bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Capture and Raman Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells by Nano-Undulated AgNPs-rGO Composite SERS Substrates
Authors: Park Jong-Eun , Oh Nuri , Nam Hyeono , Park Ji-Ho , Kim Sanha , Jeon Jessie S. , Yang Minyang
Published: September 2020

The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of cancer patients is critical in clinical research for further investigation of tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for the efficient capture and characterization of cancer cells using silver nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (AgNPs-rGO) composites. A pulsed laser reduction of silver nanowire-graphene oxide (AgNW-GO) mixture films induces hot-spot formations among AgNPs and artificial biointerfaces consisting of rGOs. We also use in situ electric field-assisted fabrication methods to enhance the roughness of the SERS substrate. The AgNW-GO mixture films, well suited for the proposed process due to its inherent electrophoretic motion, is adjusted between indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes and the nano-undulated surface is generated by applying direct-current (DC) electric fields during the laser process. As a result, MCF7 breast cancer cells are efficiently captured on the AgNPs-rGO substrates, about four times higher than the AgNWs-GO films, and the captured living cells are successfully analyzed by SERS spectroscopy. Our newly designed bifunctional substrate can be applied as an effective system for the capture and characterization of CTCs.
Finding Suitable Transect Spacing and Sampling Designs for Accurate Soil ECa Mapping from EM38-MK2
Authors: Rodrigues Hugo M. , Vasques Gustavo M. , Oliveira Ronaldo P. , Tavares Sílvio R. L. , Ceddia Marcos B. , Hernani Luís C.
Published: September 2020

Finding an ideal sampling design is a crucial stage in detailed soil mapping to assure reasonable accuracy of resulting soil property maps. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sampling designs and sample sizes on the quality of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) maps from an electromagnetic sensor survey. Twenty-six (26) parallel transects were gathered in a 72-ha plot in Southeastern Brazil. Soil ECa measurements using an on-the-go electromagnetic induction sensor were taken every second using sensor vertical orientation. Two approaches were used to reduce the sample size and simulate kriging interpolations of soil ECa. Firstly, the number of transect lines was reduced by increasing the distance between them; thus, 26 transects with 40 m spacing; 13 with 80 m; 7 with 150 m; and 4 with 300 m. Secondly, random point selection and Douglas-Peucker algorithms were used to derive four reduced datasets by removing 25, 50, 75, and 95% of the points from the ECa survey dataset. Soil ECa was interpolated at 5 m output spatial resolution using ordinary kriging and the four datasets from each simulation (a total of twelve datasets). Map uncertainty was assessed by root mean square error and mean error metrics from 400 random samples previously selected for external map validation. Maps were evaluated on their uncertainty and spatial structure of variation. The transect elimination approach showed that maps produced with transect spacing up to 150 m could preserve the spatial structure of ECa variations. Douglas-Peucker results showed lower nugget values than random point simulations for all selected sample densities, except for a 95% point reduction. The soil ECa maps derived from the 75% reduced dataset (by random sampling or Douglas-Peucker) or from 13 transect lines (80 m spacing) showed reasonable accuracy (RMSE of validation circa 0.7) relative to the map interpolated from all survey points (RMSE of 0.5), suggesting that transect spacing of 80 m and reading intervals greater than one second can be used for improving the efficiency of on-the-go soil ECa surveys.
Gender and Age Differences in Metropolitan Car Use. Recent Gender Gap Trends in Private Transport
Authors: Cubells Jerònia , Marquet Oriol , Miralles-Guasch Carme
Published: September 2020

Urban mobility is currently undergoing significant changes in cities worldwide, as gendered mobilities are converging and automobility is on a downward trend among younger cohorts. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of gendered mobilities over generations and across three different urban contexts in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (northeast Spain), in an effort to understand whether the mobility gender gap is closing and whether young adults have lowered their private transport levels. Generalized linear models were built to analyze travel survey data from the Working Day Mobility Survey (EMEF) to comprehend mobility changes between 2008 and 2018. The study identified a generational countertrend among new generations of young adults, who reported more sustainable mobility practices than their predecessors. Furthermore, results show a general trend towards gender convergence of travel behavior on the outskirts of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, but also a tendency towards gender divergence in the core area of Barcelona City. Since the mobility gender gap is closer to convergence in those areas where private transport use is more widespread, future efforts towards achieving climate objectives should aim at decoupling such gender convergence from car-dependent built environments.
Rental Income Structure in Economy as a Basis for Sustainable Agrarian Relations in the Agro-Industrial Complex
Authors: Zaytsev Andrey
Published: September 2020

