bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Co-Fired Blended Ash and Chopped Basalt Fiber in the Development of Sustainable Mortar
Authors: Shelote Kunal M. , Gavali Hindavi R. , Bras Ana , Ralegaonkar Rahul V.
Published: January 2021

Excessive consumption of cement in construction materials has resulted in a negative impact on the environment. This leads to the need of finding an alternative binder as a sustainable construction material. Different wastes that are rich in aluminosilicates have proved to be a valuable material for alkali-activated product development, which contains zero cement. Alkali-activated products are claimed to be sustainable and cost-effective. In the present study, alkali-activated reinforced masonry mortar was developed using locally available industrial waste (co-fired blended ash—CBA). Appropriate mortar design is one of the key challenges as connections between two structural elements play a significant role in building construction. The mortar designed with suitable fiber reinforcement shall significantly help to enhance the fresh, mechanical, durability, and dynamic properties. Chopped basalt fibers (CBFs) obtained from basalt rock are one of the eco-efficient fibers applied as a reinforcing material. The present study checked the feasibility of novel industrial waste-co-fired blended ash (CBA) in the development of alkali-activated masonry mortar and reinforced alkali-activated mortar. In view of sustainable construction material design, the study elaborated the application of chopped basalt fibers (CBFs) in alkali-activated mortar design. The mortar cubes were cast and tested for various properties with varying percentages of chopped basalt fibers (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The results suggest that developed mortars were able to achieve higher compressive strength (10–18 MPa) and flexural strength (3–3.5 MPa). Further, based on the properties of developed alkali-activated reinforced mortar, masonry prisms were cast and evaluated for the bond strengths (flexural and shear) of masonry. The optimum properties of alkali-activated mortar were found for the mix design of alkali activator to solid ratio of 0.40 and 0.5% CBF percentage. Application of CBF in CBA alkali-activated reinforced masonry mortar proved to be an efficient construction material with no cement.
Forecast of International Trade of Lithium Carbonate Products in Importing Countries and Small-Scale Exporting Countries
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Dong Zhiliang , Liu Sen , Jiang Peixiang , Zhang Cuizhi , Ding Chao
Published: January 2021

As the raw material of lithium-ion batteries, lithium carbonate plays an important role in the development of new energy field. Due to the extremely uneven distribution of lithium resources in the world, the security of supply in countries with less say would be greatly threatened if trade restrictions or other accidents occurred in large-scale exporting countries. It is of great significance to help these countries find new partners based on the existing trade topology. This study uses the link prediction method, based on the perspective of the topological structure of trade networks in various countries and trade rules, and eliminates the influence of large-scale lithium carbonate exporting countries on the lithium carbonate trade of other countries, to find potential lithium carbonate trade links among importing and small-scale exporting countries, and summarizes three trade rules: (1) in potential relationships involving two net importers, a relationship involving either China or the Netherlands is more likely to occur; (2) for all potential relationships, a relationship that actually occurred for more than two years in the period in 2009–2018 is more likely to occur in the future; and (3) potential relationships pairing a net exporter with a net importer are more likely to occur than other country combinations. The results show that over the next five to six years, Denmark and Italy, Netherlands and South Africa, Turkey and USA are most likely to have a lithium carbonate trading relationship, while Slovenia and USA, and Belgium and Thailand are the least likely to trade lithium carbonate. Through this study, we can strengthen the supply security of lithium carbonate resources in international trade, and provide international trade policy recommendations for the governments of importing countries and small-scale exporting countries.
Do Narcissistic Managers Prefer Incentive Systems Based on Financial Instruments? An Analysis Based on Choice Experiments
Authors: Crespo-Cebada Eva , Díaz-Caro Carlos , Rabazo-Martín Aurora E. , Rodríguez-Rivero Edilberto J.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this work is to analyse the preferences of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in relation to the different components of incentive systems: financial vs. non-financial. The incentive systems could be an instrument for the sustainable development of Firms. Upper Echelons Theory establishes that the traits of executives affect the decision-making processes, and among these traits, narcissism is a potentially influential factor in these processes. Therefore, the extent to which the level of narcissism influences the choice of one instrument or another is also analysed. For this purpose, a choice experiment has been carried out to analyse the preferences of CEOs. The questionnaire developed incorporates both the choices about different systems and the NPI-16 test that allows individuals to be classified according to their narcissistic nature. The main results show that, in general, there is a stronger preference for non-financial instruments than for financial instruments in the design of incentive systems. However, narcissistic CEOs show a clear inclination towards financial incentives that bring them benefits rather than provide incentives.
Polylactic Acid and Its Cellulose Based Composite as a Significant Tool for the Production of Optimized Models Modified for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kaščak Jakub , Gašpár Štefan , Paško Ján , Husár Jozef , Knapčíková Lucia
Published: January 2021

