bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollination Services from Insects in Homegardens in the Chengdu Plain will be Confronted with Crises
Authors: Liu Qin , Xu Pei , Yan Kun , Guo Yingman
Published: April 2019

Chengdu Plain is one of China’s most important agricultural production zones and has a large human population. Agricultural crops require insect pollination to increase yield and quality, which is especially important in plains areas where forest area is small. Homegardens are the main habitat of pollinators. The present study identified the importance of insect pollination in homegardens in the Chengdu Plain through field investigations and comparative experiments and revealed the risk to pollination services caused by the decrease in diversity and population of managed and wild pollinators. The results showed that (1) prohibiting all insect pollination (treatment A) and prohibiting managed bee pollination (treatment B) significantly reduced the yield and seed number of rapeseed and significantly reduced the size, weight, and sweetness of peach fruit, but had no significant effects on plums; (2) the dependence on insect pollination and the economic values of insect pollination for rapeseed and peaches are 0.56 and $85.1 million and 0.44 and $31.0 million, respectively; (3) there were 23 flower-visiting pollinator species at the experimental sites including: four species of managed bees and 19 species of wild pollinators. The peak time for pollinators to visit flowers was 11:00 to 15:00, and the managed bees accounted for over 67.55% of these visits; (4) within a radius of 1000 m from the site, 58.06% of the bees were non-locally managed, and the bee population managed locally by farmers decreased; and (5) compared with 2008, the number of homegardens decreased by 17.24%, the managed bees within the homegardens decreased by 62.05%, and the disappearance and destruction of homegardens led to a significant reduction in wild pollinators.
Eco-friendly Pressure Drop Dehumidifier: An Experimental and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Costa Ángel M. , Bouzón Rebeca , Vergara Diego , Orosa José A.
Published: April 2019

The northwest of Spain is defined by very high relative humidity values, with an average relative humidity of 85% throughout the year, which is considered too high by most standards and therefore can be related to various health problems and fungi growth. To reduce the relative humidity level in the indoor environment, different dehumidification technologies are being employed. However, commonly employed cooling based dehumidification systems have a very high energy consumption, from 720 W in residential buildings to 3150 W in industrial buildings. This article aims to show a new method for indoor moist air dehumidification, based on a controlled adiabatic expansion of moist air, similar to the Foehn effect, by means of a nozzle–diffuser system. The main results, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental tests in wind tunnels, show an initial working range of up to 80% relative humidity, with almost ten times reduction in energy consumption compared to the classical mechanical refrigeration dehumidifiers. Moreover, future improvements, such as a Peltier cooling system, which allows a reduction of the temperature in the nozzle throat, improving the condensation process, and a variable inlet area, could potentially improve the working range towards the required 30–60% relative humidity in buildings.
The Impact of Internal, External and Enterprise Risk Management on the Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Hanggraeni Dewi , Ślusarczyk Beata , Sulung Liyu Adhi Kasari , Subroto Athor
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to develop the role of internal factors, external factors, and risk management variables on MSMEs’ business performance. This research was conducted in underdeveloped regions of five provinces, which includes 14 cities in Indonesia—East Java, West Sumatra, North Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara. The Resource-based view and Market-based view methods were chosen to measure 1401 data of MSMEs. The data was collected using offline questionnaires then processed using SPSS. This paper demonstrates a remarkable outcome for MSMEs, showing the significant result of risk management factors that includes risk assessment of marketing and financial management. Other independent variables of internal, external, and risk management factors also show important outcomes on MSMEs performance. This paper offers additional value of the implementation of ERM in MSMEs, which are spread in underdeveloped regions in Indonesia. The findings shown that the activity of the enterprises in identifying and managing risk would bring up the significant effect on operational business performances.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Grassland Production from 2006 to 2015 in Mongolia Along the China–Mongolia Railway
Authors: Li Ge , Wang Juanle , Wang Yanjie , Wei Haishuo , Ochir Altansukh , Davaasuren Davaadorj , Chonokhuu Sonomdagva , Nasanbat Elbegjargal
Published: April 2019

