bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential Photodamage Driven by Chaotic Systems in NiO Thin Films and Fluorescent Human Cells
Authors: Martines-Arano Hilario , Vidales-Hurtado Mónica Araceli , Palacios-Barreto Samara , Trejo-Valdez Martín , García-Pérez Blanca Estela , Torres-Torres Carlos
Published: October 2020

A laser ablation process assisted by the feedback of a sensor with chaotic electronic modulation is reported. A synchronous bistable logic circuit was analyzed for switching optical signals in a laser-processing technique. The output of a T-type flip-flop configuration was employed in the photodamage of NiO films. Multiphotonic effects involved in the ablation threshold were evaluated by a vectorial two-wave mixing method. A photoinduced thermal phenomenon was identified as the main physical mechanism responsible for the nonlinearity of index under nanosecond irradiation at 532 nm wavelength. Comparative experiments for destroying highly transparent human cells were carried out. Potential applications for developing hierarchical functions yielding laser-induced controlled explosions with immediate applications for biomedical photothermal processes can be contemplated.
Religious and Political Dimensions of the Kartarpur Corridor: Exploring the Global Politics Behind the Lost Heritage of the Darbar Sahib
Authors: Bainiwal Tejpaul Singh
Published: October 2020

The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak and the construction of the Kartarpur Corridor has helped the Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Pakistan gain global attention. In 2019, thousands of Sikhs embarked on a pilgrimage to Pakistan to take part in this momentous occasion. However, conversations surrounding modern renovations, government control of sacred sites, and the global implications of the corridor have been missing in the larger dialogue. Using historical methods and examining the Darbar Sahib through the context of the 1947 partition and the recent construction of the Kartarpur Corridor, this paper departs from the metanarrative surrounding the Darbar Sahib and explores the impact that Sikhs across the globe had on the “bridge of peace”, the politics behind the corridor, and how access to sacred Sikh spaces in Pakistan was only partially regained.
And Then There Was Zoom: A Catholic Theological Examination on the Development of Digital Youth Ministry
Authors: Hunt Jodi
Published: October 2020

Although some youth programs have found significant success in expanding their ministerial outreach through the use of digital technology, a significant question remains: can spiritual communion among youth remain flourishing in isolation or outside the ‘brick and mortar’ walls of the church? The following paper is a practical theological analysis focused upon defining digital youth ministry and the theological underpinnings that provide a framework for its development. Sketched out through the lens of American Catholicism, this paper will especially make use of the sacramental and Trinitarian language of ‘communion’ and accompaniment in framing its exploration digital youth ministry and how it can keep young people engaged through periods of isolation caused by crises like that of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Catholic Cosmopolitanism and the Future of Human Rights
Authors: Taylor Leonard
Published: October 2020

Political Catholicism began in the 20th century by presenting a conception of confessional politics to a secularizing Europe. However, this article reveals the reworking of political Catholicism’s historical commitment to a balance of two powers—an ancient Imperium and Sacerdotium—to justify change to this position. A secular democratic faith became a key insight in political Catholicism in the 20th century, as it wedded human rights to an evolving cosmopolitan Catholicism and underlined the growth of Christian democracy. This article argues that the thesis of Christian democracy held a central post-war motif that there existed a prisca theologia or a philosophia perennis, semblances of a natural law, in secular modernity that could reshape the social compact of the modern project of democracy. However, as the Cold War ended, human rights became more secularized in keeping with trends across Europe. The relationship between political Catholicism and human rights reached a turning point, and this article asks if a cosmopolitan political Catholicism still interprets human rights as central to its embrace of the modern world.
Media as Religion. Stardom as Religion. Really? Christian Theological Confrontation
Authors: Rončáková Terézia
Published: October 2020

In the more recent scholarly literature on media, pop culture or celebrity studies, there has been a growing tendency to identify media, stardom and other pop culture forms of cult with religion. An increasing number of concepts have sprung up such as “media as religion” or “stardom as religion”. However, these concepts need to be critically scrutinized as to whether the use of specific theological terms in those concepts is sound and consistent—or, as the case may be, superficial. The primary aim of this paper is to examine whether there are essential intrinsic similarities between religion and media. To answer this question, we have examined the structural similarities between media and religion (by comparing their use of ritual and liturgy; emotions; cosmology; myth and archetype; and the cult of individualism in particular). Subsequently, we have analyzed the key terms that have emerged from those comparisons (religion and faith; God; emotions; community; liturgy; cosmology; archetypes; saints; individualism). The term religion is used in its broad sense; however, the subject is examined in detail within the context of Christian theology. We came to the conclusion that media religion is a non-theistic religio without God, with an exclusive emphasis on social cohesion. The absence of verticality, lack of transcendence to eternity as well as the non-existing relationship with God as a person—have determined the remaining partial conclusions presented herein.
Integrated Methodology for Urban Flood Risk Mapping at the Microscale in Ungauged Regions: A Case Study of Hurghada, Egypt
Authors: Abdrabo Karim I. , Kantoush Sameh A. , Saber Mohamed , Sumi Tetsuya , Habiba Omar M. , Elleithy Dina , Elboshy Bahaa
Published: October 2020

