bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Morphological, Distribution, and Ecological Data on Scabiosa garganica (Caprifoliaceae), a Poorly Known Species of the Italian Flora, with Evaluation of Its Conservation Status and Typification of the Name
Authors: Bonsanto Daniele , Biscotti Nello , Wagensommer Robert Philipp
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results of a research performed on Gargano Promontory (SE-Italy) on the populations of Scabiosa garganica, a species with little herbarium records and whose few morphological descriptions are outdated. S. garganica belongs to the S. holosericea aggr., a group including very similar taxa that still have different taxonomic classifications. Its typical location is Monte Sant’Angelo in the Gargano area. Surveys have ascertained the existence of many populations, whose stational data help to understand the distribution and ecological conditions S. garganica is linked to. The morphological analysis of a large sample (75 plants from 9 sites) allows for the description of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of this species. The new morphological framework highlights the species autonomy of S. garganica and can contribute to clarifying the relationship with S. holosericea and S. taygetea to which it is closer. In addition, for the correct delimitation of the species, the name Scabiosa garganica is lectotypified. Finally, the species was assessed against the IUCN criteria for the evaluation of its conservation status.
Alien and Potentially Invasive Plants in Four Lagoons on the Island of Cozumel, Mexico
Authors: Castillo-Campos Gonzalo , García-Franco José G. , Martínez M. Luisa , Pale-Pale J. Jesús
Published: May 2023

The expansion of alien invasive species is a worldwide threat that affects most ecosystems. Islands and freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to species invasion, resulting in reduced biodiversity. In this study, we aimed to explore the floristic composition of the aquatic vegetation in four lagoons in southeastern Cozumel and assess the occurrence and abundance of alien and potentially invasive plants. We found a total of 43 aquatic or underwater herbaceous species that are subject to periodic flooding. Cluster analyses grouped the lagoons into two groups according to their floristic composition. The results demonstrate that alien and potentially invasive plants were dominant in 3 of the 4 lagoons, representing from 7 to 43% of the species. Six of these species were notably abundant, especially in three lagoons. Further, 2 species are considered among the 100 worst invasive species worldwide, although their abundance in Mexico remains relatively reduced. Five alien and potentially invasive species are terrestrial and grow on the shore of the lagoons, while one is aquatic. Urgent control and management actions are necessary. These should include (a) early detection and surveillance to determine if the alien species found behave as invasives; (b) understanding the relevance of invasive species; (c) preventing and intercepting; and (d) control and management. Habitat restoration, adequate legislation, collaboration between stakeholders, and raising awareness of the dangers of releasing or cultivating invasive species in the wild are also necessary.
The Carrot Phytoene Synthase 2 (DcPSY2) Promotes Salt Stress Tolerance through a Positive Regulation of Abscisic Acid and Abiotic-Related Genes in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Acevedo Orlando , Contreras Rodrigo A. , Stange Claudia
Published: May 2023

Background: Carotenoids, which are secondary metabolites derived from isoprenoids, play a crucial role in photo-protection and photosynthesis, and act as precursors for abscisic acid, a hormone that plays a significant role in plant abiotic stress responses. The biosynthesis of carotenoids in higher plants initiates with the production of phytoene from two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate molecules. Phytoene synthase (PSY), an essential catalytic enzyme in the process, regulates this crucial step in the pathway. In Daucus carota L. (carrot), two PSY genes (DcPSY1 and DcPSY2) have been identified but only DcPSY2 expression is induced by ABA. Here we show that the ectopic expression of DcPSY2 in Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) produces in L3 and L6 a significant increase in total carotenoids and chlorophyll a, and a significant increment in phytoene in the T1L6 line. Tobacco transgenic T1L3 and T1L6 lines subjected to chronic NaCl stress showed an increase of between 2 and 3- and 6-fold in survival rate relative to control lines, which correlates directly with an increase in the expression of endogenous carotenogenic and abiotic-related genes, and with ABA levels. Conclusions: These results provide evidence of the functionality of DcPSY2 in conferring salt stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco T1L3 and T1L6 lines.
Bio-Inspired Magnetically Controlled Reversibly Actuating Multimaterial Fibers
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Hartstein Daniel S. , Pieper Yvonne , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas , Neffe Axel T.
Published: May 2023