Modern features of the development of the agro-industrial complex as part of the economy as a whole require changes in the traditional models of state regulation, which do not take into account the structure of rental income in the economy and do not use the capabilities of the relevant instruments. This is reflected in the insufficient efficiency of subsidies provided by the state to agricultural enterprises and the preservation of high social and infrastructural differentiation of the regions, as well as the dependence of the agricultural sector on the pricing policy of other industries. All this is shown by the example of the analysis of statistical data of regions of the Russian Federation for 2011–2019. To eliminate these problems, theoretical and methodological approaches have been developed, which made it possible to substantiate the concept of regulating the sustainability of agricultural relations through the synthesis of the theory of sustainability, the theory of systems, and rental theory. Within the concept the role of the structure of rental income in the formation of sustainability of agrarian relations, in their qualitative content, and in the redistribution of added value from the agrarian sphere in monopolized spheres is revealed. The possibility and necessity of state regulation of the agrarian sphere on the basis of dynamic regulation of the sustainability of agrarian relations with the help of management of the rent mechanism is substantiated.
Assessment of the Odour Impact Range of a Selected Agricultural Processing Plant
Authors: Sówka Izabela , Pawnuk Marcin , Miller Urszula , Grzelka Agnieszka , Wroniszewska Alicja , Bezyk Yaroslav
Published: September 2020

Within the research, on the premises of an agricultural plant, the odour concentration was measured, and the odour emission was determined. The obtained values allowed us to analyse the odour distribution using the Polish reference mathematical model for four different scenarios, including (1) all identified emission sources, i.e., point and surface: scenarios 1 and 2, and (2) only point sources, scenario 3 and 4. The values of the comparative level and the frequency of exceedances in scenarios 1 and 3 were based on the Polish draft act on counteracting odour nuisance, while the Dutch guidelines were used for scenarios 2 and 4. Model calculations showed the potential impact of the tested structure on adjacent residential areas, i.e., in scenarios 1 and 2, the permissible value of the frequency of exceedances was exceeded at all points representing residential buildings. The exceedances for scenario 3 and 4 took place in seven out of eight and two out of eight points, respectively. The results indicated that to accurately and reliably assess the odour impact and to determine the measures to prevent and reduce odour emissions, it is necessary to consider all types of emission sources in the facilities potentially causing odour nuisance.
Sustainability of the Artisanal Fishery in Northern Chile: A Case Study of Caleta Pisagua
Authors: Espinoza Carola , Gallardo Víctor A. , Merino Carlos , Pizarro Pedro , Liu Kwang-Ming
Published: September 2020

The Humboldt Current, one of the most productive waters in the world, flows along the Chilean coast with high primary production level. However, living marine resources in these waters are declining due to overexploitation and other anthropogenic and environmental factors. It has been reported that deploying artificial reefs in coastal waters can improve the production of benthic resources. To ensure the sustainability of coastal fisheries in northern Chile this study aims to investigate fishermen’s perceptions on deploying artificial reefs and propose future management measures using Caleta Pisagua as a case study. Interviews of artisanal fishermen regarding four aspects: fishermen profile, fishing activity, resources, and artificial reefs were conducted. Results showed that most fishermen favored the implementation of artificial reefs within the Areas of Management and Exploitation of Benthic Resources (AMERBs). In addition, deploying artificial reefs appears to be socio-economically necessary for the artisanal fishermen whose livelihood is being affected by the overexploitation of coastal fish and because hard substrates essential for benthic resources are in short supply within this administration area. It is recommended that criteria for the deployment of artificial reefs as well as specific management plans for main and secondary species should be developed.
Evapotranspiration Estimation Based on Remote Sensing and the SEBAL Model in the Bosten Lake Basin of China
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Shuai , Chang Xueer
Published: September 2020

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important part of both water balance and energy balance. Accordingly, the estimation of ET plays a key role in research related to regional water resources and energy balance. Using the largest inland freshwater lake in China—Bosten Lake Basin—as a target area, this study employs the SEBAL model combined with actual surface ET from the 2013 MODIS ET data to estimate ET in the Bosten Lake Basin from a time and space perspective. The findings include the following: (1) Evapotranspiration in the Bosten Lake Basin shows a unimodal distribution in terms of time distribution, with the highest ET occurring in July and August. In terms of spatial distribution, the overall trend is more apparent in the northwest portion of the basin than the southeast portion, as there are more mountains in the northwest as well as fewer desert areas. (2) Grassland and unused land were the main types of land cover, and ET exhibited a clear relationship to vegetation coverage and water supply. The distribution of land use types from northwest to southeast ET show a significant downward trend. (3) During the growing season, the average daily ET level of land use/cover type was the greatest over water bodies (5.61 mm/d), followed by grassland (4.6 mm/d) and snow/ice (4.29 mm/d), with unused land giving the smallest amounts of ET.
Hub-Periphery Hierarchy in Bus Transportation Networks: Gini Coefficients and the Seoul Bus System
Authors: Kim Chansoo , Goh Segun , Choi Myeong Seon , Lee Keumsook , Choi M. Y.
Published: September 2020

