bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Scale on the Performance of an Integrated Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment Process
Authors: Meiramkulova Kulyash , Zorpas Antonis A. , Orynbekov Duman , Zhumagulov Michal , Saspugayeva Gulnur , Kydyrbekova Aliya , Mkilima Timoth , Inglezakis Vassilis J.
Published: June 2020

The efficiency of a wastewater treatment process may be affected by several factors including the scale at which the system is operating. This study aimed at investigating the influence of scale on a poultry slaughterhouse wastewater treatment process. The process is comprised of several units including electrolysis, membrane filtration, and ultraviolet irradiation. The results of the industrial-scale wastewater treatment plant of the Izevski poultry farm slaughterhouse in Kazakhstan were compared with those of a lab-scale wastewater treatment process under the same conditions. The traditional and water quality index (WQI) approaches were used to present the results and the drinking water quality standards of Kazakhstan were used as a reference. The industrial and lab-scale plants showed high purification efficiency for most of the studied water quality parameters. The comparative analysis based on the WQI showed that the industrial-scale wastewater treatment plant outperforms the lab-scale wastewater treatment process.
Urban Sustainability and Smartness Understanding (USSU)—Identifying Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Topal Hasan Fehmi , Hunt Dexter V.L. , Rogers Christopher D.F.
Published: June 2020

Urban Sustainability and Smartness Understanding (USSU) can be defined by a group of sociopsychological determinants (such as awareness, perception, attitude and behavior) which shapes the relationship between human beings and the environment in which they live. A variety of influencing factors must exist in relation to USSU, however, a comprehensive examination of these, looking at personal, social, environmental, economic, technical, and governance perspectives in an urban context, appear to be less well researched. As such this paper provides an exploratory and critical evaluation of the literature by focusing on the USSU determinants; with an aim toward identifying the key factors (and sub-factors) that are in relation with these determinants. Two big databases of Scopus and Web of Science—have been searched systematically for the relevant studies. Therein it is observed how these factors affect USSU according to the characteristics of the study. Sustainability focused studies were found to be more commonplace than smartness studies. Moreover, there is currently ambiguity in evaluating the impacts of the identified factors. This paper concludes that a holistic approach is needed for clarifying the relationship and causality between sociopsychological determinants on Urban Sustainability and Smartness context. A framework with six dimensions is presented to initiate future studies to develop a consistent; coherent and comprehensive methodology to assess an individuals’ USSU.
Schools That ‘Open Doors’ to Prevent Child Abuse in Confinement by COVID-19
Authors: Roca Esther , Melgar Patricia , Gairal-Casadó Regina , Pulido-Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: June 2020

Background: Due to the expected increase in child abuse during the period of COVID-19 confinement, it is essential that social researchers and other professionals work together very quickly to provide alternatives that protect children. To respond to this extremely urgent demand, evidence-based actions are presented that are being carried out in nine schools in the autonomous communities of Valencia and Murcia, Spain, during the confinement with the goal of “opening doors” to foster supportive relationships and a safe environment to prevent child abuse. Methods: The research was conducted through the inclusion of teachers who are implementing these actions in dialogue with the researchers to define the study design, analysis, and discussion of the results. Results: Knowledge regarding six evidence-based actions is provided: (1) dialogic workspaces, (2) dialogic gatherings, (3) class assemblies, (4) dialogic pedagogical gatherings with teachers, (5) mixed committees, and (6) dynamisation of social networks with preventive messages and the creation of a sense of community, which are being implemented virtually.
Analysis of Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Organic and Local Honey in Serbia
Authors: Vapa-Tankosić Jelena , Ignjatijević Svetlana , Kiurski Jelena , Milenković Jovana , Milojević Irena
Published: June 2020

In times of increased concern for human health and care for the environment, it is important to investigate the consumer behavior models in order to better manage the product supply. From the perspective of our research, it is important to learn about consumer attitudes, of a specific product, such as honey, so as to potentially strengthen the economic position of honey producers. The purpose of this article was to explore the consumers’ perceptions of organic and local honey in the Republic of Serbia and identify factors that contribute to predicting consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for organic and local honey. The ordinal regression was used to determine which factors influence the WTP for organic and local honey, and the findings show that the consumers were WTP more for organic honey than for local honey. Socio-economic characteristics of respondents and honey attributes affect consumers’ WTP. The higher monthly household income positively influences the WTP for organic honey, while on the other hand, the higher level of education has a positive influence on the WTP for local honey. The WTP for organic honey positively affected by the perceived importance of honey attributes, such as food safety and support for the local community. The frequency of the purchase of the local honey, the recommendations for the local honey purchase and the perceived importance of attributes, such as the care for the environment and nutritional properties, have a positive influence on the consumers’ WTP for local honey. From this, we can conclude that our understanding of all the factors that influence a consumer’s decision to allocate budget expenses for honey can help all stakeholders in creating an adequate pricing and promotional strategy for honey products.
Spatial Patterns of Vineyard Abandonment and Related Land Use Transitions in Beaujolais (France): A Multiscale Approach
Authors: Cossart Etienne , Pic Jessica , Le Guen Yoann , Fressard Mathieu
Published: June 2020

