bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Cloud Software Engineering for Big Data Processing
Authors: Ganesan Madhubala , Kor Ah-Lian , Pattinson Colin , Rondeau Eric
Published: November 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) coupled with big data analytics is emerging as the core of smart and sustainable systems which bolsters economic, environmental and social sustainability. Cloud-based data centers provide high performance computing power to analyze voluminous IoT data to provide invaluable insights to support decision making. However, multifarious servers in data centers appear to be the black hole of superfluous energy consumption that contributes to 23% of the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) industry. IoT-related energy research focuses on low-power sensors and enhanced machine-to-machine communication performance. To date, cloud-based data centers still face energy–related challenges which are detrimental to the environment. Virtual machine (VM) consolidation is a well-known approach to affect energy-efficient cloud infrastructures. Although several research works demonstrate positive results for VM consolidation in simulated environments, there is a gap for investigations on real, physical cloud infrastructure for big data workloads. This research work addresses the gap of conducting real physical cloud infrastructure-based experiments. The primary goal of setting up a real physical cloud infrastructure is for the evaluation of dynamic VM consolidation approaches which include integrated algorithms from existing relevant research. An open source VM consolidation framework, Openstack NEAT is adopted and experiments are conducted on a Multi-node Openstack Cloud with Apache Spark as the big data platform. Open sourced Openstack has been deployed because it enables rapid innovation, and boosts scalability as well as resource utilization. Additionally, this research work investigates the performance based on service level agreement (SLA) metrics and energy usage of compute hosts. Relevant results concerning the best performing combination of algorithms are presented and discussed.
Actors in Social Agriculture Cooperatives Combating Organized Crime in Southern Italy: Cultivating the Ground
Authors: Fazzi Luca , Elsen Susanne
Published: November 2020

Southern Italy suffers from a high poverty rate, unemployment, emigration flows, and a strong presence of organized crime in the field of agriculture. This study seeks to investigate the potential of social enterprises as driving forces for the legal and eco-social development of fragile Southern Italian areas. To work in such challenging contexts requires the development of a high level of resilience, which implies the ability to adapt to difficulties and to overcome crises by coming out stronger than before. The initiatives we detected in Southern Italy are examples for the strength that can come from ideal motivations. In the case of social agriculture initiatives in Southern Italy counteracting organized crime, these motivations are an indispensable condition for their survival and growth. The accumulation of problems and difficulties, however, risks corroding motivations of the actors. This can lead to the withdrawal of members, which can have a serious impact on these small organizations. Thus, idealism is a necessary condition to face the challenges of legal and social environmental development, but it is not sufficient on its own, except in the short term, to allow social enterprises to emerge from extremely precarious conditions. Idealism can support resilience, but by itself, it cannot create a sustainable change. There is, therefore, the need to invest in these social enterprises, in the training of the actors involved, and in the selection and acquisition of the skills for strengthening the efficiency and sustainability of businesses and to foster horizontal structures of mutuality and solidarity to create a supportive environment for these social enterprises and their mission.
Geopolitical Risk and Tourism Stocks of Emerging Economies
Authors: Hasan Mudassar , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Arif Muhammad , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Nor Safwan Mohd
Published: November 2020

A bulk of literature suggests that geopolitical events such as terrorist attacks dampen tourism demand. However, there is little research on whether this effect helps predict the return of the tourism equity sector. We provide country-level evidence on whether local and global geopolitical risk (GPR) predicts the first and second moments of tourism stocks in emerging economies. This objective was achieved by employing the non-parametric causality-in-quantiles (CiQ) model and a cross-quantilogram (CQ) test, which allowed us to uncover the predictive potential of GPR for the tourism sector equities. Our findings, obtained through the CiQ model, suggest that while both local and global GPRs carry significant potential for predicting the returns and volatility of tourism stocks of most emerging economies under normal market conditions, they seem to play no such role in certain countries. These countries include South Korea, for which only a limited number of tourism stocks trade on the domestic stock market compared to other sectors, and Colombia, for which both the domestic stock market and tourism sectors are at an emerging stage. Further, it turns out that, compared to its local counterpart, global GPR has a more pronounced predictive power for the tourism stocks of emerging economies. Finally, with some exceptions, the results are qualitatively similar, and hence reasonably robust, to those when a directional predictability model is applied. Given that geopolitical shocks are largely unanticipated, our findings underscore the importance of a robust tourism sector that can help the market recover to stability as well as an open economy that allows local investors to diversify country-specific risks in their portfolios. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Videogames and Innovation: Fostering Innovators’ Skills in Online-Learning Environments
Authors: Tobar-Muñoz Hendrys , G. Cárcamo Juan , Solarte Henner , Ventes Christiam , H. Mesa Jorge
Published: November 2020

