bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Symmetry of Birkhoff-James Orthogonality in Positive Cones of Locally C*-algebras
Authors: Katz Alexander A.
Published: June 2020

In the present note some results of Kimuro, Saito, and Tanaka on symmetry of Birkhoff-James orthogonality in positive cones of C*-algebras are extended to locally C*-algebras.
S-Almost Automorphic Solutions for Impulsive Evolution Equations on Time Scales in Shift Operators
Authors: Wang Chao , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , N’Guérékata Gaston M.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, based on the concept of complete-closed time scales attached with shift direction under non-translational shifts (or S-CCTS for short), as a first attempt, we develop the concepts of S-equipotentially almost automorphic sequences, discontinuous S-almost automorphic functions and weighted piecewise pseudo S-almost automorphic functions. More precisely, some novel results about their basic properties and some related theorems are obtained. Then, we apply the introduced new concepts to investigate the existence of weighted piecewise pseudo S-almost automorphic mild solutions for the impulsive evolution equations on irregular hybrid domains. The obtained results are valid for q-difference partial dynamic equations and can also be extended to other dynamic equations on more general time scales. Finally, some heat dynamic equations on various hybrid domains are provided as applications to illustrate the obtained theory.
On the Existence of Eigenvalues of a Boundary Value Problem with Transmitting Condition of the Integral Form for a Parabolic-Hyperbolic Equation
Authors: Berdyshev Abdumauvlen , Cabada Alberto , Karimov Erkinjon
Published: June 2020

In the paper, we investigate a local boundary value problem with transmitting condition of the integral form for mixed parabolic-hyperbolic equation with non-characteristic line of type changing. Theorem on strong solvability of the considered problem has been proved and integral representation of the solution is obtained in a functional space. Using Lidskii Theorem on coincidences of matrix and spectral traces of nuclear operator and Gaal’s formula for evaluating traces of nuclear operator, which is represented as a product of two Hilbert-Schmidt operators, we prove the existence of eigenvalues of the considered problem.
Asexual Evolution and Forest Conditions Drive Genetic Parallelism in Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Yuzon Jennifer David , Travadon Renaud , Malar C Mathu , Tripathy Sucheta , Rank Nathan , Mehl Heather K. , Rizzo David M. , Cobb Richard , Small Corinn , Tang Tiffany , McCown Haley E. , Garbelotto Matteo , Kasuga Takao
Published: June 2020

It is commonly assumed that asexual lineages are short-lived evolutionarily, yet many asexual organisms can generate genetic and phenotypic variation, providing an avenue for further evolution. Previous work on the asexual plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum NA1 revealed considerable genetic variation in the form of Structural Variants (SVs). To better understand how SVs arise and their significance to the California NA1 population, we studied the evolutionary histories of SVs and the forest conditions associated with their emergence. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that SVs arose by somatic mutations among multiple independent lineages, rather than by recombination. We asked if this unusual phenomenon of parallel evolution between isolated populations is transmitted to extant lineages and found that SVs persist longer in a population if their genetic background had a lower mutation load. Genetic parallelism was also found in geographically distant demes where forest conditions such as host density, solar radiation, and temperature, were similar. Parallel SVs overlap with genes involved in pathogenicity such as RXLRs and have the potential to change the course of an epidemic. By combining genomics and environmental data, we identified an unexpected pattern of repeated evolution in an asexual population and identified environmental factors potentially driving this phenomenon.
Cryo-EM Structure and Molecular Dynamics Analysis of the Fluoroquinolone Resistant Mutant of the AcrB Transporter from Salmonella
Authors: Johnson Rachel M. , Fais Chiara , Parmar Mayuriben , Cheruvara Harish , Marshall Robert L. , Hesketh Sophie J. , Feasey Matthew C. , Ruggerone Paolo , Vargiu Attilio V. , Postis Vincent L. G. , Muench Stephen P. , Bavro Vassiliy N.
Published: June 2020

Salmonella is an important genus of Gram-negative pathogens, treatment of which has become problematic due to increases in antimicrobial resistance. This is partly attributable to the overexpression of tripartite efflux pumps, particularly the constitutively expressed AcrAB-TolC. Despite its clinical importance, the structure of the Salmonella AcrB transporter remained unknown to-date, with much of our structural understanding coming from the Escherichia coli orthologue. Here, by taking advantage of the styrene maleic acid (SMA) technology to isolate membrane proteins with closely associated lipids, we report the very first experimental structure of Salmonella AcrB transporter. Furthermore, this novel structure provides additional insight into mechanisms of drug efflux as it bears the mutation (G288D), originating from a clinical isolate of Salmonella Typhimurium presenting an increased resistance to fluoroquinolones. Experimental data are complemented by state-of-the-art molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on both the wild type and G288D variant of Salmonella AcrB. Together, these reveal several important differences with respect to the E. coli protein, providing insights into the role of the G288D mutation in increasing drug efflux and extending our understanding of the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance.
Effect of Washing, Waxing and Low-Temperature Storage on the Postharvest Microbiome of Apple
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmed , Whitehead Susan R. , Macarisin Dumitru , Liu Jia , Burchard Erik , Freilich Shiri , Dardick Christopher , Droby Samir , Wisniewski Michael
Published: June 2020

