bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal-Organic Decomposition-Mediated Nanoparticulate Vanadium Oxide Hole Transporting Buffer Layer for Polymer Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Chengkai , Hong Won Tae , Kim Young Eun , Choe Woo-Seok , Kim Dong-Hwan , Kim Jung Kyu
Published: August 2020

In this study, a solution-processable compact vanadium oxide (V2O5) film with a globular nanoparticulate structure is introduced to the hole transport layer (HTL) of polymer bulk-heterojunction based solar cells comprised of PTB7:PC70BM by using a facile metal-organic decomposition method to replace the conventionally utilized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). For this, a biocompatible structure-determining agent, polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mn 300), is used as an additive in the precursor to form the nanoparticulate compact V2O5 (hereafter referred to as NP-V2O5) film, which possesses an outstandingly smooth surface morphology. The introduction of NP-V2O5 HTL via the solution process with a neutral pH condition successfully improved the stability by preventing the decomposition of indium tin oxide (ITO) glass and the penetration of heavy-metal components and moisture, which are considered as the crucial drawbacks of using PEDOT:PSS. Over 1440 h (60 days) of the stability test, an organic solar cell (OSC) with NP-V2O5 showed a significant durability, maintaining 82% of its initial power conversion efficiency (PCE), whereas an OSC with PEDOT:PSS maintained 51% of its initial PCE. Furthermore, due to the positive effects of the modified surface properties of NP-V2O5, the PCE was slightly enhanced from 7.47% to 7.89% with a significant improvement in the short-circuit current density and fill factor.
A Facile Strategy to Fabricate Antistatic Polyamide 1012/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Pipes for Fuel Delivery Applications
Authors: Li Wanli , Wang Lili , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: August 2020

Developing antistatic long chain polyamide (LCPA) resins and fabricating the corresponding fuel pipes are challenges but necessary. Herein, a facile but effective strategy was put forward to fabricate LCPA resins with a superior conductivity, meeting the requirements of electrostatic sub-conductors. The strategy was based on, first, the incorporation of a large amount (15 wt%) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a polyamide 1012 (PA1012) matrix as a master batch, which formed a dense conductive network. Subsequently, it was diluted with PA1012 granules to produce base resins, and the reprocessed nanocomposites with a critical content of MWCNTs (3 wt%) could generate an effectively interconnected conductive network, with sparse and thinning features. Using the base resins, fuel pipes for automobiles, petrol stations and high pressure applications were successfully fabricated, where the thin conductive network was transformed into a thick one due to external field-induced re-agglomeration of MWCNTs. In this way, the obtained fuel pipes combined excellent conductive and barrier properties, and mechanical properties at high and low temperatures. These comprehensive properties also arose from the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in an LCPA matrix, even without coupling agents; the attractive interaction between MWCNTs and the polyamide chains contributed to their strong interface adhesion. Thus, this research provides a versatile approach to fabricating antistatic LCPA resins, which will certainly extend their application to vehicle fuel systems.
Hyaluronic Acid: The Influence of Molecular Weight on Structural, Physical, Physico-Chemical, and Degradable Properties of Biopolymer
Authors: Snetkov Petr , Zakharova Kseniia , Morozkina Svetlana , Olekhnovich Roman , Uspenskaya Mayya
Published: August 2020

Hyaluronic acid, as a natural linear polysaccharide, has attracted researchers’ attention from its initial detection and isolation from tissues in 1934 until the present day. Due to biocompatibility and a high biodegradation of hyaluronic acid, it finds wide application in bioengineering and biomedicine: from biorevitalizing skin cosmetics and endoprostheses of joint fluid to polymeric scaffolds and wound dressings. However, the main properties of aqueous polysaccharide solutions with different molecular weights are different. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of hyaluronic acid-based preparations directly depends on the molecular weight of the biopolymer. The present review collects the information about relations between the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid and its original properties. Particular emphasis is placed on the structural, physical and physico-chemical properties of hyaluronic acid in water solutions, as well as their degradability.
Thiolation of Biopolymers for Developing Drug Delivery Systems with Enhanced Mechanical and Mucoadhesive Properties: A Review
Authors: Puri Vivek , Sharma Ameya , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Inderbir
Published: August 2020

Biopolymers are extensively used for developing drug delivery systems as they are easily available, economical, readily modified, nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible. Thiolation is a well reported approach for enhancing mucoadhesive and mechanical properties of polymers. In the present review article, for the modification of biopolymers different thiolation methods and evaluation/characterization techniques have been discussed in detail. Reported literature on thiolated biopolymers with enhanced mechanical and mucoadhesive properties has been presented conspicuously in text as well as in tabular form. Patents filed by researchers on thiolated polymers have also been presented. In conclusion, thiolation is an easily reproducible and efficient method for customization of mucoadhesive and mechanical properties of biopolymers for drug delivery applications.
Radial Movement Optimization Based Optimal Operating Parameters of a Capacitive Deionization Desalination System
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Saleem Muhammad Wajid , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Al-Dhaifallah Mujahed
Published: August 2020