Innovation is quite important for economies and entrepreneurs around the world, especially for developing countries such as Colombia, where this study was based. Therefore, education for innovation becomes as important, and newer and innovative educational means must be adjusted for developing skills in innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovator’s DNA is a framework of skills that are meant to be developed by innovators. This framework proposes five discovery skills, which are: observing, associating, experimenting, networking, and questioning. This paper studied whether and how videogames can develop innovators’ skills in students of entrepreneurship and innovation in online-learning environments, by directly observing the participation of 23 participants during an interaction with a game specifically tailored for fostering these skills. The videogame used is called CAFET, and it consists of a card-based game where players enact coffee industry entrepreneurs in Colombia. A mixed-methods research was carried out by coding each observable action conducted by the participants and interviewing them about their behaviors. Results showed that participants enact actions that may involve and develop innovator’s DNA skills, specifically observing, associating, and experimenting. This study analyzed how videogames can develop innovation skills and explains the behaviors observed among other insights.
Patterns of Circular Transition: What Is the Circular Economy Maturity of Belgian Ports?
Authors: Haezendonck Elvira , Van den Berghe Karel
Published: November 2020

Large seaport hubs in Northwestern Europe are aiming to develop as circular hotspots and are striving to become first movers in the circular economy (CE) transition. In order to facilitate their transition, it is therefore relevant to unravel potential patterns of the circular transition that ports are currently undertaking. In this paper, we explore the CE patterns of five Belgian seaports. Based on recent (strategy) documents from port authorities and on in-depth interviews with local port executives, the circular initiatives of these ports are mapped, based on their spatial characteristics and transition focus. The set of initiatives per port indicates its maturity level in terms of transition towards a circular approach. For most studied seaports, an energy recovery focus based on industrial symbiosis initiatives seems to dominate the first stages in the transition process. Most initiatives are not (yet) financially sustainable, and there is a lack of information on potential new business models that ports can adopt in view of a sustainable transition. The analysis of CE patterns in this paper contributes to how ports lift themselves out of the linear lock-in, as it demonstrates that ports may walk a different path and at a diverging speed in their CE transition, but also that the Belgian ports so far have focused too little on their cargo orchestrating role in that change process. Moreover, it offers a first insight into how integrated and sustainable the ports’ CE initiatives currently are.
A Model to Evaluate the Flooding Opportunity and Sustainable Use of Former Open-Pits
Authors: Apostu Izabela-Maria , Lazar Maria , Faur Florin
Published: November 2020

As a result of open-pit mining exploitations, impressive size gaps occur in the landscape. Their flooding leads to the occurrence of so-called open-pit lakes and represents an interesting way to reclaim and use sustainably the degraded land. In the literature, there are numerous plans, strategies, and guidelines for mine closure and open-pit recovery, but these are usually developed at the regional or national level and offer general suggestions, which must be evaluated and approached case-by-case. Because there is still no way to evaluate the opportunity of flooding the open-pits, a methodology for assessing this opportunity was developed to identify the open-pits that are suitable for flooding, this being the main objective of the paper. The paper is novel because of the multicriteria evaluation of open-pits and their remaining gaps, the logical succession of the criteria, and the proposed concept, methods, models, and equations that allow a complex assessment of the flooding opportunity. The methodology also aims to ensure maximum safety conditions in the former mining perimeter, the socio-economic and cultural requirements of local communities, the harmonization of the land in accordance with adjacent ecosystems, and the sustainable development of the region.
Sustainable Ambient Environment to Prevent Future Outbreaks: How Ambient Environment Relates to COVID-19 Local Transmission in Lima, Peru
Authors: Kuo Tsai-Chi , Pacheco Ana Maria , Iswara Aditya Prana , Dermawan Denny , Andhikaputra Gerry , Chiang Hsieh Lin-Han
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), universally recognized as COVID-19, is currently is a global issue. Our study uses multivariate regression for determining the relationship between the ambient environment and COVID-19 cases in Lima. We also forecast the pattern trajectory of COVID-19 cases with variables using an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average Model (ARIMA). There is a significant association between ambient temperature and PM10 and COVID-19 cases, while no significant correlation has been seen for PM2.5. All variables in the multivariate regression model have R2 = 0.788, which describes a significant exposure to COVID-19 cases in Lima. ARIMA (1,1,1), during observation time of PM2.5, PM10, and average temperature, is found to be suitable for forecasting COVID-19 cases in Lima. This result indicates that the expected high particle concentration and low ambient temperature in the coming season will further facilitate the transmission of the coronavirus if there is no other policy intervention. A suggested sustainable policy related to ambient environment and the lessons learned from different countries to prevent future outbreaks are also discussed in this study.
Ochratoxin A Levels in Tissues of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Northern Italy
Authors: Iemmi Tiziano , Menozzi Alessandro , Meucci Valentina , Magnini Irene , Battaglia Federica , Severino Lorella , Ariano Andrea , Bertini Simone
Published: November 2020