Movements in plants, such as the coiling of tendrils in climbing plants, have been studied as inspiration for coiling actuators in robotics. A promising approach to mimic this behavior is the use of multimaterial systems that show different elastic moduli. Here, we report on the development of magnetically controllable/triggerable multimaterial fibers (MMFs) as artificial tendrils, which can reversibly coil and uncoil on stimulation from an alternating magnetic field. These MMFs are based on deformed shape-memory fibers with poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (PEVA) as their core and a silicone-based soft elastomeric magnetic nanocomposite shell. The core fiber provides a temperature-dependent expansion/contraction that propagates the coiling of the MMF, while the shell enables inductive heating to actuate the movements in these MMFs. Composites with mNP weight content ≥ 15 wt% were required to achieve heating suitable to initiate movement. The MMFs coil upon application of the magnetic field, in which a degree of coiling N = 0.8 ± 0.2 was achieved. Cooling upon switching OFF the magnetic field reversed some of the coiling, giving a reversible change in coiling ∆n = 2 ± 0.5. These MMFs allow magnetically controlled remote and reversible actuation in artificial (soft) plant-like tendrils, and are envisioned as fiber actuators in future robotics applications.
Chitosan Based Biodegradable Composite for Antibacterial Food Packaging Application
Authors: Jiang Andre , Patel Rajkumar , Padhan Bandana , Palimkar Supriya , Galgali Padmaja , Adhikari Arindam , Varga Imre , Patel Madhumita
Published: May 2023

A recent focus on the development of biobased polymer packaging films has come about in response to the environmental hazards caused by petroleum-based, nonbiodegradable packaging materials. Among biopolymers, chitosan is one of the most popular due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial properties, and ease of use. Due to its ability to inhibit gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and foodborne filamentous fungi, chitosan is a suitable biopolymer for developing food packaging. However, more than the chitosan is required for active packaging. In this review, we summarize chitosan composites which show active packaging and improves food storage condition and extends its shelf life. Active compounds such as essential oils and phenolic compounds with chitosan are reviewed. Moreover, composites with polysaccharides and various nanoparticles are also summarized. This review provides valuable information for selecting a composite that enhances shelf life and other functional qualities when embedding chitosan. Furthermore, this report will provide directions for the development of novel biodegradable food packaging materials.
Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Marine–Continental Transitional Black Shales: A Case Study of the Permian Shanxi Formation in the Eastern Margin of the Ordos Basin
Authors: Wang Daxing , Xie Zhitao , Hu Haiyan , Wang Tao , Deng Ze
Published: May 2023

To study the microscopic pore characteristics of marine–continental transitional shale, we studied the Daning–Jixian block of the Shanxi Formation using low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LP-CO2A) and low-temperature N2 adsorption (LT-N2A) methods in conjunction with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), geochemistry, and mineral composition analysis in order to obtain pore structure characteristic parameters. The fractal dimension of the pores was calculated using the Frankel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) model, and the study also discusses the factors that influence the pore structure. The study found that the marine–continental transitional phase shale of the Shanxi Formation has clay mineral contents ranging from 36.24% to 65.21%. The total organic carbon (TOC) contents range from 0.64% to 9.70%. Additionally, the organic matter maturity is high. The FE-SEM and gas adsorption experiments revealed that the transitional shale of the Shanxi Formation possesses a diverse range of pore types with relatively large pore sizes. The dominant pore types are organic and intragranular pores, with pore morphologies predominantly appearing as slit and parallel plate structures. According to the experimental data on gas adsorption, the total SSA values range from 11.126 to 47.220 m2/g. The total PV values range from 0.014 to 0.056 cm3/g. Micropores make up a greater proportion of the total SSA, whereas mesoporous pores make up a greater proportion of the total PV. The distribution of shale pore fractal dimensions D1 and D2 (D1 is 2.470 to 2.557; D2 is 2.531 to 2.755), obtained through LT-N2A data, is relatively concentrated. D1 and D2 have a positive correlation with the TOC content, clay mineral content, and BET-SSA, and D1 and D2 have a negative correlation with the quartz content. D2 is positively correlated with the Langmuir volume, showing that D2 can be used to evaluate the methane adsorption capacity.
The Failure Mechanism and Countermeasures of Cement Sheath in Vertical Section of Well during Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Lu Zongyu , Li Jun , Lian Wei , Xie Shiyuan , Wang Xuegang , Zhang Hao , Song Lin
Published: May 2023

