bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analog-to-Information Conversion with Random Interval Integration
Authors: Šaliga Ján , Kováč Ondrej , Andráš Imrich
Published: May 2021

A novel method of analog-to-information conversion—the random interval integration—is proposed and studied in this paper. This method is intended primarily for compressed sensing of aperiodic or quasiperiodic signals acquired by commonly used sensors such as ECG, environmental, and other sensors, the output of which can be modeled by multi-harmonic signals. The main idea of the method is based on input signal integration by a randomly resettable integrator before the AD conversion. The integrator’s reset is controlled by a random sequence generator. The signal reconstruction employs a commonly used algorithm based on the minimalization of a distance norm between the original measurement vector and vector calculated from the reconstructed signal. The signal reconstruction is performed by solving an overdetermined problem, which is considered a state-of-the-art approach. The notable advantage of random interval integration is simple hardware implementation with commonly used components. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using ECG signals from the MIT-BIH database, multi-sine, and own database of environmental test signals. The proposed method performance is compared to commonly used analog-to-information conversion methods: random sampling, random demodulation, and random modulation pre-integration. A comparison of the mentioned methods is performed by simulation in LabVIEW software. The achieved results suggest that the random interval integration outperforms other single-channel architectures. In certain situations, it can reach the performance of a much-more complex, but commonly used random modulation pre-integrator.
A Crosstalk- and Interferent-Free Dual Electrode Amperometric Biosensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Choline and Phosphocholine
Authors: Ciriello Rosanna , Guerrieri Antonio
Published: May 2021

Choline (Ch) and phosphocholine (PCh) levels in tissues are associated to tissue growth and so to carcinogenesis. Till now, only highly sophisticated and expensive techniques like those based on NMR spectroscopy or GC/LC- high resolution mass spectrometry permitted Ch and PCh analysis but very few of them were capable of a simultaneous determination of these analytes. Thus, a never reported before amperometric biosensor for PCh analysis based on choline oxidase and alkaline phosphatase co-immobilized onto a Pt electrode by co-crosslinking has been developed. Coupling the developed biosensor with a parallel sensor but specific to Ch, a crosstalk-free dual electrode biosensor was also developed, permitting the simultaneous determination of Ch and PCh in flow injection analysis. This novel sensing device performed remarkably in terms of sensitivity, linear range, and limit of detection so to exceed in most cases the more complex analytical instrumentations. Further, electrode modification by overoxidized polypyrrole permitted the development of a fouling- and interferent-free dual electrode biosensor which appeared promising for the simultaneous determination of Ch and PCh in a real sample.
Preisach Elasto-Plastic Model for Mild Steel Hysteretic Behavior-Experimental and Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Sumarac Dragoslav , Knezevic Petar , Dolicanin Cemal , Cao Maosen
Published: May 2021

The Preisach model already successfully implemented for axial and bending cyclic loading is applied for modeling of the plateau problem for mild steel. It is shown that after the first cycle plateau disappears an extension of the existing Preisach model is needed. Heat dissipation and locked-in energy is calculated due to plastic deformation using the Preisach model. Theoretical results are verified by experiments performed on mild steel S275. The comparison of theoretical and experimental results is evident, showing the capability of the Presicah model in predicting behavior of structures under cyclic loading in the elastoplastic region. The purpose of this paper is to establish a theoretical background for embedded sensors like regenerated fiber Bragg gratings (RFBG) for measurement of strains and temperature in real structures. In addition, the present paper brings a theoretical base for application of nested split-ring resonator (NSRR) probes in measurements of plastic strain in real structures.
Ambient Assisted Living: A Review of Technologies, Methodologies and Future Perspectives for Healthy Aging of Population
Authors: Cicirelli Grazia , Marani Roberto , Petitti Antonio , Milella Annalisa , D’Orazio Tiziana
Published: May 2021

Over the last decade, there has been considerable and increasing interest in the development of Active and Assisted Living (AAL) systems to support independent living. The demographic change towards an aging population has introduced new challenges to today’s society from both an economic and societal standpoint. AAL can provide an arrary of solutions for improving the quality of life of individuals, for allowing people to live healthier and independently for longer, for helping people with disabilities, and for supporting caregivers and medical staff. A vast amount of literature exists on this topic, so this paper aims to provide a survey of the research and skills related to AAL systems. A comprehensive analysis is presented that addresses the main trends towards the development of AAL systems both from technological and methodological points of view and highlights the main issues that are worthy of further investigation.
An SPRi Biosensor for Determination of the Ovarian Cancer Marker HE4 in Human Plasma
Authors: Szymanska Beata , Lukaszewski Zenon , Zelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Hermanowicz-Szamatowicz Kinga , Gorodkiewicz Ewa
Published: May 2021

