bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Recycled Water Irrigation on Soil Salinity and Its Remediation
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Muhitur , Shahrivar Alireza Aghajani , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant
Published: January 2022

Continuous use of recycled water (treated wastewater) over a long period of time may lead to the accumulation of salt in the root zone of the soil. This is due to the relatively higher levels of salt contained in the recycled water compared to a town water supply. The increase in salt concentration in the soil can adversely influence the amount of water a plant can uptake from the soil due to the osmotic effect. Despite significant benefits, recycled water may deteriorate soil health in terms of increased salinity and sodicity. Although several studies in the past have highlighted the increase of soil salinity due to recycled water irrigation, the phenomenon depends on the variability of soil characteristics. In this study, the impact of using three different types of irrigation water (with electrical conductivity 0.2, 0.8, and 2.0 dS/m) on the mechanism of salt accumulation in the soil was investigated. To contribute to the addition of the existing knowledge of soil salinisation, soil from two paddocks (i.e., D33 and Yarramundi) in Western Sydney, Australia were analysed, and relationships among parameters associated with salt accumulation were evaluated using the results from continuous column studies. Results show that if the irrigation is conducted with high saline water, there is a possibility for salinisation of soil to occur. To prevent this from occurring, one of the solutions could be to use a normal town water supply for irrigation at some intervals. This will allow for the leaching of excess salt accumulated in the soil to deeper layers.
Small Rural Enterprises and Innovative Business Models: A Case Study of the Turin Area
Authors: Galardi Morgana , Moruzzo Roberta , Riccioli Francesco , Granai Giulia , Di Iacovo Francesco
Published: January 2022

Small businesses and farms are today struggling to find an innovative solution to a globalizing market and a challenging society. Among different aspects, small businesses, especially in rural areas, need to find a balance among tailor-made innovative solutions, specific customers engagement strategies, creative value creation solutions, and new business concepts able to reshape existing markets. In this study, 16 small enterprises of rural areas near Turin belonging to different sectors collaborated to co-create innovative business models. To guide this discussion through a sustainable innovation path, a territorial Living Lab set up the four macro-topics of the co-creation workshops linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Innovative business ideas were elaborated through the Brainstorming and Business Model Canvas tool and data were examined with SWOT and cross-case analysis. The results of the workshops pointed out four different innovative business ideas elaborated by the entrepreneurs, all linked by the need to translate innovation into sustainable adaptive solutions to local specificities. This case study showed that a range of enabling factors, such as the creation of a shared vision among local actors, can be codified to clear barriers and/or create innovative business solutions linked to economic, environmental, and social sustainability in rural areas.
Sustainability of the Portuguese North-Western Fishing Activity in the Face of the Recently Implemented Maritime Spatial Planning
Authors: Salas-Leiton Emilio , Costa Ana , Neves Vanessa , Soares Joana , Bordalo Adriano , Costa-Dias Sérgia
Published: January 2022

The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) for continental Portugal was approved in December 2019 and has established a novel framework for those players that carry out maritime activities. In light of this challenge, our work addresses the current status of the fishing activity in the north-western region of Portugal, where relevant small-scale fisheries (SSF) are still well established. Based on official statistical data and a stakeholder survey, structural, economic, and social issues that significantly influence the sustainability of this industry were studied. Throughout the 2012–2019 pre-COVID-19 period, the price revalorization of primary products in first-sale markets was the key aspect that allowed fisheries to partially counteract the loss of economic value associated with the decreased fishing production (a decline of 46% of the total nominal catches). Regarding the regional fishing trade network, the fact that a given species reaches a wide range of prices in closely located major landing ports (Matosinhos, Póvoa de Varzim, and Viana do Castelo) constitutes, nonetheless, an issue that deserves attention and optimization. A survey conducted among training professional fishers confirmed a deeply rooted family/regional tradition but revealed concerns about the future generational replacement. The trainees demanded stronger support from the government, a modernization process for fishing activity, as well as higher social salary standards. Moreover, they assigned a high relevance to the sustainability of aquatic resources. In conclusion, the results shown in the present study reveal a noticeable ability of the regional fishing industry to overcome the challenging economic circumstances that have occurred in the last few years. Against the new scenario decisively influenced by the MSP, a generation of future regional fishers that pursue high social and environmental standards is certainly a solid basis for an optimistic future performance of this activity. For that purpose, a firm commitment to the use of technology seems like a key strategy to adopt in order to further the sustainability of the fisheries in the north-western region of Portugal.
Developing a Risk Analysis Strategy Framework for Impact Assessment in Information Security Management Systems: A Case Study in IT Consulting Industry
Authors: Kitsios Fotis , Chatzidimitriou Elpiniki , Kamariotou Maria
Published: January 2022

