bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Xerophytophysiology and Signal Transduction in Plant Production—Flower Qualities in Eustoma grandiflorum Were Improved by Sub-Irrigation
Authors: Xu Hui-Lian , Bai Jianfang , Kawabata Saneyuki , Chang Tingting
Published: January 2023

Relatively mild xerophytic or hardening treatments can induce healthy development of plants. In the present study, as one of xerophytophysiological applications, sub-irrigation was applied to a flower plant of Eustoma grandiflorum to confirm whether the sub-irrigation improved flowering quality in addition to plant growth and physiology. As shown by the results, long-term sub-irrigation induced osmotic adjustment, with osmolyte concentration increasing 32.8 osmol m−3 (p ≤ 0.01), improved leaf photosynthetic activities, with more than 10% (p ≤ 0.05) increase in photosynthetic capacity, and promoted plant growth, with a shoot biomass increase by 27.5% (p ≤ 0.01) and a root increase by 50.5% (p ≤ 0.01). These improvements were attributed to turgor maintenance and cell water re-compartmentation into the symplasm, which were both the consequence of osmotic adjustment. The lower osmotic potential and lower relative leaf water potential at incipient plasmolysis suggested that plants in sub-irrigation plots might be more resistant to environmental stresses. Sub-irrigation also improved flower quality shown by increased anthocyanin concentration (16% up, p ≤ 0.01). Flower quality improvement might be attributed to up-regulation of the PAL gene, which could catalyze the synthesis of anthocyanins. PAL gene up-regulation might be associated with a concentration increase in salicylic acid (SA), which was suggested as a plant hormone for signaling. Sub-irrigation also affected the flower opening and closing oscillations with less changed opening size or oscillation amplitude. We adopted mathematical models and thoroughly analyzed dynamic changes in photosynthesis, plant growth, and flower opening oscillations. In conclusion, sub-irrigation was a feasible practice and could be used in E. grandiflorum culture to improve plant growth and flower opening quality.
Experiment on Sediment Ammonia Nitrogen Release of Chaohu Lake in Varying Hydrodynamic Disturbance
Authors: Xu Suyao , Lu Jing , Chen Lichong , Luo Wenguang , Zhu Senlin
Published: January 2023

Shallow water has low depth, and hydrodynamic conditions may change with the effect of wind and waves, resulting in sediment suspension and pollutant release. To investigate the influence of sediment incipient motion on ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) release in shallow lakes under hydrodynamic disturbance, we monitored ammonia nitrogen concentration in the overlying water of sediments in Chaohu Lake under static, weak, and strong disturbance conditions and analyzed the ammonia nitrogen release rate based on the these concentrations. In static condition, the sediment particles on the surface moved individually (individual movement), and the ammonia nitrogen release rate was 9.59 mg/m2/day. When the disturbance was weak and a small proportion of sediment particles started to move (small movement), the ammonia nitrogen release rate increased to 34.21 mg/m2/day. When the disturbance was further strengthened, and most of the sediment particles moved (general movement), the ammonia nitrogen release rate was 77.04 mg/m2/day. Distribution showed that the release rate varied the most in the western area followed by the eastern area, and the central area had the lowest release rate. The daily release of ammonia nitrogen in Chaohu Lake ranged from 8742.3 kg to 61,008.59 kg. In this experiment, we combined sediment movement and pollutant release, which provides a new reference for the study of pollutant release in shallow lakes and for ammonia nitrogen management in other shallow lakes.
Online Delivery Problem for Hybrid Truck–Drone System with Independent and Truck-Carried Drones
Authors: Gou Mengyuan , Yu Haiyan
Published: January 2023

Considering real-time requests and multiple truck–drone delivery modes, we propose an online delivery problem using a truck and some drones, which form a hybrid truck–drone delivery collaboration system comprising independent and truck-carried drones. Considering this problem, we focus on how to schedule the vehicles to serve real-time requests, with the objective of minimizing the time of the latest vehicle’s return to the delivery station. First, we proved the lower bound of this problem to be 1.5. Second, we designed an online re-planning algorithm and proved its competitive ratio to be 2.5. As the online re-planning algorithm invokes an offline algorithm, an offline model was established, and an offline drone priority algorithm was designed. Then, we verified the effectiveness of the offline algorithm by comparing it with the CPLEX solution, and the stability of the online re-planning algorithm with different input parameters was studied through MATLAB simulation. Finally, the minimal latest time saving was calculated by comparing the hybrid truck–drone collaboration system with a truck-only delivery system. This research provides theoretical support for addressing the hybrid truck–drone delivery problem.
Construction and Demolition Waste as Substrate Component Improved the Growth of Container-Grown Duranta repens
Authors: Jia Jingjing , Zhang Zhiguo , Tai Zhijuan , Yang Ming , Luo Yuxin , Yang Zhuo , Zhou Yumei
Published: January 2023

