bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Hybrid Precoding-Companding Technique for Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction in 5G and beyond
Authors: Mounir Mohamed , El_Mashade Mohamed B. , Berra Salah , Gaba Gurjot Singh , Masud Mehedi
Published: February 2021

Several high-speed wireless systems use Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) due to its advantages. 5G has adopted OFDM and is expected to be considered beyond 5G (B5G). Meanwhile, OFDM has a high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) problem. Hybridization between two PAPR reduction techniques gains the two techniques’ advantages. Hybrid precoding-companding techniques are attractive as they require small computational complexity to achieve high PAPR reduction gain. Many precoding-companding techniques were introduced to increasing the PAPR reduction gain. However, reducing Bit Error Rate (BER) and out-of-band (OOB) radiation are more significant than increasing PAPR reduction gain. This paper proposes a new precoding-companding technique to better reduce the BER and OOB radiation than previous precoding-companding techniques. Results showed that the proposed technique outperforms all previous precoding-companding techniques in BER enhancement and OOB radiation reduction. The proposed technique reduces the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) by 15 dB compared with 10 dB for the best previous technique. Additionally, the proposed technique increases high power amplifier efficiency (HPA) by 11.4%, while the best previous technique increased HPA efficiency by 9.8%. Moreover, our proposal achieves PAPR reduction gain better than the most known powerful PAPR reduction technique with a 99% reduction in required computational complexity.
Design and Implementation of a Real-Time Multi-Beam Sonar System Based on FPGA and DSP
Authors: Tian Haowen , Guo Shixu , Zhao Peng , Gong Minyu , Shen Chao
Published: February 2021

Aiming at addressing the contradiction between the high-speed real-time positioning and multi-channel signal processing in multi-beam sonar systems, in this work we present a real-time multi-beam sonar system based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) from two perspectives, i.e., hardware implementation and software optimization. In terms of hardware, an efficient high-voltage pulse transmitting module and a multi-channel data acquisition module with time versus gain (TVG) compensation with characteristics such as low noise and high phase amplitude consistency, are proposed. In terms of algorithms, we study three beamforming methods, namely delay-and-sum (D&S), direct-method (DM) and Chirp Zeta Transform (CZT). We compare the computational efficiency of DM and CZT in the digital domain. In terms of software, according to the transmission bandwidth of the Gigabit Ethernet and a serial rapid IO (SRIO) interface, the data transmission paths of the acquired data and the beam pattern between the FPGA, the DSP, and a personal computer (PC) are planned. A master-slave multi-core pipelined signal processing architecture is designed based on DSP, which enhances the data throughput of the signal processor by seven times as compared with that of the single-core operation. The experimental results reveal that the sound source level of the transmitting module is around 190.25 dB, the transmitting beam width is 64° × 64°, the background noise of the acquisition module is less than 4 μVrms, the amplitude consistency error of each channel is less than −6.55 dB, and the phase consistency error is less than 0.2°. It is noteworthy that the beam number of the sonar system is 90 × 90, the scanning angle interval is 0.33°, the working distance ranges from 5 m to 40 m, and the maximum distance resolution is 0.384 m. In the positioning experiment performed in this work; the 3-D real-time position of the baffle placed in the detection sector is realized. Please note that the maximum deviation of azimuth is 2°, the maximum deviation of elevation is 2.3°, and the maximum distance deviation is 0.379 m.
Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition Based on Depthwise Separable Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Hu Gang , Wang Kejun , Liu Liangliang
Published: February 2021

Facing the complex marine environment, it is extremely challenging to conduct underwater acoustic target feature extraction and recognition using ship-radiated noise. In this paper, firstly, taking the one-dimensional time-domain raw signal of the ship as the input of the model, a new deep neural network model for underwater target recognition is proposed. Depthwise separable convolution and time-dilated convolution are used for passive underwater acoustic target recognition for the first time. The proposed model realizes automatic feature extraction from the raw data of ship radiated noise and temporal attention in the process of underwater target recognition. Secondly, the measured data are used to evaluate the model, and cluster analysis and visualization analysis are performed based on the features extracted from the model. The results show that the features extracted from the model have good characteristics of intra-class aggregation and inter-class separation. Furthermore, the cross-folding model is used to verify that there is no overfitting in the model, which improves the generalization ability of the model. Finally, the model is compared with traditional underwater acoustic target recognition, and its accuracy is significantly improved by 6.8%.
Three State Estimation Fusion Methods Based on the Characteristic Function Filtering
Authors: Yuan Yiran , Wen Chenglin , Qiu Yiting , Sun Xiaohui
Published: February 2021