The sustained casing pressure (SCP) phenomenon of shale gas and oil wells occurs frequently after fracturing; therefore, in order to assess the cement sheath’s integrity in the vertical well portion, the cement stones were subjected to a compression test under different temperatures and confining pressures to obtain the mechanical parameters of the cement sheath at different well depths. The integrity of the cement ring between the production casing and the intermediate casing was then investigated using the Moore–Coulomb criterion. We also took into account other elements including pump pressure, production casing wall thickness, and cement ring mechanical properties. The results show that (1) the compressive strength, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus of cement stone vary obviously under different confining pressures and temperature conditions, and the cement stone shows elastic–brittle failure characteristics at 20 °C. The compressive strength, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus increase with the confining pressure, but the Young’s modulus and compressive strength gradually decrease with the increase in temperature, while the stress–strain curves show obvious plastic failure characteristics at 80 °C and 130 °C. (2) The tangential tensile stress decreases and depth increases from the wellhead to the intermediate casing shoe, while the radial compressive stress of the cement sheath increases. The stress state of the cement sheath changes abruptly at the position of the casing shoe due to the change in casing layers, and under the intermediate casing shoe, the tangential tensile stress changes from tension to compression. When a conventional cementing slurry system is used, the integrity of the cement sheath above the intermediate casing shoe will fail during fracturing. (3) Reducing the pump pressure and increasing casing wall thickness can reduce the tangential and radial stresses of the cement sheath, but the integrity of cement sheath cannot be fully guaranteed. For the cement sheath’s sealing integrity, it is advantageous to decrease the Young’s modulus and raise its strength.
Recycling Strategies in a Collector-Led Remanufacturing Supply Chain under Blockchain and Uncertain Demand
Authors: Yang Tianjian , Li Chunmei , Bian Zijing
Published: May 2023

Remanufacturing has been regarded as a key to the sustainable development of enterprises. However, collection strategies affect the remanufacturing and recycling of used products. Blockchain can ensure the authenticity of disclosed information and improve the consumer’s trust in remanufactured products. Inspired by this, this paper develops a game-theoretic model to examine the selection of different recycling strategies in the remanufacturing supply chain considering blockchain adoption and uncertain demand. Incumbent collector 1 provides the manufacturer with used product 1 for remanufacturing product 1. For product 2, the manufacturer has two different collection strategies: in-house collection by the manufacturer or external collection by collector 2. The collectors act as the channel leader, and the manufacturer, who has private demand information, is the follower. Results show that collectors are incentivized to participate in the blockchain. If there is no blockchain, collector 1 prefers external collection. In the case of blockchain, the manufacturer prefers external collection when the demand variance is low. The manufacturer’s decision on the in-house collection and external collection depends on the coefficient of collection investment costs.
Impact of Silver on the Structural and Wettability Properties of ZnO Films Grown by Oblique Angle Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Álvarez-Fraga Leo , Gago Raúl , Araiza José , Azpeitia Jon , Jiménez Ignacio , Sánchez Olga
Published: May 2023

Un-doped (uZO) and silver-doped zinc oxide (SZO) films were prepared by oblique incidence sputtering deposition under different process parameters. The crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface morphology were correlated with the optical properties, as well as with the wettability of the films. In the case of uZO films, the orientation, inclination, and morphology of the columnar structure determined the wettability of the layer, moving from a hydrophilic- to hydrophobic-like character. In the case of SZO films, although almost all of them displayed hydrophobic behavior, the hydrophobic character increased with the Ag content. The most hydrophobic surface was obtained when the Ag content in the layers was greater than 7 at.% and, in these cases, the structural results indicate that the layers were formed by a disordered mixture of Zn and Ag oxides.
Design and Development of Photocatalytic Systems for Reduction of CO2 into Valuable Chemicals and Fuels
Authors: Bratovčić Amra , Tomašić Vesna
Published: May 2023

This review presents the results of research in the field of photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane and methanol as valuable chemicals and fuels. CO2 reduction is a promising technology, but it is an endothermic process with unfavourable thermodynamics. Other limitations include the inertness of the CO2 molecule, the slow multielectron process, and the lack of understanding of the reaction mechanism, leading to low selectivity and insufficient efficiency. Tailoring reaction parameters such as CO2 adsorption, choice of reducing agent, development of photocatalysts in terms of composition, structural properties and morphology, energy band gap, and the presence of surface functional groups can affect the reaction mechanism and selectivity for the desired product. Therefore, the main challenges in this research area are the development of an active and selective catalyst for the photoreduction of CO2 to useful products with high added value and the optimization and development of a suitable photoreactor that allows successful contact between all key participants in the photocatalytic process. This review is intended to provide guidance for the future development of advanced photocatalysts and photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction and to enable further breakthroughs in this field.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Effect of MWCNT-COOH and Al2O3 Hybrid Nanofillers Dispersed CFRP Laminates Subjected to Projectile Impact
Authors: Ghosh Pritam , Ramajeyathilagam K.
Published: May 2023

