bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Mehmood Shahid , Iqbal Hafiz M. N.
Published: February 2020

Cosmetic products are used in large quantities across the world. An increasing number of chemical compounds are being added to the formulation of cosmetic products as additives, fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers, surfactants, dye and shine to potentiate their quality, property and shelf life. Owing to their widespread use, active residues of cosmetic products are continuously introduced into the environment in several ways. Many of these chemicals are bioactive and are characterized by potential bioaccumulation ability and environmental persistence, thus exerting a major risk to humans and the health of ecosystems. Hence, the indiscriminate consumption of cosmetics may present a looming issue with significant adverse impacts on public health. This review intends to spotlight a current overview of toxic ingredients used in formulating cosmetics such as parabens, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, 1,4-dioxane, plastic microbeads, formaldehyde, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, sunscreen elements (organic and inorganic UV filters) and trace metals. Specific focus is given to illustrate the biological risks of these substances on human health and aquatic system in terms of genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity mutagenicity, and estrogenicity. In addition to conclusive remarks, future directions are also suggested.
Surface Roughness Changes Induced by Stoichiometric Deviation in Ambient Phase for Two-Component Semiconductor Crystals
Authors: Akutsu Noriko , Sugioka Yoshiki , Murata Naoya
Published: February 2020

The effects of a deviation in the fraction of the components in the ambient phase of a stoichiometric AB compound, such as GaN or SiC crystals, on the surface roughness and step self-assembly and disassembly on a vicinal surface are studied using the Monte Carlo method based on a staggered restricted solid-on-solid (st-RSOS) model at equilibrium. The (001) and (111) surfaces are typical examples of non-polar and polar surfaces, respectively. Although a stoichiometric deviation of the ambient phase does not affect the surface energy of a non-polar surface, it affects that of polar surfaces such as the

(
111
)

A

and

(
111
)

B

surfaces. We found that the vicinal surface of an AB compound is atomically smooth and globally rough. Globally, the vicinal surface is not affected by a stoichiometric deviation in the ambient phase. In contrast, in a small area, the structure of the vicinal surface is affected by a stoichiometric deviation in the ambient phase. The vicinal surface consists of local double and quadruple steps. The characteristic length

L

M
F
L

, which separates the global length scale region and the local length scale region, has a maximum value of

156
a

in the present study, where a is the lattice constant. When temperature decreases,

L

M
F
L

can become large.
Transparent MXene-Polymer Supercapacitive Film Deposited Using RIR-MAPLE
Authors: Ajnsztajn Alec , Ferguson Spencer , Thostenson James O. , Ngaboyamahina Edgard , Parker Charles B. , Glass Jeffrey T. , Stiff-Roberts Adrienne D.
Published: February 2020

In this work, resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE), a novel deposition technique, was used to produce a transparent composite electrode of polyflourene (PFO) and two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, which are part of the broader MXene family of transition metal carbides and nitrides. This deposition technique offers a facile way to vary film composition in polymer/polymer and polymer/nanoparticle films. Through this method, composite PFO and MXene films were studied across six different compositions, enabling the identification of a film composition that exhibited excellent charge storage (above 10 mF/cm2) and transparency (over 75% transmittance) when used as a supercapacitor electrode material. Thus, RIR-MAPLE shows promise as a controllable and facile deposition technique for organic/inorganic composite films for use in transparent supercapacitors, as well as in other energy storage applications.
Maxwell’s Demon in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Shenker Orly , Hemmo Meir
Published: February 2020