Small size construction and demolition waste (CDW) is rarely reused and consequently causes environmental problems. CDW can increase aeration porosity of soil due to the big surface area and water absorption. In order to investigate the feasibility and function of CDW as a component of container substrate, we mixed four small sizes CDW (<10 mm) of 0–3, 3–6, 6–8, and 0–10 mm with clay soil according to the mass ratios of 20%, 35%, and 50% to plant one-year old Duranta repens cuttings, clay soil (CS) and pure CDW (CW) as the controls. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to screen the most suitable particle size and proportion of CDW for plant growth and physiological function. The substrate containing 50% 3–6 mm CDW (S6) had the higher aeration porosity, lower water loss, better water retention and permeability, and therefore higher PCA score. The total branch length of plants in the S6 was increased by 18% and 71%, leaf area by 116% and 444%, and net photosynthetic rate by 10% and 59% compared to CS and CW, respectively. The suitable CDW has potential to improve substrate properties and can effectively improve plant growth. Meanwhile, the reuse of CDW can partially alleviate the problem of construction waste disposal and environmental pollution, and provide reference for the research on the combination of CDW and landscaping.
Regional Energy–Economy–Environment Coupling Coordinated Development System Driven by Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutralization over 13 Cities in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Ye Jing , Tian Lixin , Zhou Yuwen
Published: January 2023

It is important to explore the energy–economy–environment (3E) coupling mechanism for building a sustainable economy in the context of carbon-peaking and carbon-neutralization strategy. Based on the DPSIRM (driving force–pressure–state–influence–response–management) theoretical model, this paper constructs the evaluation system of 3E coupling-coordinated development, takes the carbon-neutral and sustainable-development strategy and spatiotemporal heterogeneity into account in the index system, and constitutes the energy–economy–environment and carbon-neutral strategy–sustainable development–space (3E3S) strategic-development model. This paper uses the coupling-coordination-degree model to measure the coordinated development of 3E in Jiangsu from 2010 to 2020 and analyzes the time-sequence evolution and spatial-difference evolution characteristics of the coupling-coordinated development. The results show that (1) when the coupling coefficient of 3E was in a stable and high-level coupling state and the correlation degree of each system was high, the coupling-coordination degree increased from 0.4 in 2010 to 0.7 in 2020; the level of coordination of 3E coupling transited from the initial maladjustment recession to the intermediate coordinated development and moved towards high-quality coordinated development. (2) In addition, at the beginning, the development level of southern and central Jiangsu was generally higher than that of northern Jiangsu; in the middle term, the overall development was in a stage of barely coordinated development. The urban difference between northern and central Jiangsu was relatively high, and the level in southern Jiangsu was generally high; in the later stage, the overall development was in a well-coordinated stage. The development of southern Jiangsu was relatively saturated, gradually approaching the stage of high-quality coordinated development. Roughly speaking, in 2010, the average level of coupling coordination degree of South Jiangsu, Central Jiangsu, and North Jiangsu was 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3, respectively; by 2020, it had developed to 0.9, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively, and the development level rose steadily despite regional differences. The level of coupling coordination generally increased from north to south. Therefore, strengthening the strategic-development awareness of 3E and establishing and improving the government consultation mechanism according to local conditions will help decision-makers to formulate effective regional sustainable-development and carbon-neutral strategies and form a coordinated-development strategy of 3E3S in Jiangsu.
Optimal Parameter Determination of Membrane Bioreactor to Boost Biohydrogen Production-Based Integration of ANFIS Modeling and Honey Badger Algorithm
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Olabi A. G. , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Alami Abdul Hai , Sayed Enas Taha
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen is a new promising energy source. Three operating parameters, including inlet gas flow rate, pH and impeller speed, mainly determine the biohydrogen production from membrane bioreactor. The work aims to boost biohydrogen production by determining the optimal values of the control parameters. The proposed methodology contains two parts: modeling and parameter estimation. A robust ANIFS model to simulate a membrane bioreactor has been constructed for the modeling stage. Compared with RMS, thanks to ANFIS, the RMSE decreased from 2.89 using ANOVA to 0.0183 using ANFIS. Capturing the proper correlation between the inputs and output of the membrane bioreactor process system encourages the constructed ANFIS model to predict the output performance exactly. Then, the optimal operating parameters were identified using the honey badger algorithm. During the optimization process, inlet gas flow rate, pH and impeller speed are used as decision variables, whereas the biohydrogen production is the objective function required to be maximum. The integration between ANFIS and HBA boosted the hydrogen production yield from 23.8 L to 25.52 L, increasing by 7.22%.
Smart Mega-City Development in Practice: A Case of Shanghai, China
Authors: Cui Qinghong , Chen Run , Wei Ruirui , Hu Xiancun , Wang Guangbin
Published: January 2023