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is an ovarian cancer marker. Various cut-off values of the marker in blood are recommended, depending on the method used for its determination. An alternative biosensor for HE4 determination in blood plasma has been developed. It consists of rabbit polyclonal antibody against HE4, covalently attached to a gold chip via cysteamine linker. The biosensor is used with the non-fluidic array SPRi technique. The linear range of the analytical signal response was found to be 2–120 pM, and the biosensor can be used for the determination of the HE4 marker in the plasma of both healthy subjects and ovarian cancer patients after suitable dilution with a PBS buffer. Precision (6–10%) and recovery (101.8–103.5%) were found to be acceptable, and the LOD was equal to 2 pM. The biosensor was validated by the parallel determination of a series of plasma samples from ovarian cancer patients using the Elecsys HE4 test and the developed biosensor, with a good agreement of the results (a Pearson coefficient of 0.989). An example of the diagnostic application of the developed biosensor is given—the influence of ovarian tumor resection on the level of HE4 in blood serum.
What Do Those Cohabiting Believe about Relationship Social Support and Premarital Counseling? A Comparative Analysis
Authors: McGhee Jennifer , Burr Brandon , Vanrosendale Allison , Figueroa Deisy
Published: May 2021

Relationship researchers have long studied factors that boost or detract from relationship success. Social support and premarital counseling are factors that have been shown to boost relationship satisfaction and relationship success. However, little is known about how relationship status may influence attitudes toward social support and premarital counseling. Using a human ecology lens, this study explores the relationship between relationship status and attitudes toward social support and premarital counseling from a sample of 385 individuals. Implications for family practitioners and future researchers are provided based on study results.
The Livelihoods Impacts of Irrigation in Western Africa: The Ghana Experience
Authors: Akudugu Mamudu Abunga , Millar Katherine Kaunza-Nu-Dem , Akuriba Margaret Atosina
Published: May 2021

Although agriculture remains the mainstay of the African economy, it is currently going through stress because of a multitude of factors including climate change. Thus, many countries in their efforts to transform their agricultural sectors are employing climate-smart initiatives including the provision of water harvesting technologies for irrigated crop production during the dry season. This paper examines the role of irrigation in the drive towards a transformation of smallholder agriculture in Africa. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews and individual questionnaires were employed for the data collection. The data were analyzed using the regression adjustment (RA) technique. The results indicate that irrigation has significant and positive impacts on farm incomes, employment, consumption, food security and non-farm businesses, all of which are necessary conditions for a successful transformation of smallholder agriculture in Africa. The impacts of irrigation on health and environmental sustainability are mixed—the positive being the ability of irrigators to pay for improved healthcare for their families and the negatives include the outbreak of waterborne diseases associated with irrigation water. Construction of irrigation facilities causes destruction to the environment but improves provisioning ecosystem services. It is generally concluded that access to irrigation is associated with higher farm incomes, employment, consumption, food security and engagement in non-farm business activities. The key policy implication of these findings is that African governments must formulate strategic policies that will accelerate investments in the provision of irrigation facilities to better promote the agenda to transform smallholder agriculture in the continent.
Conditions and Constrains for Reflexive Governance of Industrial Risks: The Case of the South Durban Industrial Basin, South Africa
Authors: Leonard Llewellyn , Lidskog Rolf
Published: May 2021