Flood risk mapping forms the basis for disaster risk management and the associated decision-making systems. The effectiveness of this process is highly dependent on the quality of the input data of both hazard and vulnerability maps and the method utilized. On the one hand, for higher-quality hazard maps, the use of 2D models is generally suggested. However, in ungauged regions, such usage becomes a difficult task, especially at the microscale. On the other hand, vulnerability mapping at the microscale suffers limitations as a result of the failure to consider vulnerability components, the low spatial resolution of the input data, and the omission of urban planning aspects that have crucial impacts on the resulting quality. This paper aims to enhance the quality of both hazard and vulnerability maps at the urban microscale in ungauged regions. The proposed methodology integrates remote sensing data and high-quality city strategic plans (CSPs) using geographic information systems (GISs), a 2D rainfall-runoff-inundation (RRI) simulation model, and multicriteria decision-making analysis (MCDA, i.e., the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)). This method was implemented in Hurghada, Egypt, which from 1996 to 2019 was prone to several urban flood events. Current and future physical, social, and economic vulnerability maps were produced based on seven indicators (land use, building height, building conditions, building materials, total population, population density, and land value). The total vulnerability maps were combined with the hazard maps based on the Kron equation for three different return periods (REPs) 50, 10, and 5 years to create the corresponding flood risk maps. In general, this integrated methodology proved to be an economical tool to overcome the scarcity of data, to fill the gap between urban planning and flood risk management (FRM), and to produce comprehensive and high-quality flood risk maps that aid decision-making systems.
Long-Term Variation of Black Carbon Absorption Aerosol Optical Depth from AERONET Data over East Asia
Authors: Dehkhoda Naghmeh , Noh Youngmin , Joo Sohee
Published: October 2020

Absorption aerosol optical depth induced by black carbon (AAODBC) was retrieved using the depolarization ratio and single scattering albedo provided by the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) inversion products over East Asia. Our analysis considered AERONET data from six sites in East Asia that are mostly affected by anthropogenic pollution, black carbon (BC) emissions, and natural mineral dust, during the period 2001–2018. We identified a rapid reduction in total aerosol optical depth (AODT) of −0.0106 yr−1 over Beijing, whereas no considerable trend was observed at the Korean and Japanese sites. The long-term data for AAODBC showed decreasing trends at all sites. We conclude that successful emission control policies were the major underlying driver of AODT and AAODBC reductions over East Asia, particularly in China, during the study period. Values of the AAODBC/AODT ratio revealed that, although these policies were successful, the Chinese government needs to undertake stricter measures toward reducing BC emissions. We found that AAODBC follows seasonal trends, peaking in the colder months. This suggests that in East Asia, particularly in China, domestic coal burning is still of concern.
A New Method for Hail Detection from the GPM Constellation: A Prospect for a Global Hailstorm Climatology
Authors: Laviola Sante , Monte Giulio , Levizzani Vincenzo , Ferraro Ralph R. , Beauchamp James
Published: October 2020

A new method for detecting hailstorms by using all the MHS-like (MHS, Microwave Humidity Sounder) satellite radiometers currently in orbit is presented. A probability-based model originally designed for AMSU-B/MHS-based (AMSU-B, Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B) radiometers has been fitted to the observations of all microwave radiometers onboard the satellites of the Global Precipitation Measurements (GPM) constellation. All MHS-like frequency channels in the 150–170 GHz frequency range were adjusted on the MHS channel 2 (157 GHz) in order to account for the instrumental differences and tune the original model on the MHS-like technical characteristics. The novelty of this approach offers the potential of retrieving a uniform and homogeneous hail dataset on the global scale. The application of the hail detection model to the entire GPM constellation demonstrates the high potential of this generalized model to map the evolution of hail-bearing systems at very high temporal rate. The results on the global scale also demonstrate the high performances of the hail model in detecting the differences of hailstorm structure across the two hemispheres by means of a thorough reconstruction of the seasonality of the events particularly in South America where the largest hailstones are typically observed.
Measurements of Rotational Events Generated by Artificial Explosions and External Excitations Using the Optical Fiber Sensors Network
Authors: Kurzych Anna T. , Jaroszewicz Leszek R. , Dudek Michał , Kowalski Jerzy K. , Bernauer Felix , Wassermann Joachim , Igel Heiner
Published: October 2020

