bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Eco-Design and LCA as Decision-Making Process to Prevent Plastics in Packaging Application
Authors: Foschi Eleonora , Zanni Sara , Bonoli Alessandra
Published: November 2020

The diffusion of the culture of sustainability and circular economy increasingly pushes companies to adopt green strategies and integrate circular business models in the corporate agenda. It assumes higher relevance in the packaging industry because of the growing plastics demand, the increasing awareness of consumers on single-use-products, the low recyclability performance and last but not least, the challenge of urban littering and microplastics dispersion in marine ecosystem. This paper presents the case of a small-medium enterprise that implemented a decision-making process to rethink the design of frozen food packaging in accordance with systemic and life cycle thinking. Eco-design and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have been simultaneously used to test and validate the redesign process, thus fostering the substitution of the plastic “open and close” cap with a closing method entirely made of cardboard. Results shows how using an integrated decision-making system at the design stage have allowed to get up many benefits at multiple levels, including sustainable and safe supply chain, efficient logistic operations, better recyclability, and lower energy consumption. Moreover, even if it cannot be assessed by the existing tools, the solution provides a strong contribution to the reduction in the consumption of plastics and the prevention of marine pollution.
Impact of Land Use/Cover Changes on Soil Erosion in Western Kenya
Authors: Kogo Benjamin Kipkemboi , Kumar Lalit , Koech Richard
Published: November 2020

This study examined the impact of land use/cover changes on soil erosion in western Kenya in the years 1995 and 2017. The study used the GIS-based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) modelling approach and remote sensing assessment. The results showed that the average soil loss through sheet, rill and inter-rill soil erosion processes was 0.3 t/ha/y and 0.5 t/ha/y, in the years 1995 and 2017, respectively. Of the total soil loss, farms contributed more than 50%, both in 1995 and 2017 followed by grass/shrub (7.9% in 1995 and 11.9% in 2017), forest (16% in 1995 and 11.4% in 2017), and the least in built-up areas. The highest soil erosion rates were observed in farms cleared from forests (0.84 tons/ha) followed by those converted from grass/shrub areas (0.52 tons/ha). The rate of soil erosion was observed to increase with slope due to high velocity and erosivity of the runoff. Areas with high erodibility in the region are found primarily in slopes of more than 30 degrees, especially in Mt. Elgon, Chereng’anyi hills and Elgeyo escarpments. This study forms the first multi-temporal assessment to explore the extent of soil erosion and seeks to provide a useful knowledge base to support decision-makers in developing strategies to mitigate soil erosion for sustainable crop production.
Transformation of Trolleybus Transport in Poland. Does In-Motion Charging (Technology) Matter?
Authors: Wołek Marcin , Szmelter-Jarosz Agnieszka , Koniak Marcin , Golejewska Anna
Published: November 2020

Transport in cities is one of the most important sources of emissions. Electromobility is an essential element in the catalogue of activities of local authorities aimed at combating climate change. Over the years trolleybus transport has been characterised by both phases of development and regression and is still an essential component of zero-emission urban transport in about 300 cities worldwide. The development of electricity storage technology, especially in the form of a battery, has opened up new prospects for this mode of transport. A trolleybus equipped with a battery (in-motion charging technology) gains unique characteristics for operation independent of the catenary. This study presents the approach for assessing the development of in-motion charging for trolleybuses in all Polish cities operating this means of transport. A set of KPIs has therefore, been set and analysed. The analysis covers a comparison between 2014 and 2019, aimed at showing the development of technological innovations in this field. The results clearly show that in-motion charging technology leads to the development of trolleybus transport, although this development has mainly a qualitative dimension. A key factor determining the development of trolleybus transport using in-motion charging technology is progress in the development of traction batteries.
Corporate Social Responsibility at LUX* Resorts and Hotels: Satisfaction and Loyalty Implications for Employee and Customer Social Responsibility
Authors: Ramkissoon Haywantee , Mavondo Felix , Sowamber Vishnee
Published: November 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) remains a hot topic in management. Yet, little is known about how well managers, employees and consumers are responding to CSR initiatives to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Underpinned by well-established theories, this study develops a single integrative model of managers’, employees’ and consumers’ CSR. Data were collected from the LUX* group of resorts and hotels located on three Indian Ocean islands: Mauritius, Reunion and the Maldives. Structural equation modelling was employed. Findings reveal: (1) organizational CSR is positively related to employee social responsibility; (2) organizational CSR is negatively associated with customer social responsibility; (3) employee social responsibility is negatively related to customer social responsibility; (4) employee social responsibility is negatively related to customer delight; (5) customer social responsibility is positively related to customer satisfaction; and (6); customer social responsibility is positively related to customer delight. Strategic CSR initiatives with a multi-stakeholder engagement approach are discussed.
Companies’ Sustainable Growth, Accounting Quality, and Investments Performances. The Case of the Romanian Capital Market
Authors: Carp Mihai , Păvăloaia Leontina , Toma Constantin , Georgescu Iuliana Eugenia , Afrăsinei Mihai-Bogdan
Published: November 2020