The application of topological optimization is currently considered one of the current trends. Because the shape of the components thus designed is the result of a design generated based on external influences acting on the model, their form can be considered almost optimal. For example, the extent of material savings resulting from shortening production cycles and reducing energy requirements is significant. Due to the way models are produced by layering the material in 3D printing, this technology makes it possible to get a little closer to the models’ optimal shape, for example, to produce prototype models for the production of injection moulds. The amazing amount of plastic and composite materials that this technology brings allows for a variable change in manufactured models based on requirements or external influences. These materials also include a group of materials and composite materials that are classified as biodegradable due to their composition. This fact, combined with the possibility of achieving the most optimal shape of components, contributes to reducing the environmental burden of such oriented production. This work presents the opportunities for modifying topological optimization outputs based on operating parameters and limits of additive production equipment fused deposition modeling (FDM). It gives the possibilities of using alternative ecological materials, their direct application, and the impact on creating models with the help of this technology. The final phase represents the result of the optimization process of the subsystem mechanism and the influence of the mechanical properties of biodegradable materials on the production process and the energy intensity of production. The aim of this work is to point out the fact and possibilities of using composite materials on a natural basis and their possible impact on reducing the environmental burden.
Perceptions and Application of the Ecosystem Services Approach among Pacific Northwest National Forest Managers
Authors: Crook Stephen ES , Levine Arielle , Lopez-Carr David
Published: January 2021

The ecosystem services concept has emerged as a guiding principle in natural resource management over the past two decades, and an ecosystem services approach to management is currently mandated as a core element of United States National Forest planning. However, the concept of ecosystem services has been interpreted and operationalized in a variety of ways, leaving a pronounced knowledge gap regarding how it is understood and implemented in different contexts. To better understand the conceptualization and implementation of the concept within United States National Forests, semi-structured interviews with planners and managers of the Pacific Northwest Region were conducted at the region, forest, and ranger district levels, addressing the following topics: (1) how has the ecosystem services concept been perceived by managers and planners?; (2) what are the perceived key ecosystem services offered by National Forest lands?; (3) how has the concept been applied at multiple spatial scales?; and (4) what are perceived challenges or opportunities related to applying the concept in the National Forest context? Results indicate that although participants had a high level of understanding of the ecosystem services concept, there was not a clear, widely adopted approach to considering ecosystem services in management. Through qualitative analysis, three general perspectives arose: one employed the concept to fulfill regulatory requirements at the National Forest scale, a second engaged with ecosystem services to improve participatory planning at the project scale, and a third, business as usual perspective, considered ecosystem services as new language for describing longstanding National Forest priorities. These results draw attention to the challenges of implementing an ecosystem services-based approach in the United States National Forest context and the continued need for the development of management-relevant methods for describing and quantifying ecosystem services.
Half Open Multi-Depot Heterogeneous Vehicle Routing Problem for Hazardous Materials Transportation
Authors: Zhou Zhongxin , Ha Minghu , Hu Hao , Ma Hongguang
Published: January 2021

How to reduce the accidents of hazardous materials has become an important and urgent research topic in the safety management of hazardous materials. In this study, we focus on the half open multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem for hazardous materials transportation. The goal is to determine the vehicle allocation and the optimal route with minimum risk and cost for hazardous materials transportation. A novel transportation risk model is presented considering the variation of vehicle loading, vehicle types, and hazardous materials category. In order to balance the transportation risk and the transportation cost, we propose a bi-objective mixed integer programming model. A hybrid intelligent algorithm is developed based on the ε-constraint method and genetic algorithm to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions. Numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Compared with the close multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem, the average risk and cost obtained by the proposed bi-objective mixed integer programming model can be reduced by 3.99% and 2.01%, respectively. In addition, compared with the half open multi-depot homogeneous vehicle routing problem, the cost is significantly reduced with the acceptable risk.
Profiling Public Sector Choice: Perceptions and Motivational Determinants at the Pre-Entry Level
Authors: Santinha Gonçalo , Carvalho Teresa , Forte Teresa , Fernandes Alexandre , Tavares Jéssica
Published: January 2021

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development now guides public administrations in conveying all their functions. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), directly or indirectly, need effective public services and officials for successful implementation. Although working in public entities has been related to ‘a sense of duty and morality’, literature reports that motivation and sense of self-worth among public officials have been declining for many years, which in turn can endanger their performance, diminish their willingness to attend to civic affairs, and become committed to their organisation. Public officials’ motivation has been widely addressed through the lens of public service motivation and public sector motivation. Fewer studies, however, have focused on the factors of choice at a pre-level entry. This paper intends to address this gap by pondering on what influences student’s intention to work in the public sector. Understanding what drives potential future public officials’ motivation is crucial for public service sector effectiveness. Following a case study approach with a sample of 2251 undergraduate and post-graduate students of a Portuguese university, findings show an attribution of similar strengths and shortcomings to public and nonprofit sectors, a more positive perception of the private sector and job stability as the strongest motivation.
Responsible Production for Sustainability: Concept Analysis and Bibliometric Review
Authors: Liu Fuzhen , Lai Kee-hung , Cai Wei
Published: January 2021