There are three state estimation fusion methods for a class of strong nonlinear measurement systems, based on the characteristic function filter, namely the centralized filter, parallel filter, and sequential filter. Under ideal communication conditions, the centralized filter can obtain the best state estimation accuracy, and the parallel filter can simplify centralized calculation complexity and improve feasibility; in addition, the performance of the sequential filter is very close to that of the centralized filter and far better than that of the parallel filter. However, the sequential filter can tolerate non-ideal conditions, such as delay and packet loss, and the first two filters cannot operate normally online for delay and will be invalid for packet loss. The performance of the three designed fusion filters is illustrated by three typical cases, which are all better than that of the most popular Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) performance.
Ultrafast Laser Processing of Optical Fibers for Sensing Applications
Authors: Mihailov Stephen J. , Hnatovsky Cyril , Abdukerim Nurmemet , Walker Robert B. , Lu Ping , Xu Yanping , Bao Xiaoyi , Ding Huimin , De Silva Manny , Coulas David , Grobnic Dan
Published: February 2021

A review of recent progress in the use of infrared femtosecond lasers to fabricate optical fiber sensors that incorporate fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) and random fiber gratings (RFG) is presented. The important advancements in femtosecond laser writing based on the phase mask technique now allow through-the-coating (TTC) fabrication of Bragg gratings in ultra-thin fiber filaments, tilted fiber Bragg gratings, and 1000 °C-resistant fiber Bragg gratings with very strong cladding modes. As an example, through-the-coating femtosecond laser writing is used to manufacture distributed fiber Bragg grating sensor arrays for oil pipeline leak detection. The plane-by-plane femtosecond laser writing technique used for the inscription of random fiber gratings is also reviewed and novel applications of the resultant devices in distributed temperature sensing, fiber lasers and fiber laser sensors are discussed.
In Vivo Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Methods: Recent Technical Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Noguchi Asako , Ikegaya Yuji , Matsumoto Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2021

Brain functions are fundamental for the survival of organisms, and they are supported by neural circuits consisting of a variety of neurons. To investigate the function of neurons at the single-cell level, researchers often use whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques. These techniques enable us to record membrane potentials (including action potentials) of individual neurons of not only anesthetized but also actively behaving animals. This whole-cell recording method enables us to reveal how neuronal activities support brain function at the single-cell level. In this review, we introduce previous studies using in vivo patch-clamp recording techniques and recent findings primarily regarding neuronal activities in the hippocampus for behavioral function. We further discuss how we can bridge the gap between electrophysiology and biochemistry.
Thermal Expansion Behavior in the A2M3O12 Family of Materials
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Sun Weikang , Zhang Zhiping , Lovings La’Nese , Lind Cora
Published: February 2021

Over the past several decades, research on anomalous thermal expansion materials has been rapidly growing, and increasing numbers of compounds exhibiting negative thermal expansion (NTE) have been reported. In particular, compounds with formula A2M3O12 have attracted considerable attention. A2M3O12 family materials offer a wide range of possible compositions due to the chemical flexibility of the A and M sites. According to published research, more than half of them possess NTE properties. This paper reviews the range of physical properties displayed by materials in the A2M3O12 family. Research on improving material imperfections and controlling the coefficient of thermal expansion in the A2M3O12 family are systematically summarized. Finally, challenges and questions about the developments of these A2M3O12 NTE compounds in future studies are also discussed.
Influence of Tillage Systems and Cereals–Legume Mixture on Fodder Yield, Quality and Net Returns under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Sohail Sunyad , Ansar Muhammad , Skalicky Milan , Wasaya Allah , Soufan Walid , Ahmad Yasir Tauqeer , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Brestic Marian , Sohidul Islam Mohammad , Ali Raza Muhammad , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: February 2021

Livestock development in rainfed areas is slower due to the inadequate supply of nutritious fodder. Mono-cropping systems also have a negative impact on forage yield and nutrition as cereals are deficient in protein. Hence, there is a dire need to grow cereals with legumes to improve forage yield and quality. Therefore, a two-year field study was undertaken to evaluate winter cereal–legume forage and their mixtures viz. oats (cv. PD2-LV65), barley (Jau-86) and one legume viz. vetch (cv. Languedock) under different tillage systems viz. conventional tillage (moldboard plow+4-cultivation with tines) and conservation tillage (3-cultivation with tines). Crops were grown in pure stands as well as in mixtures with a 70:30 seeding ratio. The results revealed that the conventional tillage system performed better in terms of numbers of tillers/branches, leaf-to-stem ratio and green fodder yield than the conservation tillage system. However, the conventional and conservation tillage systems did not show a significant difference in terms of crude protein, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber. In the pure stands and cereal–legume mixtures, the oat–vetch mixture performed better in terms of plant height, leaf-to-stem ratio and green fodder yield. The maximum crude protein content was observed in the oat–vetch mixture, while the maximum acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber were observed in the pure oat stands. In competitive indices, the land-equivalent ratio and competitive ratio showed the advantage of intercropping. In actual yield loss, results showed the positive value of barley and oats in mixtures, which reflects the advantage of intercropping in the rainfed areas. The economic analysis showed a greater net benefit from the conventional tillage than the conservation tillage system under rainfed conditions. On the basis of this investigation, an oat–vetch mixture and the conventional tillage system are recommended for higher tonnage of nutritious fodder in rainfed areas.
New Water Culture versus the Traditional Design and Validation of a Questionnaire to Discriminate between Both
Authors: Benarroch Alicia , Rodríguez-Serrano María , Ramírez-Segado Alejandra
Published: February 2021

