bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderation of Clean Energy Innovation in the Relationship between the Carbon Footprint and Profits in CO₂e-Intensive Firms: A Quantitative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Porles-Ochoa Francisco , Guevara Ruben
Published: June 2023

This paper sought to analyze the moderating effect of clean energy innovation on the relationship between corporate carbon footprint and corporate profits in fossil fuel intensive industrial sectors in which it is “hard to abate” CO₂e emissions. We used a longitudinal design consisting of a panel study with a structural equation modeling (SEM) method, based on partial least squares. For the analysis of longitudinal moderation, this paper employed a Bayesian multiple-indicator latent growth curve model (B-LGC model). A global sample was used, consisting of 7827 firm-year observations between 2015 and 2021 for 167 international firms. The results showed that the corporate carbon footprint had a very significant impact on corporate profits and that innovations in clean energy—measured as renewable energy consumption—positively moderate the relationship between Scope 3 value chain greenhouse gas emissions (according to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol) and the gross profit margin obtained. In addition to the academic contributions made by the moderating effect of clean energy innovation, these findings imply that a more detailed understanding of total value chain emissions (Scope 3 CO₂e) among executives and managers at high CO₂e-emitting companies offers an effective mechanism for obtaining higher profits and creating competitive advantages, while at the same time achieving a net zero emissions strategy. More importantly, public policymakers will be able to use these results to revise CO₂e-related policies, paying closer attention to the Scope 3 CO₂e emissions produced by these companies to design regulatory and control mechanisms that stimulate clean energy innovation.
How Technology-Based Interventions Can Sustain Ageing Well in the New Decade through the User-Driven Approach
Authors: Velciu Magdalen , Spiru Luiza , Dan Marzan Mircea , Reithner Eva , Geli Simona , Borgogni Barbara , Cramariuc Oana , Mocanu Irina G. , Kołakowski Jerzy , Ayadi Jaouhar , Rampioni Margherita , Stara Vera
Published: June 2023

The worldwide population is undergoing a fundamental change in its age structure, which challenges the health- and social-services system. The need to migrate towards a more person-centered and coordinated model of care that supports the optimization of abilities and capacities for older people has to be matched. In this sense, eHealth technologies can play a fundamental role. In this paper, through a questionnaire-based data collection using 30 primary (older people) and 32 secondary (informal caregivers) end-users, we share our vision on how to sustainably develop a product by optimizing the user experience and ensuring adoption. We hypothesized that a technology-based intervention can promote healthy ageing through informed and active user involvement at all stages of the care process. Both older adults and caregivers consider the use of a smartphone and smartwatch to be very important; in addition, the use of digital devices for healthcare can be helpful. Seniors care about self-monitoring health parameters through the use of wearable devices, regardless of their health status, and would like to be included in the process of making good health decisions, because they need to feel in control of their healthcare process. Digital solutions in health and care can support the well-being of older adults in many areas of their daily lives, both at home and in their communities, but only if such innovation is designed around the natural voice of the intended target.
Stabilization of Waste Mercury with Sulfide through the Ball-Mill Method and Heat Treatment
Authors: Chen Wei-Sheng , Chi Chien-Ching , Lee Cheng-Han
Published: June 2023