As Shanghai is a megacity and pioneer in smart city development in China, this paper used Shanghai as a megacity example to investigate smart city development over the past ten years. By collecting data from multiple sources, a case study methodology was utilized to explore Shanghai’s smart megacity development in practice. Based on the key events and phases of Shanghai’s smart city development, the practical contents were systematically investigated. The main conclusions of this research included four aspects, consisting of information infrastructure, information technology and industrial development, information perception and smart applications, and a security assurance system. Moreover, a conceptual framework for Shanghai’s smart city development was constructed by integrating the phases and contents. Furthermore, the implications of Shanghai’s smart city development are critically discussed and identified from five aspects, including the development pathway, the government’s role, the financing channel, information and communication technology (ICT)-driven development, and a people-oriented concept. This study benefits academia, governments, and practitioners by providing useful insights and valuable implications for other cities to develop smart cities.
Effects of Elevated CO2 on the Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Yield of Two Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) under Persistent Drought Stress
Authors: Yang Qi , Li Ping , Zhang Dongsheng , Lin Wen , Hao Xingyu , Zong Yuzheng
Published: January 2023

The interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and drought on leaf photosynthesis, physiology and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are not well understood. This study evaluated the effects of persistent drought stress (35–45% of field water capacity) and elevated CO2 (ambient concentration + 200 μmol mol–1) on leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, stress physiological indices, biomass, and grain weight (in g m−2) in two wheat cultivars (large-spike cultivar Z175 and multiple-spike cultivar Triumph) at the open-top chamber (OTC) experimental facility in North China. We found that elevated [CO2] enhanced the positive effects of drought on Fv/Fm and WUE but did not ameliorate the adverse effects of drought on PN in the two cultivars. Moreover, as a large-spike cultivar, Z175 showed enhanced photosynthesis performance and sink capacity (spike number and kernel number per spike) compared with Triumph in the grain filling stage under elevated [CO2], which helped counteract the adverse effects of drought. In contrast, although Triumph had more tillers and spikes at the current [CO2] concentration, most of them were thin and had limited photosynthesis capacity. The photosynthesis capacity of leaves on the main shoot and the spike number did not significantly increase in Triumph under elevated [CO2]. Hence, elevated [CO2] mitigated drought-induced inhibition of grain weight in Z175 plants but not in Triumph plants under persistent drought stress.
When Governing Urban Waters Differently: Five Tenets for Socio-Environmental Justice in Urban Climate Adaptation Interventions
Authors: Radonic Lucero , Zuniga-Teran Adriana
Published: January 2023

Municipalities, their utilities and resource managers are designing and implementing policies and programs toward climate adaptation, which means governing urban water resources differently. Urban water managers are thus expanding their roles and responsibilities through the installation and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems. This system expansion is perhaps more striking for water utilities administering GSI-related programs because they acquire a role that has an impact on how residents and neighborhoods will differentially experience the effects of climate change. Through an in-depth qualitative study of a GSI program in Tucson, Arizona, USA, we contribute to the socio-environmental justice framework with specific attention to distributive, procedural, recognition, interactional, and mobility justice. We highlight that a socio-environmental justice approach requires resource managers and decision-makers to recognize and respect the ways in which people’s everyday relationship to water and water infrastructure is impacted by culturally mediated social norms and values, as well as legacies of exclusion and inclusion in urban development and resource governance. Thus, we argue that discussions around water equity in urban water governance need to be placed within a socio-environmental justice framework to address historical inequalities and ensure these are not reproduced through GSI.
Using Agricultural Mixed Waste as a Sustainable Technique for Removing Stable Isotopes and Radioisotopes from the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Abdelhamid Arwa A. , Badr Mogeda H. , Mohamed Ramadan A. , Saleh Hosam M.
Published: January 2023