Although carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have excellent intrinsic mechanical properties, they are vulnerable to impact loads because of their weak inter-laminar fracture toughness, which results in delamination damage. This study presents a novel hybrid nanofiller combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3) to determine improvements in the impact resistance of CFRP laminate. The projectile impact experimental study is carried out on 140 mm × 140 mm × 1.5 mm CFRP laminate with spherical and conical nose shape projectiles. The numerical study of the test plate consisting of six layers is performed, in which each layer is modeled using a shell element and connected through tiebreak contact. Using the Cowper–Symonds equation to determine the dynamic mechanical properties, the numerical validation is established considering the strain rate effect. The results, such as residual velocity, damage area, ballistic limit velocity and delamination obtained from numerical analysis, are compared with the experimental observations. In laminates with hybrid nanofillers, residual velocity decreased by 20% and 9% when spherical and conical projectiles were impacted, respectively. The study indicates that 0.1 wt% MWCNT + 1 wt% Al2O3 nanofiller concentration embedded CFRP offers better resistance against spherical and conical projectile impact.
Effects of Land Cover Change on Vegetation Carbon Source/Sink in Arid Terrestrial Ecosystems of Northwest China, 2001–2018
Authors: Tu Haiyang , Jiapaer Guli , Yu Tao , Zhang Liancheng , Chen Bojian , Lin Kaixiong , Li Xu
Published: May 2023

The arid terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle is one of the most important parts of the global carbon cycle, but it is vulnerable to external disturbances. As the most direct factor affecting the carbon cycle, how land cover change affects vegetation carbon sources/sinks in arid terrestrial ecosystems remains unclear. In this study, we chose the arid region of northwest China (ARNWC) as the study area and used net ecosystem productivity (NEP) as an indicator of vegetation carbon source/sink. Subsequently, we described the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of vegetation carbon sources/sinks in the ARNWC from 2001–2018 by combining the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) and a soil microbial heterotrophic respiration (RH) model and assessed the effects of land cover change on them through modeling scenario design. We found that land cover change had an obvious positive impact on vegetation carbon sinks. Among them, the effect of land cover type conversion contributed to an increase in total NEP of approximately 1.77 Tg C (reaching 15.55% of the original value), and after simultaneously considering the effect of vegetation growth enhancement, it contributed to an increase in total NEP of approximately 14.75 Tg C (reaching 129.61% of the original value). For different land cover types, cropland consistently contributed the most to the increment of NEP, and the regeneration of young and middle-aged forests also led to a significant increase in forest carbon sinks. Thus, our findings provide a reference for assessing the effects of land cover change on vegetation carbon sinks, and they indicated that cropland expansion and anthropogenic management dominated the growth of vegetation carbon sequestration in the ARNWC, that afforestation also benefits the carbon sink capacity of terrestrial ecosystems, and that attention should be paid to restoring and protecting native vegetation in forestland and grassland regions in the future.
Construction and Assessment of a Drought-Monitoring Index Based on Multi-Source Data Using a Bias-Corrected Random Forest (BCRF) Model
Authors: Wang Yihao , Meng Linghua , Liu Huanjun , Luo Chong , Bao Yilin , Qi Beisong , Zhang Xinle
Published: May 2023

Agricultural drought significantly impacts agricultural production, highlighting the need for accurate monitoring. Accurate agricultural-drought-monitoring models are critical for timely warning and prevention. The random forest (RF) is a popular artificial intelligence method but has not been extensively studied for agricultural drought monitoring. Here, multi-source remote sensing data, including surface temperature, vegetation index, and soil moisture data, were used as independent variables; the 3-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI_3) was used as the dependent variable. Soil texture and terrain data were used as auxiliary variables. The bias-corrected RF model was used to construct a random forest synthesized drought index (RFSDI). The drought-degree determination coefficients (R2) of the training and test sets reached 0.86 and 0.89, respectively. The RFSDI and SPEI_3 fit closely, with a correlation coefficient (R) above 0.92. The RFSDI accurately reflected typical drought years and effectively monitored agricultural drought in Northeast China (NEC). In the past 18 years, agricultural drought in NEC has generally decelerated. The degree and scope of drought impacts from 2003 to 2010 were greater than those from 2010 to 2020. Agricultural drought occurrence in NEC was associated with dominant climatic variables such as precipitation (PRE), surface temperature (Ts), relative humidity (RHU), and sunshine duration (SSD), alongside elevation and soil texture differences. The agricultural drought occurrence percentage at 50–500 m elevations reached 94.91%, and the percentage of occurrence in loam and sandy soils reached 90.31%. Water and temperature changes were significantly correlated with the occurrence of agricultural drought. Additionally, NEC showed an alternating cycle of drought and waterlogging of about 10 years. These results have significant application potential for agricultural drought monitoring and drought prevention in NEC and demonstrate a new approach to comprehensively evaluating agricultural drought.
Willingness of Participation in an Application-Based Digital Data Collection among Different Social Groups and Smartphone User Clusters
Authors: Máté Ákos , Rakovics Zsófia , Rudas Szilvia , Wallis Levente , Ságvári Bence , Huszár Ákos , Koltai Júlia
Published: May 2023