Grassland biomass is the embodiment of grassland productivity, and the material basis for the maintenance of the grassland ecosystem. Grassland is the main vegetation type in the Mongolian Plateau. Grassland changes in the core region of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative have an important impact on regional ecology, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. This study established three types of models for estimating grassland production through statistical analysis methods using NDVI, EVI, MSAVI, and PsnNet remote sensing indices retrieved from a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) dataset. This was combined with ground-measured grassland data and meteorological data. Based on model evaluation, the spatial and temporal distribution and variation characteristics of grassland along the Mongolia part of the China–Mongolia Railway were obtained through inversion for the period from 2006 to 2015. The results showed that all the models had good simulation effects. The optimal model was an exponential model based on MSAVI—with its simulation accuracy reaching 78%. Grassland production in the study area has increased slightly in the past ten years, with little change in the first five years and a fluctuating increase in the next five years. The average grassland production (per unit production) in the past ten years was 3400.39 kg/ha and the average total production was 9707.88 × 104 t. Grassland production increased slightly in most areas along the railway, and in some areas it continued to decline. The regional spatial distribution of increased and decreased grassland production was significantly different. With better grassland resources in the northeastern part of the study area—the area around Chinggis City and the capital of Hentiy Province—had the most significant growth. However, the southern Gobi area—with its trend towards land degradation in the area where the southern Gobi and desert steppe transitions to steppe and dry steppe—had a significant decrease. This meant that the risk of grassland degradation still existed. There were also quantitative and spatial differences in the areas where grassland production decreased on both sides of the railway. The decrease in grassland production on the western side of the railway was more obvious than on the eastern side, and the reduction area was dispersed on the western side and relatively concentrated on the eastern side. In future research, the identification of key areas of grassland degradation along the China–Mongolia Railway as well as its driving forces should be investigated further.
Sport Spectator Consumption and Sustainable Management of Sport Event Tourism; Fan Motivation in High Performance Sport and Non-Elite Sport. A Case Study of Horseback Riding and Running: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa , Chlebosz Karolina
Published: April 2019

Understanding the sociodemographic characteristics and motivations of participants in contemporary sports events is important for event organizers, host cities and tourist destinations who seek to acquire rights to organise sports events of various types. It is also important to know what functions sporting events have for fans—their needs, thanks to passive sports consumption, are now being met. This research was conducted to broaden knowledge about fan motivation of participation in individual high-performance and non-elite sport and to analyse the differences between them. The case study was a running event of mass character (the 6th edition of half-marathon held in Poznań, Poland) and a horseback riding elite event (“Cavaliada”, held in Poznań, Poland). The empirical research among fans of these disciplines conducted during popular running and horseback riding Polish events allowed to characterise the sociodemographic profile of fans of individual mass and elite sports and the motivations of passive sports consumption. The motives were divided into four groups connected with social, experiential, factual and results orientation. We used a standardised interview technique and diagnostic survey method. 1328 sports fans participated in our study (510 fans of half-marathon [non-elite sport] and 818 fans of Cavaliada [high performance sport]). We developed a self-constructed questionnaire according to the motivation typology of Freyer and Gross. Research results indicate that supporters of individual mass and elite sports have thoroughly different motivations. On 14 examined motives, 13 statistically significant differences were found. Moreover, the article presents the division of motivation among female and male supporters, young people, elderly people, local (hosts) and sport tourist supporters. The research has shown what the sociopsychological impact of watching sports competition on fans of various categories is. For example, what is the motivation of sports tourists (N = 764) to participate in mass and elite sports events. We also investigated the influence of participation in sporting events in the level of life satisfaction and the impact of running and horse event in destination image (Poznań) in the opinion of supporters.
Research on Risk Avoidance and Coordination of Supply Chain Subject Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Liu Liang , Li Futou , Qi Ershi
Published: April 2019

Based on the influence of block chain technology on information sharing among supply chain participants, mean-CVaR (conditional value at risk) is used to characterize retailers’ risk aversion behavior, while a Stackelberg game is taken to study the optimal decision-making of manufacturers and retailers during decentralized and centralized decision-making processes. Finally, the mean-CVaR-based revenue-sharing contract is used to coordinate the supply chain and profit distribution. The research shows that, under the condition of decentralized decision-making, when the retailer’s optimal order quantity is low, it is an increasing function of the weighted proportion and the risk aversion degree, while, when the retailer’s optimal order quantity is high, it is an increasing function of the weighted proportion, and has nothing to do with the risk aversion degree. The manufacturer’s blockchain technology application degree is a reduction function of the weighted proportion. When the retailer’s order quantity is low, the manufacturer’s blockchain technology application degree is a decreasing function of risk aversion, while, when the retailer’s order quantity is high, the manufacturer’s blockchain technology application is independent of risk aversion. The profit of the supply chain system under centralized decision-making is higher than that of decentralized decision-making. The revenue sharing contract can achieve the coordination of the supply chain to the level of centralized decision-making. Through blockchain technology, transaction costs among members of the supply chain can be reduced, information sharing can be realized, and the benefits of the supply chain can be improved. Finally, the specific numerical simulation is adopted to analyze the weighted proportion, risk aversion and the impact of blockchain technology on the supply chain, and verify the relevant conclusions.
The Role of Hydrogen in the Ecological Benefits of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Production and Use: An LCA Benchmark
Authors: Olindo Roberta , Vogtländer Joost G.
Published: April 2019