There is growing recognition of the role that the microbiome plays in the health and physiology of many plant species. However, considerably less research has been conducted on the postharvest microbiome of produce and the impact that postharvest processing may have on its composition. Here, amplicon sequencing was used to study the effect of washing, waxing, and low-temperature storage at 2 °C for six months on the bacterial and fungal communities of apple calyx-end, stem-end, and peel tissues. The results of the present work reveal that tissue-type is the main factor defining fungal and bacterial diversity and community composition on apple fruit. Both postharvest treatments and low temperature storage had a strong impact on the fungal and bacterial diversity and community composition of these tissue types. Distinct spatial and temporal changes in the composition and diversity of the microbiota were observed in response to various postharvest management practices. The greatest impact was attributed to sanitation practices with major differences among unwashed, washed and washed-waxed apples. The magnitude of the differences, however, was tissue-specific, with the greatest impact occurring on peel tissues. Temporally, the largest shift occurred during the first two months of low-temperature storage, although fungi were more affected by storage time than bacteria. In general, fungi and bacteria were impacted equally by sanitation practices, especially the epiphytic microflora of peel tissues. This research provides a foundation for understanding the impact of postharvest management practices on the microbiome of apple and its potential subsequent effects on postharvest disease management and food safety.
Structure–Properties Relationship of Electrospun PVDF Fibers
Authors: Castkova Klara , Kastyl Jaroslav , Sobola Dinara , Petrus Josef , Stastna Eva , Riha David , Tofel Pavel
Published: June 2020

Electrospinning as a versatile technique producing nanofibers was employed to study the influence of the processing parameters and chemical and physical parameters of solutions on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers’ morphology, crystallinity, phase composition and dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics. PVDF fibrous layers with nano- and micro-sized fiber diameters were prepared by a controlled and reliable electrospinning process. The fibers with diameters from 276 nm to 1392 nm were spun at a voltage of 25 kV–50 kV from the pure PVDF solutions or in the presence of a surfactant—Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Although the presence of the CTAB decreased the fibers’ diameter and increased the electroactive phase content, the piezoelectric performance of the PVDF material was evidently deteriorated. The maximum piezoelectric activity was achieved in the fibrous PVDF material without the use of the surfactant, when a piezoelectric charge of 33 pC N−1 was measured in the transversal direction on a mean fiber diameter of 649 nm. In this direction, the material showed a higher piezoelectric activity than in the longitudinal direction.
Ultraviolet Photodetection Based on High-Performance Co-Plus-Ni Doped ZnO Nanorods Grown by Hydrothermal Method on Transparent Plastic Substrate
Authors: Ajmal Hafiz Muhammad Salman , Khan Fasihullah , Nam Kiyun , Kim Hae Young , Kim Sam Dong
Published: June 2020

A growth scheme at a low processing temperature for high crystalline-quality of ZnO nanostructures can be a prime stepping stone for the future of various optoelectronic devices manufactured on transparent plastic substrates. In this study, ZnO nanorods (NRs) grown by the hydrothermal method at 150 °C through doping of transition metals (TMs), such as Co, Ni, or Co-plus-Ni, on polyethylene terephthalate substrates were investigated by various surface analysis methods. The TM dopants in ZnO NRs suppressed the density of various native defect-states as revealed by our photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Further investigation also showed the doping into ZnO NRs brought about a clear improvement in carrier mobility from 0.81 to 3.95 cm2/V-s as well as significant recovery in stoichiometric contents of oxygen. Ultra-violet photodetectors fabricated with Co-plus-Ni codoped NRs grown on an interdigitated electrode structure exhibited a high spectral response of ~137 A/W, on/off current ratio of ~135, and an improvement in transient response speed with rise-up and fall-down times of ~2.2 and ~3.1 s, respectively.
Consumption of Stilbenes and Flavonoids is Linked to Reduced Risk of Obesity Independently of Fiber Intake
Authors: Mompeo Olatz , Spector Tim D. , Matey Hernandez Marisa , Le Roy Caroline , Istas Geoffrey , Le Sayec Melanie , Mangino Massimo , Jennings Amy , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Valdes Ana M. , Menni Cristina
Published: June 2020

