bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutional Characteristics of Regional Meteorological Drought and Their Linkages with Southern Oscillation Index across the Loess Plateau of China during 1962–2017
Authors: Li Ming , Cao Fuqiang , Wang Guiwen , Chai Xurong , Zhang Lianzhi
Published: September 2020

The Loess Plateau of China (CLP) is located in the transition zone from a semi-humid climate zone to semi-arid and arid climate zones. It is influenced by the westerly circulation, plateau monsoon, and East Asian monsoon circulation, and the drought disasters across the CLP have obvious regional characteristics. In this study, climate regionalization was performed by a spatial hierarchical cluster approach based on the gridded datasets of monthly precipitation across the CLP from 1961 to 2017. Then, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) was used to explore the temporal evolution of regional meteorological droughts. Finally, wavelet methods were used to investigate the drought cycles in each homogeneous subregion and the linkages between SPI and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The results show that: (1) Spatially, the CLP can be divided into four homogeneous regions, namely, Ordos Plateau semi-arid area (Region I), Northern Shanxi hilly semi-humid area (Region II), Longzhong plateau cold-arid area (Region III), and Fenwei Plain and Shaanxi-Shanxi hilly semi-humid area (Region IV). (2) There are apparent differences in the temporal evolution of meteorological droughts in different subregions, but two wet periods from the 1960s to 1980s and 2010s, and a drought period in the 1990s, can be found in each subregion. (3) There is a significant drought cycle of 3–8 years in the four subregions, and the first main cycles of drought variation are not completely consistent. (4) The linkages between SPI and SOI are time- and space-dependent and the phase differences are dominated by in-phase. The strongest correlations between the two time series occur in the 1980s in the four subregions. The results of this research have important implications for the establishment of drought monitoring programs in homogeneous climate regions, and informed decision making in water resource management.
Environmental Education in Environmental Engineering: Analysis of the Situation in Colombia and Latin America
Authors: Acosta Castellanos Pedro Mauricio , Queiruga-Dios Araceli , Hernández Encinas Ascensión , Acosta Libia Cristina
Published: September 2020

Environmental education (EE) has become the only tool for environmental sustainability in training processes in Colombia, for basic cycles in primary and secondary, as well as university education. EE tends to transform human actions in nature, based on multidisciplinary knowledge that supports decision-making. Its goal is to generate a change in social behavior in order to achieve the recovery, conservation, and preservation of the environment. In Colombia, education for sustainable development (ESD) is embedded in EE. These educational models (EE and ESD) seek to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), which generally seek the economic and social well-being of nations, both for current and future generations. Environmental engineering is a relatively new degree course in Colombia and Latin America since it appeared in the mid-nineties, and it must involve EE within its curriculum. Students are trained in this trend. This research intends to demonstrate, through a curricular review of the environmental engineering curricula and also surveying students from this degree, the level of inclusion of EE in Latin America. Strengths are identified in the curricula, such as the strong presence of EE in disciplinary subjects and opportunities for improvement based on the needs of the students. The situation in South America is also included in this study.
Determinant Factors Influencing Thai Tourists’ Intentions to Use Social Media for Travel Planning
Authors: Cheunkamon Ekkapong , Jomnonkwao Sajjakaj , Ratanavaraha Vatanavongs
Published: September 2020

Currently, information technology plays an important role in the tourism industry. Tourists like to use social media more widely for their travel planning, which affects the high competition between entrepreneurs while facing the challenge of improving the quality of data services provided through social media. This study developed a model of the relationships between structure factors that affect intentions to use social media for travel planning. The said model integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) theory, the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and trust and satisfaction factors. In reference to a survey of 1333 samples from domestic tourists who used social media through their smartphone, it was found that satisfaction, attitudes, subjective norms, and perception can be used to control behavior, with a positively direct effect on intentions of use. In addition, we examined the indirect effect on intentions of use. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norms had a positively significant indirect effect on intentions of use. These research results allow tourism entrepreneurs to precisely understand the stimulating factors of tourists’ intentions to use social media for travel-planning decisions, which will help lead to the development of tourism-marketing strategies and the support of sustainable competition.
The Economic Impact of Climate Risk on Extensive Livestock: The Case of Lamb Production in Extremadura, Spain
Authors: Thomasz Esteban , Pérez-Franco Ismael , García-García Agustín
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an evaluation of the economic cost of precipitation shortage in the production of lamb in Extremadura. Given that the production strategy is based on maintaining a productivity target by supplementing natural pastures in contexts of water scarcity, the approach will be based on the analysis of the cost structure of the sector. A monetized cash flow model will be presented, which allows us to evaluate economic impacts through a financial perspective. The study focuses on a set of 1583 farms associated into the cooperative EA Group. These members have a total of 804,000 animals, which represents more than 40% of total sheep in Extremadura. Results shows a relation between precipitation minimums and feed quantity maximums of the series analyzed. Mayor direct impact is represented by an increase in feed supplementation needs, with an economic estimation of 54 million euros over two years for the whole sector. At the farm level, there is an average reduction of profits of 50% in the case of owned land, and bankruptcy in the case of renting land. In the context of data-driven policy making, this estimate provides a tool for European Policy funding negotiation a in sector which is considered as highly strategic because of its positive impacts on the environment, the generation of employment and maintenance of rural populations in marginal areas and for the production of high-quality food with a minimal use of natural resources.
Upcoming Services Innovation for the Home Energy Management System in Korea
Authors: Kwon Hyeog-in , Kim Ju-ho , Hong Moo-goong , Park Eui-jin
Published: September 2020

