bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of Green Human Resources Management on Environmental Performance in Small Lodging Enterprises: The Role of Green Innovation
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Hasanein Ahmed , Elshaer Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Small lodging enterprises encompass a major proportion of the lodging industry worldwide. Nonetheless, limited research has addressed the HRM-innovation-performance link on these enterprises. This research draws on ability, motivation, opportunity (AMO) theory and resource-based view (RBV) theory to examine the influences of green human resources management (GHRM) practices by owner-managers of small lodging enterprises on their enterprises’ green innovation and environmental performance. More specifically, the research examines the direct influence of GHRM on the environmental performance of small lodging enterprises and the indirect influence through green innovation. A self-administered questionnaire was given to owner-managers of small lodging enterprises in Greater Cairo, Egypt. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed direct, positive and significant influences of owner-managers’ green ability, motivation and opportunity on both enterprise green innovation and environmental performance. The ability of owner-managers was the most influential GHRM practices on both green innovation and environmental performance. Moreover, the results showed that the influence of GHRM on environmental performance was doubled with green innovation, reflecting the value and vital role of green innovation in small lodging enterprises’ environmental performance. Several policy-level, theoretical and practical implications are identified and discussed.
Risk Perceptions and Flood Insurance: Insights from Homeowners on the Georgia Coast
Authors: Landry Craig , Turner Dylan
Published: December 2020

Scholars highlight a wide array of factors that can influence individual decision-making under risk. Utilizing survey data, we explore many potential factors that affect risk perception and protective behaviors. Our focus is on coastal Georgia, which has lower historical risk relative to the rest of the Southeast U.S., and which many people perceive as relatively safe, but was recently adversely affected by two major storms. The results indicate a majority of coastal residents expect coastal storms and other hazards to be worse in the future. The regression results suggest perceived damages, risk tolerance, wealth exposure, and flood zone are robust determinants of flood insurance purchase. Other factors, like flood zone awareness and attitudes towards community risk management initiatives—like shoreline armoring, beach replenishment, and coastal retreat—are also indicated to have a high correlation with flood insurance purchase.
Adaptation to Extreme Hydrological Events by Javanese Society through Local Knowledge
Authors: Zaki Muhamad Khoiru , Noda Keigo , Ito Kengo , Komariah Komariah , Sumani Sumani , Senge Masateru
Published: December 2020

Understanding the effects of local knowledge on actions and decisions taken during a crisis is important; empirical studies and scientific data can be instructive to this end. This study integrated local knowledge (Pranata Mangsa) in Jawa, Indonesia, with scientific data on diurnal rainfall, extreme precipitation events, using the Local and Indigenous Knowledge System (LINKS). The results showed that Pranata Mangsa has informed aspects of agriculture including crop calendars, crop patterns, and farming activities, for over 1000 years in Jawa. Pranata Mangsa also enhances community resilience by mitigating the effects of extreme droughts; this finding was validated using scientific data.
Recovery of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Cooked Mussel Processing Wastewater at High Salinity and Acidic Conditions
Authors: Pedrouso Alba , Fra-Vazquez Andrea , Val del Rio Angeles , Mosquera-Corral Anuska
Published: December 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable polymers that can be intracellularly produced by microorganisms valorizing organic-rich wastes. In the present study, a PHA production system was fed with mussel cooker wastewater after acidogenic fermentation. Besides low pH (4.0 ± 0.3) and high salt (21.7 ± 2.9 g NaCl/L) concentrations, this wastewater also contained nitrogen concentrations (0.8 ± 0.1 g N/L), which were previously reported to be a challenge to the PHA accumulating bacteria enrichment. Bacteria with a PHA storage capacity were selected in an enrichment sequencing batch reactor (SBR) after 60 days of operation. The enriched mixed microbial culture (MMC) was mainly formed by microorganisms from phylum Bacteroidetes, and genera Azoarcus, Comamonas and Thauera from phylum Proteobacteria. The MMC was able to accumulate up to 25 wt% of PHA that was mainly limited by the wastewater nitrogen content, which promoted biomass growth instead of PHA accumulation. Indeed, when the presence of nutrient was limited, PHA stored in the accumulation reactor increased to up to 40.9 wt%. This work demonstrated the feasibility of the enrichment of a MMC with a PHA storage ability valorizing the fish-canning industrial wastewater at low pH, which is generally difficult to treat in wastewater treatment plants.
Applying the ICAT Sustainable Development Methodology to Assess the Impacts of Promoting a Greater Sustainability of the Charcoal Value Chain in Mozambique
Authors: Lisboa Sá Nogueira , Mate Rosta , Manjate Américo , Sitoe Almeida
Published: December 2020

