bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Capsinoid Intake on Brown Adipose Tissue Vascular Density and Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy, Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Fuse Sayuri , Endo Tasuki , Tanaka Riki , Kuroiwa Miyuki , Ando Akira , Kume Ayami , Yamamoto Akiko , Kuribayashi Kanna , Somekawa Shinji , Takeshita Masamichi , Hashimoto Masaki , Kime Ryotaro , Kurosawa Yuko , Hamaoka Takafumi
Published: September 2020

Capsinoids are some of the most promising ingredients to increase energy expenditure (EE) due to brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation. However, there is limited information regarding the effect of prolonged capsinoid ingestion (CI) on BAT activity and resting EE (REE) in healthy, middle-aged, normal to overweight subjects (Subhealthy) with distinct BAT characteristics. We examined the changes in BAT density (BAT-d), using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy, and REE/kg induced by daily CI. Forty Subhealthy [age, 43.8 (mean) years; BMI, 25.4 kg/m2] received either capsinoid (9 mg/day) or a placebo daily for 6 weeks in a double-blind design. Total hemoglobin concentration in the supraclavicular region ([total-Hb]sup), an indicator of BAT-d, and REE/kg were measured. The changes in post-intervention [total-Hb]sup were greater in the capsinoid group (CA-G) than in the placebo group (PL-G) [5.8 µM (+12.4%) versus 1.0 µM (+2.1%); p = 0.017]. There was a significant relationship between BAT-d and REE/kg; however, post-supplementation REE/kg was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.228). In the overweight subgroup, changes in REE/kg were greater in the CA-G than in the PL-G [0.6 cal/kg/min (+4.3%) versus −0.3 cal/kg/min (−2.1%); p = 0.021]. CI enhanced [total-Hb]sup, a reflection of BAT-d, showing a good correlation with REE in Subhealthy.
Energy Gap between Doubly Labeled Water-Based Energy Expenditure and Calculated Energy Intake from Recipes and Plate Waste, and Subsequent Weight Changes in Elderly Residents in Japanese Long-Term Care Facilities: CLEVER Study
Authors: Nishida Yuki , Tanaka Shigeho , Nakae Satoshi , Yamada Yosuke , Shirato Hiroyuki , Hirano Hirohiko , Sasaki Satoshi , Katsukawa Fuminori
Published: September 2020

Unintentional weight loss is a major frailty component; thus, assessing energy imbalance is essential for institutionalized elderly residents. This study examined prediction errors of the observed energy intake (OEI) against the actual energy intake obtained from the doubly labeled water (DLW) method and clarified the relationship between the energy gap obtained by subtracting total energy expenditure (TEE) from OEI and subsequent weight changes in elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Overall, 46 participants were recruited in Japan. TEE was measured using the DLW method, and OEI was calculated from recipes and plate waste simultaneously over a 14–15-day period at baseline. The total energy intake (TEIDLW) was determined on the basis of DLW and weight changes during the DLW period. The weight was longitudinally tracked monthly for 12 months in the 28 residents who still lived at the facilities. OEI was higher than TEIDLW by a mean of 232 kcal/day (15.3%) among 46 residents at baseline. The longitudinal data of 28 residents showed that the energy gap tended to be correlated with the slope of weight change (ρ = 0.337, p = 0.080) and the median value was significantly lower in the weight loss group (152 kcal/day) than in the weight gain group (350 kcal/day) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, weight loss could occur at Japanese long-term care facilities even if the difference obtained by subtracting TEE from OEI was positive because OEI was overestimated by more than 200 kcal/day.
Maternal Body Mass Index and Breastfeeding Non-Initiation and Cessation: A Quantitative Review of the Literature
Authors: Nomura Kyoko , Minamizono Sachiko , Nagashima Kengo , Ono Mariko , Kitano Naomi
Published: September 2020

This study aims to investigate which maternal body mass index (BMI) categories are associated with the non-initiation or cessation of breastfeeding (BF) based on a quantitative review of the literature. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL for peer-reviewed articles published between 1946 (MEDLINE) or 1981 (CINAHL), and 2019. Selected studies were either cross-sectional or cohort studies, of healthy mothers and infants, that reported nutrition method (exclusive/full or any) and period (initiation/duration/cessation) of breastfeeding according to maternal BMI levels. Pairwise meta-analyses of 57 studies demonstrated that the pooled odds risks (OR) of not initiating BF among overweight and obese mothers compared to normal weight mothers were significant across 29 (OR 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.54, I2 = 98%) and 26 studies (OR 1.61, 95% CI, 1.33–1.95, I2 = 99%), respectively; the pooled risks for BF cessation were inconsistent in overweight and obese mothers with substantial heterogeneity. However, we found that overweight mothers (n = 10, hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% CI, 1.07–1.25; I2 = 23%) and obese mothers (n = 7, HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.27–1.65; I2 = 44%) were both associated with an increased risk of not continuing any BF and exclusive BF, respectively. Overweight and obese mothers may be at increased risk of not initiating or the cessation of breastfeeding.
CCL-11 or Eotaxin-1: An Immune Marker for Ageing and Accelerated Ageing in Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Ivanovska Mariya , Abdi Zakee , Murdjeva Marianna , Macedo Danielle , Maes Annabel , Maes Michael
Published: September 2020