Responsible production is receiving growing attention in manufacturing operations, but systematic analysis of its concept is scanty. This paper aims to advance the knowledge by examining the research evolution of responsible production for sustainability. Using the concept analysis approach, we first summarize four underlying attributes, including the change to sustainability, preventive initiatives, process management, and company-specific context. Next, we identify that contextual factors and firm characteristics are antecedents of responsible production, which consequently affects customer attitude, employee behavior, and firm performance. Through a bibliometric review of 518 most relevant articles, we observe that responsible production for sustainability has seen a research boom in developing countries and that China is one of the most conspicuous countries in this regard. We also recognize that the link of responsible production and financial performance receives particular interest, but it needs a more synthesized assessment framework. To promote research development of responsible production for sustainability, research collaboration, either at the author or country level, is highly desirable for knowledge creation and transfer. In view of the growing interest on its performance value, we propose a research framework with guideposts for studying responsible production and financial performance. This review provides managerial and policy implications for responsible production with insights to advance knowledge in this emerging research field.
Traditional Food Products—Between Place Marketing, Economic Importance and Sustainable Development
Authors: Florek Magdalena , Gazda Jakub
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to link the economic and marketing perspectives by means of the quantitative method to answer the question of whether traditional food products may play an important role in sustainable region development ensuring economic viability, and how (if at all) marketing should support this process. Due to the lack of unambiguous theoretical findings—the theory has not established a model of the impact of regional products on the food sector in the region and, further on, the economy—an atheoretical approach should be applied, which without priori findings (without favouring individual variable) will lead to an assessment of the above-described impact. Using the Bayesian approach, the authors have measured the above relations with respect to the case of Poland. The basis of the study is provided by a database developed by the authors for 16 Polish NUTS2 regions where lists of official traditional food products were compiled. Using the chosen method, a group of explanatory variables has been proposed (among them, a number of regional products) as factors potentially responsible for the dependent variable (value of agriculture production in the NUTS2 regions). The results indicate that the number of traditional food products does not determine the value of agricultural production on the level of the NUTS2 regions in Poland. This value is determined by commodity production rather than the factors of the so-called sustainable agriculture.
Signals of Hotel Effort on Enhancing IAQ and Booking Intention: Effect of Customer’s Body Mass Index Associated with Sustainable Marketing in Tourism
Authors: Sun Baifeng , Liu Leon Yongdan , Chan Wilco Waihung , Zhang Carol Xiaoyue , Chen Xingqi
Published: January 2021

Since outdoor air pollutants may penetrate into hotels, indoor air quality (IAQ) has recently developed as an important criterion for tourists’ decision to choose traveling destinations and for business travelers to select accommodation. Thus, some hoteliers have raised concerns about the negative effects of emerging air quality issues on guests’ experience and are willing to invest in improving the IAQ. Unlike the hotel’s currently offered services and products which are observable, the improved IAQ is almost invisible and the mitigation technology of air pollutants is new to hoteliers, consumers and researchers in tourism. Hence, the search and understanding of the relationship of signals communicating hotel’s effort on air quality enhancement and booking intention plus the mediating and moderating factors become the main objective of the research and can fill the knowledge gap plus meet the practical need. The study found that the more reinforced IAQ effort included in the website presentation, the higher the travelers’ booking intention. The travelers’ trust in the hotel partially mediated the relationship between travelers’ perception of reinforced IAQ effort input by hoteliers and their booking intention. Further, the study finds that the enhancement of online booking intention does exist in a segment of travelers who are high health-conscious. Additionally, the influence of health-conscious traveler’s perception of hotel IAQ enhancement effort via the portal on the dependent variable—hotel booking intention was statistically significant. The findings enable hotel managers to have a deeper understanding of the relationship between the potential customers’ booking intention on hotel rooms and the online marketing communication signals mediated by their trust in the hotel’s cleaning air effort. The results can serve as a reference for designing more effective marketing communication programs and channels for hotels’ endeavor to improve indoor air quality, especially sustaining the tourism development in the post-epidemic era. Additionally, the study unveils some applied measures in improving hotel air quality not being documented in hospitality and tourism journals.
Developing Sustainable and Flexible Rural–Urban Connectivity through Complementary Mobility Services
Authors: Bauchinger Lisa , Reichenberger Anna , Goodwin-Hawkins Bryonny , Kobal Jurij , Hrabar Mojca , Oedl-Wieser Theresia
Published: January 2021