Bus transportation networks are characteristically different from other mass transportation systems such as airline or subway networks, and thus the usual approach may not work properly. In this paper, to analyze the bus transportation network, we employ the Gini coefficient, which measures the disparity of weights of bus stops. Applied to the Seoul bus system specifically, the Gini coefficient allows us to classify nodes in the bus network into two distinct types: hub and peripheral nodes. We elucidate the structural properties of the two types in the years 2011 and 2013, and probe the evolution of each type over the two years. It is revealed that the hub type evolves according to the controlled growth process while the peripheral one, displaying a number of new constructions as well as sudden closings of bus stops, is not described by growth dynamics. The Gini coefficient thus provides a key mathematical criterion of decomposing the transportation network into a growing one and the other. It would also help policymakers to deal with the complexity of urban mobility and make more sustainable city planning.
From Safety Net to Point of No Return—Are Small-Scale Inland Fisheries Reaching Their Limits?
Authors: Lammers Pina Lena , Richter Torsten , Mantilla-Contreras Jasmin
Published: September 2020

Small-scale inland fisheries (SSIF) are a livelihood opportunity for millions of people in developing countries. Understanding the economic, ecological, political and social impacts fishers are coping with can clarify weaknesses and challenges in the fishery management. Using the SSIF at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar, as an example, we analyzed the development and fishers’ perception of, and adaptation strategies to, change. We surveyed fish catches to assess the state of fish stocks and conducted interviews to understand fishers’ livelihood, problems, behavior and attitudes. Our results show that the fishery sector of Lake Alaotra has grown dramatically although fish catches have fallen sharply. Changes in species composition and low reproduction rates reflect the fishing pressure. A point of no return seems near, as decreasing agricultural yields force farmers to enter the fishery sector as a form of livelihood diversification. Lake Alaotra reflects an alarming trend which can already be seen in many regions of the world and may affect a growing number in the near future. The Alaotran fisheries demonstrate that SSIF’s ability to provide livelihood alternatives under conditions of insecurity will become increasingly important. It further highlights that the identification of ongoing livelihood dynamics in order to disclose possible poverty trap mechanisms and to understand fisheries’ current function is essential for sustainable management.
Learning and Emotional Outcomes after the Application of Invention Activities in a Sample of University Students
Authors: González-Cabañes Eduardo , García Trinidad , Rodríguez Celestino , Cuesta Marcelino , Núñez José Carlos
Published: September 2020

Invention activities can promote reflective learning processes. However, their inclusion in educational practice can generate doubts because they take up time that can otherwise be invested in explaining content, and because some students might experience frustration and anxiety while trying to solve them. This study experimentally evaluated the efficacy of invention activities in a university statistics class, considering both emotions (self-reported) and learning achieved. In total, 43 students were randomly assigned to either (a) inventing variability measures before receiving instruction about the topic of statistical variability, or (b) completing a similar problem-solving activity, but only after they had received guidance with a worked example concerning the target concepts. Students in the first condition acquired greater conceptual knowledge, which is an indicator of deep learning. The emotions experienced during the learning activities were similar in both learning conditions. However, it was notable that enjoyment during the invention phase of the invention condition was strongly associated with higher achievement. Invention activities are a promising educational strategy that require students to play an active role, and can promote deep learning. This study also provides implementation guidelines for teachers while discussing the possibilities offered by new technologies.
Rural Migration and Urbanization in China: Historical Evolution and Coupling Pattern
Authors: Guo Yuanzhi , Qiao Weifeng
Published: September 2020