This study assesses greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions and sustainable development impacts connected to the nationally appropriate mitigation action (NAMA) on sustainable charcoal production in Mozambique. The analysis covers the results of the ex-ante assessment of the NAMA potential contribution to the achievement of Mozambique’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target. The expected impacts show that the proposed actions tied to NAMA (e.g., introducing improved kilns, sustainable forest management, briquetting of charcoal waste and torrefaction) can cumulatively lead to emission reductions amounting to 314,521 ± 45,138 t CO2-eq (119% reduction) by 2025, and 442,706 ± 26,766 t CO2-eq (113% reduction) by 2030 at the national level, compared to a business as usual scenario. This shifting represents a transformation of the charcoal sector from a net source of emissions to net carbon sequestrating. The analysis also identifies a wide range of sustainable development cobenefits, including increased income, improved gender equity, job creation (23% increase by 2025, and 15% decrease by 2030), and increased revenue (USD 825,000 by 2025, and USD 1.6 million by 2030). The assessment process concluded that unless robust data collection, processing, and sharing is put in place, a full assessment of all direct and indirect environmental, social, and economic impacts cannot be comprehensively reported. Finally, we highlight the lessons learned and specific barriers for a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of the given policy under the current MRV set up and available capacities.
Applying an Alternative Approach for Assessing Sustainable Road Transport: A Benchmarking Analysis on EU Countries
Authors: Shen Yongjun , Bao Qiong , Hermans Elke
Published: December 2020

Road transport plays an important role in economic development, trade and social integration. However, it is also responsible for certain negative impacts on environment and society. In order to achieve sustainable development, there is a growing need for a country to assess both the benefits from road transport and its undesirable costs, to compare them with those in other countries and to provide estimates of their future developments. In this research, starting from the identification of relevant factors (both desirable and undesirable), a benchmarking approach is proposed as an alternative way to assess sustainable road transport among the 28 EU countries. Meanwhile, the basic concept of data envelopment analysis (DEA) for benchmarking purpose is further extended to integrate both the desirable achievements and the undesirable costs in evaluation. As a result, an overall road transport sustainability score is computed for the 28 EU countries, which can be further split into two efficiency scores with respect to desirable and undesirable factors, respectively. Furthermore, after applying a clustering analysis that groups countries with inherent similarity in their practices, the model is adopted to identify best-performing and underperforming countries within the cluster, as well as the reference sets for those underperforming ones, based on which valuable insights are gained, enabling decision makers to prioritize their actions towards a more sustainable road transport system in the future.
Effect of Major Life Events on Travel Behaviours: A Scoping Review
Authors: Larouche Richard , Charles Rodriguez Ulises , Nayakarathna Ransimala , Scott David R.
Published: December 2020

The transportation sector accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Previous research suggests that major life events may be “windows of opportunity” for travel behaviour change. Our scoping review examined the effects of seven events (transitions to secondary school, post-secondary studies, labour market, marriage, parenthood, retirement, and relocation) on travel behaviours. Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, SportDISCUS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) and 80 articles met inclusion criteria. Relocation was the most commonly examined event (with 51 studies). Findings illustrate that moving to compact neighbourhoods (with shorter commute distance/travel time, greater walkability/access to destinations) was associated with shifts towards sustainable travel modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and transit). Relocation might be particularly conducive to implementing scalable sustainable transportation interventions, as all six interventions with appropriate statistical power were effective. Entry into the labour market was generally associated with increased car use and declines in sustainable transportation. Qualitative studies suggested that attitudes towards cycling may become negative during adolescence, while attitudes towards driving improve, highlighting a need for concerted action. Evidence for other events was less consistent. Research in developing countries remain scarce and further intervention research is needed to enhance quality of evidence.
Are They Reporting the Right Thing and Are They Doing It Right?—A Measurement Maturity Grid for Evaluation of Sustainability Reports
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Dahlin Gunnar , Isaksson Raine
Published: December 2020

An accessible way to monitor company sustainability, is to study sustainability reports. In spite of wide adherence to the extensive Global Reporting Initiative standards, sustainability reports still vary considerably regarding how well these are integrated and used. The purpose of this paper is to present and test a maturity grid for sustainability reports assessment that enables critical stakeholder needs analysis of sustainability reports. Based on a stakeholder needs perspective we argue that the right thing in a sustainability report means reporting in the entire value chain for main sustainability impacts. Doing this right means having externally set targets for main sustainability impacts, using relevant absolute and relative indicators, and having an easy to read report presenting main performance compared to targets for a period of at least seven years. Some 50 sustainability reports from Swedish companies in various industries were collected and assessed using the maturity grid. Results indicate that the maturity grid is usable, but that the sustainability report assessment still is difficult, and that variability of the assessments are high. Furthermore, the observed indicative levels of measurement maturity in organizations are low suggesting that most companies still are struggling with understanding what sustainability means to them.
Environmental Concern and Urbanization in India: Towards Psychological Complexity
Authors: Bettin Johannes , Wollni Meike
Published: December 2020

