bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Assessment of the Effects of Substituting the Band Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) for the Spectral RTE in the Applications of Earth’s Surface Temperature Retrievals from Spaceborne Infrared Imageries
Authors: Liu Chunguang , Shi Jiancheng , Wang Tianxing , Ram Kirpa , Zhao Tianjie
Published: January 2019

The Planck’s thermal emission function, the reflectivity-emissivity decoupled Kirchhoff’s law and the associated atmospheric radiative transfer equation (RTE) is a theoretical base for Earth surface temperature (ST) retrievals from spaceborne infrared imageries. The infrared (IR) instruments generally collect band averaged radiance which are usually different from the RT codes simulated spectral one. Although IR band RTE is widely used, the effects of substituting the band-averaged RTE for the corresponding spectral one for those broadband observations (e.g., the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) thermal IR bands) have not been evaluated. In this paper, mathematical analysis and numerical experiments have been conducted to clarify the uncertainties arising from this substitution treatment. Firstly, we present the IR spectral RTE in a concise manner, and then, based on the law of conservation of energy and the integral assumption, a detailed mathematical derivation of the commonly-used IR band RTE has been derived. The significant improvement of the derivation is the validation of the integral assumption, which states that over a small spectral region, the integral of a product is approximately equal to the product of integrals. In the IR spectral region, taking the most significant term of the IR band RTE as an example (i.e., the surface emission term), we confirmed that, for the satellite collected IR signals emitted from the Earth’s surface, over any bandwidth at any band-location and under any instrument spectral response function (SRF), the integral approximation (IA) is a well-founded approximation and thus the IR band RTEs are good approximations for the corresponding spectral ones. Furthermore, in the ST, especially the land ST, product validation investigations, the ST errors introduced by the substituting treatment are negligible and do not need to be taken into consideration.
Pixel-Based Geometric Assessment of Channel Networks/Orders Derived from Global Spaceborne Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Shawky Mohamed , Moussa Adel , Hassan Quazi K. , El-Sheimy Naser
Published: January 2019

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) contribute to geomorphological and hydrological applications. DEMs can be derived using different remote sensing-based datasets, such as Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) (e.g., Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band SAR (PALSAR) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEMs). In addition, there is also the Digital Surface Model (DSM) derived from optical tri-stereo ALOS Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) imagery. In this study, we evaluated satellite-based DEMs, SRTM (Global) GL1 DEM V003 28.5 m, ALOS DSM 28.5 m, and PALSAR DEMs 12.5 m and 28.5 m, and their derived channel networks/orders. We carried out these assessments using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and their derived channel networks and Strahler orders as reference datasets at comparable spatial resolutions. We introduced a pixel-based method for the quantitative horizontal evaluation of the channel networks and Strahler orders derived from global DEMs utilizing confusion matrices at different flow accumulation area thresholds (ATs) and pixel buffer tolerance values (PBTVs) in both ±X and ±Y directions. A new Python toolbox for ArcGIS was developed to automate the introduced method. A set of evaluation metrics—(i) producer accuracy (PA), (ii) user accuracy (UA), (iii) F-score (F), and (iv) Cohen’s kappa index (KI)—were computed to evaluate the accuracy of the horizontal matching between channel networks/orders extracted from global DEMs and those derived from LiDAR DTMs and DSMs. PALSAR DEM 12.5 m ranked first among the other global DEMs with the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and mean difference (MD) values of 4.57 m and 0.78 m, respectively, when compared to the LiDAR DTM 12.5 m. The ALOS DSM 28.5 m had the highest vertical accuracy with the lowest recorded RMSE and MD values of 4.01 m and −0.29 m, respectively, when compared to the LiDAR DSM 28.5 m. PALSAR DEM 12.5 m and ALOS DSM 28.5 m-derived channel networks/orders yielded the highest horizontal accuracy when compared to those delineated from LiDAR DTM 12.5 m and LiDAR DSM 28.5 m, respectively. The number of unmatched channels decreased when the PBTV increased from 0 to 3 pixels using different ATs.
Active Learning for Recognition of Shipwreck Target in Side-Scan Sonar Image
Authors: Zhu Bangyan , Wang Xiao , Chu Zhengwei , Yang Yi , Shi Juan
Published: January 2019