The productivity of the capacitive deionization (CDI) system is enhanced by determining the optimum operational and structural parameters using radial movement optimization (RMO) algorithm. Six different parameters, i.e., pool water concentration, freshwater recovery, salt ion adsorption, lowest concentration point, volumetric (based on the volume of deionized water), and gravimetric (based on salt removed) energy consumptions are used to evaluate the performance of the CDI process. During the optimization process, the decision variables are represented by the applied voltage, capacitance, flow rate, spacer volume, and cell volume. Two different optimization techniques are considered: single-objective and multi-objective functions. The obtained results by RMO optimizer are compared with those obtained using a genetic algorithm (GA). The results demonstrated that the RMO optimization technique is useful in exploring all possibilities and finding the optimum conditions for operating the CDI unit in a faster and accurate method.
As-Synthesized Oleic Amido Propyl Betaine Surfactant Mixture and the Effect on the Crude Oil–Seawater Interfacial Tension
Authors: Ahmad Wazir Norhidayah , Ramli Anita , Yusof Nurida M. , Saphanuchart Wasan , S. Majanun Emily
Published: August 2020

As-synthesized oleic amido propyl betaine surfactant mixture was developed through a slight modification of a conventional two-step betaine synthesis process of amidation and quaternization reactions. This method is a “direct formulating through synthesis” to achieve a targeted interfacial property (interfacial tension or IFT) of the as-synthesized surfactant. Oil–water IFT was measured in the crude oil–seawater system at 96 °C. The result showed that the as-synthesized surfactant was able to reduce crude oil–seawater IFT to the ultra-low level (<0.01 mN/m). As the finding emerged, the investigation was conducted to identify the elements that would bring the characteristic of ultra-low IFT. The characterization of the surfactant using FTIR, TG-IR, and HPLC suggested that unreacted materials associated with the surfactant remained, such as the carryover of a fatty amide from the intermediate process, residues of N, N trimethylene dimethylamine and sodium chloride as a by-product, and the important newly formed sodium oleate compound that was inadvertently generated via the reaction. The performance of the as-synthesized in seawater condition has been verified and the surface tension plot shows the lowest surface tension point at 0.05 wt.% concentration before developing a plateau region at higher surfactant concentration, indicating that the formation of surfactant micelles has been interrupted by the presence of other components in the solution. The dynamic IFT test performed on the as-synthesized product revealed that it was still able to reduce the crude oil–seawater IFT to an ultra-low level, despite the multiple undesirable components in the surfactant. IFT as low as 3.4 × 10−4 mN/m for the specific seawater and crude oil composition was obtained at a temperature of 96 °C.
Whole-Cell Biotransformation of 1,12-Dodecanedioic Acid from Coconut Milk Factory Wastewater by Recombinant CYP52A17SS Expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Buathong Phawadee , Boonvitthya Nassapat , Truan Gilles , Chulalaksananukul Warawut
Published: August 2020

Biotransformation of fatty acids from renewable wastewater as feedstock to value-added chemicals is a fascinating commercial opportunity. α,ω-Dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) are building blocks in many industries, such as polymers, cosmetic intermediates, and pharmaceuticals, and can be obtained by chemical synthesis under extreme conditions. However, biological synthesis can replace the traditional chemical synthesis using cytochrome P450 enzymes to oxidize fatty acids to DCAs. Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY(2R)/pYeDP60-CYP52A17SS (BCM), a transgenic strain expressing the galactose-inducible CYP52A17SS cytochrome P450 enzyme, was able to grow in a coconut milk factory wastewater (CCW) medium and produced 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid (HDDA) and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (DDA). The supplementation of CCW with 10 g/L yeast extract and 20 g/L peptone (YPCCW) markedly increased the yeast growth rate and the yields of 12-HDDA and 1,12-DDA, with the highest levels of approximately 60 and 38 µg/L, respectively, obtained at 30 °C and pH 5. The incubation temperature and medium pH strongly influenced the yeast growth and 1,12-DDA yield, with the highest 1,12-DDA formation at 30 °C and pH 5–5.5. Hence, the S. cerevisiae BCM strain can potentially be used for producing value-added products from CCW.
Suffering the Sons of Eve: Animal Ethics in al-Maʿarrī’s Epistle of the Horse and the Mule
Authors: Blankinship Kevin
Published: August 2020