Maxwell’s Demon is a thought experiment devised by J. C. Maxwell in 1867 in order to show that the Second Law of thermodynamics is not universal, since it has a counter-example. Since the Second Law is taken by many to provide an arrow of time, the threat to its universality threatens the account of temporal directionality as well. Various attempts to “exorcise” the Demon, by proving that it is impossible for one reason or another, have been made throughout the years, but none of them were successful. We have shown (in a number of publications) by a general state-space argument that Maxwell’s Demon is compatible with classical mechanics, and that the most recent solutions, based on Landauer’s thesis, are not general. In this paper we demonstrate that Maxwell’s Demon is also compatible with quantum mechanics. We do so by analyzing a particular (but highly idealized) experimental setup and proving that it violates the Second Law. Our discussion is in the framework of standard quantum mechanics; we give two separate arguments in the framework of quantum mechanics with and without the projection postulate. We address in our analysis the connection between measurement and erasure interactions and we show how these notions are applicable in the microscopic quantum mechanical structure. We discuss what might be the quantum mechanical counterpart of the classical notion of “macrostates”, thus explaining why our Quantum Demon setup works not only at the micro level but also at the macro level, properly understood. One implication of our analysis is that the Second Law cannot provide a universal lawlike basis for an account of the arrow of time; this account has to be sought elsewhere.
Synchronization of a Non-Equilibrium Four-Dimensional Chaotic System Using a Disturbance-Observer-Based Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Control Method
Authors: Wang Shaojie , Yousefpour Amin , Yusuf Abdullahi , Jahanshahi Hadi , Alcaraz Raúl , He Shaobo , Munoz-Pacheco Jesus M.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, dynamical behavior and synchronization of a non-equilibrium four-dimensional chaotic system are studied. The system only includes one constant term and has hidden attractors. Some dynamical features of the governing system, such as invariance and symmetry, the existence of attractors and dissipativity, chaotic flow with a plane of equilibria, and offset boosting of the chaotic attractor, are stated and discussed and a new disturbance-observer-based adaptive terminal sliding mode control (ATSMC) method with input saturation is proposed for the control and synchronization of the chaotic system. To deal with unexpected noises, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is implemented along with the designed controller. Through the concept of Lyapunov stability, the proposed control technique guarantees the finite time convergence of the uncertain system in the presence of disturbances and control input limits. Furthermore, to decrease the chattering phenomena, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the controller parameters. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the designed control scheme in the presence of noise, disturbances, and control input saturation.
An Implementation Scheme of Range and Angular Measurements for FMCW MIMO Radar via Sparse Spectrum Fitting
Authors: Huang Lidong , Wang Xianpeng , Huang Mengxing , Wan Liangtian , Han Zhiguang , Yang Yongqin
Published: February 2020

The work presented in this paper is about implementing a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) positioning radar and a sparse spectrum fitting (SpSF) algorithm for range and angular measurements. First, we designed a coherent FMCW MIMO radar system working in the S-band with low power consumption that consists of four transmitter and four receiver antennas and has the ability to extend its virtual aperture; thus, this system can achieve a higher resolution than conventional phased array radars. Then, the SpSF algorithm was designed for estimating the distance and angle of the targets in the FMCW MIMO radar. Due to the fact that the SpSF algorithm can exploit the spatial sparsity diversity of a signal, the SpSF algorithm that is applied in the designed MIMO radar system can achieve a better estimation performance than the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and Capon algorithms, especially in the context of small snapshots and low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The simulated and experimental results are used to prove the effectiveness of the designed MIMO radar and the superior performance of the algorithm.
Fourier Coefficients Applied to Improve Backscattered Signals in A Short-Range LIDAR System
Authors: Gómez-Arista Iván , Dávila-Pintle José A. , Montalvo-Montalvo Nancy , Rubin-Alvarado Abel A. , Bravo-García Yolanda E. , Reynoso-Lara Edmundo
Published: February 2020

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing technique that measures properties of backscattered light in order to obtain information of a distant target. This work presents a method to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by 8 dB with respect to the direct detection of the backscattered signal of a LIDAR system. This method consists of the measurement of the Fourier coefficients of the LIDAR signal, which is possible thanks to the novel coupling of a sequential equivalent time base sampling (SETS) circuit and a conventional lock-in amplifier that allows to measure the Fourier coefficients of the LIDAR signal, the results are comparable to noise elimination using Empirical Mode Decomposition. The feasibility of the proposal is demonstrated experimentally with mist. The method can be used to different applications of elastic-scattering LIDAR under the conditions of the devices for applied the phase sensitive detection.
Optimization and Implementation of Synthetic Basis Feature Descriptor on FPGA
Authors: Lee Dah-Jye , Fuller Samuel G. , McCown Alexander S.
Published: February 2020

Feature detection, description, and matching are crucial steps for many computer vision algorithms. These steps rely on feature descriptors to match image features across sets of images. Previous work has shown that our SYnthetic BAsis (SYBA) feature descriptor can offer superior performance to other binary descriptors. This paper focused on various optimizations and hardware implementation of the newer and optimized version. The hardware implementation on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a high-throughput low-latency solution which is critical for applications such as high-speed object detection and tracking, stereo vision, visual odometry, structure from motion, and optical flow. We compared our solution to other hardware designs of binary descriptors. We demonstrated that our implementation of SYBA as a feature descriptor in hardware offered superior image feature matching performance and used fewer resources than most binary feature descriptor implementations.
A Low-Profile Wideband Antenna for WWAN/LTE Applications
Authors: Affandi Adnan , Azim Rezaul , Alam Md Mottahir , Islam M Tariqul
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a low-profile antenna is presented for wideband communication applications. The presented design consists of an I-shaped driven strip and a rectangular ground strip with an open slot in the middle and a steeped lower portion. The measured results demonstrate that the achieved operating band of the proposed antenna has the potential to cover Globalstar satellite phones (GSSP) (1.61–1.63 GHz, uplink), advanced wireless systems (1.71–1.76 GHz, 2.11–2.17 GHz), DCS (1710–1880 MHz), GSM (1800MHz), DCP (1.88–1.90 GHz), DCS-1900/PCS/PHS (1850–1990MHz), WCDMA/IMT-2000 (1920–2170MHz), UMTS (1920–2170 MHz) and long-term evolution (LTE) bands (FDD LTE bands 1–4, 9–10, 15–16, 23–25, 33–37, 39). The designed antenna possessed a very small size of 0.35λ0 × 0.027λ0 at the lowest frequency (S11 ≤ −10dB), achieved good gains and exhibited stable radiation patterns, which makes it suitable for handheld communication devices.
Accurate and Consistent Image-to-Image Conditional Adversarial Network
Authors: Islam Naeem Ul , Lee Sungmin , Park Jaebyung
Published: February 2020