Most mercury supplies nowadays are limited due to their toxicity and difficulty in treatment. If mercury is stored inappropriately, it will not only contaminate the environment but also pass along the food chain and eventually to humans. Therefore, addressing mercury waste is crucial for the environment and human health. This study aims to stabilize waste mercury using sulfur powder and generate mercury production through a ball mill and heat treatment. To begin with, sulfur powder, waste mercury (98%) from chemicals, and milling balls will be mixed in this step. The parameters in this process were milling temperature, milling time, ball/material ratio, and milling speed. Under the optimal parameters of 35 °C for milling temperature, 12 h for milling time, 46% for the ball/material ratio, and 300 rpm for milling speed, β-HgS was obtained, and α-HgS was subsequently acquired through dry distillation in a tubular furnace at 600 °C for 3 h. On the other hand, high-purity mercury (99.5%) could be recovered under the circumstances of heating α-HgS with oxygen at 600 °C for 3 h. In a nutshell, waste mercury (98%) could be treated appropriately under the state of α-HgS, and high-purity mercury (99.5%) could be produced and reused for other industries through this research. Both contribute to environmental remediation and resource recovery goals.
Sports Management Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills: Focus Groups and Women Sports Managers’ Perceptions
Authors: Guidotti Flavia , Demarie Sabrina , Ciaccioni Simone , Capranica Laura
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the present mixed-methods study was two-fold: (i) to test the validity of a Sports Management knowledge, competencies, and skills framework developed during the New Miracle project to implement a tailored training program for sports managers; and (ii) to explore the managers’ perceived relevance, possess and need for training of knowledge, competencies, and skills. International focus groups with sports managers from four European countries have been organized to test the framework’s validity through a clustering and a sorting stage, including consensus agreement (Likert scale 1–6 pt.) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) assessment. Then, sports managers’ perceived relevance, possession, and need for training of knowledge competencies and skills items was assessed through an online rating (Likert scale 1–6 pt; p ≤ 0.05). Findings showed good validity, internal consistency, and a high consensus agreement in relation to the proposed competency framework and the crucial role of soft skills in the sports management profession. Furthermore, participants highlighted transversal and specific items in relation to Entry, Middle, and Senior managerial positions. A perceived lack of possess of several items emerged, especially belonging to the technical and knowledge spheres, leading to the practical implications regarding the need to design sound educational programs based on attendees’ specific career stages, educational backgrounds, and training needs.
World Heritage Site Tourism and Destination Loyalty along the Silk Road: A Study of U.S. Travelers in Uzbekistan
Authors: Juraturgunov Husanjon , Raimkulov Murodjon , Ahn Young-joo , Kang Eunice Minjoo
Published: June 2023

This study aims to examine the determinants of destination loyalty toward World Heritage Sites (WHSs) along Silk Road tourism in Uzbekistan. It could enable the profiling of inbound tourists visiting WHSs and identification of the important determinants of destination loyalty. The results of this study could present valuable empirical evidence of Silk Road tourism among inbound travelers in Uzbekistan. An online survey was conducted to collect data from U.S. residents who experienced Silk Road tourism in Uzbekistan. A total of 419 questionnaires were used for this study. The present study explored the determinants of destination loyalty among inbound travelers who had visited WHSs along Silk Road destinations in Uzbekistan. Regarding the effect of length of stay on destination loyalty, travelers who visit for 7–13 days are inclined to show higher destination loyalty than the other groups. Free independent travelers to cultural and heritage sites showed a higher level of destination loyalty than other traveler types. The results indicated that travelers who reported visiting the Historic Centre of Bukhara in the Province of Bukhara and Western Tien-Shan in the Province of Tashkent showed higher destination loyalty. The proposed model consists of travel characteristics, WHS destinations, and demographic characteristics. This study provides several important theoretical and managerial implications. Moreover, this study can contribute to knowledge regarding WHSs and increase sustainable destination management to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Unleashing Knowledge Sharing in Emerging Economy Startups: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: de Andrade Roberta Dutra , Pinheiro Paulo Gonçalves , Pontes Matheus Dantas Madeira , Pontes Thayanne Lima Duarte
Published: June 2023

The knowledge-sharing process in digital startups is under development in current discussions, even though its importance for sustainable economic growth is acknowledged. This paper analyses the connections and traits regarding how knowledge is distinguished and shared at different levels in an emerging economy. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 72 startup founders, managers, and employees, and in-depth interviews reveal that, in contrast to the results from studies about more extensive firms, individuals consider knowledge sharing based on their particular judgment of the absorptive capacity of the recipient and the perceived gains associated with the maturation of individual and organisational image and reputation. Digital cultural factors inherent in this type of enterprise, remote first, meritocracy, and online community participation, have directly influenced the adoption of digital knowledge-sharing systems. Individuals desire to share knowledge for recognition, to establish credibility, and to establish connections with investors and mentors. A communal and collaborative atmosphere can foster the exchange of information among employees, influencing the intention to share knowledge. Knowledge sharing is reinforced when employees perceive knowledge sharers as specialists. Incentives and intra-organisational reward campaigns, talent improvement programs, external training sessions, workshops, and collaborative team assessments can cultivate personal relationships. A theoretical framework has been proposed that can examine digital startups’ effectiveness on micro-level elements. In emerging economies, social rewards are personally more critical than financial achievements. Our empirical statements reinforce the arguments that the digital age, the pandemic, and the migration crisis have substantially changed most aspects of knowledge sharing.
Study of the Applicability of the Vyalov Long-Term Strength Prediction Equation under Freezing and Thawing Conditions
Authors: Fu Junsong , Zhang Ze , Xu Chunguang , Zhai Jinbang , Yang Linzhen , Meng Xiangxi
Published: June 2023