In the year 1021 CE, blind author and skeptic Abū l-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī (d. 1057 CE) wrote Risālat al-ṣāhil wa-l-shāḥij (The Epistle of the Horse and the Mule), a winding prose work populated by animal characters who talk about poetry, grammar, riddles, and Syrian society on the eve of the crusades. Traditionally forgotten as a source for al-Maʿarrī’s pacifism, and his vegan worldview, the Ṣāhil lets readers see his thinking on animals more than most other works. After a brief survey of animals in Islam, which shows a mainstream desire for balance between human and non-human needs, as well as exceptional cases that strongly uphold animals as subjects per se and which stand as key inter-texts for al-Maʿarrī, this paper considers how the Ṣāhil champions non-human creatures through images of animal cruelty deployed to shock readers into compassion, and through poetry and popular sayings (amthāl) recast in a zoocentric mold. It, therefore, advocates with more fervor than anthropocentric Islamic writings on animals, such as Kalīlah wa-Dimnah or the letters of the Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ. However, this happens in a way that makes it hard to pin down the sources of al-Maʿarrī’s thought. Furthermore, al-Maʿarrī seems to contradict himself when, for example, he employs literal meaning when it comes to animal justice, even as he avoids literalism in other contexts. This calls his concern for animals into question in one sense, but in another, it affirms such concern insofar as his self-contradictions show an active mind working through animal ethics in real time.
Toward Mapping Dietary Fibers in Northern Ecosystems Using Hyperspectral and Multispectral Data
Authors: Jennewein Jyoti S. , Eitel Jan U.H. , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Vierling Lee A.
Published: August 2020

Shrub proliferation across the Arctic from climate warming is expanding herbivore habitat but may also alter forage quality. Dietary fibers—an important component of forage quality—influence shrub palatability, and changes in dietary fiber concentrations may have broad ecological implications. While airborne hyperspectral instruments may effectively estimate dietary fibers, such data captures a limited portion of landscapes. Satellite data such as the multispectral WorldView-3 (WV-3) instrument may enable dietary fiber estimation to be extrapolated across larger areas. We assessed how variation in dietary fibers of Salix alaxensis (Andersson), a palatable northern shrub, could be estimated using hyperspectral and multispectral WV-3 spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) in a greenhouse setting, and whether including structural information (i.e., leaf area) would improve predictions. We collected canopy-level hyperspectral reflectance readings, which we convolved to the band equivalent reflectance of WV-3. We calculated every possible SVI combination using hyperspectral and convolved WV-3 bands. We identified the best performing SVIs for both sensors using the coefficient of determination (adjusted R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) using simple linear regression. Next, we assessed the importance of plant structure by adding shade leaf area, sun leaf area, and total leaf area to models individually. We evaluated model fits using Akaike’s information criterion for small sample sizes and conducted leave-one-out cross validation. We compared cross validation slopes and predictive power (Spearman rank coefficients ρ) between models. Hyperspectral SVIs (R2 = 0.48–0.68; RMSE = 0.04–0.91%) outperformed WV-3 SVIs (R2 = 0.13–0.35; RMSE = 0.05–1.18%) for estimating dietary fibers, suggesting hyperspectral remote sensing is best suited for estimating dietary fibers in a palatable northern shrub. Three dietary fibers showed improved predictive power when leaf area metrics were included (cross validation ρ = +2–8%), suggesting plant structure and the light environment may augment our ability to estimate some dietary fibers in northern landscapes. Monitoring dietary fibers in northern ecosystems may benefit from upcoming hyperspectral satellites such as the environmental mapping and analysis program (EnMAP).
Particle Size Parameters of Particulate Matter Suspended in Coastal Waters and Their Use as Indicators of Typhoon Influence
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Huang Haijun , Yan Liwen , Yang Xiguang , Bi Haibo , Zhang Zehua
Published: August 2020

The power law particle size distribution (PSD) slope parameter is commonly used to characterize sediment fluxes, resuspension, aggregates, and settling rates in coastal and estuarine waters. However, particle size distribution metrics are also very useful for understanding sediment source and dynamic processes. In this study, a method was proposed to employ the particle size parameters commonly used in sedimentary geology (average particle size (ø), sorting, skewness, and kurtosis) as indicators of changes in sediment dynamic processes, and MODIS images were used to estimate these parameters. The particle size parameters were estimated using a Mie scattering model, Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA) analysis algorithm, and least squares QR decomposition (LSQR) solution method based on the relationship between the power law distribution of the suspended particles and their optical scattering properties. The estimates were verified by field measurements in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea regions of China. This method provided good estimates of the average particle size (ø), sorting, and kurtosis. A greater number of wavebands (39) was associated with more accurate particle size distribution curves. Furthermore, the method was used to monitor changes in suspended particulate matter in the vicinity of the Heini Bay of China before and after the passage of a strong storm in August 2011. The particle size parameters represented the influence of a strong typhoon on the distribution of the near-shore sediment and, together with the PSD slope, comprehensively reflected the changes in the near-shore suspended particulate matter. This method not only established the relationship between remote sensing monitoring and the historical sediment record, it also extends the power law model to the application of sediment source and dynamic processes in coastal waters.
Suitability Evaluation of Typical Drought Index in Soil Moisture Retrieval and Monitoring Based on Optical Images
Authors: Nie Yan , Tan Ying , Deng Yuqin , Yu Jing
Published: August 2020