Organizations must be committed to ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the information in their possession to manage legal and regulatory obligations and to maintain trusted business relationships. Information security management systems (ISMSs) support companies to better deal with information security risks and cyber-attacks. Although there are many different approaches to successfully implementing an ISMS in a company, the most important and time-consuming part of establishing an ISMS is a risk assessment. The purpose of this paper was to develop a risk assessment framework that a company followed in the information technology sector to conduct the risk assessment process to comply with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001. The findings analyze the conditions that force organizations to invest in protecting information and the benefits they can derive from this process. In particular, the paper delves into a multinational IT consulting services company that undertakes and implements large business support installation and customization projects. It explains the risk assessment process and the management of the necessary configurations so that its functions are acceptable and in line with information security standards. Finally, it presents the difficulties and challenges encountered.
Cultivating a Collaborative Culture for Ensuring Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: An Integrative Case Study
Authors: Wright Catherine , Ritter Lacey J. , Wisse Gonzales Caroline
Published: January 2022

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are not insulated from the challenges facing the planet and have been tasked as key stakeholders in sustainable development (SD). The preliminary data presented in this paper demonstrate that, over the last five decades, there has been a shift toward the categories of SD work that necessitate a collaborative culture that is not traditionally inherent in HEIs. It is offered that when HEIs align their institutional capacities with worldwide efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 and foster an intentionally collaborative culture, they will become better equipped to face their own unique challenges: becoming “changemaker” universities; collaborating with each other in the knowledge economy; placing students at the center of the teaching and learning process; and fulfilling their “third mission” to partner with external stakeholders and society. This paper will outline the conceptual frameworks used to direct the construction of Wingate University’s Collaborative for the Common Good (CCG). The preliminary data from this case study at Wingate University show promise; tracked impact reports show that an intentionally collaborative infrastructure that is designed to contribute to achieving SDGs provided a unique opportunity for this university to meet the needs of the campus and community despite their many social, economic, and cultural challenges that were exacerbated by COVID-19.
Government Performance Evaluation in the Context of Carbon Neutrality: Energy-Saving of New Residential Building Projects
Authors: Jia Jiayi , Huang Zhenyu , Deng Jianying , Hu Fang , Li Lin
Published: January 2022

The government’s supervision of new residential building projects’ (NRBPs) energy-saving can promote carbon neutrality policies within its jurisdiction. A scientific and systematic evaluation of NRBPs energy-saving reflects a government’s management performance. However, achieving accurate and reasonable results with unitary evaluation standards without considering regional characteristics is not easy. This study proposes an evaluation method of intelligently evaluating the effectiveness of government energy-saving supervision with regional characteristics weighted in. Consequently, these evaluation indicators can reveal the key issues in carrying out local energy-saving policies and provide concrete guidance for local governments to manage the energy-saving of NRBPs better. The method was tested with ten projects and found to be effective.
A Global Program-Educational-Objectives Comparative Study for Malaysian Electrical and Electronic Engineering Graduates
Authors: Ab-Rahman Mohammad Syuhaimi , Hwang I-Shyan , Mohd Yusoff Abdul Rahman , Mohamad Abdul Wahab , Ihsan Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Mohd , Abdul Rahman Juwairiyyah , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani , Kaharudin Iszan Hana
Published: January 2022

Outstanding academic achievement in the field of higher education is a source of pride for the university. The success of the university is measured not only by academic performance but also by the quality of graduates produced. In Malaysia, three major categories in higher learning are identified: public, private, and foreign-branch universities. All engineering programs follow the requirements set by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) on behalf of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). The programme educational objectives (PEOs) make up one of the elements that needs assessment for ensuring its continuity in line with the university’s mission and vision. A PEO comparative study on selected reputable electrical and electronic (EE)-engineering department universities was carried out based on the mapping of PEO attribute keywords. These attributes were then classified into either cluster, sharing, or uniqueness groups. The study compared the relevancy of each PEO statement suggested by stakeholders and other interested parties. The results from the PEO comparative study suggested that attributes on competency, ethics, professionalism, and leadership are given high priorities. However, the increase in demand for entrepreneurship-, multidisciplinary-, and soft skills should also be considered when reviewing the institution’s engineering curriculum. The uniqueness of such attributes will distinguish the EE-engineering graduates’ profession, marketability, and employability. PEO statements reflect the credibility and sustainability of a well-balanced graduate equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and values.
A Case Study on the Assessment of Chemical and Physical Pollution Levels during the Copying Process
Authors: Vasiliauskienė Vaida , Vasilis Vasiliauskas Aidas
Published: January 2022