In the current study, dried ground mixed waste of olive waste and water hyacinth was subjected to the treatment of wastewater contaminated with stable or radioactive cobalt and cesium. Contact time, temperature, amount of adsorbent, metal ion concentration and pH-value were evaluated as the most potent factors that affect the adsorption process. Concentrations of Co and Cs ions before and after treatment are measured using ICP-OES technique. Moreover, kinetic and equilibrium isotherm parameters were investigated by explaining the equilibrium data by induction of two isotherms, “Langmuir” and “Freundlich”. Experimental results indicated that more than 85% of 60Co and 134Cs were efficiently removed from spiked wastewater after one hour of contact time by using 0.2 g of dried mixed waste. The optimal time to remove Cs+ and Co2+ was 50 and 90 min, respectively. The kinetic study showed that the adsorption of Cs+ and Co2+ were better suited to the second order. The most favorable pH value was at a range of 6–7 for Cs+ and 5–6 for Co2+. R2 values were higher at the Freundlich isotherm, indicating that the adsorption process was taking place according to Freundlich isotherm at all temperatures for Co2+ and Cs+ ions.
Evaluation of Energy Utilization Efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Lu Cuijie , Jiang Gaopeng , Zhang Xintong , Li Pan , Li Jie
Published: January 2023

The reasonable optimization of energy structures and improvement of energy utilization efficiency are the inevitable way to achieve new progress in ecological civilization construction. The Yangtze River Economic Belt, as the leading demonstration area of China’s ecological civilization construction, is of great significance to take the lead in clarifying its energy efficiency situation under the dual-carbon goal. For this purpose, this paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model, ML index and Tobit model considering undesired output to explore the energy efficiency and the main factors affecting it of nine provincial capitals and two municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2003 to 2019. The results show that: (1) During the investigation period, the energy efficiency values of 11 cities are above 1, with a recent trend of decline, and the energy efficiency difference between regions is still expanding. (2) From 2003 to 2019, the overall energy efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has gradually improved with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. Technological progress is the main force behind efficiency improvement, technical efficiency plays a small role, and the growth rate of the scale efficiency change index is only 1.3%, which means that the existing scale system of the Yangtze River Economic Belt still needs to be further improved. (3) The impact of industrial structure and government dominance on energy efficiency is significantly positive, while the degree of opening to the outside world is significantly negative. The relationship between economic development level and energy efficiency is an inverted “U” shape.
Comparison of Short and Long-Term Energy Performance and Decarbonization Potentials between Cogeneration and GSHP Systems under MARKAL Scenarios
Authors: Yuan Xiaolei , Zhu Mingya , Liang Yumin , Shahrestani Mehdi , Kosonen Risto
Published: January 2023

In response to the call for global carbon peaking and neutrality, this study mainly focuses on the comparison of energy-related carbon emissions and the performance of two promising heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technologies (a ground source heat pump (GSHP) and cogeneration systems) over both short (2021–2030) and long (2031–2050) periods, considering the UK decarbonization plans. The simulation model of the building with the GSHP system is validated by the actual building heating energy data in 2020 and 2021, with yearly deviations of only 0.4–0.5%. The results show that the cogeneration system performed better than the GSHP system in a scenario when there was no electricity decarbonization plan in the future. However, under all of the MARKet ALlocation (MARKAL) scenarios, the GSHP system performed much better than the cogeneration system in terms of carbon reduction in both periods, which can achieve 47.8–84.4% and maximum 97.5% carbon emission savings in short and long-term periods, respectively, compared with the cogeneration system. Due to the truth that electricity decarbonization plans will be optimized and executed in the future, the GSHP system is more promising and recommended compared with cogeneration system in both short- and long-term periods in terms of only decarbonization potentials (e.g., reducing carbon emission and achieving carbon-related environmental protection).
Foam and Antifoam Behavior of PDMS in MDEA-PZ Solution in the Presence of Different Degradation Products for CO2 Absorption Process
Authors: Ng Eileen Li Shien , Lau Kok Keong , Chin Sim Yee , Lim Soh Fong
Published: January 2023

Absorption is one of the most established techniques to capture CO2 from natural gas and post-combustion processes. Nevertheless, the absorption process frequently suffers from various operational issues, including foaming. The main objective of the current work is to elucidate the effect of degradation product on the foaming behavior in methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine (PZ) solution and evaluate the antifoaming performance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) antifoam. The foaming behavior was investigated based on types of degradation product, temperature, and gas flow rate. The presence of glycine, heptanoic acid, hexadecane, and bicine in MDEA-PZ solution cause significant foaming. The presence of hexadecane produced the highest amount of foam, followed by heptanoic acid, glycine and lastly bicine. It was found that increasing the gas flow rate increases foaming tendency and foam stability. Furthermore, increasing temperature increases foaming tendency, but reduces foam stability. Moreover, PDMS antifoam was able to reduce foam formation in the presence of different degradation products and at various temperatures and gas flow rates. It was found that PDMS antifoam works best in the presence of hexadecane with the highest average foam height reduction of 19%. Hence, this work will demonstrate the cause of foaming and the importance of antifoam in reducing its effect.
Assessing the Impact of the Recent Unprecedented World Events on the Economic and Environmental Conditions of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Kamel , Alahmadi Ramzi
Published: January 2023