Urbanizing social-ecological systems often experience environmental degradation, especially in the Global South. Traditional urban psychology has attributed this to decreasing environmental concern due to weakening connections to nature. However, urban psychological research has barely considered how predictions may improve when including psychological complexity, exemplified by context, in the urbanization-concern link. In this work, we test for sensitivity of a loss of nature connection to cultural context, for substitution by additional southern urban features, and for the emergence of aggregate preferences based on the feedback between these mediators in regard to the overall relationship. Our structural equations model is calibrated using original survey data from the globalized southern megacity Bangalore, India. The spatial explicitness of our data allows for representative sampling from its rich urban variation. Spatial lags of exogenous variables provide instrumental variables to control for endogeneity arising from feedback. The results suggest that modernization-induced value change is the main policy leverage that facilitates pro-environmental preferences within a uniquely Indian interplay of various urban psychological effects.
Cross-Regional Highway Built through a City Centre as an Example of the Sustainable Development of Urban Transport
Authors: Żak Magdalena , Mainka Anna
Published: December 2020

Sustainable development requires ensuring the mobility of residents and must not cause deterioration of the quality of the environment in the selected area. The purpose of this study is to verify if the construction of a cross-regional highway through the city centre affected air quality in the neighbourhood of a newly built road. Air quality was assessed based on measurements of concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, which is considered to be typical for automotive sources air pollution. The spectrophotometric method with passive sampling was used in the 24 h NO2 measurements. The calculated mean NO2 concentrations in the periods before and after road construction were within the ranges of 23.2–31.9 μg/m3 and 22.3–28.9 μg/m3, respectively. The relative NO2 concentrations determined in the study for 10 out of 11 sampling points were lower than the unity, including 5 points markedly lower (0.82–0.89). The obtained results indicate that the construction of the new artery by the city centre, using appropriate technical solutions and traffic organization (tunnel, noise barriers, roundabouts, speed limit) likely contributed to an overall reduction in NO2 concentrations. The presented solution may serve as an example for other cities struggling with problems of low air quality associated with inefficient transportation systems.
Carbon and PM2.5 Reduction and Design Guidelines for Street Trees in Korea
Authors: Jo Hyun-Kil , Kim Jin-Young , Park Hye-Mi
Published: December 2020

An increasing concentration of air pollutants, which negatively affect human health and living environment, present a serious environmental concern around the world. Street trees can help reduce carbon (C) and PM2.5 in cities that lack sufficient greenspace. This study quantified C uptake and PM2.5 deposition on street trees in the Republic of Korea and suggested sustainable design guidelines to enhance the effects of C and PM2.5 reduction. The mean C uptake and the PM2.5 deposition on street trees per unit area were 0.6 ± 0.1 t/ha/y and 2.0 ± 0.3 kg/ha/y, respectively. The major determining factors of the levels of C uptake and PM2.5 deposition on street trees were the species, density, size, and layering structure of the planted trees. Street trees in the Republic of Korea annually offset C and PM2.5 emissions from vehicles by 1.4% and 180%, respectively. Based on these results, design guidelines are suggested that can contribute to sharing the value and the importance of planting street trees for the reduction of C and PM2.5 levels in greenspaces.
The Importance of Price in Poland’s Carp Market
Authors: Raftowicz Magdalena , Struś Mirosław , Nadolny Michał , Kalisiak-Mędelska Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Poland is one of Europe’s key carp producers. However, its main consumption (80–90% of sales) is concentrated during the Christmas period. In addition, the marginal sale of fish outside the core season does not allow producers to extend the period for generating revenues. Price is one of the essential factors for determining the behavior of both producers and consumers. In this context, our research addressed the role of price on Poland’s carp market, approaching it as a specific product due to its nature and Polish tradition. Moreover, an attempt was made to indicate the existing correlations between quality factors and the price of carp. The problem of price was examined primarily from the consumer’s perspective. Nevertheless, a simplified simulation of the effect of price on supply was also performed, especially with regard to the development of direct sales. The source material was obtained through a survey conducted among the consumers from Wroclaw, the main urban center of Lower Silesia, located a short distance from the largest complex of carp fishponds in Poland. The research results were statistically processed in the Statistica program. The findings, however, did not confirm that price was a factor in determining the purchasing behavior of consumers in Poland’s carp market. Non-price factors related to consumer tastes and preferences (seasonality of demand) played a much greater role. Therefore, the efforts aimed at restoring balance on the analyzed market should be focused on enhancing consumers’ perception of carp as a high-quality fish presenting health oriented qualities.
Nudges, Norms, or Just Contagion? A Theory on Influences on the Practice of (Non-)Sustainable Behavior
Authors: Zorell Carolin V.
Published: December 2020