In accordance with sustainable development goals (SDG’s), urgent action should be taken to make the societal and natural environments better for human beings. People spend most of their time indoors, therefore growing attention is devoted to address indoor air pollution. When the sources of anthropogenic indoor air pollution (copiers, laser printers) are operated indoors, then chemical and physical indoor air pollution may be higher than air pollution outdoors. Ozone, aerosol particles and volatile organic compounds are the result of pollution caused by copiers and printers. The research was carried out in a copying room by recording chemical (ozone and aerosol particles) and physical (noise) environmental pollution. To determine instantaneous ozone concentrations in the copying room, an ozone analyzer O3 41M was used, while to evaluate the effect of ozone on the ambient air of the copying room, passive samplers were used. To determine the number and concentration of aerosol particles in the ambient air of the office, a particle counter AZ-5 was used. In addition, a DrDAQ data logger was used to measure noise emitted by the copier and ambient temperature as well as relative air humidity. It was found that the distribution of ozone and aerosol particles in the copying room was mostly determined by the copying intensity. The maximum concentration of ozone and aerosol particles was determined during automatic copying (91–120 copies/min).
An Investigation of Multimodal Transport for Last Mile Delivery in Rural Areas
Authors: Kou Xiaofei , Zhang Yanqi , Long Die , Liu Xuanyu , Qie Liangliang
Published: January 2022

High distribution costs constitute one of the major obstacles to the sustainable development of rural logistics. In order to effectively reduce the distribution costs of last mile delivery in rural areas, based on three typical transport modes (local logistics providers, public transport, and crowdsourcing logistics), this study first proposes a multimodal transport design for last mile delivery in rural areas. Then, a cost–benefit model for multimodal transport is proposed which uses genetic algorithms (GA) to solve the logistical problems faced. Finally, Shapley value is used to fairly allocate profits and represent the marginal contribution of each mode in multimodal transport. The numerical results show that multimodal transport can effectively reduce the distribution costs of last mile delivery in rural areas. When the order demand of each node tends to be stable, the marginal contribution of crowdsourcing logistics is often greater than that of the other two distribution modes. The marginal contribution of public transport is highest only when the number of orders per node is very small.
Tree Diversity and Tree Community Composition in Northern Part of Megacity Bengaluru, India
Authors: Divakara Baragur , Nikitha Chitradurga , Nölke Nils , Tewari Vindhya , Kleinn Christoph
Published: January 2022

Trees are natural capital assets, especially for cities, as they provide immense environmental benefits and improve urban biodiversity and ecology. However, urbanization has largely destroyed the original native ecosystems and has caused a homogenization where frequently native species are replaced by non-native species. When attempting to understand the role of trees in urban settings, it is important to generate science-based data on the spatial distribution of trees, their species composition and tree species diversity as a function of the degree of urbanization. Such information may specifically inform the planning of effective long-term management of trees across urban and rural gradients. A total of 23 of 1 ha each were surveyed along a Northern research transect laid out along the urban–rural gradient of the metropolitan area of Bengaluru, India. Plots were randomly selected from the stratum “settlement areas”, where WorldView-3 imagery supported both stratification and plot selection. The plots were fully mapped for trees, where a total of eleven variables had been observed for each tree. In addition, the basal area and wood volume was calculated to understand the biomass potential of the trees in the plots. The diversity indices such as the Shannon index, Simpson index, Pielou’s evenness and Margalef’s richness were considered for comparing the species diversity, composition and distribution along the gradient of Bengaluru. A total of 1128 individuals of 93 tree species were recorded. Among 92 species identified along the northern gradient, 53 are exotic, and 39 are native species. The Shannon–Wiener index varied from 1.33 to 2.72; Simpson’s index varied from 0.65 to 0.90; Pielou’s index varied from 0.66 to 0.90, and Margalef’s index ranged from 1.41 to 5.20 along the gradient. The basal area increased from 96.39 m2 to 102.76 m2 from 2017 to 2019 along the transect, with a net gain of 6.37 m2. Similarly, the wood volume increased from 1819.57 m3 to 1926.23 m3 with a net gain of 106.66 m3. The present study reports on tree distribution, species composition and tree species diversity along a gradient from the city center to the rural surroundings of northern parts of Bengaluru city. The information generated may support the city planners/administrators by providing a holistic understanding of the species composition and abundance for a further selection of adaptive species and appropriate tree and vegetation management practices to conserve the existing green spaces and contribute towards sustainable urban planning. The sample plots laid out may also serve as permanent observation plots for monitoring the dynamics of tree cover in the city.
Soil Organic Carbon in Alley Cropping Systems: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ivezić Vladimir , Lorenz Klaus , Lal Rattan
Published: January 2022