In order to realize the automatic and accurate recognition of shipwreck targets in side-scan sonar (SSS) waterfall images, a pipeline that contains feature extraction, selection, and shipwreck recognition, an AdaBoost model was constructed by sample images. Shipwreck targets are detected quickly by a nonlinear matching model, and a shipwreck recognition in SSS waterfall images are given, and according to a wide set of combinations of different types of these individual procedures, the model is able to recognize the shipwrecks accurately. Firstly, two feature-extraction methods suitable for recognizing SSS shipwreck targets from natural sea bottom images were studied. In addition to these two typical features, some commonly used features were extracted and combined as comprehensive features to characterize shipwrecks from various feature spaces. Based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA), the preferred features were selected from the comprehensive features, which avoid dimension disaster and improved the correct recognition rate. Then, the Gentle AdaBoost algorithm was studied and used for constructing the shipwreck target recognition model using sample images. Finally, a shipwreck target recognition process for the SSS waterfall image was given, and the process contains shipwreck target fast detection by a nonlinear matching model and accurate recognition by the Gentle AdaBoost recognition model. The results show that the correct recognition rate of the model for the sample image is 97.44%, while the false positive rate is 3.13% and the missing detection rate is 0. This study of a measured SSS waterfall image confirms the correctness of the recognition process and model.
Compressive Sensing Based Radio Tomographic Imaging with Spatial Diversity
Authors: Xu Shengxin , Liu Heng , Gao Fei , Wang Zhenghuan
Published: January 2019

Radio tomographic imaging (RTI) has emerged as a promising device-free localization technology for locating the targets with no devices attached. RTI deduces the location information from the reconstructed attenuation image characterizing target-induced spatial loss of radio frequency measurements in the sensing area. In cluttered indoor environments, RF measurements of wireless links are corrupted by multipath effects and thus less robust to achieve a high localization accuracy for RTI. This paper proposes to improve the quality of measurements by using spatial diversity. The key insight is that, with multiple antennae equipped, due to small-scale multipath fading, RF measurement variation of each antenna pair behaves differently. Therefore, spatial diversity can provide more reliable and strong measurements in terms of link quality. Moreover, to estimate the location from the image more precisely and make the image more identifiable, we propose using a new reconstruction regularization linearly combining the sparsity and correlation inherent in the image. The proposed reconstruction method can remarkably reduce the image noise and enhance the imaging accuracy especially in the case of a few available measurements. Indoor experimental results demonstrate that compared to existing RTI improvement methods, our RTI solution can reduce the root-mean-square localization error at least 47% while also improving the imaging performance.
Direct Electrochemical Detection of Glutamate, Acetylcholine, Choline, and Adenosine Using Non-Enzymatic Electrodes
Authors: Shadlaghani Arash , Farzaneh Mahsa , Kinser Dacen , Reid Russell C.
Published: January 2019

Non-electroactive neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, choline, and adenosine play a critical role in proper activity of living organisms, particularly in the nervous system. While enzyme-based sensing of this type of neurotransmitter has been a research interest for years, non-enzymatic approaches are gaining more attention because of their stability and low cost. Accordingly, this focused review aims to give a summary of the state of the art of non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors used for detection of neurotransmitter that lack an electrochemically active component. In place of using enzymes, transition metal materials such as those based on nickel show an acceptable level of catalytic activity for neurotransmitter sensing. They benefit from fast electron transport properties and high surface energy and their catalytic activity can be much improved if their surface is modified with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and platinum nanoparticles. However, a general comparison reveals that the performance of non-enzymatic biosensors is still lower than those that use enzyme-based methods. Nevertheless, their excellent stability demonstrates that non-enzymatic neurotransmitter sensors warrant additional research in order to advance them toward becoming an acceptable replacement for the more expensive enzyme-based sensors.
Multitemporal Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Marble Extraction Assessment in an Underground Quarry of the Apuan Alps (Italy)
Authors: Di Bartolo Silvia , Salvini Riccardo
Published: January 2019

This article focuses on the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for change detection analysis of multitemporal point clouds datasets. Two topographic surveys were carried out during the years 2016 and 2017 in an underground marble quarry of the Apuan Alps (Italy) combining TLS with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Total Station (TS) studies. Multitemporal 3D point clouds were processed and compared with the aim of identifying areas subjected to significant material extraction. Point clouds representing changed areas were converted into triangular meshes in order to compute the volume of extracted material over one year of quarrying activities. General purpose of this work is to show a valid method to examine the morphological changes due to raw material extraction with the focus of highlighting benefits, accuracies and drawbacks. The purpose of the executed survey was that of supporting the planning of quarrying activities in respect of regional rules, safety and commercial reasons.
Multimode Fabry–Perot Interferometer Probe Based on Vernier Effect for Enhanced Temperature Sensing
Authors: Gomes André D. , Becker Martin , Dellith Jan , Zibaii Mohammad I. , Latifi Hamid , Rothhardt Manfred , Bartelt Hartmut , Frazão Orlando
Published: January 2019