Within sustainability development paradigms, state governance is considered important in interventions to address risks produced by the industrial society. However, there is largely a lack of understanding, especially in the Global South, about the nature and workings of the governance institutions necessary to tackle risks effectively. Reflexive governance, as a new mode of governance, has been developed as a way to be more inclusive and more reflexive and respond to complex risks. Conversely, there is limited scholarly work that has examined the theoretical and empirical foundations of this governance approach, especially how it may unfold in the Global South. This paper explores the conditions and constrains for reflexive governance in a particular case: that of the South Durban Industrial Basin. South Durban is one of the most polluted regions in southern Africa and has been the most active industrial site of contention between local residents and industry and government during apartheid and into the new democracy. Empirical analysis found a number of constrains involved in enabling reflexive governance. It also found that a close alliance between government and industry to promote economic development has overshadowed social and environmental protection. Reflexive governance practitioners need to be cognisant of its applicability across diverse geographic settings and beyond western notions of reflexive governance.
Investigation of Alkali-Silica Reactivity in Sustainable Ultrahigh Performance Concrete
Authors: Abbas Safeer , Abbass Wasim , Nehdi Moncef L. , Ahmed Ali , Yousaf Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Considering its superior engineering properties, ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a strong contender to replace normal strength concrete (NSC) in diverse construction applications. While the mechanical properties of UHPC have been thoroughly explored, there is still dearth of studies that quantify the durability of UHPC, especially for sustainable mixtures made with local materials. Therefore, this research aims at investigating the alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) potential in sustainable UHPC in comparison with that of NSC. Sustainable UHPC mixtures were prepared using waste untreated coal ash (CA), raw slag (RS), and locally produced steel fibers. UHPC and benchmark NSC specimens were cast for assessing the compressive strength, flexural strength, and ASR expansion. Specimens were exposed to two curing regimes: accelerated ASR conditions (as per ASTM C1260) and normal water curing. UHPC specimens incorporating RS achieved higher compressive and flexural strengths in comparison with that of identical UHPC specimens made with CA. ASR expansion of control NSC specimens exceeded the ASTM C1260 limits (>0.20% at 28 days). Conversely, experimental results demonstrate that UHPC specimens incurred much less ASR expansion, well below the ASTM C1260 limits. Moreover, UHPC specimens incorporating steel fibers exhibited lower expansion compared to that of companion UHPC specimens without fibers. It was also observed that the mechanical properties of NSC specimens suffered more drastic degradation under accelerated ASR exposure compared to UHPC specimens. Interestingly, UHPC specimens exposed to accelerated ASR conditions attained higher mechanical properties compared to that of reference identical specimens cured in normal water. Therefore, it can be concluded that ASR exposure had insignificant effect on sustainable UHPC incorporating CA and RS, especially for specimens incorporating fibers. Results indicate that UHPC is a robust competitor to NSC for the construction of mega-scale projects where exposure to ASR conducive conditions prevails.
Research on Supplier Collaboration of Daily Consumer Goods under Uncertainty of Supply and Demand
Authors: Song Tianwen , Zhang Qiang , Ran Junmu , Ran Wenxue
Published: May 2021

This paper establishes the decentralized decision-making model of consumer goods, the active collaboration model of consumer goods suppliers, and the decentralized decision-making model of customized consumer goods. Through formula derivation and simulation, the benefit and influence differences of the three modes are compared. This paper studies the influence of supplier’s active collaboration on the supply and demand instability of consumer goods and discusses the ideal value of supply chain inventory control. In China’s modern circular economy, the inventory control of the consumer goods supply chain is unscientific and nonstandard. We discuss a new inventory control method and study the ideal value of supply chain inventory control. It helps reduce the inventory shortage loss caused by the uncertainty of daily consumer goods, improve the efficiency of the supply chain, enhance the liquidity of supply chain inventory to achieve the purpose of increasing economic value. It has reference value for the inventory control of consumer goods in other countries and regions. The results show that under certain conditions, the horizontal collaboration between suppliers can improve the completeness of consumer goods. The collaboration between suppliers can reduce the hidden dangers caused by the uncertainty of supply and demand and significantly reduce the total inventory cost of manufacturers and improve profits.
Long-Term Application of Organic Wastes Improves Soil Carbon and Structural Properties in Dryland Affected by Coal Mining Activity
Authors: Abdelrhman Ahmed Ali , Gao Lili , Li Shengping , Lu Jinjing , Song Xiaojun , Zhang Mengni , Zheng Fengjun , Wu Huijun , Wu Xueping
Published: May 2021

Organic wastes have a positive impact on soil physical and chemical properties in the agroecosystems. However, its main effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) or total organic carbon, TOC (SOC and coal-C) contents as well as their effects on soil physico-chemical properties are still unclear. Two types of organic wastes (maize straw and manure) were utilized in dryland affected by mining activities to quantify their relative effect on soil physico-chemical properties. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the soil physical properties, SOC, and TOC as well as their respective contributions to improving these properties. Treatments included control (CK), straw (S), low manure (LM), medium manure plus straw (S-MM), and high manure plus straw (S-HM). The results showed that SOC, soil bulk density, mean weight diameter (MWD), soil total porosity, soil penetration resistance, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil infiltration rate were strongly influenced by the application of organic wastes. A stronger linear relationship between SOC and the MWD, (R2 = 0.93, p < 0.05) compared to that between TOC and MWD indicated the important role of SOC in improving soil aggregation relative to the effect of TOC. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), the application of organic wastes had stronger effects on SOC contents and physical properties than TOC (SOC and coal-C). These findings advance our understanding of the actual effect of organic wastes on soil physical properties and SOC in dryland affected by mining activities and could inform fertilizer management decisions to improve soil properties.
Implementing Rapid Climate Action: Learning from the ‘Practical Wisdom’ of Local Decision-Makers
Authors: Yuille Andy , Tyfield David , Willis Rebecca
Published: May 2021

