bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Vertical Jump Performance and Ankle Joint Range of Motion: Effect of Knee Joint Angle and Handedness in Young Adult Handball Players
Authors: Panoutsakopoulos Vassilios , Kotzamanidou Mariana C. , Giannakos Athanasios K. , Kollias Iraklis A.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of the ankle joint range of motion (ROM) on the vertical jump (VJ) performance of adult handball players. The active (ACT) and passive (PAS) ankle joint ROM of 12 male members of the U21 National Handball Team with the knee joint at 0°, 40°, and 90° flexion (0° = fully extended knee) was evaluated using a video analysis measuring method. Participants also performed maximum VJ with (CMJ) and without (SQJ) countermovement, as well as with (AS) and without (NAS) an arm swing. Statistical analyses included 2 × 2 × 3 MANOVA, 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Results reveal that PAS-ROM was larger (p < 0.05) in all knee joint flexion angles. ROM was smaller (p < 0.05) by approximately 10° at 0° compared to 90° knee flexion. No lateral effects on ROM due to the handedness of the players were observed. AS and CM resulted in increased jump height (p < 0.05). Finally, ACT-ROM when the knee joint was flexed at 40° was highly correlated (r ≥ 0.66, p < 0.05) with VJ performance except for CMJ-AS. In conclusion, the differences in the bi-articular gastrocnemius muscle flexibility due to the alteration of the angular position of the examined joints affected the ability to generate impulse during the VJ tests.
COVID-19 Biomedical Plastics Wastes—Challenges and Strategies for Curbing the Environmental Disaster
Authors: Selvaraj Siddharthan , Prasadh Somasundaram , Fuloria Shivkanya , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Sekar Mahendran , Ahmed Abdelmoty M. , Bouallegue Belgacem , Hari Kumar Darnal , Sharma Vipin Kumar , Maziz Mohammad Nazmul Hasan , Sathasivam Kathiresan V. , Meenakshi Dhanalekshmi U. , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar
Published: May 2022

The rise of the COVID-19 outbreak has made handling plastic waste much more difficult. Our superior, hyper-hygienic way of life has changed our behavioural patterns, such as the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), the increased desire for plastic-packaged food and commodities, and the use of disposable utensils, as a result of the fear of transmission. The constraints and inefficiencies of our current waste management system, in dealing with our growing reliance on plastic, could worsen its mismanagement and leakage into the environment, causing a new environmental crisis. A sustainable, systemic, and hierarchical plastic management plan, which clearly outlines the respective responsibilities as well as the socioeconomic and environmental implications of these actions, is required to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. It will necessitate action strategies tailored to individual types of plastic waste and country demand, as well as increased support from policymakers and the general public. The situation of biomedical plastic wastes during the COVID-19 epidemic is alarming. In addition, treatment of plastic waste, sterilisation, incineration, and alternative technologies for transforming bio-plastic waste into value-added products were discussed, elaborately. Our review would help to promote sustainable technologies to manage plastic waste, which can only be achieved with a change in behaviour among individuals and society, which might help to safeguard against going from one disaster to another in the coming days.
Research on Traffic Design of Urban Vital Streets
Authors: Wang Fu , Tan Chang , Li Miaohan , Gu Dengjun , Wang Huini
Published: May 2022

As an important part of urban public spaces, the urban street is an important place for people’s lives, communication, and activities. Its vitality directly affects the vitality of the whole city. It is of great practical significance to examine the current situation and theoretical development of urban streets in China and reconstruct the vitality of streets from the perspective of the traffic users. Based on the “people-oriented” design concept of street traffic, this study took street sections and intersections as the main research object, proposed an overall layout of traffic, space, and facilities. A complete set of humanized and green traffic design methods was constructed to enhance the street vitality. First, through the analysis of the concept of road and street, the traffic connotations of the vital street was determined, the characteristics of the vital street was investigated, and the constituent elements of the vital street was summarized. Then, with a focus on people’s needs, the vital street traffic design methods were mainly divided into two parts: vital street section traffic design and vital street intersection design. Finally, Zhongshan Avenue in Wuhan City was chosen for empirical analysis. Through a field questionnaire survey, the traffic characteristics and traffic demands of residents on Zhongshan Avenue were analyzed, and the traffic design of Zhongshan Avenue was carried out in combination with the traffic design method proposed in this study. The results showed that people’s satisfaction with the renovated Zhongshan Avenue reached 90%. Buses, subways, bicycles, and walkways have become the four major green transportation modes for people to arrive at and leave Zhongshan Avenue, and the renovated Zhongshan Avenue has become a vibrant living street.
Contemporary Architecture in Genoa since 1945—Knowledge and Use through Geoservices for the Citizen
Authors: Casanova Marta , Acacia Simonetta , Musso Stefano Francesco , Traverso Stefania , Rottura Federico , Olivieri Cristina
Published: May 2022