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium, capable of contaminating several foodstuffs. OTA damages primarily the kidneys, and is suspected to be a carcinogenic substance, thus maximum levels for OTA in foodstuffs have been established in the EU. Italian Ministry of Health suggested a maximum level of 1 μg/kg OTA in pork meat and derived products. In this study, OTA concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle of 64 wild boars (Sus scrofa) killed in two areas (area A and B) of Parma province (northern Italy), characterized by different habitat types, were assessed by HPLC-FLD technique. OTA was detected in 54% liver, 52% kidney, and 16% muscle samples. OTA levels were significantly higher in liver and kidney compared with muscle, and were above 1 μg/kg in 19 liver, 17 kidney, and 4 muscle samples. OTA levels in wild boars from area A resulted significantly higher with respect to those from area B, suggesting an environmental influence on OTA contamination in wild boars. This study seems to confirm that wild boar meat is a potential source of OTA, thus monitoring the presence of this mycotoxin in game meat might be recommended to prevent risks for human health.
Eradication of Swine Vesicular Disease in Italy
Authors: Tamba Marco , Plasmati Francesco , Brocchi Emiliana , Ruocco Luigi
Published: November 2020

Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is a contagious viral disease of pigs clinically indistinguishable from other vesicular diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, vesicular stomatitis, vesicular exanthema of swine, and idiopathic vesicular disease. In Italy, where SVD was first reported in 1966, an eradication program started in 1995. The program, updated in 2008, was based on regionalization, complete control on pig movements, improvement of pig farms biosecurity, appropriate cleansing and disinfection procedures of vehicles approved for pig transportation, and a testing program using both serological and virological assays. In cases of confirmed SVD virus infection a stamping-out policy was applied. In the period 2009 to 2019, between 300,000 and 400,000 pigs were serologically tested each year. The last SVD outbreak was notified in 2015, and the last seropositive pig was detected in 2017. SVD surveillance is still ongoing and no proof of virus activity has been detected so far. All available data support the complete SVD virus eradication from the Italian pig industry.
In Vitro and In Ovo Host Restriction of Aquatic Bird Bornavirus 1 in Different Avian Hosts
Authors: Leacy Alexander , Nagy Éva , Pham Phuc H. , Susta Leonardo
Published: November 2020

Aquatic bird bornavirus 1 (ABBV-1) is associated with chronic meningoencephalitis and ganglioneuritis. Although waterfowl species act as the natural host of ABBV-1, the virus has been sporadically isolated from other avian species, showing the potential for a broad host range. To evaluate the host restriction of ABBV-1, and its potential to infect commercial poultry species, we assessed the ability of ABBV-1 to replicate in cells and embryos of different avian species. ABBV-1 replication was measured using multi- and single-step growth curves in primary embryo fibroblasts of chicken, duck, and goose. Embryonated chicken and duck eggs were infected through either the yolk sac or chorioallantoic cavity, and virus replication was assessed by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR in embryonic tissues harvested at two time points after infection. Multi-step growth curves showed that ABBV-1 replicated and spread in goose and duck embryo fibroblasts, establishing a population of persistently infected cells, while it was unable to do so in chicken fibroblasts. Single-step growth curves showed that cells from all three species could be infected; however, persistence was only established in goose and duck fibroblasts. In ovo inoculation yielded no detectable viral replication or lesion in tissues. Data indicate that although chicken, duck, and goose embryo fibroblasts can be infected with ABBV-1, a persistent infection is more easily established in duck and goose cells. Therefore, ABBV-1 may be able to infect chickens in vivo, albeit inefficiently. Additionally, our data indicate that an in ovo model is inadequate to investigating ABBV-1 host restriction and pathogenesis.
A Need for Standardized Reporting: A Scoping Review of Bioretention Research 2000–2019
Authors: Spraakman Sylvie , Rodgers Timothy F. M. , Monri-Fung Haruna , Nowicki Amanda , Diamond Miriam L. , Passeport Elodie , Thuna Mindy , Drake Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Bioretention cells are a type of low-impact development technology that, over the past two decades, have become a critical component of urban stormwater management. Research into bioretention has since proliferated, with disparate aims, intents and metrics used to assess the “performance” of bioretention cells. We conducted a comprehensive, systematic scoping review to answer the question of “How is the field performance of bioretention assessed in the literature?”, with the aim of understanding (1) how is the performance of bioretention defined in the literature? (2) what metrics are used to assess actual and theoretical performance? A review of 320 studies (mostly peer reviewed articles) found that performance was defined in terms of hydrologic controls, while investigations into water quality pathways and mechanisms of contaminant transport and fate and the role of vegetation were lacking; additionally, long term field and continuous modelling studies were limited. Bioretention field research was primarily conducted by a small number of institutions (26 institutions were responsible for 50% of the research) located mainly in high income countries, particularly Australia and the United States. We recommend that the research community (I) provide all original data when reporting results, (II) prioritize investigating the processes that determine bioretention performance and (III) standardize the collection, analysis and reporting of results. This dissemination of information will ensure that gaps in bioretention knowledge can be found and allow for improvements to the performance of bioretention cells around the world.
Predicting Groundwater Vulnerability to Geogenic Fluoride Risk: A Screening Method for Malawi and an Opportunity for National Policy Redefinition
Authors: Addison Marc J. , Rivett Michael O. , Phiri Peaches , Mleta Prince , Mblame Emma , Wanangwa Gift , Kalin Robert M.
Published: November 2020