While the resilience of French vineyards is currently threatened, this paper focuses on the Beaujolais terroir, where the disappearance of vineyards has been qualitatively observed by local stakeholders. A targeted survey was led at three complementary scales. First, we provide an overview of the evolution of agricultural landscapes and practices for the whole Beaujolais area since 1990 from national statistical databases. It shows that the vineyard extent reached a maximum during the 1990s and that significant bifurcation occurred in 2000. Second, we document land use evolution in relation to vineyard abandonment at a more local scale. Three case studies (lower Ardières, Marverand, Merloux) exemplify the main local settings, and the land uses are described over time from an analysis that employed multitemporal photo interpretation. The results quantified the decrease in the vineyard surface extent since 1999: approximately 30% was lost in regular terroirs and 5% was lost in high added-value terroirs. Third, at a fine scale, we explained the precise location of the abandoned parcels regarding the site characteristics (e.g., incoming solar radiation, slope gradient, terroir quality). The results showed differences in evolution patterns between southern and northern Beaujolais. In northern Beaujolais, winegrowers tended to abandon vine parcels that were considered of lower quality; while, in southern Beaujolais, the winegrowers tended to abandon vine parcels in relation to the difficulty of maintenance (remote and steep parcels were preferentially abandoned) or in relation to suburbanization (parcels close to built-up areas were preferentially abandoned).
Values Education in Outdoor Environmental Education Programs from the Perspective of Practitioners
Authors: Činčera Jan , Johnson Bruce , Kroufek Roman , Šimonová Petra
Published: June 2020

Shaping environmental values is considered one of the goals of environmental education. At the same time, this creates questions about the line between indoctrination and education. While values education has been widely discussed from various theoretical perspectives, few studies have analyzed how it is being practiced. This article investigates five outdoor environmental education programs and identifies the values the programs promote as well as the means they use to communicate these values to students. Additionally, the article examines the perspectives of 17 program leaders and center directors regarding the ways in which values should be promoted in environmental education and the approaches they use in their practice. According to the findings, all the observed programs applied a normative, value-laden approach, communicating mainly the values of universalism. The most frequently observed strategy was the inculcation of desirable values by moralizing and modeling. Simultaneously, some of the leaders’ beliefs, while highlighting value-free or pluralistic approaches, contradicted their rather normative practice. This article describes the theory–practice gap identified and discusses the implications of the prevailing use of the normative approach in outdoor environmental education for the field. It calls for opening an in-depth debate on what, why, and how values belong in outdoor environmental education practice.
Passengers’ Expectations on Airlines’ Services: Design of a Stated Preference Survey and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Bellizzi Maria Grazia , dell’Olio Luigi , Eboli Laura , Forciniti Carmen , Mazzulla Gabriella
Published: June 2020

As the competition between airlines grows, their customer-centered strategies are becoming increasingly popular. In this context, the marketing strategies are the result of investigations carried out directly on users, usually through the Customer Satisfaction Surveys. Investigating on airline passengers’ preferences represents a useful action to pursue the most convenient strategy for increasing their satisfaction and improving the provided service. With this aim, we propose the design of a Stated Preference survey and the preliminary outcomes obtained from the analysis and modelling of the collected data. A deep study of the literature review drove us to consider the land services separately from the air ones. Even if the travel experience of an airline passenger starts at the airport, only the services provided by the airlines are the object of this study. The Stated Preference survey was designed with the aim to capture the passengers’ desires on airlines’ services by proposing hypothetical scenarios to them. The survey was addressed to the whole population of the University of Calabria (Italy). A sample of 1907 survey responses was obtained. For analyzing the collected data, discrete choice models have been calibrated to obtain the weights assigned by users to each service quality aspect included in the experiment.
Analyzing Spatial Variance of Airbnb Pricing Determinants Using Multiscale GWR Approach
Authors: Hong Insu , Yoo Changsok
Published: June 2020

A sharing economy accommodation service like Airbnb, which provides trust between strangers to connect them for profiting from underutilized assets, was born and has thrived thanks to the innovations in the platform technology. Due to the unique structure of Airbnb, the pricing strategies of hosts are very different from the conventional hospitality industry. However, existing Airbnb pricing studies have limitations considering the varying scale of operation among hosts, spatial variances in pricing strategies, and crucial geographic information for estimating the influence of the pricing variables, as well as ignoring inter-city variances. In this research, we explored the spatially heterogeneous relationship between price and pricing variables using an innovative spatial approach, Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR). Analysis results for Airbnb listing in Log Angeles and New York in the US showed the effectiveness of MGWR regarding estimating the influence of pricing variables spatially. By revealing spatially heterogeneous and dependent relationships, this research fills gaps in Airbnb pricing research and deepens the understanding of the pricing strategies of the hosts.
Measuring Human-Scale Living Convenience through Multi-Sourced Urban Data and a Geodesign Approach: Buildings as Analytical Units
Authors: Zhong Teng , Lü Guonian , Zhong Xiuming , Tang Haoming , Ye Yu
Published: June 2020