Transport can play a key role in mitigating climate change, through reducing traffic, emissions and dependency on private vehicles. Transport is also crucial to connect remote areas to central or urban areas. Yet, sustainable and flexible transport is among the greatest challenges for rural areas and rural–urban regions. Innovative transport concepts and approaches are urgently needed to foster sustainable and integrated regional development. This article addresses challenges of sustainability, accessibility, and connectivity through examining complementary systems to existing public transport, including demand-responsive transport and multimodal mobility. We draw upon case studies from the Metropolitan Area of Styria, Ljubljana Urban Region and rural Wales (GUSTmobil, REGIOtim, EURBAN, Bicikelj, Bwcabus, Grass Routes). In-depth analysis through a mixed-methods case study design captures the complexity behind these chosen examples, which form a basis for analysing the effects of services on accessibility for different groups, connectivity to public transport and usability as a “first and last mile” feeder. We further explore the weaknesses of complementary transport systems, including legal, organisational and financial barriers, and offer potential solutions to structure and communicate complementary transport systems to improve access and use. Looking ahead, we use the case studies to anticipate innovative, sustainable “mobility as a service” (MaaS) solutions within and between urban and rural areas and consider how future public policy orientations and arrangements can enable positive change. A main concern of our article and the contribution to scientific literature is through exploring the benefit of well-established multi-level governance arrangements when introducing smaller-scale mobility solutions to improve rural–urban accessibility. It becomes clear that not a one-size-fits-all model but placed-based and tailored approaches lead to successful and sustainable concepts.
Circular Business Models and Circular Agriculture: Perceptions and Practices of Dutch Farmers
Authors: Dagevos Hans , Lauwere Carolien de
Published: January 2021

Although it is not clear yet what a full-grown circular economy (CE) is going to look like, it is clear that the challenges of transitioning to a CE are both impressive and urgent. The Dutch government has expressed the ambition to establish a CE in the Netherlands in 2050. In the wake of this, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality laid down a vision on circular agriculture (CA). A key question with respect to both CE and CA is if and to what extent this means business as unusual: How distinct is circular business from normal business operations? The ways in which the notions of CE and circular business models (CBMs) are often introduced suggest a big difference. However, closer scrutiny also reveals that in practice the impact of circularity is less obvious. Against the backdrop of such opposite observations, this paper examines how Dutch farmers perceive circularity and what implications this has for their production practices. Interviews (n = 13) with Dutch farmers show that circular business is adapted in normal business management by some and regarded as a genuine alternative to the conventional food system by others. By taking Dutch farmers as an example, this paper aims to contribute to our understanding of how CE is interpreted in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Implementing Remote Working Policy in Corporate Offices in Thailand: Strategic Facility Management Perspective
Authors: Tanpipat Waynika , Lim Huey Wen , Deng Xiaomei
Published: January 2021

There was a sudden shift in the way people work during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep business continuity, many organizations have implemented a remote working policy for employees to work from home. Strategic facility management (FM) acted to support remote working policies by developing organizational norms in an organization. Meanwhile, the human resource (HR) department chose to achieve business performance while remote working by gaining job motivation among employees. However, there is limited understanding of how well organizations adapted to the remote working policy, and what are the critical factors affecting their remote work performance. The present study aimed to explore the effect of organizational norms on remote working, on remote work productivity, and organizational commitment among Thai employees. The study conducted an online questionnaire survey to a total of 414 Thai employees from various corporate offices. Hierarchical component modeling was applied and achieved a good model fit on the measurement and structural models. Results indicated that organizational norm has a significant effect on perceived productivity and organizational commitment, while sustaining work demand. Moreover, employees’ job motivation can sustain employees’ commitment to the organization in a remote working context. These findings proposed the strategic FM guide, through which a remote working policy can further enhance FM practice.
The Relationship between Renewable Energy and Economic Growth in a Time of Covid-19: A Machine Learning Experiment on the Brazilian Economy
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Mele Marco , Morelli Giovanna
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth in Brazil, in the Covid-19 pandemic. Using an Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) experiment in Machine Learning, we tried to verify if a more intensive use of renewable energy could generate a positive GDP acceleration in Brazil. This acceleration could offset the harmful effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Empirical findings show that an ever-greater use of renewable energies may sustain the economic growth process. In fact, through a model of ANNs, we highlighted how an increasing consumption of renewable energies triggers an acceleration of the GDP compared to other energy variables considered in the model.
Impact of Chinese Government Subsidies on Enterprise Innovation: Based on a Three-Dimensional Perspective
Authors: Jia Lili , Nam Eunyoung , Chun Dongphil
Published: January 2021