Background: Polyphenol consumption is implicated in gut microbiome composition and improved metabolic outcomes, but it is unclear whether the effect is independent of dietary fiber. Methods: We investigated the links between (poly)phenol intake, gut microbiome composition (16s RNA) and obesity independently of fiber intake in UK women (n = 1810) and in a small group of UK men (n = 64). Results: (Poly)phenol intakes correlated with microbiome alpha diversity (Shannon Index) after adjusting for confounders and fiber intake. Moreover, flavonoid intake was significantly correlated with the abundance of Veillonella, (a genus known to improve physical performance), and stilbene intake with that of butyrate-producing bacteria (Lachnospira and Faecalibacterium). Stilbene and flavonoid intake also correlated with lower odds of prevalent obesity (Stilbenes: Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) (OR(95%CI)) = 0.80 (0.73, 0.87), p = 4.90 × 10−7; Flavonoids: OR(95%CI) = 0.77 (0.65, 0.91), p = 0.002). Formal mediation analyses revealed that gut microbiome mediates ~11% of the total effect of flavonoid and stilbene intake on prevalent obesity. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of (poly)phenol consumption for optimal human health.
Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome during a Multispecies Probiotic Intervention in Compensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Horvath Angela , Durdevic Marija , Leber Bettina , di Vora Katharina , Rainer Florian , Krones Elisabeth , Douschan Philipp , Spindelboeck Walter , Durchschein Franziska , Zollner Gernot , Stauber Rudolf E. , Fickert Peter , Stiegler Philipp , Stadlbauer Vanessa
Published: June 2020

Probiotics have been used in trials to therapeutically modulate the gut microbiome and have shown beneficial effects in cirrhosis. However, their effect on the microbiome of cirrhosis patients is not fully understood yet. Here, we tested the effects of a multispecies probiotic on microbiome composition in compensated cirrhosis. The gut microbiome composition of 58 patients with compensated cirrhosis from a randomized controlled trial who received a daily dose of multispecies probiotics or placebo for six months was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbiome composition of patients who received probiotics was enriched with probiotic strains and the abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Syntrophococcus sucromutans, Bacteroides vulgatus, Alistipes shahii and a Prevotella species was increased in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Patients who had microbiome changes in response to probiotic treatment also showed a significant increase in neopterin and a significant decrease in faecal zonulin levels after intervention, which was not observed in placebo-treated patients or patients with unchanged microbiome compositions. In conclusion, multispecies probiotics may enrich the microbiome of compensated cirrhotic patients with probiotic bacteria during a six-month intervention and beneficially change the residential microbiome and gut barrier function.
Global Distribution of Column Satellite Aerosol Optical Depth to Surface PM2.5 Relationships
Authors: Christopher Sundar , Gupta Pawan
Published: June 2020

Using a combined Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) mid-visible aerosol optical depth (AOD) product at 0.1 × 0.1-degree spatial resolution and collocated surface PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm) monitors, we provide a global five-year (2015–2019) assessment of the spatial and seasonal AOD–PM2.5 relationships of slope, intercepts, and correlation coefficients. Only data from ground monitors accessible through an open air-quality portal that are available to the worldwide community for air quality research and decision making are used in this study. These statistics that are reported 1 × 1-degree resolution are important since satellite AOD is often used in conjunction with spatially limited surface PM2.5 monitors to estimate global distributions of surface particulate matter concentrations. Results indicate that more than 3000 ground monitors are now available for PM2.5 studies. While there is a large spread in correlation coefficients between AOD and PM2.5, globally, averaged over all seasons, the correlation coefficient is 0.55 with a unit AOD producing 54 μgm−3 of PM2.5 (Slope) with an intercept of 8 μgm−3. While the number of surface PM2.5 measurements has increased by a factor of 10 over the last decade, a concerted effort is still needed to continue to increase these monitors in areas that have no surface monitors, especially in large population centers that will further leverage the strengths of satellite data.
Fast Automatic Vehicle Detection in UAV Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Luo Xin , Tian Xiaoyue , Zhang Huijie , Hou Weimin , Leng Geng , Xu Wenbo , Jia Haitao , He Xixu , Wang Meng , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2020

Vehicle targets in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images are generally small, so a significant amount of detailed information on targets may be lost after neural computing, which leads to the poor performances of the existing recognition algorithms. Based on convolutional neural networks that utilize the YOLOv3 algorithm, this article focuses on the development of a quick automatic vehicle detection method for UAV images. First, a vehicle dataset for target recognition is constructed. Then, a novel YOLOv3 vehicle detection framework is proposed according to the following characteristics: The vehicle targets in the UAV image are relatively small and dense. The average precision (AP) increased by 5.48%, from 92.01% to 97.49%, which still remains the rather high processing speed of the YOLO network. Finally, the proposed framework is tested using three datasets: COWC, VEDAI, and CAR. The experimental results demonstrate that our method had a better detection capability.
Trace2trace—A Feasibility Study on Neural Machine Translation Applied to Human Motion Trajectories
Authors: Crivellari Alessandro , Beinat Euro
Published: June 2020

