bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serviceability and Flexural Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) Bars Exposed to Harsh Conditions
Authors: Alkhraisha Hakem , Mhanna Haya , Tello Noor , Abed Farid
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study was to investigate experimentally and numerically the behavior of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) reinforcement exposed to a combination of ultraviolet rays, humidity, and rain. Specifically, the effects of the previously stated harsh exposure on the serviceability performance and flexural capacity of BFRP reinforced concrete beams was examined. Holding the exposure parameter constant, the study also evaluated the effects of reinforcement ratio and beam detailing on the flexural capacity and the bond-dependent coefficient (kb) of the beams. Seven beams were cast and tested, four of which were reinforced with exposed BFRP bars, two were reinforced with unexposed BFRP bars, and one specimen was cast and reinforced with steel bars to serve as a benchmark specimen. The results indicate that the kb factor was averaged to be 0.61 for all the beams. Test results also indicate that increasing the reinforcement ratio did not result in a directly proportional increase in the moment capacity. The period of exposure did not cause any significant impact on the behavior of the over-reinforced beams. Thus, a finite element model was created to simulate the impact of exposure on the behavior of under-reinforced BFRP reinforced concrete beams.
Starch-Capped Silver Nanoparticles Impregnated into Propylamine-Substituted PVA Films with Improved Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties for Wound-Bandage Applications
Authors: Iqbal Mudassir , Zafar Hadia , Mahmood Azhar , Niazi Muhammad Bilal Khan , Aslam Muhammad Waqar
Published: September 2020

This research endeavor aims to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based films capable of blends with silver nanoparticles (Ag–NPs) for improved antibacterial properties and good mechanical strength to widen its scope in the field of wound dressing and bandages. This study reports synthesis of propylamine-substituted PVA (PA–PVA), Ag–NPs via chemical and green methods (starch capping) and their blended films in various proportions. Employment of starch-capped Ag–NPs as nanofillers into PVA films has substantially improved the above-mentioned properties in the ensuing nanocomposites. Synthesis of PA–PVA, starch-capped Ag–NPs and blended films were well corroborated with UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, XRD and SEM analysis. Synthesized Ag–NPs were of particle shape and have an average size 20 nm and 40 nm via green and chemical synthesis, respectively. The successful blending of Ag–NPs was yielded up to five weight per weight into PA–PVA film as beyond this self-agglomeration of Ag–NPs was observed. Antibacterial assay has shown good antimicrobial activities by five weight per weight Ag–NPs(G)-encapsulated into PA–PVA blended film, i.e., 13 mm zone inhibition against Escherichia coli and 11 mm zone inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Physical strength was measured in the terms of young’s modulus via tensile stress–strain curves of blended films. The five weight per weight Ag–NPs(G)/PA–PVA blend film showed maximum tensile strength 168.2 MPa while three weight per weight Ag–NPs(G)/PVA blend film showed highest values for ultimate strain 297.0%. Ag–NPs embedment into PA–PVA was resulted in strong and ductile film blend than pristine PA–PVA film due to an increase in hydrogen bonding. These good results of five weight per weight Ag–NPs(G)/PA–PVA product make it a potent candidate for wound dressing application in physically active body areas.
Production of Hydrogen Sulfide by Fermentation in Rumen and Its Impact on Health and Production of Animals
Authors: Shah Ali Mujtaba , Ma Jian , Wang Zhisheng , Hu Rui , Wang Xueying , Peng Quanhui , Amevor Felix Kwame , Goswami Naqash
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen sulfide is a Janus-faced molecule with many beneficial and toxic effects on the animal health. In ruminants, rumen fermentation plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. During rumen fermentation, the production of hydrogen sulfide can occur, and it can be rapidly absorbed into the body of the animals through the intestinal wall. If the production of hydrogen sulfide concentration is higher in the rumen, it can cause a toxic effect on ruminants known as poliomyelitis. The production of hydrogen sulfide depends on the population of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the rumen. In rodents, H2S maintains the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and also improves the healing of the chronic gastric ulcer. In the gut, H2S regulates physiological functions such as inflammation, ischemia–reperfusion injury and motility. In this review article, we summarize the toxicity occurrence in the body of animals due to high levels of hydrogen sulfide production and also recent progress in the studies of physiological function of H2S in the gut, with a special emphasis on bacteria-derived H2S is discussed in this review.
Supported Palladium Nanocatalysts: Recent Findings in Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Andrade Marta A. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S.
Published: September 2020

Catalysis has witnessed a dramatic increase on the use of metallic nanoparticles in the last decade, opening endless opportunities in a wide range of research areas. As one of the most investigated catalysts in organic synthesis, palladium finds numerous applications being of significant relevance in industrial hydrogenation reactions. The immobilization of Pd nanoparticles in porous solid supports offers great advantages in heterogeneous catalysis, allowing control of the major factors that influence activity and selectivity. The present review deals with recent developments in the preparation and applications of immobilized Pd nanoparticles on solid supports as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions, aiming to give an insight on the key factors that contribute to enhanced activity and selectivity. The application of mesoporous silicas, carbonaceous materials, zeolites, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as supports for palladium nanoparticles is addressed.
The Mystical World of the Body in the Bengali Tantric Work Nigūḍhārthaprakāśāvali
Authors: Czyżykowski Robert
Published: September 2020