This article addresses the process of designing and validating a questionnaire on the New Water Culture, which aims to collect information on various issues related to water, such as its management, savings, and consumption. The questionnaire was subjected to a double validation process: an evaluation by a panel of experts, including members of the New Water Culture Foundation, and a pilot study, which allowed us to estimate the validation of the content as well as the corresponding internal consistency of the questionnaire. The construction and validation process resulted in a questionnaire consisting of 27 items with a total of 71 variables distributed in four sections: the first is related to scarcity, quantity, and distribution of water; the second collects questions about the different dimensions of water; the third analyses the different ways of carrying out water management; and the fourth and last section is related to personal actions associated with water. The reliability study showed a Cronbach alpha of 0.913, which demonstrates the development of a robust and reliable instrument allowing the identification of the most problematic issues associated with the New Water Culture.
Exploratory Research on Overfertilization in Grain Production and Its Relationship with Financial Factors: Evidence from China
Authors: Shen Jianfei , Dan Erli , Lu Yalin , Guo Yiwei
Published: February 2021

Although there have been many studies on the degree of overfertilization, there are few systematic comparative analyses on the degree of overfertilization of three major grain crops (wheat, rice, and maize) over a long time span in recent years. Whereas the studies of the influence of government efforts, individual characteristics of farmers, and economic factors on farmer’s fertilization decision ignored the financial consideration of farmers. This study aims to systematically investigate the degree of overfertilization in the production of three major grain crops in 21 provinces of China from 2004 to 2018 by developing a panel-data model, and explores the impact of financial factors on overfertilization by applying Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond linear dynamic panel-data estimation. The results showed an upward trend in overfertilization in the production of three grain crops from 2010 to 2018, although a decline between 2007 and 2009 may indicate that the financial crisis had a short-term impact on overfertilization. Overfertilization varied across regions, and chemical fertilizers were applied most excessively in wheat production in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and in maize in Southwest China. The analysis of financial factors showed that cash earnings from wheat and maize positively affected overfertilization, whereas cash cost and farmers’ income had opposite effects. In fact, farmers value cash earnings and cash costs rather than the time value of money. In addition, the sensitivity and cautiousness of farmers regarding economic events may indicate that farmers have a certain degree of economic rationality regarding fertilizer input in several provinces, such as Anhui and Yunnan. The study provides necessary supplements to existing research on the influence factors of overfertilization and has implications for improving the design of fertilizer sales collection methods by the government and the financial service sector.
Public Transport GPS Probe and Rail Gate Data for Assessing the Pattern of Human Mobility in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Authors: Siangsuebchart Songkorn , Ninsawat Sarawut , Witayangkurn Apichon , Pravinvongvuth Surachet
Published: February 2021

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the most developed and expansive cities. Due to the ongoing development and expansion of Bangkok, urbanization has continued to expand into adjacent provinces, creating the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). Continuous monitoring of human mobility in BMR aids in public transport planning and design, and efficient performance assessment. The purpose of this study is to design and develop a process to derive human mobility patterns from the real movement of people who use both fixed-route and non-fixed-route public transport modes, including taxis, vans, and electric rail. Taxi GPS open data were collected by the Intelligent Traffic Information Center Foundation (iTIC) from all GPS-equipped taxis of one operator in BMR. GPS probe data of all operating GPS-equipped vans were collected by the Ministry of Transport’s Department of Land Transport for daily speed and driving behavior monitoring. Finally, the ridership data of all electric rail lines were collected from smartcards by the Automated Fare Collection (AFC). None of the previous works on human mobility extraction from multi-sourced big data have used van data; therefore, it is a challenge to use this data with other sources in the study of human mobility. Each public transport mode has traveling characteristics unique to its passengers and, therefore, specific analytical tools. Firstly, the taxi trip extraction process was developed using Hadoop Hive to process a large quantity of data spanning a one-month period to derive the origin and destination (OD) of each trip. Secondly, for van data, a Java program was used to construct the ODs of van trips. Thirdly, another Java program was used to create the ODs of the electric rail lines. All OD locations of these three modes were aggregated into transportation analysis zones (TAZ). The major taxi trip destinations were found to be international airports and provincial bus terminals. The significant trip destinations of vans were provincial bus terminals in Bangkok, electric rail stations, and the industrial estates in other provinces of BMR. In contrast, electric rail destinations were electric rail line interchange stations, the central business district (CBD), and commercial office areas. Therefore, these significant destinations of taxis and vans should be considered in electric rail planning to reduce the air pollution from gasoline vehicles (taxis and vans). Using the designed procedures, the up-to-date dataset of public transport can be processed to derive a time series of human mobility as an input into continuous and sustainable public transport planning and performance assessment. Based on the results of the study, the procedures can benefit other cities in Thailand and other countries.
The Impact of CEOs’ Gender on Organisational Efficiency in the Public Sector: Evidence from the English NHS
Authors: Gutierrez-Romero Gema , Blanco-Oliver Antonio , Montero-Romero Mª Teresa , Carbonero-Ruz Mariano
Published: February 2021