A global goal to limit dangerous climate change has been agreed through the 2015 Paris Accords. The scientific case for action has been accepted by nearly all governments, at national and local or state level. Yet in all legislatures, there is a gap between the stated climate ambitions and the implementation of the measures necessary to achieve them. This paper examines this gap by analysing the experience of the following three UK cities: Belfast, Edinburgh, and Leeds. Researchers worked with city officials and elected representatives, using interviews and deliberative workshops to develop their shared understandings. The study finds that local actors employ different strategies to respond to the stated climate emergency, based on their innate understanding, or ‘phronetic knowledge’, of what works. It concludes that rapid climate action depends not just on the structures and mechanisms of governance, but at a deeper level, the assumptions, motivations and applied knowledge of decision-makers.
Analysis and Prediction of Pedestrians’ Violation Behavior at the Intersection Based on a Markov Chain
Authors: Mao Chengyuan , Bao Lewen , Yang Shengde , Xu Wenjiao , Wang Qin
Published: May 2021

Pedestrian violations pose a danger to themselves and other road users. Most previous studies predict pedestrian violation behaviors based only on pedestrians’ demographic characteristics. In practice, in addition to demographic characteristics, other factors may also impact pedestrian violation behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to predict pedestrian crossing violations based on pedestrian attributes, traffic conditions, road geometry, and environmental conditions. Data on the pedestrian crossing, both in compliance and in violation, were collected from 10 signalized intersections in the city of Jinhua, China. We propose an illegal pedestrian crossing behavior prediction approach that consists of a logistic regression model and a Markov Chain model. The former calculates the likelihood that the first pedestrian who decides to cross the intersection illegally within each signal cycle, while the latter computes the probability that the subsequent pedestrians who decides to follow the violation. The proposed approach was validated using data gathered from an additional signalized intersection in Jinhua city. The results show that the proposed approach has a robust ability in pedestrian violation behavior prediction. The findings can provide theoretical references for pedestrian signal timing, crossing facility optimization, and warning system design.
Sustainability of the Slovak Spirits Industry in the Single Market of the EU
Authors: Beňuš Ondrej , Bielik Peter , Turčeková Natália , Adamičková Izabela
Published: May 2021

Despite a decreased share of gross domestic product, the role of a country’s food and beverage industry cannot be underestimated. Food security should be a crucial part of national policy in every country because, during critical situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it plays a key role in the protection of a country’s citizens. The food industry also plays a key role in employment and the sustainable development of all countries. We investigated the latest trends and focused on one specific branch of the food industry. Although the spirits industry does not have a major market share in the food industry, it is one of the branches with the highest added value, and it produces commodities with high export potential. This branch of the food industry in the Slovak Republic has a long tradition. Our primary aim was to examine the competitiveness of this sector in a single market of the EU as a key element of its sustainable development. The results obtained for the revealed comparative advantage suggest that there was a downturn in the number of competitive branches in the Slovak spirits industry during the study period of 2004–2018. Despite this negative trend, the remaining competitive branches of the Slovak spirits industry represent the majority of exports.
Performance-Based Planning to Reduce Flooding Vulnerability Insights from the Case of Turin (North-West Italy)
Authors: Salata Stefano , Ronchi Silvia , Giaimo Carolina , Arcidiacono Andrea , Pantaloni Giulio Gabriele
Published: May 2021

Climate change impacts urban areas with greater frequency and exposes continental cities located on floodplains to extreme cloudbursts events. This scenario requires developing specific flooding vulnerability mitigation strategies that improve local knowledge of flood-prone areas at the urban scale and supersede the traditional hazard approach based on the classification of riverine buffers. Moreover, decision-makers need to adopt performance-based strategies for contrasting climate changes and increasing the resilience of the system. This research develops the recent Flooding Risk Mitigation model of InVEST (Integrated Evaluation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-off), where cloudburst vulnerability results from the soil’s hydrological conductivity. It is based on the assumption that during cloudburst events, all saturated soils have the potential for flooding, regardless of the distance to rivers or channels, causing damage and, in the worst cases, victims. The model’s output gives the run-off retention index evaluated in the catchment area of Turin (Italy) and its neighborhoods. We evaluated the outcome to gain specific insight into potential land use adaptation strategies. The index is the first experimental biophysical assessment developed in this area, and it could prove useful in the revision process of the general town plan underway.
Sustainability Interventions on Agro-Ecosystems: An Experience from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Fan Jun , Fan Xingming , Jintrawet Attachai , Weyerhaeuser Horst
Published: May 2021