In order to determine the appropriate utilization conditions of the Vyalov long-term strength prediction equation, this study selected three soil samples from the loess region. These samples were subjected to varying numbers of freeze–thaw cycles, namely 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 50, and 100 cycles. Subsequently, post-test soil samples underwent spherical template indenter press-in tests and grain size determinations. The experimental outcomes demonstrated that the Vyalov long-term strength prediction equation accurately reflected the long-term strength variations of frozen loess after 10 freeze–thaw cycles. A further analysis revealed that the stability of the soil samples’ grain composition played a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of the prediction equation. Notably, a highly significant positive correlation was observed between the silt content of the soil samples and the prediction equation parameter β. Moreover, employing the Vyalov long-term strength prediction equation after 10 freeze–thaw cycles yielded prediction results consistent with the freeze–thaw cycles–time analogy method for durations of 10, 20, and 30 years. This study is beneficial for the construction and operation of projects in loess areas.
Assessment of Influencing Factors on Consumer Behavior Using the AHP Model
Authors: Šostar Marko , Ristanović Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The influence of numerous factors determines and changes the daily behavior of consumers. This paper aims to estimate and rank the weight of cultural, social, personal, and psychological factors that change the buying habits of individuals. The research was conducted on a sample of 559 respondents in the Republic of Croatia. Data from the survey were used to create a hierarchical model structure. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), as a decision-making method, was used in the analysis to estimate and rank the factors that influence consumer habits. An analysis of results showed that personal and psychological factors have the principal influence on consumer habits. Personal budget, as the dominant criterion in a group of set criteria, contributed to the fact that personal factors have the dominant influence on consumer habits.
Assessing Public Service Distribution in Abha and Bisha Cities, Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ali Abuhasel Khaled
Published: June 2023

The research below aims to examine the spatial distribution and efficiency of public services in Abha and Bisha. Abha is the capital of the Asir region and had a population of 446,697 people in 2022, while Bisha had a population of 248,452 people in the same year. Both cities have their unique geographical features, such as valleys, dams, and agricultural significance. This study utilizes spatial modeling and statistical analysis to analyze data collected via a questionnaire administered to the residents of these cities and formulates several hypotheses to guide the research, including hypotheses related to differences in public services based on gender, age group, and citizenship status. To analyze the data, a combination of analytical descriptive approaches, including statistical methods conducted with SPSS software and geographic information system (GIS) techniques using ArcGIS software were employed. The results of the study indicate the distribution and level of public services in Abha and Bisha. In Abha, there is a high level of public services, particularly in green areas, which contribute to improving the quality of services and meeting the entertainment needs of the population. In contrast, Bisha has a middling level of public services, likely due to its smaller population size and lesser focus on development as compared to Abha. The study also analyzes the differences in attitudes towards public services based on gender. The results indicate that there are no statistically significant differences between males and females in their perceptions of public services in both cities.
Evolution of Soil Chemical Fertility in an Area under Recovery for 30 Years with Anthropic Intervention
Authors: Lourencetti Josiane , Bonini Carolina dos Santos Batista , Andreotti Marcelo , Alves Marlene Cristina , Bonini Neto Alfredo , Santos Melissa Alexandre , Barretto Vitor Correa de Mattos , de Figueredo Roberth Wicleff Rodrigues
Published: June 2023

The investigation and application of recovery techniques associated with the use of qualitative and quantitative indicators enable the ecological restoration of these sites. In this context, the main difficulty consists of establishing the A horizon, capable of supporting the emergence of other horizons, choosing appropriate species, and adding organic matter to the soil in a balanced way. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate over time (1992 to 2022) the chemical properties of a stripped oxisol that has been in the recovery process for 30 years, using liming, gypsum, and plant species. All treatments were cultivated with Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) in 1999 and tree species in 2010, and the contents of phosphorus, organic matter, pH, and base saturation. ANOVA and Scott–Knott test (5%), Pearson correlation, and response surface analysis were performed for each studied soil attribute. The results showed that the treatments with green manure + limestone + gypsum had the highest values of organic matter compared to the recovery treatments and that the treatments have been efficient in soil recovery. Therefore, the soil undergoing recovery showed an increase in P, OM, pH, and base saturation until 2011, and the response surface method was the most efficient in analyzing the results over time.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism Response in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin in China
Authors: Chen Mo , Wang Jiacan , Sun Jing , Ye Fang , Zhang Hongyan
Published: June 2023

The Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal is renowned for being one of the longest and largest canals in the world. Running from Beijing to Hangzhou (north to south), it connects China’s five major water systems and has an important impact on the ecological environment and economy of northern and southern China. It also boasts a large quantity of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Clarifying the spatio-temporal distribution pattern of ICH in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin and its influencing factors is essential for the protection and utilization of heritage resources and the formulation of management policies. In this study, 977 national ICH items in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin are analyzed with the help of ArcGIS spatial analysis technology, SPSS regression analysis, and human geography research methods. The results show that the national ICH in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin has complete categories but varies in provincial scale, particularly between the north and south parts. According to the analysis using tools such as kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse, and the center-of-gravity model, it is clear that the ICH in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin shows different degrees of sub-type aggregation, varying directional characteristics of each batch of ICH, and a centre of gravity of ICH with a tendency to shift in multiple directions. The main factors affecting the spatio-temporal distribution pattern of ICH in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin are natural geographical factors, socioeconomic factors, and policy environment factors. Moreover, there is a significant positive correlation between ICH resources and the tourism industry that cannot be ignored. This study provides an important reference for planning the reuse of ICH resource systems in northern and southern China.
Perceived Effectiveness of Agricultural Cooperatives by Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from a Micro-Level Survey in North-Eastern South Africa
Authors: Nyawo Paean Hugo , Olorunfemi Oluwasogo David
Published: June 2023

The importance of agricultural cooperatives and other community-based organizations in facilitating sustainable agricultural development in South Africa cannot be downplayed. The aim of the study was to analyse smallholder farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in rendering support services to their enterprise in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to elicit data from a sample of 120 smallholder farmers drawn from 150 farmers—members who were currently active members of agricultural cooperatives. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data that were analysed using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the member farmers’ perception of cooperative effectiveness. The findings revealed that although agricultural cooperatives in the area rendered some level of support services to their members, the majority of the respondents perceived their cooperative as ineffective in rendering some key support services to them that could potentially improve their livelihoods. The results of inferential analysis indicate that factors such as farm size, level of education, household size, farming experience, major crop grown/animal reared, number of cooperative members, support services received index, and satisfaction of leadership processes were significant socioeconomic and institutional factors that influence respondent’s perception. The study recommended increased government public recognition and support for agricultural cooperatives development, increased resource base through more access to grant and donations, and improved linkages between cooperatives and extension agencies as a means of improving the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in the area.
Assessment of Perceived Factors of Road Safety in Rural Left-Behind Children’s Independent Travel: A Case Study in Changsha, China
Authors: Tang Yue , Zhu Li , Li Jiang , Zhang Ni , Sun Yilin , Wang Xiaokang , Wu Honglin
Published: June 2023

The disparity between urban and rural development in China has resulted in the significant migration of rural laborers to urban areas, giving rise to a growing population of left-behind children in rural areas. The number of accidental injuries among these children traveling independently is increasing, suggesting that road safety in rural areas should be of concern. This study explored factors affecting road safety for left-behind rural children traveling independently. The data were collected from a survey conducted in four villages in Changsha, China. The study used a variety of methods, including spatial syntax, linear regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise regression analysis, to analyze factors affecting road safety for rural left-behind children traveling independently. The study revealed significant differences in road safety perceptions among rural left-behind children and their guardians. Road safety perceptions were significantly higher for left-behind children. Factors such as plant density, turning angle, road scale, road slope, recognizable signs, internal corner space, animal danger, enclosure type, electronic tools, monitoring facilities, strangers, and social concerns were found to be significantly related to road safety perceptions of left-behind children traveling independently. The findings suggested that left-behind children who travel independently in rural areas face a potential risk of accidental injuries. These results can be used by decision makers to improve the rural road environment and to provide useful assistance for the healthy growth of left-behind children.
Value–Risk Calculator for Blended Finance: A Systems Perspective of the Nachtigal Hydropower Project
Authors: Swanson A. Richard , Sakhrani Vivek
Published: June 2023