‘Nudging’ symbolizes the widespread idea that if people are only provided with the ‘right’ options and contextual arrangements, they will start consuming sustainably. Opposite to this individual-centered, top-down approach stand observations highlighting the ‘contagiousness’ of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of reference groups or persons present in a decision-context. Tying in these two lines, this paper argues that nudging may sound promising and easily applicable, yet the social dynamics occurring around it can easily distort or nullify its effects. This argument stems from empirical evidence gained in an exploratory observation study conducted in a Swedish cafeteria (N = 1073), which included a ‘nudging’ treatment. In the study, people in groups almost unanimously all chose the same options. After rearranging the choice architecture to make a potentially sustainable choice easier, people stuck to this mimicking behavior—while turning to choose more the non-intended option than before. A critical reflection of extant literature leads to the conclusion that the tendency to mimic each other (unconsciously) is so strong that attempts to nudge people towards certain choices appear overwhelmed. Actions become ‘contagious’; so, if only some people stick to their (consumption) habits, it may be hard to induce more sustainable behaviors through softly changing choice architectures.
A Prospective Study for the Mitigation of the Climate Change Effects: The Case of the North Aegean Region of Greece
Authors: Chatziioannou Ioannis , Bakogiannis Efthimios , Kyriakidis Charalampos , Alvarez-Icaza Luis
Published: December 2020

One of the biggest challenges of our time is climate change. Every day, at different places of the world, the planet sends alarming messages about the enormous transformations it is experiencing due to human-based activities. The latter are responsible for changing weather patterns that threaten food production, energy production and energy consumption, the desertification of land, the displacement of people and animals because of food and water shortages due to the reductions in rainfall, natural disasters and rising sea levels. The effects of climate change affect us all, and if drastic measures are not considered in a timely manner, it will be more difficult and costly to adapt to the aforementioned effects in the future. Considering this context, the aim of this work is to implement a prospective study/structural analysis to the identified sectors of a regional plan of adaptation to climate change so as to promote the resilience of the region against the negative phenomena generated by the climate crisis. This was achieved in two steps: first, we identified the relationships between the strategic sectors of the plan and organized them in order of importance. Second, we assessed the effectiveness of several public policies oriented towards a city’s resilience according to their impact upon the strategic sectors of the plan and the co-benefits generated by their implementation for society. The results highlight that the most essential sectors for the mitigation of climate change are flood risk management, built environment, forest ecosystem management, human health, tourism and rise in sea level. As a consequence, the most important measures for the resilience of the North Aegean Region against climate change are the ones related to the preparation of strategic master plans for flood protection projects.
An Exploratory Study on Social Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Peace Process. The Case of Colombian Women Victims of the Armed Conflict
Authors: Ciruela-Lorenzo Antonio Manuel , González-Sánchez Ana , Plaza-Angulo Juan José
Published: December 2020

The Colombian armed conflict is the oldest internal confrontation in the entire American continent and has placed Colombia as one of the countries in the world with the highest volume of internally displaced persons. There are many factors that influence the possibility of suffering violence in this situation, but one of the main factors is undoubtedly gender. In addition, the destruction of the productive fabric and the impoverishment of conflict zones are a difficult reality when it comes to undertaking initiatives. Women not resigning themselves to this state of affairs, by their own initiative, work to go from passive victims to survivors and agents of change. To achieve this, they hold on to social entrepreneurship as a possible vehicle and alternative for empowerment and personal development, the union with other women and the support of their families’ being crucial factors to reach this purpose. In this context, two research questions have been raised, related to the role of social entrepreneurship in women’s development and in building peace. These questions are answered by obtaining empirical data from key informants (seven personal interviews with Colombian women victims of the conflict from different departments who have promoted social entrepreneurship projects). The interviews were conducted from September to November 2019. Thus, one of the main conclusions is that entrepreneurship alone is not enough; State involvement is also necessary if the effects of the work carried out by these women are to reach a greater number of people and be more durable, contributing to economic and social progress and, therefore, to peace processes.
Residential Racial and Socioeconomic Segregation as Predictors of Housing Discrimination in Detroit Metropolitan Area
Authors: Mehdipanah Roshanak , Bess Kiana , Tomkowiak Steve , Richardson Audrey , Stokes Carmen , White Perkins Denise , Cleage Suzanne , Israel Barbara A. , Schulz Amy J.
Published: December 2020

This study examined neighborhood racial and socioeconomic characteristics associated with housing discrimination (HD) in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, Michigan. Using novel neighborhood level data from the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit in combination with the American Community Survey, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were derived to examine associations between HD cases and percentage of homeowners, non-Hispanic White (NHW) residents, and median income. Models were stratified to examine these associations for race-, disability- and rent-related HD outcomes. Between 2008–2017, 988 HD incidents were reported. Independently, neighborhood proportion NHW, income, and homeownership were inversely associated with all-types of HD. Jointly, the neighborhood predictors remained significant indicators. Similar patterns were observed in race-, disability- and rent-related HD when neighborhood predictors were examined independently. In the joint models, household income no longer predicted race-related HD, while proportion NHW no longer predicted disability- and rent-related HD. Results suggest HD may be more frequent in neighborhoods with greater proportions of NHB or Hispanic residents, those with lower incomes, and greater proportion of rental households. These findings have great social and health implications and warrant further exploration of how HD contributes to social and health inequities in lower income, predominantly NHB and Hispanic neighborhoods and those with more renters.
Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites: The Influence of Interface Modification on the Dispersion Structure—A Small-Angle-X-ray-Scattering Study
Authors: Feichtenschlager Bernhard , Pabisch Silvia , Svehla Jakob , Peterlik Herwig , Sajjad Muhammad , Koch Thomas , Kickelbick Guido
Published: December 2020