Amongst the wide collection of literature on the Bengali Tantric Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyās, the works of Mukundadāsa (or Mukundadeva) and his disciples are counted among the most influential. Those Middle Bengali texts that are usually recognized as a group of the four main texts of Mukunda and his circle or followers are commented in the work Nigūḍhārthaprakāśāvali (NPV, ‘The Array of lights on the hidden meanings’) by various disciples of this line. The main goal of this paper is to shed light on some aspects of the religious experience in the regional Tantric tradition. As we may suppose, the descriptions included in NPV refer to some previous experiences of the authors (gurus) of the tradition and describe imaginary internal worlds of the body in the manner specific to that tradition, using various esoteric terms and describing also various kinds of religious discipline (sādhana). This means the presentation of the relatively poorly known and still not well-studied Bengali Tantra is expressed in the vernacular Bengali language (Middle Bengali, madhyajuger Bānglā). I will try to demonstrate how the image of the human body (and its imagination in this particular tradition) serves as the basis for the religious experience.
Investigating the Impact of Digital Elevation Models on Sentinel-1 Backscatter and Coherence Observations
Authors: Borlaf-Mena Ignacio , Santoro Maurizio , Villard Ludovic , Badea Ovidiu , Tanase Mihai
Published: September 2020

Spaceborne remote sensing can track ecosystems changes thanks to continuous and systematic coverage at short revisit intervals. Active remote sensing from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors allows day and night imaging as they are not affected by cloud cover and solar illumination and can capture unique information about its targets. However, SAR observations are affected by the coupled effect of viewing geometry and terrain topography. The study aims to assess the impact of global digital elevation models (DEMs) on the normalization of Sentinel-1 backscattered intensity and interferometric coherence. For each DEM, we analyzed the difference between orbit tracks, the difference with results obtained with a high-resolution local DEM, and the impact on land cover classification. Tests were carried out at two sites located in mountainous regions in Romania and Spain using the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, 30 m), AW3D (ALOS (Advanced Land Observation Satellite) World 3D, 30 m), TanDEM-X (12.5, 30, 90 m), and Spain national ALS (aerial laser scanning) based DEM (5 m resolution). The TanDEM-X DEM was the global DEM most suitable for topographic normalization, since it provided the smallest differences between orbital tracks, up to 3.5 dB smaller than with other DEMs for peak landform, and 1.4–1.9 dB for pit and valley landforms.
Improved Remote Sensing Methods to Detect Northern Wild Rice (Zizania palustris L.)
Authors: O’Shea Kristen , LaRoe Jillian , Vorster Anthony , Young Nicholas , Evangelista Paul , Mayer Timothy , Carver Daniel , Simonson Eli , Martin Vanesa , Radomski Paul , Knopik Joshua , Kern Anthony , Khoury Colin K.
Published: September 2020

Declining populations of Zizania palustris L. (northern wildrice, or wildrice) during the last century drives the demand for new and innovative techniques to support monitoring of this culturally and ecologically significant crop wild relative. We trained three wildrice detection models in R and Google Earth Engine using data from annual aquatic vegetation surveys in northern Minnesota. Three different training datasets, varying in the definition of wildrice presence, were combined with Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Sentinel-1 C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to map wildrice in 2015 using random forests. Spectral predictors were derived from phenologically important time periods of emergence (June–July) and peak harvest (August–September). The range of the Vertical Vertical (VV) polarization between the two time periods was consistently the top predictor. Model outputs were evaluated using both point and area-based validation (polygon). While all models performed well in the point validation with percent correctly classified ranging from 83.8% to 91.1%, we found polygon validation necessary to comprehensively assess wildrice detection accuracy. Our practical approach highlights a variety of applications that can be applied to guide field excursions and estimate the extent of occurrence at landscape scales. Further testing and validation of the methods we present may support multiyear monitoring which is foundational for the preservation of wildrice for future generations.
Assessing the Influence of UAV Altitude on Extracted Biophysical Parameters of Young Oil Palm
Authors: Avtar Ram , Suab Stanley Anak , Syukur Mohd Shahrizan , Korom Alexius , Umarhadi Deha Agus , Yunus Ali P.
Published: September 2020