The main question of this paper is what factors influence willingness to participate in a smartphone-application-based data collection where participants both fill out a questionnaire and let the app collect data on their smartphone usage. Passive digital data collection is becoming more common, but it is still a new form of data collection. Due to the novelty factor, it is important to investigate how willingness to participate in such studies is influenced by both socio-economic variables and smartphone usage behaviour. We estimate multilevel models based on a survey experiment with vignettes for different characteristics of data collection (e.g., different incentives, duration of the study). Our results show that of the socio-demographic variables, age has the largest influence, with younger age groups having a higher willingness to participate than older ones. Smartphone use also has an impact on participation. Advanced users are more likely to participate, while users who only use the basic functions of their device are less likely to participate than those who use it mainly for social media. Finally, the explorative analysis with interaction terms between levels has shown that the circumstances of data collection matter differently for different social groups. These findings provide important clues on how to fine-tune circumstances to improve participation rates in this novel passive digital data collection.
An Accurate Millimeter-Wave Imaging Algorithm for Close-Range Monostatic System
Authors: Nie Xinyi , Lin Chuan , Meng Yang , Qing Anyong , Sykulski Jan K. , Robertson Ian D.
Published: May 2023

An efficient and more accurate millimeter-wave imaging algorithm, applied to a close-range monostatic personnel screening system, with consideration of dual path propagation loss, is presented in this paper. The algorithm is developed in accordance with a more rigorous physical model for the monostatic system. The physical model treats incident waves and scattered waves as spherical waves with a more rigorous amplitude term as per electromagnetic theory. As a result, the proposed method can achieve a better focusing effect for multiple targets in different range planes. Since the mathematical methods in classical algorithms, such as spherical wave decomposition and Weyl identity, cannot handle the corresponding mathematical model, the proposed algorithm is derived through the method of stationary phase (MSP). The algorithm has been validated by numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. Good performance in terms of computational efficiency and accuracy has been observed. The synthetic reconstruction results show that the proposed algorithm has significant advantages compared with the classical algorithms, and the reconstruction by using full-wave data generated by FEKO further verifies the validity of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm performs as expected over real data acquired by our laboratory prototype.
Measuring Resilience and the Importance of Resource Connectivities: Revising the Adult Resilience Measure (RRC-ARM)
Authors: Clark Janine Natalya , Jefferies Philip
Published: May 2023

There have been many efforts to measure and quantify resilience, and various scales have been developed. This article draws on a mixed methods study which involved the application of one particular scale—the Resilience Research Centre-Adult Resilience Measure (referred to throughout as the ARM). Rather than focus on the quantitative results, however, which have been presented elsewhere, this unique article draws on the qualitative results of the study—semi-structured interviews with victims-/survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Bosnia–Herzegovina (BiH), Colombia and Uganda—to explore and discuss some of the ARM’s shortcomings. It develops its empirical analyses around the crucial concept of connectivity, “borrowed” from the field of ecology, and the three elements of the study’s connectivity framework—broken and ruptured connectivities, supportive and sustaining connectivities and new connectivities. Through its analyses, the article highlights aspects of the ARM that could potentially be improved or developed in future research, and it ultimately proposes some concrete revisions to the measure, including two additional scales relating to change and importance, respectively.
Gated Recurrent Graph Convolutional Attention Network for Traffic Flow Prediction
Authors: Feng Xiaoyuan , Chen Yue , Li Hongbo , Ma Tian , Ren Yilong
Published: May 2023

Traffic flow prediction is an important function of intelligent transportation systems. Accurate prediction results facilitate traffic management to issue early congestion warnings so that drivers can avoid congested roads, thus directly reducing the average driving time of vehicles, which means less greenhouse gas emissions. However, traffic flow data has complex spatial and temporal correlations, which makes it challenging to predict traffic flow accurately. A Gated Recurrent Graph Convolutional Attention Network (GRGCAN) for traffic flow prediction is proposed to solve this problem. The model consists of three components with the same structure, each of which contains one temporal feature extractor and one spatial feature extractor. The temporal feature extractor first introduces a gated recurrent unit (GRU) and uses the hidden states of the GRU combined with an attention mechanism to adaptively assign weights to each time step. In the spatial feature extractor, a node attention mechanism is constructed to dynamically assigns weights to each sensor node, and it is fused with the graph convolution operation. In addition, a residual connection is introduced into the network to reduce the loss of features in the deep network. Experimental results of 1-h traffic flow prediction on two real-world datasets (PeMSD4 and PeMSD8) show that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the GRGCAN model is as low as 15.97% and 12.13%, and the prediction accuracy and computational efficiency are better than the baselines.
Stories of Leadership: Leading with Empathy through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Linvill Jennifer S. , Onosu Gloria O.
Published: May 2023