Government subsidies are an important means to guide enterprises’ investment in technological innovation. While countries are increasing government subsidies to enterprises, how to effectively leverage government subsidies is a concern of the academic community. At present, scholars’ research conclusions on the impact of government subsidies on enterprise technological innovation include promotion effect, extrusion effect, and mixing effect. Relevant research is often conducted from a single perspective. This paper studies the relationship between government subsidies and enterprise technological innovation, and integrates the macro-institutional environment, meso-market structure, and micro-corporate governance into the same framework. Taking information transmission, software, and information technology service companies as samples, it analyzes the influencing factors of the Chinese government research and development (R&D) subsidies on enterprises’ innovation investment. This paper uses Stata16 software to perform the least square analysis. The research shows that the Chinese government R&D subsidies have a significant incentive effect on corporate technology innovation investment. The higher the marketization process, the more dispersed its equity, and the government subsidy promotes corporate technology innovation investment. The more significant it is; for industries with different product market competition, government subsidies have no significant impact on enterprises’ investment in technological innovation. Based on empirical research conclusions, this study puts forward policy recommendations to increase the intensity of government subsidies and optimize the structure of corporate equity to increase the leverage effect of government subsidies.
A New Regulatory Approach for PV-Based Self-Supply, Validated by a Techno-Economic Assessment: A Case Study for Slovenia
Authors: Tomažič Luka Martin , Lukač Niko , Štumberger Gorazd
Published: January 2021

When it comes to the proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, technological solutions have to go hand in hand with optimized policy approaches and regulatory frameworks. This paper proposes a new application of state-of-the-art PV potential estimation method based on Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data targeted toward individual household self-supply. The performance of the proposed general approach is demonstrated in the case of Slovenian PV based self-supply (yearly net self-sufficient energy supply) scheme and related policy. The results obtained by PV potential assessment method show drawbacks of the current policy solution in Slovenia, which limits the installed peak power of the PV systems to 80% of the rated power supply. The paper proposes to change the policy in a way that increases the yearly energy production of the PV system and assures proper voltage profiles in the electricity network. The paper is novel in terms of considering PV potential over LiDAR data by also considering self-sustainability, in using such techno-economic analysis to validate the merits and demerits of a policy approach and is the first such case study used in the context of Slovenian self-supply policy. The proposed PV potential estimation method is generally applicable for any location and can be easily adjusted to the local regulatory framework.
Natural Assurance Schemes Canvas: A Framework to Develop Business Models for Nature-Based Solutions Aimed at Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Mayor Beatriz , Zorrilla-Miras Pedro , Coent Philippe , Biffin Thomas , Dartée Kieran , Peña Karina , Graveline Nina , Marchal Roxane , Nanu Florentina , Scrieciu Albert , Calatrava Javier , Manzano Marisol , López Gunn Elena
Published: January 2021

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being promoted because they can solve different pursued aims together with providing an additional array of multiple ecosystem services or co-benefits. Nevertheless, their implementation is still being curbed by several barriers, for example, a lack of examples, a lack of finance, and a lack of business cases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to facilitate the construction of business models and business cases that identify the elements required to capture value. These are necessary to catalyze investments for the implementation of NBS. This article presents a tool called a Natural Assurance Schemes (NAS) canvas and explains how it can be applied to identify business models for NBS strategies providing climate adaptation services, showing an eye-shot summary of critical information to attract funding. The framework is applied in three case studies covering different contexts, scales, and climate-related risks (floods and droughts). Finally, a reflective analysis is done, comparing the tool with other similar approaches while highlighting the differential characteristics that define the usefulness, replicability, and flexibility of the tool for the target users, namely policymakers, developers, scientists, or entrepreneurs aiming to promote and implement NAS and NBS projects.
Impacts of Relative Elevation on Soil Nutrients and Apple Quality in the Hilly-Gully Region of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Hua Lei , Gao Jianen , Zhou Meifang , Bai Shilun
Published: January 2021

Relative elevation, as one of the decisive factors to the redistribution of soil water, nutrients, sunshine, and temperature in a region influences apple yield and quality by adjusting soil water and nutrients. To explore the impact of relative elevation on apple quality, this research investigated the conditions of soil moisture and nutrients at different elevations of terrace apple orchards in the hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau. The results showed that soil water content decreases when the elevation increased, whereas soil nutrients fluctuated significantly at different elevations of terrace orchards and the contents were lower than the standard level of the Loess Plateau, especially soil organic matter, but total potassium was higher. The apple firmness increased when the elevation increased and had a good linear relationship with elevation. Apple vitamin C content in weed-covered orchards was higher than in the ploughing and weeding management orchards. The impact of soil nutrients, including soil water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on apple quality were concentrated in soluble solid and total acid. Irrational irrigation or partial use of nutrients, such as more use of nitrogen and less use of phosphorus and potassium, may deteriorate the apple quality. Therefore, we suggested that the amount of irrigation be increased appropriately with the raising of elevation. Moreover, part of the weed should be kept to cover the orchard, as well as mowing regularly and covering the surface. This would not only improve water use efficiency and increase soil organic matter content, it would also maintain apple quality and ensure sustainable development of the apple orchards.
Synchronous Steady State Solutions of a Symmetric Mixed Cubic-Superlinear Schrödinger System
Authors: Chteoui Riadh , Aljohani Abdulrahman F. , Ben Mabrouk Anouar
Published: January 2021