Image-to-image translation based on deep learning has attracted interest in the robotics and vision community because of its potential impact on terrain analysis and image representation, interpretation, modification, and enhancement. Currently, the most successful approach for generating a translated image is a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) for training an autoencoder with skip connections. Despite its impressive performance, it has low accuracy and a lack of consistency; further, its training is imbalanced. This paper proposes a balanced training strategy for image-to-image translation, resulting in an accurate and consistent network. The proposed approach uses two generators and a single discriminator. The generators translate images from one domain to another. The discriminator takes the input of three different configurations and guides both the generators to generate realistic images in their corresponding domains while ensuring high accuracy and consistency. Experiments are conducted on different datasets. In particular, the proposed approach outperforms the cGAN in realistic image translation in terms of accuracy and consistency in training.
A Buck-Boost Transformerless DC–DC Converter Based on IGBT Modules for Fast Charge of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Dimitrov Borislav , Hayatleh Khaled , Barker Steve , Collier Gordana , Sharkh Suleiman , Cruden Andrew
Published: February 2020

A transformer-less Buck-Boost direct current–direct current (DC–DC) converter in use for the fast charge of electric vehicles, based on powerful high-voltage isolated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules is analyzed, designed and experimentally verified. The main advantages of this topology are: simple structure on the converter’s power stage; a wide range of the output voltage, capable of supporting contemporary vehicles’ on-board battery packs; efficiency; and power density accepted to be high enough for such a class of hard-switched converters. A precise estimation of the loss, dissipated in the converter’s basic modes of operation Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost is presented. The analysis shows an approach of loss minimization, based on switching frequency reduction during the Buck-Boost operation mode. Such a technique guarantees stable thermal characteristics during the entire operation, i.e., battery charge cycle. As the Buck-Boost mode takes place when Buck and Boost modes cannot support the output voltage, operating as a combination of them, it can be considered as critically dependent on the characteristics of the semiconductors. With this, the necessary duty cycle and voltage range, determined with respect to the input-output voltages and power losses, require an additional study to be conducted. Additionally, the tolerance of the applied switching frequencies for the most versatile silicon-based powerful IGBT modules is analyzed and experimentally verified. Finally, several important characteristics, such as transients during switch-on and switch-off, IGBTs’ voltage tails, critical duty cycles, etc., are depicted experimentally with oscillograms, obtained by an experimental model.
Technical and Economic Optimal Solutions for Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Parks
Authors: Silva Miguel , Castro Rui , Batalha Mário
Published: February 2020

Solar energy has shown to be a successful renewable source, wherefore large investments are planned in the upcoming decades. This work aims at developing technical and economical solutions to optimize a utility-scale grid connected solar photovoltaic park with an installed capacity of 24 MWp. Several successive simulations were automatically performed with the PVSyst software, so that each influencing parameter is individually analyzed. Moreover, a comprehensive study touching relevant aspects, such as central versus string inverters, landscape versus portrait dispositions, the optimal tilt angle (for fixed tilt systems), backtracking strategy (for single axis tracking systems), shading limit angle, and pitch is performed with the objective of finding the configuration leading to the higher grid injected energy output. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was obtained for 12 different cases in which, for both fixed tilt and single-axis tracking (SAT), central and string inverters and portrait/landscape disposition were considered. The lowest LCOE achieved was 32.23 €/MWh, which is a clear indication of the competitiveness of the solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology. The most economic viable solution is characterized by the employment of an SAT system with the backtracking strategy, together with string inverters and module portrait disposition.
Field Modeling the Impact of Cracks on the Electroconductivity of Thin-Film Textronic Structures
Authors: Pawłowski Stanisław , Plewako Jolanta , Korzeniewska Ewa
Published: February 2020

Wearable electronics are produced by depositing thin electroconductive layers with low resistance on flexible substrates. In the process of producing such metallic films, as well as during their usage, structural defects may appear which affect their electrical properties. In this paper, we present analytical and numerical models for understanding phenomena related to the electrical conductivity of thin electroconductive layers. The algorithm in the numerical model is based on the boundary integral equation method. The formulas enable calculation of the potential distribution and electric field strength of the analyzed structures, and describe the impact of cracks on their electrical resistance. The validity of the proposed models was verified by experimental results.
What Influences Chinese Consumers’ Adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles? A Preliminary Study Based on Factor Analysis
Authors: Wei Wei , Cao Ming , Jiang Qianling , Ou Sheng-Jung , Zou Hong
Published: February 2020