Leader–follower interactions during times of complexity are critical in managing rapid change demands and ensuring organizational sustainability. Between early 2020 and 2023, many organizations worldwide witnessed an unprecedented need for organizational change that rapidly transformed the work environment. This study focused on understanding the contexts of leader and follower interactions during times of change using the shifting organizational landscapes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying a qualitative methodology, we collected data from 12 leaders across multiple business sectors in Africa, Asia, and the United States using semi-structured interviews. We then transcribed the interviews and applied an iterative phronetic approach to analyze the data by engaging complexity leadership, emotion in organizations, leading with empathy, belonging, and power and control as theoretical lenses for data analysis. We analyzed how individual leadership experiences during a time of complexity fostered a shift in leadership paradigms and leadership styles within organizations. The findings indicated that due to the unprecedented situations faced during COVID-19, leaders shifted from leadership styles that applied a lens of power and control to an adaptable model that follows the framework of complexity leadership and applies a lens of leading with emotional intelligence. The findings provided a nuanced understanding of the leader–follower relationship by allowing for a complex and varied description of how individuals discursively situate their experiences around issues of power and control. The findings also showed that leaders became more intentional about leading, purposely changing their leadership style to create an environment that supported open communication, belonging, empathy, and awareness. The findings also suggested that when leaders adapt elements of emotional intelligence in leading during times of organizational complexity, they do so with the goal of motivating others and creating a feeling of connection with followers. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
An Investment Decision Model for Underground Urban Utility Tunnel Based on MIVES and Real Option Theory from a Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Deng Zilian , He Xi , Chai Yingtao , Wang Ting-Kwei
Published: May 2023

Although the importance of urbanization, urban renewal and sustainable development have been increasingly recognized, with the accelerating process of urbanization, the urban above-ground space is no longer sufficient for the process of urbanization, and downward development of the city has become inevitable. Underground Urban Utility Tunnel (UUUT) is an effective measure to promote the sustainable development of urban underground space (UUS). However, decision makers still cannot fully consider the economic, social, environmental and technological factors, as well as the future risks of the project and the value of flexibility in management. In this paper, an investment decision model for UUUT is proposed that combines the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES) and the real option theory, which comprehensively considers the social, economic, environmental and technological impacts, and assists the government in carrying out the investment decision analysis of UUUT from a sustainability perspective by applying the real option theory to the economic evaluation process. The primary process of this study can be divided into four steps. (1) establishment of the investment decision index system for UUUT; (2) determination of the quantitative criteria for each indicator; (3) calculation of the feasibility of UUUT; and (4) a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model, as well as the achieved results. The proposed investment decision model can be used as an auxiliary tool in the early planning stage of UUUT, and also for the comparison and selection of different options for UUUT.
Thematic Trends in Industry 4.0 Revolution Potential towards Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Authors: Zairul Mohd , Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab
Published: May 2023

The construction industry is currently facing challenges because of the massive waste generated by its production processes. The climate agreement also requires the industry to meet the increasing demand for sustainable building materials to achieve the energy transition. As a result, the construction industry is looking for alternative ways to meet these sustainability challenges. The implementation of the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) can be an opportunity for the construction industry to become more sustainable. Therefore, this paper aims to (i) ensure a detailed assessment of the existing challenges and (ii) identify the potential implementation of IR4.0 technologies in the construction industry. A set of criteria was established for searching and screening papers from three major databases (Scopus, WoS, and Mendeley), and 58 eligible articles were included in the current study. Using ATLAS.ti 22 software, a thematic analysis was conducted, and the final six themes were determined based on problems and challenges, technology and tools, information technology, consulting and business, construction management, and education. In addition, this paper identified potential prospective study paths. It is expected that the results will be useful for the future direction of the industry in addressing the challenges of IR4.0.
The Role of Community Participation and Social Inclusion in Successful Historic City Center Regeneration in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Tanrıkul Ali
Published: May 2023