Measurements of artificial events can substantially confirm the data validity of constructed rotational sensors, as well as provide methods for simplifying the measurement process. The above task, especially with international cooperation, can provide full-field measurement results of the target object, which can deliver more significant data and sensor properties. The paper presents vertical rotational velocity recordings gathered during an international experiment that took place at the Geophysical Observatory of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. Data were obtained during artificial explosions, as well as external excitations induced by a VibroSeis truck. The authors present data recorded by two prototypes of optical fiber rotational sensors. They have been specially designed for rotational seismology needs and are characterized by a theoretical sensitivity equal to 2 × 10−8 rad/s/√Hz and a wide measuring range both in amplitude even up to 10 rad/s, and a frequency from DC to 1000 Hz. Their self-noise investigation during the aforementioned experiment showed that both sensors have precision no worse than 2 × 10−6 rad/s/sqrt (Hz) in all desired frequency range from 0.01 to 100 Hz. A down-sampling and a spectral analysis of the recorded signals are also presented. The recorded data and their analysis confirmed the performance and reliability of the applied optical fiber rotational sensors. Moreover, the presented international experiment underlines a special necessity for specifying the sensors’ performance test methodologies in the rotational seismology.
Contribution to Speeding-Up the Solving of Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations on Parallel/Multi-Core Platforms for Sensing Systems
Authors: Tavakkoli Vahid , Mohsenzadegan Kabeh , Chedjou Jean Chamberlain , Kyamakya Kyandoghere
Published: October 2020

Solving ordinary differential equations (ODE) on heterogenous or multi-core/parallel embedded systems does significantly increase the operational capacity of many sensing systems in view of processing tasks such as self-calibration, model-based measurement and self-diagnostics. The main challenge is usually related to the complexity of the processing task at hand which costs/requires too much processing power, which may not be available, to ensure a real-time processing. Therefore, a distributed solving involving multiple cores or nodes is a good/precious option. Also, speeding-up the processing does also result in significant energy consumption or sensor nodes involved. There exist several methods for solving differential equations on single processors. But most of them are not suitable for an implementation on parallel (i.e., multi-core) systems due to the increasing communication related network delays between computing nodes, which become a main and serious bottleneck to solve such problems in a parallel computing context. Most of the problems faced relate to the very nature of differential equations. Normally, one should first complete calculations of a previous step in order to use it in the next/following step. Hereby, it appears also that increasing performance (e.g., through increasing step sizes) may possibly result in decreasing the accuracy of calculations on parallel/multi-core systems like GPUs. In this paper, we do create a new adaptive algorithm based on the Adams–Moulton and Parareal method (we call it PAMCL) and we do compare this novel method with other most relevant implementations/schemes such as the so-called DOPRI5, PAM, etc. Our algorithm (PAMCL) is showing very good performance (i.e., speed-up) while compared to related competing algorithms, while thereby ensuring a reasonable accuracy. For a better usage of computing units/resources, the OpenCL platform is selected and ODE solver algorithms are optimized to work on both GPUs and CPUs. This platform does ensure/enable a high flexibility in the use of heterogeneous computing resources and does result in a very efficient utilization of available resources when compared to other comparable/competing algorithm/schemes implementations.
Erratum: Toro, C. et al. On the Detection of Spectral Emissions of Iron Oxides in Combustion Experiments of Pyrite Concentrates. Sensors 2020, 20, 1284
Authors: Toro Carlos , Torres Sergio , Parra Víctor , Fuentes Rodrigo , Castillo Rosario , Díaz Walter , Reyes Gonzalo , Balladares Eduardo , Parra Roberto
Published: October 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Directional Ultrasound Source for Solid Materials Inspection: Diffraction Management in a Metallic Phononic Crystal
Authors: Selim Hossam , Picó Rubén , Trull Jose , Prieto Miguel Delgado , Cojocaru Crina
Published: October 2020

In this work, we numerically investigate the diffraction management of longitudinal elastic waves propagating in a two-dimensional metallic phononic crystal. We demonstrate that this structure acts as an “ultrasonic lens”, providing self-collimation or focusing effect at a certain distance from the crystal output. We implement this directional propagation in the design of a coupling device capable to control the directivity or focusing of ultrasonic waves propagation inside a target object. These effects are robust over a broad frequency band and are preserved in the propagation through a coupling gel between the “ultrasonic lens” and the solid target. These results may find interesting industrial and medical applications, where the localization of the ultrasonic waves may be required at certain positions embedded in the object under study. An application example for non-destructive testing with improved results, after using the ultrasonic lens, is discussed as a proof of concept for the novelty and applicability of our numerical simulation study.
Degradability of Biodegradable Soil Moisture Sensor Components and Their Effect on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth
Authors: Dahal Subash , Yilma Wubengeda , Sui Yongkun , Atreya Madhur , Bryan Samantha , Davis Valerie , Whiting Gregory Lewis , Khosla Raj
Published: October 2020