Using a population dataset of China, this study analyzes the spatial pattern of rural migration and urbanization and their coupling coordination relationship and investigates the causes of their spatial heterogeneity. Results show that rural migration and urbanization from 1978 to 2017 can be divided into three stages, i.e., the recovery and development stage, the stable and rapid development stage, and the stage of promoting the citizenization of the rural migrant population. From 2000 to 2010, counties with average annual growth rates of the ratio of rural migration (GRM) ranging from 0 to 5.00% showed a spatial pattern of ubiquitous distribution, while there were significant spatial inequalities in the average annual growth rates of the urbanization rate of the residential population (GUR) and hukou-registered population (GUH). Since urbanization and rural migration are two synergistic processes, coupling coordination degrees (CCDs) between GRM and GRU as well as GRM and GUH were generally between 0.60 and 0.80. Due to the gaps in socioeconomic development, spatial distance, and the policy system, they also showed regional heterogeneity, and there were notable differences in CCD between rural migration and urbanization of residential and hukou-registered populations. Finally, we propose that China should implement targeted and people-oriented measures to guide rural migration, promote new-type urbanization, and achieve integrated urban–rural development.
Comparing Measures of Student Sustainable Design Skills Using a Project-Level Rubric and Surveys
Authors: Watson Mary Katherine , Barrella Elise , Wall Thomas , Noyes Caroline , Rodgers Michael
Published: September 2020

Civil engineers are poised to impact sustainable development. Consequently, there is a need for curricular materials to scaffold students in developing sustainable design skills. Previously, a sustainability module, based on Kolb’s learning cycle, was integrated into a civil engineering capstone course in the United States. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent to which students engaging in the module (intervention cohort) were able to improve their sustainable design skills, as compared to a group of capstone students not participating in the module (control cohort). A Sustainable Design Rubric was used to assess students’ sustainable design performance, as captured in capstone reports. In addition, students reflected on their confidence related to several sustainable design competencies via a survey. Based on an evaluation of capstone design reports, improvement in the intervention teams’ consideration of sustainable design criteria was somewhat limited, as they more extensively addressed only 2 of the 16 sustainable design criteria compared to control teams. Intervention students reported improved confidence in more sustainable design competencies than control students (10 of 12 for intervention students; 1 of 12 for control students). For future implementations, clearer and more extensive sustainable design expectations need to be set by instructors and project sponsors to increase the execution of sustainable design and close the gap between students’ perceptions of improved skills and teams’ actual application of sustainable design criteria.
Ammonia Emission Characteristics and Emission Factor of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Plant
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Woo Jiyun , Jeon Eui-chan
Published: September 2020

This study aims to analyze whether ammonia emission occurs when municipal solid waste (MSW) is incinerated. In cases where ammonia is emitted, we aim to develop an emission factor, calculate annual emission amounts by utilizing activity data (waste incineration amount) applied in air pollutant emission calculations for the waste combustion in Korea, and investigate whether there is a need for emission calculation. As a result of the study, the ammonia emission factor of the MSW incineration facility to be studied was 0.0091 kgNH3/ton, which was 3 times higher than the emission factor in Europe. In the case of emissions, a randomly developed emission factor was applied to confirm the necessity of development of the emission factor, and as a result of the application, it was found to be 22 NH3 ton/year, which is the same number as the annual NH3 emission of the entire waste treatment sector in 2016. Therefore, we believe that MSW incinerator facilities should be recognized as one of the major NH3 omitted emission sources. Moreover, it is evident that there is a need for an NH3 emission factor and emission calculations that reflect the characteristics of Korea.
A Methodology to Increase the Accuracy of Particulate Matter Predictors Based on Time Decomposition
Authors: de Mattos Neto Paulo S. G. , Marinho Manoel H. N. , Siqueira Hugo , de Souza Tadano Yara , Machado Vivian , Antonini Alves Thiago , de Oliveira João Fausto L. , Madeiro Francisco
Published: September 2020

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most harmful air pollutants to human health studied worldwide. In this scenario, it is of paramount importance to monitor and predict PM concentration. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are commonly used to forecast air pollution levels due to their accuracy. The use of partition on prediction problems is well known because decomposition of time series allows the latent components of the original series to be revealed. It is a matter of extracting the “deterministic” component, which is easy to predict the random components. However, there is no evidence of its use in air pollution forecasting. In this work, we introduce a different approach consisting of the decomposition of the time series in contiguous monthly partitions, aiming to develop specialized predictors to solve the problem because air pollutant concentration has seasonal behavior. The goal is to reach prediction accuracy higher than those obtained by using the entire series. Experiments were performed for seven time series of daily particulate matter concentrations (PM2.5 and PM10–particles with diameter less than 2.5 and 10 micrometers, respectively) in Finland and Brazil, using four ANNs: multilayer perceptron, radial basis function, extreme learning machines, and echo state networks. The experimental results using three evaluation measures showed that the proposed methodology increased all models’ prediction capability, leading to higher accuracy compared to the traditional approach, even for extremely high air pollution events. Our study has an important contribution to air quality prediction studies. It can help governments take measures aiming air pollution reduction and preparing hospitals during extreme air pollution events, which is related to the following United Nations sustainable developments goals: SDG 3—good health and well-being and SDG 11—sustainable cities and communities.
Scheduling of Air Conditioning and Thermal Energy Storage Systems Considering Demand Response Programs
Authors: Dargahi Ali , Sanjani Khezr , Nazari-Heris Morteza , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Tohidi Sajjad , Marzband Mousa
Published: September 2020