The information on biophysical parameters—such as height, crown area, and vegetation indices such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE)—are useful to monitor health conditions and the growth of oil palm trees in precision agriculture practices. The use of multispectral sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provides high spatio-temporal resolution data to study plant health. However, the influence of UAV altitude when extracting biophysical parameters of oil palm from a multispectral sensor has not yet been well explored. Therefore, this study utilized the MicaSense RedEdge sensor mounted on a DJI Phantom–4 UAV platform for aerial photogrammetry. Three different close-range multispectral aerial images were acquired at a flight altitude of 20 m, 60 m, and 80 m above ground level (AGL) over the young oil palm plantation area in Malaysia. The images were processed using the structure from motion (SfM) technique in Pix4DMapper software and produced multispectral orthomosaic aerial images, digital surface model (DSM), and point clouds. Meanwhile, canopy height models (CHM) were generated by subtracting DSM and digital elevation models (DEM). Oil palm tree heights and crown projected area (CPA) were extracted from CHM and the orthomosaic. NDVI and NDRE were calculated using the red, red-edge, and near-infrared spectral bands of orthomosaic data. The accuracy of the extracted height and CPA were evaluated by assessing accuracy from a different altitude of UAV data with ground measured CPA and height. Correlations, root mean square deviation (RMSD), and central tendency were used to compare UAV extracted biophysical parameters with ground data. Based on our results, flying at an altitude of 60 m is the best and optimal flight altitude for estimating biophysical parameters followed by 80 m altitude. The 20 m UAV altitude showed a tendency of overestimation in biophysical parameters of young oil palm and is less consistent when extracting parameters among the others. The methodology and results are a step toward precision agriculture in the oil palm plantation area.
Assessment of a Spatially and Temporally Consistent MODIS Derived NDVI Product for Application in Index-Based Drought Insurance
Authors: Miller Sara E. , Adams Emily C. , Markert Kel N. , Ndungu Lilian , Ellenburg W. Lee , Anderson Eric R. , Kyuma Richard , Limaye Ashutosh , Griffin Robert , Irwin Daniel
Published: September 2020

In arid and semi-arid regions of Eastern and Southern Africa, drought can be devastating to pastoralists who depend on healthy vegetation for their herds. The Kenya Livestock Insurance Program (KLIP) addresses this challenge through its insurance program that relies on a vegetation index product derived from eMODIS NDVI (enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). Insurance payouts are triggered when index values fall below a certain threshold for a Unit Area of Insurance (UAI). The objective of this study is to produce an updated, cloud-based NDVI product, potentially allowing for earlier payouts that may help herders to prevent, minimize, or offset drought-induced losses. The new product, named reNDVI (rapid enhanced NDVI), provides an updated cloud filtering algorithm and brings the entire processing chain to the cloud. Access to the scripts used for the processing described and resulting data is openly available. To test the performance of the new product, we provide a robust evaluation of reNDVI and eMODIS NDVI and their derived payout indices against historical drought, payouts provided, and mortality data. The implications of potential payout differences are also discussed. The products show good comparability; the monthly average NDVI per UAI has correlation values over 0.95 and MAPD under 5% for most UAIs. However, there are moderate differences when assessing year-to-year payout amounts triggered. Because the payouts are currently calculated based on the 20th and first percentile of index values from 2003–2016, payouts are very sensitive to even small changes in NDVI. Where livestock mortality was available, payouts for reNDVI and eMODIS had similar correlations (r = 0.453 and r = 0.478, respectively) with mortality rates. Therefore, with the potential reduced latency and updated cloud filtering, the reNDVI product could be a suitable replacement for eMODIS in the Kenya Livestock Insurance Program. The updated reNDVI product shows promise as a vegetation index that could address a pressing drought insurance challenge.
Coral Reef Monitoring by Scuba Divers Using Underwater Photogrammetry and Geodetic Surveying
Authors: Nocerino Erica , Menna Fabio , Gruen Armin , Troyer Matthias , Capra Alessandro , Castagnetti Cristina , Rossi Paolo , Brooks Andrew J. , Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J.
Published: September 2020

Underwater photogrammetry is increasingly being used by marine ecologists because of its ability to produce accurate, spatially detailed, non-destructive measurements of benthic communities, coupled with affordability and ease of use. However, independent quality control, rigorous imaging system set-up, optimal geometry design and a strict modeling of the imaging process are essential to achieving a high degree of measurable accuracy and resolution. If a proper photogrammetric approach that enables the formal description of the propagation of measurement error and modeling uncertainties is not undertaken, statements regarding the statistical significance of the results are limited. In this paper, we tackle these critical topics, based on the experience gained in the Moorea Island Digital Ecosystem Avatar (IDEA) project, where we have developed a rigorous underwater photogrammetric pipeline for coral reef monitoring and change detection. Here, we discuss the need for a permanent, underwater geodetic network, which serves to define a temporally stable reference datum and a check for the time series of photogrammetrically derived three-dimensional (3D) models of the reef structure. We present a methodology to evaluate the suitability of several underwater camera systems for photogrammetric and multi-temporal monitoring purposes and stress the importance of camera network geometry to minimize the deformations of photogrammetrically derived 3D reef models. Finally, we incorporate the measurement and modeling uncertainties of the full photogrammetric process into a simple and flexible framework for detecting statistically significant changes among a time series of models.
Variational Bayesian Pansharpening with Super-Gaussian Sparse Image Priors
Authors: Pérez-Bueno Fernando , Vega Miguel , Mateos Javier , Molina Rafael , Katsaggelos Aggelos K.
Published: September 2020