Neural machine translation is a prominent field in the computational linguistics domain. By leveraging the recent developments of deep learning, it gave birth to powerful algorithms for translating text from one language to another. This study aims to assess the feasibility of transferring the neural machine translation approach into a completely different context, namely human mobility and trajectory analysis. Building a conceptual parallelism between sentences (sequences of words) and motion traces (sequences of locations), we aspire to translate individual trajectories generated by a certain category of users into the corresponding mobility traces potentially generated by a different category of users. The experiment is inserted in the background of tourist mobility analysis, with the goal of translating the motion behavior of tourists belonging to a specific nationality into the motion behavior of tourists belonging to a different nationality. The model adopted is based on the seq2seq approach and consists of an encoder–decoder architecture based on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks and neural embeddings. The encoder turns an input location sequence into a corresponding hidden vector; the decoder reverses the process, turning the vector into an output location sequence. The proposed framework, tested on a real-world large-scale dataset, explores an effective attempt of motion transformation between different entities, arising as a potentially powerful source of mobility information disclosure, especially in the context of crowd management and smart city services.
Wearable Wheelchair Mobility Performance Measurement in Basketball, Rugby, and Tennis: Lessons for Classification and Training
Authors: van der Slikke Rienk M. A. , Berger Monique A. M. , Bregman Daan J. J. , Veeger Dirkjan H. E. J.
Published: June 2020

Athlete impairment level is an important factor in wheelchair mobility performance (WMP) in sports. Classification systems, aimed to compensate impairment level effects on performance, vary between sports. Improved understanding of resemblances and differences in WMP between sports could aid in optimizing the classification methodology. Furthermore, increased performance insight could be applied in training and wheelchair optimization. The wearable sensor-based wheelchair mobility performance monitor (WMPM) was used to measure WMP of wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis athletes of (inter-)national level during match-play. As hypothesized, wheelchair basketball athletes show the highest average WMP levels and wheelchair rugby the lowest, whereas wheelchair tennis athletes range in between for most outcomes. Based on WMP profiles, wheelchair basketball requires the highest performance intensity, whereas in wheelchair tennis, maneuverability is the key performance factor. In wheelchair rugby, WMP levels show the highest variation comparable to the high variation in athletes’ impairment levels. These insights could be used to direct classification and training guidelines, with more emphasis on intensity for wheelchair basketball, focus on maneuverability for wheelchair tennis and impairment-level based training programs for wheelchair rugby. Wearable technology use seems a prerequisite for further development of wheelchair sports, on the sports level (classification) and on individual level (training and wheelchair configuration).
A Novel Location Privacy-Preserving Approach Based on Blockchain
Authors: Qiu Ying , Liu Yi , Li Xuan , Chen Jiahui
Published: June 2020

Location-based services (LBS) bring convenience to people’s lives but are also accompanied with privacy leakages. To protect the privacy of LBS users, many location privacy protection algorithms were proposed. However, these algorithms often have difficulty to maintain a balance between service quality and user privacy. In this paper, we first overview the shortcomings of the existing two privacy protection architectures and privacy protection technologies, then we propose a location privacy protection method based on blockchain. Our method satisfies the principle of k-anonymity privacy protection and does not need the help of trusted third-party anonymizing servers. The combination of multiple private blockchains can disperse the user’s transaction records, which can provide users with stronger location privacy protection and will not reduce the quality of service. We also propose a reward mechanism to encourage user participation. Finally, we implement our approach in the Remix blockchain to show the efficiency, which further indicates the potential application prospect for the distributed network environment.
Design of a Labeling Scheme for 32-QAM Delayed Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhou Liang , Du Junyi , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2020

It is very challenging to design the capacity-approaching labeling schemes for large constellations, such as 32-QAM, in delayed bit-interleaved coded modulation (DBICM). In this paper, we investigate the labeling design for 32-QAM DBICM with various numbers of bits delayed by one time slot. In particular, we aim to obtain the labeling schemes with a high DBICM channel capacity by searching the possible labeling schemes. To reduce the search space of the candidate labeling schemes, we propose the criteria that are necessary for good labeling. Based on the proposed criteria, a three-step search algorithm is proposed to obtain the candidate labeling efficiently. Numerical results demonstrate that the DBICM with our proposed labeling scheme can approach the capacity of 32-QAM within 0.015 dB at an information rate greater than 2.5 bits/symbol.
Robust Plug-and-Play Joint Axis Estimation Using Inertial Sensors
Authors: Olsson Fredrik , Kok Manon , Seel Thomas , Halvorsen Kjartan
Published: June 2020