Desulphurization of oil-based fuels is common practice to mitigate the ecological burden to ecosystems and human health of SOx emissions. In many countries, fuels for vehicles are restricted to 10 ppm sulphur. For marine fuels, low sulphur contents are under discussion. The environmental impact of desulphurization processes is, however, quite high: (1) The main current source for industrial hydrogen is Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), with a rather high level of CO2 emissions, (2) the hydrotreating process, especially below 150 ppm, needs a lot of energy. These two issues lead to three research questions: (a) What is the overall net ecological benefit of the current desulphurization practice? (b) At which sulfphur ppm level in the fuel is the additional ecological burden of desulphurization higher than the additional ecological benefit of less SOx pollution from combustion? (c) To what extent can cleaner hydrogen processes improve the ecological benefit of diesel desulphurization? In this paper we use LCA to analyze the processes of hydrotreatment, the recovery of sulphur via amine treating of H2S, and three processes of hydrogen production: SMR without Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), SMR with 53% and 90% CCS, and water electrolysis with two types of renewable energy. The prevention-based eco-costs system is used for the overall comparison of the ecological burden and the ecological benefit. The ReCiPe system was applied as well but appeared not suitable for such a comparison (other damage-based indicators cannot be applied either). The overall conclusion is that (1) the overall net ecological benefit of hydrogen-based Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel is dependent of local conditions, but is remarkably high, (2) desulphurization below 10 ppm is beneficial for big cities, and (3) cleaner production of hydrogen reduces eco-cost by a factor 1.8–3.4.
A Basic Study on a Rectangular Plane Space Sound Absorber Using Permeable Membranes
Authors: Sakagami Kimihiro , Okuzono Takeshi , Somatomo Yu , Funahashi Kota , Toyoda Masahiro
Published: April 2019

In this communication, the sound absorption characteristics of rectangular-shaped plane space sound absorbers without any backing structure using permeable membranes (PMs) are measured by reverberation room method. First, three types of PMs, in this study woven fabrics, are selected with different flow resistances and surface densities. They are prepared in the plane rectangular-shaped space absorbers of two different sizes. The measured results are discussed through comparison with the existing theoretical and measured results for absorbers of the other shapes or configurations. The present results and discussion demonstrate that the reverberation absorption coefficients of the proposed absorbers are low at low frequencies and converge to a moderately high value at high frequencies. Especially, ones with higher flow resistance than the air impedance converge to a value greater than 0.5, which is a theoretically estimated maximum absorption coefficient of infinite single-leaf PM. This is inferred to be attributed mainly to area effect. From these results the proposed absorbers can be used effectively despite of their very simple structure. Also it is found that the proposed absorber can offer higher sound absorption than permeable membrane absorbers of other shapes or configuration. Regarding the effect of the size, the absorbers of smaller size offer higher absorption coefficients regardless of material properties of the PMs used in the experiments.
Envisioning the Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Regional Labor Markets
Authors: Yang Zhenshan , Zeng Xunhaoyue
Published: April 2019

Using trade and labor-force data of the western provinces from 1994, this study empirically proved the existence of a long-running equilibrium between foreign trade and labor size in western China. By constructing a vector autoregressive model, the results show that the “opening toward the west” policy increased western China’s import and export, both of which attracted an inflow of labor force. After analyzing the numerical effect, a Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) and an analysis of the deviation degree of industrial structure are conducted, to measure the possible structural changes in the labor force. We find that manufacturing in the western provinces is comparatively more advantageous than manufacturing at the national level, which theoretically calls for a huge labor demand. Agriculture presents a contrasting result. This result is consistent with the results of the deviation degree analysis. In conclusion, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has changed the trade patterns, and it has enhanced the comparative advantages of western China and it is expected to bring about changes in both the number and the structure of the local labor force, and it provides new impetus for the region’s development.
Methodology of Creating and Sustainable Applying of Stereoscopic Recording in the Industrial Engineering Sector
Authors: Gašo Martin , Krajčovič Martin , Dulina Ľuboslav , Grznár Patrik , Vaculík Juraj
Published: April 2019