This study quantitatively analyses the impacts that recent unprecedent events have had on the Saudi economy and environment using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model. These events include: the global outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated disruption to the global supply chain, the alarming rate of climate change, and various political conflicts. These events have affected global food and energy prices. The results of this study revealed a decline in Saudi GDP, household income, purchase ability, and welfare. A trade deficit was indicated in the Saudi trade balance because of higher food prices and a reduction in two of the main Saudi exports (oil and petroleum products). A decrease in the output of most Saudi industries was shown, despite the increase in exports for most sectors. This was because of the reduction in Saudi households’ domestic consumption. Regarding the environmental impact, the Input–Output Life Cycle Assessment (IO-LCA) approach was used to estimate the total CO2 emissions of the Saudi economy. In total, approximately 740.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions were estimated. By using a recently published specific carbon intensity for Saudi oil, total Saudi CO2 emissions were 24.59% less than the non-specific measure.
Retired Aircraft Recovery: Based on Stackelberg Game Method from the Perspective of Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Zhao Guihong , Zhai Xintong , Jing Yuzi
Published: January 2023

At present, the recovery and disposal of decommissioned aircraft have not yet formed a complete system in China. In this paper, a two-channel closed-loop supply chain model composed of an aeronautical materials manufacturer, an aircraft manufacturer, and a third-party recycler is established theoretically. The situation of supply chain recycling under the leadership of the Aeronautical Materials manufacturer, aircraft manufacturer, and third-party recycler is studied. In addition, the third-party recycler and centralized decision making are analyzed through game theory. The results show that the overall revenue of the supply chain is optimal under centralized decision making, but not Pareto optimal under decentralized decision making. Therefore, a revenue-sharing contract is used to coordinate and optimize the supply chain. Finally, the influence of different power structures and model parameters on the two-channel closed-loop supply chain model and the effect of contract coordination are discussed by numerical analysis.
A New Dimension of Health Sustainability Model after Pandemic Crisis Using Structural Equation Model
Authors: Ritmak Nutthawut , Rattanawong Wanchai , Vongmanee Varin
Published: January 2023

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been clear that the health dimension (HEDm) has a severe impact on sustainability, which was originally considered from the pillars of society, environment and economy. Hence, the integration of the health dimension into the other three pillars is plausible to define guidelines and criteria for progress monitoring and policy assessment towards a health-sustainable city. The objective of this study aims to present The Health Sustainability Model (HSM), a four-dimensional model for health sustainability (health, economy, environment, and society), using the Del-phi method to determine potential indicators agreed by eighteen experts, including physicians who deeply understand issues on health sustainability, and assess complex dimensions of health in the context of sustainability. The researchers have found that 45 indicators, later grouped into 15 elements and 4 dimensions, have a high level of agreement with Kendall’s W (KW) at 0.36. The HSM was then examined by the structural equation model (SEM) with reliability and validity shown as follows: the absolute fit with CMIN/DF = 1.44, RMSEA = 0.033, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.94, RMR = 0.025, and the incremental fit with NFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, and IFI = 0.98. Based on the results, the model is valid, in line with the empirical data. For further application, the HSM is expected to support city planners and decision makers by identifying room for improvement in each dimension through the indicators employed in the model. In contrast to existing studies that mainly use qualitative data, by conducting quantitative assessment, the model enables policy makers to objectively evaluate conditions and appropriately design policies to improve residents’ well-being.
The Clustering Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Tourist Preference for 5A Scenic Spots from the Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Perspective: A Case of Jiangsu in Eastern Coastal Area of China
Authors: Wang Guiling , Meng Yuenan
Published: January 2023