As a basic agricultural parameter in the formation, transformation, and consumption of surface water resources, soil moisture has a very important influence on the vegetation growth, agricultural production, and healthy operation of regional ecosystems. The Aksu river basin is a typical semi-arid agricultural area which seasonally suffers from water shortage. Due to the lack of knowledge on soil moisture change, the water management and decision-making processes have been a difficult issue for local government. Therefore, soil moisture monitoring by remote sensing became a reasonable way to schedule crop irrigation and evaluate the irrigation efficiency. Compared to in situ measurements, the use of remote sensing for the monitoring of soil water content is convenient and can be repetitively applied over a large area. To verify the applicability of the typical drought index to the rapid acquisition of soil moisture in arid and semi-arid regions, this study simulated, compared, and validated the effectiveness of soil moisture inversion. GF-1 WFV images, Landsat 8 OLI images, and the measured soil moisture data were used to determine the Perpendicular Drought Index (PDI), the Modified Perpendicular Drought Index (MPDI), and the Vegetation Adjusted Perpendicular Drought Index (VAPDI). First, the determination coefficients of the correlation analyses on the PDI, MPDI, VAPDI, and measured soil moisture in the 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depth layers based on the GF-1 WFV and Landsat 8 OLI images were good. Notably, in the 0–10 cm depth layers, the average determination coefficient was 0.68; all models met the accuracy requirements of soil moisture inversion. Both indicated that the drought indices based on the Near Infrared (NIR)-Red spectral space derived from the optical remote sensing images are more sensitive to soil moisture near the surface layer; however, the accuracy of retrieving the soil moisture in deep layers was slightly lower in the study area. Second, in areas of vegetation coverage, MPDI and VAPDI had a higher inversion accuracy than PDI. To a certain extent, they overcame the influence of mixed pixels on the soil moisture spectral information. VAPDI modified by Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) was not susceptible to vegetation saturation and, thus, had a higher inversion accuracy, which makes it performs better than MPDI’s in vegetated areas. Third, the spatial heterogeneity of the soil moisture retrieved by the GF-1 WFV and Landsat 8 OLI image were similar. However, the GF-1 WFV images were more sensitive to changes in the soil moisture, which reflected the actual soil moisture level covered by different vegetation. These results provide a practical reference for the dynamic monitoring of surface soil moisture, obtaining agricultural information and agricultural condition parameters in arid and semi-arid regions.
Data Adaptive Analysis on Vertical Surface Deformation Derived from Daily ITSG-Grace2018 Model
Authors: Li Weiwei
Published: August 2020

With the widely used monthly gravity models, it is hard to determine the sub-monthly variations. Thanks to the high temporal resolution, a daily ITSG-Grace2018 gravity model is employed to derive the vertical deformation of the China region in 1.0° × 1.0° grids. The standard deviations of residuals between the daily and monthly averaged displacement range from 1.0 to 3.5 mm, reaching half of the median residuals, which indicates that a higher temporal resolution gravity model is quite necessary for the analysis of crustal displacement. For the signal analysis, traditional least square (LS) is limited in its analysis of signals with constant amplitude. However, geophysical signals in a geodetic time series usually fluctuate over long periods, and missing data happen. In this study, the data adaptive approach called enhanced harmonic analysis (EHA), which is based on an Independent Point (IP) scheme, is introduced to deal with these issues. To demonstrate the time-varying signals, the relative differences between EHA and LS are calculated. It illustrates that the median percentage of epochs at grids with a relative difference larger than 10% is 69.7% and the proportions for the ranges of 30%, 50%, and 70% are about 30.1%, 18.4%, and 13.0%, respectively. The obvious discrepancy suggests the advantage of EHA over LS in obtaining time-varying signals. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the discrepancy also demonstrates the regional characteristics, suggesting that the assumption of constant amplitude is not appropriate in specific regions. To further validate the effectiveness of EHA, the comprehensive analysis on the different noise types, number of IPs, missing data, and simultaneous signals are carried out. Specifically, EHA can deal with series containing white or color noise, although the stochastic model for the color noise should be modified. The signals are slightly different when selecting different numbers of IPs within a range, which could be accepted during analysis. Without interpolation, EHA performs well even with continuously missing data, which is regarded as its feature. Meanwhile, not only a single signal but also simultaneous signals can be effectively identified by EHA.
The Geometry of Noise in Color and Spectral Image Sensors
Authors: Clouet Axel , Vaillant Jérôme , Alleysson David
Published: August 2020

Digital images are always affected by noise and the reduction of its impact is an active field of research. Noise due to random photon fall onto the sensor is unavoidable but could be amplified by the camera image processing such as in the color correction step. Color correction is expressed as the combination of a spectral estimation and a computation of color coordinates in a display color space. Then we use geometry to depict raw, spectral and color signals and noise. Geometry is calibrated on the physics of image acquisition and spectral characteristics of the sensor to study the impact of the sensor space metric on noise amplification. Since spectral channels are non-orthogonal, we introduce the contravariant signal to noise ratio for noise evaluation at spectral reconstruction level. Having definitions of signal to noise ratio for each steps of spectral or color reconstruction, we compare performances of different types of sensors (RGB, RGBW, RGBWir, CMY, RYB, RGBC).
Indoor Positioning System Based on Fuzzy Logic and WLAN Infrastructure
Authors: Hrad Jaromir , Vojtech Lukas , Cihlar Martin , Stasa Pavel , Neruda Marek , Benes Filip , Svub Jiri
Published: August 2020