Living convenience, as a perceptual quality of life, is gradually playing an increasingly important role in the context of seeking livable cities. A high degree of living convenience positively affects urban vitality, livability, and daily physical activities. However, it is hard to achieve a quantitative measurement of this intangible, subjective issue. This study presents a data-informed analytical approach to measuring the human-scale living convenience using multi-sourced urban data and geodesign techniques. Firstly, according to classical theories, living convenience is translated as the co-presentation of accessed number and diversity of urban facilities. Based on that, this study applies multi-sourced urban data, including points of interest (PoIs), buildings, and street networks, to compute the living convenience of each building in the 15 min community–life circle. Through the geoprocessing tools developed by ArcGIS API for Python (ArcPy), the living convenience of millions of buildings in an entire city can be computed efficiently. Kaifeng City from Henan Province, China, is selected as the case study, and the verification from local experts in urbanism shows high accuracy. The capacity to measure intangible perception exhibits the potential for this analytical approach in urban planning practices. Several explorations have been conducted in this direction, including analyzing the spatial heterogeneity in Kaifeng City and planning decision support for bus station arrangement. In short, this study contributes to the development of human-centered planning by providing continuous measurements of an ‘unmeasurable’ quality across large-scale areas. Insights into the perceptual-based quality and detailed mapping of living conveniences in buildings can assist in efficient planning strategies toward more livable and sustainable urbanism.
Trapped or Voluntary? Non-Migration Despite Climate Risks
Authors: Mallick Bishawjit , Schanze Jochen
Published: June 2020

Millions of people impacted by climate change actually want to remain in place; these aspirations and respective capabilities need more attention in migration research and climate adaptation policies. Residents at risk may voluntarily stay put, as opposed to being involuntarily trapped, and understanding such subjectivity is empirically challenging. This comment elaborates on “voluntary non-migration” to call attention to a neglected population within the ongoing discourses on climate-induced migration, social equality and human rights. A roadmap for action outlines specific research and policy goals.
Phenol Recovery from Aromatic Solvents by Formation of Eutectic Liquids with Trialkyl-2,3-dihydroxypropylammonium Chloride Salts
Authors: Byrne Emily L. , Holbrey John D.
Published: June 2020

Trialkyl-2,3-dihydroxypropylammonium chloride salts have been investigated as liquid eutectic-forming salts for the extraction of phenol from aromatic-rich model oil (toluene), demonstrating how the increased partitioning of phenol from oil-phases can be combined with reduced co-miscibility of the salt with aromatic hydrocarbons through the introduction of the dihydroxypropyl-function.
Effect of Nano-Graphene Oxide and n-Butanol Fuel Additives Blended with Diesel—Nigella sativa Biodiesel Fuel Emulsion on Diesel Engine Characteristics
Authors: Khan Hurmathulla , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Kumar Rajagopal Harish , Safaei Mohammad Reza , Farooq Muhammad , Khidmatgar Abdulqhadar , Banapurmath Nagaraj R , Farade Rizwan A. , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Afzal Asif , Ahmed Waqar , Goodarzi Marjan , Taqui Syed Noeman
Published: June 2020

The present investigation uses a blend of Nigella sativa biodiesel, diesel, n-butanol, and graphene oxide nanoparticles to enhance the performance, combustion and symmetric characteristics and to reduce the emissions from the diesel engine of a modified common rail direct injection (CRDI). A symmetric toroidal-type combustion chamber and a six-hole solenoid fuel injector were used in the current investigation. The research aimed to study the effect of two fuel additives, n-butanol and synthesized asymmetric graphene oxide nanoparticles, in improving the fuel properties of Nigella sativa biodiesel (NSME25). The concentration of n-butanol (10%) was kept constant, and asymmetric graphene oxide nano-additive and sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) surfactant were added to n-butanol and NSME25 in the form of nanofluid in varying proportions. The nanofluids were prepared using a probe sonication process to prevent nanoparticles from agglomerating in the base fluid. The process was repeated for biodiesel, n-butanol and nanofluid, and four different stable and symmetric nanofuel mixtures were prepared by varying the graphene oxide (30, 60, 90 and 120 ppm). The nanofuel blend NSME25B10GO90 displayed an enhancement in the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and a reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) at maximum load due to high catalytic activity and the enhanced microexplosion phenomenon developed by graphene oxide nanoparticles. The heat release rate (HRR), in-cylinder temperature increased, while exhaust gas temperature (EGT) decreased. Smoke, hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions also fell, in a trade-off with marginally increased NOx, for all nanofuel blends, compared with Nigella sativa biodiesel. The results obtained indicates that 90 ppm of graphene oxide nanoparticles and 10% n-butanol in Nigella sativa biodiesel are comparable with diesel fuel.
Magic Three-Qubit Veldkamp Line and Veldkamp Space of the Doily
Authors: Saniga Metod , Szabó Zsolt
Published: June 2020