Population growth and an increasing demand for food cause the intensification of agriculture leading to soil degradation and a decrease in the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. Agroforestry systems such as alley cropping are gaining more and more attention as a practice to maintain and/or increase SOC in agroecosystems. The aim of this study was to add to the knowledge on SOC in alley cropping systems and to evaluate the contribution of introducing trees into agricultural landscapes by conducting a meta-analysis of the available data. The soil carbon (C) input will increase with time. Our findings suggest that a beneficial effect on SOC occurs after approximately a decade of alley cropping practice adoption. Furthermore, the effect of alley cropping is more beneficial in regions with lower initial SOC concentration compared to that in regions rich in SOC. Higher relative SOC is observed in the tropical region compared to that in the temperate climate zone. The establishment of alley cropping systems on agricultural land needs to consider several parameters such as alley width and tree species when designing such systems to achieve the highest possible tree and crop productivity while increasing SOC.
An Evaluation of Supply Chain Performance of China’s Prefabricated Building from the Perspective of Sustainability
Authors: Zhao Shiman , Wang Junwu , Ye Mengwei , Huang Qiyun , Si Xiang
Published: January 2022

Prefabricated building is an objective requirement to achieve sustainable development of the construction industry. However, it should be noted that Chinese enterprises are characterized by an immature supply chain management mechanism, and weak environmental protection awareness and social responsibility awareness. Therefore, from the perspective of sustainable development, a performance evaluation system for a prefabricated building supply chain was established based on SEM (Structural Equation Model) and virtual frontier SBM–DEA (Slacks-Based Measure and Data Envelopment Analysis). Upon summarization of a great deal of literatures, the most influential 34 indexes were selected, after which the weight calculation and index screening were performed using SEM method. Second, the performance evaluation was conducted using the virtual SBM–DEA method. Horizontally, a comparison is made on the performance and total performance of the four sub-units (supply chain operation, economic benefit, environmental protection and social liabilities) in the supply chain; vertically, the dynamic changes of the supply chain in time dimension are assessed. After the evaluation system was applied into enterprises, research results show that factors affecting the performance of the corporate supply chain are ranked as: supply chain operation > economic benefits > environmental protection > social responsibility. At the same time, the performance of 14 supply chains was evaluated, in order to provide guidance for supply chain management in enterprises.
Digital Product-Service Systems: The Role of Data in the Transition to Servitization Business Models
Authors: Langley David J.
Published: January 2022

The Circular Economy, as a guiding model for business processes, is attracting interest due to its potential for aligning business and societal goals as it offers companies the opportunity to simultaneously focus on economic value creation and on the mitigation of environmental damage. It is becoming increasingly clear that digital technologies are an essential component of this model as they enable transparency and efficiency in closing material and energy cycles. Additionally, digitalization leads to efficient business models that revolve around adapting the value proposition to the insights gained from the continual analysis of data, shifting the emphasis of Product-Service Systems towards the service end of the spectrum. As such, these new business models are categorized as forms of Servitization. Despite the increasing importance of Servitization and digitalizing business processes, such as the move towards what is referred to as Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing industry, the associated transition towards widespread adoption of the principles of the Circular Economy is slow. This explorative study investigates key themes and challenges in transitioning towards digitally-enabled Servitization in the manufacturing industry and the relationship with the Circular Economy. Through interviews with experts from the realms of digital technology, Industry 4.0, and business sustainability, a set of research questions is developed that forms a research agenda.
Elaborate Monitoring of Land-Cover Changes in Cultural Landscapes at Heritage Sites Using Very High-Resolution Remote-Sensing Images
Authors: Tang Yunwei , Chen Fulong , Yang Wei , Ding Yanbin , Wan Haoming , Sun Zhongchang , Jing Linhai
Published: January 2022

Insufficient data and imperfect methods are the main obstacles to realize Target 11.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Very high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing provides a useful tool to elaborate monitor land-cover changes in cultural landscapes so as to evaluate the authenticity and integrity of the cultural heritage sites (CHS). In this study, we developed a semi-automatic two-level workflow to efficiently extract delicate land-cover changes from bi-temporal VHR images (with spatial resolution ≤ 1 m), where most current studies can only manually interpret changes at this scale. Based on the monitoring result, we proposed an indicator named interference degree that can quantify the changes in cultural landscapes of the CHS as a complementary indicator to achieve Target 11.4 for SDGs. Three representative types of CHS with different landscapes were studied in 2015 and 2020 based on the VHR Google Earth images, including cave temples, ancient architectural buildings, and ancient sites. The proposed workflow was demonstrated to be effective in extracting delicate changes efficiently with the accuracy around 85%. The interference degree well reflects the preservation status of these CHS and can be periodically observed in a long term as an evaluation indicator. This study shows the potential to produce the first-hand global-monitoring data of CHS to support Target 11.4, thus serving for the sustainable development of the world’s cultural heritage.
Effect of Different Land-Use Types on Soil Properties in Cheha District, South-Central Ethiopia
Authors: Kebebew Solomon , Bedadi Bobe , Erkossa Teklu , Yimer Fantaw , Wogi Lemma
Published: January 2022