Background: CCL-11 (eotaxin) is a chemokine with an important role in allergic conditions. Recent evidence indicates that CCL-11 plays a role in brain disorders as well. This paper reviews the associations between CCL-11 and aging, neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory and neuropsychiatric disorders. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for original articles examining CCL-11 in neuropsychiatric disorders. Results: CCL-11 is rapidly transported from the blood to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Age-related increases in CCL-11 are associated with cognitive impairments in executive functions and episodic and semantic memory, and therefore, this chemokine has been described as an “Endogenous Cognition Deteriorating Chemokine” (ECDC) or “Accelerated Brain-Aging Chemokine” (ABAC). In schizophrenia, increased CCL-11 is not only associated with impairments in cognitive functions, but also with key symptoms including formal thought disorders. Some patients with mood disorders and premenstrual syndrome show increased plasma CCL-11 levels. In diseases of old age, CCL-11 is associated with lowered neurogenesis and neurodegenerative processes, and as a consequence, increased CCL-11 increases risk towards Alzheimer’s disease. Polymorphisms in the CCL-11 gene are associated with stroke. Increased CCL-11 also plays a role in neuroinflammatory disease including multiple sclerosis. In animal models, neutralization of CCL-11 may protect against nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Increased production of CCL-11 may be attenuated by glucocorticoids, minocycline, resveratrol and anti-CCL11 antibodies. Conclusions: Increased CCL-11 production during inflammatory conditions may play a role in human disease including age-related cognitive decline, schizophrenia, mood disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. Increased CCL-11 production is a new drug target in the treatment and prevention of those disorders.
Curved Foldable Tailored Fiber Reinforcements for Moldless Customized Bio-Composite Structures. Proof of Concept: Biomimetic NFRP Stools
Authors: Rihaczek Gabriel , Klammer Maximilian , Başnak Okan , Petrš Jan , Grisin Benjamin , Dahy Hanaa , Carosella Stefan , Middendorf Peter
Published: September 2020

Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are increasingly popular building materials, mainly because of their high strength to weight ratio. Despite these beneficial properties, these composites are often fabricated in standardized mass production. This research aims to eliminate costly molds in order to simplify the fabrication and allow for a higher degree of customization. Complex three-dimensional shapes were instead achieved by a flat reinforcement, which was resin infused and curved folded into a spatial object before hardening. Structural stability was gained through geometries with closed cross-sections. To enable this, the resource-saving additive fabrication technique of tailored fiber placement (TFP) was chosen. This method allowed for precise fibers’ deposition, making a programmed anisotropic behavior of the material possible. Principles regarding the fiber placement were transferred from a biological role-model. Five functional stools were produced as demonstrators to prove the functionality and advantages of the explained system. Partially bio-based materials were applied to fabricate the stool models of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRP). A parametric design tool for the global design and fiber layout generation was developed. As a result, varieties of customized components can be produced without increasing the design and manufacturing effort.
A Multi-Scale Approach to Modeling the Interfacial Reaction Kinetics of Lipases with Emphasis on Enzyme Adsorption at Water-Oil Interfaces
Authors: Rusli Sherly , Grabowski Janna , Drews Anja , Kraume Matthias
Published: September 2020

The enzymatic hydrolysis of triglycerides with lipases (EC 3.1.1.3.) involves substrates from both water and oil phases, with the enzyme molecules adsorbed at the water-oil (w/o) interface. The reaction rate depends on lipase concentration at the interface and the available interfacial area in the emulsion. In emulsions with large drops, the reaction rate is limited by the surface area. This effect must be taken into account while modelling the reaction. However, determination of the interfacial saturation is not a trivial matter, as enzyme molecules have the tendency to unfold on the interface, and form multi-layer, rendering many enzyme molecules unavailable for the reaction. A multi-scale approach is needed to determine the saturation concentration with specific interfacial area so that it can be extrapolated to droplet swarms. This work explicitly highlights the correlation between interfacial adsorption and reaction kinetics, by integration of the adsorption kinetics into the enzymatic reaction. The rate constants were fitted globally against data from both single droplet and drop swarm experiments. The amount of adsorbed enzymes on the interface was measured in a single drop with a certain surface area, and the enzyme interfacial loading was estimated by Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Optimal Energy Management for Microgrids Considering Uncertainties in Renewable Energy Generation and Load Demand
Authors: Wu Haotian , Li Hang , Gu Xueping
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes an efficient power management approach for the 24 h-ahead optimal maneuver of Mega–scale grid–connected microgrids containing a huge penetration of wind power, dispatchable distributed generation (diesel generator), energy storage system and local loads. The proposed energy management optimization objective aims to minimize the microgrid expenditure for fuel, operation and maintenance and main grid power import. It also aims to maximize the microgrid revenue by exporting energy to the upstream utility grid. The optimization model considers the uncertainties of the wind energy and power consumptions in the microgrids, and appropriate forecasting techniques are implemented to handle the uncertainties. The optimization model is formulated for a day-ahead optimization timeline with one-hour time steps, and it is solved using the ant colony optimization (ACO)-based metaheuristic approach. Actual data and parameters obtained from a practical microgrid platform in Atlanta, GA, USA are employed to formulate and validate the proposed energy management approach. Several simulations considering various operational scenarios are achieved to reveal the efficacy of the devised methodology. The obtained findings show the efficacy of the devised approach in various operational cases of the microgrids. To further confirm the efficacy of the devised approach, the achieved findings are compared to a pattern search (PS) optimization-based energy management approach and demonstrate outperformed performances with respect to solution optimality and computing time.
Digital Twins in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing: A Literature Review
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Yang Ou , Sampat Chaitanya , Bhalode Pooja , Ramachandran Rohit , Ierapetritou Marianthi
Published: September 2020

