bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Influences of Heterogeneity on Rock Strength at Different Strain Rates
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Sharafisafa Mansour , Shen Luming
Published: June 2021

Pre-existing cracks and associated filling materials cause the significant heterogeneity of natural rocks and rock masses. The induced heterogeneity changes the rock properties. This paper targets the gap in the existing literature regarding the adopting of artificial neural network approaches to efficiently and accurately predict the influences of heterogeneity on the strength of 3D-printed rocks at different strain rates. Herein, rock heterogeneity is reflected by different pre-existing crack and filling material configurations, quantitatively defined by the crack number, initial crack orientation with loading axis, crack tip distance, and crack offset distance. The artificial neural network model can be trained, validated, and tested by finite 42 quasi-static and 42 dynamic Brazilian disc experimental tests to establish the relationship between the rock strength and heterogeneous parameters at different strain rates. The artificial neural network architecture, including the hidden layer number and transfer functions, is optimized by the corresponding parametric study. Once trained, the proposed artificial neural network model generates an excellent prediction accuracy for influences of high dimensional heterogeneous parameters and strain rate on rock strength. The sensitivity analysis indicates that strain rate is the most important physical quantity affecting the strength of heterogeneous rock.
Experimental and Modelling of Alkali-Activated Mortar Compressive Strength Using Hybrid Support Vector Regression and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Al-Sodani Khaled A. Alawi , Adewumi Adeshina Adewale , Mohd Ariffin Mohd Azreen , Maslehuddin Mohammed , Ismail Mohammad , Salami Hamza Onoruoiza , Owolabi Taoreed O. , Mohamed Hatim Dafalla
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the outcome of work conducted to develop models for the prediction of compressive strength (CS) of alkali-activated limestone powder and natural pozzolan mortar (AALNM) using hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) and support vector regression (SVR) algorithm, for the first time. The developed hybrid GA-SVR-CS1, GA-SVR-CS3, and GA-SVR-CS14 models are capable of estimating the one-day, three-day, and 14-day compressive strength, respectively, of AALNM up to 96.64%, 90.84%, and 93.40% degree of accuracy as measured on the basis of correlation coefficient between the measured and estimated values for a set of data that is excluded from training and testing phase of the model development. The developed hybrid GA-SVR-CS28E model estimates the 28-days compressive strength of AALNM using the 14-days strength, it performs better than hybrid GA-SVR-CS28C model, hybrid GA-SVR-CS28B model, hybrid GA-SVR-CS28A model, and hybrid GA-SVR-CS28D model that respectively estimates the 28-day compressive strength using three-day strength, one day-strength, all the descriptors and seven day-strength with performance improvement of 103.51%, 124.47%, 149.94%, and 262.08% on the basis of root mean square error. The outcome of this work will promote the use of environment-friendly concrete with excellent strength and provide effective as well as efficient ways of modeling the compressive strength of concrete.
The Effect of pH and Viscosity on Magnetophoretic Separation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Wittmann Leonie , Turrina Chiara , Schwaminger Sebastian P.
Published: June 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are used for magnetophoresis-based separation processes in various biomedical and engineering applications. Essential requirements are the colloidal stability of the MNPs and the ability to be separated even in low magnetic field gradients. Bare iron oxide nanoparticles (BIONs) with a diameter of 9.2 nm are synthesized via coprecipitation, exhibiting a high saturation magnetization of 70.84 Am2 kg−1 and no remanence. In our study, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and sedimentation analysis show that the aggregation behavior of BIONs is influenced by pH and viscosity. Small aggregate clusters are formed with either low or high pH values or increased viscosity. Regarding magnetophoresis-based separation, a higher viscosity leads to lower magnetophoretic velocities, similar to how small aggregates do. Additionally, cooperative magnetophoresis, the joint motion of strongly interacting particles, affects the separation of the BIONs, too. Our study emphasizes the effect of pH and viscosity on the physicochemical characteristics of MNPs, resulting in different aggregation behavior. Particularly, for high viscous working media in downstream processing and medicine, respectively, the viscosity should be taken into account, as it will affect particle migration.
Altitudinal Visual Field Defects Following Diagnostic Transfemoral Cerebral Angiography
Authors: Yoon Kyungwoo , Chae Soo Young , Kim Kiyoung
Published: June 2021

Transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) has been increasingly used as diagnostic method for the evaluation of cerebral vessels. Ophthalmologic complication after TFCA has rarely been reported, and most complications are associated with an intraoperative thrombo-embolic event. We reported a patient who developed a superior altitudinal visual field defect one day after diagnostic TFCA. The ophthalmic exam revealed a prominent inferior optic disc edema, and the fluorescein angiographic showed the non-perfusion of the corresponding inferior sectoral optic disc. Diffusion-weighted MRI on the day following cerebral angiography revealed multiple focal scattered acute infarctions. Even one month after steroid pulse therapy, the superior nasal field defect remained with minimal improvement. We believe this case was consistent with an acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) due to thrombo-embolism after TFCA. Ophthalmic examinations and a visual field test should be performed before and immediately after the TFCA, particularly in the case with a high risk of thromboembolic events.
Deformation of Al85Y8Ni5Co2 Metallic Glasses under Cyclic Mechanical Load and Uniform Heating
Authors: Berezner Arseniy D. , Fedorov Victor A. , Zadorozhnyy Mikhail Yu. , Golovin Igor S. , Louzguine-Luzgin Dmitri V.
Published: June 2021