Increasing agricultural production, without having a pronounced negative impact on ecosystems, continues to be a massive challenge. Interventions in sustainability that improve agro-ecosystems are thus crucial. Current literature focuses on sustainability concepts, assessment tools, and intervention impacts, yet lacks in intervention mechanisms and implementation processes. Therefore, this study aims to present an intervention framework on agro-ecosystems that helps transform sustainability concepts into implementation actions. We first create the intervention framework on agro-ecosystems using a systematic approach, and then analyze the intervention mechanism. Next, we formulate the agro-ecological sustainability index (AESI) and its sub-indices to assess the results of interventions. We find that, by integrating interventions, we can reverse the sustainability trend from deterioration to recovery and improvement; however, with a spatial difference. We highlight that the process for a successful intervention comprises (1) utilizing an integrated intervention portfolio, (2) acting with a long-term perspective, (3) utilizing adaptive implementation, and (4) strengthening local institutions. We suggest closely monitoring the impact of interventions, diversifying farmers’ income sources, and enhancing capacity building for young generations. Additionally, we suggest conducting multidisciplinary research and strengthening local government capacity to hedge against future risks. Our intervention framework and Yunnan’s intervention experience provides a useful lesson for other policymakers and researchers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Café and Restaurant under My Home: Predicting Urban Commercialization through Machine Learning
Authors: Noh Seung-Chul , Park Jung-Ho
Published: May 2021

The small commercial stores opening in housing structures in Seoul have been soaring since the beginning of this century. While commercialization generally increases urban vitality and achieves land use mix, cafés and restaurants in low-rise residential areas may attract numerous passenger populations, with increased noise and crimes, in the residential area. The urban commercialization is so fast and prevalent that neither urban researchers nor policymakers can respond to it timely without a practical prediction tool. Focusing on cafés and restaurants, we propose an XGBoost machine learning model that can predict commercial store openings in urban residential areas and further play the role of an early warning system. Our findings highlight a large degree of difference in the predictor importance between the variables used in our machine learning model. The most important predictor relates to land price, indicating that economic motivation leads to the conversion of urban housing to small cafés and restaurants. The Mapo neighborhood is predicted to be the most prone to the commercialization of urban housing, therefore, its urgency to be prepared against expected commercialization deserves underscoring. Overall, our results show that the machine learning approach can be applied to predict changes in land uses and contribute to timely policy designs in rapidly changing urban context.
Taxation and Enterprise Innovation: Evidence from China’s Value-Added Tax Reform
Authors: Ding Ke , Xu Helian , Yang Rongming
Published: May 2021

This article used China as an example to study how tax reform affects the innovative behavior of companies. Our research showed that value-added tax (VAT) reform can affect corporate innovation behavior. On the basis of patent-application data of Chinese enterprises, we used the difference-in-differences framework to study the differences in the performance of Chinese industrial enterprises in patent applications before and after China’s 2009 VAT reform. We demonstrated that China’s VAT reform had a positive impact on corporate innovation; this conclusion is robust. In subsequent research, we demonstrated that the VAT reform promoted corporate innovation by expanding corporate investment in fixed assets and reducing corporate debt ratios; however, due to the Chinese government’s subsidies to corporations and financing constraints, the pecking-order effect of corporate innovation was increased. In addition, the VAT reform had a greater impact on the innovation of export enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises. This research provided insights for emerging countries into formulating innovation-driven sustainable development tax reduction policies.
Examining Factors Influencing Early Paid Over-The-Top Video Streaming Market Growth: A Cross-Country Empirical Study
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Lee Seonmi , Joo Hyemin , Nam Yoonjae
Published: May 2021

This study examines the factors influencing early paid Over-The-Top (OTT) video streaming market growth in 50 countries. The results of the panel data analysis suggest that Netflix’s market entry, traditional pay TV market size, broadband infrastructure, and OTT platform competition contribute to the early market growth of paid OTT video streaming services, such as subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services. The results also reveal that the traditional pay TV subscription market and the paid OTT video streaming market initially grow together in many countries. However, the findings also reveal a negative association between the market entry of Netflix and the subscription revenue growth rate of traditional pay TV services. The results of this study suggest industry and policy implications for paid OTT video streaming market growth and the sustainable development of the media industry.
The Variation on Sediment Reworking with Influencing Factors by a Sand Bubbler Crab, Scopimera globosa, in Intertidal Sediments of the Anmyeon Island, Korea
Authors: Seo Jaehwan , Koo Bon Joo
Published: May 2021