Pansharpening is a technique that fuses a low spatial resolution multispectral image and a high spatial resolution panchromatic one to obtain a multispectral image with the spatial resolution of the latter while preserving the spectral information of the multispectral image. In this paper we propose a variational Bayesian methodology for pansharpening. The proposed methodology uses the sensor characteristics to model the observation process and Super-Gaussian sparse image priors on the expected characteristics of the pansharpened image. The pansharpened image, as well as all model and variational parameters, are estimated within the proposed methodology. Using real and synthetic data, the quality of the pansharpened images is assessed both visually and quantitatively and compared with other pansharpening methods. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility of the proposed formulation.
Hydrolytic Stability of New Amino Acids Analogues of Memantine
Authors: Tencheva Aleksandra , Chayrov Radoslav , Mandjukov Petko , Danalev Dancho , Stankova Ivanka
Published: September 2020

In the present work, the hydrolytic stability of new memantine analogues modified with amino acids, at different pH corresponding to the human biological liquids and organs, was evaluated. Memantine is an uncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist with low-to moderate-affinity. In addition, it is the first representative of a novel class of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) medications acting on the glutamatergic system by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Generally, prodrugs are compounds aiming to improve stability of active fragment and to facilitate transportation across the cell membranes or lipid barriers. The investigated series of prodrugs include modified memantine with the following amino acids: alanine, β-alanine, glycine, phenylalanine, and valine. Hydrolytic stability was determined at two different pH values 2.0 and 7.4 at 37 °C, similar to those in the human stomach and blood plasma. Specially developed UV-VIS spectrophotometric method for quantification of the concentrations of unchanged compounds was applied in the kinetic studies. Val-MEM is the most stable in neutral medium and at 37 °C compound with t1/2 = 50.2 h. The compound Phe-MEM has also very good hydrolytic stability with t1/2 = 29.6 h. The order of other compounds is: Val-MEM ≫ Phe-MEM ≫ Ala-MEM ≈ Val-MEM > β-Ala-MEM. Ala-MEM and Gly-MEM are the most stable compounds at acid condition with almost identical values for t1/2 = 17.8 h and t1/2 = 16.3 h, respectively. The stability of tested compounds in acid conditions are relatively less than in neutral one. They are ordered as follows: Ala-MEM ≈ Gly-MEM > Val-MEM ≈ Phe-MEM ≈ β-Ala-MEM. All compounds have relatively good hydrolytic stability of more than 10 h at both neutral and acid conditions, which is quite enough in order to pass in the blood circulation and to be used as a potential antimicrobial agent.
International Sport Forum of the Strength & Conditioning Society (SCS) and the European Sport Nutrition Society (ESNS)
Authors: Alcaraz Pedro E. , Csapo Robert , Freitas Tomás T. , Marín-Cascales Elena , Blazevich Anthony J. , Paoli Antonio
Published: September 2020

On behalf of the Strength & Conditioning Society (SCS) and the European Sport Nutrition Society (ESNS), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the 2019 International Sport Forum on Strength & Conditioning & Nutrition, which took place in Madrid, Spain from November 15th–16th 2019. The meeting provided evidence-based education to advance the science and practice on the fields of sport nutrition, training, rehabilitation and performance. It also disseminated cutting-edge sport nutrition and strength and conditioning research, promoted the translation of basic science into the field and fostered the future of the field by providing young practitioners and researchers with the opportunity to present their findings through oral and poster communications, the abstracts of which can be found in this Special Issue of Sports. Renowned international and national speakers provided comprehensive updates, workshops and insights into novel scientific topics covering various areas of sport nutrition and strength and conditioning science. We were fortunate to have a wide range of speakers and presenters from all areas—strength training, conditioning to prevent injuries and improve performance, nutrition and supplementation for fitness and high-performance sports. A data-flash and poster session allowed for the presentation of the latest results of current research. Most importantly, the meeting provided ample opportunities to bring people together to discuss practical questions related to training and nutrition and plan scientific projects. With cutting-edge research and best practice in mind, this joint conference was an important means to pursue the missions of the SCS and ESNS. Rather than being a single event, the forum in Madrid was the starting point for a series of regular meetings on Strength & Conditioning & Nutrition to be held worldwide, so make sure to visit the websites of the SCS and ESNS and follow us on social media to receive updates and connect with our members. We proudly look back on an exciting, inspiring and informative meeting in Madrid!
Mindsets Set in Concrete? Exploring the Perspectives of Domestic Travellers on New Zealand’s (Auto-)Mobility Culture
Authors: Juschten Maria , Page Shannon , Fitt Helen
Published: September 2020