A magic three-qubit Veldkamp line of W ( 5 , 2 ) , i.e., the line comprising a hyperbolic quadric Q + ( 5 , 2 ) , an elliptic quadric Q − ( 5 , 2 ) and a quadratic cone Q ^ ( 4 , 2 ) that share a parabolic quadric Q ( 4 , 2 ) , the doily, is shown to provide an interesting model for the Veldkamp space of the doily. The model is based on the facts that: (a) the 20 off-doily points of Q + ( 5 , 2 ) form ten complementary pairs, each corresponding to a unique grid of the doily; (b) the 12 off-doily points of Q − ( 5 , 2 ) form six complementary pairs, each corresponding to a unique ovoid of the doily; and (c) the 15 off-doily points of Q ^ ( 4 , 2 ) , disregarding the nucleus of Q ( 4 , 2 ) , are in bijection with the 15 perp-sets of the doily. These findings lead to a conjecture that also parapolar spaces can be relevant for quantum information.
A Numerical Method for Computing the Roots of Non-Singular Complex-Valued Matrices
Authors: Caratelli Diego , Ricci Paolo Emilio
Published: June 2020

A method for the computation of the n th roots of a general complex-valued r × r non-singular matrix ? is presented. The proposed procedure is based on the Dunford–Taylor integral (also ascribed to Riesz–Fantappiè) and relies, only, on the knowledge of the invariants of the matrix, so circumventing the computation of the relevant eigenvalues. Several worked examples are illustrated to validate the developed algorithm in the case of higher order matrices.
Corrected Maximum Likelihood Estimations of the Lognormal Distribution Parameters
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Gui Wenhao
Published: June 2020

As a result of asymmetry in practical problems, the Lognormal distribution is more suitable for data modeling in biological and economic fields than the normal distribution, while biases of maximum likelihood estimators are regular of the order O ( n − 1 ) , especially in small samples. It is of necessity to derive logical expressions for the biases of the first-order and nearly consistent estimators by bias correction techniques. Two methods are adopted in this article. One is the Cox-Snell method. The other is the resampling method known as parametric Bootstrap. They can improve maximum likelihood estimators performance and correct biases of the Lognormal distribution parameters. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we obtain average root mean squared error and bias, which are two important indexes to compare the effect of different methods. The numerical results reveal that for small and medium-sized samples, the performance of analytical bias correction estimation is superior than bootstrap estimation and classical maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, an example is given based on the actual data.
Design of Concentric Ring Antenna Arrays Based on Subarrays to Simplify the Feeding System
Authors: Juárez Elizvan , Panduro Marco A. , Reyna Alberto , Covarrubias David H. , Mendez Aldo , Murillo Eduardo
Published: June 2020

The global synthesis for antenna arrays that produce a desired radiation pattern is a scientific symmetry problem. This paper deals with the design of concentric ring antenna arrays to simplify the feeding system using a cophasal subarray configuration. This simplification in the feeding network is achieved by the reduction of phase shifters via a proper clustering of radiators applying one amplitude and one phase excitation by subarray in the array system. The array design for this geometry considers an optimization process based in differential evolution to reduce the side-lobe level, resulting in simplification of the feeding network. Simulation results based on CST Microwave Studio and HFSS are provided to verify the accuracy of the array model and to take mutual coupling into account. These simulations are provided using a circular patch as antenna element to generate a scannable array pattern over the elevation plane. Furthermore, an analysis of the manufacturing tolerances was made to verify the reliability of our design.
Review and Comparison of Emerging Routing Protocols in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Sang Qianqian , Wu Honghai , Xing Ling , Xie Ping
Published: June 2020

With the development of Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) communication, Flying Ad Hoc Network (FANET) has become a hot research area in recent years, which is widely used in civil and military fields due to its unique advantages. FANET is a special kind of networks which are composed of UAV nodes, and can be used to implement data transfer in certain unique scenarios. To achieve reliable and robust communication among UAVs, a routing algorithm is the key factor and should be designed elaborately. Because of its importance and usefulness, this topic has attracted many researchers, and various routing protocols have also been put forward to improve the quality of data transmission in FANETs. Thus, in this paper, we give a survey on the state-of-the-art of routing protocols proposed in recent years. First, an in-depth research of the routing in FANETs recently has been brought out by absolutely differentiating them based on their routing mechanism. Then, we give a comparative analysis of each protocol based on their characteristics and service quality indicators. Finally, we propose some unsolved problems and future research directions for FANET routing.
Resource Allocation Strategy of Edge Systems Based on Task Priority and an Optimal Integer Linear Programming Algorithm
Authors: Li Daoquan , Jin Yingnan , Liu Haoxin
Published: June 2020