Land-use changes under poor management practices are among the major causes of decline in soil fertility and agricultural productivity in south-central Ethiopia. Therefore, the study of soil properties variations across land-use types will have implications for planning proper soil management strategies. This study assessed the effects of land-use types on soil physicochemical properties in the Cheha district, south-central Ethiopia. Seven land-use types, eucalyptus plantation, cultivated, grazing, shrub, enset (Ensete ventricosum), khat (Chata edulis), and natural forest, were considered in describing soil fertility. A total of 21 soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected randomly from three representative soil sampling plots across each land-use type and examined for their analysis of soil physicochemical properties. Results showed that land-use changes induced significant (p < 0.05) differences in the soil OC, total N, CEC, pH, aluminum saturation, and Fe among land-use types were observed. Soils under eucalyptus plantation were considerably low in the sand (23.44%), silt (24.00%), and available water content (111.13 mm/m), whereas high in clay (52.56%) content and bulk density (1.39 g cm−3) as compared to enset land-use type. Compared to natural forest, soils under enset land-use type were high in soil OC (2.41%), total N (0.23%), and CEC (37.61 cmol (+) kg−1) followed by khat land-use. Correlation analysis also showed a highly significant positive relationship between soil OC and CEC but negative with bulk density, soil pH, and aluminum saturation. Total N in eucalyptus plantation, cultivated, khat, and enset lands were depleted by 56.0%, 40.0%, 36.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. Relative to forest land, lower exchangeable Ca, Mg, and Na contents were recorded in soils of cultivated land use. The extractable Fe, Mn, and Zn contents of soils were generally high and are not limiting for crop production. The intensive exploitation of land resources and improper soil management systems in the area could be the major factors for variations in soil properties across land-use types. Therefore, there is a need to develop integrated soil management practices that could help to restore soil nutrients and thereby minimize the continuing soil degradation for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Shaping Arctic’s Tomorrow through Indigenous Knowledge Engagement and Knowledge Co-Production
Authors: Degai Tatiana , Petrov Andrey , Badhe Renuka , Egede Dahl Parnuna , Döring Nina , Dudeck Stephan , Herrmann Thora , Golovnev Andrei , Mack Liza , Omma Elle , Retter Gunn-Britt , Saxinger Gertrude , Scheepstra Annette , Shadrin Chief , Shorty Norma , Strawhacker Colleen
Published: January 2022

This perspective presents a statement of the 10th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production panel and discussion group, 20 July 2021. The statement is designed to serve as a characterization of the state-of-the-art and guidance for further advancement of Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production in the Arctic. It identifies existing challenges and provides specific recommendations for researchers, Indigenous communities, and funding agencies on meaningful recognition and engagement of Indigenous Knowledge systems.
Digitization in the Design and Construction Industry—Remote Work in the Context of Sustainability: A Study from Poland
Authors: Orzeł Bartosz , Wolniak Radosław
Published: January 2022

The article presents the results of research on the digitization of services provided by the design industry in the context of the implementation of sustainable development goals, especially environmental sustainability. First, a literature review has been done. These research goals were established in the publication: investigating the impact of remote work on the implementation of sustainable development goals (in particular, environmental), examining the essence of better perception of remote work and digitization of the design process by employees of the design and construction industry, and examining barriers and factors favoring the digitization of the design and construction industry in Poland. Both a survey and interviews were carried out. To analyze data obtained from the interviews, the Colaizzi’s methodology was performed. The data obtained as a result of the survey were subjected to a statistical analysis using a cluster analysis (Ward’s method). Groups (clusters) of strong and weak barriers, supporting factors, and sustainability factors were defined. The COVID-19 pandemic has perpetuated the digitization trend in this industry. Employees and owners of project offices prefer remote work due to the flexibility of working time, time savings, work comfort, safety, and savings. Industry employees recognize the advantages and benefits of remote work in terms of environmental sustainability. The environmental impact in the form in the reduction of electricity consumption by large office buildings and reduction of the emission of harmful substances contained in car exhaust fumes are the most frequently mentioned environmental advantages. The biggest barriers are legal aspects, and sometimes difficult cooperation with a client. The research results presented in this publication, as well as the methodology adopted, are a contribution to the literature on the perception and comfort of remote work, the social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental sustainability.
Study of Design and Construction of Transit Facilities in Rural Areas in USA
Authors: Kermanshachi Sharareh , Safapour Elnaz , Pamidimukkala Apurva
Published: January 2022