Systems of coupled nonlinear PDEs are applied in many fields as suitable models for many natural and physical phenomena. This makes them active and attractive subjects for both theoretical and numerical investigations. In the present paper, a symmetric nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) system is considered for the existence of the steady state solutions by applying a minimizing problem on some modified Nehari manifold. The nonlinear part is a mixture of cubic and superlinear nonlinearities and cubic correlations. Some numerical simulations are also illustrated graphically to confirm the theoretical results.
Flavour Anomalies in a U(1) SUSY Extension of the SM
Authors: Bednyakov Alexander , Mukhaeva Alfiia
Published: January 2021

Flavour anomalies have attracted a lot of attention over recent years as they provide unique hints for possible New Physics. Here, we consider a supersymmetric (SUSY) extension of the Standard Model (SM) with an additional anomaly-free gauge U(1) group. The key feature of our model is the particular choice of non-universal charges to the gauge boson Z′, which not only allows a relaxation of the flavour discrepancies but, contrary to previous studies, can reproduce the SM mixing matrices both in the quark and lepton sectors. We pay special attention to the latter and explicitly enumerate all parameters relevant for our calculation in the low-energy effective theory. We find regions in the parameter space that satisfy experimental constraints on meson mixing and LHC Z′ searches and can alleviate the flavour anomalies. In addition, we also discuss the predictions for lepton-flavour violating decays B+→K+μτ and B+→K+eτ.
A New Oversampling Method Based on the Classification Contribution Degree
Authors: Jiang Zhenhao , Pan Tingting , Zhang Chao , Yang Jie
Published: January 2021

Data imbalance is a thorny issue in machine learning. SMOTE is a famous oversampling method of imbalanced learning. However, it has some disadvantages such as sample overlapping, noise interference, and blindness of neighbor selection. In order to address these problems, we present a new oversampling method, OS-CCD, based on a new concept, the classification contribution degree. The classification contribution degree determines the number of synthetic samples generated by SMOTE for each positive sample. OS-CCD follows the spatial distribution characteristics of original samples on the class boundary, as well as avoids oversampling from noisy points. Experiments on twelve benchmark datasets demonstrate that OS-CCD outperforms six classical oversampling methods in terms of accuracy, F1-score, AUC, and ROC.
Mixing Uncertainties in Low-Metallicity AGB Stars: The Impact on Stellar Structure and Nucleosynthesis
Authors: Battino Umberto , Lederer-Woods Claudia , Cseh Borbála , Denissenkov Pavel , Herwig Falk
Published: January 2021

The slow neutron-capture process (s-process) efficiency in low-mass AGB stars (1.5 < M/M⊙ < 3) critically depends on how mixing processes in stellar interiors are handled, which is still affected by considerable uncertainties. In this work, we compute the evolution and nucleosynthesis of low-mass AGB stars at low metallicities using the MESA stellar evolution code. The combined data set includes models with initial masses Mini/M⊙=2 and 3 for initial metallicities Z=0.001 and 0.002. The nucleosynthesis was calculated for all relevant isotopes by post-processing with the NuGrid mppnp code. Using these models, we show the impact of the uncertainties affecting the main mixing processes on heavy element nucleosynthesis, such as convection and mixing at convective boundaries. We finally compare our theoretical predictions with observed surface abundances on low-metallicity stars. We find that mixing at the interface between the He-intershell and the CO-core has a critical impact on the s-process at low metallicities, and its importance is comparable to convective boundary mixing processes under the convective envelope, which determine the formation and size of the 13C-pocket. Additionally, our results indicate that models with very low to no mixing below the He-intershell during thermal pulses, and with a 13C-pocket size of at least ∼3 × 10−4 M⊙, are strongly favored in reproducing observations. Online access to complete yield data tables is also provided.
Using Citizen Sensing to Identify Heat-Exposed Neighbourhoods
Authors: Rød Jan Ketil , Maarse Maaike J.
Published: January 2021

