bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifting from a Risk Mitigation Project to an Adaptation Project: The case of Curitiba’s Lagoon Parks
Authors: Perez-Lancellotti Gino , Ziede Marcela 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Drawing upon the sustainability transitions theory, the paper aims to explore how the risk mitigation project of Curitiba’s lagoon parks shifted to adaptation urban projects in the context of tackling climate change. “Urban acupuncture” was the pioneering strategy adopted by Curitiba’s Municipality through the introduction, more than 40 years ago, of a limited number of low cost projects in some natural lagoons as innovative experiments that operate as a niche in a multi-level perspective. The projects acted as a way of resisting the pressure of urban intervention trends focused on transforming natural landscapes into new built-up urban areas, or intervention in natural ecosystems with water drainage and engineering solutions. These experiments and their synergy now constitute urban parks with a leverage impact on the capacity the city has to adapt to climate change, creating tension on the institutionalized regime. Through this case study, we examine the importance of governance, leadership and urban networks professionals in addition to technical features of the projects. The findings suggest that a top-down strategy, long time frame, and the exclusion of community participation have a limited likelihood of replicability and are discouraged nowadays in public urban policies. The paper contributes to highlighting the link between experimental urban acupuncture and sustainability transitions through incremental projects in natural areas for climate change adaptation. It contributes to the understanding of transitions in the southern hemisphere where institutions struggle with tight budgets, incremental interventions and specific nondemocratic contexts, and raises concerns about the critical role of governance.
Modelling the Tensile Softening Behaviour of Concrete in LS-Dyna Software
Authors: Král Petr , Hradil Petr , Kala Jiří 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The problematic of the paper focuses on the numerical modelling of tensile softening behaviour of concrete. For this purpose, the explicit finite element software LS-Dyna contains several nonlinear material models. The tensile softening behaviour of a total of four selected explicit nonlinear concrete models (namely the Concrete Damage models Release 1 and Release 3, the Winfrith Concrete model and the Continuous Surface Cap model) is tested within numerical simulations of this paper. The task used within the numerical simulations is represented by so-called UUT (Unconfined Uniaxial Tension) test. For this test, specific concrete specimens are used. The numerical simulations are performed with using explicit finite elements. Results of numerical simulations are shown by l-d (load-displacement) diagrams of the UUT test for individual nonlinear concrete models. These results are compared with results obtained from the laboratory measurements for the purpose of validation of the numerical models. The comparisons enable to obtain information about differences between individual nonlinear concrete material models in terms of the tensile softening behaviour. They also show the accuracy of approximations of experimental results by numerical simulations. Based on the comparisons, it can be concluded which nonlinear material models are best for the description of behaviour of concrete in uniaxial tension. Based on the obtained results, it can further be discussed the suitability of nonlinear concrete models in terms of other tests for measuring the tensile mechanical properties of concrete.
Properties of cement-based composites with carbon mineral admixture
Authors: Kovacs Pavel , Pokorný Jaroslav , Šál Jiří , Ševčík Radek 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the construction industry, aggregates, in the form of fine powder up to gravel, play a significant role as a stabilizing and filling materials for many applications. With increasing demands on quarrying of this valuable commodity, its natural resources have become to be depleted. This work outlines the potential application of waste carbon-based mineral admixture as a partial replacement of natural silica aggregate in the production of cement-based composites. In addition, the influence of used waste material on hydration products formation in cement pastes was investigated. On hardened concretes stored 28 days under water, material properties were characterized by measuring flexural and compressive strengths. Cement pastes were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy observations. Obtained results revealed specific behaviour of an incorporated material allowing its addition in a limited amount. Increased content of ettringite was detected in composites with the highest amount of added carbon-based mineral.
VOCs Emission Simulation of Common Flooring Materials
Authors: Kraus Michal , Senitkova Ingrid Juhasova 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The objective of the paper is to investigate the environmental and health impacts of the common flooring materials. The paper presents a numerical simulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from flooring surface covering. VOCs emissions are mostly dangerous pollutants with a negative health impact on the human body and carcinogenic risk. The comparative simulation of emission for single flooring materials under standard test conditions was performed. The significant VOCs emissions from nylon carpet, linoleum, vinyl, laminate and hardwood flooring are compared. The results of a chemical analysis simulation confirmed that commonly used flooring surfaces fall into the category of polluting materials.
