bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Interacting Multiple Model Algorithm Based on Information-Weighted Consensus for Maneuvering Target Tracking
Authors: Ding Ziran , Liu Yu , Liu Jun , Yu Kaimin , You Yuanyang , Jing Peiliang , He You
Published: June 2018

Networked multiple sensors are used to solve the problem of maneuvering target tracking. To avoid the linearization of nonlinear dynamic functions, and to obtain more accurate estimates for maneuvering targets, a novel adaptive information-weighted consensus filter for maneuvering target tracking is proposed. The pseudo measurement matrix is computed with unscented transform to utilize the information form of measurements, which is necessary for consensus iterations. To improve the maneuvering target tracking accuracy and get a unified estimation in each sensor node across the entire network, the adaptive current statistical model is exploited to update the estimate, and the information-weighted consensus protocol is applied among neighboring nodes for each dynamic model. Based on posterior probabilities of multiple models, the final estimate of each sensor is acquired with weighted combination of model-conditioned estimates. Experimental results illustrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm with respect tracking accuracy and agreement of estimates in the whole network.
Feature Selection Method Based on High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images and the Effect of Sensitive Features on Classification Accuracy
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhang Rui , Wang Shixin , Wang Futao
Published: June 2018

With the advent of high spatial resolution remote sensing imagery, numerous image features can be utilized. Applying a reasonable feature selection approach is critical to effectively reduce feature redundancy and improve the efficiency and accuracy of classification. This paper proposes a novel feature selection approach, in which ReliefF, genetic algorithm, and support vector machine (RFGASVM) are integrated to extract buildings. We adopt the ReliefF algorithm to preliminary filter high-dimensional features in the feature database. After eliminating the sorted features, the feature subset and the C and γ parameters of support vector machine (SVM) are encoded into the chromosome of the genetic algorithm. A fitness function is constructed considering the sample identification accuracy, the number of selected features, and the feature cost. The proposed method was applied to high-resolution images obtained from different sensors, GF-2, BJ-2, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The confusion matrix, precision, recall and F1-score were applied to assess the accuracy. The results showed that the proposed method achieved feature reduction, and the overall accuracy (OA) was more than 85%, with Kappa coefficient values of 0.80, 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. The precision of each image was more than 85%. The time efficiency of the proposed method was two-fold greater than SVM with all the features. The RFGASVM method has the advantages of large feature reduction and high extraction performance and can be applied in feature selection.
Single-Input and Multiple-Output Surface Acoustic Wave Sensing for Damage Quantification in Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Pamwani Lavish , Habib Anowarul , Melandsø Frank , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh , Shelke Amit
Published: June 2018

The main aim of the paper is damage detection at the microscale in the anisotropic piezoelectric sensors using surface acoustic waves (SAWs). A novel technique based on the single input and multiple output of Rayleigh waves is proposed to detect the microscale cracks/flaws in the sensor. A convex-shaped interdigital transducer is fabricated for excitation of divergent SAWs in the sensor. An angularly shaped interdigital transducer (IDT) is fabricated at 0 degrees and ±20 degrees for sensing the convex shape evolution of SAWs. A precalibrated damage was introduced in the piezoelectric sensor material using a micro-indenter in the direction perpendicular to the pointing direction of the SAW. Damage detection algorithms based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and principal component analysis (PCA) are implemented to quantify the evolution of damage in piezoelectric sensor material. The evolution of the damage was quantified using a proposed condition indicator (CI) based on normalized Euclidean norm of the change in principal angles, corresponding to pristine and damaged states. The CI indicator provides a robust and accurate metric for detection and quantification of damage.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Assets That Influence Informal Garment Workers’ Livelihood Security in Laos
Authors: Daovisan Hanvedes , Chamaratana Thanapauge
Published: June 2018

Laos is a socialist transition economy that has continued to increase its household characteristics, social assets, and human assets, all of which significantly influence livelihood security. The study sample generated 333 responses with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) conducted using the LISREL software 9.30 for Window. The statistical model showed good fit with χ2/df = 62, CFI (comparative fit index) = 0.968, GFI (goodness-of-fit index) = 0.969, and RMSEA (root-mean-square error of approximation) = 0.0358, respectively. The findings confirmed that the standardized coefficients for household characteristics (β = 0.429, p < 0.01), social assets (β = 0.505, p < 0.01), and financial assets (β = 0.423, p < 0.01) positively influenced livelihood security. The implication of the current findings regarding the model will be discussed.
Conversion of a Semiarid Nevada Soil to Irrigated Agriculture Preferentially Removes Labile Carbon
Authors: Trimble Brittany R. , Calderon Francisco J. , Poulson Simon R. , Verburg Paul S. J.
Published: June 2018