The development and application of emerging technologies of Industry 4.0 enable the realization of digital twins (DT), which facilitates the transformation of the manufacturing sector to a more agile and intelligent one. DTs are virtual constructs of physical systems that mirror the behavior and dynamics of such physical systems. A fully developed DT consists of physical components, virtual components, and information communications between the two. Integrated DTs are being applied in various processes and product industries. Although the pharmaceutical industry has evolved recently to adopt Quality-by-Design (QbD) initiatives and is undergoing a paradigm shift of digitalization to embrace Industry 4.0, there has not been a full DT application in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Therefore, there is a critical need to examine the progress of the pharmaceutical industry towards implementing DT solutions. The aim of this narrative literature review is to give an overview of the current status of DT development and its application in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. State-of-the-art Process Analytical Technology (PAT) developments, process modeling approaches, and data integration studies are reviewed. Challenges and opportunities for future research in this field are also discussed.
Single and Binary Equilibrium Studies for Ni2+ and Zn2+ Biosorption onto Lemna gibba from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Morales-Barrera Liliana , Flores-Ortiz César Mateo , Cristiani-Urbina Eliseo
Published: September 2020

The biosorption ability of Lemna gibba for removing Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions in aqueous batch systems, both individually and simultaneously, was examined. The influences of solution pH and initial single and binary metal concentrations on equilibrium Ni2+ and Zn2+ biosorption was explored. The optimal solution pH for Ni2+ and Zn2+ biosorption was 6.0, for both the single and binary metal systems. Ni2+ and Zn2+ biosorption capacities increased with increasing initial metal concentrations. The presence of Zn2+ ions more adversely affected the biosorption of Ni2+ ions in the binary metal systems than vice versa. The single and binary biosorption isotherms of Ni2+ and Zn2+ revealed that L. gibba’s affinity for Zn2+ ions was higher than that for Ni2+ ions. The Redlich–Peterson and Freundlich isotherm models fit well to the experimental equilibrium data of Ni2+ ions, whereas Redlich–Peterson and Langmuir models better described the equilibrium data of Zn2+ ions in single metal systems. The modified Sips isotherm model best fit the competitive biosorption data of Ni2+-Zn2+ on L. gibba. FTIR analyses suggest the involvement of hemicellulose and cellulose in the biosorption of Ni2+ and Zn2+. The presence of Ni2+ and Zn2+ on the L.gibba surface was validated by SEM-EDX.
A Dual-Wavelength Ocean Lidar for Vertical Profiling of Oceanic Backscatter and Attenuation
Authors: Li Kaipeng , He Yan , Ma Jian , Jiang Zhengyang , Hou Chunhe , Chen Weibiao , Zhu Xiaolei , Chen Peng , Tang Junwu , Wu Songhua , Liu Fanghua , Luo Yuan , Zhang Yufei , Chen Yongqiang
Published: September 2020

Ocean water column information profiles are essential for ocean research. Currently, water column profiles are typically obtained by ocean lidar instruments, including spaceborne, airborne and shipborne lidar, most of which are equipped with a 532 nm laser; however, blue wavelength penetrates more for open ocean detection. In this paper, we present a novel airborne dual-wavelength ocean lidar (DWOL), equipped with a 532 and 486 nm laser that can operate simultaneously. This instrument was designed to compare the performance of 486 and 532 nm lasers in a single detection area and to provide a reference for future spaceborne oceanic lidar (SBOL) design. Airborne and shipborne experiments were conducted in the South China Sea. Results show that—for a 500-frame accumulation—the 486 nm channel obtained volume profiles from a depth of approximately 100 m. In contrast, the vertical profiles obtained by the 532 nm channel only reached in a depth of 75 m, which was approximately 25% less than that of 486 m channel in the same detection area. Results from the inverse lidar attenuation coefficient α(z) for the DWOL show that the maximum value of α(z) ranged from 40 to 80 m, which was consistent with the chlorophyll-scattering layer (CSL) distribution measured by the shipborne instrument. Additionally, α486(z) decreased for depth beyond 80 m, indicating that the 486 nm laser can potentially penetrate the entire CSL.
Spectral Calibration Algorithm for the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS)
Authors: Kang Mina , Ahn Myoung-Hwan , Liu Xiong , Jeong Ukkyo , Kim Jhoon
Published: September 2020

The Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) onboard the Geostationary Korean Multi-Purpose Satellite 2B was successfully launched in February 2020. GEMS is a hyperspectral spectrometer measuring solar irradiance and Earth radiance in the wavelength range of 300 to 500 nm. This paper introduces the spectral calibration algorithm for GEMS, which uses a nonlinear least-squares approach. Sensitivity tests for a series of unknown algorithm parameters such as spectral range for fitting, spectral response function (SRF), and reference spectrum were conducted using the synthetic GEMS spectrum prepared with the ground-measured GEMS SRF. The test results show that the required accuracy of 0.002 nm is achievable provided the SRF and the high-resolution reference spectrum are properly prepared. Such a satisfactory performance is possible mainly due to the inclusion of additional fitting parameters of spectral scales (shift, squeeze, and high order shifts) and SRF (width, shape and asymmetry). For the application to the actual GEMS data, in-orbit SRF is to be monitored using an analytic SRF function and the measured GEMS solar irradiance, while a reference spectrum is going to be selected during the instrument in-orbit test. The calibrated GEMS data is expected to be released by the end of 2020.
High-Resolution Gridded Level 3 Aerosol Optical Depth Data from MODIS
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Remer Lorraine A. , Patadia Falguni , Levy Robert C. , Christopher Sundar A.
Published: September 2020

The state-of-art satellite observations of atmospheric aerosols over the last two decades from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments have been extensively utilized in climate change and air quality research and applications. The operational algorithms now produce Level 2 aerosol data at varying spatial resolutions (1, 3, and 10 km) and Level 3 data at 1 degree. The local and global applications have benefited from the coarse resolution gridded data sets (i.e., Level 3, 1 degree), as it is easier to use since data volume is low, and several online and offline tools are readily available to access and analyze the data with minimal computing resources. At the same time, researchers who require data at much finer spatial scales have to go through a challenging process of obtaining, processing, and analyzing larger volumes of data sets that require high-end computing resources and coding skills. Therefore, we created a high spatial resolution (high-resolution gridded (HRG), 0.1 × 0.1 degree) daily and monthly aerosol optical depth (AOD) product by combining two MODIS operational algorithms, namely Deep Blue (DB) and Dark Target (DT). The new HRG AODs meet the accuracy requirements of Level 2 AOD data and provide either the same or more spatial coverage on daily and monthly scales. The data sets are provided in daily and monthly files through open an Ftp server with python scripts to read and map the data. The reduced data volume with an easy to use format and tools to access the data will encourage more users to utilize the data for research and applications.
Spatio-Temporal Characteristics for Moon-Based Earth Observations
Authors: Huang Jing , Guo Huadong , Liu Guang , Shen Guozhuang , Ye Hanlin , Deng Yu , Dong Runbo
Published: September 2020

Spatio-temporal characteristics are the crucial conditions for Moon-based Earth observations. In this study, we established a Moon-based Earth observation geometric model by considering the intervisibility condition between a Moon-based platform and observed points on the Earth, which can analyze the spatio-temporal characteristics of the observations of Earth’s hemisphere. Furthermore, a formula for the spherical cap of the Earth visibility region on the Moon is analytically derived. The results show that: (1) the observed Earth spherical cap has a diurnal period and varies with the nadir point. (2) All the annual global observation durations in different years show two lines that almost coincide with the Arctic circle and the Antarctic circle. Regions between the two lines remain stable, but the observation duration of the South pole and North pole changes every 18.6 years. (3) With the increase of the line-of-sight minimum observation elevation angle, the area of an intervisible spherical cap on the lunar surface is obviously decreased, and this cap also varies with the distance between the barycenter of the Earth and the barycenter of the Moon. In general, this study reveals the effects of the elevation angle on the spatio-temporal characteristics and additionally determines the change of area where the Earth’s hemisphere can be observed on the lunar surface; this information can provide support for the accurate calculation of Moon-based Earth hemisphere observation times.
Illuminating the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of the 2008–2009 Qaidam Earthquake Sequence with the Joint Use of Insar Time Series and Teleseismic Data
Authors: Daout Simon , Steinberg Andreas , Isken Marius Paul , Heimann Sebastian , Sudhaus Henriette
Published: September 2020