Historic city center regeneration in the Mediterranean region is often seen as a tool for economic development and tourism promotion. However, the success of regeneration initiatives is not only dependent on financial investments and physical interventions but also on the social, cultural, and environmental sustainability of the projects. Community participation and social inclusion are two important factors that can contribute to the long-term success of historic city center regeneration in the Mediterranean region. This paper provides an overview of the existing literature on community participation and social inclusion in historic city center regeneration and explores their role in successful regeneration projects in the Mediterranean region. The paper argues that community participation can foster a sense of ownership and collective identity among local residents and can provide valuable knowledge and resources for the planning and implementation of regeneration initiatives. Social inclusion, on the other hand, can help to ensure that the benefits of regeneration are distributed fairly and equitably among all members of the community, including marginalized and vulnerable groups. The paper provides case studies of successful historic city center regeneration projects in the Mediterranean region, including Valencia (Spain), Palermo (Italy), and Chania (Greece), to illustrate the importance of community participation and social inclusion in achieving sustainable and inclusive urban regeneration. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for more research and policy attention to be paid to these critical factors in historic city center regeneration initiatives in the Mediterranean region.
Implementation Instruments for Developing Sustainable Tourism on Recultivated Land in the Middle Danube Flow
Authors: Danilović Hristić Nataša , Stefanović Nebojša , Hristov Maja
Published: May 2023

Development of sustainable tourism is viewed through the scope of planning procedure, participation of all stakeholders, and resolving possible conflicts. The methodology is based on empirical exploration and compared two case studies of the Middle Danube Flow coast segment. The common denominator, apart from the location in the same region and on the bank of an international river, is the use of recycled land for the purpose of converting it into a tourist complex. This paper has a wider theoretical background, tailored and selected for this research purpose. Ambition was expressed to answer the questions of how to carry out the strategically set tasks at the level of detailed design and implementation, what kind of interactions to expect, and if it is possible to single out key approaches and steps and form recommendations for achieving satisfactory and non-conflicting results. The authors search and look for similarities among the chosen development directions and the decisions made which can point to a common methodological framework and options for creating an attractive, profitable, and sustainable tourist product. The conclusion is that desirable sustainable tourism can be reached through careful location and content selection, choice of adequate land use, and balanced alignment between protection and development. This paper indicates the possibility of an additional step towards a joint solution, which is not only a compromise, but is valued as being of high quality and desirable.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sports Betting Tipsters as Professional Bettors: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Yüce Arif , Gökce Yüce Sevda , Katırcı Hakan , Aydoğdu Volkan , Chiu Weisheng , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: May 2023

Although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals who bet on sports, sports betting tipsters (SBTs; i.e., individuals who provide professional tips on the outcome of sporting events) were arguably among the most affected groups. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to explore how SBTs in Turkey were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including alternate forms of gambling engagement (e.g., e-sports betting). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 85 SBTs aged between 20 and 48 years. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes. Based on the qualitative analysis, four themes emerged: (i) the meaning and role of sports betting, (ii) the effects of the pandemic on life and sports betting, (iii) comparing e-sports betting vs. traditional sports betting, and (iv) possible sports betting behavior if the pandemic continues. SBTs reported experiencing psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s cancellation of sporting events. More specifically, SBTs reported a sense of emptiness because of the lack of sports betting. Furthermore, SBT reported suffering a loss of income and turning to e-sports betting during the pandemic. However, the majority of SBTs did not find betting on e-sports as exciting as traditional betting but reported they would continue to engage in e-sports betting if traditional sports betting was not available. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the impact of SBTs on individuals and further provide practical implications for policymakers to promote a safe, sustainable, and long-term growth of the sports betting industry in Turkey.
Association between Earnings Announcement Behaviors and ESG Performances
Authors: Kim Joonhyun , Lee Yunkyeong
Published: May 2023

Despite the rapidly growing interest in ESG business management, it is not easily attainable for stakeholders to accurately assess the quality of the ESG activities of a firm due to several problems, including the exaggeration or greenwashing of the real ESG performance. This study investigates whether managerial opportunism, as revealed by earnings announcement behaviors, can be utilized as a hallmark to forecast the quality of ESG performance. Based on the tests using Korean firms, the empirical results show that opportunistic behaviors for earnings announcement announcements, such as the announcement on Friday, after market closing, and omitting preliminary earnings disclosure, are all negatively associated with the ESG performance score on an individual and also collective basis. Further analysis shows that firms with opportunistic strategies for earnings announcement tend to miss the disclosure on ESG activities as well. In sum, this study contributes to future research and policy-making by suggesting a new practical approach to analyzing the earnings announcement behaviors as a quick test to verify the corporate ESG performance.
Sequential Methodology for the Selection of Municipal Waste Treatment Alternatives Applied to a Case Study in Chile
Authors: Rondón Toro Estefani , López Martínez Ana , Lobo García de Cortázar Amaya
Published: May 2023