In the era of tourism 4.0, the subjective preferences and experiences of tourists directly affects the future development of scenic spots. Among them, 5A scenic spots represent China’s world-class boutique tourist scenic ranking, which pays more attention to humanization and detailing, and better reflect tourists’ general psychological demand for tourist attractions. Therefore, it becomes an important scientific issue to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of 5A tourists’ preferences and their deeper reasons. China’s eastern coastal provinces have played a very important role in promoting regional tourism culture, promoting regional economic development, and building a strong coastal province. Taking Jiangsu as an example, this study introduces the standard deviation ellipse and kernel density estimation to explore the characteristics and trends of tourist preference clustering in 5A scenic spots and their internal and external driving mechanisms from 2012–2021, which is based on a new perspective of geotemporal dynamic analysis. The empirical results show that: (1) the network attention of 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu generally showed a “barb-type” trend in 2012–2021, the highest network attention is concentrated in April and October, accounting for 82%, and tourists pay the most attention to cultural relics scenic spots, peaking on Sunday; (2) the tourist preference for 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu shows a relative clustering distribution pattern in general, with a slightly higher clustering trend in the northwest-southeast direction than in the northeast-southwest direction. Furthermore, the nucleus of the density values range from 0 to 115.43, showing the spatial pattern of “one belt and two cores”; (3) the internal driving factors include the types, the culture nature, the characteristics nature, the spatial proximity, and the infrastructure of scenic spots, and the external driving factors include geographical location, industrial development policy, climate comfort, economic development level, traffic accessibility, and the impact of COVID-19 epidemic. On this basis, this study puts forward feasible suggestions for improving scenic area management and increasing the reception capacity, so as to provide fine scientific guidelines for the high-quality development of 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu and provide reference for further enhancing the attractiveness of 5A scenic spots and their synergistic development in the eastern coastal provinces.
Cognitive Neuroscience and Education: Not a Gap to Be Bridged but a Common Field to Be Cultivated
Authors: Basso Demis , Cottini Milvia
Published: January 2023

The research fields of cognitive neuroscience and education are often criticized because of the gap that separates them. In the past 20 years, many actions have been taken to bridge this gap; advantages and criticisms of these efforts have been observed. Only some changes could be documented, and they were not sufficiently commensurate with the efforts. To overcome these limitations, a different metaphor is outlined, consisting of a common field that should be cultivated by scholars operating from both perspectives. The new metaphor moves the perspective from “what is missing” (the bridge) to an existing field that requires concrete actions to be taken. The proposal details which topics from the two disciplines should be considered relevant when cultivating the common field. Then, based on the metaphor of the common field, real-life suggestions about how to develop these competencies are proposed, and recommendations for further actions are provided based on sustainability principles. The utilization of school psychologists (namely, their transition to educational scientists) and the introduction of optional stages and in-tandems involving cooperation between existing university courses in education and neuroscience are seen as feasible interventions. This change in vision is expected to drive further actions toward more effective cooperation between cognitive neuroscience and education.
Comparative Case Study of Teamwork on Zoom and Gather.Town
Authors: Lee Yuna , Jung Jung-Hoon , Kim Hyunjun , Jung Minyoung , Lee Sang-Soo
Published: January 2023

Teamwork is a strategy for successful learning. With the Coronavirus outbreak, many universities began to rely on synchronous video conferencing and/or metaverse platforms. This study examines the difference between undergraduate students’ perceptions and experiences of teamwork on Zoom and Gather.Town. A mixed-method comparative case study was conducted in which a questionnaire survey was administered to 20 undergraduate students in Korea, followed by in-depth interviews and participant observation; reflective journal writing was also examined. The data were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the students had a higher perception of teamwork on Gather.Town than on Zoom. Gather.Town was effective because of the sense of presence and mobility of space it afforded, the social presence it facilitated through avatars, empowerment, and openness of emotions, and the differences in the interface and social platform. The findings can aid in the selection of platforms to suit the needs of students and instructors and in the design and implementation of effective teamwork activities on the selected platform.
Influence of Sustainable Environment Based on a SWOT-PEST Model on Sports Tourism Service Integration Development
Authors: Zhao Yuhu , Mei Xiangping , Guo Jianqiang
Published: January 2023

The rapid growth of the social economy allows the masses to have more free time to enjoy a material and civilized life, and also allows many families to participate in sports tourism activities. However, as the development of sports tourism has just started, it still has some deficiencies in service integration. Meanwhile, the concept of sustainable development has been applied to sports tourism services. Through the survey on service attitudes and quality of the service staff by selected tourists, it was found that, according to the concept of sustainable development, 140 tourists have described service attitude and quality as very good and good, and only 35 tourists made other choices. In addition, to solve the shortcomings of sports tourism, this paper studied sports tourism services according to the sustainable environment of a SWOT-PEST model. Through expert scoring, the SWOT-PEST model was scored and compared with the model previously used. The score after use was above 4.3 points, and the score before use was below 4 points. Therefore, the research methods in this paper were valuable for research into sports tourism services.
Does Environmental Regulation Promote Corporate Green Innovation? Empirical Evidence from Chinese Carbon Capture Companies
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhu Haowen , Sun Tianchen , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Tao , Li Wenhong
Published: January 2023