With the emergence of increasingly computing-intensive and delay-sensitive tasks, the processing of computing tasks on cloud servers cannot meet the current needs any longer. The emergence of mobile edge computing (MEC) technology and the popularity of 5G applications can solve these demands. Offloading tasks to the MEC server reduces the energy consumption of local devices, and also has a lower latency than offloading to the cloud server. In this paper, an MEC–edge cloud server collaborative system model with energy harvesting technology is designed to minimize the processing delay of computing tasks by allocating computing resources. We propose an optimal integer linear programming (OILP) algorithm with two steps. Firstly, we propose a Lyapunov stability optimization algorithm based on task priority. With the constraints of local mobile device power stability, the divide-and-conquer idea is used for solving the target values of the processing tasks locally, and the MEC and edge cloud servers separately. Therefore, the objective problem is transformed into an integer linear programming problem, and then an integer linear programming algorithm based on CPU utilization optimization is proposed to obtain a resource allocation scheme. Simulation results show that the proposed OILP algorithm can further reduce the delay, improve the CPU’s utilization of the MEC server, and reduce the number of the tasks that cannot be processed under the condition of the energy stability of the local device.
Gas of Baby Universes in JT Gravity and Matrix Models
Authors: Aref’eva Irina , Volovich Igor
Published: June 2020

It has been shown recently by Saad, Shenker and Stanford that the genus expansion of a certain matrix integral generates partition functions of Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) quantum gravity on Riemann surfaces of arbitrary genus with any fixed number of boundaries. We use an extension of this integral for studying gas of baby universes or wormholes in JT gravity. To investigate the gas nonperturbatively we explore the generating functional of baby universes in the matrix model. The simple particular case when the matrix integral includes the exponential potential is discussed in some detail. We argue that there is a phase transition in the gas of baby universes.
Two-Pole Structures in QCD: Facts, Not Fantasy!
Authors: Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: June 2020

The two-pole structure refers to the fact that particular single states in the spectrum as listed in the PDG tables are often two states. The story began with the Λ ( 1405 ) , when in 2001, using unitarized chiral perturbation theory, it was observed that there are two poles in the complex plane, one close to the K ¯ p and the other close to the π Σ threshold. This was later understood combining the SU(3) limit and group-theoretical arguments. Different unitarization approaches that all lead to the two-pole structure have been considered in the mean time, showing some spread in the pole positions. This fact is now part of the PDG book, although it is not yet listed in the summary tables. Here, I discuss the open ends and critically review approaches that cannot deal with this issue. In the meson sector, some excited charm mesons are good candidates for such a two-pole structure. Next, I consider in detail the D 0 * ( 2300 ) , which is another candidate for this scenario. Combining lattice QCD with chiral unitary approaches in the finite volume, the precise data of the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration for coupled-channel D π , D η , D s K ¯ scattering in the isospin I = 1 / 2 channel indeed reveal its two-pole structure. Further states in the heavy meson sector with I = 1 / 2 exhibiting this phenomenon are predicted, especially in the beauty meson sector. I also discuss the relation of these two-pole structures and the possible molecular nature of the states under consideration.
Zearalenone (ZEN) in Livestock and Poultry: Dose, Toxicokinetics, Toxicity and Estrogenicity
Authors: Liu Jundi , Applegate Todd
Published: June 2020

One of the concerns when using grain ingredients in feed formulation for livestock and poultry diets is mycotoxin contamination. Aflatoxin, fumonisin, ochratoxin, trichothecene (deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2) and zearalenone (ZEN) are mycotoxins that have been frequently reported in animal feed. ZEN, which has raised additional concern due to its estrogenic response in animals, is mainly produced by Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), F. culmorum, F. cerealis, F. equiseti, F. crookwellense and F. semitectums, and often co-occurs with deoxynivalenol in grains. The commonly elaborated derivatives of ZEN are α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, zearalanone, α-zearalanol, and β-zearalanol. Other modified and masked forms of ZEN (including the extractable conjugated and non-extractable bound derivatives of ZEN) have also been quantified. In this review, common dose of ZEN in animal feed was summarized. The absorption rate, distribution (“carry-over”), major metabolites, toxicity and estrogenicity of ZEN related to poultry, swine and ruminants are discussed.
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxicity in Lithobates catesbeiana Tadpoles
Authors: Su Robin C. , Meyers Casey M. , Warner Emily A. , Garcia Jessica A. , Refsnider Jeanine M. , Lad Apurva , Breidenbach Joshua D. , Modyanov Nikolai , Malhotra Deepak , Haller Steven T. , Kennedy David J.
Published: June 2020