Modelling of the deformation process of Al85Y8Ni5Co2 amorphous alloys was carried out under simultaneous application of cyclic mechanical load (at 0.3 or 3 Hz frequencies) and continuously increasing temperature (heating rate 5 K/min). It is shown that deformation of the amorphous specimens occurs by the hyperbolic temporal dependence. It is analytically determined and experimentally proved that for non-isothermal cyclic deformation, the wave effects take place as a result of the superposition of thermal-activated and mechanical components. The behaviour of the material under thermo-mechanical action was described qualitatively within the framework of Spaepen’s model. The dependencies for the reaction force of the samples were obtained as two-parameter functions of the frequency and temperature. A reaction force surface of a specimen, as a function of the different forcing frequencies and time, has been plotted.
Superior Degradation Performance of Nanoporous Copper Catalysts on Methyl Orange
Authors: Wang Jinyi , Yang Sen
Published: June 2021

The development of low-cost and high-efficiency catalysts for wastewater treatment is of great significance. Herein, nanoporous Cu/Cu2O catalysts were synthesized from MnCu, MnCuNi, and MnCuAl with similar ligament size through one-step dealloying. Meanwhile, the comparisons of three catalysts in performing methyl orange degradation were investigated. One of the catalysts possessed a degradation efficiency as high as 7.67 mg·g−1·min−1. With good linear fitting by the pseudo-first-order model, the reaction rate constant was evaluated. In order to better understand the degradation process, the adsorption behavior was considered, and it was divided into three stages based on the intra-particle diffusion model. Three different temperatures were applied to explore the activation energy of the degradation. As a photocatalytic agent, the nanoporous structure of Cu/Cu2O possessed a large surface area and it also had low activation energy, which were beneficial to the excellent degradation performance.
In Vivo Microelectrode Arrays for Detecting Multi-Region Epileptic Activities in the Hippocampus in the Latent Period of Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Dai Yuchuan , Song Yilin , Xie Jingyu , Xu Shengwei , Li Xinrong , He Enhui , Yin Huabing , Cai Xinxia
Published: June 2021

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a form of refractory focal epilepsy, which includes a latent period and a chronic period. Microelectrode arrays capable of multi-region detection of neural activities are important for accurately identifying the epileptic focus and pathogenesis mechanism in the latent period of TLE. Here, we fabricated multi-shank MEAs to detect neural activities in the DG, hilus, CA3, and CA1 in the TLE rat model. In the latent period in TLE rats, seizures were induced and changes in neural activities were detected. The results showed that induced seizures spread from the hilus and CA3 to other areas. Furthermore, interneurons in the hilus and CA3 were more excited than principal cells and exhibited rhythmic oscillations at approximately 15 Hz in grand mal seizures. In addition, the power spectral density (PSD) of neural spikes and local field potentials (LFPs) were synchronized in the frequency domain of the alpha band (9–15 Hz) after the induction of seizures. The results suggest that fabricated MEAs have the advantages of simultaneous and precise detection of neural activities in multiple subregions of the hippocampus. Our MEAs promote the study of cellular mechanisms of TLE during the latent period, which provides an important basis for the diagnosis of the lesion focus of TLE.
Surface Structuring by Laser Remelting (WaveShape): Microstructuring of Ti6Al4V for a Small Laser Beam Diameter and High Scan Speeds
Authors: Temmler André , Qi Shan
Published: June 2021

The appearance of a surface is a crucial characteristic of a part or component. Laser-based micromachining gets increasingly important in generating tailored surface topographies. A novel structuring technique for surface engineering is surface structuring by laser remelting (WaveShape), in which surface features are created without material loss. In this study, we investigated the evolution of surface topographies on Ti6Al4V for a laser beam diameter of 50 m and scan speeds larger than 100 mm/s. Surface features with aspect ratios (ratio of height to width) of almost 1:1 were achieved using the WaveShape process. Furthermore, wavelengths smaller than 500 m could be effectively structured using scan speeds of up to 500 mm/s. The experimental results showed further that the efficiency of the WaveShape process in terms of achieved structure height per unit time significantly increases for high scan speeds.
Alpha2-Adrenoblockers Regulate Development of Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Behaviour of Rats under Chronic Acoustic Stress Conditions
Authors: Melkonyan Magdalina , Manukyan Ashkhen , Hunanyan Lilit , Grigoryan Artem , Harutyunyan Hayk , Sukiasyan Lilit , Danielyan Lusine , Yenkoyan Konstantin
Published: June 2021