Inertial motion capture relies on accurate sensor-to-segment calibration. When two segments are connected by a hinge joint, for example in human knee or finger joints as well as in many robotic limbs, then the joint axis vector must be identified in the intrinsic sensor coordinate systems. Methods for estimating the joint axis using accelerations and angular rates of arbitrary motion have been proposed, but the user must perform sufficiently informative motion in a predefined initial time window to accomplish complete identifiability. Another drawback of state of the art methods is that the user has no way of knowing if the calibration was successful or not. To achieve plug-and-play calibration, it is therefore important that 1) sufficiently informative data can be extracted even if large portions of the data set consist of non-informative motions, and 2) the user knows when the calibration has reached a sufficient level of accuracy. In the current paper, we propose a novel method that achieves both of these goals. The method combines acceleration- and angular rate information and finds a globally optimal estimate of the joint axis. Methods for sample selection, that overcome the limitation of a dedicated initial calibration time window, are proposed. The sample selection allows estimation to be performed using only a small subset of samples from a larger data set as it deselects non-informative and redundant measurements. Finally, an uncertainty quantification method that assures validity of the estimated joint axis parameters, is proposed. Experimental validation of the method is provided using a mechanical joint performing a large range of motions. Angular errors in the order of 2 ∘ were achieved using 125–1000 selected samples. The proposed method is the first truly plug-and-play method that overcome the need for a specific calibration phase and, regardless of the user’s motions, it provides an accurate estimate of the joint axis as soon as possible.
Urban Congestion Charging Acceptability: An International Comparative Study
Authors: Shatanawi Mohamad , Abdelkhalek Fatma , Mészáros Ferenc
Published: June 2020

The congestion charging scheme is regarded as a successful measure to reduce traffic-related problems. However, low general acceptability of the public for implementing such a scheme is a barrier against its success. In this research, an online pre-designed survey was conducted in five capitals (Budapest, Tunis, Amman, Ulaanbaatar, and Damascus) to define the factors that affect congestion charging acceptability the most. The results of relationships between the studied factors like travel behavior and acceptance of the congestion charging scheme show an irregular pattern in each city. It indicates that the identity of each city and its general policy implications determine which factors significantly affect the public acceptability of congestion charging scheme. In Amman and Budapest, most of the predictors have no statistical effect on the schemes’ public acceptability. Consistent with previous researches, on the other hand, the results demonstrate that the schemes’ effectiveness is crucial and affects the acceptability significantly in all cities. At the same time, it shows that the “prior scheme knowledge” factor has a significant direct effect on the acceptability level in three cities (Damascus, Tunis, and Ulaanbaatar).
Influence of Roof Windows Area Changes on the Classroom Indoor Climate in the Attic Space: A Case Study
Authors: Dolnikova Erika , Katunsky Dusan , Vertal Marian , Zozulak Marek
Published: June 2020

Windows are a complex part of building design and provide a considerable benefit, including to school buildings. For the evaluation of the daylighting conditions prevailing in classrooms, the daylight factor (DF) was considered as the most appropriate parameter for indicating the quantity of admitted daylight. The DF values and CIE overcast sky were calculated using Velux Daylight Visualizer 3 software. The task of the paper is to compare various roof window openings in relation to the level of daylight in the attic, looking to optimize the use of the attic for teaching. The indoor air temperature has a general influence on comfort in the interior, in addition to daylight. In winter, the situation is not critical. The thermal insulation properties of packaging structures are sufficient. The situation is worse in summer, due to the fact that the heat-storage properties are undersized and there is excessive overheating of the indoor air. Four variants of roof windows and their influence on the overall microclimate in the attic are compared. The variant without roof windows is a suitable solution with regard to minimum overheating, but the worst situation for daylight. In order to receive even more light from the window (by moving windows to the top of the roof), we can use variant 2. Based on a combination of daylight calculations and summer temperature, a graphical dependence on window size prediction in terms of top and combined lighting is derived. This was hypothesized without shading the windows. Of course, the shading elements of these windows or cooling are expected in the summer. Finally, the energy required for cooling is compared depending on the size of the windows and achievement of the permissible temperature.
New Evidence for Romania Regarding Dynamic Causality between Military Expenditure and Sustainable Economic Growth
Authors: Tao Ran , Glonț Oana Ramona , Li Zheng-Zheng , Lobonț Oana Ramona , Guzun Adina Alexandra
Published: June 2020