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) have become a major health concern worldwide, not just to humans that consume and recreate on contaminated waters, but also to the fauna that inhabit the environments surrounding affected areas. HABs contain heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacterial lipopolysaccharide, and cyanobacterial toxins such as microcystins, that can cause severe toxicity in many aquatic species as well as bioaccumulation within various organs. Thus, the possibility of trophic transference of this toxin through the food chain has potentially important health implications for other organisms in the related food web. While some species have developed adaptions to attenuate the toxic effects of HAB toxins, there are still numerous species that remain vulnerable, including Lithobates catesbeiana (American bullfrog) tadpoles. In the current study we demonstrate that acute, short-term exposure of tadpoles to HAB toxins containing 1 µg/L (1 nmol/L) of total microcystins for only 7 days results in significant liver and intestinal toxicity within tadpoles. Exposed tadpoles had increased intestinal diameter, decreased intestinal fold heights, and a constant number of intestinal folds, indicating pathological intestinal distension, similar to what is seen in various disease processes, such as toxic megacolon. HAB-toxin-exposed tadpoles also demonstrated hepatocyte hypertrophy with increased hepatocyte binucleation consistent with carcinogenic and oxidative processes within the liver. Both livers and intestines of HAB-toxin-exposed tadpoles demonstrated significant increases in protein carbonylation consistent with oxidative stress and damage. These findings demonstrate that short-term exposure to HAB toxins, including microcystins, can have significant adverse effects in amphibian populations. This acute, short-term toxicity highlights the need to evaluate the influence HAB toxins may have on other vulnerable species within the food web and how those may ultimately also impact human health.
SARS-CoV-2 and Norovirus Co-Infection after Lung Transplantation
Authors: Steinack Carolin , Hage René , Benden Christian , Schuurmans Macé
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is spreading as a pandemic in 2020. Few reports on infections in thoracic transplantation have been published so far. We present a case of COVID-19 in a 55-year old female lung transplant recipient infected 5 months posttransplant, who additionally was co-infected with a Norovirus. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms were observed without need of therapeutic escalation except for antibiotic therapy. We observed a moderate disease evolution likely due to triple immunosuppression.
Analysis of Cost-Effective Methods to Reduce Industrial Wastewater Emissions in China
Authors: Sheng Pengfei , Dong Yaowu , Vochozka Marek
Published: June 2020

To reduce industrial wastewater emissions, likely scenarios involve saving water in the production process or treating the emissions that are discharged. In this regard, our paper aims to evaluate the costs of these two paths and then analyze whether the industrial sector has made a good trade-off. In particular, we measured costs of the two paths by shadow prices of water use and wastewater emissions, and then we built a non-parametric input–output model to produce the estimates. For 2015, the shadow price of water use was 37.85 RMB/ton at the national level, which indicated the marginal cost of saving each ton of water was 37.864 RMB and that of wastewater emissions was 141.759 RMB/ton, which meant that the marginal cost of abating each ton of wastewater emissions was 141.759 RMB. Over the period 2004–2015, both shadow prices exhibited an upward trend at the national and regional levels, which suggested there was an increased cost to reduce emissions. However, the two shadow prices did not follow a common trend, but deviated from each other in most of China’s provinces, which resulted in a bad trade-off between the two scenarios. As a result, the bad trade-off not only lowered the efficiency to reduce emissions, but it was also linked to a high cost.
Prospective Models for Water Service Demand and Price Analyses
Authors: del Villar Alberto , Melgarejo Joaquín
Published: June 2020

One way to address the practical challenges of the current problems of water services is through demand-side measures. These types of measures impact on demand through price changes or on water use control, considering that the impacts of these measures would be extremely useful in order to implement an adequate policy mix. One of the objectives of this paper is to show the possibilities of water management tools, particularly the use of prospective prices and demand models, in order to anticipate scarcity scenarios. This can best be done using better predictive models. Current computer tools provide a good basis for developing applications to perform prospective analysis on water prices and demand. Through simulation, we can try to optimize financial flows of costs and revenues based on the behavior of certain variables. This aims to find a better combination of price levels for urban water uses, making it possible to adjust the chargeback mechanisms, the level of cost recovery of investments, and the allocation between user types. This paper aims to show the advantages of these tools and illustrates its usefulness with a registered model that allows simulations of potential scenarios resulting from certain management measures.
Multiple Lines of Evidence Indicate Limited Natural Recruitment of Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) in the Highly Regulated Lachlan River
Authors: Shams Foyez , Dyer Fiona , Thompson Ross , Duncan Richard P. , Thiem Jason D. , Enge T. Gabriel , Ezaz Tariq
Published: June 2020

Freshwater ecosystems and their associated biota have been negatively impacted by the human development of water resources. Fundamental to restoration activities for target species is an understanding of the factors affecting population decline or recovery. Within Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin, recovery efforts to address the population decline of native freshwater fish include stock enhancement, habitat restoration, and the delivery of environmental water. Essential to guiding future management actions is information to assess the efficacy of these efforts. We undertook a study to investigate whether natural spawning and recruitment, stock enhancement, or a combination of the two is contributing to sustaining populations of golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in the highly regulated Lachlan River, Australia. Otolith microchemistry and genetic analyses were used as complementary tools to determine the source (hatchery origin or wild-spawned) of existing populations in the catchment. We identified that natural spawning and recruitment was contributing to riverine populations in some years but that populations were heavily reliant on stocking. It was not possible to distinguish hatchery and wild-born fish using genetic tools, highlighting the value of using multiple lines of evidence to establish causal mechanisms contributing to population recovery.
Simulation of Non-Gaussian Correlated Random Variables, Stochastic Processes and Random Fields: Introducing the anySim R-Package for Environmental Applications and Beyond
Authors: Tsoukalas Ioannis , Kossieris Panagiotis , Makropoulos Christos
Published: June 2020