The United States rural transit facilities have a considerable impact on annual transportation expenditures as there are many of them and they are geographically dispersed. It is challenging to estimate the design and construction costs of the facilities, as the historical and documented cost database is insufficient; therefore, the ultimate aim of this study was to establish a baseline estimate for design and construction costs. Additionally, the key information associated with the different aspects of rural transit facility projects was also provided in this study. Interviews were conducted with professional managers of different departments of transportation (DOTs) who were involved in rural transit projects. A structured survey was then developed and distributed to various DOT representatives, and 26 of them were completed and returned. Two regression models were generated by utilizing the survey data to predict the design and construction costs of rural transit facilities, based on the size of the projects. Furthermore, the results revealed that issues arising from soil conditions and unexpected underground conditions are frequently risk factors for construction of transit facilities. It was also concluded that the popular approach to estimating the cost of the design and construction phases associated with transit facility projects is to use the data from similar projects. These findings support the need for additional literature to provide a baseline estimate for design and construction costs and key information of different important aspects of rural transit facilities.
Optimization of the Process Parameters of Fully Mechanized Top-Coal Caving in Thick-Seam Coal Using BP Neural Networks
Authors: Liang Minfu , Hu Chengjun , Yu Rui , Wang Lixin , Zhao Baofu , Xu Ziyue
Published: January 2022

The method of fully mechanized top-coal caving mining has become the main method of mining thick-seam coal. The process parameters of fully mechanized caving will affect the recovery rate and gangue content of top coal. Through numerical simulation software, the top-coal recovery rate and gangue content, under different fully mechanized caving process parameters, were simulated, and the influence law of different fully mechanized caving process parameters on top-coal recovery rate and gangue content was obtained. A decision model for top-coal caving process parameters was established with a BP neural network, and the optimal top-coal caving parameters were obtained for the actual situation of a working face. On this basis, a in-lab similarity simulation test of the particle material was carried out. The results show that the top-coal recovery rate and gangue content were 86.56% and 3.45%, respectively, and the coal caving effect was good. A BP neural network was used to study the decisions optimizing fully mechanized caving process parameters, which effectively improved the decision-making efficiency thereabout and provided a basis for realizing intelligent, fully mechanized caving mining.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates Production by Mixed Microbial Culture under High Salinity
Authors: Carvalho João M. , Marreiros Bruno C. , Reis Maria A. M.
Published: January 2022

The fishing industry produces vast amounts of saline organic side streams that require adequate treatment and disposal. The bioconversion of saline resources into value-added products, such as biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), has not yet been fully explored. This study investigated PHA production by mixed microbial cultures under 30 gNaCl/L, the highest NaCl concentration reported for the acclimatization of a PHA-accumulating mixed microbial culture (MMC). The operational conditions used during the culture-selection stage resulted in an enriched PHA-accumulating culture dominated by the Rhodobacteraceae family (95.2%) and capable of storing PHAs up to 84.1% wt. (volatile suspended solids (VSS) basis) for the highest organic loading rate (OLR) applied (120 Cmmol/(L.d)). This culture presented a higher preference for the consumption of valeric acid (0.23 ± 0.03 CmolHVal/(CmolX.h)), and the 3HV monomer polymerization (0.33 ± 0.04 CmmolHV/(CmmolX.h) was higher as well. As result, a P(3HB-co-3HV)) with high HV content (63% wt.) was produced in the accumulation tests conducted at higher OLRs and with 30 gNaCl/L. A global volumetric PHA productivity of 0.77 gPHA/(L.h) and a specific PHA productivity of 0.21 gPHA/(gX.h) were achieved. These results suggested the significant potential of the bioconversion of saline resources into value-added products, such as PHAs.
Fostering Sustainability through Mobility Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
Authors: De La Torre Eva M. , Perez-Encinas Adriana , Gomez-Mediavilla Gillian
Published: January 2022