This paper deals with the issue of mobile device localization in the environment of buildings, which is suitable for use in healthcare or crisis management. The developed localization system is based on wireless Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi), evaluating signal strength from different access points, using the fingerprinting method for localization. The most serious problems consist in multipath signal propagation and the different sensitivities (calibration) of Wi-Fi adapters installed in different mobile devices. To solve these issues, an algorithm based on fuzzy logic is proposed to optimize the localization performance. The localization system consists of five elements, which are mobile applications for Android OS, a fuzzy derivation model, and a web surveillance environment for displaying the localization results. All of these elements use a database and shared storage on a virtualized server running Ubuntu. The developed system is implemented in Java for Android-based mobile devices and successfully tested. The average accuracy is satisfactory for determining the position of a client device on the level of rooms.
A Novel Approach to Condition Monitoring of the Cutting Process Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Silva Rui , Araújo António
Published: August 2020

Condition monitoring is a fundamental part of machining, as well as other manufacturing processes where, generally, there are parts that wear out and have to be replaced. Devising proper condition monitoring has been a concern of many researchers, but there is still a lack of robustness and efficiency, most often hindered by the system’s complexity or otherwise limited by the inherent noisy signals, a characteristic of industrial processes. The vast majority of condition monitoring approaches do not take into account the temporal sequence when modelling and hence lose an intrinsic part of the context of an actual time-dependent process, fundamental to processes such as cutting. The proposed system uses a multisensory approach to gather information from the cutting process, which is then modelled by a recurrent neural network, capturing the evolutive pattern of wear over time. The system was tested with realistic cutting conditions, and the results show great effectiveness and accuracy with just a few cutting tests. The use of recurrent neural networks demonstrates the potential of such an approach for other time-dependent industrial processes under noisy conditions.
The Relationship between CrossFit® Performance and Laboratory-Based Measurements of Fitness
Authors: Zeitz Elisabeth K. , Cook Lena F. , Dexheimer Joshua D. , Lemez Srdjan , Leyva Whitney D. , Terbio Immanuel Y. , Tran Justin R. , Jo Edward
Published: August 2020

To date, research has examined the physiological determinants of performance in standardized CrossFit® (CF) workouts but not without the influence of CF familiarity. Therefore, the purpose of this present study was to examine the predictive value of aerobic fitness, body composition, and total body strength on performance of two standardized CF workouts in CF-naïve participants. Twenty-two recreationally trained individuals (males = 13, females = 9) underwent assessments of peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), ventilatory thresholds, body composition, and one repetition maximum tests for the back squat, deadlift, and overhead press in which the sum equaled the CF Total. Participants also performed two CF workouts: a scaled version of the CF Open workout 19.1 and a modified version of the CF Benchmark workout Fran to determine scores based on total repetitions completed and time-to-completion, respectively. Simple Pearson’s r correlations were used to determine the relationships between CF performance variables (19.1 and modified Fran) and the independent variables. A forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed and significant variables that survived the regression analysis were used to create a predictive model of CF performance. Absolute VO2 peak was a significant predictor of 19.1 performance, explaining 39% of its variance (adjusted R2 = 0.39, p = 0.002). For modified Fran, CF Total was a significant predictor and explained 33% of the variance in performance (adjusted R2 = 0.33, p = 0.005). These results suggest, without any influence of CF familiarity or experience, that performance in these two CF workouts could be predicted by distinct laboratory-based measurements of fitness.
Farmer Demand and Willingness-To-Pay for Sweetpotato Silage-Based Diet as Pig Feed in Uganda
Authors: Asindu Marsy , Ouma Emily , Elepu Gabriel , Naziri Diego
Published: August 2020