Due to the scarcity of arable land, semiarid rangelands are often converted to irrigated croplands, which is likely to affect soil organic carbon (SOC) due to changes in C inputs into the soil and environmental factors regulating decomposition. In this study, soil density and particle size fractions as well as their C and N contents, stable isotopic composition, and chemical characterization by mid-infrared spectroscopy were measured in a native shrubland and an adjacent agricultural site under alfalfa cultivation for at least 50 years in western Nevada. Cultivation significantly reduced the amount of C and N in the surface soils and the proportion of C present in the labile fractions. The δ13C and δ15N values of the SOC reflected dominant vegetation types at each site, and suggested most SOC was root-derived. The potential decomposition rate of SOC was higher in the shrubland than in the alfalfa surface soil reflecting the larger amount of labile C present in the shrubland soils. Spectroscopy results suggested that the greater recalcitrance of the alfalfa soils was due to insoluble SOC moieties. Additional analyses of buried, SOC-rich, A horizons at both sites showed that slower decomposition of ‘deep’ SOC was due to lower substrate quality supported by fractionation and spectroscopy data. The results of this study showed that converting a semiarid shrubland into irrigated cropland significantly reduced SOC content but increased overall stability of residual SOC.
Low-Carbon Supply Chain Management Considering Free Emission Allowance and Abatement Cost Sharing
Authors: Wu Peng , Yin Yixi , Li Shiying , Huang Yulong
Published: June 2018

As people concern themselves with environmental problems, the right to emit carbon dioxide becomes a new resource with business value that is incorporated in firms’ budgets. This paper studies the optimal emission abatement decision for firms in a supply chain, considering emission costs. Four Stackelberg models are established that differ in free emission allowance allocation schemes and emission abatement cost-sharing schemes. On comparing optimal solutions in the models, the results show that regardless of which free emission allowance allocation scheme or emission abatement cost-sharing scheme is adopted, upstream firms tend to set a higher emission reduction rate. If supply chain firms aim for a higher emission reduction rate, they should advocate that upstream and downstream firms establish emission abatement cost-sharing contracts. The upstream firms should undertake larger emission reduction costs, and use free emission allowance allocation schemes based on emission intensity; the optimal emission reduction rate is related to carbon price, and the relationship may not be monotonous, affected by the difficulty of reducing emissions.
Urban Land Revenue and Sustainable Urbanization in China: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Chen Junhua , Guo Fei , Wang Hao , Wang Zhifeng , Wu Ying
Published: June 2018

Since urban land development launched in 1987, urban land transactions and local land leasing revenue have exploded sharply in China. Classical research on urban land use and urbanization often focuses on making decisions and enacting policies of zoning and land use regulations. Scholars from different disciplines have long been aware of this issue and have attempted to account for it with different theories of urbanization. This paper considers urbanization and the associated spatial interaction effect as an alternative factor in China’s urban land revenue. After reviewing the existing literature on China’s land reform, a dynamic panel data model with GMM estimator is established to explore the reasons for the emerging land revenue. The empirical results show that the spatial weight matrix is significant to the land leasing revenue, and the provincial level of fiscal decentralization has negative effect on the volume of urban land leasing revenue. These empirical results demonstrate that local governments have the intrinsic motivation to maximize the land leasing revenue, which is significant to expand local optional revenues. The province having higher urbanization level usually experiences the larger scale of urban land revenue. The spatial interaction effect among adjacent provinces has a significant effect on urban land revenue which is closely associated with local economic growth. However, it is essential to know that the large scale of rural land conversion and disordered urbanization force negative payoffs, such as environmental degradation, the damage of farmland, and the problem of food safety.
Analysis of Chinese Government Scholarship for International Students Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Latief Rashid , Lefen Lin
Published: June 2018

China’s improving economic status is playing a vital role in the international race for soft power. The Chinese government has been investing considerably in the education sector in an attempt to attract international students from different countries by offering many scholarships each year. Scholarships cover tuition fees, medical costs, and provide a living allowance for students. The previously reported ambiguous results about this scholarship program needed to be confirmed. This paper examined the Chinese Government Scholarship program to determine the satisfaction level of international students with the program. We used a sample of 150 international students that were receiving this scholarship at different universities in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. We used the Analytical Hierarchy Process to quantify the overall satisfaction level of the international students. Descriptive statistics were then used to analyze the responses of the international students about the Chinese Government Scholarship. The Chinese Government Scholarship significantly affected international students. Additionally, most of the students were satisfied with the scholarship program. We suggest that the Chinese government should continue the scholarship policy by improving the education system to enhance the learning environment for international students.
The Influence of Word of Mouth on Tourism Destination Choice: Tourist–Resident Relationship and Safety Perception among Mainland Chinese Tourists Visiting Macau
Authors: Lai Ivan Ka Wai , Hitchcock Michael , Lu Dong , Liu Yide
Published: June 2018