Smart grid technology is developed to be commercialized globally, and expected to be utilized at home, named as home energy management system. Despite of its promising marketability, innovative business models are not well-structured and service design methods have limitations on integration for service innovation. Hence, this study employs service-dominant logic to innovate the industry, and introduces the holistic method consisting of service, ecosystem, platform, and strategy. Firstly, it identifies the pain points, and the expected services are arranged using an importance–performance analysis method. Then, the extended ecosystem is defined in three layers perspectives. In addition, the use-case method is used to demonstrate the relationships between the supplier and users on platform. Finally, integrating customers’ needs results in two business models: (i) Home Energy management Model and (ii) Home Care Model. This research not only suggests innovative business models in the home energy market, but also supplements the procedure for designing innovative services and applies it with qualitative and quantitative investigation. To the end, it shed light on the direction and way to actualize future Home Energy Management System (HEMS) market.
The Effect of a Fly Ash-Based Soil Conditioner on Corn and Wheat Yield and Risk Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination
Authors: Ou Yanjun , Ma Shuhua , Zhou Xiao , Wang Xiaohui , Shi Jianping , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2020

The utilization of coal fly ash (CFA) as a soil conditioner has been a research hotspot in recent years. In this paper, the continuity and stability of the yield-increasing effect of a fly ash-based soil conditioner were investigated through field trials for three consecutive years. The yield-increasing effect and applicability were also investigated by planting a variety of crops in different types of soil. Field test results revealed that the new fly ash-based soil conditioner had wide adaptability and stability under the condition of reducing the application of traditional fertilizers by 20%. For corns grown in castano-cinnamon soil and dark brown soil, the application of the new fly ash-based soil conditioner for three consecutive years has steadily increased the yield by more than 10%. The yield of wheat planted in castano-cinnamon soil also increased by 15%. Additionally, considering that heavy metals (HMs) contained in the fly ash-based soil conditioner may cause environmental contamination, this paper calculated and analyzed the bio-concentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) of Cr, As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the corn experimental fields. The results showed that the five heavy metals were not significantly enriched in various parts of the corn stalk after application of the soil conditioner, and there was temporarily no environmental risk in terms of returning straws to the field or raising livestock.
Rethinking Filter: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry into Typology and Concept of Filter, Towards an Active Filter Model
Authors: Razghandi Khashayar , Yaghmaei Emad
Published: September 2020

This work aims to re-investigate different aspects of a variety of filters and filtration processes within diverse realms of knowledge from an interdisciplinary point of view, and develops a comprehensive Active Model of Filter that accommodates the phenomena in its entire diversity and complexity. The Active Filter Model proposes to take Filter—from various fields and scales operating at material and symbolic level—not as mere objects, but as difference-producing phenomena that need to be addressed as complex active systems within event-based boundaries. The model underlines a systemic, operative, performative, and negentropic nature to the phenomena that invites one to; recognize various elements and intra-actions within a filter system; follow chains of operations and processes that render the activity; take the performative and ecology building aspect of the filter activity into consideration; and acknowledge the negentropic, order-producing nature of filtering phenomena. The Active Filter Model is meant to serve as a foundation for further analysis and synthesis in various fields dealing with Filter, and the research approach is put forward as a paradigm for how seemingly disciplinary concepts such as Filter can be rethought through interdisciplinary methods, and mutually complement research questions within active matter, biology, information philosophy, data science and sustainability discourses.
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Rectifications Employed for Deeper Ocean Extrapolations of In Situ CTD Data and Subsequent Sound Speed Profiles
Authors: Iqbal Kashif , Zhang Minghui , Piao Shengchun
Published: September 2020