Inferring the geometry and evolution of an earthquake sequence is crucial to understand how fault systems are segmented and interact. However, structural geological models are often poorly constrained in remote areas and fault inference is an ill-posed problem with a reliability that depends on many factors. Here, we investigate the geometry of the Mw 6.3 2008 and 2009 Qaidam earthquakes, in northeast Tibet, by combining InSAR time series and teleseismic data. We conduct a multi-array back-projection analysis from broadband teleseismic data and process three overlapping Envisat tracks covering the two earthquakes to extract the spatio-temporal evolution of seismic ruptures. We then integrate both geodetic and seismological data into a self-consistent kinematic model of the earthquake sequence. Our results constrain the depth and along-strike segmentation of the thrust-faulting sequence. The 2008 earthquake ruptured a ∼32° north-dipping fault that roots under the Olongbulak pop-up structure at ∼12 km depth and fault slip evolved post-seismically in a downdip direction. The 2009 earthquake ruptured three south-dipping high-angle thrusts and propagated from ∼9 km depth to the surface and bilaterally along the south-dipping segmented 55–75° high-angle faults of the Olonbulak pop-up structure that displace basin deformed sedimentary sequences above Paleozoic bedrock. Our analysis reveals that the inclusion of the post-seismic afterslip into modelling is beneficial in the determination of fault geometry, while teleseismic back-projection appears to be a robust tool for identifying rupture segmentation for moderate-sized earthquakes. These findings support the hypothesis that the Qilian Shan is expanding southward along a low-angle décollement that partitions the oblique convergence along multiple flower and pop-up structures.
The Dimming of Lights in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Elvidge Christopher , Ghosh Tilottama , Hsu Feng-Chi , Zhizhin Mikhail , Bazilian Morgan
Published: September 2020

A satellite survey of the cumulative radiant emissions from electric lighting across China reveals a large radiance decline in lighting from December 2019 to February 2020—the peak of the lockdown established to suppress the spread of COVID-19 infections. To illustrate the changes, an analysis was also conducted on a reference set from a year prior to the pandemic. In the reference period, the majority (62%) of China’s population lived in administrative units that became brighter in March 2019 relative to December 2018. The situation reversed in February 2020, when 82% of the population lived in administrative units where lighting dimmed as a result of the pandemic. The dimming has also been demonstrated with difference images for the reference and pandemic image pairs, scattergrams, and a nightly temporal profile. The results indicate that it should be feasible to monitor declines and recovery in economic activity levels using nighttime lighting as a proxy.
Modelling Water Colour Characteristics in an Optically Complex Nearshore Environment in the Baltic Sea; Quantitative Interpretation of the Forel-Ule Scale and Algorithms for the Remote Estimation of Seawater Composition
Authors: Woźniak Sławomir B. , Meler Justyna
Published: September 2020

The paper presents the modelling results of selected characteristics of water-leaving light in an optically complex nearshore marine environment. The modelled quantities include the spectra of the remote-sensing reflectance Rrs(λ) and the hue angle α, which quantitatively describes the colour of water visible to the unaided human eye. Based on the latter value, it is also possible to match water-leaving light spectra to classes on the traditional Forel-Ule water colour scale. We applied a simple model that assumes that seawater is made up of chemically pure water and three types of additional optically significant components: particulate organic matter (POM) (which includes living phytoplankton), particulate inorganic matter (PIM), and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). We also utilised the specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs) of these components, determined from measurements made at a nearshore location on the Gulf of Gdańsk. To a first approximation, the simple model assumes that the Rrs spectrum can be described by a simple function of the ratio of the light backscattering coefficient to the sum of the light absorption and backscattering coefficients (u = bb/(a + bb)). The model calculations illustrate the complexity of possible relationships between the seawater composition and the optical characteristics of an environment in which the concentrations of individual optically significant components may be mutually uncorrelated. The calculations permit a quantitative interpretation of the Forel-Ule scale. The following parameters were determined for the several classes on this scale: typical spectral shapes of the u ratio, possible ranges of the total light absorption coefficient in the blue band (a(440)), as well as upper limits for concentrations of total and organic and inorganic fractions of suspended particles (SPM, POM and PIM concentrations). The paper gives examples of practical algorithms that, based on a given Rrs spectrum or some of its features, and using lookup tables containing the modelling results, enable to estimate the approximate composition of seawater.
Evaluating the Spectral Indices Efficiency to Quantify Daytime Surface Anthropogenic Heat Island Intensity: An Intercontinental Methodology
Authors: Firozjaei Mohammad Karimi , Fathololoumi Solmaz , Mijani Naeim , Kiavarz Majid , Qureshi Salman , Homaee Mehdi , Alavipanah Seyed Kazem
Published: September 2020