The rapid development of automobile industry in China did improve people’s quality of life. However, it has also damaged the ecological environment. The emission of a large amount of automobiles is one of the serious air pollution sources. In recent years, the shortage of petrochemical energy, the rapid rise of harmful particles in the air (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10), and the increasing worse atmospheric environment are becoming obstacles to China’s sustainable development. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are recognized as an ideal alternative to conventional cars. This study aims to explore the factors that can promote consumers’ adoption of BEVs and to construct domains of these factors. Firstly, an open web questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were conducted to widely collect factors that promote consumers’ purchase of BEVs. Then, questionnaire survey and exploratory factor analysis were used to construct domains of promoting consumers’ purchasing willingness. A total of six factors that promote consumers’ adoption of BEVs were obtained. Finally, the research results can provide references for the Chinese government and the BEV manufacturers in the development and promotion of EVs.
Analysis and Design of Damping Circuit Parameters for LCC Valves Based on Broadband Model
Authors: Tang Yingjie , Zhang Zheren , Xu Zheng
Published: February 2020

Damping circuits are installed inside the converter valve to limit commutation overshoots. They have significant effects on the valve’s turn-off performances, which should be carefully considered in parameter design. First, the calculation models for the turn-off process are discussed, including the conventional low frequency model and the broadband model. Then, it is found that high-frequency equipment parameters have significant effects on the transient valve voltage, which means that the conventional analytical methods based on low-frequency models is not suitable for damping circuit parameter design. The relationships between the turn-off performances and damping circuit parameters have also been analyzed in detail with the broadband model. To achieve better economic efficiency, this paper proposes a novel method for damping circuit parameter optimization, which combines the electromagnetic transient (EMT) calculation and the numerical optimization. Last, the case study is carried out based on a practical ±1100 kV ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission project, which proves the reliability and flexibility of the proposed method.
Effects of Graphene on Larix olgensis Seedlings and Soil Properties of Haplic Cambisols in Northeast China
Authors: Song Jinfeng , Cao Kai , Duan Chengwei , Luo Na , Cui Xiaoyang
Published: February 2020

We investigated the impacts of graphene application at different concentrations on the growth and physiological characteristics of Changbai larch (Larix olgensis A. Henry) seedlings and the chemical properties and enzyme activities of Haplic Cambisols under these seedlings. The aim is to evaluate the environmental effects of graphene on the afforestation species and the zonal forest soils of Northeast China. Seedlings receiving 0 (CK), 25, 50, 100, 250, or 500 mg L−1 graphene were incubated for 30, 40, or 50 days. Low concentrations (25–50 mg L−1) of graphene increased the dry masses of root, stem, and leaf; however, high concentrations (100–500 mg L−1) inhibited them. Compared with those under 0 mg L−1 graphene, the root length, surface area, volume, and average diameter all increased during the early stages of incubation (i.e., 30 and 40 days) under low concentration of graphene (<50 or 100 mg L−1) and decreased at higher graphene concentration (>100 mg L−1); at 50 days, they were significantly inhibited. At 30 days, graphene decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as pigment, soluble protein, and proline contents, and the decline increased with increasing graphene concentration; at 40 and 50 days, the above parameters increased initially and then decreased, reaching a maximum at 50 mg L−1. The changes in relative conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide contents were the opposite of those in the physiological indexes mentioned above. Therefore, graphene caused different degrees of oxidative stress in L. olgensis seedlings. At 30 days, graphene generally increased the organic matter, hydrolytic nitrogen, and available phosphorus and potassium contents of Haplic Cambisols, but these parameters decreased at 40 and 50 days. Graphene generally decreased acid phosphatase, urease, dehydrogenase, and catalase activities. Therefore, when graphene reaches a certain content level in this soil, it may also affect nitrogen and phosphorus cycling.
α-l-Fucosidases from Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Secretome—Molecular Characterization and Their Possible Role in Breaking Down Plant Cell Walls
Authors: Cardoso Joana M.S. , Fonseca Luís , Abrantes Isabel
Published: February 2020

The pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of the pine wilt disease (PWD), enters above-ground parts of the tree, migrates through the resin canals and feeds on plant cells causing extensive damage. In order to penetrate the cell wall and establish a parasitic relationship with host trees, the PWN needs to secretea mixture of active cell wall degrading enzymes. In maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, which is high susceptible to PWN, xyloglucan is the major hemicellulosic polysaccharide in primary cells. The xyloglucan backbone is susceptible to hydrolysis by numerous endoglucanases, some of them specific to xyloglucan. However, to completely degrade xyloglucan, all substitutions on the glucan backbones must be released, and l-fucose residues in xyloglucan branches are released by α-l-fucosidases. In the present study, the molecular characterization of two α-l-fucosidases found in PWN secretome was performed. Moreover, a novel α-l-fucosidase was identified and its cDNA and gene sequence were determined. The three-dimensional structures of these α-l-fucosidases were predicted and the transcript levels were analyzed, thus providing new insights into fundamental PWN biology and the possible role of these proteins as cell wall degrading enzymes.
Influence of Site-Specific Conditions on Estimation of Forest above Ground Biomass from Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Novotný Jan , Navrátilová Barbora , Janoutová Růžena , Oulehle Filip , Homolová Lucie
Published: February 2020

Forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is an important variable in assessing carbon stock or ecosystem functioning, as well as for forest management. Among methods of forest AGB estimation laser scanning attracts attention because it allows for detailed measurements of forest structure. Here we evaluated variables that influence forest AGB estimation from airborne laser scanning (ALS), specifically characteristics of ALS inputs and of a derived canopy height model (CHM), and role of allometric equations (local vs. global models) relating tree height, stem diameter (DBH), and crown radius. We used individual tree detection approach and analyzed forest inventory together with ALS data acquired for 11 stream catchments with dominant Norway spruce forest cover in the Czech Republic. Results showed that the ALS input point densities (4–18 pt/m2) did not influence individual tree detection rates. Spatial resolution of the input CHM rasters had a greater impact, resulting in higher detection rates for CHMs with pixel size 0.5 m than 1.0 m for all tree height categories. In total 12 scenarios with different allometric equations for estimating stem DBH from ALS-derived tree height were used in empirical models for AGB estimation. Global DBH models tend to underestimate AGB in young stands and overestimate AGB in mature stands. Using different allometric equations can yield uncertainty in AGB estimates of between 16 and 84 tons per hectare, which in relative values corresponds to between 6% and 37% of the mean AGB per catchment. Therefore, allometric equations (mainly for DBH estimation) should be applied with care and we recommend, if possible, to establish one’s own site-specific models. If that is not feasible, the global allometric models developed here, from a broad variety of spruce forest sites, can be potentially applicable for the Central European region.
Improved Water Repellency and Dimensional Stability of Wood via Impregnation with an Epoxidized Linseed Oil and Carnauba Wax Complex Emulsion
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Wang Yujiao , Cao Jinzhen , Wang Wang
Published: February 2020

Natural wood is susceptible to moisture during its practical use, limiting not only service life but also the range of uses. In this study, plant extracts, specifically linseed oil and carnauba wax (both environmentally friendly and water-repellent substances), were examined as a means to mitigate limitations of natural wood. Stable and homogenous epoxidized linseed oil/carnauba wax emulsions with an average particle size less than 230 nm were used as a modifier to enhance the performance of wood. Weight percentage gain, bulking coefficient, micromorphology, chemical structure, moisture adsorption, contact angle, water repellency, and dimensional stability of treated wood were measured. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was observed that carnauba wax and epoxidized linseed oil acted as a mechanical barrier and could partially cover or block vessels, pits, and wood rays. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity of wood increased significantly after emulsion impregnation. However, there was no obvious chemical reaction between epoxidized linseed oil and the main components of wood in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. The combined effect of epoxidized linseed oil and carnauba wax was apparent in both decreased water absorption and dimensional deformation. Poplar wood impregnated with an epoxidized linseed oil/carnauba wax complex emulsion shows potential for improving water-related properties. Thus, the complex emulsion modification can improve the inherent shortcoming of poplar wood effectively.
Metrics of Growth Habit Derived from the 3D Tree Point Cloud Used for Species Determination—A New Approach in Botanical Taxonomy Tested on Dragon Tree Group Example
Authors: Vahalík Petr , Drápela Karel , Procházková Andrea , Patočka Zdeněk , Balková Marie , Šenfeldr Martin , Lengálová Klára , Kalivodová Hana , Vaníčková Lucie , Ehrenbergerová Lenka , Lvončík Samuel , Maděra Petr
Published: February 2020

Detailed, three-dimensional modeling of trees is a new approach in botanical taxonomy. Representations of individual trees are a prerequisite for accurate assessments of tree growth and morphological metronomy. This study tests the abilities of 3D modeling of trees to determine the various metrics of growth habit and compare morphological differences. The study included four species of the genus Dracaena: D. draco, D. cinnabari, D. ombet, and D. serrulata. Forty-nine 3D tree point clouds were created, and their morphological metrics were derived and compared. Our results indicate the possible application of 3D tree point clouds to dendrological taxonomy. Basic metrics of growth habit and coefficients derived from the 3D point clouds developed in the present study enable the statistical evaluation of differences among dragon tree species.
Groundwater Depth Overrides Tree-Species Effects on the Structure of Soil Microbial Communities Involved in Nitrogen Cycling in Plantation Forests
Authors: Wu Tiehang , Gray Ashley , Liu Gan , Kaminski Hilary , Osi Efa Bolanle , Aubrey Doug P.
Published: February 2020