The growth of urban tourism has the potential to increase tourist–resident tensions that limit the sustainable growth of tourism in many destination cities. Visitors’ perceptions of poor tourist–resident relationships and conditions of safety may have an impact on their attitudes, especially with regard to trip satisfaction. This study investigates the roles of tourist–resident relationship and safety perception on the relationship between service quality, trip satisfaction, and word of mouth (WOM). The results of this empirical study (n = 386) show that the tourist–resident relationship and safety perception have significant effects on trip satisfaction, but only safety perception reveals a significant effect on WOM. Furthermore, the results also indicate that the tourist–resident relationship and safety perception moderate the relationship between service quality and trip satisfaction, and that the tourist–resident relationship also moderates the relationship between trip satisfaction and WOM. An understanding of these mechanisms can help governments to create appropriate policies to support the sustainable development of tourism and promote their tourism industries by fostering tourists’ WOM.
The Presence of a Powerful Retailer on Dynamic Collecting Closed-Loop Supply Chain From a Sustainable Innovation Perspective
Authors: Mi Jackson Jinhong , Huang Zongsheng , Wang Kai , Tsai Sang-Bing , Li Guodong , Wang Jiangtao
Published: June 2018

In this study, the presence of a powerful retailer in the dynamic collecting closed-loop supply chain is considered. The supply chain consists of a manufacturer and a retailer who is responsible for the used-product collection. Specifically, we have considered three settings, that is, no channel leader, the manufacturer as the leader and the retailer as the leader. The steady equilibrium and the optimal control strategies are derived in different channel power structures utilizing the open-loop control strategy method. By the comparison of three models, we found that the system with manufacturer leading results in the lowest return rate in the three models. If the transfer price of the used-product is low, the presence of a power retailer would result in a higher return rate, which is beneficial for decreasing the market price for the consumers. When the transfer price is quite high, the scenario with no channel leader in the supply chain would result in a higher return rate. However, the numerical comparison results of the profit rate of the supply chain members indicate that both manufacturer and retailer prefer themselves to be the channel leader rather than the other channel member as the leader. This means that although the presence of a power retailer is beneficial for the collecting efficiency, it is not enough to increase the profit of the supply chain members. The manufacturer should transfer all unit cost savings to the retailer in the scenario of manufacturer leading and no one leading.
Is Land Fragmentation Facilitating or Obstructing Adoption of Climate Adaptation Measures in Ethiopia?
Authors: Cholo Tesfaye C. , Fleskens Luuk , Sietz Diana , Peerlings Jack
Published: June 2018

Land fragmentation is high and increasing in the Gamo Highlands of southwest Ethiopia. We postulate that this substantial land fragmentation is obstructing the adoption of sustainable land management practices as climate adaptation measures. To explore this, a mixed method study was conducted with emphasis on a multivariate probit model. The results indicate that farmers adapt to climate change and variability they perceive. According to the probit model, there is no clear answer to the question whether land fragmentation facilitates or obstructs adoption of sustainable land management practices. Yet, a qualitative analysis found that farmers perceive land fragmentation as an obstacle to land improvement as adaptation strategy. Moreover, farmers invest more in land improvement on plots close to their homestead than in remote plots. However, the higher land fragmentation also promoted crop diversification, manure application and terracing. Although exogenous to farmers, we therefore suggest that land fragmentation can be deployed in climate change adaptation planning. This can be done through voluntary assembling of small neighboring plots in clusters of different microclimates to encourage investment in remote fields and to collectively optimize the benefits of fragmentation to adaptation.
Merchandising as a Strategic Tool to Enhance and Spread Intangible Values of Cultural Resources
Authors: Dal Palù Doriana , Lerma Beatrice , Bozzola Marco , De Giorgi Claudia
Published: June 2018

The design of cultural and environmental goods can aim at valorising both material and immaterial cultural heritage at different scales. Specifically, the merchandising product, which is often the victim of production stereotypes, can instead collaborate with a disruptive force in the construction of the non-ephemeral “sense” of a visit. It is, in fact, able to spread complex contents in scientifically correct and comprehensible ways for different targets, condensing the immaterial patrimony into (small) new, low-cost and rich-in-meaning artefacts. This case study, proposed as evidence of such an approach, pertains to a research and teaching activity that was developed in 2017 with 230 university students of design, with the aim of setting up a collection of dedicated merchandising products for a regional talc mine Ecomuseum. The challenge involved narrating the material culture of the location through products that were philologically coherent with the context, but new from the language, functionality, productivity, user involvement and economic accessibility points of view. The resulting projects are, at present, being screened by the Ecomuseum in order to select the most significant for future production. In conclusion, the activity was shown to be potentially scalable and repeatable in other contexts, in which design can valorise an intangible heritage of immense value through products that, inserted into a more extensive strategy of valorisation of the cultural heritage, are within the reach of all.
Eco-Efficiency Assessment and Food Security Potential of Home Gardening: A Case Study in Padua, Italy
Authors: Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Gasperi Daniela , Michelon Nicola , Orsini Francesco , Ponchia Giorgio , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: June 2018