New miniaturized sensors for biological and medical applications must be adapted to the measuring environments and they should provide a high measurement resolution to sense small changes. The Vernier effect is an effective way of magnifying the sensitivity of a device, allowing for higher resolution sensing. We applied this concept to the development of a small-size optical fiber Fabry–Perot interferometer probe that presents more than 60-fold higher sensitivity to temperature than the normal Fabry–Perot interferometer without the Vernier effect. This enables the sensor to reach higher temperature resolutions. The silica Fabry–Perot interferometer is created by focused ion beam milling of the end of a tapered multimode fiber. Multiple Fabry–Perot interferometers with shifted frequencies are generated in the cavity due to the presence of multiple modes. The reflection spectrum shows two main components in the Fast Fourier transform that give rise to the Vernier effect. The superposition of these components presents an enhancement of sensitivity to temperature. The same effect is also obtained by monitoring the reflection spectrum node without any filtering. A temperature sensitivity of −654 pm/°C was obtained between 30 °C and 120 °C, with an experimental resolution of 0.14 °C. Stability measurements are also reported.
Comparison and Efficacy of Synergistic Intelligent Tutoring Systems with Human Physiological Response
Authors: Alqahtani Fehaid , Ramzan Naeem
Published: January 2019

The analysis of physiological signals is ubiquitous in health and medical diagnosis as a primary tool for investigation and inquiry. Physiological signals are now being widely used for psychological and social fields. They have found promising application in the field of computer-based learning and tutoring. Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) is a fast-paced growing field which deals with the design and implementation of customized computer-based instruction and feedback methods without human intervention. This paper introduces the key concepts and motivations behind the use of physiological signals. It presents a detailed discussion and experimental comparison of ITS. The synergism of ITS and physiological signals in automated tutoring systems adapted to the learner’s emotions and mental states are presented and compared. The insights are developed, and details are presented. The accuracy and classification methods of existing systems are highlighted as key areas of improvement. High-precision measurement systems and neural networks for machine-learning classification are deemed prospective directions for future improvements to existing systems.
Vital Sign Monitoring and Cardiac Triggering at 1.5 Tesla: A Practical Solution by an MR-Ballistocardiography Fiber-Optic Sensor
Authors: Nedoma Jan , Fajkus Marcel , Martinek Radek , Nazeran Homer
Published: January 2019

This article presents a solution for continuous monitoring of both respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) inside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments by a novel ballistocardiography (BCG) fiber-optic sensor. We designed and created a sensor based on the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) probe encapsulated inside fiberglass (fiberglass is a composite material made up of glass fiber, fabric, and cured synthetic resin). Due to this, the encapsulation sensor is characterized by very small dimensions (30 × 10 × 0.8 mm) and low weight (2 g). We present original results of real MRI measurements (conventionally most used 1.5 T MR scanner) involving ten volunteers (six men and four women) by performing conventional electrocardiography (ECG) to measure the HR and using a Pneumatic Respiratory Transducer (PRT) for RR monitoring. The acquired sensor data were compared against real measurements using the objective Bland–Altman method, and the functionality of the sensor was validated (95.36% of the sensed values were within the ±1.96 SD range for the RR determination and 95.13% of the values were within the ±1.96 SD range for the HR determination) by this means. The accuracy of this sensor was further characterized by a relative error below 5% (4.64% for RR and 4.87% for HR measurements). The tests carried out in an MRI environment demonstrated that the presence of the FBG sensor in the MRI scanner does not affect the quality of this imaging modality. The results also confirmed the possibility of using the sensor for cardiac triggering at 1.5 T (for synchronization and gating of cardiovascular magnetic resonance) and for cardiac triggering when a Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) is used.
IoT/Sensor-Based Infrastructures Promoting a Sense of Home, Independent Living, Comfort and Wellness
Authors: Cahill Joan , Portales Raul , McLoughin Sean , Nagan Nithia , Henrichs Braden , Wetherall Sean
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the results of three interrelated studies concerning the specification and implementation of ambient assisted living (AAL)/Internet of Things (IoT)/sensor-based infrastructures, to support resident wellness and person-centered care delivery, in a residential care context. Overall, the paper reports on the emerging wellness management concept and IoT solution. The three studies adopt a stakeholder evaluation approach to requirements elicitation and solution design. Human factors research combines several qualitative human–machine interaction (HMI) design frameworks/methods, including realist ethnography, process mapping, persona-based design, and participatory design. Software development activities are underpinned by SCRUM/AGILE frameworks. Three structuring principles underpin the resident’s lived experience and the proposed ‘sensing’ framework. This includes (1) resident wellness, (2) the resident’s environment (i.e., room and broader social spaces which constitute ‘home’ for the resident), and (3) care delivery. The promotion of resident wellness, autonomy, quality of life and social participation depends on adequate monitoring and evaluation of information pertaining to (1), (2) and (3). Furthermore, the application of ambient assisted living technology in a residential setting depends on a clear definition of related care delivery processes and allied social and interpersonal communications. It is argued that independence (and quality of life for older adults) is linked to technology that enables interdependence, and specifically technology that supports social communication between key roles including residents, caregivers, and family members.
Intent to Adopt Location Sharing for Logging Safety Applications
Authors: Wempe Ann M. , Keefe Robert F. , Newman Soren M. , Paveglio Travis B.
Published: January 2019