Increasing operational efficiency is an objective relevant for all institutions, but it is essential in public entities and even more in public health systems because of the number of resources they consume and their impact on general welfare. This research analyses the effect that CEOs’ gender has on the operational efficiency of the entities they manage. Despite the impact that the management team and notably the CEO have on the development of institutions, studies on their effect on performance are practically non-existent, especially for public organisations. We have used data from acute care hospital trusts belonging to the English National Health System (NHS) concerning its development. The results were obtained from a two-stage analysis. First, the entities’ economic efficiency and health/social efficiency (two operational efficiency measures) were evaluated using two data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. Secondly, the results have been regressed with the CEOs’ gender. The results obtained are robust and consistent, revealing that male CEOs have greater performance than female CEOs. This result provides insight into determining features that relate to operational efficiency, which it is of interest to the research and policymakers.
Sustainable Mobility and the Institutional Lock-In: The Example of Rural France
Authors: Flipo Aurore , Sallustio Madeleine , Ortar Nathalie , Senil Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Sustainable mobility issues in rural areas, compared with urban mobility issues, have so far been poorly covered in the French and European public debate. However, local mobility issues are determining factors in territorial inequalities, regional development and ecological transition. This paper is based on preliminary findings of qualitative socio-anthropological fieldwork carried out in two rural departments of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: Drôme and Ardèche. Our objective is to highlight how the question of sustainable local mobility is linked to governance issues and multiple overlapping institutions. We argue that analyzing stakeholders’ strategies and territorial governance is key to understanding the contemporary dynamics surrounding a transition towards a more sustainable mobility in rural areas. In order to do so, we show how the debates surrounding the adoption of a law allowing for the transfer of responsibility to local authorities for the organization of mobility services reveals the complexity of local mobility governance in rural areas and provides material for the analysis of the logics of stakeholder engagement, cooperation and conflict within the field of sustainable mobility. Through the case study of the organization of a local public transport service in a rural area, we shed light on the action of multiple stakeholders and their potentially antagonistic objectives.
Seed Coating in Direct Seeded Rice: An Innovative and Sustainable Approach to Enhance Grain Yield and Weed Management under Submerged Conditions
Authors: Javed Talha , Afzal Irfan , Mauro Rosario Paolo
Published: February 2021

Dry direct-seeded rice is an alternative cropping technique that should require less water and labor than the classical method of transplanted-flooded rice. Weed competition is the major biological constraint in this resource-conserving production technique reducing the crop yield by 30–80%. This study evaluated the effects of different seed coating treatments on the performance of dry direct seeded rice under field conditions. The seed coating treatments used were preliminarily optimized under lab conditions. The rice seeds were coated with sodium lauryl sulphate (20:1), calcium peroxide (CaO2) (20:6), alginate (20:6), and plant growth promoting bacteria Bacillus sp. KS-54 (20:6 g:mL) on a dry weight basis. Among treatments, seed coating with CaO2 resulted in higher field emergence (85%) and suppressed the fresh and dry biomass of weeds at 15 and 35 days after sowing which subsequently improved the seedling growth of direct seeded rice followed by other treatments and the control. Rice seeds coated with CaO2 and Bacillus sp. KS-54 were effective at enhancing morphological, yield and yield related attributes as compared to other treatments and the control under field conditions. The better morphological attributes and yield of rice plants raised from seeds coated with CaO2 and Bacillus sp. KS-54 were associated with higher concentrations of reducing sugars and enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities.
Utilization of a Newly Developed Nanomaterial Based on Loading of Biochar with Hematite for the Removal of Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Media
Authors: Iqbal Tunzeel , Iqbal Shahid , Batool Fozia , Thomas Dimitrios , Iqbal Malik Muhammad Hassnain
Published: February 2021