This article introduces an innovative view on the issue of Stereoscopy’s application as a tool of advanced industrial engineering. Basic starting points of research have been the results of stereoscopy applications in other science areas and entertainment industries, e.g., movies. These bases provide information about basic principles of stereoscopic record creation. However, these bases’ pieces of information were to be adapted and applied in the field of industrial engineering. The core of the article describes the methodology for creating a stereoscopic recording in industrial engineering. The emphasis aimed to use stereoscopic in industrial engineering as a tool for optimization of the workplace, which makes them sustainable for a long time. The output of the article is a tool for industrial engineering which prevents job rotation caused by wear of body parts. Also as a result of optimization, we achieve a saving of capital. The article describes the proposed procedure for creating a stereoscopic record from the basic selection of suitable technical equipment to a detailed calculation of the camera system parameters setting. The final part of the article is devoted to the practical verification of the proposed stereoscopic record procedure and also the verification of the possibilities of its use in the field of industrial engineering. An area of ergonomics has been selected for the pilot verification. The verification confirmed the accuracy of the calculation, i.e., usability of the proposed stereoscopic record procedure. Identified also was a potential for its use as an innovative tool for advanced industrial engineering. The crux of the methodology presented is protected by the utility model number 7683.
Where to Preserve? Evaluating the Integrity Principle for Delineating Protection Scopes of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
Authors: Yin Jie , Tang Xu , Zhang Wenjia , Liang Xiongfei , Zhu Jiancheng
Published: April 2019

While establishing where to preserve in a world heritage site is critical for heritage protection, management and cultural sustainability, the approach to delineating protection scopes under the integrity principle remains less discussed in literature. This study explores a quantitative approach to evaluating the preservation scopes of the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (KDVs), a world culture heritage in south China. Diaolous are multiple-story tower dwellings, originally built for defense purposes in the villages of Kaiping, with mixed Chinese and Western architectural styles. We investigate 1629 Diaolous with varying architectural and locational attributes and defensive functions for resisting invasion. We use a GIS-based analysis to identify the boundaries of defensive regions and then categorize them into four types, relying on principal component and clustering analysis. Results suggest that current protection scopes may overlook the spatial organization of Diaolous as a defensive system, failing to consider the cultural value of typology and boundary integrity. The delineation of protection scopes thus need to emphasize functional distribution and organization of historical buildings along with their architectural value.
Effect of Cognitive Variables and Emotional Variables on Urban Residents’ Recycled Water Reuse Behavior
Authors: Gao Yi , Li Zhiguo , Khan Kashif
Published: April 2019

Urban residents’ perception of recycled water reuse is the foundation for the realization of recycled water reuse behavior. However, even though the perception factor is equipped, it does not mean that urban residents will use recycled water continuously for sure. Therefore, in this research, the authors try to put cognitive factors and emotional factors into a unified behavioral process. Based on this theory framework, the paper will interpret the initiation, formation and continuing process of recycled water reuse behavior of urban residents. On the basis of previous studies, this study established a theoretical model to study the influence of cognitive factors and emotional factors on recycled water reuse behavior of the residents. Based on the data of 325 samples, the direct and indirect relationship between the variables in the model is verified through path analysis and mediation analysis. The empirical results show that: firstly, the urban residents’ perception of recycled water reuse can activate their emotion for recycled water, and the emotion includes both positive emotion and negative emotion; secondly, although the recognition of recycled water can stimulate both positive and negative emotional factors, there are great differences between positive and negative emotions on the initiation, formation and sustainability of recycled water behavior. Negative emotion has a certain effect on the initiation of recycled water reuse behavior, but it has no significant effect on the formation and sustainability of recycled water reuse behavior. By contrast, positive emotion has no significant effect on the initiation of recycled water reuse behavior, but it has a significant effect on the formation and sustainability of recycled water reuse behavior. That is to say, at different stages, the recycled water reuse behaviors are affected differently by positive emotions and negative emotions. Thirdly, compared with negative emotional variables, positive emotions have a greater impact on individual recycled water reuse behavior. Positive emotional variables can significantly mediate the impact of cognitive variables on recycled water reuse behavior habits. In other words, positive emotions play a vital role in the sustainability of recycled water reuse.
A Hybrid Tool for Visual Pollution Assessment in Urban Environments
Authors: Wakil Khydija , Naeem Malik Asghar , Anjum Ghulam Abbas , Waheed Abdul , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Hussnain Muhammad Qadeer ul , Nawaz Raheel
Published: April 2019