The multinational Argo program, which was initiated in 1999, has completed its global requirement of 3000 floats deployed by 2007. This program has revolutionized ocean observations with the provision of varying data in the upper half of the ocean. However, various studies have reiterated the requirement for deep ocean coverage, since the ocean below 2000 meters (m) is warming. In this regard, full-depth studies are mandatory in order to estimate the rising sea level due to thermal expansion and analyze critical parameters of deep ocean circulation sub 2000 m; further, data below 2000 m are mandatory for multifarious model simulations. As a landmark initiative, in mid-2015, the “Deep Argo Implementation Workshop” was held in Hobart. An array comprising 1228 floats was suggested by G. C. Johnson, rendering coverage of 5° latitude × 5° longitude × 15-day cycles. This was conclusively agreed to be an affordable solution for varying scientific needs for assessing data in abyssal oceans. Thence, Deep New profilINg float of JApan (NINJA) and Deep Arvor floats were developed by Japan and France, respectively, to cover depths of 0–4000 m. Similarly, Deep Autonomous Profiling Explorer (APEX) and Deep Sounding Oceanographic Lagrangian Observer (SOLO) by the United States were designed to cover 0–6000 m. The data offered by this underdeveloped deep pilot array are scarce on both temporal and spatial scales. This particular study offers an ingenious and novel approach to extrapolating conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) profiles, as well as sound speed profiles (SSPs), in abyssal oceans below 2000 m. The primitive results of this method exhibited certain discrepancies which were subsequently rectified by modifying the aforementioned method both symmetrically and asymmetrically in an innovative way. The final outcomes of this method are almost identical to the in situ values obtained from Deep Argo floats, and in this way, offer a way to compute deep ocean calculations both spatially and temporally since Deep Argo floats are aimed at relatively sparse deployments and require a longer duration to provide data (5° latitude × 5° longitude × 15-day cycles) as compared to Core Argo data (3° latitude × 3° longitude × 10-day cycles). The SSP computations were conducted by employing multiple equations such as Chen and Millero, Del Grosso, and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) algorithms. The study concludes by offering transmission loss rectifications by employing the aforementioned method as a future course of action.
An Efficient Intrusion Detection Method Based on LightGBM and Autoencoder
Authors: Tang Chaofei , Luktarhan Nurbol , Zhao Yuxin
Published: September 2020

Due to the insidious characteristics of network intrusion behaviors, developing an efficient intrusion detection system is still a big challenge, especially in the era of big data where the number of traffic and the dimension of each traffic feature are high. Because of the shortcomings of traditional common machine learning algorithms in network intrusion detection, such as insufficient accuracy, a network intrusion detection system based on LightGBM and autoencoder (AE) is proposed. The LightGBM-AE model proposed in this paper includes three steps: data preprocessing, feature selection, and classification. The LightGBM-AE model adopts the LightGBM algorithm for feature selection, and then uses an autoencoder for training and detection. When a set of data containing network intrusion behaviors are inputted into an autoencoder, there is a large reconstruction error between the original input data and the reconstructed data obtained by the autoencoder, which provides a basis for intrusion detection. According to the reconstruction error, an appropriate threshold is set to distinguish symmetrically between normal behavior and attack behavior. The experiment is carried out on the NSL-KDD dataset and implemented using Pytorch. In addition to autoencoder, variational autoencoder (VAE) and denoising autoencoder (DAE) are also used for intrusion detection and are compared with existing machine learning algorithms such as Decision Tree, Random Forest, KNN, GBDT, and XGBoost. The evaluation is carried out through classification evaluation indexes such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score. The experimental results show that the method can efficiently separate the attack behavior from normal behavior according to the reconstruction error. Compared with other methods, the effectiveness and superiority of this method are verified.
Conformal Symmetry and Supersymmetry in Rindler Space
Authors: van Holten Jan-Willem
Published: September 2020

This paper addresses the fate of extended space-time symmetries, in particular conformal symmetry and supersymmetry, in two-dimensional Rindler space-time appropriate to a uniformly accelerated non-inertial frame in flat 1+1-dimensional space-time. Generically, in addition to a conformal co-ordinate transformation, the transformation of fields from Minkowski to Rindler space is accompanied by local conformal and Lorentz transformations of the components, which also affect the Bogoliubov transformations between the associated Fock spaces. I construct these transformations for massless scalars and spinors, as well as for the ghost and super-ghost fields necessary in theories with local conformal and supersymmetries, as arising from coupling to two-dimensional (2-D) gravity or supergravity. Cancellation of the anomalies in Minkowski and in Rindler space requires theories with the well-known critical spectrum of particles that arise in string theory in the limit of infinite strings, and it is relevant for the equivalence of Minkowski and Rindler frame theories.
Longitudinal Volumetric Assessment of Ventricular Enlargement in Pet Dogs Trained for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Studies
Authors: Gunde Eva , Czeibert Kálmán , Gábor Anna , Szabó Dóra , Kis Anna , Arany-Tóth Attila , Andics Attila , Gácsi Márta , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: September 2020