Rural areas cool off by night but built-up urban areas lack similar relief and may threaten vulnerable people’s health during heat waves. Temperature varies within a city due to the heterogenous nature of urban environments, but official measurement stations are unable to capture local variations, since they use few measurement stations typically set up outside of urban areas. Meteorological measurements may as such be at odds with citizen sensing, where absolute accuracy is sacrificed in pursuit of increased coverage. In this article, we use geographic information processing methodologies and generate 144 hourly apparent temperature surfaces for Rotterdam during a six-day heat wave that took place in July 2019 in The Netherlands. These surfaces are used to generate a humidex degree hours (HDH) composite map. The HDH metric integrates apparent temperature intensity with duration into one spatially explicit value and is used to identify geographical areas in Rotterdam where citizens may experience adverse health effects of prolonged heat exposure. Combining the HDH map with demographic data allows us to identify the most heat-exposed areas with the largest share of vulnerable population. These neighbourhoods may be the locations most in need of adaptation measures.
Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration: In Vitro Models for Investigating Viral Pathogenesis and Persistence
Authors: Tu Thomas , Zhang Henrik , Urban Stephan
Published: January 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a globally-distributed pathogen and is a major cause of liver disease. HBV (or closely-related animal hepadnaviruses) can integrate into the host genome, but (unlike retroviruses) this integrated form is replication-defective. The specific role(s) of the integrated HBV DNA has been a long-standing topic of debate. Novel in vitro models of HBV infection combined with sensitive molecular assays now enable researchers to investigate this under-characterised phenomenon with greater ease and precision. This review covers the contributions these systems have made to understanding how HBV DNA integration induces liver cancer and facilitates viral persistence. We summarise the current findings into a working model of chronic HBV infection and discuss the clinical implications of this hypothetical framework on the upcoming therapeutic strategies used to curb HBV-associated pathogenesis.
Epidemiological and Genetic Characterization of Sapovirus in Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis in Valencia (Spain)
Authors: de Oliveira-Tozetto Sibele , Santiso-Bellón Cristina , Ferrer-Chirivella Josep M. , Navarro-Lleó Noemi , Vila-Vicent Susana , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús , Buesa Javier
Published: January 2021

Sapovirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. Sapovirus infections are seldom investigated in Spain, and its epidemiology in the country is not well known. The use of molecular diagnostic procedures has allowed a more frequent detection of sapoviruses in patients with diarrhea. A total of 2545 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis attended from June 2018 to February 2020 at the Clinic University Hospital in Valencia, Spain, were analyzed by reverse transcription (RT) and real-time multiplex PCR (RT-PCR) to investigate the etiology of enteric infections. Sapovirus was the second enteric virus detected with a positive rate of 8%, behind norovirus (12.2%) and ahead of rotavirus (7.1%), astrovirus (4.9%) and enteric adenoviruses (2.9%). Most sapovirus infections occurred in infants and young children under 3 years of age (74%) with the highest prevalence in autumn and early winter. Coinfections were found in 25% of the patients with sapovirus diarrhea, mainly with other enteric viruses. Genotyping demonstrated the circulation of seven different genotypes during the study period, with a predominance of genotypes GI.1, GI.2, and GII.1. Phylogenetic analysis showed that genogroup GII strains form a cluster separated from genogroup GI and GV, being genotype GV.1 strains related to genotype GI.1 and GI.2 strains.
Using Integrated Hydrological Models to Assess the Impacts of Climate Change on Discharges and Extreme Flood Events in the Upper Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Wu Yanjuan , Luo Gang , Chen Cai , Duan Zheng , Gao Chao
Published: January 2021

Amongst the impacts of climate change, those arising from extreme hydrological events are expected to cause the greatest impacts. To assess the changes in temperature and precipitation and their impacts on the discharge in the upper Yangtze Basin from pre-industrial to the end of 21st century, four hydrological models were integrated with four global climate models. Results indicated that mean discharge was simulated to increase slightly for all hydrological models forced by all global climate models during 1771–1800 and 1871–1900 relative to the 1971–2000 reference period, whereas the change directions in mean discharge were not consistent among the four global climate models during 2070–2099, with increases from HadGEM2-ES and MIROC5, and decreases from GFDL-ESM2M and IPSL-CM5A-LR. Additionally, our results indicated that decreases in precipitation may always result in the decrease in mean discharge, but increases in precipitation did not always lead to increases in discharge due to high temperature rise. The changes in extreme flood events with different return intervals were also explored. These extreme events were projected to become more intense and frequent in the future, which could have potential devastating impacts on the society and ecosystem in this region.
An RF-PCE Hybrid Surrogate Model for Sensitivity Analysis of Dams
Authors: Hariri-Ardebili Mohammad , Mahdavi Golsa , Abdollahi Azam , Amini Ali
Published: January 2021