Tourism trips in New Zealand are strongly car-dominated. Research suggests that such car use practices do not only emerge from purely rational economic considerations but also result from symbolic and affective motives, institutionalized mobility cultures, and habitualized mobility practices that have developed and materialized in spatial structures over decades. This paper explores the notion of automobility and its influence on the domestic tourism mobilities of Christchurch residents. It does so by applying Q methodology, an inherently mixed method that involves participants structuring statements by their level of agreement, followed by a range of qualitative post-sorting questions. The statements draw on insights from the study of tourism mobilities, mobility cultures and classical mode choice research, allowing this study to provide novel insights into the under-researched field of urban–rural tourism mobility. The juxtaposition of quantitative Q and the qualitative interview results reveals influential factors at the personal, interpersonal, societal/political and infrastructural level. The results then feed into a conceptualisation of influential factors of tourism mobility choices using an embedded, interlinked structure that captures the dynamics of social interactions (i.e., feedback-loops). Policy implications are discussed with regards to possible sustainability pathways in line with New Zealand’s decarbonisation strategy.
Impacts of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Cardinal Health Problems on Health-Related Quality of Life among Korean Older Adults
Authors: Kim Sang-Dol
Published: September 2020

Background: Health-related quality of life is a critical health index for older adults. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the impacts of sociodemographic characteristics and cardinal health problems on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean older adults. Methods: Data were extracted from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2018. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, employing multiple linear regression with a complex sample design. Results: The overall mean score for HRQoL in the older Korean population was 0.89 points. HRQoL scores were significantly influenced by covariances adjusted for sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, marital status, and economic activities among Korean elderly (R2 = 0.110, p < 0.001). They were also significantly influenced by covariances adjusted for cardinal health problems such as obesity, activity limitation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia among Korean older adults (R2 = 0.286, p < 0.001); however, among the covariances, activity limitation was the only variable to significantly affect HRQoL among older Korean people (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings implied that public health policies and programs for HRQoL are needed to promote proper physical activity and devise tailored measures for targeted sociodemographic variables among Korean older adults.
Perception of Nature’s Contributions to People in Rural Communities in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: Brito Rafael Melo de , Matlaba Valente José , Imperatriz-Fonseca Vera Lúcia , Giannini Tereza Cristina
Published: September 2020

Nature’s contributions to people (NCP) are increasingly being considered in decisions by policy-makers because of their relevance to the well-being of people. Learning the value of nature from the perception of communities can help to define priorities and to guide the development of public policies for environmental conservation. The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of the importance, benefits, and problems of NCP among residents of five rural communities, and their opinion about the protected areas of the municipality, considering their socioeconomic characteristics. The method consisted of conducting questionnaire-based, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a sample of 214 randomly selected households in five rural communities of Parauapebas (Pará, Eastern Amazon). We used appropriate statistical tests for data analysis. The main results show that the communities were highly homogeneous and that 52% of the households had low income (below a minimum wage of USD 250). A high proportion of respondents gave the highest importance to all categories of NCP (2/3 of respondents for material, 3/4 for non-material, and 4/5 for regulating NCP). The most commonly mentioned benefits of NCP referred to subsistence or livelihood and quality of life (40% of total mentions). Environmental degradation problems were the most cited (38% of total mentions). Almost all respondents stated that they had a positive opinion about the protected areas of the municipality, despite underusing them. This study is relevant because it analyses, for the first time, the perceptions of NCP among residents of rural communities in the Eastern Amazon, an essential aspect for decision-and public policy-making.
Carbon Tax, Carbon Leakage and the Theory of Induced Innovation in the Decarbonisation of Industrial Processes: The Case of the Port of Rotterdam
Authors: Gianoli Alberto , Bravo Felipe
Published: September 2020

A higher price of CO2 emissions is required to enhance the industrial transition and investment in low-carbon technology. However, the specific mechanisms to tackle the risk of carbon leakage and create an attractive environment for green investment are highly contested in the academic literature. Opposing perspectives regarding the appropriateness and desirability of government intervention in the economy result in different approaches to the decarbonisation of industrial processes. This research builds on existing academic knowledge in the fields of carbon leakage, induced innovation and government intervention to assess the effects of a carbon tax in the industrial cluster of the Port of Rotterdam within the context of a carbon tax on industrial GHG emissions proposed in the Dutch National Climate Agreement. The main finding of this study shows that investment leakage constitutes the main threat instead of carbon leakage in the face of a higher carbon price. Regarding the theory of induced innovation, limited abatement options are available for the industrial cluster and there is the need to scale up existing technologies. Lastly, to both tackle the risk of investment leakage and enhance the scaling up of low-carbon technologies, government intervention in the form of regulations, subsidies and enabling conditions is vital.
Rethinking the Governance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Santos-Carrillo Francisco , Fernández-Portillo Luis A. , Sianes Antonio
Published: September 2020