The high penetration rate of renewable energy sources (RESs) in smart energy systems has both threat and opportunity consequences. On the positive side, it is inevitable that RESs are beneficial with respect to conventional energy resources from the environmental aspects. On the negative side, the RESs are a great source of uncertainty, which will make challenges for the system operators to cope with. To tackle the issues of the negative side, there are several methods to deal with intermittent RESs, such as electrical and thermal energy storage systems (TESSs). In fact, pairing RESs to electrical energy storage systems (ESSs) has favorable economic opportunities for the facility owners and power grid operators (PGO), simultaneously. Moreover, the application of demand-side management approaches, such as demand response programs (DRPs) on flexible loads, specifically thermal loads, is an effective solution through the system operation. To this end, in this work, an air conditioning system (A/C system) with a TESS has been studied as a way of volatility compensation of the wind farm forecast-errors (WFFEs). Additionally, the WFFEs are investigated from multiple visions to assist the dispatch of the storage facilities. The operation design is presented for the A/C systems in both day-ahead and real-time operations based on the specifications of WFFEs. Analyzing the output results, the main aims of the work, in terms of applying DRPs and make-up of WFFEs to the scheduling of A/C system and TESS, will be evaluated. The dispatched cooling and base loads show the superiority of the proposed method, which has a smoother curve compared to the original curve. Further, the WFFEs application has proved and demonstrated a way better function than the other uncertainty management techniques by committing and compensating the forecast errors of cooling loads.
Need Satisfaction and Need Thwarting in Physical Education and Intention to be Physically Active
Authors: Cuevas-Campos Ricardo , Fernández-Bustos Juan Gregorio , González-Cutre David , Hernández-Martínez Andrea
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate a theoretical model for analyzing the influence of need satisfaction, need thwarting, motivation, enjoyment, boredom, and exhaustion in physical education on the intention to be physically active. In addition, we examined the mediation effect of motivation between basic psychological needs and the intention to be physically active. The study was based on self-determination theory. To achieve this, 480 students between 12 and 18 years old filled out a questionnaire to measure the satisfaction and thwarting of basic psychological needs, motivation, enjoyment, boredom, exhaustion, and intention to be physically active. The results of path analysis showed the relevance of the satisfaction of the need for competence in physical education in order to increase self-determined motivation, enjoyment, and intention to be physically active. Additionally, intention was positively predicted by enjoyment and negatively predicted by exhaustion. Need thwarting directly predicted negative consequences, such as boredom and exhaustion. Motivation mediated the relationship between basic needs and intention to be physically active. These data highlight the importance of considering basic psychological need thwarting in studies on the promotion of physical activity.
What Works for Whom? Investigating Adolescents’ Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Poškus Mykolas Simas
Published: September 2020

Pro-environmental behavior has been extensively studied using general models of predicting behavior; however, these models have very limited value in making inferences about individuals. To address this shortcoming, a person-oriented investigation of five pro-environmental behaviors differing in complexity was carried out using a clustering approach. A total of 863 adolescents (mean age 15.72 (SD = 1.1), 53.5% female) filled in the Big Five Inventory and measures of recycling, water conservation, electricity conservation, sustainable consumption, and sustainable transportation use based on an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). TPB models were investigated in empirically derived clusters of individuals that differ by their personality traits. The results suggest that individuals in different personality clusters could be reached effectively through different means when trying to promote pro-environmental behaviors and different pro-environmental behaviors should not be regarded as homogeneous.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals on Soil Collected from Lixisol of Typical Karst Areas in the Presence of CaCO3 and Soil Clay and Their Competition Behavior
Authors: He Guandi , Zhang Zhenming , Wu Xianliang , Cui Mingyang , Zhang Jiachun , Huang Xianfei
Published: September 2020