In order to conserve the energy used for remediation of harmful metals from aqueous media, an adsorption process was performed. It is efficient and low-cost method with zero carbon emissions as compared to other methods. A hematite-based novel nanomaterial loaded onto biochar was utilized for the remediation of toxic cadmium metal ions from aqueous media. Saccharum munja has been employed as low-cost feedstock to prepare the biochar. Three adsorbents i.e., raw Saccharum munja (SM), Saccharum munja biochar (SMBC) and hematite-loaded Saccharum munja bichar (HLSMBC) were used in batch adsorption tests to study uptake of metal ions by optimizing the experimental parameters. Experimental data and calculated results revealed maximum sorption efficiency of Cd(II) removal was given by HLSMBC (72 ppm) and SMBC (67.73 ppm) as compared with SM (48.7 ppm). Among adsorption isotherms applied on work best fit for Cd(II) adsorption on SM was found for a Freundlich isotherm with high values of correlation coefficient R2 ≥ 0.9 for all sorbents and constant 1/n values between 0–1. Equilibrium results were evaluated using five different types of errors functions. Thermodynamic studies suggested feasible, spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption process, while, the ∆H parameter < 80 kJ/mol indicated physiosorption and positive ∆S values promoted randomness of ions with increase in adsorption process. Data fitted into type I of pseudo second order kinetics having R2 ≥ 0.98 and rate constants K2 (0–1). Desorption process was also performed for storage, conservation and reuse of sorbent and sorbate materials.
A Concrete Study on Social-Media Connection of Global Literacy Abilities in MOOCs under the Dual Impacts of Lower Birth-Rate and COVID-19
Authors: Chan Yung-Kuan , Hsieh Ming Yuan , Usak Muhammet
Published: February 2021

In order to break through the dual impacts of lower birth rates and COVID-19, a majority of higher education institutions have commenced in providing a series of diversified Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to effectively reduce these huge dual impacts. This research employed the Social Learning Theory (SLT) of educational doctrine for theoretical uses and the Factor Analysis (FA) approach of quantitative analysis and Trigonometrical Entropy Method (TEM) method of qualitative analysis for statistically purposes. These concepts were employed to explore the most critical social-media connection of global literacy abilities in MOOC. After a succession of assessed measurements, there are two most valuable findings. First, higher education institutions have to simultaneously and efficiently institute the Course Complete Rate of Course Assessment (CCR-CA), User Completely Unrestricted Operation of Course Operation (UCUO-CO) and Course Professionalization Technology Function of Course Function (CPTF-CF) into the course’s design. Specifically, higher education institutions need to establish MOOCs features in Course Evaluation Technology Function (CETF), Course Professionalization Technology Function (CPTF) and Aggregation Technology Function (ATF) of MOOCs features into the current MOOCs. This is done in order to effectively promote the Individual Social Feature (ISF) of “social-media connection of global literacy abilities” for overcoming these serious dual impacts. In addition, higher education institutions have to also construct the social-media connection of global literacy abilities evaluation model for appraising Individual Social Feature (ISF) of each MOOCs participant. Second finding, higher education institutions should develop Convenience of Course Operation (C-CP), Feedback Technology Function of Basic Function (FTF-BF) and Connectionization of Course Operation (C-CO) of higher education strategies of developed sustainability into the course’s structure. Further, they should also build Connectionization (CZ) of MOOCs features into the current MOOCs in order to efficiently foster Application Programming Interface (API) of social-media connection of global literacy abilities for conquering these serious dual impacts as well.
A Hazard Identification Approach of Integrating 4D BIM and Accident Case Analysis of Spatial–Temporal Exposure
Authors: Tran Si Van-Tien , Khan Numan , Lee Doyeop , Park Chansik
Published: February 2021

Construction sites are considered as complicated work environments. Various concurrent activities may overlap apropos to time and workspace, predisposing them to spatial–temporal exposure and repetitive accidents. Detecting the characteristics of repetitive accidents before the construction stage contributes to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by spatial—temporal conditions at construction job sites. To resolve this problem, this study proposes a novel hazard identification approach through spatial–temporal exposure analysis called HISTEA, which integrated scenario analysis of accident cases into 4D building information modeling (BIM). The proposed approach consists of three modules: (1) spatial–temporal hazard investigation (SHI) to analyze the accident cases and develop the hazard database of the spatial–temporal overlap condition of pair-wise activities; (2) spatial–temporal condition identification (SCI) to determine the conflict among different activities, considering the workspace and time overlap from the 4D BIM model; and (3) safety information integration (SII) to deliver safety knowledge to the project team through a web-based application. To illustrate and validate this approach, a HISTEA prototype for foundation work has been developed to be used at the pre-construction stage. The developed prototype is based on the analysis of 496 accident reports extracted from the integrated management information system (IMIS) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the SHI module database. The proposed approach is expected to proactively aid project teams in detecting hazards that ultimately reduce repetitive accidents caused by overlapping activities.
Potential Urban Air Mobility Travel Time Savings: An Exploratory Analysis of Munich, Paris, and San Francisco
Authors: Rothfeld Raoul , Fu Mengying , Balać Miloš , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: February 2021