Fluoride concentrations in Malawi’s groundwater are primarily controlled by geogenic sources that are highly variable and may cause a heterogeneous fluoride occurrence and local-to-regional variations in fluorosis health risks posed. Our aim was to address the challenge of developing a national solution to predicting groundwater vulnerability to geogenic fluoride risk in the country of Malawi where incidences of fluorosis are reported and typical developing world problems of limited data and resources abound. Previously there have only been sporadic, local-scale studies linking fluoride occurrence with health risks in Malawi with no attempts to tackle the issue nationally. We hence develop a screening method for predicting groundwater vulnerability to geogenic fluoride in the form of detailed risk maps developed from statistical relationships shown between groundwater fluoride occurrence and known geogenic fluoride sources. The approach provides for dynamic update and informed acquisition of new data and hence on-going improving capacity to manage fluoride risks in Malawi. Our screening method provides a technical basis for redefining national fluoride policy to ensure commensurate management of health risks posed. Specifically, the approach provides a pathway for stepped progression from the current 6 mg/L Malawian standard for fluoride in drinking water to adoption of the World Health Organisation 1.5 mg/L guideline standard.
Contrasting Effects of Bioturbation Studied in Intact and Reconstructed Estuarine Sediments
Authors: Bartoli Marco , Benelli Sara , Magri Monia , Ribaudo Cristina , Moraes Paula Carpintero , Castaldelli Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Macrofauna can produce contrasting biogeochemical effects in intact and reconstructed sediments. We measured benthic fluxes of oxygen, inorganic carbon, and nitrogen and denitrification rates in intact sediments dominated by a filter and a deposit feeder and in reconstructed sediments added with increasing densities of the same organisms. Measurements in reconstructed sediments were carried out 5 days after macrofauna addition. The degree of stimulation of the measured fluxes in the intact and reconstructed sediments was then compared. Results confirmed that high densities of bioturbating macrofauna produce profound effects on sediment biogeochemistry, enhancing benthic respiration and ammonium recycling by up to a factor of ~3 and ~9, respectively, as compared to control sediments. The deposit feeder also increased total denitrification by a factor of ~2, whereas the filter feeder activity did not stimulate nitrogen removal. Moreover, the effects of deposit feeders on benthic fluxes were significantly higher (e.g., on respiration and ammonium recycling) or different (e.g., on denitrification) when measured in intact and reconstructed sediments. In intact sediments, deposit feeders enhanced the denitrification coupled to nitrification and had no effects on the denitrification of water column nitrate, whereas in reconstructed sediments, the opposite was true. This may reflect active burrowing in reconstructed sediments and the long time needed for slow growing nitrifiers to develop within burrows. Results suggest that, in bioturbation studies, oversimplified experimental approaches and insufficient preincubation time might lead to wrong interpretation of the role of macrofauna in sediment biogeochemistry, far from that occurring in nature.
Evaluation of Multiple Responses Associated with Arsenic Tolerance and Accumulation in Pteris vittata L. Plants Exposed to High As Concentrations under Hydroponics
Authors: Pietrini Fabrizio , Iori Valentina , Pietrosanti Lucia , Zacchini Massimo , Massacci Angelo
Published: November 2020

Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata L.) is recognized as an arsenic hyperaccumulating plant. Mechanisms underlying this capability and the associated hypertolerance have been described even if not completely elucidated. In this study, with the aim to expand the knowledge on the matter, an experimental trial was developed to investigate an array of responses, at the morphological, physiological, and biochemical level, in P. vittata plants exposed to high As concentrations in a long-term experiment under hydroponics. Results confirmed the ability of fern plants to both tolerate and accumulate a remarkable amount of As, especially in fronds. Notably, in As-treated plants, a far higher As content was detected in young fronds compared to old fronds, with bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation (Tf) factors in accordance. At the biochemical level, As treatment affected macro and micronutrient, thiol, and phytochelatin concentrations in fronds of treated plants differently than that of the control. Physiological measurements accounted for a reduction in the photosynthetic activity of As-treated plants in the absence of visual symptoms of damage. Overall, the observed As tolerance and accumulation processes were discussed, evidencing how young fronds developed during As treatment maintain their physiological status while accumulating a high As content. Such indications could be very useful to improve the effective utilization of this plant species for phytofiltration of As-polluted water.
Comparison of Terrestrial Water Storage Changes Derived from GRACE/GRACE-FO and Swarm: A Case Study in the Amazon River Basin
Authors: Cui Lilu , Song Zhe , Luo Zhicai , Zhong Bo , Wang Xiaolong , Zou Zhengbo
Published: November 2020