Background: Recent studies suggest that clinically sound ventriculomegaly in dogs could be a preliminary form of the clinically significant hydrocephalus. We evaluated changes of ventricular volumes in awake functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) trained dogs with indirectly assessed cognitive abilities over time (thus avoiding the use of anaesthetics, which can alter the pressure). Our research question was whether ventricular enlargement developing over time would have any detrimental effect on staying still while being scanned; which can be extrapolated to the ability to pay attention and to exert inhibition. Methods: Seven healthy dogs, 2–8 years old at the baseline scan and 4 years older at rescan, participated in a rigorous and gradual training for staying motionless (<2 mm) in the magnetic resonance (MR) scanner without any sedation during 6 minute-long structural MR sequences. On T1 structural images, volumetric analyses of the lateral ventricles were completed by software guided semi-automated tissue-type segmentations performed with FMRIB Software Library (FSL, Analysis Group, Oxford, UK). Results and conclusion: We report significant enlargement for both ventricles (left: 47.46 %, right: 46.07 %) over time while dogs retained high levels of attention and inhibition. The results suggest that even considerable ventricular enlargement arising during normal aging does not necessarily reflect observable pathological changes in behavior.
Seasonal Variation of Dissolved Oxygen in the Southeast of the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Liu Guangping , He Weihong , Cai Shuqun
Published: September 2020

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in estuaries is highly variable at different spatial and temporal scales, which is affected by physical, chemical and biological processes. This study analyzed the spatial–temporal distributions of dissolved oxygen concentration and bottom hypoxia in the southeast of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) using monthly water quality monitoring and hydrographic data covering the period 2000–2017. The seasonal spatial–temporal variation of DO concentration was studied using various methods, such as rotated empirical orthogonal functions, harmonic analysis, and correlation analysis. The results showed that DO stratification was significant in summer, but it was not distinct in winter, during which DO concentration peaked. DO stratification exhibited a significantly positive correlation with water stratification. In the south and west of Hong Kong (SHK and WHK, respectively), DO concentration fields exhibited distinct seasonal changes in the recent 18 years. In SHK, the main periods of the surface DO variation were 24, 12, and 6 months, whereas the main period was 12 months in WHK. The main period of the bottom DO variation was 12 months in both SHK and WHK. In SHK, the spatial–temporal variations in surface and bottom DO were highly related to the variations of salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and active phosphorus, and the variation of surface DO was also connected to the variation of temperature and chlorophyll a. In WHK, the variations in surface and bottom DO were highly related to the variations of salinity and temperature, and the variation of surface DO was also connected to the variation of DIN. The river discharge and wind had a different important influence on the temporal variability of DO in WHK and SHK. These findings suggested that the variations of DO may be controlled by coupled physical and biochemical processes in the southeast of PRE. From 2000 to 2017, bottom hypoxia in the southeast of PRE occurred in the summers of 7 years. SHK appeared to be more vulnerable to hypoxia than WHK.
Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance and Metal Homeostasis Genes in Midwest USA Agricultural Sediments
Authors: Brooker Michael R. , Arnold William A. , Kerrigan Jill F. , LaPara Timothy M. , Witter Jonathan D. , Mouser Paula J.
Published: September 2020

Microbial antibiotic resistance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that has grown in part with the use of antibiotics in agricultural operation. There are also known connections between genes for metal homeostasis and antibiotic resistance, and either antibiotics or metals may select for both kinds of genes. Antibiotics, metals, and their associated genes have the potential to enter agricultural drainage channels and migrate to downstream locations through receiving water bodies. A relatively new agricultural best management practice—the two-stage channel design—functions by sequestering sediments and dissolved constituents as they flow through agricultural ditches from surface runoff and tile drainage discharge. Sedimentation in agricultural watersheds may entrap aggregate pollutants including antibiotics, metals, and associated resistance genes before transport into the drainage system. Here, we characterized the abundance and diversity of 22 antibiotic resistance and metal homeostasis genes in three two-stage channels that had self-developed in an area dominated by agricultural land use. Additionally, we analyzed the sediments for 17 antibiotics and nine metals that could affect the selection of these genes. In these rural systems that drain into Lake Erie, the abundance of antibiotic resistance and metal homeostasis genes were on the lower end of ranges (e.g., <106 gene copies g−1 of intI1) reported in other riverine and lake systems, with only five genes—intI1, aacA, mexB, cadA, and merA—differing significantly between sites. The diversity of antibiotic resistance and metal homeostasis genes for these sediment samples were largely similar to other human impacted environments. Few antibiotics were detected in two stage channel sediments, with concentrations below the quantifiable limits (<0.02–34.5 µg kg−1 soil) in most cases. Likewise, metals were present at what could be considered background concentrations. Despite serving as important drainage channel features in a region dominated by agricultural land use, results serve as an important baseline reference against which other monitoring studies can be compared to assess the perturbation of antibiotics and metals on agricultural channel sediments.
How to Meter Agricultural Pumping at Numerous Small-Scale Wells?—An Indirect Monitoring Method Using Electric Energy as Proxy
Authors: Wang Lu , Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Yao Huaixian , Steiner Jakob , Wang Haijing
Published: September 2020