Noise is a wide-spread stress factor in modern life produced by urbanization, traffic, and an industrialized environment. Noise stress causes dysfunction and neurotransmission impairment in the central nervous system, as well as changes in hormone levels. In this study, we have examined the level of α-Tocopherol (α-T) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and the erythrocytes’ membrane (EM), as well as the behavioral characteristics of a noise-induced stress model in rats. In addition, the modulating effect of α2-adrenoblockers, beditin, and mesedin on the aforementioned parameters has been investigated. For these purposes, albino male rats were divided into four groups: (1) untreated; (2) noise-exposed, (3) noise-exposed and beditin-treated (2 mg/kg, i.p.), and (4) noise-exposed and mesedin-treated (10 mg/kg, i.p.) animals. Noise-exposed groups were treated with 91dBA noise on 60 days with a daily duration of 8 h. Increased MDA and decreased α-T levels in plasma and EM were observed upon chronic high-level noise exposure. Locomotor and behavioral activity assessed with a Y-maze revealed disorientation and increased anxiety under chronic noise exposure. Prominently, α2-adrenoblockers alleviated both behavioral deficits and oxidative stress, providing evidence for the involvement of α2-adrenoceptor in the pathophysiology of noise-induced stress.
Capillary Sensor for Detection of Amphetamine Precursors in Sewage Water
Authors: Wiśnik-Sawka Monika , Maziejuk Mirosław , Fabianowski Wojciech , Karpińska Urszula , Szwast Maciej , Weremczuk Jerzy
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the problem of detecting benzyl methyl ketone (BMK), which is a precursor of amphetamine that can be synthesized in home labs. The focus of our work was to identify an improvement for the analysis of sewage introduced into the municipal sewage system. The sensors used to detect BKM in these systems are often clogged and therefore cannot function properly. In this article, a new method of detecting BMK and other chemicals in wastewater is presented. A system containing capillary polypropylene, hydrophobized with polysiloxane coating fibers was prepared. These solutions were used for continuous online measurements by ion mobility spectrometry. The use of pipes with a polysiloxane coating reduces the permeation of water and significantly increases the BMK permeation due to its high solubility in the polymer.
The Future of Post-Shoah Christology: Three Challenges and Three Hopes
Authors: Admirand Peter
Published: June 2021

Post-Shoah Christology is embedded in the unique relationship of Jews and Christians, especially Jesus’ Jewishness and the Jewish roots of Christianity, as well as Christian moral failures towards Jews before and during the Shoah. Essential for contemporary Christianity, a vibrant post-Shoah Christology confronts three main challenges, each demanding a different response. The first challenge is the reality that soon there will be no more first-generation witnesses to the Final Solution. Such is an inevitable challenge that has to be faced and prepared for. Religious pluralism is the second challenge, and includes a number of related threads, yet should ultimately be embraced. The third challenge is the (inevitable?) loss of memory, passion, and urgency, a willful forgetfulness by Christians towards the importance of the Jewish–Christian relationship, and especially, Christian failure in the Shoah. This challenge demands robust refutation and ongoing struggle. Before addressing these challenges, I will first further define and highlight the need for a post-Shoah Christology and will conclude this article with three general and three concrete hopes for a viable post-Shoah Christology.
An Analysis of Vertical Crustal Movements along the European Coast from Satellite Altimetry, Tide Gauge, GNSS and Radar Interferometry
Authors: Kowalczyk Kamil , Pajak Katarzyna , Wieczorek Beata , Naumowicz Bartosz
Published: June 2021

The main aim of the article was to analyse the actual accuracy of determining the vertical movements of the Earth’s crust (VMEC) based on time series made of four measurement techniques: satellite altimetry (SA), tide gauges (TG), fixed GNSS stations and radar interferometry. A relatively new issue is the use of the persistent scatterer InSAR (PSInSAR) time series to determine VMEC. To compare the PSInSAR results with GNSS, an innovative procedure was developed: the workflow of determining the value of VMEC velocities in GNSS stations based on InSAR data. In our article, we have compiled 110 interferograms for ascending satellites and 111 interferograms for descending satellites along the European coast for each of the selected 27 GNSS stations, which is over 5000 interferograms. This allowed us to create time series of unprecedented time, very similar to the time resolution of time series from GNSS stations. As a result, we found that the obtained accuracies of the VMEC determined from the PSInSAR are similar to those obtained from the GNSS time series. We have shown that the VMEC around GNSS stations determined by other techniques are not the same.
Climatology of Convective Storms in Estonia from Radar Data and Severe Convective Environments
Authors: Voormansik Tanel , Müürsepp Tuule , Post Piia
Published: June 2021