Logging entails work in remote areas with multiple hazards and consistently ranks among the most fatal occupations in the United States. Location-sharing (LS) devices that enable users to communicate geographic positions to others have been suggested as a technological approach to improving workplace safety on logging operations. This study investigated logger intent to adopt LS-based safety practices. Employing concepts from the Theory of Planned Behavior, including intent, attitude, norms, and perceived behavioral control, we surveyed Idaho loggers at three logger training programs. We evaluated their likelihood of using LS devices on logging operations and examined factors associated with LS adoption. The results showed that Idaho loggers are likely to use (a) automatic position updates for hand fallers, (b) LS devices on all ground workers and heavy equipment, and (c) LS technology for general situational awareness. Participants also recognized specific safety benefits to LS, particularly for emergency situations, such as communicating the need for help or expediting the discovery of injured coworkers. Our findings support further development of LS technology for logging safety, particularly devices and applications that facilitate injury response for isolated workers, such as hand fallers.
Insights into the Mechanism of Separation of Bisphosphonates by Zwitterionic Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography: Application to the Quantitation of Risedronate in Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Panderi Irene , Taxiarchi Eugenia , Pistos Constantinos , Kalogria Eleni , Vonaparti Ariadni
Published: January 2019

Bisphosphonates are used to treat various skeletal disorders, as they modulate bone metabolism by inhibition of the osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. These compounds are both polar and ionic, and therefore, by using reversed phase liquid chromatography are eluted rapidly. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) is an advantageous technique for the separation and analysis of polar molecules. As the elution order in HILIC is reversed to reversed phase liquid chromatography, a reasonable retention and selectivity for polar compounds is expected. In this work the retention mechanism of three bisphosponates, namely risedronate, tiludronate and zoledronate, was investigated under zwitterionic HILIC conditions. The key factors influencing the retention of the analytes on a zwitterionic ZIC®-pHILIC column (150.0 × 2.1 mm i.d., 200 Å, 3.5 μm) have been systematically investigated. It was found that apart from partition, electrostatic repulsions play an important role in the retention of bisphosphonates. Peak tailing of risedronate and zoledronate was improved by the addition of sodium pyrophosphate in the mobile phase. A zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HILIC-PDA) method was further optimized and fully validated to quantitate risedronate in commercial film-coated tablets. The calibration curves for risedronate showed good linearity (r > 0.9991) within the calibration range tested. The intra- and inter-day coefficient of variation (CV) values was less than 0.6%, while the relative percentage error (%Er) was less than −2.3%. Accelerated stability studies of risedronate conducted under several degradation conditions including hydrolysis, oxidation and heat demonstrated the selectivity of the procedure. A short-run analysis of not more than 6 min allowed the analysis of large samples per day. The applicability of the method for the quantitation of risedronate was demonstrated via the analysis of commercial tablets containing this compound.
Community Knowledge about Tuberculosis and Perception about Tuberculosis-Associated Stigma in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Syed Mustafa , Anjum Naveed , Ishaq Muhammad , Naureen Farah , Noor Arif , Rashid Aamna , Abbas Syed Muslim , Viney Kerri
Published: January 2019

Tuberculosis- (TB) associated stigma is a well-documented phenomenon with various factors, both individual and societal, manifesting its role in shaping health-seeking behavior and contributing to suboptimal TB care in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to assess TB-related knowledge and perceived stigma among community members. This was a cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 183 individuals recruited between October and December 2017. A validated stigma measurement tool developed by Van Rie et al. was adapted. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. A clear majority was aware that TB is curable disease and that it is transmitted by coughing. However, respondents also thought that TB spread through contaminated food, sharing meals, sharing utensils, and by having sexual intercourse with a TB patient. In addition, females, unemployed, and persons having less than six years of education were also more likely to associate stigma with TB. We found an association between the lack of knowledge about TB and perceived stigma. This study highlights the need for improved TB-related education among communities.
Climate Change Perceptions and Attitudes to Smallholder Adaptation in Northwestern Nigerian Drylands
Authors: Jellason Nugun , Baines Richard , Conway John , Ogbaga Chukwuma
Published: January 2019