The large number of users and the small scale of wells greatly complicate monitoring of groundwater abstraction in areas of intensive pumping by numerous smallholders such as in the North China Plain. This paper presents a study in a typical county in the North China Plain. It discusses the application and challenges of an indirect, energy-based approach to groundwater abstraction monitoring. Intensive field experiments at individual wells were carried out to provide a basis for the conversion from electric energy consumption to groundwater abstraction and to explore the feasibility of direct and indirect abstraction monitoring methods in the study area. The results show that the main challenge of electricity-to-water conversion lies in the large spread of conversion factors between wells. The conversion error at an individual well is found to be less than 20%. The same accuracy is achieved on spatially aggregated levels by testing only a small number of wells. Trade-offs can be made to obtain groundwater abstraction estimates at the required accuracy and with reasonable efforts regarding data collection. The analysis shows that energy-based groundwater abstraction monitoring outperforms direct water metering with respect to cost and robustness. It provides satisfactory data accuracy and equitability in regions where irrigation wells are powered by electricity.
Rainfall Prediction in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil Using Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Dantas Leydson G. , Santos Carlos A. C. dos , Olinda Ricardo A. de , Brito José I. B. de , Santos Celso A. G. , Martins Eduardo S. P. R. , de Oliveira Gabriel , Brunsell Nathaniel A.
Published: September 2020

The state of Paraíba is part of the semi-arid region of Brazil, where severe droughts have occurred in recent years, resulting in significant socio-economic losses associated with climate variability. Thus, understanding to what extent precipitation can be influenced by sea surface temperature (SST) patterns in the tropical region can help, along with a monitoring system, to set up an early warning system, the first pillar in drought management. In this study, Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) were used to filter climatic indices with higher predictive efficiency and, as a result, to perform rainfall predictions. The results show the persistent influence of tropical SST patterns in Paraíba rainfall, the tropical Atlantic Ocean impacting the rainfall distribution more effectively than the tropical Pacific Ocean. The GAMLSS model showed predictive capability during summer and southern autumn in Paraíba, highlighting the JFM (January, February and March), FMA (February, March and April), MAM (March, April and May), and AMJ (April, May and June) trimesters as those with the highest predictive potential. The methodology demonstrates the ability to be integrated with regional forecasting models (ensemble). Such information has the potential to inform decisions in multiple sectors, such as agriculture and water resources, aiming at the sustainable management of water resources and resilience to climate risk.
Water Demand Scenarios for Electricity Generation at the Global and Regional Levels
Authors: Terrapon-Pfaff Julia , Ortiz Willington , Viebahn Peter , Kynast Ellen , Flörke Martina
Published: September 2020

Electricity generation requires water. With the global demand for electricity expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, the water demand in the power sector is also expected to rise. However, due to the ongoing global energy transition, the future structure of the power supply—and hence future water demand for power generation—is subject to high levels of uncertainty, because the volume of water required for electricity generation varies significantly depending on both the generation technology and the cooling system. This study shows the implications of ambitious decarbonization strategies for the direct water demand for electricity generation. To this end, water demand scenarios for the electricity sector are developed based on selected global energy scenario studies to systematically analyze the impact up to 2040. The results show that different decarbonization strategies for the electricity sector can lead to a huge variation in water needs. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) does not necessarily lead to a reduction in water demand. These findings emphasize the need to take into account not only GHG emission reductions, but also such aspects as water requirements of future energy systems, both at the regional and global levels, in order to achieve a sustainable energy transition.
A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Using an Orally Administered Oxalate Decarboxylase (OxDC)
Authors: Quintero Emily , Bird Victoria Yvonne , Liu Howard , Stevens Gary , Ryan Alan S. , Buzzerd Sabrina , Klimberg Ira W.
Published: September 2020

Background

Hyperoxaluria is typically associated with excessive oxalate intake in the diet, decreased dietary calcium, hyperabsorption of oxalate, or increased endogenous production of oxalate. The disorder spectrum extends from recurrent kidney stones to ESKD. This clinical trial sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an acid stable oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC) to reduce urinary oxalate in healthy subjects on a high-oxalate diet.

Methods

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial, 33 healthy volunteers were randomized into two crossover sequences separated by a 2-day washout period. A controlled high-oxalate diet (750–800 mg oxalate, 500–550 mg calcium daily) was utilized, and six 24-hour urine collections were measured. Subjects were given approximately 1000 U (micromoles per minute per milligram) of OxDC or placebo with meals three times daily during the 4 days of treatment.