The paper analyzes the influence of sustainable growth (SGR) as a reflection of the manner of strategic business organization, particularly in the quality of reported financial information (magnitude of discretionary accruals—DAC) as an expression of the ethical attitude adopted by companies in the entity–investor relationship, on the investors’ decisions, substantiated in the performance level of the shares held. Using models consecrated in the literature, the results reflect a significant influence, both in the case of separate testing of the two factors (SGR and DAC), and in the case of the conjugated action thereof, on investment performance. The relations were also tested by introducing certain control variables into the analysis, such as: the intangible ratio, quick ratio, company size, as well as the SGR sensitivity function of the level of information quality. In the case of financial information quality, specific indicators from the two consecrated value relevance testing models by Ohlson (1995) and Easton and Harris (1991) were used as control variables. The obtained results are robust, preserving the sense and intensity of the influences. However, in the case of testing for the influence of information quality on share price, it was noticed an insignificant relation, associated with the situation in which, to execute some speculative transactions, investors particularly interpreted conjunctural factors. The study contributes to the development of the specialty literature by highlighting the role of internal growth and information quality as determinant factors in the investors’ analyses, while also offering a potentially practical tool for assessing the opportunity of making placements in the capital of companies.
Development of a Soil Quality Index for Soils under Different Agricultural Management Conditions in the Central Lowlands of Mexico: Physicochemical, Biological and Ecophysiological Indicators
Authors: Bedolla-Rivera Héctor Iván , Xochilt Negrete-Rodríguez María de la Luz , Medina-Herrera Miriam del Rocío , Gámez-Vázquez Francisco Paúl , Álvarez-Bernal Dioselina , Samaniego-Hernández Midory , Gámez-Vázquez Alfredo Josué , Conde-Barajas Eloy
Published: November 2020

The Bajío—Mexico’s central lowlands—is a region of economic importance because of its agricultural industry. Over time, agricultural practices have led to soil deterioration, loss of fertility, and abandonment. In this study, six agricultural soils were analyzed: AGQ, CTH, CTJ, JRM, CRC, and CYI, and used to develop a soil quality index (SQI) that includes the use of physicochemical, biological, and ecophysiological indicators to differentiate soil quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used, reducing the indicators from 46 to 4, which represents 80.4% of data variability. It was implemented the equation of additive weights using the variance of the principal components as a weight factor for the SQI. The developed SQI was according to the indicators WHC, SLT, N-NO3−, and qCO2, differentiating the quality of soils from the agricultural management in low quality (JRM < CYI < AGQ) and moderate quality (CTJ < CRC < CTH). The use of biological and ecophysiological indicators added to the PCA and the equation of additive weights allowed establishing an SQI with a minimum of indicators, sensitive to agricultural management, facilitating its interpretation and implementation for the Mexican Bajío region and soils in similar conditions around the world.
Construction 4.0: A Literature Review
Authors: Forcael Eric , Ferrari Isabella , Opazo-Vega Alexander , Pulido-Arcas Jesús Alberto
Published: November 2020

The construction industry is experiencing changes in its processes and work methods, and the advancement of new technologies in recent decades has led to a new concept known as Construction 4.0, coined in 2016 in Germany. Since its definition is still diffuse, it was deemed necessary to conduct a review on the publications in this field to grasp how this concept is being understood. For that purpose, a bibliometric analysis was conducted among 260 research articles using seven keywords. The results reveal that the number of publications is growing exponentially, with the USA, the UK, and China being leaders in this field; besides, four technologies are essential to understand Construction 4.0 at present time: 3D printing, big data, virtual reality, and Internet of Things. The results of this review suggest that further reviews should be conducted every 3 years to grasp the rapid evolution of Construction 4.0.
Consumer Motivation and Environmental Impact of Laundry Machine-Sharing: Analysis of Surveys in Tokyo and Bangkok
Authors: Moon Dami , Amasawa Eri , Hirao Masahiko
Published: November 2020