Though biological and ecological characteristics of Scopimera globosa have been intensively investigated, little has been understood on bioturbation, especially sediment reworking. This study was designed to evaluate variation on sediment reworking of S. globosa based on feeding pellet production (FP) and burrowing pellet production (BP) with influencing factors and estimating the chlorophyll content reduction within the surface sediment by its feeding. The FP and BP largely fluctuated according to chlorophyll a concentration and crab density, but both were not influenced by temperature. The FP was enhanced by chlorophyll a concentration, whereas both FP and BP were restricted by crab density. The daily individual production was highest in spring, followed by fall and summer, with values of 25.61, 20.70 and 3.90 g ind.−1 d−1, respectively, while the total daily production was highest in fall, followed by summer and spring 2150, 1660 and 660 g m−2 d−1, respectively. The daily sediment reworking based on the FP and BP of Scopimera was highest in fall, followed by summer and spring, with values of 1.91, 1.70 and 0.77 mm d-1 and the annual sediment reworking rate of this species was calculated 40 cm year−1 based on its density in this study area. The chlorophyll a reduction ratio was estimated from 11 to 24% in one day by its feeding. These results imply that the sediment reworking of S. globosa is regulated by food abundance and its density, and Scopimera is an important bioturbator, greatly influencing biogeochemical changes in the intertidal sediments.
The Impact of Growth-Promoting Streptomycetes Isolated from Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Growth Parameters
Authors: Cinkocki Renata , Lipková Nikola , Javoreková Soňa , Petrová Jana , Maková Jana , Medo Juraj , Ducsay Ladislav
Published: May 2021

Inoculation of Streptomyces to improve oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) yields and minimise the use of chemical fertilisers is a promising sustainable strategy. In this study, we isolated 72 actinobacterial strains from rhizosphere of oilseed rape and maize and from bulk soil for screening and characterising their antimicrobial activity. Nine promising strains, identified as Streptomyces sp. by morphology, physiological characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were selected for their plant growth-promoting traits and in planta experiments. The actinobacterial strains were positive for IAA production, siderophore production, and HCN production. In planta experiments were conducted by soaking the oilseed rape seeds in the actinobacterial suspension, followed by plant growth under controlled conditions in a cultivate chamber (22–28 °C, 8 h dark/16 h light, constant humidity 80%). We recorded root and shoot length (cm) and seedling fresh weight (g). For most of the abovementioned parameters, a significant enhancement was observed with strain KmiRC20A118 treatment. The length of the root increased by 53.14%, the shoot length increased by 65.6%, and the weight of the fresh plant by 60% compared to the control. The integrated application of PGPS (Plant Growth Promoting Streptomyces) from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape is a promising strategy to improve the growth of oilseed rape.
Educational Illustration of the Historical City, Education Citizenship, and Sustainable Heritage
Authors: Hernàndez-Cardona Francesc Xavier , Sospedra-Roca Rafael , Íñiguez-Gracia David
Published: May 2021

The Sustainable Development Goals identified by the United Nations (2030 agenda) aim to promote sustainable cities, the need to safeguard cultural heritage, and the importance of quality education. Through different projects, the DIDPATRI research group at the University of Barcelona has developed didactic iconographic models on the historical and heritage dimension of cities. Comprehensible proposals have been made by developing unique techniques and using easily accessible technologies. The working hypothesis has focused on the idea that the models of didactic iconography promote the understanding of the history of the city, and this enables educational actions and contributes to the formation of quality citizenship, aware of the importance of heritage, with a view to the sustainability of urban environments themselves. The components and the layout of the iconographic prototypes tested have been developed with the available technological variables, but, above all, they focus on the conceptual organization of the iconographic contents to show. In other words, it places greater emphasis on techniques than on subsidiary technologies for change. The development of different projects has generated models of empirical effectiveness, which methodologically have contributed to improving, in the key of sustainability, the knowledge of historical urban environments and respect for heritage. The case studies considered in this work are two of the most emblematic developed by the DIDPATRI group: the archaeological site of El Born in Barcelona, and the medieval site of La Seu de Urgell, in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Assessment of Landscape Co-Benefits in Natura 2000 Site Management Plans
Authors: Trovato Maria Rosa , Micalizzi Paolo , Giuffrida Salvatore
Published: May 2021