Inexpensive and no-maintenance biodegradable soil moisture sensors could improve existing knowledge on spatial and temporal variability of available soil water at field-scale. Such sensors can unlock the full potential of variable-rate irrigation (VRI) systems to optimize water applications in irrigated cropping systems. The objectives of this study were to assess (i) the degradation of soil moisture sensor component materials and (ii) the effects of material degradation on maize (Zea Mays L.) growth and development. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Colorado State University, Colorado, USA, by planting maize seeds in pots filled with three growing media (field soil, silica sand, and Promix commercial potting media). The degradation rate of five candidate sensor materials (three blends of beeswax and soy wax, balsa wood, and PHBV (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate))) was assessed by harvesting sensor materials at four maize growth stages (30, 60, 90, and 120 days after transplanting). All materials under consideration showed stability in terms of mass and dimension except PHBV. PHBV was degraded entirely within 30 days in soil and Promix, and within 60 days in sand. Balsa wood did now show any significant reduction in mass and dimensions in all growth media. Similarly, there was no significant mass loss across wax blends (p = 0.05) at any growth stage, with a few exceptions. Among the wax blends, 3:1 (beeswax:soy wax) was the most stable blend in terms of mass and dimension with no surface cracks, making it a suitable encapsulant for soil sensor. All materials under consideration did not have any significant effect on maize growth (dry biomass, green biomass, and height) as compared to control plants. These results indicated that 3:1 beeswax:soy wax blend, PHBV, and balsa wood could be suitable candidates for various components of biodegradable soil moisture sensors.
A Secure and Efficient ECC-Based Scheme for Edge Computing and Internet of Things
Authors: AlMajed Hisham , AlMogren Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Recent growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) has raised security concerns over the confidentiality of data exchanged between IoT devices and the edge. Many IoT systems adopt asymmetric cryptography to secure their data and communications. A drawback of asymmetric cryptography is the sizeable computation and space requirements. However, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is widely used in constrained environments for asymmetric cryptography due its superiority in generating a powerful encryption mechanism with small key sizes. ECC increases device performance and lowers power consumption, meaning it is suitable for diverse applications ranging from the IoT to wireless sensor network (WSN) devices. To ensure the confidentiality and security of data and communications, it is necessary to implement ECC robustly. A special area of focus in this regard is the mapping phase. This study’s objective was to propose a tested and trusted scheme that offers authenticated encryption (AE) via enhancing the mapping phase of a plain text to an elliptic curve to resist several encryption attacks such as Chosen Plaintext Attack (CPA) and Chosen Ciphertext Attack (CCA). The proposed scheme also undertakes evaluation and analysis related to security requirements for specific encryption attributes. Finally, results from a comparison of the proposed scheme and other schemes are presented, evaluating each one’s security characteristics and performance measurements. Our scheme is efficient in a way that makes so suitable to the IoT, and in particular to the Industrial IoT and the new Urbanization where the demands for services are huge.
RSS-Based Localization and Mobility Evaluation Using a Single NB-IoT Cell
Authors: Janssen Thomas , Berkvens Rafael , Weyn Maarten
Published: October 2020

Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) have the ability to localize a mobile transmitter using signals of opportunity, as a low power and low cost alternative to satellite-based solutions. In this paper, we evaluate the accuracy of three localization approaches based on the Received Signal Strength (RSS). More specifically, the performance of a proximity, range-based and optimized fingerprint-based algorithm is evaluated in a large-scale urban environment using a public Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network. The results show a mean location estimation error of 340, 320 and 204 m, respectively. During the measurement campaign, we discovered a mobility issue in NB-IoT. In contrast to other LPWAN and cellular technologies which use multiple gateways or cells to locate a device, only a single cell antenna can be used for RSS-based localization in NB-IoT. Therefore, we address this limitation in the current NB-IoT hardware and software by studying the mobility of the cellular-based 3GPP standard in a localization context. Experimental results show that the lack of handover support leads to increased cell reselection time and poor cell sector reliability, which in turn results in reduced localization performance.
Hybrid Sensor Device for Simultaneous Surface Plasmon Resonance and Surface Acoustic Wave Measurements
Authors: Samarentsis Anastasios G. , Pantazis Alexandros K. , Tsortos Achilleas , Friedt Jean-Michel , Gizeli Electra
Published: October 2020