A sharing economy is an alternative system that enables pro-environmental behavior by improving efficiency through product-sharing. However, some motivations and requirements for doing laundry can increase the environmental burden, which suggests that the laundry machine (LM) sharing is not necessarily sustainable. This study clarifies consumer motivations for laundry usage and assesses the feasibility of environmentally sustainable laundry behavior through LM-sharing. Consumer surveys were conducted in Tokyo and Bangkok with different LM-ownership proportions. Single-person households were targeted, reflecting Tokyo’s demographic situation. A scenario analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of routine laundry behavior changes on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Three main results emerged. First, Tokyo respondents used a coin-operated laundry machine (CL) for convenience, which private washers cannot provide, while Bangkok respondents used it for basic laundry needs. Consequentially, the Tokyo respondents, who used CLs, were responsible for more than three times the GHG emissions of Bangkok respondents. Second, the group using both private LM and CL was the least GHG-efficient group, regardless of region. Third, laundry behavior can reduce GHG emissions if consumer requirements are decreased. The results show that there is environmental significance in adopting LM-sharing for sustainable consumption and production systems that reflect regional characteristics.
Mobile Learning for Sustainable Development and Environmental Teacher Education
Authors: Sebastián-López María , de Miguel González Rafael
Published: November 2020

Outdoor learning has, for a long time, been an important instructional resource in school education, usually embedded in the natural sciences and social sciences curricula. Teaching geography, geology, or biology beyond the traditional classroom allows students to interact with physical and social environments for meaningful learning. Mobile devices that are based on geospatial technologies have provided more accurate data, but also a combined instructional design with other WebGIS, map viewers, or geographic information system (GIS) layers, which are useful to foster education for sustainable development. This paper analyzes the applications of mobile learning based on citizen science and volunteer geographic information, but also on the growing awareness that citizens and educators need a set of digital competencies to enhance and innovate lifelong learning and active citizenship. The empirical research aims to measure teacher–training experience, highlighting the potential of mobile devices and their applications in environmental education. Data collected from the research and results prove the positive impact of mobile learning in environmental education. Finally, a discussion about mobile learning and education for sustainable development is provided.
Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure: The VIEPI Project
Authors: Pelliccioni Armando , Monti Paolo , Cattani Giorgio , Boccuni Fabio , Cacciani Marco , Canepari Silvia , Capone Pasquale , Catrambone Maria , Cusano Mariacarmela , D’Ovidio Maria Concetta , De Santis Antonella , Di Bernardino Annalisa , Di Menno di Bucchianico Alessandro , Di Renzi Simona , Ferrante Riccardo , Gaeta Alessandra , Gaddi Rafaela , Gherardi Monica , Giusto Marco , Gordiani Andrea , Grandoni Livia , Leone Gianluca , Leuzzi Giovanni , L’Episcopo Nunzia , Marcovecchio Francesca , Pini Agnese , Sargolini Tiziana , Tombolini Francesca , Tofful Luca , Perrino Cinzia
Published: November 2020

Despite the progress made in recent years, reliable modeling of indoor air quality is still far from being obtained. This requires better chemical characterization of the pollutants and airflow physics included in forecasting tools, for which field observations conducted simultaneously indoors and outdoors are essential. The project “Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure” (VIEPI) aimed at evaluating indoor air quality and exposure to particulate matter (PM) of humans in workplaces. VIEPI ran from February 2016 to December 2019 and included both numerical simulations and field campaigns carried out in universities and research environments located in urban and non-urban sites in the metropolitan area of Rome (Italy). VIEPI focused on the role played by micrometeorology and indoor airflow characteristics in determining indoor PM concentration. Short- and long-term study periods captured diurnal, weekly, and seasonal variability of airflow and PM concentration. Chemical characterization of PM10, including the determination of elements, ions, elemental carbon, organic carbon, and bioaerosol, was also carried out. Large differences in the composition of PM10 were detected between inside and outside as well as between different periods of the day and year. Indoor PM composition was related to the presence of people, to the season, and to the ventilation regime.
Index of Satisfaction with Public Transport: A Fuzzy Clustering Approach
Authors: Vicente Paula , Suleman Abdul , Reis Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Increasing public transport use is recognized by many countries as crucial to the pursuit of a global strategy for environmental sustainability and improving urban mobility. Understanding what users value in a public transport service is essential to carry out this strategy. Using fuzzy clustering, we developed an index that measures individual user satisfaction with the public transport service in the metropolitan area of Lisbon and subsequently identified the possible determinants of satisfaction by means of a regression tree model. The results achieved unveil a hierarchical partition of the data, highlighting the diversified level of satisfaction among public transport users that is reflected in the distribution of the index. The managerial implications of the findings for the public transport service are addressed.
Feasibility Study for Sustainable Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries Considering Different Positive Electrode Active Materials under Various Driving Cycles by Using Cell to Electric Vehicle (EV) Simulation
Authors: Choi Heewon , Lim Nam-gyu , Lee Seong Jun , Park Jungsoo
Published: November 2020