The concept of co-benefits developed in the context of climate change policies can be extended to the strategies aimed at protecting natural resources. A co-effects-based policy approach proposes a multidimensionality capable of strengthening its effectiveness and supporting a co-generative development model aimed at promoting virtuous forms of territorial capital valorisation. The study aimed to evaluate the landscape co-benefits generated by the Natura 2000 networks, achieving a measure of efficiency of the policies and performance of the Management Plan, with reference to the “Timpa di Acireale” site. CVM and TCM were used for the estimation of landscape co-benefits. For the evaluation of the efficiency of the policies and the performance of the Plan, some economic-financial criteria were implemented. With reference to the user-citizen, the local tourist and the supralocal tourist, flows of annual co-benefits of EUR 754,764, EUR 99,678.12 and EUR 2276.39, respectively, were estimated. The analyses of the efficiency of the policies and the performance of the Plan provided sufficient results. In conclusion, the lack of an adequate level of infrastructure for all users’ profiles reduces the ability to generate co-benefits for the users themselves and more significantly for tourists in a territory with a strong tourism vocation.
Estimation of Outdoor PM2.5 Infiltration into Multifamily Homes Depending on Building Characteristics Using Regression Models
Authors: Park Bo Ram , Eom Ye Seul , Choi Dong Hee , Kang Dong Hwa
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outdoor PM2.5 infiltration into multifamily homes according to the building characteristics using regression models. Field test results from 23 multifamily homes were analyzed to investigate the infiltration factor and building characteristics including floor area, volume, outer surface area, building age, and airtightness. Correlation and regression analysis were then conducted to identify the building factor that is most strongly associated with the infiltration of outdoor PM2.5. The field tests revealed that the average PM2.5 infiltration factor was 0.71 (±0.19). The correlation analysis of the building characteristics and PM2.5 infiltration factor revealed that building airtightness metrics (ACH50, ELA/FA, and NL) had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation (r = 0.70, 0.69, and 0.68, respectively) with the infiltration factor. Following the correlation analysis, a regression model for predicting PM2.5 infiltration based on the ACH50 airtightness index was proposed. The study confirmed that the outdoor-origin PM2.5 concentration in sufficiently leaky units could be up to 1.59 times higher than that in airtight units.
How to Improve Food Quality in the Domestic Market: The Role of “Same Line Same Standard Same Quality”—Evidence from a Consumer Choice Experiment in China
Authors: Bai Lin , Zhu Zhanguo , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2021

Consumers are increasingly concerned about food quality. The “Same line Same standard Same quality” (Santong) program has been implemented to improve food quality in the Chinese domestic market. The Santong program means that exporters are encouraged to produce goods on the same production line, following the same standards and the same quality requirements for both the export target market and the domestic market. Using data collected from an online choice experiment on tomatoes, we examine Chinese consumer preferences and their willingness to pay (WTP) for the Santong claim, export target market quality and organic certification. Three types of export target market, indicating different technical regulations and standards, are considered. Our results show that consumers are willing to pay for the Santong quality claim and for export goods with a target market of “EU”. Furthermore, we also identify the substitution effects between the Santong claim and organic certification. The results of our study provide solutions for both Chinese exporters and the Chinese government to meet the need for a high level of food quality accompanied by domestic consumption upgrade, and achieve the transformation from export to domestic sales. Our results may also provide solutions for other emerging economies, where governments raise the level of food quality in domestic markets and support the domestic sales of exporters after the shock of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019.
True Cost Accounting of Food Using Farm Level Metrics: A New Framework
Authors: Sandhu Harpinder , Jones Adele , Holden Patrick
Published: May 2021

The application of true cost accounting (TCA) at farm level requires a common framework and metric for measuring, capturing and valuing sustainability. We propose such a framework and farm metric that build on the four capitals—natural, social, human and produced—that are essential for sustainability. The framework is developed by reviewing the scientific and technical literature on various approaches and tools that have been used to measure farm sustainability. We use quantifiable aspects of sustainability in the farm metrics. The farm sustainability metrics comprise four capitals with 11 categories and 33 indicators. These indicators can be assessed using bio-physical assessment, descriptive or quantitative methods. Once this information is compiled for a farm, then some of the categories can be monetised to reflect all the costs and benefits of using state-of-the-art TCA. There is a need to establish benchmarks and standards for each of the four types of capitals and indicators for the comparison of food systems. We believe the use of this comprehensive framework and farm metrics will help to correct several deficiencies of the current food system. We conclude by highlighting the benefits and limitations in the use of farm metrics. Measuring all positive and negative externalities at farm level can shift global food systems towards sustainability.
Physical Activity and Its Related Factors during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany
Authors: Füzéki Eszter , Schröder Jan , Groneberg David A. , Banzer Winfried
Published: May 2021

Lockdown measures including the closure of physical activity facilities were installed against the spread of the novel coronavirus in March 2020. The aim of the current online survey was to assess the lockdown effects on physical activity in German adults. We assessed physical activity using the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) questionnaire. Pre-lockdown vs. lockdown differences were tested with the Χ2 test and the Student’s t-test for paired data. Predictor variables to explain compliance with physical activity recommendations were identified using a fixed effects binary logistic regression analysis. Data of 979 respondents were analyzed. Transport related and leisure time physical activity decreased (p < 0.001, d = 0.16; p < 0.001, d = 0.22, respectively). Compliance with physical activity recommendations decreased from 38.1% to 30.4% (chi2 [1, 1958] = 12.754, p < 0.001, V = 0.08). In the regression analysis, BMI (OR 0.944, 95% CI 0.909–0.981; p = 0.003), education (OR 1.111, 95% CI 1.021–1.208; p = 0.015), transport related (OR 1.000, 95% CI 1.000–1.000; p = 0.008) and leisure time physical activity (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.003–1.004; p < 0.001), muscle strengthening (OR 5.206, 95% CI 4.433–6.114; p < 0.001), as well as the ‘lockdown vs. normal’ categorical variable (OR 0.583, 95% CI 0.424–0.802; p = 0.001) showed a contribution, while sex (p = 0.152), age (p = 0.266), work related physical activity (p = 0.133), and remote working (p = 0.684) did not. Physical activity declined in German adults, and should also be promoted in light of the emerging evidence on its protective effects of against COVID-19. Special attention should be given to muscle strengthening activities and groups with lower educational attainment.
The Impact of Macroeconomic, Social and Governance Factors on the Sustainability and Well-Being of the Economic Environment and the Robustness of the Banking System
Authors: Dedu Vasile , Nițescu Dan-Costin , Cristea Maria-Alexandra
Published: May 2021