The mass changes in the Earth’s surface internally derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and the GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions have played an important role in the research of various geophysical phenomena. However, the one-year data gap between these two missions has broken the continuity of this geophysical research. In order to assess the feasibility of using the Swarm time-variable gravity field (TVGF) to bridge the data gap, we compared Swarm with the GRACE/GRACE-FO models in terms of model accuracy, observation noise and inverted terrestrial water storage change (TWSC). The results of the comparison showed that the difference between the degree-error root mean square (RMS) of the two models is small, within degree 10. The correlation between the spherical harmonic coefficients of the two models is also relatively high, below degree 17. The observation noise values of GRACE/GRACE-FO are smaller than those of Swarm. Therefore, the latter model requires a larger filter radius to lower these noise levels. According to the correlation coefficients and the time series map of TWSC in the Amazon River basin, the results of GRACE and Swarm are similar. In addition, the TWSC signals were further analyzed. The long-term trend changes of TWSC derived from GRACE/GRACE-FO and the International Combination Service for Time-variable Gravity Fields (COST-G)-Swarm over the period from December 2013 to May 2020 were −0.72 and −1.05 cm/year, respectively. The annual amplitudes of two models are 15.65 and 15.39 cm, respectively. The corresponding annual phases are −1.36 and −1.33 rad, respectively. Our results verified that the Swarm TVGF has the potential to extract TWSC signals in the Amazon River basin and can serve as a complement to GRACE/GRACE-FO data for detecting TWSC in local areas.
Differences in the Composition of Leachate from Active and Non-Operational Municipal Waste Landfills in Poland
Authors: Wdowczyk Aleksandra , Szymańska-Pulikowska Agata
Published: November 2020

Leachate formation is one of the many environmental hazards associated with landfilling. The leachate may migrate from the landfill to surface water and groundwater, posing a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, its harmful effect on human health and life has been proven. Due to the risks that landfill leachates may pose, it is necessary to control the state of the environment in their surroundings. The paper presents an example of the application of selected statistical methods (basic statistics, statistical tests, principal component analysis) to assess the impact of individual pollution indicators on the quality of landfill leachates. The conducted analysis showed the existence of significant differences between the surveyed active (Legnica, Jawor) and non-operational (Wrocław, Bielawa) landfills in Poland. These differences were especially visible in the cases of the following: electric conductivity (EC) (non-operational landfills 1915–5075 μS/cm, active 5093–11,370 μS/cm), concentrations of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (non-operational landfills 0.18–294.5 mg N/dm3, active 167.56–907.4 mg N/dm3), chemical oxygen demand (COD), organic nitrogen (ON), ammonium nitrogen (AN), total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), sulfates, chlorides, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and nickel. Selected indicators should help to determine the progress of decomposition processes inside the landfill and the potential impact of leachate on the environment, and should be used in the mandatory monitoring of landfills.
Setting Up of an Experimental Site for the Continuous Monitoring of Water Discharge, Suspended Sediment Transport and Groundwater Levels in a Mediterranean Basin. Results of One Year of Activity
Authors: Pagano Stefano Giorgio , Sollitto Donato , Colucci Marco , Prato Davide , Milillo Fabio , Ricci Giovanni Francesco , Gentile Francesco
Published: November 2020

The study of suspended sediment transport requires continuous measurement of water discharge to better understand the sediment dynamics. Furthermore, a groundwater monitoring network can support the stream discharge measures, as it reveals how the interactions between surface water and groundwater may affect runoff and consequently sediment transport during flood events. An experimental site for the continuous monitoring of water discharge, suspended sediment transport and groundwater levels was set up in the Carapellotto basin (27.17 km2), which is located in Apulia, Southern Italy. Seven flood events that occurred in the operation timespan were covered with a full record of both water discharge and sediment concentration. Some monitoring problems, largely due to the clogging of the float by mud, suggested to improve the experimental set up. The results show high values of suspended sediments concentration which indicate the sub-basin’s key role in the sediment delivery to the whole river system, while counter-clockwise hysteresis loops are the most frequent due to the basin characteristics. The effects of the interaction between surface water and groundwater are related not only to the flood magnitude but also to the hydrogeological features in the hyporheic zone.
How Did the Lost Shangri-La Get Lost? The Tragedy of the Groundwater Commons in Lijiang, China
Authors: Zhang Yan
Published: November 2020