Microbial communities found in soil ecosystems play important roles in decomposing organic materials and recycling nutrients. A clear understanding on how biotic and abiotic factors influence the microbial community and its functional role in ecosystems is fundamental to terrestrial biogeochemistry and plant production. The purpose of this study was to investigate microbial communities and functional genes involved in nitrogen cycling as a function of groundwater depth (deep and shallow), tree species (pine and eucalypt), and season (spring and fall). Soil fungal, bacterial, and archaeal communities were determined by length heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR). Soil ammonia oxidation archaeal (AOA) amoA gene, ammonia oxidation bacterial (AOB) amoA gene, nitrite oxidoreductase nrxA gene, and denitrifying bacterial narG, nirK, nirS, and nosZ genes were further studied using PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Soil fungal and bacterial communities remained similar between tree species and groundwater depths, respectively, regardless of season. Soil archaeal communities remained similar between tree species but differed between groundwater depths in the spring only. Archaeal amoA for nitrification and bacterial nirK and nosZ genes for denitrification were detected in DGGE, whereas bacterial amoA and nrxA for nitrification and bacterial narG and nirS genes for denitrification were undetectable. The detected nitrification and denitrification communities varied significantly with groundwater depth. There was no significant difference of nitrifying archaeal amoA or denitrifying nirK communities between different tree species regardless of season. The seasonal difference in microbial communities and functional genes involved in nitrogen cycling suggests microorganisms exhibit seasonal dynamics that likely impact relative rates of nitrification and denitrification.
Effects of Design Proportion and Distribution of Color in Urban and Suburban Green Space Planning to Visual Aesthetics Quality
Authors: Ma Bingqian , Hauer Richard J. , Xu Chengyang
Published: February 2020

Landscape color provides visual attractiveness and is an important landscape architecture construct in design and with aesthetics. Along roadways, plant color in a midground position provides a potential location readily seen by people. However, few studies have quantitatively explored the impact of a green (original) only compared to additions of color on the visual aesthetic quality (VAQ) in this spatial location. In this study, visual images were constructed to contrast four red color proportions (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of midground) and four color spatial distributions (Red-Single, Red-Group, Green-Single and Green-Group) mixed with three landscapes texture classes (rigid = narrowleaf coniferous, soft = broadleaved, and mixed = both) in the background. As red color proportion increased, VAQ also increased. In the original all green landscape, the background setting had a significant impact on VAQ, but the texture plant design of the foreground had no significant impact on the landscape VAQ. Broadleaved (MVAQ = 63.2) and coniferous landscapes (MVAQ = 55.9) were rated as more attractive than a mixed landscape (MVAQ = 27.9). From the perspective of design color, increasing the proportions of color can improve the VAQ of the landscape. This study indicates that aesthetic quality becomes highest when the color proportion of the middle ground layer was greatest at C100 (MVAQ = 79.7). Comparing the four spatial color distributions, the single distributed green landscape (MVAQ = 60.9) and the group distributed landscape when started with red (MVAQ = 54.0) had the higher quality than the others. Findings from this study can be used to support public authorities and urban planners to effectively design and manage urban spaces to meet dwellers’ needs.
Seismic and Rainfall Induced Displacements of an Existing Landslide: Findings from the Continuous Monitoring
Authors: Ruggeri Paolo , Fruzzetti Viviene M. E. , Ferretti Antonio , Scarpelli Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

“La Sorbella” is a deep-seated existing landslide in a Miocene clayey formation located in central Italy. Given the interaction with a national road, this landslide has been monitored for a long time with inclinometers and hydraulic piezometers. Recently, the monitoring system was implemented by adding pressure transducers in the Casagrande cells and by equipping the old inclinometers with in-place probes, to allow a remote reading of the instruments and data recording. This system allowed to identify that the very small average rate of movement observed over one year (1.0–1.5 cm/year) is the sum of small single sliding processes, strictly linked to the sequence of rainfall events. Moreover, data recorded by in-place inclinometer probes detected the response of the landslide to the seismic sequence of 2016 occurring in central Italy. Such in situ measurements during earthquakes, indeed rarely available in the scientific literature, allowed an assessment of the critical acceleration of the sliding mass by means of a back-analysis. The possibility to distinguish the difference between seismic and rainfall induced displacements of the slope underlines the potential of continuous monitoring in the diagnosis of landslide mechanisms.
A New Simple Screening Tool—4QT: Can It Identify Those with Swallowing Problems? A Pilot Study
Authors: Tsang Karwai , Lau Esther SY , Shazra Mariyam , Eyres Ruth , Hansjee Dharinee , Smithard David G
Published: February 2020