Data from the C-band weather radar located in central Estonia in conjunction with the latest reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), ERA5, and Nordic Lightning Information System (NORDLIS) lightning location system data are used to investigate the climatology of convective storms for nine summer periods (2010–2019, 2017 excluded). First, an automated 35-dBZ reflectivity threshold-based storm area detection algorithm is used to derive initial individual convective cells from the base level radar reflectivity. Those detected cells are used as a basis combined with convective available potential energy (CAPE) values from ERA5 reanalysis to find thresholds for a severe convective storm in Estonia. A severe convective storm is defined as an area with radar reflectivity at least 51 dBZ and CAPE at least 80 J/kg. Verification of those severe convective storm areas with lightning data reveals a good correlation on various temporal scales from hourly to yearly distributions. The probability of a severe convective storm day in the study area during the summer period is 45%, and the probability of a thunderstorm day is 54%. Jenkinson Collison’ circulation types are calculated from ERA5 reanalysis to find the probability of a severe convective storm depending on the circulation direction and the representativeness of the investigated period by comparing it against 1979–2019. The prevailing airflow direction is from SW and W, whereas the probability of the convective storm to be severe is in the case of SE and S airflow. Finally, the spatial distribution of the severe convective storms shows that the yearly mean number of severe convective days for the 100 km2 grid cell is mostly between 3 and 8 in the distance up to 150 km from radar. Severe convective storms are most frequent in W and SW parts of continental Estonia.
An Open-Source Scale Model Platform for Teaching Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
Authors: Vincke Bastien , Rodriguez Florez Sergio Rodriguez , Aubert Pascal
Published: June 2021

Emerging technologies in the context of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) have drastically evolved the industry’s qualification requirements. AVs incorporate complex perception and control systems. Teaching the associated skills that are necessary for the analysis of such systems becomes a very difficult process and existing solutions do not facilitate learning. In this study, our efforts are devoted to proposingan open-source scale model vehicle platform that is designed for teaching the fundamental concepts of autonomous vehicles technologies that are adapted to undergraduate and technical students. The proposed platform is as realistic as possible in order to present and address all of the fundamental concepts that are associated with AV. It includes all on-board components of a stand-alone system, including low and high level functions. Such functionalities are detailed and a proof of concept prototype is presented. A set of experiments is carried out, and the results obtained using this prototype validate the usability of the model for the analysis of time- and energy-constrained systems, as well as distributed embedded perception systems.
BIM and Computer Vision-Based Framework for Fire Emergency Evacuation Considering Local Safety Performance
Authors: Deng Hui , Ou Zhibin , Zhang Genjie , Deng Yichuan , Tian Mao
Published: June 2021

Fire hazard in public buildings may result in serious casualties due to the difficulty of evacuation caused by intricate interior space and unpredictable development of fire situations. It is essential to provide safe and reliable indoor navigation for people trapped in the fire. Distinguished from the global shortest rescue route planning, a framework focusing on the local safety performance is proposed for emergency evacuation navigation. Sufficiently utilizing the information from Building Information Modeling (BIM), this framework automatically constructs geometry network model (GNM) through Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and integrates computer vision for indoor positioning. Considering the available local egress time (ALET), a back propagation (BP) neural network is applied for adjusting the rescue route according to the fire situation, improving the local safety performance of evacuation. A campus building is taken as an example for proving the feasibility of the framework proposed. The result indicates that the rescue route generated by proposed framework is secure and reasonable. The proposed framework provides an idea for using real-time images only to implement the automatic generation of rescue route when a fire hazard occurs, which is passive, cheap, and convenient.
Is the Right to Housing Being Realized in Canada? Learning from the Experiences of Tenants in Affordable Housing Units in a Large Canadian City
Authors: Ramage Kaylee , Bell Meaghan , Zaretsky Lisa , Lee Laura , Milaney Katrina
Published: June 2021

Background: Housing is a critical determinant of health and a basic human right. Historically, Canada’s housing policies have not been grounded in a human rights-based approach. In the 1990s, a policy shift prioritized efficiency in government spending and deficit reductions over the provision of many social programs including affordable housing. With various levels of government now acknowledging and recognizing the need for more affordable housing, it is important to understand tenant experiences, perspectives, and needs to ensure policies and practices are supporting individuals appropriately. Methods: In total, 161 individuals participated in this study by completing online or in-person questionnaires. Results: Exploratory analysis of results revealed that although there were some positive benefits to affordable housing, many tenants continued to struggle financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally without adequate supports in place. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for affordable housing to be part of a system of care that provides supports along a continuum. The results further reiterate that placing a person or family in affordable housing does not guarantee that their lives have improved. Without robust affordable housing models that prioritize the empowerment of individuals and families, housing policies may fail to fulfil the right to safe and affordable housing for Canadians, especially when considering historically marginalized populations.
Factors Influencing Small-Scale Fishers’ Individual Perceived Wellbeing Satisfaction in Southern Benin
Authors: Kpanou Sètondji Ben-Vital Kolawolé , Dedehouanou Houinsou , Chogou Sylvain Kpenavoun , Aoudji Augustin K. N. , Dogot Thomas
Published: June 2021