Quantification of structural vibration characteristics is an essential task prior to perform any dynamic health monitoring and system identification. Anatomy of vibration in concrete arch dams (especially tall dams with un-symmetry shape) is very complicated and requires special techniques to solve the eigenvalue problem. The situation becomes even more complicated if the material distribution is assumed to be heterogeneous within the dam body (as opposed to conventional isotropic homogeneous relationship). This paper proposes a hybrid Random Field (RF)–Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) surrogate model for uncertainty quantification and sensitivity assessment of dams. For different vibration modes, the most sensitive spatial locations within dam body are identified using both Sobol’s indices and correlation rank methods. Results of the proposed hybrid model is further validated using the classical random forest regression method. The outcome of this study can improve the results of system identification and dynamic analysis by properly determining the vibration characteristics.
Sewage sludge and rice husk as potential substrate to produce Mimosa setosa seedlings
Authors: Faria Julio Cezar Tannure , Caldeira Marcos Vinícius Winckler , Delarmelina William Macedo , Nieri Erick Martins , Souza Denys Santana , Molinari Letícia Vaz
Published: January 2021

In the production of forest seedlings one of the main factors to be analyzed is the formulation of the substrate that meets the needs of the plants that will be produced. For this, the choice of substrate must consider the physical characteristics of the material, its chemical composition, as well as its availability, quality, easy handling and cost. This study aimed to investigate the potential of sewage sludge and rice husk for the production of seedlings of Mimosa setosa. The experiment was conducted in structures of a forest nursery, localized in the municipality of Alegre-ES, in 110 cm³ tubes arranged in a completely randomized design constituted by ten treatments with four replications of 54 seedlings per plot. The treatments were formulated using sewage sludge, raw rice husks and carbonized rice husk. At five months after sowing we measured plant height, root collar diameter, height/diameter ratio, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry matter, shoot to root dry weight ratio and Dickson Quality Index. The substrates formulated with carbonized rice husk promoted the best results for all morphological characteristics analyzed. The multivariate analysis showed higher correlation of treatments with carbonized rice husk (T6, T7, T8 and T9) regarding height, root collar diameter, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry matter. For the production of Mimosa setosa seedlings the best responses resulted from the substrate formulated with 60% sewage sludge + 40% carbonized rice husk.
Espaçamentos de plantio promovem produção distinta em híbrido de eucalipto
Authors: Corrêa Robson Schaff , Soares Thelma Shirlen , Alves Maiara Aparecida , Souza Juliano Pereira , Vieira Eduardo Morais
Published: January 2021

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência do espaçamento de plantio na produção volumétrica e de biomassa aérea de um híbrido de eucalipto, com 4,7 anos. O experimento foi conduzido empregando-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três repetições e seis densidades de plantio de 1,5, 3,0, 4,5, 6,0, 7,5 e 9,0 m² árvore-1. Foi determinado o volume de madeira e de casca, a biomassa da madeira, casca, galhos e folhas para árvores e por área. A sobrevivência foi estimada com base no número de árvores vivas em relação ao número de árvores plantadas. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio da ANOVA sendo procedido posteriormente análise de regressão. A sobrevivência das árvores não foi influenciada pelos espaçamentos de plantio. Foram observados valores crescentes da biomassa e volume por hectare com a redução do espaçamento de plantio. Maior produção de volume e biomassa por árvore foi obtida em espaçamentos mais amplos.
Vegetation and microclimate in open urban areas. Cuiabá, Mato Grosso - Brazil
Authors: Pasa Maria Corette , Lenci Lucas Henrique Vieira , Pereira Nhaára Da Vila , Miranda Rosenil Antonia de Oliveira
Published: January 2021

The influence of vegetation on the reduction of heat in open urban environments by providing a milder and more pleasant microclimate is highlighted in modern science. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend of microclimatic variables and thermal comfort, in the Federal University of Mato Grosso - UFMT campus, in open spaces (forest fragment, cerrado and paved) with and without afforestation. Three collection points were selected in open spaces (wooded and without afforestation) at the UFMT campus in Cuiabá. To record the data, we used the Alloet Thermohigrometer mini-markers, model TA-318 with 0.1%. The collections took place in May of 2018, period that begins the local winter. The microclimatic variables such as air temperature, relative humidity (%), wind speed, ultraviolet index and chance of rain were analyzed daily from 09:00 to 17:00 for 15 days. The results highlight the importance of the shade provided by the tree vegetation in the forest fragment, which revealed a significant difference for the thermal comfort in relation to the other sample points and without afforestation. The microclimatic parameters present variations of the temperature and relative humidity of the air at the points allocated, with emphasis on the thermal comfort sensation for the wooded area. The research also suggests new scientific investments in studies on urban micro-climates as a way to stimulate and raise awareness of the importance of vegetation in thermal comfort, which can directly reflect the health and well-being of people in general.