In the expanding urban agriculture phenomenon in Europe, home gardens are a traditional form that have kept agriculture within cities, even becoming crucial in certain historical periods (e.g., war periods). However, horticultural practices in home gardens can also have negative consequences. The goal of this paper is to assess the eco-efficiency of home gardens as a type of urban agriculture. To do so, a case study in Padua (Italy) was evaluated following life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methods. A home garden of 30.6 m2 and 21 crop cycles were evaluated. The functional unit of the assessment was 1 kg of harvested fresh vegetable at the consumption point, and the ReCiPe method was employed for impact assessment. Environmental assessment indicated that organic fertilization, use of tap water, mineral fertilization and pesticides were the most contributing elements of the entire life cycle. Furthermore, the relevance of garden design and crop selection was a determinant in the eco-efficiency results. The assessed home garden could satisfy the food requirements of between 1 and 2 members of the household. Crop management and design recommendations are provided to improve eco-efficiency and food security potential of home gardens.
Persuasive Technologies for Sustainable Mobility: State of the Art and Emerging Trends
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Evangelia , Bothos Efthimios , Magoutas Babis , Schrammel Johann , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: June 2018

In recent years, persuasive interventions for inducing sustainable mobility behaviours have become an active research field. This review paper systematically analyses existing approaches and prototype systems as well as field studies and describes and classifies the persuasive strategies used for changing behaviours in the domain of mobility and transport. We provide a review of 44 papers on persuasive technology for sustainable transportation aiming to (i) answer important questions regarding the effectiveness of persuasive technology for changing mobility behaviours, (ii) summarize and highlight trends in the technology design, research methods, strategies and theories, (iii) uncover limitations of existing approaches and applications, and (iv) suggest directions for future research.
The Socio-Economic Embeddedness of the Circular Economy: An Integrative Framework
Authors: Laurenti Rafael , Singh Jagdeep , Frostell Björn , Sinha Rajib , Binder Claudia R.
Published: June 2018

Global economies have been characterised by a large dependency of material inflows from natural stocks, an exponential growth of material stock-in-use in the built environment, and the extensive disposal of waste material outflows to anthropogenic sinks. In this context, the concept of the circular economy has emerged, promising to circulate the stock-in-use of materials and transforming output waste material flows back into useful resources while promoting job and value creation. These promises have drawn the attention and interest of policymakers and industry, and gained popularity across society. Despite its apparent emergent legitimacy and diffusion, a few essential adjustments still need to be addressed so that circular economy initiatives can actually deliver on their promises without leading to negative unintended effects. First, a complete entanglement with the existing formal economy is fundamentally needed; this implies valuing the preservation of natural stocks and pricing material input flows adequately. Secondly, a recognition of its socio-economic embeddedness is essentially necessary. The decision-making of societal actors affects material configuration, which in turn affects societal actors; this important feedback loop needs to be explicitly taken into account in circular economy initiatives. The aim of this short communication paper is to explore these pervasive challenges in a broad context of sustainable physical resource management. An integrative framework for recognising the socio-economic embeddedness of the circular economy in practice and the role of the formal economic system in realising its ambitions is proposed.
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Electricity Grid Corporations Employing a Novel MCDM Model
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Zhao Huiru , Guo Sen
Published: June 2018

Under the new round reform of electricity market in China, a large amount of electricity sales companies has emerged in some provinces, and the reform of transmission and distribution tariffs is also in progress. Electricity grid corporations are required to update their operational strategies and improve comprehensive performance to adapt to the fierce competition in the electricity market. Considering this, a novel MCDM (multi-criteria decision making) model integrating Fuzzy-Delphi, the best-worst method (BWM), the entropy weight calculation approach, and the VIKOR method is established in this investigation to assess the comprehensive performances of five selected provincial electricity grid corporations. The comprehensive performance assessment indicator system is constructed in accordance with Fuzzy-Delphi approach, composed of 21 significant sub-criteria from the aspects of profitability capacity, development capacity, safety production capacity, electricity supply reliability, outstanding service provision, energy conservation, and environmental protection. The sub-criteria weights are computed by combining subjective weights determined by BWM and objective weights computed by the entropy weight calculation approach. The comprehensive performance evaluation model is established based on VIKOR. As the electricity grid corporation A is superior in profitability capacity (especially in electricity sales amount) and safety production capacity criterion, it is superior over other four electricity grid corporations. The established novel MCDM is practical and rational, which is applicable for electricity grid corporations’ comprehensive performance evaluation.
Assessment of a Concealed Karst Cave’s Influence on Karst Tunnel Stability: A Case Study of the Huaguoshan Tunnel, China
Authors: Huang Xin , Li Shucai , Xu Zhenhao , Guo Ming , Chen Yucheng
Published: June 2018