The surface anthropogenic heat island (SAHI) phenomenon is one of the most important environmental concerns in urban areas. SAHIs play a significant role in quality of urban life. Hence, the quantification of SAHI intensity (SAHII) is of great importance. The impervious surface cover (ISC) can well reflect the degree and extent of anthropogenic activities in an area. Various actual ISC (AISC) datasets are available for different regions of the world. However, the temporal and spatial coverage of available and accessible AISC datasets is limited. This study was aimed to evaluate the spectral indices efficiency to daytime SAHII (DSAHII) quantification. Consequently, 14 cities including Budapest, Bucharest, Ciechanow, Hamburg, Lyon, Madrid, Porto, and Rome in Europe and Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix in the USA, were selected. A set of 91 Landsat 8 images, the Landsat provisional surface temperature product, the High Resolution Imperviousness Layer (HRIL), and the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) imperviousness data were used as the AISC datasets for the selected cities. The spectral index-based ISC (SIISC) and land surface temperature (LST) were modelled from the Landsat 8 images. Then, a linear least square model (LLSM) obtained from the LST-AISC feature space was applied to quantify the actual SAHII of the selected cities. Finally, the SAHII of the selected cities was modelled based on the LST-SIISC feature space-derived LLSM. Finally, the values of the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) between the actual and modelled SAHII were calculated to evaluate and compare the performance of different spectral indices in SAHII quantification. The performance of the spectral indices used in the built LST-SIISC feature space for SAHII quantification differed. The index-based built-up index (IBI) (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.34 °C) and albedo (0.76, 1.39 °C) performed the best and worst performance in SAHII quantification, respectively. Our results indicate that the LST-SIISC feature space is very useful and effective for SAHII quantification. The advantages of the spectral indices used in SAHII quantification include (1) synchronization with the recording of thermal data, (2) simplicity, (3) low cost, (4) accessibility under different spatial and temporal conditions, and (5) scalability.
The Psychological Decision-Making Process Model of Giving up Driving under Parking Constraints from the Perspective of Sustainable Traffic
Authors: Shuangli Pan , Guijun Zheng , Qun Chen
Published: September 2020

Parking restrictions can affect the use of cars and become an effective means to promote the sustainable development of urban traffic. To understand the influencing factors of car owners giving up driving due to parking constraints, the research constructs a theoretical model of psychological decision process about giving up driving under parking constraints, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and taking the public transit perception as a mediating variable, considering psychological factors. The empirical data were used to verify and modify the model by the Structural Equation Model (SEM) method, and finally the model was determined. The result shows that the choice of travel mode under the constraint of parking berth is not only affected by individual social and economic attributes and travel mode characteristics, but also by psychological latent variables such as behavioral attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, public transportation perception and behavior intention. The subjective norms of car owners about giving up driving have a positive effect on perceived behavioral control and behavioral attitude; perceived behavior control also has an effect on behavior attitude; the behavior attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control all have positive effects on the behavior intention of giving up driving due to parking constraints, among which public transit perception plays a positive adjustable intermediary role. The Integration of Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) model considering psychological latent variables has a higher fitting degree to empirical data than the traditional Multinomial Logit (MNL) model. Based on the analysis results, some suggestions for auxiliary measures to implement the optimization strategy of parking supply are put forward.
Hydrochemical Types of Spring Waters in West Carpathian Catchments (Poland) under Different Pressure of Acidic Deposition
Authors: Jasik Michał , Małek Stanisław , Krakowian Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

Springs are natural outflows of groundwater to the surface and are often the only places to gain insights into underground processes, especially in protected areas. Contact with rocks changes the parameters of water, especially its chemical composition, which can be easily expressed via hydrochemical typing using the Szczukariew–Priklonski classification. Knowledge of the distribution and chemical compositions of springs is essential for a good hydrological and hydrogeological understanding of a given area. In previous decades, underground water remained mostly uncontaminated, and the ions used in the Szczukariew–Priklonski classification, namely, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42− and HCO3−, provided accurate descriptions of this water. However, due to anthropogenic activity in the last decades, NO3− and NH4+ ions in shares greater than 20% have been frequently noted in underground and spring water. Research has been conducted in two forested regions: within the Skrzyczne range, which is under pressure from high air pollution coming from the Ostrava and Upper Silesia industrial districts, and in Gorce National Park, which is impacted by low-level air pollution. Water samples were collected three times per year in 2011 and 2012 at various water levels after a spring snow thaw, a period of heavy rain and a dry period. A search for the following ions was conducted: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl− and NO3−. Under the Szczukariew–Priklonski classification system, due to the continuous accumulation of nitrogen compounds from air pollution, the shares of nitrates and ammonium ions in underground water and spring water are likely to increase.
Stakeholder Perceptions of Policy Tools in Support of Sustainable Food Consumption in Europe: Policy Implications
Authors: Saviolidis Nína M. , Olafsdottir Gudrun , Nicolau Mariana , Samoggia Antonella , Huber Elise , Brimont Laura , Gorton Matthew , von Berlepsch David , Sigurdardottir Hildigunnur , Del Prete Margherita , Fedato Cristina , Aubert Pierre-Marie , Bogason Sigurdur G.
Published: September 2020