Results

Urinary oxalate significantly decreased with OxDC treatment. The baseline corrected within-subject mean reduction in 24-hour urinary excretion (after OxDC dosing versus high-oxalate baseline preceding treatment) was 12.5 mg or 29% (P<0.001). OxDC treatment was effective (>5% reduction) in 31 of 33 subjects (94%). Compared with placebo, OxDC produced a 24% reduction (P<0.001) in 24-hour oxalate excretion. Other urinary parameters (creatinine, uric acid, citrate, magnesium, calcium) were not affected by OxDC. No serious adverse events and no product-related adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

An orally administered OxDC is capable of significantly reducing urinary oxalate levels in healthy volunteers on a high-oxalate diet without affecting creatinine clearance, urine creatinine, or other solutes related to supersaturation of calcium oxalate.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

Evaluation of Nephure, and the Reduction of Dietary Oxalate, in Healthy Volunteers, NCT03661216
DAYA TAMPUNG TAMAN MACAN SEBAGAI TAMAN KOTA DALAM PEMANFAATAN FUNGSI WISATA DI KOTA MAKASSAR
Authors: Musawantoro Muhammad , Ridwan Masri
Published: September 2020

The importance of this research is a description of the maximum capacity of a tourist area, to sustain the urban forest which has many functions for urban communities, seeing an increase in the population of 3.7% and activities around the urban forest area in Makassar, it is necessary to study the maximum capacity, the study was conducted with a qualitative method with a survey approach, the results of the study explained that the urban forest was known as the Macan Park assuming operating hours for 8 hours, then for urban forest or tiger park, Makassar City is PCC = 4,900 m2 / 65 m2 x 4. Then the maximum number of visitors can be obtained per day is + 302 people with the number of needs per person long enjoying a 2-hour visit. The conclusion of the importance of the application of a maximum capacitance in an area is to support the sustainability of the area with a conservation approach
The definitions of the life cycle of a testing laboratory
Authors: Shkarina T. , Boltrina A.
Published: September 2020

Taking into account the importance of carrying out a comprehensive assessment of a testing laboratory, the authors provide the definitions necessary for this study. The analysis and systematization of the existing concepts presented in the scientific literature and documents on standardization related to the life cycle of an organization, the assessment of the acceptability of their use for the study of the life cycle of a testing laboratory and the formulation of definitions in this field are given.
Compulsory military service as a social integrator
Authors: Itsik Ronen
Published: September 2020

Compulsory military service has become very rare over the last 30 years in the western world. In the past, most countries considered military service as a socialisation platform, given the fact that most of the population was recruited and military units were a "meeting point" for different cultures – because of that the service then was functional as a social integrator. The current research studied changes in social attitude during compulsory military service in Israel, where the society is considered to be essentially divided around ethnical and national issues. This study is based on an analysis of the attitudes of 3200 internet questionnaire participants via social networks in Israel, followed by a U-test of the collected data. Half of the participants were high-school students (average age 17) and half of them discharged soldiers (average age 23). Analysis of the results reveals significant evidence: discharged soldiers tend to be more tolerant then high-school students with regard to other cultures and ethnic origins. A discharged IDF soldier is less afraid of security threats and considers budget prioritisation towards social welfare to be more important than security challenges. These findings show that compulsory military service can still be effective as a social integrator, even in the post-modern world where countries are dealing with migration issues and ethno-national tensions.
ABOUT RESEARCH APPROACHES IN THE STUDY OF PAGANISM AND NEOPAGANISM (REFLECTIONS ON N. A. KUTYAVIN’S ARTICLE “TO THE PROBLEM OF THE PARADIGM OF STUDYING NEO-PAGANISM”)
Authors: Beskov A. A.
Published: September 2020

This article is the author's response to a recent paper by N. A. Kutyavin, in which he set out his views on how to study the Russian neopaganism (“Rodnoverie”). The author agrees with N. A. Kutyavin that Russian neopaganism has no historical continuity with ancient Slavic paganism, but does not agree with many his comments. Although the Kutyavin’s article is devoted to neopaganism, its author focuses primarily on what the ancient Slavic paganism was. In doing so, he relies principally on the theoretical constructs of some Western philosophers, religious scholars, and sociologists, which have little relevance to the Slavic material. This article demonstrates the vulnerability of many Kutyavin’s theses and the need for a more thorough study of specific factual material before proceeding to the formulation of generalizing theories.
Communication and buildings. Space as mass-media
Authors: Gawlikowska Anna
Published: September 2020