The advent of electrified, distributed propulsion in vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft promises aerial passenger transport within, into, or out of urban areas. Urban air mobility (UAM), i.e., the on-demand concept that utilizes eVTOL aircraft, might substantially reduce travel times when compared to ground-based transportation. Trips of three, pre-existent, and calibrated agent-based transport scenarios (Munich Metropolitan Region, Île-de-France, and San Francisco Bay Area) have been routed using the UAM-extension for the multi-agent transport simulation (MATSim) to calculate congested trip travel times for each trip’s original mode—i.e., car or public transport (PT)—and UAM. The resulting travel times are compared and allow the deduction of potential UAM trip shares under varying UAM properties, such as the number of stations, total process time, and cruise flight speed. Under base-case conditions, the share of motorized trips for which UAM would reduce the travel times ranges between 3% and 13% across the three scenarios. Process times and number of stations heavily influence these potential shares, where the vast majority of UAM trips would be below 50 km in range. Compared to car usage, UAM’s (base case) travel times are estimated to be competitive beyond the range of a 50-minute car ride and are less than half as much influenced by congestion.
Leafy Vegetables under Shade? Performance, Consumer Acceptance, and Nutritional Contribution of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Leaves in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kriesemer Simone Kathrin , Keding Gudrun Barbara , Huluka Admassu Tesso , Dürr Jochen
Published: February 2021

In rural Ethiopia, people consume mainly cereals and pulses. Integrating vegetables into the multi-storey cropping system of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve could improve nutritional health while reducing pressure on natural habitats in the biodiversity hotspot. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of cowpea under shade and its consumer acceptance as leafy vegetables. Trials compared continuous harvesting with uprooting, and food preference was tested. A baseline survey was conducted in four villages and revealed that cropping of vegetables in coffee plantations would be adoptable by 17% of farmers. The cumulatively harvested mean leaf yield (18.15 t ha−1) was significantly higher than the leaf yield of the uprooted cowpea (6.56 t ha−1). As many as 41% (52%) of participants liked cowpea dishes (very much). Based on the trial yields and the RDA, a 25 m2 cowpea plot could produce sufficient vitamin A for 2.1–4.6 adults, iron for 0.8–1.7, and vitamin C for 1.3–2.9 adults during six months. Cowpea was successfully cultivated below coffee, yielded most when repeatedly harvested and showed a high acceptance among consumers. The consumption of cowpea leaves from coffee forests could contribute to a balanced diet and improved nutrition.
The Impacts in Real Estate of Landscape Values: Evidence from Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Riccioli Francesco , Fratini Roberto , Boncinelli Fabio
Published: February 2021

Using spatial econometric techniques and local spatial statistics, this study explores the relationships between the real estate values in Tuscany with the individual perception of satisfaction by landscape types. The analysis includes the usual territorial variables such as proximity to urban centres and roads. The landscape values are measured through a sample of respondents who expressed their aesthetic-visual perceptions of different types of land use. Results from a multivariate local Geary highlight that house prices are not spatial independent and that between the variables included in the analysis there is mainly a positive correlation. Specifically, the findings demonstrate a significant spatial dependence in real estate prices. The aesthetic values influence the real estate price throughout more a spatial indirect effect rather than the direct effect. Practically, house prices in specific areas are more influenced by aspects such as proximity to essential services. The results seem to show to live close to highly aesthetic environments not in these environments. The results relating to the distance from the main roads, however, seem counterintuitive. This result probably depends on the evidence that these areas suffer from greater traffic jam or pollution or they are preferred for alternative uses such as for locating industrial plants or big shopping centres rather than residential use. Therefore, these effects decrease house prices.
Multimodal Transport in the Context of Sustainable Development of a City
Authors: Kramarz Marzena , Przybylska Edyta
Published: February 2021