Most municipalities in developing countries lack technical and economic resources to improve their municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system. Therefore, tools are needed that enable the most appropriate solutions to be identified to put waste to better use. This study presents an easy-to-apply sequential methodology for the analysis of MSWM alternatives. The method consists of two stages: (1) screening available technologies based on a small set of key variables; (2) ordering the selected alternatives by a combination of multicriteria methods that integrate local priorities. For this second stage, a basic series of technical, environmental, economic and social indicators is proposed. The methodology is applied to a case study where current management is limited to mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in a landfill without gas recovery. Seven options for implementing energy recovery in landfill, using mechanical plants to recover part of recyclable material, treating the organic fraction, and employing refuse-derived fuel and/or waste to energy incineration, were evaluated together with the current situation and considering four scenarios. The results identify various alternatives that allow the sustainability of MSWM in the case study to improve. Notwithstanding, today, it is necessary to introduce economic instruments that discourage final disposal to make municipal waste recovery viable.
Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc.) for Mexico: An Approach for Mexico’s Primary Harvest Area
Authors: Martínez-Sifuentes Aldo Rafael , Estrada-Ávalos Juan , Trucíos-Caciano Ramón , Villanueva-Díaz José , López-Hernández Nuria Aidé , López-Favela Juan de Dios
Published: May 2023

Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc.) is a non-timber forest resource of ecological and economic importance in the arid zones of Mexico due to the commercialization of its wax for industrial purposes. The objectives of this study were (i) to delimit areas of current and projected future candelilla habitat suitability in Mexico and in the state of Coahuila, (ii) to determine the most important variables that define candelilla habitat, and (iii) to propose areas for candelilla conservation under climate change conditions in Coahuila. Records of candelilla presence, current and future bioclimatic layers from the MPIESM-LR and HadGEM2-ES models with two scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5, were used to create species distribution models with soil and topographical variables. MaxEnt software was used to project current habitat suitability zones under climate change. We estimated the current surface area of candelilla in Mexico to be 79,336.87 km2, and for Coahuila 25,620.75 km2. In Coahuila, using the MPIESM-LR model for 2050, the estimate was 20,177.67 km2 and 17,079.61 km2 for RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5; while for 2070, the estimate was 12,487.18 km2 and 9812.94 km2 for RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. For the HadGEM2-ES model for 2050, the estimate was 20,066.40 km2 and 17,079.61 km2; for 2070 it was 17,156.02 km2 and 16,073.70 km2. As proposed areas for conservation of candelilla in the face of climate change, we estimated 5435.06 km2 and 3636.96 km2. The study area was located in the northwest and center of the state of Coahuila, near the natural protected areas of Ocampo and Bajo Rio San Juan, areas that are resilient to climate change. The results obtained provide information on the environmental and site conditions for the establishment of candelilla in Mexico, as well as the geographical areas, such as Sierra y Cañon de Jimulco, Tomás Garrido, 026 Bajo Río San Juan, Zapalinamé, Zapalinamé, and Cumbres de Monterrey Restoration Zones for the conservation of the species under local climate change scenarios. In addition, new areas in the northwest and center of Coahuila could be used to establish new protected areas for this economically important species.
Stability of Functionally Modified Biochar: The Role of Surface Charges and Surface Homogeneity
Authors: Zhu Ziyang , Duan Wenyan , Chang Zhaofeng , Du Wei , Chen Fangyuan , Li Fangfang , Oleszczuk Patryk
Published: May 2023

Biochar modification has received significant research attention due to its attractive and fruitful rewards in improving biochar performances. However, the determinants of modified biochars’ stability and the ability of aged modified biochars to remove heavy metals have not been comprehensively evaluated. Therefore, three commonly used functional groups of modified biochars (5% and 10% H2O2-modified (BCH5 and BCH20); 25% and 65% HNO3-modified (BCA25 and BCA65); and amino-modified (BCN), were prepared in this study to explore their stability and the Cd(II) removal performance of aged functional groups modified biochars was studied. The results showed that the O/C ratio is not sensitive enough to predict the stability of functional groups modified biochars, which was commonly used to evaluate pristine biochar (BC0); instead, -COOH content is crucial for modified biochar stability (r = −0.99, r = −0.91, p < 0.05). BCA65 displayed the highest less prone to oxidation property, which indicated that the high surface charges and uniform surface determined the less prone to oxidation ability of the functionally modified biochars. The order of the stability of functionally modified biochars was HNO3-modified > H2O2-modified > amino-modified. After oxidation, the surface charges and pores were significantly reduced, and the Cd2+ adsorption mechanism of modified biochar changed from multilayer adsorption to monolayer adsorption, which led to a reduction in overall Cd(II) removal. The maximum adsorption capacities of BCA65 were reduced from 18.15 mg·g−1 to 4.86 mg·g−1 after oxidation, particularly. In the design and preparation of modified biochar, the long-term stability of the structure and function of modified biochar and its sustainable application in the environment should be considered while improving the heavy metal removal performance of biochars.