The paper highlights the connection between the European Union banking system and a set of representative factors—macroeconomic, social, and governance factors—selected from the perspective of sustainability and well-being. The analysis is carried out as a panel regression on EU member countries with annual data for 2005–2018, and it explores the impact of the selected factors on the robustness of the banking systems in the European Union countries. The analyzed variables to reflect the robustness of the banking system were the domestic credit to the private sector and the nonperforming loans (NPL) rate. Those indicators are of high relevance and concern within the current pandemic context. The results show that the banking development degree influences the increase of private-sector lending and the decrease of the NPL rate. Social and governance factors impact differently the level of private sector and NPL rate. All macroeconomic indicators used to influence the level of private-sector lending. The research reflects the fact that to promote and adopt a culture of sustainability and to ensure well-being, a close collaboration between all sectors of an economy is needed, together with a strong policy interconnection and harmonization between micro and macro.
Consequences of Sisyphean Efforts: Meaningless Effort Decreases Motivation to Engage in Subsequent Conservation Behaviors through Disappointment
Authors: Byrka Katarzyna , Cantarero Katarzyna , Dolinski Dariusz , Van Tilburg Wijnand
Published: May 2021

This paper explores the consequences of engaging in conservation efforts that later appear purposeless. Specifically, we tested the model in which disappointment lays at the root of decreased motivation in such situations. In Studies 1 and 2, participants (n = 239 and n = 283) imagined that they had recycled plastic bottles for a week and that an assistant had collected their garbage in either separate bags (meaningful condition) or only one bag (meaningless condition). Half of participants imagined that they had put plastic bags and screw caps into separate containers (low-effort condition), the other half imagined that they had torn off the label bands (high-effort condition). In Study 3, a longitudinal field experiment, participants (n = 286) took part in a real situation that followed the procedure from Studies 1 and 2. Altogether, we confirmed the moderating effect of effort on relationship between meaninglessness and motivation through experienced disappointment. We discuss consequences of efforts wasted for beliefs, intentions and behaviors affording sustainable solutions.
Study on the Urban Fringe Based on the Expansion–Shrinking Dynamic Pattern
Authors: Sui Changqing , Lu Wei
Published: May 2021

The urban fringe, as a part of an urban spatial form, plays a considerably major role in urban expansion and shrinking. After decades of rapid development, Chinese cities have advanced from a simple expansion stage to an expansion–shrinking-coexistence stage. In urban shrinking and expansion, the urban fringe shows different characteristics and requirements for specific aspects such as urban planning, land use, urban landscape, ecological protection, and architectural form, thereby forming expanding and shrinking urban fringes. A comprehensive study of expanding and shrinking urban fringes and their patterns is theoretically significant for urban planning, land use, planning management, and ecological civilisation construction.
Urban Structure in Troubled Times: The Evolution of Principal and Secondary Core/Periphery Gaps through the Prism of Residential Land Values
Authors: Buda Erez , Broitman Dani , Czamanski Daniel
Published: May 2021

The structure of modern cities is characterized by the uneven spatial distribution of people and activities. Contrary to economic theory, it is neither evenly distributed nor entirely monocentric. The observed reality is the result of various feedbacks in the context of the interactions of attraction and repulsion. Heretofore, there is no agreement concerning the means to measuring the dimensions of these interactions, nor the framework for explaining them. We propose a simple model and an associated method for testing the interactions using residential land values. We claim that land values reflect the attractiveness of each location, including its observable and unobservable characteristics. We extract land values from prices of residences by applying a dedicated hedonic model to extensive residential real estate transaction data at a detailed spatial level. The resulting land values reflect the attractiveness of each urban location and are an ideal candidate to measure the degree of centrality or peripherality of each location. Moreover, assessment of land values over time indicates ongoing centralization and peripheralization processes. Using the urban structure of a small and highly urbanized country as a test case, this paper illustrates how the dynamics of the gap between central and peripheral urban areas can be assessed.