After providing definition and social roles of communication, media and mass-media, placing of architecture and urban space as one of the media types is proposed. Subsequently, architecture is looked at in the context of mass-media meaning transmission methods, roles, functions, effects and drawbacks. Articulating phenomena in architectural communication are listed, along with exemplary methods, in which design of space can shape public opinion. Models of mass communication are defined and discussed in context of architecture and urban space. This paper provides examples of short-, intermediate-, and long-term effects facilitated through space, as well as analyses, how architecture performs functions of media in society.
Impact analysis of humidity and temperature on the value of thermal conductivity λ coefficient of insulating materials used inside buildings
Authors: Trochonowicz Maciej , Witek Beata , Chwiej Marcin
Published: September 2020

The aim of the article is to present the issues related to the use of climate panels as insulating materials used inside buildings. The study involved four materials, the two of them is a lightweight cellular concrete, the other two were produced on the basis of lime silicate. The main aim of the laboratory tests was to determine the coefficient of thermal conductivity λ depending on the changing temperature and humidity. Based on research the sorption materials curves were determined. The study allows you to specify the amount of moisture that can be accepted by the material in specific temperature and humidity conditions. In addition, the examined coefficients of thermal conductivity compared with the values declared by suppliers to assess compliance with the data contained in the data sheet.
The monastery of the Bernadines at Dubno in the light of little-known archival sources
Authors: Rychkov Petro
Published: September 2020

The first half of the17th century is characterized by active building of new catholic churches and monasteries on the east territories (“kresach”) of the Polish Commonwelth. One of the most noticeable foundlings, Bernardine monastery in Dubno town in Volhynia, was initiated by Janusz Ostrogski, the last representative of this Ukrainian princely family, which was turned to the catholic faith. Unfortunately after a few repairs and alterations during 18 – 20th centuries this monastery complex reached to our time with the considerable losses of its architectural image. Available historical information on this known architectural monument is substantially supplemented by the little-known sources, which was opened by author in the archive’s collections of Petersburg and Kyiv. They allow completer to imagine and to estimate style of this architectural complex and than to prepare its graphic reconstruction in that state, in which he existed before the beginning of its scale alteration on the Orthodox church carried out by Russian power in 1875-1876.
The use of simplified methods for designing according to EC6 and safety of masonry structures
Authors: Chruściel Wojciech , Sulik Paweł
Published: September 2020

The article describes the calculation method of masonry walls loaded vertically according to PN-EN 1996-1-1 and PN-EN 1996-3. The Calculation method is given and the differences between Eurocode 6 and "old Polish standard" are indicated. Additionally, the differences between calculations according to exact and simplified method described in Eurocode 6 that show adverse consequences of the use of simplified method. The places (formulas and assumptions), which causes the discrepancies in calculation methods are pointed out in the study.
Heat exchange between non-insulated barn and the ground in experimental research
Authors: Bieda Wacław , Radoń Jan , Nawalany Grzegorz
Published: September 2020

The paper presents the results of two-year studies conducted in real operating conditions of a non-insulated and unheated barn for 120 cows. As a result, it was possible to determine temperature fields in the ground beneath the floor and around the building, as well as to define heat flux directions. It was concluded that there is no analogy between temperature fields and heat flux directions with the heated buildings. In colder periods of the year, the heat accumulated in the ground is emitted to the inside of the building; in the summer, the ground absorbs the excess of heat from the building. The final conclusion was that the foundations should be insulated vertically.
The effect of bond end geometry on steel – FRP joint strength
Authors: Łagoda Marek , Kowal Maciej
Published: September 2020

Article describes experiments on the effect of steel – FRP bond end shaping on bond strength. The influence of changing the bond end geometry on behavior of axially loaded steel elements reinforced by CFRP double patch joints with varying overlap length was analyzed. Bond failure at steel-adhesive interface was dominant failure mode. The test results showed clearly that geometry change of the bond end of strengthening CFRP plate and adhesive in composite plate region can significantly increase bond capacity. Conclusions and plan of further works on CFRP strengthening of steel elements were described.
Partial factors for cross-section resistance of elements in steel structures
Authors: Giżejowski Marian , Stachura Zbigniew
Published: September 2020

Issues related to safety requirements for steel elements subjected to different stress resultants in reference to limit states design philosophy according to Structural Eurocodes PN-EN and national codes PN-B are dealt with in the paper. The calibration of partial cross-section resistance factors is discussed on the basis of elements of steel floor structures where the permanent load component and the live load component of variable actions are the only components of load combinations. Final conclusions for their practical application in the codification process are formulated and values of partial factors for cross section resistance are proposed.
Resistance of truss N shape joints made with steel RHS in plug & play connections
Authors: Szlendak Jerzy , Oponowicz Piotr
Published: September 2020