Transitioning agri-food systems towards increased sustainability and resilience requires that attention be paid to sustainable food consumption policies. Policy-making processes often require the engagement and acceptance of key stakeholders. This study analyses stakeholders’ solutions for creating sustainable agri-food systems, through interviews with a broad range of stakeholders including food value chain actors, non-governmental organizations, governmental institutions, research institutions and academic experts. The study draws on 38 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in four European countries: France, Iceland, Italy and the UK, as well as three interviews with high-level EU experts. The interviewees’ solutions were analysed according to a five-category typology of policy tools, encompassing direct activity regulations, and market-based, knowledge-based, governance and strategic policy tools. Most of the identified solutions were located in the strategic tools category, reflecting shared recognition of the need to integrate food policy to achieve long-term goals. Emerging solutions—those which were most commonly identified among the different national contexts—were then used to derive empirically-grounded and more universally applicable recommendations for the advancement of sustainable food consumption policies.
The Implementation of Asset Allocation Approaches: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Su Jung-Bin
Published: September 2020

This study develops three capital allocation approaches and a directional weight increment algorithm to identify the efficient frontier of all possible multi-asset portfolios precisely and rapidly. Subsequently, this study proposes an asset selection criterion, based on the coefficient of variance and volatility risk measures, to perform the asset allocation for two types of investors who are willing or not willing to bear the risk. Finally, this study uses a multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model to estimate the conditional variance and covariance of several multi-asset portfolios constituted of seven assets dispersed in the oil, stock, and currency markets of the US. The empirical results show that, via applying the proposed asset selection criterion, the most suitable multi-asset portfolios are the SP500-Nasdaq and the GasNyh-DJ, which belong to the relatively most efficient portfolios. Moreover, two capital allocation approaches using the entire sample weight forecasts have the best forecast performance. Additionally, for all multi-asset portfolios the weight combination set of portfolios on the efficient frontier that resulted from the proposed algorithm is consistent with that obtained from the traditional approach.
The Mineral Fertilizer-Dependent Chemical Parameters of Soil Acidification under Field Conditions
Authors: Tkaczyk Przemysław , Mocek-Płóciniak Agnieszka , Skowrońska Monika , Bednarek Wiesław , Kuśmierz Sebastian , Zawierucha Elżbieta
Published: September 2020

Soil acidification in agroecosystems is a natural process that could be accelerated, mainly by the inappropriate application of mineral fertilizers, or prevented, by sustainable management practices. On the basis of a three-year field study in a grassland agroecosystem, the impact of different rates of fertilization with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on soil chemical parameters related to soil acidity was evaluated. It was found that high-rate fertilization with ammonium nitrate accelerated the soil acidification process, which was additionally intensified by the application of superphosphate and potassium salt. The sum of exchangeable base cations, the values of base saturation and hydrolytic acidity in the soil reflected the interactions between the applied NPK-fertilizer levels. Considering chemical parameters related to soil acidity studied in this experiment, it seems that the best strategies for mitigating soil acidification in grasslands are reducing nitrate leaching, changing fertilizer types and increasing the input of base cations.
Identification Method for Optimal Urban Bus Corridor Location
Authors: Yin Weichuan , Zhang Yingqun
Published: September 2020

Locating urban bus corridors based on corridor characteristics can increase the transportation capacity, improve transportation efficiency, and increase the attractiveness and commercial value of urban bus corridors. In this paper, we describe the comprehensive optimization of the urban bus corridor location and setting of bus lanes, while considering the aggregation effect of the corridor. First, we use a K-shortest path algorithm to generate a candidate set of bus corridors. Then, we analyze the influencing factors of the bus corridor. Following this, we take the minimum generalized cost and the maximum aggregation utility along the path as the objective function and design a bus corridor location identification optimization model, considering arc capacity, plot ratio, corridor development, and time constraints. Finally, we examine the real-world example of the Beijing city and identify the location of the bus corridors in the morning and evening peak hours. The one-way traffic of most of the roads identified as bus corridors was found to be greater than 6671 people/h. Thus, the location of the bus corridor and setting of bus lanes in the corridor are closely related to passenger flow, and the method can provide scientific guidance for transportation and urban planning departments and facilitate collaboration between these departments.
Transnational Corporation’s Failure in China: Focus on Tesco
Authors: Woohyoung Kim , Kim Hyun , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: September 2020