As people and the population age, the prevalence of swallowing problems (dysphagia) increases. The screening for dysphagia is considered good practice in stroke care, yet is not routinely undertaken in the management of frail older adults. A short swallow screen, the 4QT, was developed following a review of the literature. The screen has four questions relating to swallowing that can be asked by a member of the health care team. A convenience sample of 48 older frail patients on an acute frailty ward was recruited into a Quality Improvement project. Their swallow was screened using the EAT-10 and 4QT. A speech and language therapist assessed for the presence of dysphagia using a standardised assessment for dysphagia. The 4QT was as effective as the EAT-10 in identifying older frail adults with potential swallowing problems (Κ = 0.73). The 4QT has 100% sensitivity, 80.4% specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) 50%, negative predictive value (NPV) 100%. The 4QT is a highly sensitive but not specific swallow screen, only 50% of people reporting swallowing problems were confirmed to have a degree of dysphagia by the SLT. The 4QT is a simple screening tool that could be used by all staff, but requires further research/evaluation before it is widely accepted into clinical practice.
A Study on the Preference for the Defensive Attribute under Environmental Risk in China
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Li
Published: February 2020

Little is known about the preference for defensive consumption goods and their defensive attributes under environmental risks in developing countries. The paper takes the water purifier as an example of defensive consumption goods against heavy metal pollution risk from drinking water. Using a survey data in China, the discrete choice experiment method is employed to investigate rural farmers’ preferences for a water purifier. The scientific knowledge and risk perception effects are used to determine farmers’ preferences for the defensive attribute on a water purifier. Using a mixed logit model, rural farmers are found to prefer a water purifier with low price, free installation, a longer warranty period, and a heavy metal filter (i.e., the defensive attribute). Farmers’ neighborhood norm perception dominates the defensive preference while scientific knowledge do not work significantly. More specifically, the more the neighborhood norm perception is recognized, the more likely farmers are to improve their own preferences for the defensive attribute. Affected by the neighborhood norm perception, rural farmers’ preferences for the defensive attribute are found to be increased significantly as average income gaps narrow. The future defensive health policies should be devoted to improving environmental risk awareness and utilizing informal social networks in areas with high environmental risks.
Geneva Health Forum: The Forum of Innovative Practices in Global Health
Authors: Spagnoli Laura , Comte Eric , Sheath Danny , Rosset Nicole , Loutan Louis , Geissbuhler Antoine , Flahault Antoine
Published: February 2020

In the past years, Global Health has interfaced with important challenges related to several dynamic changes. Technological progress, the digital revolution and the emergence of new actors in the field of health, increase the possibility of finding solutions to these unprecedented challenges. Starting from these assumptions, the idea of providing an adequate platform for good management of the health system has flowed into the creation of a meeting place that would allow a wide exchange of information, ideas sharing and proposals for new collaborations: the Geneva Health Forum (GHF). The GHF is a global health conference that aims to promote critical reflections and constructive debates on contemporary global health issues, thus influencing and informing policy formulation with experience from the field. The profile and impact of the Geneva Health Forum has grown year on year, establishing itself as a unique forum, ranging from more traditional sessions to innovative events.
Online Survey for the Assessment of Generic Health Literacy among Adolescents in Germany (GeKoJu): Study Protocol
Authors: Loer Anne-Kathrin M. , Domanska Olga Maria , Kuhnert Ronny , Houben Robin , Albrecht Stefan , Jordan Susanne
Published: February 2020

The promotion of health literacy at a young age can protect, maintain and improve health across the life course. Yet to date, a sound data basis on adolescent health literacy as a requirement for the development of strategies to promote health literacy has not been given. This paper presents a study protocol for the online survey “Health Literacy Among Adolescents” (GeKoJu) that collects the first nation-wide representative data on self-reported generic health among adolescents aged 14–17 years in Germany. The objectives of the survey are (1) to assess the distribution of generic health literacy among adolescents in Germany, (2) to identify socio-demographic and social factors in regard to health literacy and (3) to assess the association of health literacy and health-related outcomes. The cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2019 through December 2019. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling strategy was applied. Individuals invited to participate in the survey (N = 6608) were randomly selected among German-speaking adolescents aged 14–17 years, with permanent residence in Germany. Generic health literacy is measured with the “Measurement of Health Literacy Among Adolescents-Questionnaire” (MOHLAA-Q). Data collection also covers questions on health behavior, subjective health status, personal and social resources, socio-demographic and social factors and health services use. Results of the GeKoJu survey will provide data for the development of strategies to promote generic health literacy among families, in schools, communities and health care.
Active School Transportation in Winter Conditions: Biking Together is Warmer
Authors: Lindqvist Anna-Karin , Löf Marie , Ek Anna , Rutberg Stina
Published: February 2020