Military spending and sustainable economic development have been widely discussed in recent decades. Especially in Romania, the defense budget is valued at $4.8 billion, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.57%. It is also expected to reach $7.6 billion in 2023, according to a report by Strategic Defense Intelligence. There is no consensus in current research and less attention is paid to Eastern European countries. Considering the significant increase in military spending in Romania in recent years, as well as the occurrence of political events, this paper focuses on the dynamic causal relationship between military spending and sustainable economic growth in Romania. The bootstrap rolling window causality test takes into account the structural changes, and therefore, provides more convincing results. The results indicate negative effects of military expenditure on sustainable economic growth between 1996–1999 and 2002–2004. It can be attributed to the crowding-out effect of public expenditure on private investment. The positive effect between the two variables analyzed is noticed with the accession of Romania to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Conversely, it is found that economic growth does not have a significant effect on military spending in Romania. Policymakers should guard against the crowding out of private consumption and investment due to excessive military spending and ensure to increase military expenditure on the premise of sustainable economic development.
Natural Capital Accounting for Land in Rwanda
Authors: Nishimwe Grace , Rugema Didier Milindi , Uwera Claudine , Graveland Cor , Stage Jesper , Munyawera Swaib , Ngabirame Gabriel
Published: June 2020

Land, as a valuable natural resource, is an important pillar of Rwanda’s sustainable development. The majority of Rwanda’s 80% rural population rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and land is crucial for agriculture. However, since a high population density has made land a scarce commodity, growth in the agricultural sector and plans for rapid urbanisation are being constrained, and cross-sectoral trade-offs are becoming increasingly important, with a risk that long-term sustainability may be threatened if these trade-offs are not considered. To help track land value trends and assess trade-offs, and to help assess the sustainability of trends in land use and land cover, Rwanda has begun developing natural capital accounts for land in keeping with the United Nations’ System of Environmental-Economic Accounting. This paper reports on Rwanda’s progress with these accounts. The accounting approach adopted in our study measures changes in land use and land cover and quantifies stocks for the period under study (2014–2015). Rwanda is one of the first developing countries to develop natural capital accounts for land, but the wide range of possible uses in policy analysis suggests that such accounts could be useful for other countries as well.
Connected Vehicle Technology for Improved Multimodal Winter Travel: Agency Perspective and a Conceptual Exploration
Authors: He Yaqin , Rahman Md Tawhidur , Akin Michelle , Wang Yinhai , Dey Kakan , Shi Xianming
Published: June 2020

Accurate and real-time traffic and road weather information acquired using connected vehicle (CV) technologies can help commuters perform safe and reliable trips. A nationwide survey of transit operation managers/supervisors was conducted to assess the suitability for CV transit applications in improving the safety and mobility during winter weather. Almost all respondents expressed positive attitudes towards the potential of CV applications in improving winter transit travel and voiced their concerns over the safety consequences of CV equipment failure, potential of increased driver distraction, and reliability of system performance in poor weather. A concept of operations of CV applications for multimodal winter travel was developed. In the conceptual framework, route-specific road weather and traffic flow data will be used by the transit managers/supervisors to obtain real-time operational status, forecast operational routes and schedules, and assess operational performance. Subsequently, multimodal commuters can receive the road-weather and traffic-flow information as well as transit routes and schedule information.
Deformations of Mining Terrain Caused by the Partial Exploitation in the Aspect of Measurements and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Białek Jan , Wesołowski Marek , Mielimąka Ryszard , Sikora Paweł
Published: June 2020

The article presents the results of geodetic measurements and numerical modeling of mining area deformations in the partial exploitation area of the 712/1-2 seam at the Marcel Coal Mine. An important element in this exploitation is the limitation of the length of longwalls with cavings to 130 m and 150 m, leaving an unextracted 70 m wide coal solid belt between them. Leaving the belts aimed to reduce deformations of the mining terrain, with relatively limited deposit losses. The numerical modeling of mining terrain deformations was performed using the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC) software package based on the finite difference method. The results of the geodetic measurements and computer simulations presented in the article confirm the assumption adopted during the planning stage of this exploitation about the possible significant reduction of mining terrain deformations caused by leaving the unextracted belts of coal solid between successive longwall panels.
Content Noise Detection Model Using Deep Learning in Web Forums
Authors: Woo Jiyoung , Yun Jaeseok
Published: June 2020

Spam posts in web forum discussions cause user inconvenience and lower the value of the web forum as an open source of user opinion. In this regard, as the importance of a web post is evaluated in terms of the number of involved authors, noise distorts the analysis results by adding unnecessary data to the opinion analysis. Here, in this work, an automatic detection model for spam posts in web forums using both conventional machine learning and deep learning is proposed. To automatically differentiate between normal posts and spam, evaluators were asked to recognize spam posts in advance. To construct the machine learning-based model, text features from posted content using text mining techniques from the perspective of linguistics were extracted, and supervised learning was performed to distinguish content noise from normal posts. For the deep learning model, raw text including and excluding special characters was utilized. A comparison analysis on deep neural networks using the two different recurrent neural network (RNN) models of the simple RNN and long short-term memory (LSTM) network was also performed. Furthermore, the proposed model was applied to two web forums. The experimental results indicate that the deep learning model affords significant improvements over the accuracy of conventional machine learning associated with text features. The accuracy of the proposed model using LSTM reaches 98.56%, and the precision and recall of the noise class reach 99% and 99.53%, respectively.
The YouTube Marketing Communication Effect on Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Attitudes among Generation Z Consumers
Authors: Duffett Rodney
Published: June 2020