Digitalisation in Construction as an Educational Challenge for Universities
Authors: Lojda Jan , Němec Otakar , Nývlt Vladimír , Ližbetinová Lenka 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Digitization in the construction industry has become a reality, and universities have incorporated it into their curricula. There is currently a high percentage of workers in the construction sector who are not familiar with the digital processing of documentation. The Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice responded to this demand with a research project of intergenerational education, which is being tested in a large construction company. Research results so far show that construction companies can be helped to educate their workers by guiding the sharing of skills and competences. The paper deals with testing the intergenerational sharing of IT competences in construction production. Testing the managed transfer of IT competences brings a new dimension to the education process that will enable accelerated adaptation of staff to the new conditions. It will help companies to reduce their training costs and enable targeted training for a specific worker. The role of the university is in the professional guarantee of the transferred competences and the management of their transfer process. The article brings experience with this new educational methodology.
Modelling Effectiveness of Environmental Greenery Systems as a Tool to Partially Eliminate Urban Overheating
Authors: Žák Jaroslav 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The paper describes the first results of modelling the effectiveness of environmental greenery systems as a tool for partial elimination of urban overheating. Environmental greenery contributes to the effective management of rainwater flowing from the paved surfaces of the cities. Technical measures will reduce temperature fluctuations, noise pollution and dust concentration. The new rainwater management will contribute to reducing the temperature fluctuations, especially in summer. The evaporation of vertical environmental greenery will at least partially reduce the negative impact of the climate change. Urban greenery is one of the effective measures for urban heat island mitigation and climatic change. The numerical model gives a first idea of how large areas of environmental greenery need to be installed in order to benefit the above-mentioned benefits.
Change to bedrock modifications as a result of additional geological survey results related to the renovation of sports premises
Authors: Smugala Stanislav , Kubečková Darja , Indra František 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
When foundations are uncovered during a construction project, the foundation load capacity is often found not to correspond with the prescribed limit values in the project’s documentation after being compared with a given deformation module. This is often the result of a corresponding geological survey not having been conducted satisfactorily according to the given construction project’s surface area. The most common method of stabilizing bedrock, i.e. increasing the deformation module value, is lime stabilization. This method represents a suitable technical solution for modifying foundation layers, especially from an economic perspective. However, this modification method may not necessarily represent a suitable technical solution because of either the heterogeneity of underlying layers or the existence of fluctuating groundwater levels at the construction site, which can, when the final work is used, affect the mechanical and physical characteristics of the already stabilized bedrock layer.
Research on the Application of Space Information Technology in Geoheritages for Land-use Planning Purposes
Authors: He Ping , Cheng Xianfeng , Liu Yong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The application status of space information technology in geoheritage resources survey and evaluation, digital construction and environmental monitoring in China is reviewed. For improvement of the Land-use planning purposes will be used selected information. The application of spatial information technology in the acquisition of spatial and temporal data, dynamic management, image data processing, analysis and simulation prediction, and visualization of various kinds of information of geoheritage resources is increasing. With the development, planning and protection of geoheritage resources, this technological advantage will become more prominent.
Qualitative Assessment for Walkability: Duhok University Campus as a Case Study
Authors: Raswol Layla M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The University Campus as a learning environment needs to be a safe comfortable and accessible place, where students enjoy walking and social interaction. This study evaluates the quality of walking environment by analyzing both physical features of streets sidewalks and individual perceptions of pedestrians. The research approaches to answer the question: to what extent is the University Campus safe and attractive for the students to walk? The research used mix methods and case study approach to achieve study objectives. The mix methods include onsite observation, visual survey and questionnaire with students using walkability checklist to determine the walking quality on streets sidewalks. In this regard four variables are considered based on previous literature review as; safety and pedestrians’ facilities, comfortable walking environment, walking connectivity and lastly walking attractiveness. The result shows that the lack of safety and pedestrian facilities, poor designed sidewalks and connectivity leads to low level of walkability and increase car dependency in the study area. The findings provide guidelines for increasing the efficiency of walking, in order to encourage students to choose walking over car driving.
Severity of Damage Due to 2017 Kurdistan Region of Iraq-Iran border Earthquake (Halabja Earthquake)
Authors: Abdullah Wrya , Rafiq Serwan Khorsheed , Alshkane Younis M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
On 12th of November 2017, a major earthquake of a magnitude of M 7.3 hit Halabja and caused severe structural damage and collapse in Iran, however, only a few areas of Iraq were mildly affected by it. It was considered the deadliest earthquake of the year as its casualties surpassed 400 people most of which were in Iran. Halabja, was only 32 km away from the epicenter, yet the quake caused no noticeable structural damage to the buildings and no casualties or serious injuries were reported from there. This paper presents the possible engineering reasons behind the gigantic gap of severity of the damage between Kurdistan region of Iraq and Iran. The analysis is done after a series of site visit to Darbandikhan and Halabja and taking more than 300 photographs of the damaged and collapsed buildings. Several crucial factors are discussed in detail, the major of which is directionality effects of the quake as its epicenter was in Iran and the quake caused a meter of slip towards south and half a meter of displacement towards west of the epicenter. Due to the directionality effect, the damage was more in the south and the west of the epicenter knowing that most parts of Kurdistan region of Iraq were located at the north of the epicenter. It is also found that the geological location of the buildings was insignificant in increasing the damage level of the buildings.