In order to assess a concealed karst cave’s influence on karst tunnel stability, an assessment model is proposed based on the analytic hierarchy process and a statistical analysis of relevant engineering projects. Major factors are studied and selected as impact factors of the assessment model based on a statistical analysis on a karst cave’ s development conditions (karst hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions), construction conditions, and controlling measures. A weight analysis of factors shows that the surrounding rock grade, supporting measurement, formation lithology, unfavorable geology, construction methods, blasting techniques, advanced geological forecast, and groundwater level are the main controlling factors of the tunnel stability when there is a concealed karst cave in the tunnel. Topography and geomorphology, attitude of rocks, monitoring measurement, strata combination, and interlayer fissures are the minor influence factors. Tunnel section shapes, in situ stress, and geological logging are the least important factors. The proposed method is successfully applied to the assessment of a concealed karst cave’s influence on the stability of the Huaguoshan Tunnel on the Enshi-Laifeng and Enshi-Qianjiang Expressways. The evaluation result agrees well with the construction site situation. In addition, the result provides good guidance with respect to the implementation of the treatment scheme and effectively avoids accidents in real-time.
Measuring Subjective Flood Resilience in Suburban Dakar: A Before–After Evaluation of the “Live with Water” Project
Authors: Bottazzi Patrick , Winkler Mirko S. , Boillat Sébastien , Diagne Abdoulaye , Maman Chabi Sika Mashoudou , Kpangon Arsène , Faye Salimata , Speranza Chinwe Ifejika
Published: June 2018

In the last decade, sub-Saharan African countries have taken various measures to plan for and adapt to floods in order to reduce exposure and its impacts on human health, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Measuring the effects of such initiatives on social resilience is challenging as it requires to combine multiple variables and indicators that embrace thematic, spatial, and temporal dimensions inherent to the resilience thinking and concept. In this research, we apply a subjective resilience indicator framework and a before-after-control-intervention (BACI) evaluation to empirically measure the impacts of the “Live with Water” (LWW) project on suburban households in Dakar, Senegal. Our framework is based on an empirically measurable resilience index that combines anticipatory, adaptive, and absorptive capacity—considered as structural dimensions—with the concept of transformative capacity—considered as a temporal reconfiguration of the first three dimensions. Our finding let us estimate that the project increased the absorptive and the anticipatory capacities by 10.6% and 4.6%, respectively. However, adaptive capacity remained unchanged. This may be explained by the fact that the project was more successful in building drainage and physical infrastructures, rather than improving multi-level organizations and strategies to cope with existing flood events. Decoupling implementation time between physical infrastructures and longer term institutional and livelihood based support could both improve projects’ results and their evaluations.
Evaluating the Quality of Enterprise Environmental Accounting Information Disclosure
Authors: Li Ming , Tian Anning , Li Shuyi , Qi Xiaoyu
Published: June 2018

To grasp the overall disclosure of the quality of enterprise environmental accounting information and find the weakness of disclosure for precise improvements, an approach for the evaluation for the quality of enterprise environmental accounting information disclosure was proposed. First, the evaluation index system of enterprise environmental accounting information disclosure quality was constructed from three aspects: relevance, reliability, and compliance. Relevance measured whether the relevant information was disclosed comprehensively; reliability checked whether the disclosed information was in accordance with the reality; and compliance assessed whether the disclosed information complied with the laws and regulations. Considering that the ratings derived from multiple appraisers with respect to the evaluation index were in linguistic forms, the aggregation method based on triangular fuzzy numbers was constructed. The consistency of ratings was used to calculate the weight of appraisers for the deduction of personal bias and a case study verified the feasibility and practicality of the proposed approach. The approach not only was applied to the assessment of the company, but also provided some suggestions based on the evaluation results.
Impact of the Interactive Learning Environments in Children’s Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Villardón-Gallego Lourdes , García-Carrión Rocío , Yáñez-Marquina Lara , Estévez Ana
Published: June 2018