With increasing focus on more nuanced aspects of quality of life, the phenomenon of urban visual pollution has been progressively gaining attention from researchers and policy makers, especially in the developed world. However, the subjectivity and complexity of assessing visual pollution in urban settings remain a challenge, especially given the lack of robust and reliable methods for quantification of visual pollution. This paper presents a novel systematic approach for the development of a robust Visual Pollution Assessment (VPA) tool. A key feature of our methodology is explicit and systematic incorporation of expert and public opinion for listing and ranking Visual Pollution Objects (VPOs). Moreover, our methodology deploys established empirical complex decision-making techniques to address the challenge of subjectivity in weighting the impact of individual VPOs. The resultant VPA tool uses close-ended options to capture the presence and characteristics of various VPOs on a given node. Based on these inputs, it calculates a point based visual pollution scorecard for the observation point. The performance of the VPA tool has been extensively tested and verified at various locations in Pakistan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such tool, both in terms of quantitative robustness and broad coverage of VPOs. Our VPA tool will help regulators in assessing and charting visual pollution in a consistent and objective manner. It will also help policy makers by providing an empirical basis for gathering evidence; hence facilitating evidence-based and evidence-driven policy strategies, which are likely to have significant impact, especially in the developing countries.
Spatial Big Data Analysis of Political Risks along the Belt and Road
Authors: Zhang Chuchu , Xiao Chaowei , Liu Helin
Published: April 2019

As many regions along the Belt and Road have long been struggling with terrorist attacks, crimes, wars, and corruption, political risks pose important challenges for infrastructure projects and transnational investment. The objective of the article is to contribute to the identification of different types of political risks along the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and the visualization of their micro-level spatial distribution based on the Global Database of Events, Language, and Tone (GDELT) datasets from October 2013 to May 2018. By adopting the bivariate Moran’s I model to compare the distribution of political risks along the Belt and Road and that of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investment and construction projects based on data from the China Global Investment Tracker (CGIT), the article also generates an overall political risk profile for Chinese BRI projects. Our findings show that a particularly high percentage of Chinese BRI projects are distributed in regions with high political risks. This research has important implications for the discussion and study of the BRI. First, by combining geographic spatial statistical analysis and political science conceptual frameworks, we point out the necessity to query the BRI from interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in empirical research. Second, the research delivers to researchers, academics, practitioners, consultants and policy makers interested in the BRI the latest insights into the risks and challenges along the Belt and Road. Third, it advocates policies and strategies conducive to identifying, assessing and mitigating political risks in investment along the Belt and Road and to strengthening the sustainable development of the BRI.
Permaculture: Challenges and Benefits in Improving Rural Livelihoods in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Authors: Didarali Zahra , Gambiza James
Published: April 2019

Feeding a growing global population using conventional agricultural practices is leading to adverse environmental impacts. There is a call for alternative forms of agriculture that address social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Permaculture is a holistic design framework that incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, potentially improving livelihoods. This study looked at the challenges and benefits of permaculture in improving rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe and South Africa. We used semi-structured interviews to collect data. Permaculture contributed over 40% to total income for participants in both countries. However, permaculture was not the dominant source of income and periodically straddled multiple livelihood strategies. The main benefits of permaculture were identified as improved human health, increased resilience to environmental changes, and reduction of input costs. The key challenges included high labour input, infestation of pests and diseases, and lack of knowledge on permaculture practices. Although permaculture presents significant challenges, its integration with other forms of sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to improved rural livelihoods.
On Periodic Solutions of Delay Differential Equations with Impulses
Authors: Bachar Mostafa
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this paper is to study the nonlinear distributed delay differential equations with impulses effects in the vectorial regulated Banach spaces R ( [ − r , 0 ] , R n ) . The existence of the periodic solution of impulsive delay differential equations is obtained by using the Schäffer fixed point theorem in regulated space R ( [ − r , 0 ] , R n ) .
Synthesis of Fuel Grade Molecules from Hydroprocessing of Biomass-Derived Compounds Catalyzed by Magnetic Fe(NiFe)O4-SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Halilu Ahmed , Hussein Ali Tammar , Sudarsanam Putla , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: April 2019

The development of promising magnetic nanocatalysts is one of the key research topics in the field of catalysis. This is because of their versatile surface physicochemical, magnetic, and size-dependent catalytic properties. Herein, an optimization strategy for the synthesis of high-value fuel grade chemicals from hydro-deoxygenation of biomass-derived furfural and vanillin using a nanostructured magnetic Fe(NiFe)O4-SiO2 catalyst, synthesized by a facile one-pot procedure, was presented. Accordingly, effects of calcination temperature from 400, 500, 600 to 700 °C on the structure-activity properties of the magnetic Fe(NiFe)O4-SiO2 catalyst was systematically studied. The magnetic Fe(NiFe)O4-SiO2 catalyst calcined at 500 °C exhibited the best catalytic performance, giving full conversions of vanillin and furfural, with good selectivity of 63 and 59% to cyclohexane and n-pentane (fuel grade chemicals), respectively. The prowess of this catalyst was attributed to its abundant acid properties in addendum to high BET surface area.
Finite Element Modelling of a Composite Shell with Shear Connectors
Authors: Nguyen Hoang-Nam , Canh Tran Ngoc , Thanh Tran Trung , Ke Tran Van , Phan Van-Duc , Thom Do Van
Published: April 2019