As climate change is projected to increase in vulnerable areas of the world, we examined farmers’ perceptions of this change and their attitudes to adaptation in two communities (Zango and Kofa) in northwestern Nigeria. A total of 220 arable farming households completed a livelihoods survey preplanting. The perceptions survey was followed by a survey of 154 households post-harvest for the attitudes questions based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). In addition to the positive responses from the farmers towards climate change perceptions, TPB findings reveal that such perceptions could lead to intentions to adapt as determinants of attitude were significant. Subjective norm was a significant predictor of adaptation intention in Kofa, but not in Zango. Perceived behavioural control, though useful, was not a determinant of climate change adaptation intention. Most importantly, principal component analysis (PCA) of climate change perception variables allowed us to discriminate smallholder farming households and can be used as a tool for segmentation into climate change-perceiving and nonperceiving farming households. Efforts towards improving the determinants of behavioural intention for the poorly perceiving group could lead to better decisions to adapt to climate change and provide more targeted extension support in the future.
VO2FITTING: A Free and Open-Source Software for Modelling Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Swimming and other Exercise Modalities
Authors: Zacca Rodrigo , Azevedo Rui , Figueiredo Pedro , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Castro Flávio A. de S. , Pyne David B. , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: January 2019

The assessment of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics is a valuable non-invasive way to evaluate cardiorespiratory and metabolic response to exercise. The aim of the study was to develop, describe and evaluate an online VO2 fitting tool (VO2FITTING) for dynamically editing, processing, filtering and modelling VO2 responses to exercise. VO2FITTING was developed in Shiny, a web application framework for R language. Validation VO2 datasets with both noisy and non-noisy data were developed and applied to widely-used models (n = 7) for describing different intensity transitions to verify concurrent validity. Subsequently, we then conducted an experiment with age-group swimmers as an example, illustrating how VO2FITTING can be used to model VO2 kinetics. Perfect fits were observed, and parameter estimates perfectly matched the known inputted values for all available models (standard error = 0; p < 0.001). The VO2FITTING is a valid, free and open-source software for characterizing VO2 kinetics in exercise, which was developed to help the research and performance analysis communities.
Sustainability Indicators: Monitoring Cross-County Water Cooperation in the Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Onencan Abby Muricho , Enserink Bert , Van de Walle Bartel
Published: January 2019

Kenya Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) Impact Report indicates a stagnation in water coverage at 55 percent, for the last three years, contrary to the 2015 target of 80 percent. One main reason for the stagnation is weak cross-county cooperation between hydrologically interdependent governments. WASREB has little guidance on what indicators to use to enhance cross-county water cooperation. Through literature review, we assess whether the UN-Water methodology for assessing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.5.2 would provide useful guidelines. Based on the literature review outcomes, we design a water policy game known as Nzoia WeShareIt. After that, we play seven-game sessions in four county governments (Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Trans Nzoia), on 11–22 July 2016. We use the in-game and post-game questionnaire data to measure learning outcomes on interdependence and cooperation. The findings indicate that Nzoia WeShareIt policy game as a form of experiential learning increased understanding on the value of cross-county cooperation. The study constitutes a practical guideline to WASREB and a quick reference tool to be explored when designing indicators to monitor cross-county cooperation. We also propose a mixed method approach that incorporates team interdependence indicators as distinct and separate indicators from cooperation. Moreover, we recommend strengthening SDG 6.5.2 indicator to measure transboundary water cooperation inputs, processes and outcomes.
Discerning the Effects of Rural to Urban Migrants on Burglaries in ZG City with Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Du Fangye , Liu Lin , Jiang Chao , Long Dongping , Lan Minxuan
Published: January 2019

Both rural to urban migration and urban crime are well researched topics in China. But few studies have attempted to explore the possible relationships between the two. Using calls for service data of ZG city in 2014, the Sixth Census data in 2010, this study examines relationships between migrants and crime by using structural equation models. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) the distribution of migrants has direct effects on the spatial distribution of burglaries, and (2) migrants also indirectly affect burglary rate through mediating variables such as residential mobility and socio-economic disadvantage of their resident communities. The results showed that migrants have significant direct and indirect effects contributing to burglaries, although the indirect effect is much larger than the direct effect, indicating that community characteristics play a more important role than the migrants themselves.
Heavy Metals in Sediments of Urban Streams: Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Influencing Factors
Authors: Wojciechowska Ewa , Nawrot Nicole , Walkusz-Miotk Jolanta , Matej-Łukowicz Karolina , Pazdro Ksenia
Published: January 2019