The surface functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles is an important tool for the production of homogeneous nanocomposites. The chemical adaptation of the nano-filler surface can lead to effective weak to strong interactions between the fillers and the organic matrix. Here we present a detailed systematic study of different surface-functionalized particles in combination with a SAXS method for the systematic investigation of the interface interaction in the development of epoxy nanocomposites. We investigated the effect of surface modification of spherical SiO2 nanoparticles with 9 nm and 72 nm diameter and crystalline ZrO2 nanoparticles with 22 nm diameter on the homogeneous distribution of the fillers in diethylenetriamine (DETA) cured bisphenol-F-diglycidylether epoxy resin nanocomposites. Unmodified nanoparticles were compared with surface-modified oxides having diethylene glycol monomethyl ethers (DEG), 1,2-diols, or epoxy groups attached to the surface. The influence of surface modification on dispersion quality was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for inorganic filler contents of 3, 5 and 10 wt%. It was shown that the dispersion quality can be optimized by varying the coupling agent end group to obtain homogeneous and transparent nanomaterials. UV/VIS measurements confirmed the transparency/translucency of the obtained materials. The relationship between particle–matrix interaction and particle–particle interaction plays a decisive role in homogeneity and is controlled by the surface groups as well as by the type, size, and morphology of the nanoparticles themselves.
Critical Solutions of Scalarized Black Holes
Authors: Blázquez-Salcedo Jose Luis , Kahlen Sarah , Kunz Jutta
Published: December 2020

We consider charged black holes with scalar hair obtained in a class of Einstein–Maxwell– scalar models, where the scalar field is coupled to the Maxwell invariant with a quartic coupling function. Besides the Reissner–Nordström black holes, these models allow for black holes with scalar hair. Scrutinizing the domain of existence of these hairy black holes, we observe a critical behavior. A limiting configuration is encountered at a critical value of the charge, where space time splits into two parts: an inner space time with a finite scalar field and an outer extremal Reissner–Nordström space time. Such a pattern was first observed in the context of gravitating non-Abelian magnetic monopoles and their hairy black holes.
A New Bimodal Distribution for Modeling Asymmetric Bimodal Heavy-Tail Real Lifetime Data
Authors: Butt Nadeem S. , Khalil Mohamed G.
Published: December 2020

We introduced and studied a new generalization of the Burr type X distribution. Some of its properties were derived and numerically analyzed. The new density can be “right-skewed” and symmetric with “unimodal” and many “bimodal” shapes. The new failure rate can be “increasing,” “bathtub,” “J-shape,” “decreasing,” “increasing-constant-increasing,” “reversed J-shape,” and “upside-down (reversed U-shape).” The usefulness and flexibility of the new distribution were illustrated by means of four asymmetric bimodal right- and left-heavy tail real lifetime data.
Periodic, Quasi-Periodic, and Chaotic Motions to Diagnose a Crack on a Horizontally Supported Nonlinear Rotor System
Authors: Saeed Nasser A. , Mohamed Mohamed S. , Elagan Sayed K.
Published: December 2020

This work aims to diagnose the crack size of a nonlinear rotating shaft system based on the qualitative change of the system oscillatory characteristics. The considered system is modeled as a two-degree-of-freedom horizontally supported nonlinear Jeffcott rotor system. The influence of the crack size on the system whirling motion for the primary, superharmonic, and subharmonic resonance cases are investigated utilizing the bifurcation diagram, Poincaré map, frequency spectrum, and whirling orbit. The obtained numerical results revealed that the cracked system whirling motion is subjected to a continuous qualitative change as the crack size increases for the superharmonic resonance case, where the system can exhibit period-1, period-2, quasi-periodic, period-3, period-doubling, chaotic, and period-2 motions, sequentially. In addition, an asymmetry is observed in the system whirling orbit due to both the shaft weight and shaft crack. Moreover, it is found that the disk eccentricity does not affect the nature of these motions. Accordingly, we illustrated a simple method to diagnose the existence of such a crack and to quantify its size via monitoring the system lateral vibrations at the superharmonic resonance. Finally, all the obtained numerical results are concluded and a comparison with already published work is included.
Investigation of Position and Velocity Stability of the Nanometer Resolution Linear Motor Stage with Air Bearings by Shaping of Controller Transfer Function
Authors: Piščalov Artur , Urbonas Edgaras , Višniakov Nikolaj , Zabulionis Darius , Kilikevičius Artūras
Published: December 2020