Hydropower as a renewable source can help many countries achieve their sustainable energy and climate goals, but large projects are challenging to finance because of their costs and risks. To fully realize the climate benefits of such projects, sponsors have recently fashioned complex financing arrangements that structure and allocate risks to reduce financing costs. This paper focuses on the blended financing approach adopted for the Nachtigal Hydropower Plant (NHP) in Cameroon. The purpose of the paper is to present a detailed systems analysis of Nachtigal’s financial arrangement to address the question of why the complex financing approach worked in practice. We accomplish this by creating a “financial simulator”—a computational model for evaluating risks and incentives embedded within the financing structure under different contract architectures and risk–event scenarios. Our simulator is a dynamic value–risk calculator that can be easily updated to study other climate-oriented projects that involve complex financial arrangements. We evaluated three aspects of the financing/contractual arrangements that made Nachtigal “bankable:” (i) guarantees that covered nonpayments, (ii) financial options on locally sourced loans; and (iii) an interest rate swap. We found: (i) the guarantees recovered project value threatened by four specific risks often associated with large hydropower investments (cost overruns, schedule delays, offtake risk, and low flow due to climate change); (ii) the mechanism significantly lowered interest rate charges; and (iii) private finance was mobilized—especially due to the options. The financial safeguards employed increased the likelihood of capturing the long-run sustainability benefits from NHP.
Enhancing Construction Enterprise Financial Performance through Digital Inclusive Finance: An Insight into Supply Chain Finance
Authors: Yu Wei , Huang Huiqin , Zhu Keying
Published: June 2023

Digital Inclusive Finance (DIF) is a novel approach that employs digital technology to foster the development of inclusive finance, which can effectively alleviate the financing constraints of enterprises. This paper empirically tests the relationship between DIF and the financial performance of construction enterprises, with a focus of supply chain finance (SCF). The findings indicate that DIF can enhance the financial performance of construction enterprises, and SCF is one of the mechanisms through which DIF affects the financial performance of construction enterprises. Moreover, the cross-sectional analysis reveals that the impact of DIF on financial performance is more pronounced in firms with characteristics of private capital-holding and high operating pressure. This study not only enriches the research perspectives of DIF, but also provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate effective policies.
Methodology of a Circular Economy in a Specific Territory
Authors: Skripnuk Djamilia , Didenko Nikolay , Gazizulina Albina , Kikkas Kseniia N. , Skripniuk Konstantin
Published: June 2023

This article refers to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 by the 193 countries of the UN General Assembly, of which Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns has important implications for achieving a zero-waste, circular economy. The methodology of achieving integrated zero-waste production and a circular economy is discussed for application in a specific territory. The methodology consists of the following key aspects: (a) a targeted program of zero-waste production addressing problems concerning industrial and domestic waste in a specific territory; (b) targeted zero-waste production subprograms addressing industrial waste problems; (c) Industry 4.0 technologies involved in the development of a circular economy in a specific territory; (d) involvement of residents of a territory in collectively addressing all environmental problems and participating in zero-waste production organizations; and (e) mathematical, software, and IT methodologies of implementing a zero-waste and circular economy in a specific territory. An empirical analysis of the methodological aspects was carried out, using the example of a municipal district with a developed multisectoral economy. This study demonstrates the concept of waste classification involving the use of waste as raw material in a municipal district, including a specific targeted subprogram for recycling polymer products in a municipal district. A mathematical model of a zero-waste and circular economy program in a municipal district is depicted as an alternative graph to show different options of operation while addressing both local and global goals. An analytic hierarchy process was used to empower decision-makers to interactively select the option that best corresponds to the financial capacity of the municipal district, the duration of the program, and the technical requirements of the task.
Shaking Table Test for Seismic Response of Nuclear Power Plant on Non-Rock Site
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Jing Liping , Ma Ying , Yang Jianhua , Qi Wenhao
Published: June 2023

In order to compare and analyze the seismic response characteristics of a safety-related nuclear structure on a non-rock site in the condition of raft and pile group foundations under unidirectional and multidirectional seismic motion input, a large-scale shaking table test of the soil-nuclear structure system was carried out in this paper. In the test, the soil was uniform silted clay, and the shear wave velocity was 213 m/s. Considering the similarity of the superstructure natural frenquency, the actual nuclear power structure was simplified to a three-story frame shear wall structure model. The annular laminated shear model box was used to take the boundary effect of soil into consideration; the seismic motions = were input in only one horizontal direction or three directions at the same time for the shaking table test, and the results were analyzed. The results of the test show that the acceleration response of the safety-related nuclear plant is affected by the directions of input seismic motion and the forms of the foundation. When the seismic motion is input simultaneously in three directions, the acceleration responses of the horizontal motion and vertical rocking of the safety-related plant are larger than those of the single-direction input. The acceleration response of the horizontal motion and vertical rocking of the safety-related structure with the pile group foundation is smaller than that with the raft foundation. The values of most frequency bands in the horizontal acceleration Fourier amplitude spectrum at the top of the pile-foundation structure are smaller than that at the top of the raft-foundation structure, while the displacement is basically the same as that of the raft-foundation structure. This is related to the relation between the frequency component of input seismic motion and the natural frequency of the structure system. Therefore, it is more reasonable to use three-dimensional seismic input in the seismic response analysis of nuclear power plants. The seismic performance of nuclear power plants can be enhanced by using pile group foundations.
The Role of Organizational Unlearning in Manufacturing Firms’ Sustainable Digital Innovation: The Mechanism of Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Slack
Authors: Zhao Ziyi , Yan Yulu
Published: June 2023