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Love wave (LW) surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have been established as reliable biosensing technologies for label-free, real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions. This work reports the development of a combined SPR/LW-SAW platform to facilitate simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements for the investigation of biomolecules binding on a single surface. The system’s output provides recordings of two acoustic parameters, phase and amplitude of a Love wave, synchronized with SPR readings. We present the design and manufacturing of a novel experimental set-up employing, in addition to the SPR/LW-SAW device, a 3D-printed plastic holder combined with a PDMS microfluidic cell so that the platform can be used in a flow-through mode. The system was evaluated in a systematic study of the optical and acoustic responses for different surface perturbations, i.e., rigid mass loading (Au deposition), pure viscous loading (glycerol and sucrose solutions) and protein adsorption (BSA). Our results provide the theoretical and experimental basis for future application of the combined system to other biochemical and biophysical studies.
Model-Based Analysis and Regulating Approach of Air-Coupled Transducers with Spurious Resonance
Authors: Peng Xiangxiang , Hu Liang , Liu Weiting , Fu Xin
Published: October 2020

As an essential characteristic of air-coupled transducers, electrical impedance can provide valuable information for quality control during manufacturing of transducers. It is also found feasible to directly read the optimal operating frequency from the impedance plots when the resonance is independent of the others. However, the spurious resonance emerges when two neighboring resonances are closely spaced, resulting in distorted impedance and ambiguous optimal operating frequency. In this paper, the electrical impedance of air-coupled transducers with spurious resonance is modeled using the Butterworth–Van Dyke (BVD) equivalent circuit. Then model-based sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the mutual interference between adjacent resonances. Based on the analysis results, the prestress method is proposed to regulate and suppress the spurious resonance by adjusting the equivalent parameters of the BVD model. Experimental study was carried out on the response of the electrical impedance and the vibration velocity of the transducer with spurious resonance to pre-tightening force. The results show that the spurious resonance disappeared when the pre-tightening force was initially loaded. Moreover, the vibration velocity of two main resonance peaks increases about 45.6% and 33.9% as the pre-tightening torque increases to 0.25 N∙m. Hence it is validated that the proposed prestress method is efficient to suppress the spurious resonance and improve the transducers performance.
Joint Angle-Doppler Estimation Algorithm Based on Time Reversal Post-Doppler Adaptive MUSIC in Low-Angle Multipath Environments
Authors: Xiong Chao , Fan Chongyi , Huang Xiaotao
Published: October 2020

This letter proposes a time-reversal (TR) post-Doppler adaptive multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radars, which addresses the joint estimation of angle and Doppler in diffuse multipath environments. First, an improving TR MIMO multipath model is proposed to avoid the ambiguity between the direction and Doppler in one round trip. Then, the letter designs a spatial filter matrix according to transmit-receive steering matrices, suppressing undesired round trips. Finally, we combine the post-Doppler adaptive MUSIC algorithm and the designed filter to estimate angle and Doppler jointly. Simulation results verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm.
Role of Smart Cities in Optimizing Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Opportunities in Nagpur, India
Authors: Sukhwani Vibhas , Shaw Rajib , Deshkar Sameer , Mitra Bijon Kumer , Yan Wanglin
Published: October 2020

The evolving concept of ‘Smart Cities’ (SC) is today gaining global momentum in scientific and policy arenas. With the rising potential for jobs and improved lifestyle, these fast-growing cities are witnessing an ever-increasing concentration of populations and economic activities. However, the core aspect of sustainability is often overshadowed in SC by the components of economic growth. In view of the rising water, energy, and food (collectively referred to as WEF) demands in cities and the interlinkages between WEF systems, this study aims to highlight the role of SC in enhancing WEF resource efficiency from a nexus perspective. To study the current trends of SC developments first, a specific case of proposed Nagpur smart city (India) is reviewed based on document analysis and preliminary discussions with local government officials. Thereafter, bibliometric analysis (based on Scopus data) is conducted to establish a comprehensive understanding of existing SC research in varying domains of interlinked WEF systems. While the proposed Nagpur smart city is observably focused on city-centric goals with a high emphasis on infrastructure development, this study underlines the need for environmental resource conservation at a transboundary level. The key opportunities for optimizing the WEF nexus in Nagpur are then highlighted in reference to the bibliometric analysis.
“How to Sustain National Security”: A Case Study of the Celebrations of the Slovak National Uprising as a Securitization Platform
Authors: Naxera Vladimír , Krčál Petr
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on the ways in which political actors make use of historical legacies to present their own determination to sustain their country’s national security. We use the example of the annual celebrations of the anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNU) to demonstrate the ways in which similar celebrations can become a platform for political actors to express requests and address their audience. Using semi-participant observation, we have analyzed six years of these celebrations (2015–2020) and the securitizing strategies and moral panic creation strategies contained in the speeches of participating politicians. Our analysis shows that securitization is taking place, and labels of threat sources are being given not only to topics that are naturally linked to the celebrated event, but also topics that are in no way related to SNU. Despite this fact, politicians use the legitimacy of the event to manifest their own attempts at sustaining security.
Adoption of Road Water Harvesting Practices and Their Impacts: Evidence from a Semi-Arid Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Gebru Kebede Manjur , Woldearegay Kifle , van Steenbergen Frank , Beyene Aregawi , Vera Letty Fajardo , Tesfay Gebreegziabher Kidane , Alemayhu Taye
Published: October 2020