In southern Benin, the rapid growth of demographics and the need for fishery products have forced public managers to adopt various management measures in the face of anti-ecological methods used by fishers; however, these strategies are often formulated independent from the context. These measures have not remained without consequence on the daily lives of fishers. This paper examines factors influencing fishers’ individual perceived wellbeing satisfaction using the social-ecological system framework. Data on 205 small-scale fishers’ demographic information, perception of job, and individual wellbeing satisfaction and governance subsystems were collected and analysed by the use of an ordered logistic regression. The results demonstrate that job satisfaction and ownership of water bodies (in contradiction to Ostrom’s advocation for commons management) affected fishers’ individual perceived wellbeing satisfaction. Fishers likely value ownerships, affecting their perceived wellbeing mainly in the South East. The prohibition of certain fishing gear decreases fishers’ individual perceived wellbeing, indicating their attachment to these. Therefore, the question remains as to whether or not the scenarios of eco-sustainability of artisanal fisheries can be managed in the same manner as those related urban dwellers and the public sector. This is in particular reference to the line between urban land property rights, urban dwellers and the state, and property rights on water bodies, fishers, and the state.
Impact of Land Configuration and Strip-Intercropping on Runoff, Soil Loss and Crop Yields under Rainfed Conditions in the Shivalik Foothills of North-West, India
Authors: Khokhar Anil , Yousuf Abrar , Singh Manmohanjit , Sharma Vivek , Sandhu Parminder Singh , Chary Gajjala Ravindra
Published: June 2021

Maintaining sustainable crop production on undulating, sloppy, and erodible soils in Shivalik foothills of North-west India is a challenging task. Intercropping is accepted as a highly sustainable system to reduce soil erosion and ensure sustainable production by making efficient use of resources. Field experiments were conducted in the rainy season (July to September) during 2015, 2016, and 2017 to evaluate the effect of land slopes and maize and cowpea strip-intercropping on productivity and resource conservation at the Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri located in the Shivalik foothills. During three years of experimentation, a total of 23–26 runoff events were observed in the maize crop grown in the rainy season. The results from this 3-year field study indicate that maize grain yield was significantly higher on a 1% slope and cowpea on a 2% slope. This accounted for significantly higher net returns (US$ 428 ha−1) with a benefit-cost (BC) ratio of 2.0 on a 1% slope. Runoff, soil, and nutrient losses were higher on a 3% slope as compared to 1% and 2% slopes. N, P, and K loss on a 3% slope were 3.80, 1.82, and 4.10 kg ha−1 higher, respectively than a 1% slope. The adoption of a strip-intercropping system with a 4.8 m maize strip width and 1.2 m cowpea strip width resulted in significantly higher maize equivalent yield than sole maize and other strip-intercropping systems. This system showed the highest land equivalent ratio value (1.24) indicating a 24% yield advantage over sole cropping systems of maize and cowpea, and fetched the highest net returns (US$ 530 ha−1) with a benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) of 2.09. This system also reduced runoff and soil loss by 10.9% and 8.3%, respectively than sole maize crop. On all the land slopes, maize and cowpea strip-intercropping systems showed a significant reduction in N, P, K, and organic carbon loss as compared to sole maize. Thus, on sloping land, the maize and cowpea strip-intercropping system decreases surface runoff, soil, and nutrient loss, and increases yield and income of the farmers as compared to a sole maize crop.
Projection of Water Availability and Sustainability in Nigeria Due to Climate Change
Authors: Shiru Mohammed Sanusi , Shahid Shamsuddin , Park Inhwan
Published: June 2021

This study projects water availability and sustainability in Nigeria due to climate change. This study used Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) terrestrial water storage data (TWS), Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) precipitation data and Climate Research Unit (CRU) temperature data. Four general circulation models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 were downscaled using the best of four downscaling methods. Two machine learning (ML) models, RF and SVM, were developed to simulate GRACE TWS data for the period 2002–2016 and were then used for the projection of spatiotemporal changes in TWS. The projected TWS data were used to assess the spatiotemporal changes in water availability and sustainability based on the reliability–resiliency–vulnerability (RRV) concept. This study revealed that linear scaling was the best for downscaling over Nigeria. RF had better performance than SVM in modeling TWS for the study area. This study also revealed there would be decreases in water storage during the wet season (June–September) and increases in the dry season (January–May). Decreases in projected water availability were in the range of 0–12 mm for the periods 2010–2039, 2040–2069, and 2070–2099 under RCP2.6 and in the range of 0–17 mm under RCP8.5 during the wet season. Spatially, annual changes in water storage are expected to increase in the northern part and decrease in the south, particularly in the country’s southeast. Groundwater sustainability was higher during the period 2070–2099 under all RCPs compared to the other periods and this can be attributed to the expected increases in rainfall during this period.
Characteristics of Organically Grown Compared to Conventionally Grown Potato and the Processed Products: A Review
Authors: Djaman Koffi , Sanogo Soum , Koudahe Komlan , Allen Samuel , Saibou Aminou , Essah Samuel
Published: June 2021