Stochastic simulation has a prominent position in a variety of scientific domains including those of environmental and water resources sciences. This is due to the numerous applications that can benefit from it, such as risk-related studies. In such domains, stochastic models are typically used to generate synthetic weather data with the desired properties, often resembling those of hydrometeorological observations, which are then used to drive deterministic models of the understudy system. However, generating synthetic weather data with the desired properties is not an easy task. This is due to the peculiarities of such processes, i.e., non-Gaussianity, intermittency, dependence, and periodicity, and the limited availability of open-source software for such purposes. This work aims to simplify the synthetic data generation procedure by providing an R-package called anySim, specifically designed for the simulation of non-Gaussian correlated random variables, stochastic processes at single and multiple temporal scales, and random fields. The functionality of the package is demonstrated through seven simulation studies, accompanied by code snippets, which resemble real-world cases of stochastic simulation (i.e., generation of synthetic weather data) of hydrometeorological processes and fields (e.g., rainfall, streamflow, temperature, etc.), across several spatial and temporal scales (ranging from annual down to 10-min simulations).
Influence of Structural Elements on the Spatial Sediment Displacement around a Jacket-Type Offshore Foundation
Authors: Welzel Mario , Schendel Alexander , Goseberg Nils , Hildebrandt Arndt , Schlurmann Torsten
Published: June 2020

This research advances the understanding of jacket-type platform induced local and global erosion and deposition processes for combined wave–current conditions. To this end, a laboratory study was carried out comparing the equilibrium scour depth for two structural designs that are differentiated in the geometrical distance of the structure’s lowest node to the seabed. Measurements of local scour depths over time have been conducted with echo sounding transducers. An empirical approach is proposed to predict the final scour depths as a function of the node distance to the seabed. Additionally, 3D laser scans have been performed to obtain the digital elevation model of the surrounding sediment bed. Novel methodologies were developed to describe and easily compare the relative volume change of the sediment bed per surface area due to structure–seabed interaction, enabling spatial analyses of highly complex erosion and deposition patterns. The seabed sediment mobility around the structure is found to be highly sensitive to a change in node distance. The decrease of the node distance results in a higher erosion depth of sediment underneath the structure of up to 26%, especially for current-dominated conditions, as well as an increased deposition of sediment downstream of the structure over a distance of up to 6.5 times the footprint length. The results of this study highlight the requirement to consider the interaction of the structure with the surrounding seabed within the design process of offshore structures, to mitigate potential impacts on the marine environment stemming from the extensive sediment displacement and increased sediment mobility.
Community Social Polarization and Change: Evidence from Three Recent Studies
Authors: Stephenson Max , Abella-Lipsey Beng , Nagle Lara , Moayerian Neda
Published: June 2020

This review article analyzes three major recent books (written by Robert Wuthnow, Arlie R. Hochschild, and James and Deborah Fallows, respectively) concerning ongoing political, economic and social change in United States’ rural communities to probe differing frames and claims among them. We contend these works together point to vital social and political forces that must receive increased attention if the communities they treat are to address the challenges confronting them successfully. Thereafter, we briefly and illustratively underscore the significance of these authors’ arguments using our own ongoing work in two small communities confronting catastrophic economic decline and social fissuring in Central Appalachia. Overall, we argue that an analytical approach that combines elements of Wuthnow’s sensitivity to demographic and scalar polarization and divides, coupled with Hochschild’s emphasis on opportunities to instill and call on empathetic imagination in development efforts, could assist these rural communities’ residents to understand more fully the dynamics at play within them and to craft strategies aimed at addressing those challenges. In particular, we contend that the Fallowses’ call for pragmatic interventions and partnership building must be accompanied by long-term efforts to overcome the fear engendered by the view that rural community life constitutes a consumerist zero-sum game, and the accompanying widespread belief in those jurisdictions that scapegoating and explicit or implicit racialized hierarchies represent reasonable responses to such anxieties.
Hristiyan Arap Yuhanna ed-Dımeşkî’nin İslam Eleştirisi
Authors: AYDOĞMUŞ Recep
Published: June 2020