International mobility programmes embed higher education (HE) students in a learning process in which they gain key knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs), some of them crucial in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We propose an innovative theoretical framework that links such KSAs to the UNESCO’s Key Competences for Sustainability and specific SDGs. Moreover, we analysed which KSAs are addressed by institutional initiatives to support mobility students, exposing their contribution to the SDGs. Finally, we revised mobile students’ needs of institutional support on KSA’s acquisition through focus groups. Results show that the KSAs most addressed by the institutional initiatives are related to several SDGs, but mainly to SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Notwithstanding, additional institutional support may be needed for students to leverage their learning outcomes and transform international mobility into a key driver of the necessary social change towards the achievement of SDGs.
Application of Forecasting as an Element of Effective Management in the Field of Improving Occupational Health and Safety in the Steel Industry in Poland
Authors: Małysa Tomasz
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Every day, human beings fall victim to accidents. We implement solutions aimed at reducing accidents in everyday life, but we are not able to eliminate all accidents from our life. This article addresses the issue of forecasting accidents at work in the steel industry in Poland. Particular attention is paid to other accidents, given that those events are most often recorded in the sector under analysis. (2) Methods: The process of predicting quantitative data on the number of persons injured in other accidents in 2009–2018 employed Holt’s models: with an additive and multiplicative trend, with the trend smoothing effect in the multiplicative and additive formula. (3) Results: The forecasts prepared on the basis of Holt’s models and the combined model show a decreasing trend in the number of persons injured in other accidents in the steel sector, which is a positive development in the area of occupational safety and health. (4) Conclusions: The number of persons injured in other accidents at work in the steel sector shows a downward trend, which is significant and valid information for managers. The analysis of the results indicated that the combined forecast model best reflects the accidents at work in the steel industry.
Work Values Predict Job Satisfaction among Chinese Teachers during COVID-19: The Mediation Role of Work Engagement
Authors: Fute Antony , Oubibi Mohamed , Sun Binghai , Zhou Yueliang , Xiao Weilong
Published: January 2022

Teachers’ job satisfaction is a prominent aspect that determines workplace well-being and job performance. With the outbreak of COVID-19, changes in the teaching process have emerged (e.g., the shift to online classes and an increase in teaching hours), which might be affecting job satisfaction. A closer look at predictors of teachers’ job satisfaction and the level to which they have influenced teaching satisfaction during the period of COVID-19 pandemic is very important. This survey involved a sample of 2886 Chinese teachers to examine the effects of teachers’ work values on their job satisfaction through the mediating role of work engagement. The analysis by SPSS 25 and PROCESS for SPSS software was run, and the results showed a strong effect of teachers’ work values on job satisfaction (β = 0.203, SE = 0.203, p < 0.01) and of work values on job satisfaction through the mediating role of work engagement (β = 0.204, SE = 0.017, p < 0.01). From the correlation analysis, work values strongly correlated with work engagement (r = 0.499, p < 0.01) and job satisfaction (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). Teachers’ work values and work engagement played a predicting role on job satisfaction among Chinese teachers during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison of Bacterial Community Structure in PM2.5 within Broiler Houses under Different Rearing Systems in China
Authors: Khan Imran , Wang Wenxing , Ye Xiaobin , Isa Adamu Mani , Khan Muhammad Tariq , Sa Renna , Liu Lei , Ma Teng , Zhang Hongfu
Published: January 2022

Background: In intensive poultry farming, high concentrations of indoor particulate matter (PM) impact production performance and welfare. In this study, PM2.5 level and bacterial community diversity were investigated in a multilayer cage house rearing system (CH) and a net flooring house rearing system (FH) during different growth stages to clarify the effects of the rearing systems on the diversity of airborne bacteria and help improve health management. Methods: The IC and high-throughput sequencing were used for ion composition and bacterial diversity analysis of PM2.5 collected from CH and FH. Results: The concentrations of NH3, CO2 and PM2.5 in CH were significantly lower than FH (p < 0.001) in both middle and late rearing stages. PM concentrations gradually increased with broiler growth only in FH. The water-soluble ions of PM2.5 samples had no significant difference between the two systems (p > 0.05). Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in both the atmosphere and the broiler houses, but the composition was significantly different. The bacterial community in the broiler houses had strong correlations with temperature, humidity and PM of extremely high concentrations. Ions had stronger correlations with microbial community structure. Conclusions: The superiority of CH in environmental control over FH indicates that improved techniques in environmental control and breeding management can greatly reduce farming air pollution and improve the health management of broiler houses.
Seasonal and Spatial Variability of Atmospheric Emissions from Shipping along the Northern Sea Route
Authors: Figenschau Nikolai , Lu Jinmei
Published: January 2022

Large seasonal and spatial variabilities in Arctic shipping and its associated emissions are expected in the future, due to continuous sea ice decline. This study collected ship traffic data and the associated emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), and black carbon (BC) along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in 2013. The aim is to analyze the seasonal and spatial variations in ship traffic and the associated emissions along the NSR. The potential factors for these variations are discussed. The results showed strong seasonal and spatial variations in ship traffic and the associated emissions. In winter and spring, the number of ships and the associated emissions were low and limited to the Barents Sea. In summer, they almost doubled and showed a clear eastward and northward expansion, covering most of the study area and forming trans-Arctic shipping lanes, which remained throughout the autumn. The spatial distribution of emissions was similar to that for ship traffic, showing a decreasing trend from west to east. SO2 and PM peaked one month prior to the others and exhibited relatively high emissions, especially along shipping lanes, which may be linked to the changes in ship and fuel types.
Experimenting with New Ways of Circular and Participatory Design: The Case Study of a Traditional Sicilian Architecture Transformed for Experiential Tourism
Authors: Tedesco Silvia , Montacchini Elena , Insinna Loris
Published: January 2022