The Hydraulic Jump Formed Downstream a Stepped Gabion Weir: An Experimental Study
Authors: Al-Fawzy Ali Mekki , Naief Al-Taee Kadhim , Al-Mohammed Fadhil Mohammed , Hommadi Ali Hassan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe current study focus on the effect of using stepped gabion weir in a laboratory channel on the hydraulic jump distance which form at its toe. A series of 175 operation tests and 25 laboratory experiments were conducted by using a laboratory flume 10 m long, 0.3 m wide, and 0.5 m deep. The tested gabions had different five lengths 0.72 m, 0.84 m, 0.96 m, 1.08 m, and 1.20 m respectively, and the material used to fill the gabions was natural quarry mono graded gravel in five different sample sizes of diameters ranged between (09.5-14.0) mm, (14.0-19.0) mm, (19.0-25.0) mm, (25.0-37.5) mm, and (37.5-50.0) mm. The operation flow rate values ranged between 2.33*10-3to 50.00*10-3m3/s/m. Dimensional analysis was used to generate dimensionless parameters, and correlated them using the Buckingham Pi-Theorem. The results of this study showed that the hydraulic jump distance increases by increasing the flow rate value, but increasing the values of both of the gravel sample used and the total length of the weir have an undular effect on the hydraulic jump distance.
Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Concrete Made with Shredded Waste Polypropylene Yogurt Containers
Authors: Hashim Ahmed Mudhafar , Mahmood Aseel , Al-Baaji Abdullah Amar , Jamal Abdulkader Niveen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe partial replacement of natural coarse (gravel) aggregate by waste plastic aggregate to produce lightweight concrete has become one of the major challenges in recent years and stresses on the need for a constant and authoritative development for the betterment of the environment. This work was carried out to investigation the possibilities of using waste polypropylene yogurt containers as polymer aggregate in concrete application. The concrete samples with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% recycled waste plastic aggregate as partial replacement by mass of natural coarse aggregate are prepared after a curing period of 28 days. The effect of recycled plastic aggregate on compressive strength, density and water absorption of natural concrete are studied and compared with the results of specimen without plastic aggregate. Both compressive strength and density decreased with increasing the amount of plastic aggregate. The highest reduction in compressive strength and density were 50% and 19% respectively of concrete cubes containing 25% wt polypropylene waste aggregate in comparison of traditional concrete. It was found that water absorption increased as the plastic aggregate content increased up to 15% wt and then decreased when replaced coarse aggregate by 20% wt and 25% wt by recycled polypropylene aggregate. This study is recommended to use recycled polypropylene yogurt containers as a partial substance of traditional coarse (gravel) concrete mix up to 15% wt for applications include those where low compressive strengths and low cost production are desirable.
Automated Approach for Extraction of Retinal Blood Vessels
Authors: Abdulsahib Dheyaa M. , Jaafar Hussain F. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the field of ophthalmology, retinal image analysis is crucial to extract many details that help doctors identifying retinal diseases at early stages, such details are the blood vessels, optic disk, and fovea. The exponential increase in number of diabetic retinopathy patients necessitates the use of computers to help doctors to diagnose and treat retinal diseases of the human eyes. Computer vision effectively helps doctors by analyzing and treating human retinas. In the field of ophthalmology, a color image (RGB image) of the eye fundus is captured by ophthalmoscopy. In this work, an automatic technique for extraction of human retinal blood vessels is proposed. The proposed method is based on three main stages, namely image pre-processing, initial segmentation of blood vessels and image post-processing. In the first stage, the contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization is applied to the green component image to improve its contrast, and then it is remerged again with the red and blue components. In the second stage, the blood vessels are extracted using mean-C thresholding. Finally, in the third stage, many morphological operations are used to refine the segmented blood vessels image. The proposed method is validated using the expert ground truths with the DRIVE dataset in terms of pixels, and experimental results show sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value of 0.770816, 0.977575, 0.959993 and 0.7611835, respectively. The performance measures are compared with many recent related works and found to outperform most of them. The superior performance of this method proves that it is promising for mass screening of human fundus images.
