• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2020

Drought and salinity are significant stressors for crop plants, including wheat. The relationship between physiological mechanisms and gene expression is important for stress tolerance. NAC transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in abiotic stress. In this study, we assessed the expression of four TaNAC genes with some physiological traits of nine Egyptian wheat genotypes under different concentrations of PEG and NaCl. All the physiological traits that we assessed declined under both stress conditions in all genotypes. In addition, all the genes that we measured were induced under both stress conditions in young leaves. Shandaweel 1, Bani Seuf 7, Sakha 95, and Misr 2 genotypes showed higher gene expression and were linked with a better genotypic performance in physiological traits under both stress conditions. In addition, we found an association between the expression of NAC genes and physiological traits. Overall, NAC genes may act as beneficial markers for selecting for genotypic tolerance to these stress conditions in wheat.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.657-677
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• 2017

This paper discusses some features and conditions that characterize the Zonda wind, focusing particularly on the implications for wind engineering applications. This kind of wind, typical of mountainous regions, is far from being adequately characterized for computational simulations and proper modeling in experimental facilities such as boundary layer wind tunnels. The objective of this article is to report the research works that are being developed on this kind of wind, describing the main obtained results, and also to establish some general guidelines for the proper analysis of the Zonda in the wind engineering context. A classification for the Zonda wind is indicated and different cases of structural and environmental effects are described. Available meteorological data is analyzed from the wind engineering point of view to obtain the Zonda wind gust factors, as well as basic wind speeds relevant for structural design. Some considerations and possible directions for the Zonda wind-tunnel and computational modeling are provided. Gust factor values larger than those used for open terrain were obtained, nevertheless, the basic wind speed values obtained are similar to values presented by the Argentinian Wind Code for three-second gust, principally at Mendoza airport.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.135-146
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• 2020

In developing countries especially in African continent, rapid population growth in cities is a major concern. Majority of governments in Africa have made more effort to develop urban areas as compared to the rural ones. Social and economic activities are more concentrated in urban areas. This is a pushing factor for the rapid population growth in cities as many people, especially young generation, tend to migrate from rural to urban. This growth leads to excessive exploitation of natural resources, environmental degradation and increased pressure on social services. Rapid increased population acts as an encouragement to construct smart cities for achieving needs for present and future generations. Tanzania as one of the developing countries in Africa has taken initiatives in establishing smart cities. The aim of this study therefore, is to examine opportunities and challenges in the development of Smart cities in Tanzania with a case study of Mbeya city. In addition, conceptualization about development of smart cities is proposed to prioritize the planning of smart grid among other smart city infrastructure systems. Conclusively, Mbeya city has a full potential of many strengths and opportunities for successful development as a smart city.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.47 no.7
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• pp.895-906
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• 2015

Background: Mitigation of primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) is a significant issue in the nuclear industry. Advanced nickel-based alloys with lower susceptibility have been adopted, although they do not seem to be entirely immune from PWSCC during normal operation. With regard to structural integrity assessments of the relevant components, an accurate evaluation of crack growth rate (CGR) is important. Methods: For the present study, the extended finite element method was adopted from among diverse meshless methods because of its advantages in arbitrary crack analysis. A user-subroutine based on the strain rate damage model was developed and incorporated into the crack growth evaluation. Results: The proposed method was verified by using the well-known Alloy 600 material with a reference CGR curve. The analyzed CGR curve of the alternative Alloy 690 material was then newly estimated by applying the proven method over a practical range of stress intensity factors. Conclusion: Reliable CGR curves were obtained without complex environmental facilities or a high degree of experimental effort. The proposed method may be used to assess the PWSCC resistance of nuclear components subjected to high residual stresses such as those resulting from dissimilar metal welding parts.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2011

This study was carried out to analyze annual diameter growth characteristics for major 11 tree species using the data for Gangwon province of the National Forest Resources Inventory in 2007. The annual diameter growth of coniferous species was 5.02 mm, 4.70 mm, and 3.90 mm in Korean white pine, Japanese larch, and Korean red pine, respectively. In growths of the deciduous trees, dogwood, basswood, and cork oak had 3.55 mm, 3.48 mm and 3.01 mm, respectively. Average of the annual diameter growths for all species was 3.38 mm. The relationship between diameter growth and age class showed that the growth rate decreased for all species as age increased. The age class II had the highest annual diameter rate. In relation of the stand density(trees per hectare) and diameter growth, the diameter growth tended to decrease as the stand density increased for most species, especially Korean white pine, cork oak, and basswood. Finally age had the highest value in the correlation coefficients between measurement factor and growth rate regardless of species.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.69-80
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• 2021