In the drylands of Ethiopia, several road water harvesting practices (RWHP) have been used to supplement rain-fed agriculture. However, factors affecting adoption of RWHP and their impacts were not studied systematically. Understanding the factors influencing the adoption of RWHP for sustainable agricultural intensification and climate resilience is critical to promoting such technologies. This paper investigates the impacts of using rural roads to harvest rainwater runoff and the factors causing farmers to adopt the practice. Road water harvesting is considered a possible mechanism for transformative climate change adaptation. By systematically capturing rainfall with rural road infrastructure, rain-related road damage is reduced, erosion and landscape degradation due to road development is lessened, and farm incomes increase due to the beneficial use of harvested water, resulting in an increased climate change resilience. This paper uses a binary probit model and propensity score matching methods based on a household survey of 159 households and 603 plots. The results of the probit model show that the education level of the household, family labor, access to markets, and distance of the farming plot from the farmer’s dwelling are statistically significant in explaining farmers’ adoption of RWHP in the study area. The casual impact estimation from the propensity score matching suggests that RWHP has positive and significant impacts on input uses (farmyard manure and fertilizer), crop yield, and farm income among the sample households.
Information System and Technology Optimization as a Tool for Ensuring the Competitiveness of a Railway Undertaking—Case Study
Authors: Čamaj Juraj , Brumerčíková Eva , Hranický Michal Petr
Published: October 2020

Information and communication technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life, as they facilitate many activities, mainly in the world of work, but also in scientific research and education. At present, informatics is one of the fastest growing sectors of the national economy. This development has had a significant impact on improving the quality of transport and transportation processes. The article is focused on the railway transport. It deals with the possibilities of planning the shifts of the train personnel and circulation of the vehicles. It describes the background of the topic. The scientific acquittance lies on the methodology proposed by authors. It presents a new idea of creating the shifts and circulations while being based on the current state and mathematical methods.
Generalized Resource-Constrained Critical Path Method to Improve Sustainability in Construction Project Scheduling
Authors: Kim Kyunghwan
Published: October 2020

Delays by limited supply of resources are common in many construction projects and may cause serious monetary disputes between project participants. Since the dispute resolution may require unnecessary additional time and cost, preventing delays in advance is an important goal in sustainable construction project management. To prevent delays, a feasible plan must be implemented, which reflects limited resources and provides reliable activity information. For this purpose, this study proposes a generalized resource-constrained critical path method (eRCPM). It consists of three steps to identify resource-dependent activity relationships (resource links) based on the result of resource-constrained scheduling (RCS) under multiple resource constraints. Compared to the existing resource-constrained critical path methods, the eRCPM has the advantage of identifying resource links irrespective of the applied RCS technique because it is based on the result rather than the RCS process. Further, this study presents a Microsoft (MS) Excel-based half-automated prototype system that is linked using file export and import functions to both P6 and MS Project software packages. The detailed process of the eRCPM algorithm and the operation process of the prototype system are described using an example schedule. Through a case study, it was demonstrated that eRCPM appropriately identifies the necessary resource links and provides reliable total floats.
Raptor Feeding Characterization and Dynamic System Simulation Applied to Airport Falconry
Authors: Roca-González José Luis , Briones Peñalver Antonio Juan , Campuzano-Bolarín Francisco
Published: October 2020

Airport falconry is a highly effective technique for reducing wildlife strikes on aircraft, which cause great economic losses. As an example, nowadays, wildlife strikes on aircrafts in the air transport industry are estimated to cost between USD 187 and 937 million in the US and USD 1.2 billion worldwide every year. Moreover, the life-threatening danger that wildlife strikes pose to passengers has prompted security stakeholders to develop countermeasures to prevent wildlife impacts near airport transit zones. The experience acquired from international countermeasure analysis reveals that falconry is the most effective technique to create sustainable wildlife exclusion areas. However, its application in airport environments continues to be regarded as an art rather than a technique; falconers modulate raptors’ behavior by using a trial-and-error system of controlling their hunger to stimulate the need for prey. This paper focuses on a case study where such a decision-making process was designed as a dynamic system applied to feeding planning for raptors that can be used to set an efficient baseline to optimize raptor responses without damaging existing wildlife. The results were validated by comparing the outputs of the model and the falconer’s trial-and-error system, which revealed that the proposed model was 58.15% more precise.
Removal of Basic Brown 16 from Aqueous Solution Using Durian Shell Adsorbent, Optimisation and Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Yashni , Al-Gheethi Adel , Abdul Malek Marlinda , Marisa Azlan Mawar , Al-Sahari Mohammed , Radin Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira , Alkhadher Sadeq , Noman Efaq
Published: October 2020