Groundwater is critical to human survival, however, it has constantly been overexploited around the world. Despite hydrological causes and the effects of global climate change, groundwater governance has an essential role to play in causing or preventing such overexploitation. This paper presented a case of groundwater governance in Lijiang, renowned for its natural beauty and exotic cultures, located in northwest Yunnan, China. Since being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1990s, Lijiang has experienced dramatic tourism development, which eventually escalated its groundwater crisis. This paper applied the diagnostic approach of social-ecological systems to analyse the institutionalised governance process in the case of Lijiang and substantiated the effectiveness of the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) approach in explaining groundwater management issues. Two significant findings were drawn in the case of Lijiang. First, institutional arrangements may play an essential role in resource management, but their analysis is lacking between macro modelling of planetary boundaries of the Earth and micro surveys of individual and community behaviour. The SES framework offered a useful tool to fill this gap. Second, the designation of Lijiang’s Outstanding Universal Values as a world heritage site ironically damaged its local cultural intimacy, which nurtured generations of collective action for Naxi people, escalating the tragedy of its groundwater commons.
The New Paradigm of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Phenotypic Diversity of Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors:   Loginov Moscow Clinical Research and Practical Center, Vinnitskaya Ye.V. , Sandler Yu.G. , Bordin D.S. ,   Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry,   Tver State Medical University
Published: November 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the first most common liver disease worldwide. In fact, NAFLD is associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and is a certain phenotype that has developed as a result of the combined action of complex heterogeneous etiological factors. A feature of this disease is its extreme heterogeneity, which raises the demand for classification, which would help to distinguish between the supposedly metabolically favorable and the unfavorable subtypes. The task of the international consortium of the expert group was to integrate modern ideas about the heterogeneity of patients denoted by the abbreviation NAFLD, and to create a new definition that will more accurately account for the pathogenesis and can help in patients’ stratification for their further treatment. Experts reached consensus that the abbreviation NAFLD no longer reflects the essence of this disease and as a more appropriate and comprehensive concept which also integrates metabolic changes associated with fatty liver disease, the term ῾metabolically associated fatty liver disease’ (MAFLD) was proposed. This approach opens up opportunities for the scientific and medical community to update the nomenclature, highlight individual sub-phenotypes for the development of a new targeted therapy.
Systemic Amyloidosis: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Authors:   Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Bakulina N.V. , Nekrasova A.S. , Gudkova A.Ya. , Latariya E.L. , Gomonova V.V. , Tsurtsumiya D.B. ,   Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University,   Great Peter Hospital
Published: November 2020

This review is devoted to the current state of the problem of diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis at the outpatient stage and in a multidisciplinary hospital. The article summarizes the existing information about the variants of the clinical course and provides current methods of verification of this disease. In systemic amyloidosis, the involvement of different systems and organs in the pathological process, the variety of clinical manifestations and nonspecific complaints of the patient in the early stages of this disease often lead to untimely establishment of the correct diagnosis and late initiation of treatment, worsening the prognosis and posing a significant threat to the life of the patient. Early diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis allows the patient to start treatment on time and increases the chances of success
Possibilities of Combined Injection Therapy at the Start of Insulin Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   Endocrinological Dispensary of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Antsiferov M.B. , Koteshkova O.M. , Dukhareva O.V. , Demidov N.A. , Ermakova E.A. ,   Moscovskii city Hospital, Department of Healthcare of Moscow
Published: November 2020

The traditional option for starting insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the start of basal insulin. However, this does not always lead to the achievement of the goals of glycemic control – only 30% of patients reach the target glycemic values 6 months after the initiation of insulin therapy. The correct use of basal insulin (especially adequate dose titration) allows to achieve the target fasting glucose, but does not always allow to achieve the target values of postprandial glycemia and, accordingly, the target level of HbA1c. To achieve the best results of therapy, it seems promising to use fixed ratio combinations of basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which, according to the results of clinical studies, allow 74% of patients to achieve HbA1c less than 7% at the start of insulin therapy, which is the target value for most patients with diabetes. The article presents data from clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of fixed ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide, confirming the advantage over the use of each of its components separately. A clinical case of the successful use of a fixed ratio combination of insulin glargine + lixisenatide on the start of insulin therapy in patient with type 2 diabetes is presented.
Diabetic Fetopathy As an Outcome of Manifest Diabetes Mellitus First Detected During Pregnancy
Authors:   N.E. Bauman City Clinical Hospital No. 29, Sviridova M.I. , Startsevа N.M. , Romm N.P. , Ulyanova O.A. , Gerasimov A.Yu. ,   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Published: November 2020

The article presents a clinical case of diabetic fetopathy in a newborn from a mother with diabetes mellitus, which manifested itself not only by phenotypic disorders, but also by morphological changes in the heart – hypertrophy of the left and right ventricles with obstruction of the outflow parts of the heart, the development of respiratory, heart failure, and neurological disorders. Disorder of carbohydrate metabolism in a patient with high risk factors for metabolic disorders, which was not detected in time, and the refusal of the necessary treatment led to the need to treat the newborn in the intensive care unit. The frequency of occurrence of diabetic fetopathy in different types of diabetes mellitus was shown on the basis of data from the Center for Endocrine Diseases of Pregnant Women on the basis of GKB No. 29
A importância dos parques urbanos para a manutenção da biodiversidade e benefícios socioambientais: Uma análise realizada no Parque do Flamengo (Rio de Janeiro).
Authors: Graça Phillipe Knippel do Carmo , Telles Flávio Pereira
Published: November 2020