Sediments of two urban streams in northern Poland outflowing to the Baltic Sea were assessed to explain the spatial variation in relation to urbanization level of the catchment, the role of retention tanks (RTs) and identification of pollution level. During the 3 month period of investigation sediment samples were collected from the inflow (IN) and outflow (OUT) of six RTs located on streams for flood protection. Six heavy metals (HMs) were investigated: Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr. The assessment of four geochemical enrichment indices used to quantify contamination of HMs in the sediments at IN and OUT samples was carried out. Contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk (RI) were calculated and the indices usefulness was assessed. Also, the hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated to assess health risk associated with dredging works. In sediments from RTs where paved surfaces constituted more than 70% of the catchment the HMs concentrations were from one to three times higher for Ni and from two to 143 times higher for Cu in comparison to soft catchment results. The extremely high Cu concentration (1114 mg/kg d.w.) found in sediments at RT Orłowska IN was most likely associated with large area of roofs covered with copper sheet. Calculation of CF, PLI, Igeo, RI, HQ indicators allows for a complex and multi-dimensional assessment of sediment status. Among these, CF and PLI classified the analyzed sediments as most polluted. Basing on the sedimentary HMs concentrations the health risk level via dermal exposure pathway was assessed as low.
Reclaiming Suburbia: Differences in Local Identity and Public Perceptions of Potable Water Reuse
Authors: Redman Samantha , Ormerod Kerri Jean , Kelley Scott
Published: January 2019

Urban water managers are increasingly interested in incorporating reclaimed water into drinking supplies, particularly in rapidly growing arid and semi-arid urban areas, such as the western United States. Northern Nevada is one location that is considering augmenting drinking water supplies with reclaimed water, a practice that is known as planned potable water reuse. Potable water reuse can expand water supply and reduce wastewater disposal. However, past studies have shown that the introduction of potable reclaimed water can be controversial and requires an understanding of public perceptions of the resource prior to implementation. This study explores the factors that influence whether or not respondents in northern Nevada express willingness to drink reclaimed water. We pay specific attention to the degree to which self-identification as an urban, suburban, or rural resident influences how people consider using treated wastewater for both potable and non-potable purposes. To address this, we conducted a survey to assess community perceptions of reclaimed water use and applications in northern Nevada in the spring of 2018. We find that years spent living in the home and a respondent being female are negative and significant predictors of being willing to drink reclaimed water, while having heard of reclaimed water before and self-identification as a suburban resident are positive and significant predictors. As the region becomes more developed, particularly in its growing suburbs, it is essential to understand the nature of the interests and concerns regarding water resources and the expanded use of reclaimed water.
Mathematical Analysis of Environmental Effects of Forming a Platoon of Smart Vehicles
Authors: Ko Young Dae , Song Byung Duk , Oh Yonghui
Published: January 2019

The platooning of autonomous smart vehicles in a high-speed driving environment is a technology that can be achieved in the near future, and some similar driving-assistive technologies have already been put in practice. There are a variety of advantages to platooning, and one of them is the environmental aspect. This study endeavored to perform a mathematical analysis of the environmental aspect of forming a platoon of smart vehicles. For that, a mathematical experiment was designed with four kinds of scenarios, and each scenario had a different operation profile in terms of the velocity and acceleration of each smart vehicle. The power consumption and both forming distance and time were derived variously according to each scenario through mathematical experiments, and it was observed that the length of the acceleration period and the average operation velocity of the smart vehicles had a significant impact on the environmental effect of platoon formation. It is hoped that this study will be a touchstone for various kinds of platooning algorithm research considering the environment.
Massive Open Online Courses in the Initial Training of Social Science Teachers: Experiences, Methodological Conceptions, and Technological Use for Sustainable Development
Authors: Ortega-Sánchez Delfín , Gómez-Trigueros Isabel María
Published: January 2019

This article analyzes, on the one hand, the perception of future teachers (n = 162) on the degree of acquisition of the Digital Teaching Competition (CCD) in the teachers’ formative contexts. On the other hand, this article analyzes future teachers’ social representations about the potential contribution of educational technologies, in particular the massive open online courses (MOOCs), to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A questionnaire validated by three Spanish universities is applied, and a quantitative analysis of the data is used. The results obtained inform the educational need to transfer the progress and generalization of information and communication technologies (ICT) for education for sustainable development in teacher training curricula.
FDI and International Knowledge Diffusion: An Examination of the Evolution of Comparative Advantage
Authors: Fan Zhaobin , Li Hui , Pan Lin
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the role of FDI in international knowledge diffusion with a focus on the evolution of the comparative advantage of FDI-host and FDI-source countries. We use data on 99 countries, which leads to 876 country pairs, over the 2001 to 2012 period. Spatial autoregressive (SAR) models are used to investigate the impact of bilateral FDI on the similarity of the comparative advantage between the host and source countries. Empirical results show that the effect of the bilateral FDI on the evolution of the comparative advantage of the host and source countries is statistically significant. Specifically, the larger the scale of bilateral FDI, the more similar the comparative advantage between the host and source countries becomes. We also find that the impact of FDI on international knowledge diffusion is heterogeneous across country pairs and this effect varies across the development gap between the source and host countries. In the case of countries that are not very different in terms of their level of economic development, bilateral FDI has a relatively more significant effect on the similarity of the comparative advantage between countries. Moreover, we find that the similarity of the comparative advantage is spatially correlated, and FDI linkages between country pairs strengthen the spatial correlations.
Spatial Fairness and Changes in Transport Infrastructure in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Area from 1976 to 2016
Authors: Gao Xingchuan , Li Tao , Cao Xiaoshu
Published: January 2019