Azo dyes including C. I. Basic Brown 16 (BB16) are one of the coloured organic compounds that have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The current work aims to optimise the adsorption of C.I BB16 in aqueous solution using durian (Durio zibethinus murray) shell as a low-cost green adsorbent. Durian shell was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption process was optimised with response surface methodology (RSM) based on pH (4–8), time (30–240 min), durian shell dosage (0.1–1.0 g/L) and initial concentration of C.I BB16 (10–20 ppm). The removal efficiency was determined based on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the decolourisation of C.I BB16. The techno-economic analysis was described in the current work to know the economic feasibility of durian shells as an adsorbent. The SEM images showed that durian shell adsorbent has a smooth surface with no pores. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of -C-O, =C–H, C=C, -C-O-C and O-H bonds in durian shell. Maximum decolourisation (77.6%) and COD removal (80.6%) for C.I BB16 was achieved with the interaction between pH, time and adsorbent dose and initial concentration of C.I BB16. The optimal operating factors for adsorption of C.I BB16 recorded at pH 8, time (30 min), durian shell dosage (1 g/L) and 15 mg /L of C.I BB16 concentrations were 77.61 vs. 74.26 (%) of C.I BB16 removal and 80.60 vs. 78.72 (%) of COD removal with an R2 coefficient of 0.94 at p < 0.05. The specific cost of durian shell coagulant production is USD 172.71 per ton which is lower than the market price of honeydew peels-activated carbon (HDP-AC) (USD 261.81) and the commercial market price of activated carbon which is USD 1000.00/tons. These findings indicated that the durian adsorbent provides alternative methods for treating hair dye wastewater. These findings indicated that durian shells have a high potential for the adsorption of C.I BB16 in aqueous solution.
Sustainable Mobility through Safer Roads: Translating Road Safety Strategy into Local Context in Western Australia
Authors: Malik Shariful , Swapan Mohammad Shahidul Hasan , Khan Shahed
Published: October 2020

Road safety is an ongoing challenge to sustainable mobility and transportation. The target set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) suggests reframing the issue with a broader outlook and pragmatic system. Unlike previous road safety strategies and models that favour engineering solutions and legal instruments, there is an increasing need to consider local context and complexities. While such principles have been increasingly featured in higher-level policy frameworks in national or state-level strategies (e.g., Safe System or Vision Zero approach), an effort to translate them into implementable actions for local development areas is absent. To address this gap, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework to examine the nature and extent to which statewide principles are translated into local government policies. We outline a 4C Framework (consisting of clarity, capability, changing context, and community engagement) to evaluate local policy integration in Perth, Western Australia. A five-point indicative scale is applied to evaluate the selected policy instruments against this framework. The results show that only a little over a quarter (27%) demonstrated a highly satisfactory performance in capturing higher-level policy objectives. The low-scoring councils failed to demonstrate the ability to consider future changes and inclusive road design. Councils along the periphery having new residential development showed comparatively greater success in translating overarching strategies. Regional cooperation has been very effective in enabling local agencies to adopt a more sustainable pathway to road safety measures. The criteria proposed within the framework will play a pivotal role in effective policy integration and to achieve more context-sensitive outcomes that are beyond the scope of modern road safety strategies.
Assessing Urban Resilience in Complex and Dynamic Systems: The RESCCUE Project Approach in Lisbon Research Site
Authors: Barreiro João , Lopes Ruth , Ferreira Filipa , Brito Rita , Telhado Maria João , Matos José Saldanha , Matos Rafaela Saldanha
Published: October 2020

Urban environments are challenged with unprecedented anthropogenic and natural pressures, the latter being accelerated by the growing awareness of the consequences of climate change. The concept of urban resilience has been growing in response, since it allows us to understand city behaviour as a system of systems, improving its response to extreme climate-related events. This paper presents the EU H2020 Resilience to Cope with Climate Change in Urban Areas (RESCCUE) project approach in Lisbon’s research site, regarding the Hazur® resilience assessment methodology. This methodology focuses on the interdependencies between services and infrastructures, and on the recovery times needed to restore its normal functionalities. This approach allows the integration of several work packages of the RESCCUE project, from climate change projections to adaptation strategies selection. The assessment was conducted for 19 services and 146 infrastructures, including water (supply and drainage systems), power, mobility, waste, telecommunication, environment, and the social sector. The principal climate-related hazard analysed at the Lisbon research site was urban flooding. The main result consists of a deep understanding of the relations between different services and the consequent cascade effects triggered by flooding events. Stakeholders’ involvement, beyond the project consortium, was fundamental for the success of the methodology implementation.
Artificial Neural Network Optimized with a Genetic Algorithm for Seasonal Groundwater Table Depth Prediction in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pandey Kusum , Kumar Shiv , Malik Anurag , Kuriqi Alban
Published: October 2020