Interest in organic foods is increasing at a moment when humanity is facing a range of health challenges including the concern that some conventionally produced foods may pose possible adverse effects on human and livestock health. With the increasing human population, intensive production is increasingly trending towards high-input systems that aim to close yield gaps, increase crop yields, and develop new crop varieties with higher yield potential and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, all within the context of incorporating specific traits to satisfy consumer demand. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most consumed foods under different cultural diets; however, its production faces some challenges related to soilborne diseases, marketable yield and quality, sugars and dry matter content of the produced tubers, tuber content in terms of nitrate, minerals, vitamins, bioactive compounds, and antioxidants, and consumer appreciation regarding the sensory characteristics of tubers and processed products. Different studies have been investigating some of these challenges, with sometimes straightforward and sometimes conflicting results. This variability in research results indicates the general non-transferability of the results from one location to another under the same management practices in addition to differences in plant material. This review compares some characteristics of raw or boiled potato and processed products from potato tubers grown organically and conventionally. Ideally, such information may be of benefit in decision making by consumers in their dietary choices, by potato growers in their selection of crop management practices, and by scientists looking at potential areas for future research on potatoes.
User Participation Behavior in Crowdsourcing Platforms: Impact of Information Signaling Theory
Authors: Gao Suying , Jin Xiangshan , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2021

As a type of open innovation, emerging crowdsourcing platforms have garnered significant attention from users and companies. This study aims to determine how online seeker signals affect the user participation behavior of the solver in the open innovation crowdsourcing community, by means of which to achieve the long-term sustainable development of the emerging crowdsourcing platform. We performed data analysis based on the system of regression equation approach in order to conduct quantitative research. We found that online reputation and salary comparison positively influence user participation behavior, and that interpersonal trust acts as a strong mediator in the relationship between salary comparison and user participation behavior. In addition, we observed an elevation in task information diversification as a moderator, which positively affects online seeker signals on user participation behavior. Furthermore, an upsurge was noted in task information overload as a moderator, which adversely affects online seeker signals on user participation behavior. The contributions of this article include the application of the innovative signal transmission model, and online task information quality has important guiding significance on how to design task descriptions for emerging crowdsourcing platforms in order to stimulate user participation behavior.
Compliance of Goat Farming under Extensive Grazing with the Organic Standards and Its Contribution to Sustainability in Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Nahed Toral José , López Tecpoyotl Zenón Gerardo , Aguilar Jiménez José Roberto , Grande Cano Daniel , Delgadillo Puga Claudia
Published: June 2021

In order to determine whether organic production may be a viable option for goat farmers of the lower Mixteca region of Puebla, Mexico, in order to increase sustainability of their farms, we evaluated the extent to which these goat farms fulfill organic standards. Additionally, we revised their level of sustainability by calculating an Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI) using 10 indicators and 36 variables. Information was obtained through two means: direct observation and a questionnaire applied to 119 goat farmers of six municipalities of the region. These goat farms principally consist of creole goats that graze in extensive communal rangelands and grasslands in non-arable lands with xerophytic vegetation, and their principal product is meat of adult goats. The goat farms had a moderate level of OLCI (48.0–53.6%) as well as a moderate level of sustainability (46.0–58%) for the goat farms included in this study). Five indicators showed limited compliance of the goat farms, with organic standards. Five showed a high level of compliance. The greater the OLCI value, the greater the sustainability of the goat farms. Increasing the level of compliance of the goat farms of the lower Mixteca region of Puebla, with the organic standards, which would in turn increase their level of sustainability, would require improving technical, social, environmental, and economic aspects of these farms, as well as co-responsibility in promoting sustainable organic goat farming by the different social actors involved (farmers, researchers, technical advisors, and policymakers).
The Role of Internal Control in Firms’ Coping with the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Peiqing , Song Jianbo
Published: June 2021

Internal control plays a role in risk prevention for firms when dealing with serious emergencies, which ensures the sustainable development of firms during a crisis. Based on the rapid outbreak of COVID-19 in China, this paper empirically tests whether internal control alleviates the negative impact of the pandemic on firm performance. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from the first quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2020 and employing the difference-in-difference (DID) method, we find that the firms with a higher quality of internal control achieve better financial performance during the pandemic period; the more serious the pandemic is, the more obvious effect internal control plays. Furthermore, we consider the industry heterogeneity and firm heterogeneity of the risk resistance effect of internal control. In the manufacturing industry, which is a “disaster zone” of the pandemic, and the non-high-tech industry with a low degree of digitization, internal control can play a more important role in firms’ performance. Moreover, for state-owned enterprises, and firms with strong financing constraints, the role of internal control is more prominent. The above results provide empirical evidence for the risk prevention function of internal control and shed new light on the measures for firms to resist emergencies in the future.
“Authenticity” as a Pathway to Sustainable Cultural Tourism? The Cases of Gotland and Rapa Nui
Authors: Poort Marije Eileen , Persson-Fischier Ulrika , Martinsson-Wallin Helene , Elf Donaldson Evelina , Schaub Mareike
Published: June 2021