YouTube (YT) is the largest online video digital channel with more than 2 billion users, and over a billion hours of YT videos are viewed every day, particularly among young consumers. YT has become a massive marketing communication platform, which serves as a medium to target the lucrative Generation Z cohort (first born in the late 1990s), and influence this generation’s infamously unpredictable purchase decision process. The main aim of this paper was to consider the effect of YouTube marketing communication (YMC) on the traditional and non-traditional attitudinal associations of response hierarchy models. A multi-stage sample technique was used and 3750 high school and college learners (aged 13–18 years old) were surveyed via self-administered questionnaires in South Africa. Structural equation modelling was utilised to consider the hypothesised attitudinal associations. The research determined that YMC had a positive influence on the hypothesised attitudinal associations, and young consumers who used YT for fewer years, logged on more frequently, spent shorter time periods on the platform, viewed higher numbers of commercials, aged 13–14 years old, and from the White population group exhibited the most positive attitudinal responses. Hence, organisations should review their strategies in order to develop more sustainable YMC owing to the heterogeneity evident among young African consumers.
The Culture for Open Innovation Dynamics
Authors: Yun JinHyo Joseph , Zhao Xiaofei , Jung KwangHo , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: June 2020

Culture, in its various forms, has always been a critical driver of innovation. This paper focuses on generating some insights into the role of “culture for open innovation dynamics”. First, because the requirement to understand culture, which can control open innovation complexity, has been augmented, we want to answer the following research question in this study: How can we define or organize “culture for open innovation dynamics”, which can motivate open innovation dynamics, and control open innovation complexity? Second, we propose a concept model of culture for open innovation dynamics by reviewing the literature on the culture of firms in terms of their traits, organization, static innovation, and dynamic aspects regarding their innovation in entrepreneurship, and we validate said model through an indirect social experiment using the research results of 23 Special Issue papers. Third, the concept model of culture for open innovation dynamics is explained as the interaction between three different entrepreneurship dimensions: Entrepreneurship of novice entrepreneurs, intrapreneurship of employees of an existing firm, and organizational entrepreneurship by the firm itself. According to the balance of three sub-entrepreneurship types, culture for open innovation dynamics can have different aspects, namely, entrepreneurship leading culture for open innovation dynamics, intrapreneurship leading culture for open innovation dynamics, or organizational entrepreneurship leading culture for open innovation dynamics. This paper helps organizations and entrepreneurs to better understand the role that culture plays in boosting open innovation dynamics.
A Review of Southeast Asian Oil Palm and Its CO2 Fluxes
Authors: Uning Royston , Latif Mohd Talib , Othman Murnira , Juneng Liew , Mohd Hanif Norfazrin , Nadzir Mohd Shahrul Mohd , Abdul Maulud Khairul Nizam , Jaafar Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd , Said Nor Fitrah Syazwani , Ahamad Fatimah , Takriff Mohd Sobri
Published: June 2020

Palm oil production is a key industry in tropical regions, driven by the demand for affordable vegetable oil. Palm oil production has been increasing by 9% every year, mostly due to expanding biofuel markets. However, the oil palm industry has been associated with key environmental issues, such as deforestation, peatland exploitation and biomass burning that release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, leading to climate change. This review therefore aims to discuss the characteristics of oil palm plantations and their impacts, especially CO2 emissions in the Southeast Asian region. The tropical climate and soil in Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, are very suitable for growing oil palm trees. However, due to the scarcity of available plantation areas deforestation occurs, especially in peat swamp areas. Total carbon losses from both biomass and peat due to the conversion of tropical virgin peat swamp forest into oil palm plantations are estimated to be around 427.2 ± 90.7 t C ha−1 and 17.1 ± 3.6 t C ha−1 year−1, respectively. Even though measured CO2 fluxes have shown that overall, oil palm plantation CO2 emissions are about one to two times higher than other major crops, the ability of oil palms to absorb CO2 (a net of 64 tons of CO2 per hectare each year) and produce around 18 tons of oxygen per hectare per year is one of the main advantages of this crop. Since the oil palm industry plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of Southeast Asian countries, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices would provide economic benefits while minimizing environmental impacts. A comprehensive review of all existing oil plantation procedures is needed to ensure that this high yielding crop has highly competitive environmental benefits.
Time of Use and Patterns of Internet Consumption in University Students: A Comparative Study between Spanish-Speaking Countries
Authors: Gómez-Galán José , Vergara Diego , Ordóñez-Olmedo Eva , Veytia-Bucheli María Guadalupe
Published: June 2020