O estudo buscou demonstrar os benefícios do Parque Brigadeiro Gomes - Aterro do Flamengo, RJ, para a fauna e sociedade, e identificar a percepção ambiental dos visitantes da área. Pela revisão teórica do tema sobre a conservação da biodiversidade em áreas urbanas foi feita uma pesquisa de campo através de questionário com 14 perguntas, aplicado a 200 visitantes do parque. 77,8% dos entrevistados são mulheres e a faixa etária que prevaleceu foi entre 26 a 39 anos. 43,4% dos entrevistados informaram que o maior benefício gerado pelo parque é a saúde, além disso, 79,6% mostraram insatisfação com a segurança local e 65% não aprovam a quantidade de áreas verdes disponíveis no Rio de Janeiro. Conclui-se que o Parque Aterro do Flamengo é notável para a evolução da cidade, pois realiza funções sócio-ambientais, oferece lazer, turismo, e ameniza a paisagem urbana gerando efeitos ambientais positivos para o entorno. O parque gera também benefícios no bem-estar dos frequentadores, na qualidade de vida e na saúde física e mental, conforme constatado. A massa vegetal existente no Parque do Flamengo é uma importante área de conservação em meio urbano para a sustentabilidade da cidade, oferece proventos à fauna e melhora a qualidade de vida dos habitantes.
A PROFILE OF SUCCESSFUL ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (NON-ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)
Authors: Rahman Lalu Isnaeni
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT                                                    This Journal was intended to find out what students’ learning strategies at the non-English Department at ASM MATARAM. The case study method was used to approach the research data of 15 students at secretary class. The researcher collected the data through observation, taking notes and interviewing in one semester. Then, the researcher selected, simplified and organized the raw data which refer to the research problem being investigated.The findings of the research found that, ten of the students said that they started to learn English through experiences. To their case, they learn English by making chance to find opportunity with foreigners. And also, they always listen and repeat difficult words every single day. They listen to the songs that they do like. To them, repeating words loud is an effective way to get the good pronunciation. They also have got course to add their knowledge and make an English community to make them remember the words that they have through speaking activities.Keywords: Language Learning Strategies, Successful Learner
Resilient Homes Online Design Aide: Connecting Research and Practice for Socially Resilient Communities
Authors:   Northeastern University, Fannon David , Laboy Michelle ,   Northeastern University
Published: November 2020

Resilience in architectural research, discourse, and practice tends to focus on physical aspects of the built environment. Much of the discussion within this technological domain of resilience resolves around singular, unique, and high value facilities: ignoring the vast fabric of buildings where most people live. However, studies in socioecological resilience suggests that resilience in the built environment must address people and systems, not merely property. Transitioning to this focus will both require and result in broadening architecture’s interest and influence beyond the normal physical boundaries of the built environment. To effectively engage this broader scope, new tools must enable new modes of public outreach, information sharing, data analysis, decision support, and ultimately create new knowledge. This paper describes the motivation, development, and preliminary findings of one such tool, the Resilient Home Online Design Aide (RHOnDA). This results suggest a cycle of participatory architectural research to advance socioecological resilience.
ADAPTIVE CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEM OF THE MILK PRODUCTION PROCESS
Authors: Dmytriv V.T. , Dmytriv I.V. , Horodetskyy I.M. , Yatsunskyi P.P.
Published: November 2020

The basic principles of adaptation of machine milking technical system to the physiology of milk ejection of cows are considered. Main adaptation parameters and conditions of the technical system are grounded, under these parameters and conditions the self-tuning of technical system is possible. The structure of modules of adaptive cyber-physical control system of machine milking is developed, its functionalities are revealed, the method of coordination between discreteness of measurement of information and the quantization period is developed to ensure maximum reliability of the information. The memory size of the operational information about the process parameters is justified, as well as their structure and functional content. Functional content and structure of information about the technological process of the database is formulated. The general view of the main elements of the adaptive cyber-physical system of cows milking is given, as well as the results of work of the experimental adaptive cyber-physical system of the milk production.
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF WOOD CHIPPING OPERATIONS
Authors: Grigorev Igor , Shadrin Anatoly , Voronova Anna , Kostyukevich Nikolay , Levushkin Dmitry , Borisov Vyacheslav , Diev Roman
Published: November 2020

The paper presents a novel approach to the problem of utilizing wood chips as a valuable raw material. It shows how advances in machine vision can enable the conversion of wood chips from waste to a valuable resource. Empirical dependencies that are used to calculate the slip velocity of wood chips on the walls of the tank have been obtained. The problems of particle–fluid and particle–particle interactions within the flow are solved. Findings may be applied not only in countries with traditionally developed wood industries but also in many others.
Effect of inorganic interfacial modification layer on the performance of quantum-dots light-emitting diodes
Authors: Heo Su Been , Yu Jong Hun , Shin Jae Seung , Kim Tae Yeon , Kim Byung Seok , Jeon Woojin , Kang Seong Jun
Published: November 2020