Prosocial behavior consists of a set of behaviors that are beneficial to others in the form of sharing and helping. It includes aspects such as solidarity and friendship, and it fosters development and positive psychological functioning; it also improves classroom and school climate. Interactive learning environments may play a crucial role in creating affordances for students to develop prosocial behavior. This study analyzes the impact of two educational interventions based on egalitarian dialogue (Dialogic Literary Gathering and Interactive Groups) on prosocial behavior among fourth grade elementary students. A quasi-experimental design has been carried out, in which measurements have been taken before and after the intervention. Results show that students involved in the Dialogic Literary Gatherings increased significantly their level of prosocial behavior more than those in the control groups. However, no significant differences have been found between students in the experimental and control condition, when considering Interactive Groups. These results have important educational implications for creating conducive learning environments for the development of prosocial behavior.
Asset or Liability? Ecological and Sociological Tradeoffs of Urban Spontaneous Vegetation on Vacant Land in Shrinking Cities
Authors: Riley Christopher B. , Perry Kayla I. , Ard Kerry , Gardiner Mary M.
Published: June 2018

The increase of minimally managed vacant land resulting from population loss and the subsequent removal of infrastructure is a reoccurring feature in shrinking cities around the globe. Due to the low frequency and intensity of management, these spaces create a unique environment for plant colonization, establishment, and succession. Herein we refer to these plants and the habitats they form as urban spontaneous vegetation (USV). As a form of urban green space, USV has the potential to provide a number of ecological and sociological benefits to shrinking cities, such as supporting urban wildlife, enhancing the provision of regulating ecosystem functions and services, connecting residents with nature, and improving human health and well-being. Conversely, USV can also support undesirable animals such as vectors of disease, and due to its wild and disorderly appearance, can evoke negative emotions in residents while signaling community neglect. This review aims to explore the potential ecological and sociological tradeoffs of USV within the context of shrinking cities. Through this evaluation, we aim to inform future planning and management to exploit the benefits offered by this resource while minimizing negative outcomes, thereby leading to the enhanced sustainability of shrinking cities worldwide.
Models for Analyzing the Dependencies between Indicators for a Circular Economy in the European Union
Authors: Tantau Adrian Dumitru , Maassen Maria Alexandra , Fratila Laurentiu
Published: June 2018

The circular economy has become one of the main strategic issues on a global scale in the striving towards achieving sustainable economic systems. The traditional model of production, consumption and disposal is being transformed into a recycling and waste integration process from the beginning of the production cycle of a product until its full use by the consumers. While measuring the progress towards a circular economy can be a challenging factor, several indicators can be used to evaluate developments in this direction. That is why recycling in general, as well as recycling of municipal waste, have become a main strategic issue in the process towards implementation of circular economy principles. The main objective of the paper is to elaborate a panel regression model for determining the dependency between main indicators, that are indicating progress of the circular economy in Europe, such as the recycling rate of municipal waste, circular material use rate, R&D expenditure by all sectors, trade in recyclable raw materials and environmental tax revenues, resource productivity and domestic material consumption. Furthermore, the fixed and random effects regression models estimations are included and tested through the Durbin–Hausman–Wu statistic. The research in this study is based on the analysis of regressions in the circular economy fields in the European Union and intends to contribute to the research in the field, being an emerging scientific topic due to changing technological, economic and environmental factors.
Facial Asymmetry-Based Anthropometric Differences between Gender and Ethnicity
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Shafique Tamoor , Riaz Imran , Imran Muhammad , Jabbar Aziz Baig Mirza , Baig Shahbaz , Manzoor Sohaib
Published: June 2018