Research on resistance of truss N shape RHS joints is presented. Experimental evidence of such joint behaviour tested in natural scale is described. Geometry and material properties of the tested six connections are given. For each specimen axial-deflection curves are presented. The comparison between numerical models by ANSYS software and experimental results is shown. Finally, some important conclusions are given.
The cost analysis of steel halls designing, according to environmental standards, legal guidelines and market prices
Authors: Rogalska Magdalena , Hejducki Zdzisław
Published: September 2020

The article presents the analysis of designing costs , which was based on the market data and prognostic calculations, concerning the preparation of the documentation for steel halls of various sizes. The obtained values were compared to those proposed by the Polish Architects Association and legal guidelines. The StatSoft’s Statistica programme was used for prognostic calculations. The GAM (Generalized Additive Models) method was used for the calculations. The conclusions were formulated on the basis of analysis of results.
The use of fuzzy databases and knowledge bases for aiding engineering projects
Authors: Szelka Janusz , Wrona Zbigniew
Published: September 2020

The IT tools that are widely used for aiding information and decision-making tasks in engineering activities include classic database systems, and in the case of problems with poorly-recognised structure – systems with knowledge bases. The uniqueness of these categories of systems allows, however, neither to represent the approximate or imprecise nature of available data or knowledge nor to process fuzzy data. Since so far there have been no solutions related to the use of fuzzy databases or fuzzy knowledge bases in engineering projects, it seems necessary to make an attempt to assess the possible employment of these technologies to aid analytical and decision-making processes.
The deformability of compressed concrete elements strengthened with FRCM composite materials
Authors: Trapko Tomasz
Published: September 2020

In the paper the results of experimental studies performed on compressed concrete elements strengthened with composite fabric of FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) technology are presented. In the studies the influence of temperature, the number of composite fabric layers and the length of ending overlap on the value and distribution of circumferential limit strains was analyzed.
The structural fire design of concrete structures with externally bonded reinforcement and fire protection system
Authors: Turkowski Piotr
Published: September 2020

This work describes the structural fire design process of RC structures with externally bonded reinforcement. First part is based on the calculation method given in EN 1992-1-2 and addresses the question whether the fire protection of externally bonded reinforcement is necessary in every situation? The second part shows what such fire protection should look like and how it should be designed. Moreover, a test procedure for determining the effectiveness of applied fire protection systems to concrete structural members reinforced with FRP, used in Fire Testing Laboratory of Building Research Institute (ITB) is presented.
The analysis of the effectiveness of different types of punching shear reinforcement not fully anchored
Authors: Urban Tadeusz , Gołdyn Michał , Krawczyk Łukasz
Published: September 2020

The paper discusses the issue of load capacity of flat plates with transverse reinforcement situated between the longitudinal reinforcement. Using this types of reinforcement is much more convenient from the installation point of view, however, it does not guarantee complete embedment, as efficient as traditional stirrups that comprise longitudinal reinforcement in compression and the tension zone. The transverse rods do not comprise the main reinforcement, so their slide out of the concrete slabs or cracks parallel to the plane of the longitudinal reinforcement and delamination of the slab can occur.

The different types of transverse reinforcement were presented: system consisting of  ready-made bolts, reinforcement baskets or ladders. Experimental results of plates with  these types of reinforcement are presented. The analysis of effectiveness of reinforcement anchorage indicates that transverse bolts can be used to increase the punching shear load capacity of the plates. The resulting capacity was only of about 20% lower than result elements with complete embedment Experimental results were similar to the theoretical capacity resulting from the consideration by Eurocode 2.
The analysis of the deformation of node in a modular scaffolding system
Authors: Pieńko Michał
Published: September 2020

The paper deals with the deformation of the weakest point of the modular scaffolding systems, which is the node. Scaffoldings are reusable constructions which can have various forms of the load, depending on the destination. The connections between the elements of scaffolding are not permanent and obvious. The multi-hole rosette allows to connect up to eight components, each of which can be loaded in another way. The proper design of scaffolding structures requires knowledge of the behavior of nodes under the load. Every kind of a one-piece load was analyzed in the study (normal force, cutting and bending moment), which will provide the basis for further studies with a larger number of elements. This paper presents original solutions that allow to load the node in the testing machine.
The initial research of dynamic parameters for composite structures containing Zeolite
Authors: Szulej Jacek
Published: September 2020

The article aims at presenting the initial results of damping parameters of vibrations in constructions with zeolite. The initial part of the article describes the properties and application of zeolite. The influence of zeolite on concrete parameters was examined. The main part of the article displays the results of the analysis of damping parameters of vibration of three plate-beam models. The models contain modified binder in which the part of cement was replaced by zeolite (containing more than 85% of crinoptylolite). The analyses were based on the induction of vibration of models, the measurements of vibrations, the spectrum treatment of time course as well as the determination of values of damping coefficients of vibration. Hence the collation method was used. Moreover, the damping coefficients of the first three modes of free vibrations of models were determined.