Smallholder livestock farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa are racing against time to find cheaper, nutritious, and sustainable feed alternatives to the more pronounced and expensive commercial concentrates amidst the increasing global demand for livestock products. Lately, many prominent feed conservation technologies have been developed, with a notable example being the sweetpotato silage technology that turns wasted sweetpotato components into a palatable and nutritious livestock feed. However, despite the potential benefits associated with these technologies, the level of demand and acceptance among smallholder farmers remains largely unknown. Thus, this paper assesses the farmer demand and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sweetpotato silage-based diet as pig feed by smallholder farmers in Uganda. The information for the study was collected through secondary data review and semi-structured interviews to assess farmer WTP. The 256 semi-structured interviews were randomly drawn from 16 purposive clusters formed at a radius of 3 km around 16 farmers piloting sweetpotato silage-based diets for pig feed. The results show that pig farming is mainly the responsibility of women, with farmers’ mean willingness-to-pay price amounting to 0.20 USD per kilogram of sweetpotato silage-based diet. At the mean price, the annual demand for silage was estimated at 17,679 tons, with a market potential of approximately 3.59 million USD. The study concludes that, at the mean willingness-to-pay price, there is a substantial market potential that can be exploited by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) venturing in the livestock feed industry.
Adoption of Green Supply Chain Management among SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Lin Chieh-Yu , Alam Syed Shah , Ho Yi-Hui , Al-Shaikh Mohammed Emad , Sultan Parves
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to integrate the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) theory to examine the factors that affect the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices among SMEs in Malaysia. Twelve hypotheses were developed based on the integrating theories in technology adoption context. In this study, data were collected through questionnaire survey on the SMEs in Klang Valley Malaysia. A total of 298 responses were analyzed. The regression analysis method was used to test the hypothetical relationships among technological, organizational and environmental factors and SMEs’ intention to adopt GSCM practices. Research findings show that perceived relative advantage, perceived cost, top management support, complexity, compatibility, firms size, customer pressure, regulatory pressure and the quality of human resources are statistically significant factors influencing GSCM adoption among SMEs in Malaysia. However, observability and governmental support do not have significant effects on GSCM adoption intention. According to research findings, some implications which are valuable to academics and practitioners are also addressed. This study can serve as a guideline for successful implementation of GSCM among the SMEs in an emerging country.
“Work and Surroundings”: A Training to Enhance Career Curiosity, Self-Efficacy, and the Perception of Work and Decent Work in Adolescents
Authors: Zammitti Andrea , Magnano Paola , Santisi Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

The development of professional identity starts with childhood. In adolescence, individuals should have appropriate resources to make choices; high levels of self-efficacy and professional curiosity, as well as better representations of the concept of work and decent work, could support adolescents in their planning of the future. For this reason, we developed a training aimed at providing adolescents with resources of professional curiosity and self-efficacy, which would also increase their representation of the concepts of work and decent work. A longitudinal study compared a control group (n = 80) with an experimental group (n = 80). The second group participated in mainly qualitative career counseling activities and showed an improvement in the levels of professional curiosity and self-efficacy; moreover, after the training, the experimental group showed a better representation of work and decent work. Consequently, the training managed to improve the dimensions set out above. The results show that career counseling activities can help increase adolescent resources and increase their chances of finding a qualitatively good job.
Durability of Structural Recycled Aggregate Concrete Subjected to Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Santana Rangel Caroline , Amario Mayara , Pepe Marco , Martinelli Enzo , Toledo Filho Romildo Dias
Published: August 2020

The increasing global demand for natural resources and the extensive production of construction and demolition waste (CDW) raise concerns for both the economic and environmental consequences that they can induce. Several efforts are being made with the aim to promote sustainable practices in the construction industry. In this context, one of the most relevant options refers to reusing CDW in new construction: specifically, the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is attracting a growing interest. Unfortunately, although the behavior of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has been widely investigated in the last few years, there are still knowledge gaps to fill on various aspects of the RAC performance, such as its durability in extreme conditions. The present study deals with the freeze-thaw performance of normal- (C35) and high-strength (C60) RAC produced with RCAs derived from different sources. Specifically, ten concrete mixtures were subjected to a different number of freeze-thaw cycles (namely, 0, 150 and 300), with the aim of analyzing the degradation of key physical and mechanical properties, such density, compressive strength, elastic modulus and tensile strength. Based on the obtained experimental results, a novel degradation law for freeze-thaw cycles is proposed: it unveils a relationship between open porosity of concrete, which is directly correlated to the peculiar properties of RCAs, and the corresponding damage level determined on RAC specimens.
Subjective Product Evaluation System Based on Kansei Engineering and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Zuo Yaxue , Wang Zhenya
Published: August 2020

Product evaluation is very important for product improvement and development, and subjective product evaluation determines customer’s evaluation of products to some extent, so the purpose of this study is to establish a reasonable subjective product evaluation system. In this study, we comprehensively determine the evaluation indexes based on Kansei engineering (KE), establish an overall product evaluation system by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and establish the subjective product evaluation system by classifying the evaluation indexes in the overall product evaluation system into “objective evaluation index” and “subjective evaluation index”, removing the objective evaluation indexes, and retaining the subjective evaluation indexes. Additionally, we select some modern chairs as experimental samples to verify the reliability and validity of this subjective product evaluation system by means of questionnaires. The experimental results show that, in this subjective product evaluation system, the subjective evaluation of the product is positively correlated with the “favorite” level of the product in comprehensive evaluation, and negatively correlated with the “least favorite” level of the product in comprehensive evaluation, indicating that this subjective product evaluation system realizes a symmetry between subjective product evaluation and comprehensive product evaluation. Therefore, it can be concluded that this subjective product evaluation system based on KE and AHP proposed in this study has reliability and validity, and can be used for product evaluation to judge the popularity of products and enhance the competitiveness of products.
Large Deflection Analysis of Axially Symmetric Deformation of Prestressed Circular Membranes under Uniform Lateral Loads
Authors: Li Xue , Sun Jun-Yi , Zhao Zhi-Hang , He Xiao-Ting
Published: August 2020