A three-layer composite shell with shear connectors is made of three shell layers with one another connected by stubs at the contact surfaces. These layers can have similar or different geometrical and physical properties with the assumption that they always contact and have relative movement in the working process. Due to these characteristics, they are used widely in many engineering applications, such as ship manufacturing and production, aerospace technologies, transportation, and so on. However, there are not many studies on these types of structures. This paper is based on the first-order shear deformation Mindlin plate theory and finite element method (FEM) to establish the oscillator equations of the shell structure under dynamic load. The authors construct the calculation program in the MATLAB environment and verify the accuracy of the established program. Based on this approach, we study the effects of some of the geometrical and physical parameters on the dynamic responses of the shell.
Electrochirogenesis: The Possible Role of Low-Energy Spin-Polarized Electrons in Creating Homochirality
Authors: Rosenberg Richard A
Published: April 2019

Electrochirogenesis deals with the induction of chirality by polarized electrons of which those with low energy (<15 eV) are seen to be the most effective. Possible sources of such electrons in the prebiotic universe are discussed and several examples where chiral induction by these electrons have been demonstrated are given. Finally, some possible scenarios where electrochirogenesis could have played a role in forming a chiral imbalance in a prebiotic setting have been speculated on and some possible future areas of research proposed.
MHD Slip Flow of Casson Fluid along a Nonlinear Permeable Stretching Cylinder Saturated in a Porous Medium with Chemical Reaction, Viscous Dissipation, and Heat Generation/Absorption
Authors: Ullah Imran , Alkanhal Tawfeeq Abdullah , Shafie Sharidan , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Khan Ilyas , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present analysis is to provide local similarity solutions of Casson fluid over a non-isothermal cylinder subject to suction/blowing. The cylinder is placed inside a porous medium and stretched in a nonlinear way. Further, the impact of chemical reaction, viscous dissipation, and heat generation/absorption on flow fields is also investigated. Similarity transformations are employed to convert the nonlinear governing equations to nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and then solved via the Keller box method. Findings demonstrate that the magnitude of the friction factor and mass transfer rate are suppressed with increment in Casson parameter, whereas heat transfer rate is found to be intensified. Increase in the curvature parameter enhanced the flow field distributions. The magnitude of wall shear stress is noticed to be higher with an increase in porosity and suction/blowing parameters.
Mycotoxin Decontamination Efficacy of Atmospheric Pressure Air Plasma
Authors: Hojnik Nataša , Modic Martina , Tavčar-Kalcher Gabrijela , Babič Janja , Walsh James L. , Cvelbar Uroš
Published: April 2019

Mycotoxins, the toxic secondary metabolites of mould species, are a growing global concern, rendering almost 25% of all food produced unfit for human or animal consumption, thus placing immense pressure on the food supply chain. Cold Atmospheric pressure Plasma (CAP) represents a promising, low-cost, and environmentally friendly means to degrade mycotoxins with negligible effect on the quality of food products. Despite this promise, the study of CAP-mediated mycotoxin degradation has been limited to a small subset of the vast number of mycotoxins that plague the food supply chain. This study explores the degradation of aflatoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone using CAP generated in ambient air. CAP treatment was found to reduce aflatoxins by 93%, trichothecenes by 90%, fumonisins by 93%, and zearalenone by 100% after 8 minutes exposure. To demonstrate the potential of CAP-mediated mycotoxin degradation against more conventional methods, its efficiency was compared against ultraviolet C (UVC) light irradiation. In all cases, CAP was found to be considerably more efficient than UVC, with aflatoxin G1 and zearalenone being completely degraded, levels that could not be achieved using UVC irradiation.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Temporal Trends in Malaria on the Thai–Myanmar Border (2012–2017): A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Saita Sayambhu , Silawan Tassanee , Parker Daniel M. , Sriwichai Patchara , Phuanukoonnon Suparat , Sudathip Prayuth , Maude Richard J. , White Lisa J. , Pan-ngum Wirichada
Published: April 2019