Modern industrial enterprises require high accuracy and precision feedback systems to fulfil cutting edge requirements of technological processes. As demand for a highly accurate system grows, a thin gap between throughput and quality exists. The conjunction of ultrafast lasers and modern control strategies of mechatronic systems can be taken into account as an effective solution to reach both throughput and tolerances. In the present paper, the dynamic errors of the moving platform of the one degree of freedom stage, based on linear motor and air bearings, have been analyzed. A precision positioning system is investigated as a symmetric system which is based on symmetric linear motor. The goal of the present article is to investigate the controllers of the different architecture and to find the best controller that can ensure a stable and small dynamic error of the displacement of the stage platform at four different constant velocities of the moving platform. The relations between the controller order, velocity and the displacement dynamic error have been investigated. It is determined that higher-order controllers can reduce the dynamic error significantly at low velocities of the moving platforms: 1 and 5 mm/s. On the contrary, the low order controllers of 4th-degree polynomials of the transfer function can also provide small dynamic errors of the displacement of the platform.
Higgs–Chern–Simons Gravity Models in d = 2n + 1 Dimensions
Authors: Radu Eugen , Tchrakian D. H.
Published: December 2020

We consider a family of new Higgs–Chern–Simons (HCS) gravity models in 2n+1 dimensions (n=1,2,3). This provides a generalization of the (usual) gravitational Chern–Simons (CS) gravities resulting from non-Abelian CS densities in all odd dimensions, which feature vector and scalar fields, in addition to the metric. The derivation of the new HCS gravitational (HCSG) actions follows the same method as in the usual-CSG case resulting from the usual CS densities. The HCSG result from the HCS densities, which result through a one-step descent of the Higgs–Chern–Pontryagin (HCP), with the latter being descended from Chern-Pontryagin (CP) densities in some even dimension. A preliminary study of the solutions of these models is considered, with exact solutions being reported for spacetime dimensions d=3,5.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Bearing Capacity of Circumferential Joint of New Spatial Steel Tubular Grid Arch in Mined Tunnel
Authors: Song Yuan , Huang Mingli , Zhang Xudong , Li Zhaoping , Peng Xingxin
Published: December 2020

Under the circumstance of soft fractured surrounding rock with high geo-stress, the support technology of tunnel has become a major challenge. Traditional I-shaped steel and bar lattice girder, which cross-sections are often designed to be left-right symmetrical, may have insufficient strength and stiffness. Based on the concept of symmetry, a new support technology of spatial steel tubular grid (SSTG) arch is designed with high strength and large stiffness. In order to clarify the mechanical properties and failure mechanism of SSTG arch used as primary support, through laboratory and numerical experiments, this paper carries out the bending tests for the circumferential joint of SSTG arch components combined with the excavation tunnel project of Panyu Square Station in Guangzhou, and the analyses of the ultimate bearing capacity, deflection displacement, failure modes, and stress–strain evolution laws of joint components are conducted in detail. The results show that during the whole process of loading, the arch components have experienced elastic growth stage, plastic development stage, and final failure stage. The average ultimate bending capacity of SSTG arches is 340.5 kN·m, and the joint opening is 13.9 mm. The joint form of high-strength bolt + rigid flange plate proposed in the paper has reasonable stress state and high safety redundancy, which can bear the load of surrounding rock effectively, and ensure the safety in tunnel construction. The research results could provide a theoretical basis for the design and application of SSTG arch support in related projects.
An Intelligent Iris Based Chronic Kidney Identification System
Authors: Muzamil Sohail , Hussain Tassadaq , Haider Amna , Waraich Umber , Ashiq Umair , Ayguadé Eduard
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the demand for alternative medical diagnostics of the human kidney or renal is growing, and some of the reasons behind this relate to its non-invasive, early, real-time, and pain-free mechanism. The chronic kidney problem is one of the major kidney problems, which require an early-stage diagnosis. Therefore, in this work, we have proposed and developed an Intelligent Iris-based Chronic Kidney Identification System (ICKIS). The ICKIS takes an image of human iris as input and on the basis of iridology a deep neural network model on a GPU-based supercomputing machine is applied. The deep neural network models are trained while using 2000 subjects that have healthy and chronic kidney problems. While testing the proposed ICKIS on 2000 separate subjects (1000 healthy and 1000 chronic kidney problems), the system achieves iris-based chronic kidney assessment with an accuracy of 96.8%. In the future, we will work to improve our AI algorithm and try data-set cleaning, so that accuracy can be increased by more efficiently learning the features.
Design of Fuzzy TS-PDC Controller for Electrical Power System via Rules Reduction Approach
Authors: Alshammari Badr , Ben Salah Rim , Kahouli Omar , Kolsi Lioua
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Logic controller (TS-FLC) is presented and applied for modeling and controlling the nonlinear power systems even in the presence of disturbances. Firstly, a nonlinear mathematical model for the electrical power system is presented with consideration of PSS and AVR controller. Then, a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Logic controller is employed to control power system stability. Nevertheless, the study of the stability of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy models will be difficult in the case where the number of nonlinearities is important. To cope with this problem, this study proposed a methodology to reduce the number of rules and to guarantee the global stability of the power system. The new model included only two rules. All the other nonlinearities were considered as uncertainties. In addition, a Parallel Distributed Compensation controller is designed using the Linear Matrix Inequalities constraints in order to guarantee system stability. Finally, this approach is applied on a Single Machine Infinite Bus affected by fault perturbation. To show the novelty of Takagi Sugeno’s method, we compared our approach to the Taylor linearization method. The numerical simulations prove the feasibility and performance of the proposed method.
The Links between Microbiome and Uremic Toxins in Acute Kidney Injury: Beyond Gut Feeling—A Systematic Review
Authors: Rydzewska-Rosołowska Alicja , Sroka Natalia , Kakareko Katarzyna , Rosołowski Mariusz , Zbroch Edyta , Hryszko Tomasz
Published: December 2020