Purpose: Consumers have unique behaviors that are classified based on their interests and considerations before buying. They are predicted will change due to the pandemic of COVID-19. This study provides insights for retailers about the dynamic of consumer behavior before and during the pandemic, including future predictions. Research design, data and methodology: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was applied in this study. Seven studies that were selected from five databases meet the criteria for cohort and cross-sectional analyses of gender, age, store types, and environmental concerns. Results: Consumer's gender and age contribute to consumer behavior change. Both offline and online stores can be integrated as omnichannel rather than substitute each other. Product distribution and consumer budget need to be reevaluated by retailers, while internet security is the most essential factor when developing their online transactions. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on changing consumer behavior in most countries. Retailers are encouraged to adapt to the changes by modifying their business model with technology. However, it is still speculated and cannot be generalized due to different cultural and contextual factors. Future studies are always needed to synchronize along with the transition of consumers' behavior.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.141-149
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• 2021

In the field of electric vehicles and AGVs, wireless power transfer (WPT) charging systems have been developed recently because of its convenience, reliability, and positive environmental impact due to cable and cord elimination. In this study, we propose a WPT charging system using a single stage AC-DC converter that can be reduced in size and weight and thus can ensure convenience. The proposed single-stage AC-DC converter can control a wide output voltage (36-54 VDC) within coupling ranges by using the variable link voltage applied to the WPT resonant circuit through phase-shifted modulation at a fixed switching frequency. Moreover, the input power factor and total harmonic distortion can be improved by using the proposed converter. A 1 kW prototype that can operate with an air gap range of 40-50 mm is fabricated and validated through experimental results and analysis.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.37-46
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that affect electric car-sharing by highlighting issues of environmental sustainability and customer attitude and satisfaction. Research design, data and methodology: This study examined customers' perception on those issues by using electric car-sharing as usages of both electric car and car-sharing play a key role to improve sustainability. Online survey was applied to collect the data. This study also applied factor and regression analyses for data analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that effects of proposed factors including cost efficiency, emotion, safety, health, and sustainability on attitude toward electric car-sharing on attitude were significant. The results also showed that the effects on intention, satisfaction, and loyalty were significant. Conclusions: This study provides policy and managerial implications. By dealing with factors of electric car-sharing service, this study offers necessity of better strategies and policies for electric car-sharing service to electric car businesses and policy makers. This study also suggests that businesses should develop appropriate strategies for the improved usage of electric car-sharing by considering sustainability and improving relationships with customers. Further, government should consider to develop proper policies for sustainability by promoting the usages of electric car-sharing.

• New & Renewable Energy
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.49-64
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• 2020

Photovoltaic and Thermal collector (PV/T) systems are renewable energy devices that can produce electricity and heat energy simultaneously using solar panels and heat exchangers. Since PV/T systems are exposed to the outdoors, their reliability is affected by various environmental factors. This paper presents a reliability test for a PV/T system and evaluates the test results. The reliability assessment entails performance, environment, safety, and life tests. The factor that had the greatest influence on the life of the system was the hydraulic pressure applied to the heat exchanger. A test was conducted by repeatedly applying pressure to the PV/T system, and a reliability analysis was conducted based on the test results. As a result, the shape parameter (β) value of 5.6658 and the B10life 308,577 cycles at the lower 95% confidence interval were obtained.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.997-1007
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• 2021

The last decade has seen the emergence of the idea of "sharing economy" as people are more aware of environmental issues. Although clothing businesses applying the model of sharing consumption have emerged recently, less research effort has been invested in this topic, especially in investigating young consumers' intention. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors driving Generation Z consumers' behavioral intention toward online fashion rental. In this research, a conceptual framework is proposed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model. To test the research model and hypotheses, a survey of 375 students and pupils was conducted in Vietnam. All the scales' reliability and validity were assessed through Cronbach's Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the relationship among constructs. The study results showed that attitude toward behavior, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were positive contributors to Gen Z's intention to use online fashion rental. Besides, the positive relationships between attitude and two other factors - perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use - were also highlighted. Moreover, the findings provided empirical evidence for supporting the positive impact of interpersonal influence, e-WOM, and influencer e-marketing on subjective norm.