Electric vehicles have been issued to achieve sustainable mobility. Main factors to sustainable electric vehicle (EV) are that lithium-ion battery (LIB) has to maintain lower cost, lighter weight, SOC (state of charge), thermal stability, and driving ranges. In this study, nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and lithium manganese oxide (LMO), which are used as representative positive electrode materials, were applied to battery cells. Then, the battery characteristics at the system level, according to the application of different positive electrode materials, were compared and analyzed. To this end, each of the 18650 cylindrical battery cells was modeled by applying different positive electrode active materials. The battery modeling was based on a database provided by GT(Gamma Technologies)-AutoLion. To analyze the thermal stability and capacity loss according to the temperature of the battery cell by applying different C-rate discharge and temperature conditions for each positive electrode active material, an electrochemical-based zero-dimensional (0D) analysis was performed. A test was also performed to determine the model feasibility by using a MACCOR 4300 battery charger/discharger. Moreover, a lumped battery pack modeling was performed to extend the modeled battery cell to an EV battery pack. By combining the pack and one-dimensional (1D) EV models, various driving cycles were described to investigate the battery performance at the vehicle level. It was found that the 0D electrochemistry-coupled 1D vehicle model could well predict the feasible tendencies considering various positive electrode materials of the LIB battery cell.
Construction Project Change Management in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Status, Causes, and Impacts
Authors: Bitamba Bauma Frigeant , An Sung-Hoon
Published: November 2020

Changes in construction projects are very frequent and are expected to occur at any stage of the project. These changes modify the original scope of work and affect the project in various aspects. To minimize these effects, there is a need to implement a systematic change management system during the construction process. This study aimed to investigate the current situation of change management implementation, identify the main causes of change management, and assess their impacts in the Congolese construction industry. A comprehensive literature review was conducted for a thorough understanding of change management, and a structured survey was conducted. The collected survey data were analyzed using the relative importance index (RII), and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) methods. The results conclude that the change management implementation situation in the Congolese construction industry is significantly high, and the project cost and the project type play a major role in the implementation of change management in the construction projects. The study further revealed that the main causes of changes were the project, contractor, materials, equipment, and other causes. These changes impact the project significantly in terms of organization, owner and contractor, project, materials, and equipment.
Knowledge Structures and Components of Rural Resilience in the 2010s: Conceptual Development and Implications
Authors: Kim GoWoon , Kang Wanmo , Lee Junga
Published: November 2020

Resilience is being widely adopted as a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding sustainability dynamics, despite the conceptual challenges in developing proxies and indicators for researchers and policy makers. In our study, we observed how the concept of resilience undergoes continued extension within the rural resilience literature. We comprehensively reviewed rural resilience literature using keyword co-occurrence network (KCN) analysis and a systematic review of shortlisted papers. We conducted the KCN analysis for 1186 papers to characterize the state of the rural resilience literature, and systematically reviewed 36 shortlisted papers to further examine how rural resilience analysis and its assessment tools are helping understand the complexity and interdependence of rural social-ecological systems, over three three-year periods from 2010 to 2018. The results show that the knowledge structure built by the high frequency of co-occurrence keywords remains similar over the three-year periods, including climate change, resilience, vulnerability, adaptation, and management, whereas the components of knowledge have greatly expanded, indicating an increased understanding of rural system dynamics. Through the systematic review, we found that developing resilience assessment tools is often designed as a process to strengthen adaptive capacity at the household or community level in response to global processes of climate change and economic globalization. Furthermore, community resilience is found to be an interesting knowledge component that has characterized rural resilience literature in the 2010s. Based on our study, we summarized conceptual characteristics of rural resilience and discussed the challenges and implications for researchers and policy makers.
Data-Driven Approach to Understand the Mobility Patterns of the Portuguese Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tamagusko Tiago , Ferreira Adelino
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019. Since then, it has spread to several countries, becoming classified as a pandemic. So far, there is no definitive treatment or vaccine, so the best solution is to prevent transmission between individuals through social distancing. However, it is not easy to measure the effectiveness of these distance measures. Therefore, this study uses data from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to understand the Portuguese population’s mobility patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Rt value was modeled for Portugal. In addition, the changepoint was calculated for the population mobility patterns. Thus, the mobility pattern change was used to understand the impact of social distance measures on the dissemination of COVID-19. As a result, it can be stated that the initial Rt value in Portugal was very close to 3, falling to values close to 1 after 25 days. Social isolation measures were adopted quickly. Furthermore, it was observed that public transport was avoided during the pandemic. Finally, until the emergence of a vaccine or an effective treatment, this is the new normal, and it must be understood that new patterns of mobility, social interaction, and hygiene must be adapted to this reality.
Investigating the Complexity of Spatial Interactions between Different Administrative Units in China Using Flickr Data
Authors: Zhu Wei , Ma Ding , Zhao Zhigang , Guo Renzhong
Published: November 2020