In this paper, two World Heritage island destinations are compared, Gotland in the Baltic and Rapa Nui in the Pacific. Both islands deal with a growing number of tourists, which asks for rethinking of tourism development. As cultural heritage plays a major role in tourism for both destinations, it is especially important to look into sustainable cultural tourism development from the perspective of authenticity. The paper is based on a variety of materials and takes an innovative approach to methods through a student–staff collaboration. The data show that social acceptance of tourism by local communities on both islands could be achieved through the creation of authentic experiences. Furthermore, data show that it is rather potent to engage both locals and tourists in modernized authentic experiences. However, this can only be done if locals are empowered and are genuinely allowed to steer the development of tourism.
Modelling the European Union Sustainability Transition: A Soft-Linking Approach
Authors: Bassi Andrea M. , Costantini Valeria , Paglialunga Elena
Published: June 2021

The European Green Deal (EGD) is the most ambitious decarbonisation strategy currently envisaged, with a complex mix of different instruments aiming at improving the sustainability of the development patterns of the European Union in the next 30 years. The intrinsic complexity brings key open questions on the cost and effectiveness of the strategy. In this paper we propose a novel methodological approach to soft-linking two modelling tools, a systems thinking (ST) and a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, in order to provide a broader ex-ante policy evaluation process. We use ST to highlight the main economic feedback loops the EGD strategy might trigger. We then quantify these loops with a scenario analysis developed in a dynamic CGE framework. Our main finding is that such a soft-linking approach allows discovery of multiple channels and spillover effects across policy instruments that might help improve the policy mix design. Specifically, positive spillovers arise from the adoption of a revenue recycling mechanism that ensures strong support for the development and diffusion of clean energy technologies. Such spillover effects benefit not only the European Union (EU) market but also non-EU countries via trade-based technology transfer, with a net positive effect in terms of global emissions reduction.
An Innovative Signal Timing Strategy for Implementing Contraflow Left-Turn Lanes at Signalized Intersections with Split Phasing
Authors: Guo Rongwei , Liu Jinli , Qi Yi
Published: June 2021

Contraflow Left-Turn Lanes (CLLs) have the potential of being a solution for mitigating congestions at signalized intersections where split phasing is recommended or required. However, the current signal timing strategy for the intersections with CLLs cannot be directly applied at the signalized intersections with split phasing (SIWSP). To address this problem, this study proposed an innovative signal timing strategy, which is referred to as Counterclockwise Split Phasing (CSP) signal timing, for implementing the CLLs at the SIWSPs. A traffic simulation-based case study was conducted and the results indicate that, by using the proposed CSP signal timing plan, CLLs can be implemented at the SIWSP and can significantly reduce the traffic congestions caused by the high left-turn demand at this type of intersection. In addition, since the proposed CSP signal timing design procedure has fully considered the clearance time requirements for the left-turn vehicles on the CLLs, the risk associated with the use of CLLs can be controlled which makes it safe to use this innovative intersection design at SIWSPs.
Research on Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization for Fresh Products in Supply Chains
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Chai Yi , Ma Le
Published: June 2021

Fresh products are perishable and fragile, which easily leads to higher inventory costs and requires reasonable planning of inventory management. Therefore, it is very important for fresh product supply chain systems to have multi-echelon inventory control. However, in past studies, few control models of the multi-echelon inventory considered the deterioration rate of perishable products as the variable factor. In this paper, on the basis of considering the perishable characteristics of fresh products, combining the deterioration rate with the inventory control model, a multi-echelon inventory control model for fresh products is designed and optimized, and the optimal solution from the whole supply chain is obtained through the optimal fitness function by genetic algorithm. Finally, Flexsim is used to simulate the two inventory strategies before and after optimization. After simulation comparison and analysis, it is verified that the optimized inventory control strategy has lower costs. The research results can help supply chain managers of fresh products to make inventory management decisions and save costs, which is of practical significance.
Sustainability of Business through Project Risk Identification with Use of Expert Estimates
Authors: Buganova Katarina , Luskova Maria , Kubas Jozef , Brutovsky Michal , Slepecky Jaroslav
Published: June 2021