The content of heavy metals in the soil in Guizhou Province, which is a high-risk area for heavy metal exposure, is significantly higher than that in other areas in China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of CaCO3 and clay to accumulate heavy metals in topsoil sample collected from Lixisol using the method of indoor simulation. The results showed that the contents of Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and As in the soil sample were 10.8 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 0.489 mg/kg, 23.5 mg/kg, 22.7 mg/kg, 58.3 mg/kg and 45.4 mg/kg, respectively. The soil pH values increased with the CaCO3 concentration in the soil, and the fluctuation of the soil pH values was weak after the CaCO3 concentrations reached 100 g/kg. The adsorption capacity of lime soil increased by approximately 10 mg/kg on average, and the desorption capacity decreased by approximately 300 mg/kg on average. The desorption of all heavy metals in this study did not change with increasing clay content. Pseudo-second-order kinetics were more suitable for describing the adsorption kinetics of heavy metals on the soil material, as evidenced by the higher R2 value. The Freundlich model can better describe the adsorption process of As on lime soil. The process of As, Cr, Cd and Hg adsorption on the soil sample was spontaneous and entropy-driven. Additionally, the process of Cu and Pb adsorption on the soil materials was spontaneous and enthalpy-driven. Generally, the adsorption and desorption of heavy metals in polluted soil increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing CaCO3 content. The effect of calcium carbonate on the accumulation of heavy metals in soil was greater than that of clay. In summary, CaCO3 and pH values in soil can be appropriately added in several areas polluted by heavy metals to enhance the crop yield and reduce the adsorption of heavy metals in soils.
Research on Damping Control Index of Ultra-Low-Frequency Oscillation in Hydro-Dominant Power Systems
Authors: Chen Gang , Liu Chang , Fan Chengwei , Han Xiaoyan , Shi Huabo , Wang Guanhong , Ai Dongping
Published: September 2020

In recent years, ultra-low-frequency oscillation (ULFO) is a prominent problem in power systems of dominant hydropower. In order to suppress ULFO, the most effective strategy is the governor parameters optimization to improve the system damping within the ultra-low-frequency band. However, no explicit standard has been established to stipulate the level of system damping for ULFO suppression. In this paper, the key factors that affect the amplitude and damping of ULFO are firstly analyzed. Then, the design principle of the damping control index of ULFO is put forward. According to it, a damping control index is proposed. After that, a case of ULFO in an actual power system proves the rationality of the proposed index. Finally, the application of the index in the Southwest China Power Grid illustrates its effectiveness and feasibility.
The Correlation Analysis of Futures Pricing Mechanism in China’s Carbon Financial Market
Authors: Sheng Chunguang , Wang Guangyu , Geng Yude , Chen Lirong
Published: September 2020

China, taking the concept of sustainable development as the premise, puts forward Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change. In this context, with the purpose of seeking solutions to a carbon financial market pricing mechanism to build China’s carbon finance market actively and thus achieving the goal of sustainable development, this paper, based on the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, established a carbon price prediction model for the carbon financial market, and studied the relationship between Certified Emission Reduction (CER) futures prices and spot prices, as well as the relationship between European Union allowances (EUA) futures prices and CER futures prices in an empirical manner. In this paper, EUA and CER futures prices of the European Climate Exchange (ECX) and EUA and CER spot prices of the BlueNext Environmental Exchange were selected as research objects. Granger causality test, co-integration test, and ECM were used to form a progressive econometric analysis framework. The results show that firstly, the ARIMA model can effectively predict carbon futures prices; secondly, CER futures prices cannot guide spot price, and the futures pricing function does not play a role in this market; thirdly, EUA futures price can, in the short term, effectively guide the trend of CER futures prices, with the futures pricing function between the two markets. In the long run, however, the future pricing function of the two markets is not obvious. Therefore, great differences among maturity of the two markets, degree of policy influence, and market share lead to the failure of long-run futures pricing functions.
Click to Buy: The Impact of Retail Credit on Over-Consumption in the Online Environment
Authors: Ah Fook Lauren , McNeill Lisa
Published: September 2020

There is growing concern that worldwide cultures of consumption have had detrimental consequences for individual wellbeing and sustainability of the environment. The term “overconsumption” exemplifies the tension between mutually beneficial producer–consumer exchange and the damaging effects of excess. In search of a pathway toward reducing overconsumption practise, sustainability literature is often interested in better understanding not only why overconsumption occurs, but what facilitates it in particular consumer markets. Young adults are one group of consumers where transitioning identities and lifestyles see impulsive consumption of goods that are often termed “non-essential”, such as fashion and apparel products. This study explores the impact of a set of impulse enabling financial tools (buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) credit schemes) on impulse buying tendency in an online fashion shopping context, for young adult female consumers. The paper contributes a consumer perspective on the impact of BNPL on unsustainable consumption behaviour in the online retail setting, which the literature currently lacks, by considering consumers’ impulse buying tendencies in such a setting. Findings demonstrate that BNPL users have a higher online impulse buying tendency than those who do not use BNPL, and a clear link is identified between online impulse buying tendency and sales conversion tool sensitivity, thus promoting overconsumption in this setting.
Does Higher Education Promote Firm Innovation in China?
Authors: Pan Xia , Gao Yuning , Guo Dong , Cheng Wenyin
Published: September 2020