In this study, the problem of axisymmetric deformation of peripherally fixed and uniformly laterally loaded circular membranes with arbitrary initial stress is solved analytically. This problem could be called the generalized Föppl–Hencky membrane problem as the case where the initial stress in the membrane is equal to zero is the well-known Föppl–Hencky membrane problem. The problem can be mathematically modeled only in terms of radial coordinate owing to its axial symmetry, and in the present work, it is reformulated by considering an arbitrary initial stress (tensile, compressive, or zero) and by simultaneously improving the out-of-plane equilibrium equation and geometric equation, while the formulation was previously considered to fail to improve the geometric equation. The power-series method is used to solve the reformulated boundary value problem, and a new and more refined analytic solution of the problem is presented. This solution is actually observed to be able to regress into the well-known Hencky solution of zero initial stress, allowing the considered initial stress to be zero. Moreover, the numerical example conducted shows that the obtained power-series solutions for stress and deflection converge very well, and have higher computational accuracy in comparison with the existing solutions.
Waiter Robots Conveying Drinks
Authors: Wan Ash Yaw Sang , Soong Yi De , Foo Edwin , Wong Wai Leong Eugene , Lau Wai Shing Michael
Published: August 2020

Robots have been reportedly seen serving food in several restaurants in many parts of the world. New ventures have been deploying mechanical partners which promote the growth in service robotics. However, robots are considerably incompetent when it comes to beverage and soup delivery. The physical challenge behind the clumsy motion of these machines is found to be its jerky motion control. Jerk control solutions are widely studied in a constrained environment but not well introduced in dynamic environments. In this paper, we will begin by examining developed kinematics solutions, open-source packages from Robot Operating System and the constraints of motion planning. The proposed solution in this paper provides a quick system response with jerk limits using spline velocity profiles. The solution will introduce the concepts of a state machine design that enables the robot to behave and move reactively; effectively balancing its desired velocity and position without spilling a drop of customer satisfaction. Experiments have proven that robots can move at higher velocity without any crashing, spilling, or docking issues. The smooth velocity control proposed will improve the capabilities of waiter robot and service operations in restaurants.
Effects of MP Polyethylene Microparticles on Microbiome and Inflammatory Response of Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Kurchaba Nicholas , Cassone Bryan J. , Northam Caleb , Ardelli Bernadette F. , LeMoine Christophe M. R.
Published: August 2020

Plastic polymers have quickly become one of the most abundant materials on Earth due to their low production cost and high versatility. Unfortunately, some of the discarded plastic can make its way into the environment and become fragmented into smaller microscopic particles, termed secondary microplastics (MP). In addition, primary MP, purposely manufactured microscopic plastic particles, can also make their way into our environment via various routes. Owing to their size and resilience, these MP can then be easily ingested by living organisms. The effect of MP particles on living organisms is suspected to have negative implications, especially during early development. In this study, we examined the effects of polyethylene MP ingestion for four and ten days of exposure starting at 5 days post-fertilization (dpf). In particular, we examined the effects of polyethylene MP exposure on resting metabolic rate, on gene expression of several inflammatory and oxidative stress linked genes, and on microbiome composition between treatments. Overall, we found no evidence of broad metabolic disturbances or inflammatory markers in MP-exposed fish for either period of time. However, there was a significant increase in the oxidative stress mediator L-FABP that occurred at 15 dpf. Furthermore, the microbiome was disrupted by MP exposure, with evidence of an increased abundance of Bacteroidetes in MP fish, a combination frequently found in intestinal pathologies. Thus, it appears that acute polyethylene MP exposure can increase oxidative stress and dysbiosis, which may render the animal more susceptible to diseases.
Controlling Human Rabies: The Development of an Effective, Inexpensive and Locally Made Passive Cooling Device for Storing Thermotolerant Animal Rabies Vaccines
Authors: Lugelo Ahmed , Hampson Katie , Bigambo Machunde , Kazwala Rudovick , Lankester Felix
Published: August 2020

Thermotolerant vaccines greatly improved the reach and impact of large-scale vaccination programs to eliminate diseases such as smallpox, polio and rinderpest. A recent study demonstrated that the potency of the Nobivac® Canine Rabies vaccine was not impacted following experimental storage at 30 °C for three months. We conducted a study to develop a passive cooling device (PCD) that could store thermotolerant vaccines under fluctuating subambient temperatures. Through a participatory process with local communities in Northern Tanzania, we developed innovative PCD designs for local manufacture. A series of field experiments were then carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of five PCDs for vaccine storage under varying climatic conditions. Following iterative improvement, a final prototype “Zeepot Clay” was developed at the cost of US$11 per unit. During a further field-testing phase over a 12-month period, the internal temperature of the device remained below 26 °C, despite ambient temperatures exceeding 42 °C. Our study thus demonstrated that locally designed PCDs have utility for storing thermotolerant rabies vaccines at subambient temperatures. These results have application for the scaling up of mass dog vaccination programs in low-and-middle income countries, particularly for hard-to-reach populations with limited access to power and cold-chain vaccine storage.
Possible Wormhole Candidates in Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Piotrovich Mikhail , Krasnikov Serguei , Buliga Stanislava , Natsvlishvili Tinatin
Published: August 2020