Accurate information about groundwater level prediction is crucial for effective planning and management of groundwater resources. In the present study, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), optimized with a Genetic Algorithm (GA-ANN), was employed for seasonal groundwater table depth (GWTD) prediction in the area between the Ganga and Hindon rivers located in Uttar Pradesh State, India. A total of 18 models for both seasons (nine for the pre-monsoon and nine for the post-monsoon) have been formulated by using groundwater recharge (GWR), groundwater discharge (GWD), and previous groundwater level data from a 21-year period (1994–2014). The hybrid GA-ANN models’ predictive ability was evaluated against the traditional GA models based on statistical indicators and visual inspection. The results appraisal indicates that the hybrid GA-ANN models outperformed the GA models for predicting the seasonal GWTD in the study region. Overall, the hybrid GA-ANN-8 model with an 8-9-1 structure (i.e., 8: inputs, 9: neurons in the hidden layer, and 1: output) was nominated optimal for predicting the GWTD during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Additionally, it was noted that the maximum number of input variables in the hybrid GA-ANN approach improved the prediction accuracy. In conclusion, the proposed hybrid GA-ANN model’s findings could be readily transferable or implemented in other parts of the world, specifically those with similar geology and hydrogeology conditions for sustainable planning and groundwater resources management.
Creating a Green Chemistry Lab: Towards Sustainable Resource Management and Responsible Purchasing
Authors: Gutierrez Junkal , Santaolalla Arrate , Tercjak Agnieszka , Rojo Naiara , Encinas Dolores , Gomez-de-Balugera Zuriñe , Gallastegui Gorka
Published: October 2020

The main goal of this project was to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the chemistry teaching laboratories of the Faculty of Engineering Vitoria-Gasteiz (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)). With this aim, three different actions were developed. The first two actions aspired to achieve and maintain order and maximize efficiency within the facilities. With this in mind, the first phase involved carrying out an inventory, classifying, and rearranging all the chemical products in the warehouse using a computer storage system. Secondly, 5S lean methodology was implemented in the laboratories. The final phase included the development of a protocol for a joint purchasing strategy of chemical reagents that fostered a more responsible and sustainable acquisition and management of the substances used in various departments of the UPV/EHU. This protocol plays a key role in the transition towards the Circular Economy and its importance lies in the fact that it could be extended to other departments and faculties with similar needs. This project was developed during last two academic years (2017/2019) in the frame of the Campus Bizia Lab Programme, an initiative created to address sustainability challenges within the University.
Does Acid Addition Improve Liquid Hot Water Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass towards Biohydrogen and Biogas Production?
Authors: Dimitrellos George , Lyberatos Gerasimos , Antonopoulou Georgia
Published: October 2020

The effect of liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment with or without acid addition (A-LHW) on the production of hydrogen—through dark fermentation (DF)—and methane—through anaerobic digestion (AD)—using three different lignocellulosic biomass types (sunflower straw (SS), grass lawn (GL), and poplar sawdust (PS)) was investigated. Both pretreatment methods led to hemicellulose degradation, but A-LHW resulted in the release of more potential inhibitors (furans and acids) than the LHW pretreatment. Biological hydrogen production (BHP) of the cellulose-rich solid fractions obtained after LHW and A-LHW pretreatment was enhanced compared to the untreated substrates. Due to the release of inhibitory compounds, LHW pretreatment led to higher biochemical methane potential (BMP) than A-LHW pretreatment when both separated fractions (liquid and solid) obtained after pretreatments were used for AD. The recovered energy in the form of methane with LHW pretreatment was 8.4, 12.5, and 7.5 MJ/kg total solids (TS) for SS, GL, and PS, respectively.
Feeder Bus Accessibility Modeling and Evaluation
Authors: Jiang Shixiong , Guan Wei , Yang Liu , Zhang Wenyi
Published: October 2020

To improve first/last mile travel services between metro stations and communities, this study modeled and analyzed four kinds of feeder bus operation strategies in terms of travel time and accessibility. The analytical modeling was used to compare the travel times and the simulation experiments were used to compare the accessibilities of different operation strategies. The results showed that when the ratio between length and width of study area increases, the number of stops for the fixed route transit with fixed stops will increase. When the travel demand is low, the demand responsive transit with separate routes has the highest accessibility. When the travel demand is high, the fixed route transit with fixed stops provides the highest accessibility. In addition, the ratio of flows in two passenger directions has different influences on the four operation strategies. This study can provide guidance for feeder bus operation to improve public transportation attraction.