Efficiency and operational durability are crucial characteristics for the high-performance quantum-dots light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). In order to improve the efficiency and the stability of the QLEDs, we have inserted an inorganic Al2O3 interfacial modification layer (IML) next to the electron transport layer (ETL) using atomic layer deposition (ALD). We conducted a comparative analysis of two different positions of Al2O3 IML inside the device, inserting IML before ETL and after ETL, to find an optimized structure for the efficient QLEDs. As a result, when Al2O3 IML was located after ETL, reduction of oxygen vacancy in the ZnO layer was occurred due to the reaction of O2 plasma reactant that used during the ALD process. It can have the effects of decreasing the exciton quenching phenomenon and balancing the charge injection. Therefore, improved device performances were observed, and the maximum luminance was 56 108 cd m−2 when 1 nm Al2O3 IML was deposited after ZnO ETL. These results suggest Al2O3 IML deposition would provide a useful way to improve the performance of QLEDs.
Synthesis and optical characterization of asymmetric multilayer metal–insulator nanocrescent in aqueous solutions
Authors: Pham Tien Thanh , Pham Dinh Dat , Nguyen Thi An Hang , Vu Minh Thong , Thi Nghiem Lien Ha , Van Nguyen Tien , Tanaka Daisuke , Nguyen Duc Cuong
Published: November 2020

The metal–insulator–metal (MIM) nanostructures on polystyrene sphere (PS) were fabricated by the sputtering method. Asymmetric PS-MIM nanocrescent (AMNC) was separated and dispersed into the solution employing the sonication method. The absorption properties of AMNC colloidal solution were measured and calculated with the use of spectroscopy and discrete dipole approximation methods. The results indicated that hybridization of elementary plasmons of individual AMNC particles played an important role in determining optical properties of this colloidal solution, which were determined to be functions of component layer thickness and particle density. These findings are expected to enhance the pharmaceutical deliveries and biosensor fabrication.
Environmental training of the Italian Coast Guard between tradition and innovation
Authors: Altavilla Santo , Caligiore Aurelio , Ceccarelli Jenny , Corrente Giuseppina , Galeano Federica , Pappacena Gennaro , Pisconti Maura , Petrillo Agostino , Puri Pio , Rottino Fabio , Scatigna Giovanni , Simione Francesco , Sinesi Tiziana , Spaccavento Giovanni , Ubaldi Claudio
Published: November 2020

The Coast Guard is an organization committed to safeguarding the marine environment, that requires specialized personnel. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the "basic" preparation, with "specialist" training in compliance with the high standards of a Q.M.S. of training, which uses teaching methods advanced, classroom and lessons, case studies, but also practice in the field. The latter methodology plays an important role since learning by doing, even more than theory, guarantees the effectiveness of learning, emotional involvement and the formation of experiential memory of learners.
Advances on coastal erosion assessment from satellite earth observations: exploring the use of Sentinel products along with very high resolution sensors
Authors: Gomes da Silva Paula , Beck Anne-Laure , Martinez Sanchez Jara , Medina Santanmaria Raúl , Jones Martin , Taji Amine
Published: November 2020

This work proposes the use of automatic co-registered satellite images to obtain large, high frequency and highly accurate shorelines time series. High resolution images are used to co-register Landsat and Sentinel-2 images. 90% of the co-registered images presented vertical and horizontal shift lower than 3 m. Satellite derived shorelines presented errors lower than mission’s precision. A discussion is presented on the applicability of those shorelines through an application to Tordera Delta (Spain).
Assessment of the ecological status of Sicilian coastal waters according to a macroalgae based index (CARLIT)
Authors: Bellissimo Giancarlo , Sirchia Benedetto , Ruvolo Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

In the frame of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC), a macroalgae based index (CARLIT) was applied along the Sicilian coastal water bodies (WBs) in order to assess for the first time their ecological status and collect accurate information on the distribution and abundance of shallow-water communities, especially of those most sensitive. The ecological quality ratio values, sensu WFD, showed “high”/“good” levels in all WBs with lushy forests of Cystoseira amentacea except two with “moderate” level due to the presence of stress-tolerant species related to local factors.
Feasibility study of a cold ironing system and district heating in port area
Authors: Colarossi Daniele , Principi Paolo
Published: November 2020

Cold ironing is a technology to reduce polluting emissions covering the energy demand of berthed ships in port to shut down their auxiliary engines. A feasibility study for the port of Ancona is proposed. A cogeneration plant
provides electricity to ships, and the recovered heat waste is used in a district
heating network. Results show that a 1.5MW and 2MW cogenerator covers
83% and 92% of the electrical need of ships respectively, and 61% and 74%
of the thermal need of the involved buildings over the analysed period. The
scenarios have been economically evaluated and prove to be feasible.