Öz İslam’ı eleştirme noktasında öncü Hıristiyan teologlardan biri hiç şüphesiz Yuhanna ed-Dımeşkî’dir (675-749). Emevîler döneminde yaşayan ve son kilise babası kabul edilen Yuhanna ed-Dımeşkî, Hıristiyan teolojisini savunmak maksadıyla pek çok eser kaleme almıştır. En önemli eserlerinden biri olan “Bilginin Kaynağı” içerisinde bir kısım olan “İsmaîlîlerin Sapıklığı” başlıklı yazısı ise İslam’a ilişkin görüşlerini barındırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Yuhanna ed-Dımeşkî’nin ilgili eseri esas alınarak onun İslam ve Müslümanlara ilişkin görüşleri incelenecektir. Böylelikle Hıristiyanların erken dönemlerden itibaren İslam’a yönelik düşünceleri ve bunun arka planı Yuhanna özelinde ortaya konmaya çalışılacaktır. Abstract One of the leading Christian theologians to criticize Islam is undoubtedly John of Damascus (675-749). John of Damascus, who lived in the Umayyad period and was accepted as the last father of the church, wrote many works for the defense of Christian theology. The chapter that named The Heresy of Ishmaelites located in one of his most important works, The Fount of Knowledge, contains his views on Islam. In this study, his views on Islam and Muslims will be examined based on the relevant work John of Damascus. In this way, Christians’ thoughts about Islam from the early periods and the back ground of this will be put forward in the context of John.
Effect of Acacia purified tannins extract and polyethylene glycol treatment on in vitro ruminal fermentation pattern and methane production
Authors: Khelalfa Khaoula , Arhab Rabah , Martín-García Antonio Ignacio , Zaabat Nabila , Belanche Alejandro
Published: June 2020

Condensed tannins are polyphenolic compounds which can exert beneficial effects in ruminants. They have the ability to bind proteins and decrease their degradation. They have also been reported to reduce methanogenesis and improve ruminants performances. The present work aimed to study the effect of purified condensed tannins from Acacia horrida extract on fermentation parameters, gas and methane production. In this context, seven substrates were selected: four Acacia species (Acacia pycnantha, Acacia dealbata, Acacia horrida and Acacia cyanophylla) and three plant by-products (date palm leaves, grenade peel and artichoke stems). Biological activity of tannins was evaluated by the incubation of the substrates in vitro with Polyethylene glycol (PEG). Tannins decreased concentration of all fermentation parameters (gas (p < 0.0001), methane (CH4) (p= 0.0983), ammonia (N-NH3) (p= 0.0382), Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) (p= 0.0009), acetate (p <0.0001), propionate (p= 0.1024), butyrate (p= 0.0373), isobutyrate (p= 0.0046), valerate (p < 0.0001), isovalerate (p= 0.0032)). Substrates were also characterized by their content in main nutrients (dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) ,acid detergent lignin (ADL)) and in secondary metabolites (total phenols (TP), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) ). All substrates presented high CP content except by-products (> 100 g/kg DM) and moderate cell-wall components. CT content was comprised between 120.5 and 680.4 g/kg DM in plants and between 23.1 and 170.4 g/kg DM in plant by-products. A. horrida presented the highest biological activity. Thus, their CT were extracted and purified on a sephadex LH-20 column. Purified tannins from A. horrida were incubated with two different forages alfalfa hay and barley straw at three different concentrations: 50, 100, 150 mg/g DM. Results showed that purified tannins from A. horrida had no effect on fermentation parameters (P > 0.05). The effects of A. horrida tannins may be strongly linked to their structure and their molecular weight more than to their concentration. For this reason, it is interesting that this work may be completed by physical characterization of these tannins.
Integración y Migraciones. Las políticas migratorias de Argentina y su relación con las políticas migratorias del MERCOSUR desde la perspectiva de los Derechos Humanos (2003-2013)
Authors: Urquiza Carolina
Published: June 2020

Entre los años 2003 y 2013 Argentina ha tenido un indiscutible rol como impulsora de políticas más abiertas en relación al reconocimiento de los derechos de los migrantes, en un contexto internacional caracterizado por imponer cada vez más barreras a la migracióny, en muchos casos, violando los derechos de las personas migrantes. Los cambios en la política y normativa argentina en materia migratoria han tenido vinculación con el proceso de integración en el MERCOSUR. La legislación argentina a través de la ley Nº 25.871 de 2004 marca un quiebre con la política anterior, dejando de lado la concepción de política migratoria restrictiva y de control,y dando lugar a una política respetuosa de los Derechos Humanos que adhiere y se adecua en forma progresiva a los postulados de los tratados internacionales. La normativa del MERCOSUR muestra ciertos avances en cuanto a las políticas que favorecen los derechos de los migrantes y tiene su correlato en las normas recientes de los estados parte. La ampliación de los derechos laborales, educativos y políticos de los migrantes mercosureños en Argentina muestra algunos avances. Sin embargo, la vinculación entre Argentina y el proceso de integración en materia migratoria y de Derechos Humanos es parcial y limitada. La falta de armonización de políticas al interior del MERCOSUR presenta un gran desafío, en tanto no todos los países suscriben y aplican esos avances de la misma forma, obstaculizando el efectivo respeto y aplicación de los derechos fundamentales de la población migrante.