The proposal of the “double carbon” goal of “carbon peak, carbon neutralization” highlights the determination of China’s green and low-carbon development. Carbon capture is one of the essential ways to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and cope with climate change. Then, how to improve the green innovation capability of organizations and promote the transformation and upgrading of enterprises with green development is a practical problem that needs to be dealt with quickly. This paper uses multiple linear regression to investigate the impact of environmental regulation on corporate green innovation and explores the mediating effect of corporate environmental investment and the moderating effect of corporate digital transformation. The analysis results show that government environmental regulation can effectively enhance the green innovation of enterprises and environmental investments play an intermediary role. However, the development of environmental regulation in China is still relatively backward, and its positive incentive role needs to be further played. As a result, the government should strengthen environmental legislation while also accelerating system development, increasing corporate investment in environmental protection, and raising protection awareness among companies using digital network technology.
An Evaluation of the Sustainability of the Urban Water Resources of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, China
Authors: Gao Teng , Zhang Mingye , Zhao Chunzi
Published: January 2023

The availability of water resources is crucial to maintaining the sustainability of urbanization. Calculating the ecological footprint of water (EFW) is one of the ways to realize the protection of water resources in the process of urbanization. The minor settlements in border areas have been the focus of China’s urbanization development but have rarely received research attention. The objective of this study was to develop an improved model of the ecological footprint of water (EFW) to assess the water security status of urban areas in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (YKAP), and to demonstrate its authenticity compared with the traditional ecological footprint of water (EFW). The results showed that water pollution is the main reason for the increase in the EFW in each city, and the ecological water carrying capacity (ECW) showed strong fluctuations with the interannual variation in precipitation. Although the overall availability and quality of water resources are within safe limits, there are significant differences among cities, and water pollution poses a direct threat to the health and well-being of urban dwellers in some cities. Therefore, it is recommended that water resource management agencies adjust their water supply strategies based on the data from the EFW model, control wastewater discharge, improve their management systems and take urban economic development into account. This will significantly improve the sustainable management of water resources and ensure the health and well-being of urban residents.
MagWasteVal Project—Towards Sustainability of Mining Waste
Authors: Kalaitzidou Kyriaki , Pagona Evangelia , Mitrakas Manassis , Zouboulis Anastasios
Published: January 2023

In the direction of sustainable mining solid waste management and eventually zero-waste production, the MagWasteVal research program aimed to achieve the proper handling of massive quantities of extractive mining waste originating from the magnesite mines after the enrichment process of useful ore. The main objectives of this project were both the investigation of geochemical variables affecting the serpentinization process (degradation) and the respected exploitation and further valorization of stocked-pilled solid (inert) wastes in the mining area. The study of thermal treatment (considering the heating duration and heating temperature) and the addition of various additives (alumina, chromite ore, run of mine, iron oxide, and magnesia) showed that the optimum upgrade for the mining waste samples occurs when a combination of magnesia (according to the optimum defined molar ratio: [MgO] + [FeO])/[SiO2] = 2) and iron oxide of approximately 2.5% is applied at both 1300 and 1600 °C for 120 min. The final products of the MagWasteVal project may have various potential applications, even on a large scale, for the production of alternative refractory materials/services, substituting other raw materials, and presenting both economic and environmental benefits.
A Behavior Change Mining Method Based on Complete Logs with Hidden Transitions and Their Applications in Disaster Chain Risk Analysis
Authors: Sun Shuya , Li Qingsheng
Published: January 2023

The aim of change mining is to discover changes in process models based on execution data recorded in event logs. There may be hidden transitions in the process models related to, for example, business integration and user requirements that do not exist in event logs. Behavioral change mining in the case of hidden transitions is a fundamental problem in the field of change mining. Existing research on change mining has not considered the effects of hidden transitions. This paper proposes a novel method based on complete logs with hidden transitions for mining behavioral changes. We analyze the behavioral relations of activities based on changed logs under the condition that the original model is unknown. Log-driven change mining is realized by calculating the log behavioral profile, minimum successor relation, and log-weighted coefficient, which allows the mining of hidden transitions, as well as changed behavioral relations. Finally, this method is applied to disaster chain risk analysis, and the evolution of disaster chains in different scenarios is mined from disaster logs to determine the type of disaster chain. The results of this paper provide a scientific basis for the strategy of chain-cutting disaster mitigation in the emergency management of disaster chains.
Effects of Perceived Privacy Risk and Disclosure Benefits on the Online Privacy Protection Behaviors among Chinese Teens
Authors: Zhou Shuhuan , Liu Yajuan
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine the effects of perceived privacy risks and benefits on the online privacy protection behaviors of Chinese teens, with information privacy concerns treated as a mediator variable. The questionnaire survey data (N = 1538) were collected from teens in seven provinces of Mainland China and were analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM). This study found that the effects of teens’ perceived privacy benefits on their information privacy concerns and online privacy protection behaviors are insignificant, but the effects of teens’ perceived privacy risk on their online privacy protection behaviors are significantly positive. Additionally, information privacy concerns significantly mediated the effects of perceived privacy risk on the online privacy protection behaviors of Chinese teens.
Implementing Project-Based Language Teaching to Develop EFL High School Students’ Key Competences
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Zhu Peiqi
Published: January 2023