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area (QTP) is the most unique environmental-population region and an important natural laboratory for the study of human-land relations. The poor transportation conditions have long restricted socio-economic development. The research on the transport infrastructure and spatial effect in the QTP is of significance to the sustainable development of the region. Accordingly, a spatial accessibility model was used to analyze the spatial pattern of accessibility in QTP from 1976–2016, examine the accessibility evolution trend on the township scale and reveal the spatial fairness and changes in accessibility. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The accessibility to major cities improved and the time-space convergence effect was significant. (2) The spatial autocorrelation analysis results showed that the improvement in transport infrastructure had a significant impact on the agglomeration of the accessibility level. (3) Access time from towns to the nearest major city are much shorter. More Tibetan people have more opportunities to access cities. (4) The accessibility coefficient and relative accessibility revealed distributive effects and spatial fairness of accessibility. (5) The global coefficient of variation value demonstrated an increasing trend, which indicates that spatial unfairness of transport is increasing.
Assessing the Potentials of Bioeconomy Sectors in Poland Employing Input-Output Modeling
Authors: Loizou Efstratios , Jurga Piotr , Rozakis Stelios , Faber Antoni
Published: January 2019

Bioeconomy emerges under major current global challenges, both environmental and economic, that are related to the existence and use of bio-based resources; in this context, policy stakeholders and scientists seek and propose potential solutions. Bioeconomy is among the discussed strategies with the potential to offer solutions. In this framework, bioeconomy’s importance increased over the last several years, thus it is essential to identify and monitor its role and significance in an economy and assess its potentials and intersectoral relationships. In this framework, the current study, through a general equilibrium analysis, aims to identify the sectors that are related to the bioeconomy and assess their potential in the Polish economy as such quantitative studies do not exist in the literature for Poland. For doing so, an Input-Output model was built, identifying initially the bioeconomy sectors and, afterwards, estimating their linkage coefficients in order to capture their direct and indirect impacts on the Polish economy. Results indicate that the fully bio-based sectors, such as the agriculture and food sectors, have higher potentials to induce knock-on effects in the economy than the mixed bio-based sectors. Thus, the current study’s results can offer important information to policy makers for decision making, such as in the case of planning development in any mixed bio-based sectors, such as biofuels or biogas.
A Statistical Approach for Studying the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Geolocated Tweets in Urban Environments
Authors: Santa Fernando , Henriques Roberto , Torres-Sospedra Joaquín , Pebesma Edzer
Published: January 2019

An in-depth descriptive approach to the dynamics of the urban population is fundamental as a first step towards promoting effective planning and designing processes in cities. Understanding the behavioral aspects of human activities can contribute to their effective management and control. We present a framework, based on statistical methods, for studying the spatio-temporal distribution of geolocated tweets as a proxy for where and when people carry out their activities. We have evaluated our proposal by analyzing the distribution of collected geolocated tweets over a two-week period in the summer of 2017 in Lisbon, London, and Manhattan. Our proposal considers a negative binomial regression analysis for the time series of counts of tweets as a first step. We further estimate a functional principal component analysis of second-order summary statistics of the hourly spatial point patterns formed by the locations of the tweets. Finally, we find groups of hours with a similar spatial arrangement of places where humans develop their activities through hierarchical clustering over the principal scores. Social media events are found to show strong temporal trends such as seasonal variation due to the hour of the day and the day of the week in addition to autoregressive schemas. We have also identified spatio-temporal patterns of clustering, i.e., groups of hours of the day that present a similar spatial distribution of human activities.
Free Trade Agreements and Environment for Sustainable Development: A Gravity Model Analysis
Authors: Yao Xing , Yasmeen Rizwana , Li Yunong , Hafeez Muhammad , Padda Ihtsham Ul Haq
Published: January 2019