Circular economy, participatory design, and experiential tourism are the starting points for the “Il Pagliaru Novu” research project, whose aim is to redesign, in an innovative scope, a traditional Sicilian rural architecture called pagliaru. This paper aims to present such research, which experimented—in parallel—a circular design approach and a virtual participatory design experience to develop a microarchitecture for experiential tourism. We describe the method and design process behind the Pagliaru Novu, and the features—combining tradition and innovation—of such microarchitecture. The design, and especially the entire design process, highlights how a series of constraints related to the pandemic may turn into opportunities.
Environmental Assessment of a Diesel Engine Fueled with Various Biodiesel Blends: Polynomial Regression and Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Alahmer Ali , Alahmer Hussein , Handam Ahmed , Rezk Hegazy
Published: January 2022

A series of tests were carried out to assess the environmental effects of biodiesel blends made of different vegetable oil, such as corn, sunflower, and palm, on exhaust and noise diesel engine emissions. Biodiesel blends with 20% vegetable oil biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel by volume were developed. The tests were conducted in a stationary diesel engine test bed consisting of a single-cylinder, four-stroke, and direct injection engine at variable engine speed. A prediction framework in terms of polynomial regression (PR) was first adopted to determine the correlation between the independent variables (engine speed, fuel type) and the dependent variables (exhaust emissions, noise level, and brake thermal efficiency). After that, a regression model was optimized by the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm to update the current positions of the population in the discrete searching space, resulting in the optimal engine speed and fuel type for lower exhaust and noise emissions and maximizing engine performance. The following conclusions were drawn from the experimental and optimization results: in general, the emissions of unburned hydrocarbon (UHC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) from all the different types of biodiesel blends were lower than those of diesel fuel. In contrast, the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted by all the types of biodiesel blends increased. The noise level produced by all the forms of biodiesel, especially palm biodiesel fuel, was lowered when compared to pure diesel. All the tested fuels had a high noise level in the middle frequency band, at 75% engine load, and high engine speeds. On average, the proposed PR-GWO model exhibited remarkable predictive reliability, with a high square of correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9823 and a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0177. Finally, the proposed model achieved superior outcomes, which may be utilized to predict and maximize engine performance and minimize exhaust and noise emissions.
Feral Cats in the Subtropics of Australia—The Shamrock Station Irrigation Project
Authors: Lohr Michael Thomas , Algar Dave , Hamilton Neil , Lohr Cheryl Anne
Published: January 2022

Environmental damage caused by the intensification of agriculture may be compensated by implementing conservation projects directed towards reducing threatening processes and conserving threatened native species. In Australia, feral cats (Felis catus) have been a ubiquitous threatening process to Australian fauna since European colonisation. On Shamrock Station, in the north-west of Western Australia, the Argyle Cattle Company has proposed intensifying agriculture through the installation of irrigation pivots. There is concern that irrigating land and storing agricultural produce may indirectly increase the abundance of feral cats and European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the property, which in turn may negatively impact threatened bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) that also inhabit the property. Feral cat control is required under the approved management plan for this project to mitigate this potential impact. Our baseline study revealed a high density of feral cats on Shamrock Station (0.87 cats km−2) and dietary data that suggest the current native mammal assemblage on Shamrock Station is depauperate. Given the high density of feral cats in this area, the effective control of this introduced predator is likely to confer benefits to the bilby and other native species susceptible to cat predation. We recommend ongoing monitoring of both native species and feral cats to determine if there is a benefit in implementing feral cat control around areas of intensive agriculture and associated cattle production.
Optimization of Capacity Allocation Models with Effort Dependent Demand in Global Supply Chain
Authors: Kim Seungbeom , Chung Kwanghun
Published: January 2022

In a demand driven market, optimal allocation of capacity to the demand has been one of the major issues. In this paper, we consider a single global freight firm allocating its capacity to its own regional sales offices. The firm sells cargo space based on two types of contracts: long-term and spot sales. Regional sales offices utilize their effort to generate more demand in their designated region. In other words, it is assumed that the demand is dependent on their efforts. First, we find a closed-form solution for the optimal level of the efforts of a single sales office in a specific region. Then, we study the case when the firm allocates its limited total capacity to two sales offices. We investigate different methods of capacity allocation: decentralization, centralization, and mixed, by conducting numerical studies. Different from the traditional finding, we suggest that the decentralization method is not always dominated by the centralization method.