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been criticized for its institutional weakness. It assumed that governance commitments and the multilateral order would remain unchanged until 2030. The COVID-19 has challenged both assumptions. The response deployed by the countries has made international cooperation dependent on the solution of internal problems. What will be the impact of the pandemic on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals? What changes can be expected in the institutional design of the Agenda to face this challenge? To address these questions we have gathered and systematized 152 documents issued by the top think tanks on International Development since the outbreak of COVID-19, to identify the main design features of the Agenda that should be modified according to the functional-rationalist approach to institutional design. Our study shows that a higher level of centralization of authority and a redefinition of control and flexibility mechanisms are needed in order to improve the governance of the Agenda. Despite the temptation of focusing on a narrow set of goals, a broad scope is recommended, necessary to safeguard its holistic approach. These findings can provide insights for addressing the governance and institutional design of other international arrangements of similar nature.
The Historical Earthworks of the Warsaw Citadel
Authors: Wyjadłowski Marek , Kozubal Janusz , Damsz Wojciech
Published: September 2020

In this study, we analyzed the methods and technologies used for constructing earthworks and military engineering in the latter period before the industrial revolution in Poland. The research object, the Warsaw Citadel, is a source of knowledge about military heritage from the aspect of conservation and protection of specific engineering achievements, which were dictated by early Russian geopolitical doctrine. Within the framework of the ongoing project of material heritage protection and popularization of history, the fortress has been transformed into a modern museum building. The new symbolic message of architecture was redefined, leaving behind the gloomy dominance elements in the scenery of the nearby city. In this study, reception tests of ground anchors were used for analysis. They were treated as a tool to determine the heterogeneity of fortification of historical earthworks. In the presented calculation procedure, limitations in the availability of geotechnical tests were overcome. Geological terrain layout and embankment excavation technology significantly impacted their quality and reliability. Currently, the embankments are slashed with anchored retaining walls. Ground anchors were used at short distances and were tested according to the national standard procedures. The results of the load tests are based on the physical properties of the subsoil, the conditions of contact with the supporting elements of the anchors, and the material properties. The soil interaction with the anchors is described using a rheological model, the constants of which were obtained using a fractional derivative model. The spatial variability of the rheological model parameters is presented using theoretical semivariograms matching the empirical data. The semivariograms explain the spatial correlation of the tested constants of the rheological model of the substrate with the anchors. The results of non-destructive testing were influenced by factors such as time and consolidation processes. The obtained results allowed us to directly draw conclusions about the repetitiveness of embankment features and indirectly about the quality of their construction.
Foreign Ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do Governance Structures Matter?
Authors: Appiah-Kubi Seth Nana Kwame , Malec Karel , Kutin Sandra Boatemaa , Maitah Mansoor , Chiseni Michael Chanda , Phiri Joseph , Gebeltová Zdeňka , Kotásková Sylvie Kobzev , Maitah Kamil
Published: September 2020

It has been widely argued that governance structures have roles in the predominance of foreign ownership in Sub-Saharan African countries. Our paper sought to challenge this conventional wisdom by investigating the ways in which country-level governance structures influenced the predominance of foreign holdings in Sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2010–2015. The study used panel sampling annual data from thirty countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) as our discussion estimators. Our statistical results reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between government effectiveness and the predominance of foreign ownership in Sub-Saharan African countries. Furthermore, foreign ownership predominates in Sub-Saharan African economies that have sound political stability and embrace effective and efficient regulations. Moreover, the relationship between corruption and the prevalence of foreign ownership is negative but significant. However, the rule of law, and voice and accountability, are insignificant to the predominance of foreign ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our results suggest that governments in Sub-Saharan Africa should adopt robust and efficacious measures, strengthen their policies and institutions to promote the control of corruption, provide quality regulations, and minimize political violence.
Analysis of Runoff-Sediment Cointegration and Uncertainty Relations at Different Temporal Scales in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Wang Xiujie , Li Dandan , Yuan Ximin , Qi Xiling , Zhang Pengfei
Published: September 2020

To understand the intricate runoff-sediment relationship in the middle Yellow River basin (MYRB), the Toudaoguai, Longmen, Tongguan and Huayuankou sites in the MYRB were selected to analyze the deterministic equilibrium and uncertainty relations of runoff-sediment based on 55-year hydrological data at multi-time scales. The Johansen test and wavelet neural network were used to verify the cointegration relationship among hydrological series. Runoff-sediment uncertain statistical relations and dynamics in the MYRB were also analyzed based on rating curves and hysteresis loops. The results showed that the logarithmic sequences of sediment load (SL), runoff and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) conformed to a linear cointegration relationship at the Toudaoguai station or in spring, winter or under small flow at other stations, but a nonlinear cointegration relationship was observed in other cases at other stations. Regarding runoff-sediment uncertain relationships, the rating curves, and hysteresis loops differed in stations (Toudaoguai and the other stations), as well as discharge (threshold: 1000 m3/s), season (ice-flood and rainy season) and saturation of flow at flood and monthly scales. At the annual scale, phased and unsynchronized characteristics of runoff and sediment load were evident with a decreasing trend. This study on the runoff-sediment relationship can rationally provide a theoretical basis for the management and development of the Yellow River and other similar rivers with sufficient sediment, especially for areas with serious soil erosion.
Evaluation of Drought Stress in Cereal through Probabilistic Modelling of Soil Moisture Dynamics
Authors: Jiménez-Donaire María del Pilar , Giráldez Juan Vicente , Vanwalleghem Tom
Published: September 2020