Free trade agreements (FTAs) have a key role in the global value chain. In the meantime, these are also disturbing the environmental balance of the world. The objective of this study is to check whether the trade is good or bad for the environments of countries that are bonded by trade agreements. This study examines the impact of FTAs on bilateral carbon emissions within the gravity framework. We find a positive impact of FTA agreements on bilateral CO2 pollution. However, in an income-based country group analysis, we find mixed evidence regarding FTAs. The analysis concerning high income countries indicates that free trade agreements are beneficial for high income countries, while, in the case of upper middle income and lower middle income countries, we find that the free trade agreements are not beneficial for their environments. These results of the effects of FTAs on bilateral CO2 pollution imply that low income countries have a greater pollution effect even after the implementation of an FTA due to lenient environmental standards. There is a need for developing countries to learn from high income countries, as their FTAs are beneficial for decreasing pollution.
Responsible Business in Fragile Contexts: Comparing Perceptions from Domestic and Foreign Firms in Myanmar
Authors: Barkemeyer Ralf , Miklian Jason
Published: January 2019

After decades of isolation, Myanmar opened up its economy to international trade in 2012. This opening led to a rapid influx of international investment, exposure to the international corporate social responsibility (CSR) community and presumed pressures to conform to related norms and practices. We report on a large-scale survey of firms operating in Myanmar, comparing perceptions of corporate practitioners of CSR and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our findings show that awareness levels of CSR among domestic Myanmar firms match those of their international peers, but the application of and selection criteria for CSR implementation by domestic firms in Myanmar differs from typical CSR activities observed in other parts of the world, in particular by Global North firms. More surprisingly, Myanmar firms have a higher awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) than their multinational counterparts. Our findings have implications for CSR advocacy in Myanmar as well as for the dissemination of corporate responsibility and sustainability into the developing world more generally.
Characteristics of the Soil and Vegetation along the Yulin–Jingbian Desert Expressway in China
Authors: Chen Hao , Dong Zhibao , Song Shaopeng , Li Chao , Cui Xujia
Published: January 2019

Transportation infrastructure dramatically affects ecological processes. However, the environmental assessment process does not often consider how transportation impacts biodiversity, especially in ecologically fragile areas. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of the Yulin–Jingbian expressway on vegetative diversity and to discuss the reason for the differences in soil-moisture distribution and vegetation diversity along the expressway. Samples were collected from 60 quadrats, along 6 transects. The α diversity indices and soil-moisture content calculated for each layer were used to represent habitat heterogeneity within a quadrat. A total of 49 species representing 39 genera and 16 families were recorded. Perennial herbs (42.9%) and annual herbs (36.7%) were the dominant life form. Species richness, diversity, and evenness indices of the vegetation varied with the distance between sampling points along the expressway. The vegetation with high diversity and evenness were near the expressway and areas with low diversity were farther from the expressway. The soil-moisture content in the 0–20 cm soil layer was a driving factor for the α diversity indices, and soil-moisture content below 20 cm played an inhibitory role on the α diversity indices. The greatest impact of the expressway on vegetation diversity was its effect on surface runoff and the distribution of plant root systems in the top layer of soil.
Business School Professors’ Perception of Ethics in Education in Europe
Authors: Gottardello Debora , Pàmies Maria del Mar
Published: January 2019

This qualitative study aims to investigate business school professors’ perception of ethics in business education, and their possible role in achieving ethical awareness in these schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 59 professors from four business schools, each from a different European country. The results show that participants define ethics along four dimensions, and express two divergent forms of implementing it. These differ by the country in which the business school is located. The findings shed light on the issues of ethics and sustainability in business education, and the importance of preparing students to become responsible leaders. For that purpose, we develop recommendations to foster ethics and sustainability in education in business schools in order to develop more socially responsible citizens.
Challenges for Integrating Strategic Environmental Assessment to Enhance Environmental Thinking: A Case Study of Taiwan Energy Policy
Authors: Wu Yen-Yu , Ma Hwong-Wen
Published: January 2019

There is an increasing need to evaluate environmental impacts at higher policy planning levels, especially after the European Union (EU) strategic environmental assessment (SEA) directive proposed in 2001. However, integrating SEA and policy planning processes is challenging owing to institutional challenges and/or political problems. We aimed to explore the challenges of this integration process through in-depth interviews with core stakeholders in Taiwan energy policy making. Our results reveal three main types of challenge related to policy planning, SEA implementation, and difficulties in dealing with environmental issues. The first includes the policy planning model, transparency in the policy planning process, and controversial issues clarification; the second includes the different types of SEA purposes, unclear feedback on policy planning, and public participation limitation; the third includes a lack of knowledge of brokerage processes, scientific uncertainty, the role of the Taiwan EPA (TEPA) for environmental thinking, and the influence of local information in policy planning. The results of this study can be applied to countries that use impact-oriented SEA (currently the most common type of SEA) and consider environmental issues during the energy policy planning process.