This study explores the underlying mechanisms of achieving sustainable digital innovation in the context of manufacturing companies. Building on the perspective of organizational unlearning, we propose that organizational unlearning could disrupt current innovation routines and positively relate to the sustainability of digital innovation, the features of which are self-referential improvement and iterative scalability. This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 274 Chinese manufacturing companies and used SmartPLS 4.0 to analyze the data. Drawing insights from data analysis results, this study discovers that organizational-level unlearning is able to make digital innovation achievable and sustainable. In addition, this study articulates the partial mediation mechanism of strategic flexibility and organizational slack. The findings unearth the utility of organizational unlearning to manufacturing companies in the digital context, contribute to the emerging literature on digital innovation by introducing organizational unlearning as a new theoretical perspective for introducing digital transformation, and offer managerial insights to help manufacturing companies leverage organizational unlearning proactively to release its long-term benefits.
Content Focus and Effectiveness of Climate Change and Human Health Education in Schools: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ramadani Lira , Khanal Sudeepa , Boeckmann Melanie
Published: June 2023

The creation of standardized, impactful, evidence-based curricula and resources addressing climate change and health issues in schools is seen as vital in combating the impending risks of climate change on human health. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies related to climate change and health education in schools and to examine their content focus and evaluation. The search covered five electronic databases and considered English peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to May 2022. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, representing various countries and employing different study designs. Climate change and health adaptation content dominated the included studies with varying foci, including heatwaves, disaster preparation, flood education, vector-borne diseases, and general climate change and health adaptation. Other studies utilized climate change and health topics to develop skills, employ the use of information and communication technologies within curricula, and highlight the interconnectedness between the environment and health. Although heterogenous in their methodology, the intervention studies and evaluations included (five out of nine) found that interventions impacted knowledge, awareness or perception. Two studies also highlighted the intergenerational learning potential of the interventions. While there is a growing body of research in the field, more research is necessary to measure their effectiveness and thereby develop suitable educational strategies.
Sea Ice Extraction in SAR Images via a Spatially Constrained Gamma Mixture Model
Authors: Shi Xue , Wang Yu , You Haotian , Chen Jianjun
Published: June 2023

Sea ice plays an important role in climate change research and maritime shipping safety, and SAR imaging technology provides important technical support for sea ice extraction. However, traditional methods have limitations such as low efficiency, model complexity, and excessive human interference. For that, a novel sea ice segmentation algorithm based on a spatially constrained Gamma mixture model (GaMM) is proposed in this paper. The advantage of the proposed algorithm is automatic, efficient, and accurate sea ice extraction. The algorithm first uses GaMM to build the probability distribution of sea ice in SAR images. Considering the similarity in the class attributions of local pixels, the smoothing coefficient is defined by the class attributes of neighboring pixels. Then, the prior distribution of the label is modeled by combining Gibbs distribution and the smoothing coefficient to improve the accuracy of sea ice extraction. The proposed algorithm utilizes the Expectation maximization method to estimate model parameters, and determines the optimal number of classes using Bayesian information criteria, aiming to achieve fast and automatic sea ice extraction. To test the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, numerous experiments were conducted on simulated and real high-resolution SAR images. The results show that the proposed algorithm has high accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can obtain the optimal number of classes and avoid over-segmentation or under-segmentation caused by manually setting the number of classes.
Mosque Morphological Analysis: The Impact of Indoor Spatial–Volumetric Visibility on Worshipers’ Visual Comfort
Authors: Ali Lana Abubakr , Mustafa Faris Ali
Published: June 2023

One of the essential needs of humans that is influenced by architectural geometry is visibility in indoor areas. Prayer hall geometry dominates the mosque typology and morphology. The spatial–volumetric shapes of interior prayer halls affect worshipers’ visual comfort and spirituality. In this study, a new integrative framework is developed to quantitatively describe various mosque typo-morphologies affecting the visual comfort of worshipers, including spaciousness and consciousness, to obtain prayer hall typo-morphological patterns that may provide higher levels of visual comfort. Spatial and volumetric metrics from various prayer hall vantage points are used in this study. A two-dimensional isovist (VGA) map in depthmapX.10 collects spatial metrics, while the grasshopper script in Rhinoceros-7 collects 3D isovist volumetric metrics. The findings confirm the feasibility of creating a prominent area in barrier-free mosque layout designs centered on a central domed roof form.
Bivariate-Logit-Based Severity Analysis for Motorcycle Crashes in Texas, 2017–2021
Authors: Billah Khondoker , Sharif Hatim O. , Dessouky Samer
Published: June 2023