Multimodal freight transport in cities is a complex, valid, and vitally important problem. It is more seldom underlined in scientific studies and included in cities’ strategies that devote more attention to passenger transport than freight transport. The increased utilization of multimodal transport matches current transport policy and at the same time, it is one of the most important challenges put before cities striving to achieve sustainable development. In this case, the paper embarks upon the problem of relations between multimodal transport development and the sustainable development of the cities. The objective of the paper is an analysis of the impact of the selected city of the Upper Silesian metropolis on the development of multimodal freight transport and an assessment of the impact of the development of multimodal transport on the sustainable development of the cities of the Upper Silesian metropolis. The authors developed three research questions in order to implement the adopted objective. The process of looking for the answer included four stages. Within the first and second stages, the literature studies and experts’ research allowed for identifying key factors of the multimodal transport development that a city may have an impact on. In the third stage, the research was two-fold and was based on a questionnaire and scenario analysis. Due to the individual character of each of the cities, scenarios were developed for Katowice, being the main economic center of Upper Silesian and Zagłębie Metropolis. As a result of the research, factors have been identified that must be included in a strategy of a city that strives for sustainable development. The last stage of the research focused on the initial concept of the multimodal transport development impact assessment on sustainable development of the cities. Conclusions developed at individual stages allowed for answering the research questions.
Sequential SEM-EDS, PLM, and MRS Microanalysis of Individual Atmospheric Particles: A Useful Tool for Assigning Emission Sources
Authors: Longoria-Rodríguez Francisco E. , González Lucy T. , Mancilla Yasmany , Acuña-Askar Karim , Arizpe-Zapata Jesús Alejandro , González Jessica , Kharissova Oxana V. , Mendoza Alberto
Published: February 2021

In this work, the particulate matter (PM) from three different monitoring stations in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area in Mexico were investigated for their compositional, morphological, and optical properties. The main aim of the research was to decipher the different sources of the particles. The methodology involved the ex situ sequential analysis of individual particles by three analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). The microanalysis was performed on samples of total suspended particles. Different morphologies were observed for particles rich in the same element, including prismatic, spherical, spheroidal, and irregular morphologies. The sequential microanalysis by SEM-EDS/PLM/MRS revealed that Fe-rich particles with spherical and irregular morphologies were derived from anthopogenic sources, such as emissions from the metallurgical industry and the wear of automobile parts, respectively. In contrast, Fe-rich particles with prismatic morphologies were associated with natural sources. In relation to carbon (C), the methodology was able to distinguish between the C-rich particles that came from different anthopogenic sources—such as the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, or charcoal—and the metallurgical industry. The optical properties of the Si-rich particles depended, to a greater extent, on their chemical composition than on their morphology, which made it possible to quickly and accurately differentiate aluminosilicates from quartz. The methodology demonstrated in this study was useful for performing the speciation of the particles rich in different elements. This differentiation helped to assign their possible emission sources.
Spain’s Hesitation at the Gates of a COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Eguia Hans , Vinciarelli Franco , Bosque-Prous Marina , Kristensen Troels , Saigí-Rubió Francesc
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: This study aims to delineate a pattern on vaccine hesitancy in a sample of the Spanish population, considering age groups and status as healthcare workers. (2) Methods: Participants were recruited using Twitter® as a dissemination tool to reach as many respondents as possible in different parts of the Spanish territory. The participants were recruited in a cross-sectional study, which included answering an online questionnaire. Data were collected from 10 September through 23 November 2020. Respondents answered questions asking whether they intended to be vaccinated and provided the main reason for their answers. To estimate associations between vaccination hesitancy and independent variables, we fit Poisson regression models with robust variance. (3) Results: One thousand and two responses were obtained, of which only 731 were validated. One hundred and sixty-four participants stated that they would not be vaccinated (22.43%), of which 20–24% were non-health workers or unemployed, 17.5% physicians, 31.5% other health workers, and almost 35% nurses. Concerns about lack of effectiveness of the vaccination, lack of safety when vaccinating and possibly dangerous adverse effects were the main causes provided. (4) Conclusions: This study indicates that more interventions are needed to achieve better communication with the population and health professionals. Receptiveness to the message of the importance and security of the COVID-19 vaccination could be an important strategy for improving these results.
Vaccine Hesitancy among Italian Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection towards Influenza and Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination
Authors: Gerussi Valentina , Peghin Maddalena , Palese Alvisa , Bressan Valentina , Visintini Erica , Bontempo Giulia , Graziano Elena , De Martino Maria , Isola Miriam , Tascini Carlo
Published: February 2021