Location-based social media have facilitated us to bridge the gap between virtual and physical worlds through the exploration of human online dynamics from a geographic perspective. This study uses a large collection of geotagged photos from Flickr to investigate the complexity of spatial interactions at the country level. We adopted three levels of administrative divisions in mainland China—province, city, and county—as basic geographic units and established three types of topology—province–province network, city–city network, and county–county network—from the extracted user movement trajectories. We conducted the scaling analysis based on heavy-tailed distribution statistics including power law exponents, goodness of fit index, and ht-index, by which we characterized a great complexity of the trajectory lengths, spatial distribution of geotagged photos, and the related metrics of built networks. The great complexity indicates the highly imbalanced ratio of populated-to-unpopulated areas or large-to-small flows between areas. More interestingly, all power law exponents were around 2 for the networks at various spatial and temporal scales. Such a recurrence of scaling statistics at multiple resolutions can be regarded a statistical self-similarity and could thus help us to reveal the fractal nature of human mobility patterns.
An Exploratory Study of Consumer Food Waste Attitudes, Social Norms, Behavioral Intentions, and Restaurant Plate Waste Behaviors in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ching-Hsu , Tseng Hsiao-Yi
Published: November 2020

The rising trend of people dining out has made food waste in restaurants become a significant issue because of sustainability. Consumers’ attitudes toward food waste in restaurants are still undergoing scrutiny. The main purpose of this study was to test the relationships among consumers’ attitudes, social norms, behavioral intentions, and plate waste behaviors in restaurants in Taiwan. This paper contributes to the understanding of consumers’ food waste behaviors by examining a hypothesized research model. Based on a questionnaire with 464 restaurant customers, the hypothesized research model was examined by using structural equation modeling. Sequential mediation for examining the relationships of variables was conducted, and it was found that there was a significant serial mediation effect on the path of consumers’ attitudes, behavioral intentions, food waste behavior, and consumer plate waste. The results of this study can contribute to better engaging consumers in mitigating food waste in restaurants. Implications and suggestions for further research and recommendations for restaurant managers are provided based on sustainable management.
A Prototype Plant for Oilseed Extraction: Analysis of Mass and Energy Flows
Authors: Temporim Ramoon B. L. , Petrozzi Alessandro , Coccia Valentina , Cotana Franco , Cavalaglio Gianluca
Published: November 2020

The focus of this study is to analyze the energy flows related to cardoon oil processing based on the estimated electricity consumption. It was carried out in a prototype oilseed extraction plant located in Umbria Region, Italy. This installation consists of the following processes: seed weight-storage, transportation, sifting, milling, filtering, and oil storage. Approximately 49,000 kg dry basis (DB) of cardoon seeds (Cynara cardunculus) were processed. Cardoon seeds were chosen as a feedstock due to their sustainability characteristics. Before processing, samples of raw material were analyzed in terms of moisture, oil content, impurity, density, and lower heating value. The input–output flows were measured in terms of weight and energy consumption. Its data were used to perform the mass-energy balance and estimate the efficiency of processes. About 8505 kg of filtered oil was obtained from raw material. The efficiency of the process chain was 84.42% concerning the oil content in the seeds. For the same period, the plant required a total of 17,556 MJ of electric energy from the grid for its operation. 321,507 MJ were obtained from oil and 688,875 MJ from oilcake. About 5.48% of the energy produced by oil extraction was virtually used in the process.
Kinetics of Nanostructuring Processes of Material Surface under Influence of Laser Radiation
Authors: Khomenko Alexei , Yushchenko Olga , Badalian Anna
Published: November 2020

In this paper, further research is conducted for a synergetic model that describes the state of the material surface in the process of laser irradiation. Namely, the previously studied approach of mutually coordinated behavior of the relaxation field, concentration of relaxation zones, and field of stress is supplemented with a nonlinear term. It is shown that, using this model, we can describe the behavior of different types of systems. During the analysis, five stationary states were found which correspond to different modes of formation of relaxation areas on the surface. The regions of parameters are found at which one or another mode of the system behavior is established. Phase portraits are constructed for each mode and the kinetics of the system is described. The obtained results qualitatively coincide with the experimental data.
The Coulomb Symmetry and a Universal Representation of Rydberg Spectral Line Shapes in Magnetized Plasmas
Authors: Letunov Andrei , Lisitsa Valery
Published: November 2020

A new method of line shape calculations of hydrogen-like atoms in magnetized plasmas is presented. This algorithm makes it possible to solve two fundamental problems in the broadening theory: the analytical description of the radiation transition array between excited atomic states and an account of a thermal ion motion effect on the line shapes formation. The solution to the first problem is based on the semiclassical approach to dipole matrix elements calculations and the usage of the specific symmetry properties of the Coulomb field. The second one is considered in terms of the kinetic treatment of the frequency fluctuation model (FFM). As the result, one has a universal description of line shapes under the action of the dynamic of ion’s microfield. The final line shape is obtained by the convolution of the ionic line shape with the Voigt electron Doppler profile. The method is applicable formally for large values of principal quantum numbers. However, the efficiency of the results is demonstrated even for well known first members of the hydrogen Balmer series Dα and Dβ lines. The comparison of obtained results with accurate quantum calculations is presented. The new method may be of interest for investigations of spectral line shapes of hydrogen-like ions presented in different kinds of hot ionized environments with the presence of a magnetic field, including So L and divertor tokamak plasmas.
Exploring Finite-Sized Scale Invariance in Stochastic Variability with Toy Models: The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Model
Authors: Chakraborty Nachiketa
Published: November 2020