Due to the number of severe traffic collisions involving motorcycles, a comprehensive investigation is required to determine their causes. This study analyzed Texas crash data from 2017 to 2021 to determine who was at fault and how various factors affect the frequency and severity of motorcycle collisions. Moreover, the study tried to identify high-risk sites for motorcycle crashes. Utilizing bivariate analysis and logistic regression models, the study investigated the individual and combined effects of several variables. Heat maps and hotspot analyses were used to identify locations with a high incidence of both minor and severe motorcycle crashes. The survey showed that dangerous speed, inattention, lane departure, and failing to surrender the right-of-way at a stop sign or during a left turn were the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. When a motorcyclist was at fault, the likelihood of severe collisions was much higher. The study revealed numerous elements as strong predictors of catastrophic motorcycle crashes, including higher speed limits, poor illumination, darkness during the weekend, dividers or designated lanes as the principal road traffic control, an increased age of the primary crash victim, and the lack of a helmet. The concentration of motorcycle collisions was found to be relatively high in city cores, whereas clusters of severe motorcycle collisions were detected on road segments beyond city limits. This study recommends implementing reduced speed limits on high-risk segments, mandating helmet use, prioritizing resource allocation to high-risk locations, launching educational campaigns to promote safer driving practices and the use of protective gear, and inspecting existing conditions as well as the road geometry of high-risk locations to reduce the incidence and severity of motorcycle crashes.
Sustainable Higher Education: From E-Learning to Smart Education
Authors: Parusheva Silvia , Bobek Samo , Sternad Zabukovšek Simona
Published: June 2023

In recent years, education has been increasingly influenced by information technology and digitization [...]
Target Selection for a Space-Energy Driven Laser-Ablation Debris Removal System Based on Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Yang Wulin , Fu Hongya , Shao Zhongxi , Wu Qiang , Chen Chuan
Published: June 2023

The space-energy driven laser-ablation debris removal technology can remove or detach multiple centimeter-level space debris in a single mission. However, the space-energy driven platform can only rely on its own equipment capabilities to detect and identify space debris. It is necessary to select multiple potentially removable debris targets to improve the removal efficiency. In this paper, target selection for a space-energy driven laser-ablation debris removal system is analyzed based on ant colony optimization. The intersection and interaction periods were given by the optimal driving sequence calculation for multiple debris. Parameters such as the detection range, pulsed energy, repetition frequency of the laser and trajectory of debris have been considered as inputs of the simulation. Target selection and optimal action time have been calculated when a single debris entered the detection range of the laser system. This optimization can significantly improve the overall efficiency and laser energy utilization of the space-based laser platform for the same randomly generated debris group, compared to the mode driven sequentially according to the order of entering the laser action range. The results showed that after being filtered by the ant colony algorithm, the number of removable debris doubled, and the de-orbit altitude increased by 15.9%. The energy utilization rate of the laser removal system has been improved by 74.6%. This optimization algorithm can significantly improve the overall work efficiency and laser energy utilization rate of the space-energy driven system. It can remove more debris or have a larger effective orbit reduction distance value for all debris.
Study on the Synergistic Evolutionary Effects of China’s Digital Economy Core Industry and Energy Industry Based on DEA Malmquist Synergistic Development Model and Grey Correlation Analysis
Authors: Xu Guoteng , Zhu Jingwei , Li Chengjiang , Shan Jingtong
Published: June 2023

The burgeoning digital economy has facilitated a transformation and upgraded within the energy industry, which, in return, continually guarantees robust energy security for the expansion of the digital economy. China’s digital economy and energy sector have increasingly merged and innovated in the domains of technology, market, and operations in recent years. Consequently, an accurate assessment of the interplay between these two sectors and their evolving patterns is vital for policy formulation and execution concerning their joint development. Drawing on 14,520 authoritative departmental statistics from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2021, this study applies techniques such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-Malmquist, grey correlation, and objective empowerment to develop a quantitative evaluation model for the reciprocal evolution of these industries finding that the own synergistic evolutionary effect of these two industries experienced fluctuations, declining from 0.8512 and 0.7535 in 2012 to 0.4590 and 0.4378 in 2021, respectively. Conversely, the comprehensive synergistic evolutionary effect between industries increased from 0.5879 in 2012 to 0.6841 in 2021. Building upon these findings, a series of development proposals are put forth to provide valuable insights and recommendations for advancing the high-level coordinated development of China’s digital economy and energy industry.
Experimental Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and Crumb Rubber on the Rutting and Moisture Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Mahmood Arian Omer , Kattan Raad Awad
Published: June 2023