The last years have brought an abundance of data on the existence of a gut-kidney axis and the importance of microbiome in kidney injury. Data on kidney-gut crosstalk suggest the possibility that microbiota alter renal inflammation; we therefore aimed to answer questions about the role of microbiome and gut-derived toxins in acute kidney injury. PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 10, 2020 for relevant studies with an additional search performed on ClinicalTrials.gov. We identified 33 eligible articles and one ongoing trial (21 original studies and 12 reviews/commentaries), which were included in this systematic review. Experimental studies prove the existence of a kidney-gut axis, focusing on the role of gut-derived uremic toxins and providing concepts that modification of the microbiota composition may result in better AKI outcomes. Small interventional studies in animal models and in humans show promising results, therefore, microbiome-targeted therapy for AKI treatment might be a promising possibility.
Size Matters: An Evaluation of the Molecular Basis of Ontogenetic Modifications in the Composition of Bothrops jararacussu Snake Venom
Authors: Freitas-de-Sousa Luciana A. , Nachtigall Pedro G. , Portes-Junior José A. , Holding Matthew L. , Nystrom Gunnar S. , Ellsworth Schyler A. , Guimarães Noranathan C. , Tioyama Emilly , Ortiz Flora , Silva Bruno R. , Kunz Tobias S. , Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio L. M. , Grazziotin Felipe G. , Rokyta Darin R. , Moura-da-Silva Ana M.
Published: December 2020

Ontogenetic changes in venom composition have been described in Bothrops snakes, but only a few studies have attempted to identify the targeted paralogues or the molecular mechanisms involved in modifications of gene expression during ontogeny. In this study, we decoded B. jararacussu venom gland transcripts from six specimens of varying sizes and analyzed the variability in the composition of independent venom proteomes from 19 individuals. We identified 125 distinct putative toxin transcripts, and of these, 73 were detected in venom proteomes and only 10 were involved in the ontogenetic changes. Ontogenetic variability was linearly related to snake size and did not correspond to the maturation of the reproductive stage. Changes in the transcriptome were highly predictive of changes in the venom proteome. The basic myotoxic phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) were the most abundant components in larger snakes, while in venoms from smaller snakes, PIII-class SVMPs were the major components. The snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) identified corresponded to novel sequences and conferred higher pro-coagulant and hemorrhagic functions to the venom of small snakes. The mechanisms modulating venom variability are predominantly related to transcriptional events and may consist of an advantage of higher hematotoxicity and more efficient predatory function in the venom from small snakes.
Boronic Acids of Pharmaceutical Importance Affect the Growth and Photosynthetic Apparatus of Cyanobacteria in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Authors: Niemczyk Emilia , Pogrzeba Jerzy , Adamczyk-Woźniak Agnieszka , Lipok Jacek
Published: December 2020

The dynamic increase in the commercial application of antimicrobial derivatives of boronic acids, and potential impact of their presence in aquatic systems, supports the necessity to study the toxicity of these substances towards microorganisms of crucial meaning in the environment. One example of the mentioned derivatives is tavaborole (5-fluoro-substituted benzoxaborole), a pharmaceutical agent with antifungal activity. Cyanobacteria were used as model organisms, which are photoautotrophic prokaryotes, as representative aquatic bacteria and photoautotrophs associated with the plant kingdom. To the best of our knowledge, we investigated this issue for the first time. In order to recognize the under-stress response of those microorganisms, the concentration of photopigments—a key factor in the activity of photosynthetic apparatus—was measured spectrophotometrically. We found that the 3-piperazine bis(benzoxaborole) significantly suppressed the growth of halophilic and freshwater cyanobacteria, at a concentration 3.0 mM and 0.3 mM, respectively. Our results also showed that the tested substances at micromolar concentrations stimulated the growth of cyanobacteria, particularly in the freshwater strain Chroococcidiopsis thermalis. The tested substances acted with various strengths, depending on their structure and concentration; nevertheless, they had a greater influence on the synthesis of phycobiliproteins (e.g., lowered their concentration) than on the formation of chlorophyll and carotenoids.
Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the T-2 Toxin-Triggered Intestinal Impairment in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Chenxi , Huang Chenglong , Zhu Lijuan , Kong Li , Yuan Zhihang , Wen Lixin , Li Rongfang , Wu Jing , Yi Jine
Published: December 2020