Stochastic variability is ubiquitous among astrophysical sources. Quantifying stochastic properties of observed time-series or lightcurves, can provide insights into the underlying physical mechanisms driving variability, especially those of the particles that radiate the observed emission. Toy models mimicking cosmic ray transport are particularly useful in providing a means of linking the statistical analyses of observed lightcurves to the physical properties and parameters. Here, we explore a very commonly observed feature; finite sized self-similarity or scale invariance which is a fundamental property of complex, dynamical systems. This is important to the general theme of physics and symmetry. We investigate it through the probability density function of time-varying fluxes arising from a Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Model, as this model provides an excellent description of several time-domain observations of sources like active galactic nuclei. The probability density function approach stems directly from the mathematical definition of self-similarity and is nonparametric. We show that the OU model provides an intuitive description of scale-limited self-similarity and stationary Gaussian distribution while potentially showing a way to link to the underlying cosmic ray transport. This finite size of the scale invariance depends upon the decay time in the OU model.
Evolving Hierarchical and Tag Information via the Deeply Enhanced Weighted Non-Negative Matrix Factorization of Rating Predictions
Authors: Kutlimuratov Alpamis , Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Whangbo Taeg Keun
Published: November 2020

Identifying the hidden features of items and users of a modern recommendation system, wherein features are represented as hierarchical structures, allows us to understand the association between the two entities. Moreover, when tag information that is added to items by users themselves is coupled with hierarchically structured features, the rating prediction efficiency and system personalization are improved. To this effect, we developed a novel model that acquires hidden-level hierarchical features of users and items and combines them with the tag information of items that regularizes the matrix factorization process of a basic weighted non-negative matrix factorization (WNMF) model to complete our prediction model. The idea behind the proposed approach was to deeply factorize a basic WNMF model to obtain hidden hierarchical features of user’s preferences and item characteristics that reveal a deep relationship between them by regularizing the process with tag information as an auxiliary parameter. Experiments were conducted on the MovieLens 100K dataset, and the empirical results confirmed the potential of the proposed approach and its superiority over models that use the primary features of users and items or tag information separately in the prediction process.
Cyber Attack Prevention Based on Evolutionary Cybernetics Approach
Authors: Zegzhda Dmitry , Lavrova Daria , Pavlenko Evgeny , Shtyrkina Anna
Published: November 2020

The paper looks at the problem of cybersecurity in modern cyber–physical systems and proposes an evolutionary model approach to counteract cyber attacks by self-regulating the structure of the system, as well as several evolutionary indicators to assess the state of the system. The application of evolutionary models makes it possible to describe the regularities of systems behavior and their technical development, which is especially important regarding cyber attacks, which are the cause of a discontinuous evolution of complex systems. A practical example describes a system behavior during attacks and the self-regulation of its structure. The methodological approach consists of using evolutionary models to describe how modern cyber–physical systems can counteract cyber attacks and evolve, building on the experience of past security incidents. The main conclusions and recommendations are presented in the Discussion section, and they consist of the fact that using an evolutionary approach will not only increase the security of cyber–physical systems, but also define the principles of building systems that are resistant to cyber attacks.
Probabilistic Hesitant Intuitionistic Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets and Their Application in Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Peng You , Tao Yifang , Wu Boyi , Wang Xiaoxin
Published: November 2020

Multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) is widely applied to various areas for solving real-life problems, including technology selection, credit assessment, strategic planning evaluation, supplier selection, etc. To describe the complex and imprecise cognition, it is more convenient to provide the decision-making information in linguistic terms rather than concrete numerical values. Thus, several linguistic models, such as the fuzzy linguistic approach (FLA), hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs), hesitant intuitionistic fuzzy linguistic term sets (HIFLTSs), and probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTS) have been proposed successively. Due to the flexibility and comprehensiveness of PLTS, it has aroused growing concern. However, it also has a big limitation of requiring the membership degree to be 1 by default, and it does not consider the degree of non-membership and hesitancy of a linguistic variable. Therefore, the probabilistic hesitant intuitionistic fuzzy linguistic term sets (PHIFLTSs) have been presented to extend the PLTS by combining the membership and non-membership in symmetry to depict the evaluation of the experts. To overcome the existing shortcomings and enrich the methodology framework of PHIFLTSs, some novel operational laws are defined to extend the applicability and methodology of the PHIFLTSs in MAGDM. Furthermore, the distance and correlation measures for the PHIFLTSs are improved to make up the shortage of the current distance measures. In addition, the unbalanced linguistic terms are taken into account to represent the cognitive complex information of experts. At last, a MAGDM model based on the multiplicative multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MULTIMOORA) approach with the use of the developed novel operational laws and correlation measures is presented, which results in more accuracy and effectiveness. A real-word application example is presented to demonstrate the working of the proposed methodology. Moreover, a thorough comparison is done with related existing works in order to show the validity of this methodology.
Ergot and Ergot Alkaloids in Cereal Grains Intended for Animal Feeding Collected in Slovenia: Occurrence, Pattern and Correlations
Authors: Babič Janja , Tavčar-Kalcher Gabrijela , Celar Franci Aco , Kos Katarina , Červek Matjaž , Jakovac-Strajn Breda
Published: November 2020

This four-year study reports the occurrence of ergot alkaloids (EAs) in cereals intended for animal feeding collected in Slovenia. A total of 517 samples of cereals were analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the presence of EAs. The sample set included wheat, rye, triticale, oat, spelt and barley. The study revealed that 17% of the analysed cereal samples were contaminated with at least one ergot alkaloid. EAs have two epimeric forms: -ine and -inine. The incidence rates of the -ine and -inine forms in the analysed samples were 16% and 15%, respectively. The highest contamination rates were observed in rye (54%), oat (50%) and spelt (30%), where the highest mean concentrations of total EAs were also determined (502 µg/kg, 594 µg/kg and 715 µg/kg, respectively). However, the highest concentrations of total EAs were found in wheat and rye (4217 µg/kg and 4114 µg/kg, respectively). The predominant EAs were ergometrine, ergosine and ergocristinine. The occurrence of six or more ergot alkaloids was observed in 49% of the positive samples. A weak correlation (p = 0.284) in the positive samples was found between the mass of sclerotia and the total concentrations of EAs using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
Effects of Single and Repeated Oral Doses of Ochratoxin A on the Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense Systems in Mouse Kidneys
Authors: Ferenczi Szilamér , Kuti Dániel , Cserháti Mátyás , Krifaton Csilla , Szoboszlay Sándor , Kukolya József , Szőke Zsuzsanna , Albert Mihály , Kriszt Balázs , Kovács Krisztina J. , Mézes Miklós , Balogh Krisztián
Published: November 2020

Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is a carcinogenic and nephrotoxic mycotoxin, which may cause health problems in humans and animals, and it is a contaminant in foods and feeds. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of oral OTA exposure on the antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation in the kidney. In vivo administration of OTA in CD1, male mice (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight in a single oral dose for 24 h and repeated daily oral dose for 72 h or repeated daily oral dose of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight for 21 days) resulted in a significant elevation of OTA levels in blood plasma. Some histopathological alterations, transcriptional changes in the glutathione system, and oxidative stress response-related genes were also found. In the renal cortex, the activity of the glutathione-system-related enzymes and certain metabolites of the lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes, trienes, and thiobarbituric reactive substances) also changed.
COVID-19 and School Activities in Italy
Authors: Sebastiani Giovanni , Palù Giorgio
Published: November 2020

After a linear growth during September, the diffusion in Italy of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, has been growing exponentially since the end of that month with a doubling time approximately equal to one week [...]
A Perspective on Organoids for Virology Research
Authors: Sridhar Adithya , Simmini Salvatore , Ribeiro Carla M. S. , Tapparel Caroline , Evers Melvin M. , Pajkrt Dasja , Wolthers Katja
Published: November 2020

Animal models and cell lines are invaluable for virology research and host–pathogen interaction studies. However, it is increasingly evident that these models are not sufficient to fully understand human viral diseases. With the advent of three-dimensional organotypic cultures, it is now possible to study viral infections in the human context. This perspective explores the potential of these organotypic cultures, also known as organoids, for virology research, antiviral testing, and shaping the virology landscape.
Effect of Shearing on Non-Darcian Fluid Flow Characteristics through Rough-Walled Fracture
Authors: Li Biao , Xu Weiya , Yan Long , Xu Jianrong , He Mingjie , Xie Wei-Chau
Published: November 2020