Characterization of temperature-dependent superlattice in Cu:KTN crystal
Authors: Zhang Fei , Liu Bing , Yang Cheng-Kai , Hu Yan-Yan , Zhang Hua-Di , Li Qing-Gang , Wang Xu-Ping , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Yang Yu-Guo , Wei Lei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, we grew CuO doped potassium tantalum niobate (Cu:KTN) crystals with a uniform superlattice structure by the off-center top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method. The process of crystal superlattice structure formation was observed under a polarizing microscope at variable temperatures. It was found that the formation of the superlattice structure in the crystal was closely related to the formation process of the domain structure in the crystal. The 90° domain structure in the crystal promoted the formation of the superlattice structure in the crystal. The purpose of the formation of the superlattice structure is to enable the crystal to reach a more stable state. The clear diffraction effect of the crystal superlattice structure is similar to the x-ray diffraction phenomenon of low-temperature crystals, and it exists in the crystal in a three-dimensional structure.
Pollination by Non-ApisBees and Potential Benefits in Self-Pollinating Crops
Authors: Esquivel Isaac L , Parys Katherine A , Brewer Michael J 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe diversity and abundance of native bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) are important in providing pollination services to a diverse array of crops. An extensive literature base is available on the contributions of bees as crop pollinators. The focus of the majority of these studies are on honey bees (Apis spp.) pollinating crops that depend on cross-pollination to produce a yield. Self-pollinating crop species, including cotton, soybeans, coffee, and canola, can self-pollinate but there is increasing evidence that they can also benefit from cross-pollination by insects. These crops can see a considerable benefit when visited by bees in general, but contradictory evidence is not fully understood in some systems. For example, recent studies have shown that bee visitation to cotton blooms can increase yield up to 15%. Including nesting habitat for non-Apis bees within soybean dominated landscapes increases in-field yields. However, in these same systems, some studies show none or minimal yield increases. Additional literature (both recent and historical) of non-Apis bees in mass-flowering self-pollinating crops and their potential benefits to the crops also exists but is previously unsynthesized in cotton and soybeans in particular. In our review of literature on these select self-pollinating crops, there appears to be apparent gaps in the literature base on these and other understudied cropping systems. With the exception of graminaceous and cereal crops, all the crops discussed herein seem to have all have benefited from visitation by both Apis and non-Apis bees. Some provide known resource benefits to native bee pollinators like canola, but others like cotton and soybean are not well understood. Further, with an apparent yet small literature base in cotton and soybean there are many facets between the native bee pollinators and crop such as nutritional benefits of nectar and pollen to the bees themselves that still need to be addressed. To examine these underlying mechanisms, additional studies into the basic biology and natural history, including nesting habitats and preferences along with foraging preferences of abundant bee species will help understand how these bees seem to persist and possibly thrive in intensified agricultural systems.
Vision, vision-specific functioning and mobility, and their relationship with clinically assessed cognitive impairment
Authors: Fenwick Eva K , Gan Alfred T L , Man Ryan E K , Gupta Preeti , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Cheung Carol Y , Wong Kah Hie , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Xu Xin , Hilal Saima , Chong Eddie J Y , Tham Yih-Chung , Wong Tien Y , Lamoureux Ecosse L 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
The relationship between self-reported visual disability and cognitive impairment in older individuals is unclear.

Objective
To determine the relationship of vision-specific functioning (VSF), vision-specific mobility (VSM) and visual acuity (VA) with clinically assessed cognitive impairment in the Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore study.

Design
Cross-sectional.

Setting
Population-based.

Subjects
Eight hundred and seventy-four adults aged ≥60 years at higher risk of possible cognitive impairment by the Abbreviated Mental Test and progressive forgetfulness question.

Methods
VSF and VSM were measured using Rasch-transformed continuous scores of two Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire domains. Cognitive impairment was objectively determined using detailed neuropsychological testing and defined as no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment-no dementia (CIND), moderate CIND only and moderate CIND or dementia. Associations were assessed using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results
Of the 874 participants (49.0% males, mean age (SD) 65.5 (7.0) years), 277, 281 and 316 had NCI, mild CIND and moderate CIND or dementia, respectively. Compared to NCI, the odds of moderate CIND, and moderate CIND or dementia increased for every SD worsening in VSF (OR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.14–1.82, and OR: 1.52, 95%CI 1.19–1.94, respectively) and VSM (OR: 1.42, 95%CI 1.11–1.81, and OR: 1.50, 95%CI 1.15–1.95). Similarly, the odds of mild CIND (OR: 1.62, 95%CI 1.19–2.22), moderate CIND (OR: 1.93, 95%CI 1.45–2.58), and moderate CIND or dementia (OR: 2.25, 95%CI 1.62–3.11) increased significantly with every SD worsening of VA.

Conclusions
Our results emphasise the importance of interventions to prevent vision loss and improve quality of life to reduce likelihood of age-related cognitive decline.