The most severe distresses in asphalt pavement are rutting, fatigue, and low-temperature cracking; therefore, to solve these problems, it is essential to modify asphalt binders in asphalt concrete mixtures. In this study, a comparison between using styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR) as modifiers for asphalt binders to overcome distress issues was conducted. Base and SBS or CR-modified binders were subjected to all conventional and Superpave binder tests. Engineering tests such as the Hamburg wheel tracker and indirect tensile strength ratio were also run to evaluate the engineering properties. The used SBS percentages were 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%, while CR percentages were 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% by total weight. The results showed lower penetration, higher softening point, viscosity, and elastic recovery for both additives. In addition, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests showed increasing values of both high and low temperatures of modified asphalt performance grade (PG) with increasing SBS or CR percent. The tensile strength ratio and Hamburg wheel tracker results showed the best engineering properties at 3% SBS or 9% CR, the optimum percent. A triple percentage of CR is needed to get the same effect of SBS for the asphalt mixture.
Integration of High-Accuracy Geospatial Data and Machine Learning Approaches for Soil Erosion Susceptibility Mapping in the Mediterranean Region: A Case Study of the Macta Basin, Algeria
Authors: Bouguerra Hamza , Tachi Salah Eddine , Bouchehed Hamza , Gilja Gordon , Aloui Nadir , Hasnaoui Yacine , Aliche Abdelmalek , Benmamar Saâdia , Navarro-Pedreño Jose
Published: June 2023

Erosion can have a negative impact on the agricultural sustainability and grazing lands in the Mediterranean area, especially in northern Algeria. It is useful to map the spatial occurrence of erosion and identify susceptible erodible areas on large scale. The main objective of this research was to compare the performance of four machine learning techniques: Categorical boosting, Adaptive boosting, Convolutional Neural Network, and stacking ensemble models to predict the occurrence of erosion in the Macta basin, northwestern Algeria. Several climatologic, morphologic, hydrological, and geological factors based on multi-sources data were elaborated in GIS environment to determine the erosion factors in the studied area. The conditioning factors encompassing rainfall erosivity, slope, aspect, elevation, LULC, topographic wetness index, distance from river, distance from roads, clay mineral ratio, lithology, and geology were derived via the integration of topographic attributes and remote sensing data including Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 within a GIS framework. The inventory map of soil erosion was created by integrating data from the global positioning system to locate erosion sites, conducting extensive field surveys, and analyzing satellite images obtained from Google Earth through visual interpretation. The dataset was divided randomly into two sets with 60% for training and calibrating and 40% for testing the models. Statistical metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to assess the validity of the proposed models. The results revealed that machine learning and deep learning, as well stacking ensemble techniques, showed outstanding performance with accuracy over 98% with sensitivity 0.98 and specificity 0.98. Policy makers and local authorities can utilize the predicted erosion susceptibility maps to promote sustainable use of water and soil conservation and safeguard agricultural activities against potential damage.
The Effect of Flow Field Design Parameters on the Performance of PEMFC: A Review
Authors: Bunyan Sadiq T. , Dhahad Hayder A. , Khudhur Dhamyaa S. , Yusaf Talal
Published: June 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is essentially utilized to generate energy with zero emission. There are many drawbacks in PEMFC, such as the mal-distribution of reactants, water management between the catalyst layer and the GDL, and the mass transport issue of reactants. Flow field design parameters can overcome these problems to improve cell performance. Where the flow field is an essential element of the fuel cell, and it is designed to provide the required amount of both hydrogen and oxygen with the lowest possible pressure drop on the anode and cathode sides, respectively. In this paper, the cell performance with different flow field design parameters, such as conventional flow field configuration, nature-inspired flow field configuration, and geometric parameters, as well as their modifications, is reviewed in detail. It has been demonstrated through the current review paper that the flow field design parameters can significantly affect the overall behavior of PEMFC, and each design parameter has advantages and disadvantages that make the flow fields suitable for specific applications.