Endogenous growth theories have underpinned the pivotal role of education in innovation. However, our empirical study uncovers a mixed effect of higher education on firm innovation in China. Using Chinese Patent Census Data, a unique dataset, this paper is able to quantify innovation in China by incorporating a quality dimension for the first time. By merging the patent data with the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database and province-level data on education, we find that the number of higher education institutions has a negative impact on firm-level innovation. However, the quantity of elite higher education institutions at the provincial level exerts a positive impact on firm innovation. In addition, heterogeneity analyses show that the effect of elite higher education on firm innovation is significantly positive for privately owned enterprises, but insignificant for state- and foreign-owned enterprises. Furthermore, the positive effect of elite higher education on innovation in high-tech industries is larger than in other industries.
The Underlying Drivers of Underprivileged Households’ Intention and Behavior towards Community Forestry Management: A Study Using Structural Equation Modelling and Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Fazal Syed Ali , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Zainol Noor Raihani , Gai Quek Shio
Published: September 2020

In acknowledging the significant role of forestry on the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of local communities, this study focused on examining how different factors affect the intentional behavior towards community forestry among the poor households in Malaysia. Employing theory of planned behavior (TPB) in an expanded model, this study collected data from 420 underprivileged households from 10 states in Malaysia using a survey questionnaire. Final analysis is performed using two methods, one being the well-established, conventional way of partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM); the other being a frontier technology of computing using artificial neural network (ANN), which is generated through a deep learning algorithm to achieve the maximum possible accuracy for each of the five scenarios aforementioned. The study found that perceived benefits (PB) and eco-literacy (EL) have a significant positive effect on the attitude towards environment (ATE) while normative belief (NB) and motivation (MO) have a significant positive effect on subjective norms (SUN). Perceived control (PC) has a significant positive effect on perceived behavioral control (PBC). ATE, SUN, and PBC have a significant positive effect on the intention towards community forestry (ITCF), whereas the ITCF has a significant positive effect on community forestry adoption behavior (CFAB). When formulating and enforcing carbon reduction and poverty elevating programs through community forestry, the Malaysian government should consider the perceptions of poor families and the prerogative from their special reference groups to enhance the perceived ability of the vulnerable groups for positive and effective pro-environmental behavior that can lead to sustainable forestry management.
Willingness to Pay for Livestock Husbandry Insurance: An Empirical Analysis of Grassland Farms in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Dong Haibin , Jimoh Saheed Olaide , Hou Yulu , Hou Xiangyang
Published: September 2020

Livestock husbandry insurance (LHI) is increasingly gaining acceptance in developing countries, relative to its efficacy in mitigating the covariate risks faced by households in vulnerable agrarian communities. However, this risk-mitigating tool has received little research attention in the context of Chinese herders. The current study focused on the status, and determinants of herders’ willingness to purchase LHI. We used a contingent valuation approach to collect data from 450 households across three grassland types in Inner Mongolia. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the collected data. We show that herders’ level of awareness and acceptance of LHI are below expectations. Our results further indicated that herders with higher education level, livestock number, risk perception level, awareness, and contracted grassland area are more likely to purchase LHI. Policymakers and insurers should design programs that will educate herders on LHI while taking cognizance of other critical factors that influence households to purchase insurance. This will go a long way in scaling-up the attractiveness of LHI to herders and the agrarian community at large.
Estimation and Determinants of Multidimensional Energy Poverty among Households in Nigeria
Authors: Ashagidigbi Waheed Mobolaji , Babatunde Bashirat Adenike , Ogunniyi Adebayo Isaiah , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola
Published: September 2020

The sustainable use of clean and safe sources of energy is indeed a global challenge. Traditional and unsafe forms of energy use is predominant among households in sub-Saharan Africa. This is not only a threat to the environment, but also constitutes health risk to the population. In the Nigeria context, this study provides the first attempt to estimate household energy poverty status and also investigate the driving factors of household energy poverty status using the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) dataset. The analytical techniques adopted in this study are based on Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) and Tobit regression model. Our results show that national average MEPI was 0.38, suggesting that majority of the households are energy poor. Energy poverty is however found to be higher in rural areas than in urban areas. We also found that male-headed households, age, rural sector and northeast residents are found to be the energy poverty enhancing factors, while household income and credit access are energy poverty inhibiting factors. The study concludes that income smoothening among other energy poverty reduction interventions should be prioritized, especially among rural households in order to help them exit energy poverty trap.
Utilization of Silicon Carbide Sludge as Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Materials
Authors: Lin Kae-Long , Lo Kang-Wei , Cheng Ta-Wui , Lin Wei-Ting , Lin Ya-Wen
Published: September 2020