The early and accurate detection of drought episodes is crucial for managing agricultural yield losses and planning adequate policy responses. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of two novel indices, static and dynamic plant water stress, for drought detection and yield prediction. The study was conducted in SW Spain (Córdoba province), covering a 13-year period (2001–2014). The calculation of static and dynamic drought indices was derived from previous ecohydrological work but using a probabilistic simulation of soil moisture content, based on a bucket-type soil water balance, and measured climate data. The results show that both indices satisfactorily detected drought periods occurring in 2005, 2006 and 2012. Both their frequency and length correlated well with annual precipitation, declining exponentially and increasing linearly, respectively. Static and dynamic drought stresses were shown to be highly sensitive to soil depth and annual precipitation, with a complex response, as stress can either increase or decrease as a function of soil depth, depending on the annual precipitation. Finally, the results show that both static and dynamic drought stresses outperform traditional indicators such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)-3 as predictors of crop yield, and the R2 values are around 0.70, compared to 0.40 for the latter. The results from this study highlight the potential of these new indicators for agricultural drought monitoring and management (e.g., as early warning systems, insurance schemes or water management tools).
Development of a Model for Stormwater Runoff Prediction on Vertical Test Panels Coated with Plaster and Mortar
Authors: Vega-Garcia Pablo , Schwerd Regina , Scherer Christian , Schwitalla Christoph , Helmreich Brigitte
Published: September 2020

Leaching outdoor tests (LOT) are commonly used to assess the leaching of substances from construction materials. In this context, the amount of stormwater in contact with the surface material is of special interest for analyzing the runoff loads of substances from building façades. A numerical model was developed in MATLAB on the basis of previous analytical models to calculate the collected stormwater runoff volumes from the vertical test panels (VTP) during LOT. In the model, wind-driven rain (WDR) is considered to be the main mechanism for determining the amount of water impinging on the VTP, so it is a crucial factor in the modeling for the façade runoff. The new model makes it possible to simulate the runoff volumes from VTP that are covered with a wide variety of plaster and mortar. Using the new model, it was possible to relate the VTP runoff volumes obtained during an 18-month sampling period for LOTs performed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Valley, Germany. When comparing the simulation results with the field test accumulated runoffs, the model exhibited a difference of no more than 3.5% for each of the analyzed materials. The simulation results are satisfying, and the paper demonstrates the feasibility of the modelling approach for the runoff assessment of VTP covered with a variety of plaster and mortar.
Interhospital Transfer and Outcomes in Patients with AKI: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kitchlu Abhijat , Shapiro Joshua , Slater Justin , Brimble K. Scott , Dirk Jade S. , Jeyakumar Nivethika , Dixon Stephanie N. , Garg Amit X. , Harel Ziv , Harvey Andrea , Kim S. Joseph , Silver Samuel A. , Wald Ron
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with AKI may require interhospital transfer to receive RRT. Interhospital transfer may lead to delays in therapy, resulting in poor patient outcomes. There is minimal data comparing outcomes among patients undergoing transfer for RRT versus those who receive RRT at the hospital to which they first present.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study of all adult patients (≥19 years) who received acute dialysis within 14 days of admission to an acute-care hospital between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2015. The transferred group included all patients who presented to a hospital without a dialysis program and underwent interhospital transfer (with the start of dialysis ≤3 days of transfer and within 14 days of initial admission). All other patients were considered nontransferred. The primary outcome was time to 90-day all-cause mortality, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and measures of acute illness severity. We also assessed chronic dialysis dependence as a secondary outcome, using the Fine and Gray proportional hazards model to account for the competing risks of death. In a secondary post hoc analysis, we assessed these outcomes in a propensity score–matched cohort, matching on age, sex, and prior CKD status.

Results

We identified 27,270 individuals initiating acute RRT within 14 days of a hospital admission, of whom 2113 underwent interhospital transfer. Interhospital transfer was associated with lower rate of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.97). Chronic dialysis dependence was not significantly different between groups (aHR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.06). In the propensity score–matched analysis, interhospital transfer remained associated with a lower risk of death (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.96).

Conclusions

Interhospital transfer for receipt of RRT does not confer higher mortality or worse kidney outcomes.
Kemoterapi ve Radyoterapi Alan Kanserli Bireylerde Yorgunluk ve Spiritüel İyilik Hali: Tanımlayıcı-Korelasyonel Bir Çalışma
Authors: IZGU Nur , GÖK METİN Zehra
Published: September 2020

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı, kanserli bireylerde yorgunluk ve spiritüel iyilik hali arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir.