Today, the processes of virtualization in higher education are decisive. The digital paradigm has an enormous influence on the university world, and will have even more in the future. Knowing how students access the Internet, how they consume it and how long they use it would be of great value for university policy, to facilitate the proper integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). The main objective of this study is to determine the time of use of the Internet by university students in different Spanish-speaking countries in the last eight years (2012–2019). It also aims to determine whether belonging to a common cultural space has an influence on this fact. The broad sample was composed of 2463 subjects from Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. The results show that there is no homogeneity in the time of use and consumption patterns among the countries analyzed. The particular elements and social habits of each specific country, and multiple variables within each of them, condition their use. In conclusion, it can be argued that the integration of ICTs in university contexts is a very complex phenomenon in which multiple factors are present. In this sense, the sustainable educational policies of each country—and even of each university—must focus on their characteristics and idiosyncrasies. Importing practices from other countries, or attempting to apply common patterns of integration, may not be effective because of differences in the very different variables present in each.
Identifying the Key Barriers to Promote Sustainable Construction in the United States: A Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Karji Ali , Namian Mostafa , Tafazzoli Mohammadsoroush
Published: June 2020

The need to build more facilities has intensified the inherited adverse impacts of the construction industry on the triple bottom lines of sustainability (i.e., people, planet, and profit). The current practice of sustainability in the construction industry is far from reaching the targeted green goals. In order to foster these endeavors, this study aims to explore sustainable construction barriers in the United States. To achieve the objective, first, 12 sustainability barriers were identified based on an excessive and comprehensive literature review and solicitation of experts’ opinions to validate the barriers. Next, a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed among 135 industry professionals to evaluate the relative importance of factors. To offer a practical solution, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the data and find the most effective barriers. The results show that four major barriers, including (1) pre-construction constraints, (2) managerial constraints, (3) legislative constraints, and (4) financial and planning constraints are the most influential challenges that the industry faces to foster sustainable construction. Practical solutions are suggested to tackle sustainable construction barriers. The findings of this study are beneficial to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry members along with owners and policymakers.
Do Personal Norms Predict Citizens’ Acceptance of Green Transport Policies in China
Authors: Zhang Leibao , Sheng Liming , Zhang Wenyu , Zhang Shuai
Published: June 2020

In order to solve the environmental problems caused by the increasing private car use in China, such as transport energy consumption, traffic congestion, and air pollution, many policy measures including car purchase taxes, restrictions on car use in the city center, and incentives to promote electric vehicles have been developed. By taking Hangzhou, a low-carbon metropolitan city in China, as an illustrative example, green transport policies have been proactively implemented in order to turn the metropolitan city into an ecologically livable city. However, citizens’ acceptance of comprehensive green transport policies has seldom been studied and explored, which is actually quite valuable information for implementing and assessing the effectiveness of green transport policies. This study presents a new integrated framework by extending the value belief norm (VBN) theory in order to explore the internal factors for predicting citizens’ acceptance of comprehensive green transport policies and other pro-environmental behaviors in the transport field. A survey on car use reduction was conducted among citizens in Hangzhou and a quantitative analysis was performed using a structural equation model (SEM) method. Results show that personal norms can successfully predict citizens’ acceptance of pull policies for reducing car use, while is less capable of predicting that of push ones. The theoretical implications of different pro-environmental behaviors are explained. This analysis may inspire policy makers to implement appropriate policies to encourage the public to use low-carbon transport in daily life.
Sustainable European Transport System in a 100% Renewable Economy
Authors: García-Olivares Antonio , Solé Jordi , Samsó Roger , Ballabrera-Poy Joaquim
Published: June 2020

Europe must move towards a 100% renewable transportation system for climate, energy and sustainability reasons. We estimate the capital and energy required for building and operating a renewable transportation system providing similar services as the EU-28 transport system of 2016. It could be based on: biogas or fuel cell vessels; liquid biogas powered aircrafts; electric railways and fuel cell or electric vehicles between major cities; and car sharing, electric buses and electric two- and three-wheelers, for short journeys. A system of charging posts on the streets and roads for passenger and commercial e-vehicles is studied. Alternatively, a Tracked Electric Vehicle system of continuous power on European roads would improve energy efficiency and the saving of scarce metals (Ni, Li), at a lower cost, if only national roads were electrified. The investment for the construction of the whole system would be 2.3–2.7% of the EU’s GDP per year for 30 years. The new system operation would require 16% less energy than that of 2016, with reduction of 70% in road transport. However, shipping and aviation would demand 162% and 149% more energy, respectively, if liquefied biogas were used as fuel. A type of land transport fully based on trains would provide a similar service to that of an electric vehicle fleet, with a 29% lower energy consumption.