Many of the foreign companies operating in China have claimed that they have failed and are constantly deciding on a strategic withdrawal from the Chinese market. We intend to conduct an empirical analysis of Chinese consumers in order to determine the cause of Tesco’s management failure in China. The survey was conducted on those in their 20s or older who had experience shopping at both Tesco and RT-Mart. As a result, a total of 650 copies were distributed to obtain an effective sample of 607 copies, which was used for the analysis. This paper conducted a comparative analysis on Chinese consumers who visited both Tesco and its rival company RT-Mart in China. We found through comparative analysis that Tesco was destined to fail in many areas. It was estimated that RT-Mart was more satisfactory in all factors, including product, location, brand recognition, and employee service.
The Post Pandemic City: Challenges and Opportunities for a Non-Motorized Urban Environment. An Overview of Italian Cases
Authors: Barbarossa Luca
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 has forced city governments to reconsider the relationship between mobility, urban space and health in order to ensure physical distancing while meeting the travel needs of inhabitants. Therefore, cities around the world are already involved in the transformation of mobility through new models of sustainable transport. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on mobility during the COVID outbreak are mostly directed at creating more spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in densely populated urban areas, thus avoiding the overloading of public transport and the use of private cars. Through the analysis of the programs set up by the 10 main Italian metropolitan cities, chosen as a case study, this research evaluates the response implemented by local governments in order to transform urban environments in one of the world’s most pandemic-affected countries in detail. Starting from the current mobility model, this paper focuses on local government policies concerning post-COVID sustainable mobility to understand policies, approaches and measures in depth, as well as the effectiveness of the ongoing actions in shaping future urban mobility. From the research, an almost homogeneous awareness among policy makers and planners emerges concerning the need to rethink urban spaces and mobility, to make up for lost time and to start a green revolution that is aimed at quickly decarbonizing urban transport and enhancing cycling and walking through the city.
Identification and Analysis of Impact Factors on the Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Energy Investments
Authors: de Oliveira Azevêdo Rômulo , Rotela Junior Paulo , Rocha Luiz Célio Souza , Chicco Gianfranco , Aquila Giancarlo , Peruchi Rogério Santana
Published: September 2020

The introduction of environmental impact targets around the world has highlighted the need to adopt alternative sources of energy, which can supply the demand and mitigate the damage caused to the environment. Solar energy is one of the main sources of alternative energy, and is considered an abundant source of clean energy. However, to facilitate and encourage investors interested in the installation of photovoltaic energy systems for electricity production, it is essential to evaluate the factors that impact the economic viability of the projects. Therefore, the objective of this research is to present a systematic analytical framework, in order to identify and analyze the main factors that impact the financial feasibility of projects for the installation of photovoltaic energy plants. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was carried out, analyzing the main studies related to the topic and identifying the main factors that may financially affect investments in photovoltaic energy systems. From this review, 29 influencing factors were identified and separated into five categories, namely, location, economic, political, climatic and environmental, and technical factors. The main factors highlighted are the investment cost, power generation, operation and maintenance costs, solar radiation, lifetime, energy tariff, efficiency, electricity consumption, and interest and taxes. The results may assist policy makers, investors, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify the key factors that are being examined in the literature, and to evaluate which ones should be considered in their study to ensure the sustainable development of power generation through the solar source.
The Role of Managerial Cognitive Capability in Developing a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem: A Case Study of Xiaomi
Authors: Cao Xin , Ouyang Taohua , Balozian Puzant , Zhang Sixuan
Published: September 2020

Establishing a hub-based innovation ecosystem is an effective way for companies to cope with technological transformation and achieve sustainable development. While existing literature has explored how a hub firm develops or manages an innovation ecosystem, little attention has been paid to the strategic challenges in the development and management process. In strategic management, managerial cognitive capability has been proposed as a key factor that influences how firms make strategic changes and adapt to dynamic environments. Hence, from the perspective of managerial cognitive capability, this paper strives to investigate the development of an innovation ecosystem from the perspective of managerial cognitive capability. To do so, we conducted a qualitative case study of Xiaomi’s innovation ecosystem from 2010 to 2019. The research adopts an interpretive approach and finds that (1) the evolution of the innovation ecosystem can be divided into incubation, growth, and regeneration periods, with developing core products, related products, and unrelated products as respective focus; (2) under rapid technological and market changes, it is critical to match the managerial cognitive capability of the hub-firm with its innovation ecosystem; (3) building innovation ecosystems enables the hub-firm to achieve sustainable competitive advantages. The study builds a model for the growth of innovation ecosystems and enriches theoretical research on innovation ecosystems and managerial cognitive capability.
Mapping and Analysis of Sustainability-Oriented Partnerships in Non-Profit Organizations: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kassem Hazem S. , Aljuaid Mohammed , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Ghozy Rabab
Published: September 2020

The growing alignment between Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and cooperation development actors has contributed to creating new partnerships to be harnessed in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 17). This study aimed to map the key characteristics of engagements between NPOs and other actors. An analytical framework was designed to map the partnerships in terms of four main areas, namely, drivers, motivations, the partnership’s characteristics, and outcomes. Charitable associations were selected as a representative type of NPO. The study analyzed 459 partnerships established by charities in the Riyadh region during 2016–2018. The findings showed that the associations engaged in partnerships mainly to enhance their financial stability. Cross-sector partnerships were observed in 63.4% of the cases, principally with the private sector. The results also indicated that 89.7% of the partnerships could be called “transactional partnerships” in cases of both philanthropic and social investment partnerships. It could be concluded that the mapping framework provides useful information for policy-makers concerned with how charitable associations engaged with the other actors, as well as the existing policy gaps to be implemented for sustainability.