This case study explored the impacts of project-based language teaching (PBLT) on developing high school students’ key competences and the factors influencing the effect of PBLT on improving high school students’ key competences in English as a foreign language. Two English teachers and 75 tenth graders from one middle school in Qingdao, China, were chosen as research participants. An explanatory mixed methods research design was adopted, including self-developed tests, semi-structured interviews, and teacher reflections. The results revealed that PBLT has many positive impacts on developing high school students’ key competences in English as a foreign language, especially on six aspects, noticing and attentive (A-1) and extracting and summarizing (A-3) in the A level, describing and interpreting (B-1) and synthesizing and application (B-3) in the B level, and reasoning and arguing with evidence (C-1) and creating and imagining (C-2) in the C level. Meanwhile, five factors including teacher’s understanding of PBLT, teacher’s ability of designing and assessing the project, teacher’s roles, teacher’s instructions, and students’ interest and motivation were found to influence the effect of PBLT on improving high school students’ key competences in English as a foreign language. Moreover, the study provides important implications for language instructors on better understanding and effectively implementing PBLT in language teaching.
Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility in Small and Medium Enterprises—Employees’ Perspective
Authors: Berniak-Woźny Justyna , Kwasek Artur , Gąsiński Hubert , Maciaszczyk Magdalena , Kocot Maria
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to define the business case for the involvement of SMEs in CSR from the perspective of employees. The work answers the following questions: (1) What socially responsible activities do SMEs undertake? (2) To what extent are SME employees involved in activities in the area of CSR? (3) How is the business rationale of CSR activities perceived by employees? On the basis of the conducted research, the authors decided to find out what and how socially responsible activities impact business performance. For this purpose, a structural model was estimated, using the maximum likelihood method. As a result of the research, it was found that small- and medium-sized enterprises engage in CSR activities, but their involvement is limited and focused on environmental, health-related initiatives, and social campaigns. This suggests the choice of activities that are related to the formation of responsible attitudes, which are universal but not very engaging for employees. The results also show that employees are not passive observers but are responsible for the implementation of the CSR initiatives, which may have positive and negative impacts on business performance. In the opinion of employees, the most important benefits of involvement in CSR are building trust, building relationships with clients, and image improvement. Motivators such as increased profitability or (surprisingly) sustainable development played a much smaller role. From the theory point of view, the research results define the scope and scale of SMEs involvement in corporate social responsibility activities and indicate the main benefits that result from this involvement for SMEs. The results of research allow for a more effective selection of CSR activities and areas in which companies can use CSR to support the achievement of business goals.
Energy Evaluations of a New Plant Configuration for Solar-Assisted Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
Authors: Perrella Stefania , Bruno Roberto , Bevilacqua Piero , Cirone Daniela , Arcuri Natale
Published: January 2023

Heat pumps in buildings allow for the limiting of CO2 emissions by exploiting directly the renewable energy available in the external environment (aerothermal, hydrothermal and geothermal sources). Moreover, other renewable technologies such as active solar systems can be integrated easily into use with them. This combination not only increases the share of primary energy provided by renewable sources for heating/cooling but also improves the heat pump performance indices. Nevertheless, in cold climates, air–water heat pumps should be equally penalized due to the unfavorable outdoor air temperature. Conversely, a water–water heat pump, connected with a solar tank and thermal solar collectors, overcomes this issue. Indeed, the higher temperature attainable in the cold source allows for reaching greater COPs, and when the solar tank temperature level is enough, emitters can be directly supplied, avoiding the absorption of electric energy. In this paper, this plant configuration, in which a further tank after the heat pump was considered to manage the produced thermal energy, is investigated. Proper control strategies have been developed to increase the renewable share. Regarding a reference residential building located in Milan, for which the water–water heat pump was sized properly, a parametric study, carried out in TRNSYS by varying solar tank volume and collecting surface, has allowed for the identification of the optimal system configuration. A renewable share, ranging between 54% and 61% as a function of the collecting surface and the storage volume, was detected, as was an average seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) over 4. Regarding two common heating plant configurations using an assisted PV air-to-water heat pump and a gas boiler, the optimal solution allows for the limiting of CO2 emissions by 33% and 53%, respectively.