can lead to liver complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To take care of these chronically infected patients, one strategy is to diagnose the early stage of fibrosis in order to treat them as soon as possible to decrease the risk of HCC development. microRNAs (or miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which regulate many cellular processes in metazoans. Their expressions were frequently modulated by up- or down-regulation during fibrosis progression. In the serum of patients with HBV chronic infection (CHB), miR-122 and miR-185 expressions are increased, while miR-29, -143, -21 and miR-223 expressions are decreased during fibrosis progression. In the serum of patients with HCV chronic infection (CHC), miR-143 and miR-223 expressions are increased, while miR-122 expression is decreased during fibrosis progression. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of principal miRNAs modulation involved in fibrosis progression during chronic hepatitis B/C infections. Furthermore, we also discuss the potential use of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose fibrosis with the intention of prioritizing patients with advanced fibrosis for treatment and surveillance.
Sindbis Virus Infection in Non-Blood-Fed Hibernating Culex pipiens Mosquitoes in Sweden
Authors: Bergman Alexander , Dahl Emma , Lundkvist Åke , Hesson Jenny C.
Published: December 2020

A crucial, but unresolved question concerning mosquito-borne virus transmission is how these viruses can remain endemic in regions where the transmission is halted for long periods of time, due to mosquito inactivity in, e.g., winter. In northern Europe, Sindbis virus (SINV) (genus alphavirus, Togaviridae) is transmitted among birds by Culex mosquitoes during the summer, with occasional symptomatic infections occurring in humans. In winter 2018–19, we sampled hibernating Culex spp females in a SINV endemic region in Sweden and assessed them individually for SINV infection status, blood-feeding status, and species. The results showed that 35 out of the 767 collected mosquitoes were infected by SINV, i.e., an infection rate of 4.6%. The vast majority of the collected mosquitoes had not previously blood-fed (98.4%) and were of the species Cx. pipiens (99.5%). This is the first study of SINV overwintering, and it concludes that SINV can be commonly found in the hibernating Cx. pipiens population in an endemic region in Sweden, and that these mosquitoes become infected through other means besides blood-feeding. Further studies on mosquito ecology and viral interactions are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of the persistence of these viruses over winter.
Flu RNA Vaccine: A Game Changer?
Authors: Meurens François
Published: December 2020

Influenza virus infection is a major One Health concern worldwide [...]
Is a COVID-19 Vaccine Likely to Make Things Worse?
Authors: Abo Stéphanie M. C. , Smith? Stacey R.
Published: December 2020

In order to limit the disease burden and economic costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand how effective and widely distributed a vaccine must be in order to have a beneficial impact on public health. To evaluate the potential effect of a vaccine, we developed risk equations for the daily risk of COVID-19 infection both currently and after a vaccine becomes available. Our risk equations account for the basic transmission probability of COVID-19 (β) and the lowered risk due to various protection options: physical distancing; face coverings such as masks, goggles, face shields or other medical equipment; handwashing; and vaccination. We found that the outcome depends significantly on the degree of vaccine uptake: if uptake is higher than 80%, then the daily risk can be cut by 50% or more. However, if less than 40% of people get vaccinated and other protection options are abandoned—as may well happen in the wake of a COVID-19 vaccine—then introducing even an excellent vaccine will produce a worse outcome than our current situation. It is thus critical that effective education strategies are employed in tandem with vaccine rollout.
Quality and Health Risk Assessment Associated with Water Consumption—A Case Study on Karstic Springs
Authors: Moldovan Ana , Hoaghia Maria-Alexandra , Kovacs Eniko , Mirea Ionuț Cornel , Kenesz Marius , Arghir Răzvan Adrian , Petculescu Alexandru , Levei Erika Andrea , Moldovan Oana Teodora
Published: December 2020

In rural areas without centralized water supply systems, inhabitants often use groundwater of unknown quality as drinking water, without understanding the possible negative consequences on their health. Karstic spring waters from Dobrogea region in Romania were assessed for their potential to be used as drinking water source, according to their quality and seasonal variation. The physico-chemical parameters of waters were compared with the guideline values for drinking water established by the World Health Organization and the Directive 98/83/EC. The nitrate and Cr concentrations exceeded the guideline value in the springs from Southern Dobrogea, but met the quality criteria in those from Northern Dobrogea, thus, to be used as drinking water, the karstic springs located in Southern Dobrogea require treatment for nitrates removal. Heavy metals pollution indices showed low to medium cumulative heavy metal pollution in all springs, while the human health risk assessment by oral exposure indicated possible noncarcinogenic risks of nitrates, both for adults and children in springs from South Dobrogea. A rigorous monitoring of the water quality before human consumption is recommended for all four studied water sources.