Bilateral facial asymmetry is frequently exhibited by humans but its combined evaluation across demographic traits including gender and ethnicity is still an open research problem. In this study we measure and evaluate facial asymmetry across gender and different ethnic groups and investigate the differences in asymmetric facial dimensions among the subjects from two public face datasets, the MORPH and FERET. To this end, we detect 28 facial asymmetric dimensions from each face image using an anthropometric technique. An exploratory analysis is then performed via a multiple linear regression model to determine the impact of gender and ethnicity on facial asymmetry. Post-hoc Tukey test has been used to validate the results of the proposed method. The results show that out of 28 asymmetric dimensions, females differ in 25 dimensions from males. African, Asian, Hispanic and other ethnic groups have asymmetric dimensions that differ significantly from those of Europeans. These findings could be important to certain applications like the design of facial fits, as well as guidelines for facial cosmetic surgeons. Lastly, we train a neural network classifier that employs asymmetric dimensions for gender and race classification. The experimental results show that our trained classifier outperforms the support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (kNN) classifiers.
Symmetries of Differential Equations in Cosmology
Authors: Tsamparlis Michael , Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the current article is to present a brief albeit accurate presentation of the main tools used in the study of symmetries of Lagrange equations for holonomic systems and subsequently to show how these tools are applied in the major models of modern cosmology in order to derive exact solutions and deal with the problem of dark matter/energy. The key role in this approach are the first integrals of the field equations. We start with the Lie point symmetries and the first integrals defined by them, that is, the Hojman integrals. Subsequently, we discuss the Noether point symmetries and the well-known method for deriving the Noether integrals. By means of the Inverse Noether Theorem, we show that, to every Hojman quadratic first integral, it is possible to associate a Noether symmetry whose Noether integral is the original Hojman integral. It is emphasized that the point transformation generating this Noether symmetry need not coincide with the point transformation defining the Lie symmetry which produces the Hojman integral. We discuss the close connection between the Lie point and the Noether point symmetries with the collineations of the metric defined by the kinetic energy of the Lagrangian. In particular, the generators of Noether point symmetries are elements of the homothetic algebra of that metric. The key point in the current study of cosmological models is the introduction of the mini superspace, which is the space that is defined by the physical variables of the model, which is not the spacetime where the model evolves. The metric in the mini superspace is found from the kinematic part of the Lagrangian and we call it the kinetic metric. The rest part of the Lagrangian is the effective potential. We consider coordinate transformations of the original mini superspace metric in order to bring it to a form where we know its collineations, that is, the Killing vectors, the homothetic vector, etc. Then, we write the field equations of the cosmological model and we use the connection of these equations with the collineations of the mini superspace metric to compute the first integrals and subsequently to obtain analytic solutions for various allowable potentials and finally draw conclusions about the problem of dark energy. We consider the ΛCDM cosmological model, the scalar field cosmology, the Brans–Dicke cosmology, the f(R) gravity, the two scalar fields cosmology with interacting scalar fields and the Galilean cosmology. In each case, we present the relevant results in the form of tables for easy reference. Finally, we discuss briefly the higher order symmetries (the contact symmetries) and show how they are applied in the cases of scalar field cosmology and in the f(R) gravity.
Research on Electronic Voltage Transformer for Big Data Background
Authors: Li Zhen-Hua , Wang Yao , Wu Zheng-Tian , Li Zhen-Xing
Published: June 2018

A new type of electronic voltage transformer is proposed in this study for big data background. By using the conventional inverted SF_6 transformer insulation structure, a coaxial capacitor sensor was constructed by designing a middle coaxial electrode between the high-voltage electrode and the ground electrode. The measurement of the voltage signal could be obtained by detecting the capacitance current i of the SF_6 coaxial capacitor. To improve the accuracy of the integrator, a high-precision digital integrator based on the Romberg algorithm is proposed in this study. This can not only guarantee the accuracy of computation, but also reduce the consumption time; in addition, the sampling point can be reused. By adopting the double shielding effect of the high-voltage shell and the grounding metal shield, the ability and stability of the coaxial capacitor divide could be effectively improved to resist the interference of stray electric fields. The factors that affect the coaxial capacitor were studied, such as position, temperature, and pressure, which will influence the value of the coaxial capacitor. Tests were carried out to verify the performance. The results showed that the voltage transformer based on the SF_6 coaxial capacitor satisfies the requirements of the 0.2 accuracy class. This study can promote the use of new high-performance products for data transmission in the era of big data and specific test analyses.
An Extended Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with Maximizing Deviation Method Based on Integrated Weight Measure for Single-Valued Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Quek Shio Gai , Smarandache Florentin , Broumi Said
Published: June 2018

A single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) is a special case of a neutrosophic set which is characterized by a truth, indeterminacy, and falsity membership function, each of which lies in the standard interval of [0, 1]. This paper presents a modified Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with maximizing deviation method based on the single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) model. An integrated weight measure approach that takes into consideration both the objective and subjective weights of the attributes is used. The maximizing deviation method is used to compute the objective weight of the attributes, and the non-linear weighted comprehensive method is used to determine the combined weights for each attributes. The use of the maximizing deviation method allows our proposed method to handle situations in which information pertaining to the weight coefficients of the attributes are completely unknown or only partially known. The proposed method is then applied to a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. Lastly, a comprehensive comparative studies is presented, in which the performance of our proposed algorithm is compared and contrasted with other recent approaches involving SVNSs in literature.
Technical Interoperability for Machine Connectivity on the Shop Floor
Authors: Åkerman Magnus , Stahre Johan , Engström Ulrika , Angelsmark Ola , McGillivray Daniel , Holmberg Torgny , Bärring Maja , Lundgren Camilla , Friis Martin , Fast-Berglund Åsa
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a generic technical solution that can increase Industry 4.0 maturity by collecting data from sensors and control systems on the shop floor. Within the research project “5G-Enabled Manufacturing”, an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network with 5G technologies was deployed on the shop floor to enable fast and scalable connectivity. This network was used to connect a grinding machine to a remote private cloud where data was stored and streamed to a data analytics center. This enabled visibility and transparency of the production data, which is the basis for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. The solution is described with a focus on high-level communication technologies above wireless communication standards. These technologies are discussed regarding technical interoperability, focusing on the system layout, communication standards, and open systems. From the discussion, it can be derived that generic solutions such as this are possible, but manufacturing end-users must expand and further internalize knowledge of future information and communication technologies to reduce their dependency on equipment and technology providers.
Early AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) in Post-Stroke Adult Upper Limb Spasticity: ONTIME Pilot Study
Authors: Rosales Raymond L , Balcaitiene Jovita , Berard Hugues , Maisonobe Pascal , Goh Khean Jin , Kumthornthip Witsanu , Mazlan Mazlina , Latif Lydia Abdul , Delos Santos Mary Mildred D. , Chotiyarnwong Chayaporn , Tanvijit Phakamas , Nuez Odessa , Kong Keng He
Published: June 2018