The heterogeneous fracture geometry induced by the presence of roughness and shearing complicates the fracture flow. This paper presents a numerical investigation of the non-Darcian flow characteristics of rough-walled fractures during shear processes. A series of fracture flow simulations were performed on four types of fractures with different joint roughness coefficients (JRCs), and the different shear displacements were imitated by degrees of mismatch on two fracture surfaces. The results show that the disorder of fracture geometries and the increase in flow rate are the main causes for the emergence of an eddy flow region, which can significantly reduce the fracture conductivity and change the fracture flow from linear to nonlinear. The Forchheimer equation provides a good model for the nonlinear relationship between the hydraulic gradient and the flow rate in the fracture flow. When the shear displacement or JRC increased, the linear permeability coefficient kv decreased, while the nonlinear coefficient β increased. A three-parameter equation of β was used to examine the inertial effect induced by the fracture roughness JRC and the variation coefficient of aperture distribution σs/em. The critical Reynolds number was a combined effect of aperture, viscous permeability, and inertial resistance, assuming the flow becomes non-Darcian when the inertial part is greater than 10%.
Factors Influencing Abundances and Population Size Structure of the Threatened and Endemic Cyprinodont Aphanius iberus in Mediterranean Brackish Ponds
Authors: Sgarzi Serena , Brucet Sandra , Bartrons Mireia , Arranz Ignasi , Benejam Lluís , Badosa Anna
Published: November 2020

Aphanius iberus is an endemic cyprinodontoid fish species of Mediterranean ponds in danger of extinction. In this study, we studied some abiotic and biotic factors that can influence A. iberus’s size structure and density in Mediterranean brackish ponds. We sampled fish using fyke nets in 10 ponds of Empordà (Spain) during the spring season. Our results showed that a better ecological status (according to the Water Quality of Lentic and Shallow Ecosystems (QAELS) index), pond’s depth and pond’s isolation (reflected by an increase in total nitrogen) were related to larger individual sizes and more size-diverse populations. Increasing the salinity is known to help the euryhaline A. iberus acting as a refuge from competitors. Nevertheless, our results showed that higher conductivities had a negative effect on A. iberus’s size structure, leading to a decrease in the mean and maximum size of the fish. Fish abundance (expressed as captures per unit of effort (CPUE)) seemed to increase with increasing the pond’s depth and total nitrogen (the latter reflecting pond isolation). In conclusion, our results suggest that achieving a better pond ecological status may be important for the conservation of endangered A. iberus, because better size-structured populations (i.e., larger mean and average lengths) were found at higher water quality conditions.
Variable Seepage Meter Efficiency in High-Permeability Settings
Authors: Rosenberry Donald O. , Nieto López José Manuel , Webb Richard M. T. , Müller Sascha
Published: November 2020

The efficiency of seepage meters, long considered a fixed property associated with the meter design, is not constant in highly permeable sediments. Instead, efficiency varies substantially with seepage bag fullness, duration of bag attachment, depth of meter insertion into the sediments, and seepage velocity. Tests conducted in a seepage test tank filled with isotropic sand with a hydraulic conductivity of about 60 m/d indicate that seepage meter efficiency varies widely and decreases unpredictably when the volume of the seepage bag is greater than about 65 to 70 percent full or less than about 15 to 20 percent full. Seepage generally decreases with duration of bag attachment even when operated in the mid-range of bag fullness. Stopping flow through the seepage meter during bag attachment or removal also results in a decrease in meter efficiency. Numerical modeling indicates efficiency is inversely related to hydraulic conductivity in highly permeable sediments. An efficiency close to 1 for a meter installed in sediment with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 m/d decreases to about 60 and then 10 percent when hydraulic conductivity is increased to 10 and 100 m/d, respectively. These large efficiency reductions apply only to high-permeability settings, such as wave- or tidally washed coarse sand or gravel, or fluvial settings with an actively mobile sand or gravel bed, where low resistance to flow through the porous media allows bypass flow around the seepage cylinder to readily occur. In more typical settings, much greater resistance to bypass flow suppresses small changes in meter resistance during inflation or deflation of seepage bags.
Analysis of the Uncertainty in Estimates of Manning’s Roughness Coefficient and Bed Slope Using GLUE and DREAM
Authors: Reis Guilherme da Cruz dos , Pereira Tatiane Souza Rodrigues , Faria Geovanne Silva , Formiga Klebber Teodomiro Martins
Published: November 2020

River discharge data are critical to elaborating on engineering projects and water resources management. Discharge data must be precise and collected with good temporal resolution. To elaborate on a more accurate database, this paper aims to quantify the uncertainty generated while applying Bayesian inference through the GLUE and DREAM methods. Both methods were used to estimate hydraulic parameters and compare between them with Manning’s equation. Throughout the statistical analysis, the uncertainties in the application of the models are used to determine the parameters of Manning’s roughness coefficient and bed slope. The validation was made via a comparison of the calculated maximum and minimum discharges, and the observed flow available at HidroWeb. In conclusion, both methods estimated the hydraulic parameters well, but a higher relative deviation was seen in the intervals with smaller calculated discharges; DREAM appears to be more accurate than GLUE, once the relative deviation in GLUE became greater.