Malaria infections remain an important public health problem for the Thai–Myanmar border population, despite a plan for the elimination by the end of 2026 (Thailand) and 2030 (Myanmar). This study aimed to explore spatiotemporal patterns in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax incidence along the Thai–Myanmar border. Malaria cases among Thai citizens in 161 sub-districts in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi and Tak Provinces (2012–2017) were analyzed to assess the cluster areas and temporal trends. Based on reported incidence, 65.22% and 40.99% of the areas studied were seen to be at elimination levels for P. falciparum and P. vivax already, respectively. There were two clear clusters of malaria in the region: One in the northern part (Cluster I), and the other in the central part (Cluster II). In Cluster I, the malaria season exhibited two peaks, while there was only one peak seen for Cluster II. Malaria incidence decreased at a faster rate in Cluster I, with 5% and 4% reductions compared with 4% and 3% reductions in P. falciparum and P. vivax incidence per month, respectively, in Cluster II. The decreasing trends reflect the achievements of malaria control efforts on both sides of the Thai–Myanmar border. However, these clusters could act as reservoirs. Perhaps one of the main challenges facing elimination programs in this low transmission setting is maintaining a strong system for early diagnosis and treatment, even when malaria cases are very close to zero, whilst preventing re-importation of cases.
Current State of Compassionate Phage Therapy
Authors: McCallin Shawna , Sacher Jessica C. , Zheng Jan , Chan Benjamin K.
Published: April 2019

There is a current unmet medical need for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections, and in the absence of approved alternatives, some clinicians are turning to empirical ones, such as phage therapy, for compassionate treatment. Phage therapy is ideal for compassionate use due to its long-standing historical use and publications, apparent lack of adverse effects, and solid support by fundamental research. Increased media coverage and peer-reviewed articles have given rise to a more widespread familiarity with its therapeutic potential. However, compassionate phage therapy (cPT) remains limited to a small number of experimental treatment centers or associated with individual physicians and researchers. It is possible, with the creation of guidelines and a greater central coordination, that cPT could reach more of those in need, starting by increasing the availability of phages. Subsequent steps, particularly production and purification, are difficult to scale, and treatment paradigms stand highly variable between cases, or are frequently not reported. This article serves both to synopsize cPT publications to date and to discuss currently available phage sources for cPT. As the antibiotic resistance crisis continues to grow and the future of phage therapy clinical trials remains undetermined, cPT represents a possibility for bridging the gap between current treatment failures and future approved alternatives. Streamlining the process of cPT will help to ensure high quality, therapeutically-beneficial, and safe treatment.
Are Groundwater Monitoring Networks Economical? Cost-Benefit Analysis on the Long-Term Groundwater Supply Project of South Korea
Authors: Kim Sun G. , Kim Gyoo-Bum
Published: April 2019

Analyses of the relative economic efficiencies of surface-water and groundwater are important for policy-makers in many water-stressed countries. Groundwater is becoming an increasingly attractive and viable option as a supplementary water source, but its economic background must be understood before implementation. Employing the basic frameworks of the British and US Geological Surveys, we examined the economic viability of groundwater monitoring networks in South Korea, based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), pairwise comparison, and cost–benefit analysis. The total cost including installation, maintenance and servicing over the next 50 years is estimated to be US$ 0.79 billion, while the benefits are valued at US$ 2.31 billion. The monitoring network should provide benefits worth 292% of the costs, with the monitoring project thus clearly being economically viable. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the monitoring project is still economical, even if the network installation schedule is delayed slightly. As this study combines both economic and scientific perspectives, it might provide a concrete economic background for implementing groundwater utilization projects elsewhere.
Impacts of Artificial Regulation on Karst Spring Hydrograph in Northern China: Laboratory Study and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Wu Peipeng , Shu Longcang , Li Fulin , Chen Huawei , Xu Yang , Zou Zhike , Mabedi Esther Chifuniro
Published: April 2019

Karst aquifers produce the world’s largest springs and supply the water resources to about a quarter of the global population while being influenced by high-intensity human activities. Knowledge about spring discharge hydrographs driven by the effects of artificial regulation is essential to develop practical strategies for the management of karst groundwater. Based on hydrogeological conditions of the karst aquifer in Jinan, a two-dimensional laboratory tank was constructed, and a corresponding numerical simulation model was developed to explore how artificial regulation drives spring hydrographs in northern China. The results showed that the spring hydrographs were significantly changed under the effects of artificial regulation. The recession coefficient increased with pumping and decreased with increasing injection rates. The late sub-recession of spring discharge did not obey the exponential recession under the influence of injection. Pumping and injection in conduit zones showed more obvious effects on the recession coefficient in the late sub-recession curves. Groundwater exchange between conduits and fissure zones differed totally for different artificial regulation modes. With continuing rainfall, the flow fields were gradually controlled by rainfall. There was a time lag in the flow fields caused by rainfall. Under the stress of exploitation at different positions, stagnation points appeared at different locations in fissure zones, and locations of stagnation points were highly dependent on the positions of pumping wells. These findings are essential for better management of karst groundwater and karst spring protection.
A Comparison of Design Storms for Urban Drainage System Applications
Authors: Balbastre-Soldevila Rosario , García-Bartual Rafael , Andrés-Doménech Ignacio
Published: April 2019