The ONTIME study investigated whether early post-stroke abobotulinumtoxinA injection delays appearance or progression of upper limb spasticity (ULS) symptoms. ONTIME (NCT02321436) was a 28-week, exploratory, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of abobotulinumtoxinA 500U in patients with ULS (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS] score ≥ 2) 2–12 weeks post-stroke. Patients were either symptomatic or asymptomatic (only increased MAS) at baseline. Primary efficacy outcome measure: time between injection and visit at which re-injection criteria were met (MAS ≥ 2 and ≥1, sign of symptomatic spasticity: pain, involuntary movements, impaired active or passive function). Forty-two patients were randomized (abobotulinumtoxinA 500U: n = 28; placebo: n = 14) with median 5.86 weeks since stroke. Median time to reach re-injection criteria was significantly longer for abobotulinumtoxinA (156 days) than placebo (32 days; log-rank: p = 0.0176; Wilcoxon: p = 0.0480). Eleven (39.3%) patients receiving abobotulinumtoxinA did not require re-injection for ≥28 weeks versus two (14.3%) in placebo group. In this exploratory study, early abobotulinumtoxinA treatment significantly delayed time to reach re-injection criteria compared with placebo in patients with post-stroke ULS. These findings suggest an optimal time for post-stroke spasticity management and help determine the design and sample sizes for larger confirmatory studies.
A Systematic Literature Review for Evidence of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Toxigenicity in Recreational Waters and Toxicity of Dietary Supplements: 2000–2017
Authors: Lyon-Colbert Amber , Su Shelley , Cude Curtis
Published: June 2018

Previous studies of recreational waters and blue-green algae supplements (BGAS) demonstrated co-occurrence of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) and cyanotoxins, presenting exposure risk. The authors conducted a systematic literature review using a GRADE PRISMA-p 27-item checklist to assess the evidence for toxigenicity of AFA in both fresh waters and BGAS. Studies have shown AFA can produce significant levels of cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxin in fresh waters. Toxicity studies evaluating AFA-based BGAS found some products carried the mcyE gene and tested positive for microcystins at levels ≤ 1 μg microcystin (MC)-LR equivalents/g dry weight. Further analysis discovered BGAS samples had cyanotoxins levels exceeding tolerable daily intake values. There is evidence that Aphanizomenon spp. are toxin producers and AFA has toxigenic genes such as mcyE that could lead to the production of MC under the right environmental conditions. Regardless of this ability, AFA commonly co-occur with known MC producers, which may contaminate BGAS. Toxin production by cyanobacteria is a health concern for both recreational water users and BGAS consumers. Recommendations include: limit harvesting of AFA to months when toxicity is lowest, include AFA in cell counts during visible blooms, and properly identify cyanobacteria species using 16S rRNA methods when toxicity levels are higher than advisory levels.
Development of Time-Resolved Fluoroimmunoassay for Detection of Cylindrospermopsin Using Its Novel Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Lei Lamei , Peng Liang , Yang Yang , Han Bo-ping
Published: June 2018

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cyanotoxin that is of particular concern for its potential toxicity to human and animal health and ecological consequences due to contamination of drinking water. The increasing emergence of CYN around the world has led to urgent development of rapid and high-throughput methods for its detection in water. In this study, a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody N8 was produced and characterized for CYN detection through the development of a direct competitive time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA). The newly developed TRFIA exhibited a typical sigmoidal response for CYN at concentrations of 0.01–100 ng mL−1, with a wide quantitative range between 0.1 and 50 ng mL−1. The detection limit of the method was calculated to be 0.02 ng mL−1, which is well below the guideline value of 1 μg L−1 and is sensitive enough to provide an early warning of the occurrence of CYN-producing cyanobacterial blooms. The newly developed TRFIA also displayed good precision and accuracy, as evidenced by low coefficients of variation (4.1–6.5%). Recoveries ranging from 92.6% to 108.8% were observed upon the analysis of CYN-spiked water samples. Moreover, comparison of the TRIFA with an ELISA kit through testing 76 water samples and 15 Cylindrospermopsis cultures yielded a correlation r2 value of 0.963, implying that the novel immunoassay was reliable for the detection of CYN in water and algal samples.