T-2 toxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium, is widely distributed in crops and animal feed and frequently induces intestinal damage. Betulinic acid (BA), a plant-derived pentacyclic lupane-type triterpene, possesses potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological properties. The current study aimed to explore the protective effect and molecular mechanisms of BA on intestinal mucosal impairment provoked by acute exposure to T-2 toxin. Mice were intragastrically administered BA (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks and then injected intraperitoneally with T-2 toxin (4 mg/kg) once to induce an intestinal impairment. BA pretreatment inhibited the loss of antioxidant capacity in the intestine of T-2 toxin-treated mice by elevating the levels of CAT, GSH-PX and GSH and reducing the accumulation of MDA. In addition, BA pretreatment alleviated the T-2 toxin-triggered intestinal immune barrier dysregulation by increasing the SIgA level in the intestine at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, increasing IgG and IgM levels in serum at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg and restoring the intestinal C3 and C4 levels at a dosage of 1 mg/kg. BA administration at a dosage of 1 mg/kg also improved the intestinal chemical barrier by decreasing the serum level of DAO. Moreover, BA pretreatment improved the intestinal physical barrier via boosting the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin mRNAs and restoring the morphology of intestinal villi that was altered by T-2 toxin. Furthermore, treatment with 1 mg/kg BA downregulated the expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκB-α proteins in the intestine, while all doses of BA suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine expression of IL-10 mRNA in the intestine of T-2 toxin-exposed mice. BA was proposed to exert a protective effect on intestinal mucosal disruption in T-2 toxin-stimulated mice by enhancing the intestinal antioxidant capacity, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and repairing intestinal mucosal barrier functions, which may be associated with BA-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway activation.
Immunoaffinity Extraction and Alternative Approaches for the Analysis of Toxins in Environmental, Food or Biological Matrices
Authors: Delaunay Nathalie , Combès Audrey , Pichon Valérie
Published: December 2020

The evolution of instrumentation in terms of separation and detection allowed a real improvement of the sensitivity and analysis time. However, the analysis of ultra-traces of toxins in complex samples requires often a step of purification and even preconcentration before their chromatographic analysis. Therefore, immunoaffinity sorbents based on specific antibodies thus providing a molecular recognition mechanism appear as powerful tools for the selective extraction of a target molecule and its structural analogs to obtain more reliable and sensitive quantitative analysis in environmental, food or biological matrices. This review focuses on immunosorbents that have proven their efficiency in selectively extracting various types of toxins of various sizes (from small mycotoxins to large proteins) and physicochemical properties. Immunosorbents are now commercially available, and their use has been validated for numerous applications. The wide variety of samples to be analyzed, as well as extraction conditions and their impact on extraction yields, is discussed. In addition, their potential for purification and thus suppression of matrix effects, responsible for quantification problems especially in mass spectrometry, is presented. Due to their similar properties, molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamer-based sorbents that appear to be an interesting alternative to antibodies are also briefly addressed by comparing their potential with that of immunosorbents.
Relativistic Combination of Non-Collinear 3-Velocities Using Quaternions
Authors: Berry Thomas , Visser Matt
Published: December 2020

Quaternions have an (over a century-old) extensive and quite complicated interaction with special relativity. Since quaternions are intrinsically 4-dimensional, and do such a good job of handling 3-dimensional rotations, the hope has always been that the use of quaternions would simplify some of the algebra of the Lorentz transformations. Herein we report a new and relatively nice result for the relativistic combination of non-collinear 3-velocities. We work with the relativistic half-velocities w defined by v=2w1+w2, so that w=v1+1−v2=v2+O(v3), and promote them to quaternions using w=wn^, where n^ is a unit quaternion. We shall first show that the composition of relativistic half-velocities is given by w1⊕2≡w1⊕w2≡(1−w1w2)−1(w1+w2), and then show that this is also equivalent to w1⊕2=(w1+w2)(1−w2w1)−1. Here as usual we adopt units where the speed of light is set to unity. Note that all of the complicated angular dependence for relativistic combination of non-collinear 3-velocities is now encoded in the quaternion multiplication of w1 with w2. This result can furthermore be extended to obtain novel elegant and compact formulae for both the associated Wigner angle Ω and the direction of the combined velocities: eΩ=eΩΩ^=(1−w1w2)−1(1−w2w1), and w^1⊕2=eΩ/2w1+w2|w1+w2|. Finally, we use this formalism to investigate the conditions under which the relativistic composition of 3-velocities is associative. Thus, we would argue, many key results that are ultimately due to the non-commutativity of non-collinear boosts can be easily rephrased in terms of the non-commutative algebra of quaternions.