The present research develops a systematic application of a selected family of 11 well-known design storms, all of them obtained from the same rainfall data sample. Some of them are fully consistent with the intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves, while others are built according to typical observed patterns in the historical rainfall series. The employed data series consists on a high-resolution rainfall time series in Valencia (Spain), covering the period from 1990 to 2012. The goal of the research is the systematic comparison of these design storms, paying special attention to some relevant quantitative properties, as the maximum rainfall intensity, the total cumulative rainfall depth or the temporal pattern characterising the synthetic storm. For comparison purposes, storm duration was set to 1 h and return period equal to 25 years in all cases. The comparison is enhanced by using each of the design storms as rainfall input to a calibrated urban hydrology rainfall–runoff model, yielding to a family of hydrographs for a given neighbourhood of the city of Valencia (Spain). The discussion and conclusions derived from the present research refer to both, the comparison between design storms and the comparison of resulting hydrographs after the application of the mentioned rainfall–runoff model. Seven of the tested design storms yielded to similar overall performance, showing negligible differences in practice. Among them, only Average Variability Method (AVM) and Two Parameter Gamma function (G2P) incorporate in their definition a temporal pattern inferred from empirical patterns identified in the historical rainfall data used herein. The remaining four design storms lead to more significant discrepancies attending both to the rainfall itself and to the resulting hydrograph. Such differences are ~8% concerning estimated discharges.
Effects of Urban Forms on Separate Drainage Systems: A Virtual City Perspective
Authors: Jia Ning , Sitzenfrei Robert , Rauch Wolfgang , Liang Shan , Liu Yi
Published: April 2019

The development of urban drainage systems is challenged by rapid urbanization; however, little attention is paid to the urban form and its effects on these systems. This study develops an integrated city-drainage model that configures typical urban forms and their associated drainage infrastructures, specifically domestic wastewater and rainwater systems, to analyze the relationship between them. Three typical types of urban forms were investigated: the square, the star, and the strip. Virtual cities were designed first, with the corresponding drainage systems generated automatically and then linked to a model herein called the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Evaluation was based on 200 random configurations of wastewater/rainwater systems with different structures or attributes. The results show that urban forms play more important roles on three dimensions of performance, namely economic efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability, of the rainwater systems than of the wastewater systems. Cost is positively correlated to the effectiveness of rainwater systems among the different urban forms, while adaptability is negatively correlated to the other two performance dimensions. Regardless of the form, it is difficult for a city to make its drainage systems simultaneously cost-effective, efficient, and adaptable based on the virtual cities we investigated. This study could inspire the urban planning of both built-up and to-be-built areas to become more sustainable with their drainage infrastructure by recognizing the pros and cons of different macroscale urban forms.
Peak Flows and Stormwater Networks Design—Current and Future Management of Urban Surface Watersheds
Authors: Freire Diogo António , Antunes do Carmo José
Published: April 2019

Stormwater urban drainage systems are typically designed in open channel flow. Pipe sewers must have enough capacity to transport maximum design flows for a given frequency of the project rainfall. The classic rational method or related procedures that are based on rational approaches are still currently used to a great extent, particularly for small urban drainage basins, and the pipes are frequently designed in uniform steady flow. Numerical integration of Saint-Venant equations for one-dimensional gradually varied unsteady flow allows the computation of waves’ progression along the pipes for given input surface hydrographs. This paper presents a comprehensive, systematic, simple, and original comparison between the peak flows that are achieved through simulation in unsteady flow using an implicit complete dynamic model, developed in the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment of Coimbra University, and those that are obtained with the classic rational method along urban drainage networks. Boundary conditions and some approximations typically considered in the methodologies are analyzed in detail. Classic rational approaches may underestimate the peak and design flows. Practical recommendations for the system design phase when rational approaches are used are also proposed. The need for indispensable requirements for suitable urbanization rules, intelligent management of surface runoff in urban basins, and control measures for the reduction of peak flows entering existing networks is confirmed and reinforced.