Gereç ve yöntem: Tanımlayıcı-korelasyonel tasarımla yürütülen bu araştırmaya 10 Haziran-25 Temmuz 2019 tarihleri arasında bir kamu üniversitesi hastanesinde kemoterapi ve/veya radyoterapi alan kanserli bireyler (n=129) dahil edilmiştir. Araştırma verilerinin toplanmasında Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Kronik Hastalık Tedavisi Fonksiyonel Değerlendirmesi (FACIT) Yorgunluk Ölçeği ve FACIT Spiritüel İyilik Hali (FACIT-Sp) ölçeği kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırmada, hem yorgunluk şiddeti hem de spiritüel iyilik hali puan ortancası 34 olarak belirlenmiştir. Erkek, ileri evre kanser tanısına sahip ve komorbid hastalığı bulunan bireylerde yorgunluk şiddeti anlamlı düzeyde yüksek bulunmuştur (p0,05). FACIT Yorgunluk Ölçeği ve FACIT-Sp Ölçeği toplam puanları, arasında pozitif yönde zayıf düzeyde bir korelasyon olduğu belirlenmiştir (p
ZnO-SiO2 and Zn2SiO4 Synthesis Utilizing Oil Palm Leaves for Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yudha S. Salprima , Robkhob Prissana , Imboon Tanawat , Falahudin Aswin , Asdim  , Thongmee Sirikanjana
Published: September 2020

A new approach was developed for the green synthesis of ZnO-SiO2 composite and Zn2SiO4 using zinc nitrate and sustainable silica precursor, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves (OPL). The products were synthesized at two different reaction temperatures through calcination in an open-air furnace at 500 and 1000 °C, respectively, and further identified with an X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis. The composite indicated by the presence of peaks at 2θ = 31.7°, 34.4°, 36.3°, 47.6°, 56.6°, and 62.9°, corresponds to ZnO and also revealed amorphous SiO2 at 2θ = 21°. Conversely, Zn2SiO4 was acknowledged at 2θ 25.6°, 31.50°, 34.0°, 39.5°, 48.9°, 56.5° and 65.6°, with crystalline silica at 2θ = 21.9°. The results showed the morphology of both products exhibited similar agglomeration based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Both products (ZnO-SiO2 composite and Zn2SiO4) possessed the capacity to degrade methylene blue (MB) under sunlight irradiation with efficiency of 85.9% and 69.3%, respectively.
AVALIAÇÃO DO ESTADO NUTRICIONAL E DO CONSUMO ALIMENTAR EM PACIENTES PÓS ACIDENTE VASCULAR ENCEFÁLICO
Authors: Rudierd Severo Duarte Luan , Priscila Maciel Vieira Keicy , Costa Paulino Barbara
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: Realizar a avaliação do estado nutricional e do consumo alimentar em indivíduos que sofreram Acidente Vascular Encefálico. Método: A pesquisa caracterizou-se como transversal, descritiva e observacional realizada sob a forma de censo com 11 indivíduos que sofreram Acidente Vascular Encefálico e estavam sendo atendidos na Clínica Escola Integrada da Faculdade Santa Maria. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada uma ficha clínica, um Questionário de Frequência Alimentar e um Recordatório Alimentar de 24h. Os dados referentes ao consumo alimentar foram analisados pelo programa Dietsys 4.0.1® e Dietnet®, e os demais, por meio de estatística descritiva, calculada no programa Microsoft Excel® 2016. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 63,09±17,27 anos, do peso corporal de 60,95±8,13 Kg, da altura de 155±0,06 cm e a média do Índice de Massa Corporal de 25,40±3,84 Kg/m². Com a análise desses dados, observou-se que 30% dos indivíduos estavam desnutridos e 30% obesos, sendo que 63,64% são sedentários e 36,36% realizam atividade física leve. De acordo com a circunferência da panturrilha, a média foi de 31,42±2,49 cm e a circunferência do braço 27,42±3,13 cm. Com base na circunferência da cintura, 70% dos indivíduos apresentaram risco aumentado ou muito aumentado para o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. A média da glicemia capilar foi de 126,76±47,40 mg/dL, a pressão arterial sistólica de 128,33±7,04 mmHg e a diastólica 84,58±7,35 mmHg. O consumo alimentar apresentou-se inadequado em relação aos macronutrientes, estando adequado (96,10%) no valor recomendado máximo, apenas em relação ao obtido pelo questionário de frequência alimentar. Os micronutrientes também estavam inadequados, com exceção do potássio. Conclusão: Ressalta-se, portanto, a importância do profissional da nutrição para a prevenção de possíveis complicações do acidente vascular encefálico.

Palavras-chave: Acidente Vascular Encefálico. Consumo alimentar. Avaliação nutricional. Idosos.