The hypothesis is considered that the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are wormhole (WH) mouths rather than supermassive black holes (SMBHs). We study the difference in the physical properties of such objects from those of AGNs with SMBH, as well as the the corresponding difference in observational data. Firstly, the radiative efficiency for some types of WHs (both static and rotating) can be significantly larger than the theoretical maximal value for the Kerr SMBHs. A number of AGNs is presented, for which the observational data can be interpreted as the result of the presence of WHs in them. Secondly, a sufficiently strong gamma radiation with a characteristic spectrum noticeably differing from that of AGNs jets, can be emitted from a static WH as a result of a collision of accreting flows of matter inside the WH.
Physical Modelling of Arctic Coastlines—Progress and Limitations
Authors: Korte Sophia , Gieschen Rebekka , Stolle Jacob , Goseberg Nils
Published: August 2020

Permafrost coastlines represent a large portion of the world’s coastal area and these areas have become increasingly vulnerable in the face of climate change. The predominant mechanism of coastal erosion in these areas has been identified through several observational studies as thermomechanical erosion—a joint removal of sediment through the melting of interstitial ice (thermal energy) and abrasion from incoming waves (mechanical energy). However, further developments are needed looking how common design parameters in coastal engineering (such as wave height, period, sediment size, etc.) contribute to the process. This paper presents the current state of the art with the objective of establishing the necessary research background to develop a process-based approach to predicting permafrost erosion. To that end, an overarching framework is presented that includes all major, erosion-relevant processes, while delineating means to accomplish permafrost modelling in experimental studies. Preliminary modelling of generations zero and one models, within this novel framework, was also performed to allow for early conclusions as to how well permafrost erosion can currently be modelled without more sophisticated setups.
Impact of Geology on Seasonal Hydrological Predictability in Alpine Regions by a Sensitivity Analysis Framework
Authors: Stergiadi Maria , Di Marco Nicola , Avesani Diego , Righetti Maurizio , Borga Marco
Published: August 2020

Catchment geology has a major influence on the relative impact of the main seasonal hydrological predictability sources (initial conditions (IC), climate forcing (CF)) on the forecast skill as it defines the system’s persistence. A quantification of its effect, though, on the contribution of the predictability sources to the forecast skill has not been previously investigated. In this work we apply the End Point Blending (EPB) framework to assess the contribution of IC and CF to the seasonal streamflow forecast skill over two catchments that represent the end members of a set of catchments of contrasting geology, hence contrasting hydrological response: a highly-permeable, hence slow-responding catchment and a fast-responding catchment of low permeability. Our results show that the contribution of IC in the slow-responding catchment is higher by up to 44% for forecasts initialized in winter and spring and by up to 21% for forecasts initialized in summer. IC are important for up to 4 months of lead in the slow-responding catchment and 2 months of lead in the flashier catchment. Our analysis highlights the added value of the EPB in comparison to the traditional ESP/revESP approach for identifying the sources of seasonal hydrological predictability, on the basis of catchment geology.
Zoonoses x mutações: qual a relação com as questões ambientais?
Authors: Amaral Cisnara Pires
Published: August 2020

O final de 2019 foi assolado com uma das maiores pandemias registradas, com o aparecimento de um vírus, identificado de COVID-19. Inicialmente, os órgãos responsáveis pela saúde não deram importância para o impacto que tal ser vivo ocasionaria. Porém, a situação tornou-se avassaladora, registrando casos distribuídos em praticamente todos os países do mundo. Diante do inesperado, temos que questionar qual a relação entre essa zoonose, as mutações e os desequilíbrios ambientais. Estabelecida essa ligação, torna-se clara a degradação do meio ambiente, a perda de hábitats, a caça predatória, a domesticação, o consumo de animais selvagens e o consumismo desenfreado.
Impactos causados pela COVID-19: um estudo preliminar
Authors: Silva Delmira Santos da Conceição , Santos Marília Barbosa dos , Soares Maria José Nascimento
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo objetivou traçar um panorama preliminar sobre a pandemia do coronavírus sobre o ponto de vista histórico, econômico, social e ambiental e apresentar alternativas sustentáveis a fim de ressignificar à relação pessoa-ambiente durante o período de isolamento social. O estudo é de natureza qualitativa e o método de abordagem foi o bibliográfico. Ao final, concluiu-se que a pandemia do coronavírus impactou a economia, a saúde e o meio ambiente, contudo, verificou-se que a Educação Ambiental apresenta alternativas capazes de amortecer os impactos ambientais e psicossomáticos provocados pela quarentena.