We wish to update Section 2 [...]
A Review of Published Literature Regarding Health Issues of Coastal Communities in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Azzeri Amirah , Ching Goh Hong , Jaafar Hafiz , Mohd Noor Mohd Iqbal , Razi Nurain Amirah , Then Amy Yee-Hui , Suhaimi Julia , Kari Fatimah , Dahlui Maznah
Published: February 2020

Several of the coastal zones in Sabah, Malaysia, are isolated and inaccessible. This study aimed to review the published literature on the health status of the coastal communities in Sabah. The following four main health issues were found: (i) malaria, (ii) tuberculosis (TB), (iii) seafood poisoning, and (iv) antenatal problems. Factors associated with the risk of acquiring malarial infection in the studied coastal area were advanced age, male sex, farming as an occupation, history of travel outside the village, and rainy seasons. TB infection was primarily observed in adult men. Seafood poisoning was significantly common in Sabah. Studies have reported that tetrodotoxin and paralytic shellfish poisoning were commonly reported (30–60 cases annually). Several pregnant women in the coastal community had insufficient knowledge of the national antenatal care programme. Nonetheless, 99% of them received antenatal care at public healthcare facilities with 92% of them undergoing safe delivery. Nevertheless, a majority of the pregnant women had iodine deficiency due to low iodised salt intake. Findings from this review highlighted that the coastal communities in Sabah are experiencing significant health problems. Specific attention is required to significantly enhance the health and well-being of the individuals living in the coastal communities in Sabah.
Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fischer Damian , Seidu Fatima , Yang Jennie , Felten Michael K. , Garus Cyryl , Kraus Thomas , Fobil Julius N. , Kaifie Andrea
Published: February 2020

Informal e-waste recycling is associated with several health hazards. Thus far, the main focus of research in the e-waste sector has been to assess the exposure site, such as the burden of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the health consequences associated with informal e-waste recycling. A questionnaire-based assessment regarding occupational information, medical history, and current symptoms and complaints was carried out with a group of n = 84 e-waste workers and compared to a control cohort of n = 94 bystanders at the e-waste recycling site Agbogbloshie. E-waste workers suffered significantly more from work-related injuries, back pain, and red itchy eyes in comparison to the control group. In addition, regular drug use was more common in e-waste workers (25% vs. 6.4%). Both groups showed a noticeable high use of pain killers (all workers 79%). The higher frequency of symptoms in the e-waste group can be explained by the specific recycling tasks, such as burning or dismantling. However, the report also indicates that adverse health effects apply frequently to the control group. Occupational safety trainings and the provision of personal protection equipment are needed for all workers.
Environmental Governance Cooperative Behavior among Enterprises with Reputation Effect Based on Complex Networks Evolutionary Game Model
Authors: Luo Ming , Fan Ruguo , Zhang Yingqing , Zhu Chaoping
Published: February 2020

This paper first portrays the equilibrium payoff of enterprise’s cooperation of environmental governance based on the Cournot model. Secondly, the evolutionary game model in complex networks is adopted to depict the evolution of environmental governance cooperative behavior among enterprises. Further, the evolutionary process of environmental governance cooperative behavior of enterprises is simulated considering the supervision behavior of government and the reputation evaluation behavior of environmental social organization. The results show that the cooperation level of enterprise group under self-organization condition will reach a low level; the supervision of government can enhance the cooperation level of enterprise group with high betrayal tempatation while it has limited effect on enterprise group with low betrayal tempatation. The reputation evaluation behavior of environmental social organization can realize reputation effect to improve the the cooperation level of enterprise group with high betrayal tempatation. The enhance of reputation sensitivity can optimize equilibrium distribution of reputation and it can strengthen the reputation effect on cooperation level. Based on the analysis above, the suggestions to effectively improve cooperation level are given.
Developing Youth Environmental Health Literacy and Civic Leadership through Community Air Monitoring in Imperial County, California
Authors: Madrigal Daniel , Claustro Mariana , Wong Michelle , Bejarano Esther , Olmedo Luis , English Paul
Published: February 2020

With a rapidly changing climate, new leaders must be trained to understand and act on emerging environmental threats. In California’s Imperial Valley, a collaborative of community members, researchers, and scientists developed a community air monitoring network to provide local residents with better air quality information. To expand the reach of the project and to prepare the next generation of youth leaders we developed an internship program to increase environmental health literacy and civic leadership. In the 10-week program, high school students learned about air quality science, respiratory health, community air monitoring, and policies intended to improve air quality. The students learned to present this information to their peers, neighbors, family, and community leaders. The program used participatory approaches familiar to community-engaged research to center the students’ experience. Surveys and interviews with the students were used to assess the program and found that the students became more familiar with air quality policies, increased their ability to use air monitoring resources, and increased their own confidence in their ability to effect change. With the growing threats related to environmental hazards, it is vital to prepare youth leaders to understand, communicate, and act.