The recycling of SiC sludge material is crucial for resource reutilization and environmental protection. In the current study, the effect of the mass ratio between the Na2SiO3 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions (NS/SS ratio) and the effect of SiC sludge on metakaolin geopolymers was comprehensively investigated to determine the underlying performance of the geopolymerization system. During thermal evolution, the second exothermic peak of 1.6NS10SCS (NS/SS ratio: 1.6, 10% SiC sludge) showed a heat evolution value of 990.6 W/g, which was the highest among other geopolymers. Additionally, the 1.6NS10SCS sample after 28 days of curing showed the highest flexural strength (6.42 MPa), compared to that of the others, and the DTA/TG (differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry) results showed that the weight loss percentage increased to 14.62% from 400 to 750 °C. For the 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance deconvolution, 1.6NS10SCS exhibited high fractions of Q4(3Al) (33.63%), Q4(2Al) (23.92%), and Q4(1Al) (9.70%). Thus, the geopolymer with the optimal SiC-sludge replacement level and NS/SS ratio contained more macropores and geopolymer gels, which benefit structural development. The experimental results indicated that SiC-sludge can potentially serve as a partial replacement for metakaolin and exhibited favorable mechanic characteristics.
Forecasting Daily Room Rates on the Basis of an LSTM Model in Difficult Times of Hong Kong: Evidence from Online Distribution Channels on the Hotel Industry
Authors: Zheng Tianxiang , Liu Shaopeng , Chen Zini , Qiao Yuhan , Law Rob
Published: September 2020

Given the influence of the financial-economic crisis, hotel room demand in Hong Kong has experienced a significant drop since June 2019. Given that studies on the room rate aspect remains limited, this study considers the demand for hotel rooms from different categories and districts. This study makes forecast attempts for room rates from mid-October of 2019 to mid-June of 2020, which was a difficult period for Hong Kong owing to the onset of the social unrest and novel coronavirus outbreak. This study develops an approach to the short-term forecasting of hotel daily room rates on the basis of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model by leveraging the key properties of day-of-week to improve accuracy. This study collects a data set containing 235 hotels of the period from various online distribution channels and generates different time series data with the same day-of-week. This study verifies the proposed model through three baseline models, namely, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), support vector regression (SVR), and Naïve models. Findings shed light on how to lessen the impact of violent fluctuations by combining a rolling procedure with separate day-of-week time series for the hospitality industry. Hence, theoretical and managerial areas for hotel room demand forecasting are enriched on the basis of adjusting room pricing strategies for hoteliers in improving revenue management and making appropriate deals for customers in booking hotel rooms.
Environmentally Friendly Business Practices among Low-Income Households in Rural Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Mohan Kanniga Malar , Nawi Noorshella Che , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Muniady Rajennd , Zainol Noor Raihani
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to predict the intention and behavior towards environmentally friendly businesses (EFB) among low-income families in rural Peninsular Malaysia within the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data were collected from 420 low-income household heads through structured interviews. The results reveal a significant impact of environmental concern (EC) and eco-literacy (EL) on the attitude towards the environment (ATE); normative belief (NB) and motivation (MO) on subjective norms (SUN); and skills and knowledge (SK) on perceived behavioral control (PBC). Additionally, there was a positive and statistically significant effect of ATE, SUN, and PBC on the intention towards environmentally friendly business (ITEFB) and the ITEFB on environmentally friendly business adoption behavior (EFBAB). This study provides empirical evidence with a proposed research model to address the environmental issues through improving the socioeconomic condition of low-earner families. The Malaysian government and relevant agencies should focus on improving EL, EC, MO towards EFB, and the SK regarding EFB among the low-income households.
A Water Compact for Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Mourad Khaldoon A.
Published: September 2020

The water sector in Somalia is fragmented and needs coordination to establish a functioning water governance system. Therefore, commitments from all affected stakeholders are needed to support water resources development in Somalia. This paper proposed a water compact for Somalia that can address all water sector challenges to approach sustainability. The paper starts by analyzing water sector stakeholders in Somalia, describing their missions and relationship with the compact, categorizing all selected stakeholders based on their power and interest, and identifying key stakeholders. Based on the outcome from the national workshop and the literature, a water compact was proposed highlighting possible actions to solve the identified challenges. The compact covered four thematic areas: water governance, water use and services, water resilience, and integrated water resources management, which were discussed by all engaged stakeholders in a national workshop. The water compact will ensure sustainable water resources management. The paper highlighted the need for engaging the local media and the local people to get the much needed and valued feedback for possible interventions.