We aimed to assess the attitude towards influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovered patients. We performed a cross-sectional study consisting of a standardized telephone interview carried out between September and November 2020 targeting a cohort of adult in- and out-patients that had recovered from COVID-19 after the first wave (March–May 2020) at Udine Hospital (Italy). Overall, 599 people participated (320 female, median age 53 years) and most had experienced an acute COVID-19 with mild illness (409, 68.3%). The majority were hesitant or undecided towards influenza (327, 54.6%) and SARS-CoV-2 (353, 59.2%) vaccines. Older age, public work exposure, and previous 2019 flu shots were the main factors associated with a positive attitude toward both vaccinations (p < 0.05). Being hospitalized during the acute COVID-19 phase was associated with the willingness to get a flu shot (94/272, 34.5%) but not SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (70/244, 28.7%). Vaccine hesitancy is diffuse and multifactorial also among COVID-19 recovered.
Are We Ready for the Arrival of the New COVID-19 Vaccinations? Great Promises and Unknown Challenges Still to Come
Authors: Gori Davide , Reno Chiara , Remondini Daniel , Durazzi Francesco , Fantini Maria Pia
Published: February 2021

While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to strike and collect its death toll throughout the globe, as of 31 January 2021, the vaccine candidates worldwide were 292, of which 70 were in clinical testing. Several vaccines have been approved worldwide, and in particular, three have been so far authorized for use in the EU. Vaccination can be, in fact, an efficient way to mitigate the devastating effect of the pandemic and offer protection to some vulnerable strata of the population (i.e., the elderly) and reduce the social and economic burden of the current crisis. Regardless, a question is still open: after vaccination availability for the public, will vaccination campaigns be effective in reaching all the strata and a sufficient number of people in order to guarantee herd immunity? In other words: after we have it, will we be able to use it? Following the trends in vaccine hesitancy in recent years, there is a growing distrust of COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, the online context and competition between pro- and anti-vaxxers show a trend in which anti-vaccination movements tend to capture the attention of those who are hesitant. Describing this context and analyzing its possible causes, what interventions or strategies could be effective to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy? Will social media trend analysis be helpful in trying to solve this complex issue? Are there perspectives for an efficient implementation of COVID-19 vaccination coverage as well as for all the other vaccinations?
The Development of a Framework for the Integrated Assessment of SDG Trade-Offs in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Marcinko Charlotte L. J. , Nicholls Robert J. , Daw Tim M. , Hazra Sugata , Hutton Craig W. , Hill Chris T. , Clarke Derek , Harfoot Andy , Basu Oindrila , Das Isha , Giri Sandip , Pal Sudipa , Mondal Partho P.
Published: February 2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets are significantly interconnected, with many interactions, synergies, and trade-offs between individual goals across multiple temporal and spatial scales. This paper proposes a framework for the Integrated Assessment Modelling (IAM) of a complex deltaic socio-ecological system in order to analyze such SDG interactions. We focused on the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), India, within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. It is densely populated with 4.4 million people (2011), high levels of poverty, and a strong dependence on rural livelihoods. It is adjacent to the growing megacity of Kolkata. The area also includes the Indian portion of the world’s largest mangrove forest––the Sundarbans––hosting the iconic Bengal Tiger. Like all deltaic systems, this area is subject to multiple drivers of environmental change operating across scales. The IAM framework is designed to investigate socio-environmental change under a range of explorative and/or normative scenarios and explore associated policy impacts, considering a broad range of subthematic SDG indicators. The following elements were explicitly considered: (1) agriculture; (2) aquaculture; (3) mangroves; (4) fisheries; and (5) multidimensional poverty. Key questions that can be addressed include the implications of changing monsoon patterns, trade-offs between agriculture and aquaculture, or the future of the Sundarbans’ mangroves under sea-level rise and different management strategies. The novel, high-resolution analysis of SDG interactions allowed by the IAM will provide stakeholders and policy makers the opportunity to prioritize and explore the SDG targets that are most relevant to the SBR and provide a foundation for further integrated analysis.
The U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program as a Model for Transborder Groundwater Collaboration
Authors: Tapia-Villaseñor Elia , Megdal Sharon
Published: February 2021

The assessment of transboundary aquifers is essential for the development of groundwater management strategies and the sustainable use of groundwater resources. The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) is a joint effort by the United States and Mexico to evaluate shared aquifers. This study examines the TAAP Cooperative Framework as a guide for further transboundary groundwater collaboration. We compared lessons learned from six transboundary aquifers that currently have mechanisms for groundwater collaboration to identify common elements of collaboration. Though the TAAP Cooperative Framework governs an assessment-only program, the elements of collaboration included are consistent with the principles of other institutional agreements around the world. Importantly, all the analyzed agreements included a knowledge-improvement phase, which is the main objective of the TAAP Cooperative Framework. The present study finds evidence of successful outcomes within the TAAP Cooperative Framework consistent with available transboundary groundwater management agreements, demonstrating that this approach is suited to serve as a model for those wishing to engage in transborder aquifer assessments. Furthermore, the TAAP elements of collaboration can help to establish the meaningful and robust binational cooperation necessary for the development of U.S.-Mexico groundwater management agreements at the aquifer level.