Projects are a tool that enables enterprises to implement innovation and development activities and achieve the goals in the set time, costs and required quality but they also bring risks that need to be adequately identified, analyzed and assessed. Important tools that can be used in project management in the process of risk identification are expert estimates. However, little attention is paid to determining the accuracy of expert estimates. To verify the accuracy of expert estimates, an analysis of all completed projects for a certain period of enterprise that implemented them was performed. The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of expert estimates in the enterprise implementing projects. This was ascertained by analyzing all available completed projects and by Barnard’s test at the significance level of α = 0.05. The Phi coefficient of association was used to determine its extent. In the paper, we pointed out how inappropriate expert estimates affect the completion of the project within the specified period.
Digital Financial Inclusion Sustainability in Jordanian Context
Authors: Lutfi Abdalwali , Al-Okaily Manaf , Alshirah Malek Hamed , Alshira’h Ahmad Farhan , Abutaber Thaer Ahmad , Almarashdah Manal Ali
Published: June 2021

Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) refers to efforts to make digital financial services available and affordable to all individuals and institutions, regardless of their net expense or institution size and demographic location. Despite the immense benefits of DFI and DFI-based products and services such as mobile money and payment systems, users’ acceptance is thin, limited, and disappointing in some developing countries as Jordan. Consequently, this study has investigated the factors influencing the acceptance of the mobile payment system in the Jordanian context. This study’s research model synthesizes the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) variables and extended the model with perceived financial cost as an independent variable. The research model has been empirically confirmed by fitting the model to data collected from 304 Jordanian citizens using a survey instrument. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The result has confirmed that behavioural intention to use the m-payment system is significantly and positively influenced by perceived usefulness and perceived financial cost; behavioural intention to use m-payment system was not found to be significantly and positively influenced by perceived ease of use and hence the related hypothesis was not supported. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are further discussed in the last section of this paper.
Water-Quality Data Imputation with a High Percentage of Missing Values: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Pastorini Marcos , Etcheverry Lorena , Chreties Christian , Fossati Mónica , Castro Alberto , Gorgoglione Angela
Published: June 2021

The monitoring of surface-water quality followed by water-quality modeling and analysis are essential for generating effective strategies in surface-water-resource management. However, worldwide, particularly in developing countries, water-quality studies are limited due to the lack of a complete and reliable dataset of surface-water-quality variables. In this context, several statistical and machine-learning models were assessed for imputing water-quality data at six monitoring stations located in the Santa Lucía Chico river (Uruguay), a mixed lotic and lentic river system. The challenge of this study is represented by the high percentage of missing data (between 50% and 70%) and the high temporal and spatial variability that characterizes the water-quality variables. The competing algorithms implement univariate and multivariate imputation methods (inverse distance weighting (IDW), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), Ridge (R), Bayesian Ridge (BR), AdaBoost (AB), Hubber Regressor (HR), Support Vector Regressor (SVR) and K-nearest neighbors Regressor (KNNR)). According to the results, more than 76% of the imputation outcomes are considered “satisfactory” (NSE > 0.45). The imputation performance shows better results at the monitoring stations located inside the reservoir than those positioned along the mainstream. IDW was the model with the best imputation results, followed by RFR, HR and SVR. The approach proposed in this study is expected to aid water-resource researchers and managers in augmenting water-quality datasets and overcoming the missing data issue to increase the number of future studies related to the water-quality matter.
Comparison of Coupling Coils for Static Inductive Power-Transfer Systems Taking into Account Sources of Uncertainty
Authors: Pei Yao , Le Bihan Yann , Bensetti Mohamed , Pichon Lionel
Published: June 2021

The present work aims at comparing different coupling coils by taking into account sources of uncertainty for static inductive power-transfer (SIPT) systems. Due to the maximum transmission efficiency for the SIPT system related to the mutual inductance between coils, the key point here is to make use of a sparse polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) method to analyze the mutual inductance between the transmitter and the receiver. A fast postprocess-sensitivity analysis allowed the identification of which source of uncertainty was the most influential factor to the mutual inductance for different coupling coils. Furthermore, in view of the relationship between the maximum transmission efficiency and the ratio of the length of wires of a coil and the mutual inductance, circular coupling coils should be recommended for SIPT systems.
Asymmetries of Cerebellar Lobe in the Genus Homo
Authors: Zhang Yameng , Wu Xiujie
Published: June 2021

The endocast was paid great attention in the study of human brain evolution. However, compared to that of the cerebrum, the cerebellar lobe is poorly studied regarding its morphology, function, and evolutionary changes in the process of human evolution. In this study, we define the major axis and four measurements to inspect possible asymmetric patterns within the genus Homo. Results show that significant asymmetry is only observed for the cerebellar length in modern humans and is absent in Homo erectus and Neanderthals. The influence of occipital petalia is obscure due to the small sample size for H. erectus and Neanderthals, while it has a significant influence over the asymmetries of cerebellar height and horizontal orientation in modern humans. Although the length and height of the Neanderthal cerebellum are comparable to that of modern humans, its sagittal orientation is closer to that of H. erectus, which is wider than that of modern humans. The cerebellar morphological difference between Neanderthals and modern humans is suggested to be related to high cognitive activities, such as social factors and language ability.