The paper illustrates the enhancement of knowledge of architecture from 1945 onwards in Genoa by means of the publication on the Geoportal of the Municipality, which was developed with open-source systems, of a proper dataset and tools for digital storytelling for citizens. The implementation on the municipal Geoportal of a section called “Contemporary Architecture from 1945 onwards in Genoa” was made possible through collaboration between the University of Genoa Architecture and Design Department (DAD) and the Municipality of Genoa Office for Geographical Information Systems. The data related to the buildings in the Municipality of Genoa were extracted from a previous study about contemporary architecture in Liguria carried out by DAD. The case study introduced two tools for the promotion and enhancement of knowledge of such architecture, a map on which the buildings are located and associated with an information form and geostories with in-depth information on selected buildings, the latter of which can be sorted based on thematic itineraries or by author. The use of integrated services contributes to the competitiveness and sustainability of the city, raising citizens’ awareness of the value of the architecture of the second half of the 20th century and thus activating conservation processes as advocated in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Effect of Product Knowledge, Perceived Benefits, and Perceptions of Risk on Indonesian Student Decisions to Use E-Wallets for Warunk Upnormal
Authors: Foster Bob , Hurriyati Ratih , Johansyah Muhamad Deni
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this research is to find out how product knowledge, benefit perception, and risk perception variables affect the decision to use e-wallets (Go-Pay). (2) Methods: The population used in this study is Indonesian students who used Go-Pay to carry transactions at Warunk Upnormal of Dipatiukur Branch, West Java, Indonesia. The sampling technique used by the author is a non-probability sampling technique. Meanwhile, the type of sampling used by the author is accidental sampling. Based on the calculations made, the sample used in this study is 100 Indonesian students. Furthermore, the research method used in this study is quantitative methods. Data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM). (3) Results: this study indicates that the final product knowledge and perception of risk have a positive and significant effect on user satisfaction. The latent variable of perceived benefits has a negative and insignificant impact on the decision to use. (4) Conclusions: the latent variables of product knowledge and risk perception have a positive and significant effect on user satisfaction. Meanwhile, the latent variable of perceived benefits has a negative and insignificant impact on the decision to use the e-wallet.
Distribution Differentiation and Influencing Factors of the High-Quality Development of the Hotel Industry from the Perspective of Customer Satisfaction: A Case Study of Sanya
Authors: Ma Yong , Li Hang , Tong Yun
Published: May 2022

Achieving customer satisfaction is an important goal of the high-quality development (HQD) of the hotel industry. The purpose of this study is to summarize the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the HQD of the hotel industry to better help improve hotel customer satisfaction and realize the HQD of the hotel industry. Taking Sanya as an example, this study applied kernel density analysis, grid analysis and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to reveal the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the HQD of the hotel industry. The research results show that (1) from 2010 to 2020, both budget hotels and luxury hotels showed an increasing trend year by year and the degree of spatial agglomeration was continuously strengthened. (2) The overall HQD of the hotel industry in Sanya is at a medium to high level, but the development between different regions is unbalanced. The HQD level of the hotel industry in the eastern part of the city is better than that in the western region. (3) There are significant differences in the HQD level and its spatial distribution characteristics of budget hotels and luxury hotels. (4) Hardware facilities, price levels, market popularity and traffic conditions have a positive impact on the HQD level of the hotel industry, while hotel scale and business prosperity have a negative impact on the HQD level of the hotel industry. The public service level does not pass the significance test. The conclusions of this study can provide theoretical reference for the decision-making of HQD of urban tourism.
Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Teaching ESD: A Theory-Driven Instrument and the Effectiveness of ESD in German Teacher Education
Authors: Handtke Kevin , Richter-Beuschel Lisa , Bögeholz Susanne
Published: May 2022

Self-efficacy beliefs are important for teachers to conduct Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Self-efficacy instruments for teaching ESD mainly focus on primary education, and theory-driven instruments are lacking. Thus, we developed an instrument for secondary education reflecting eight subcategories of a science teaching pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) model, transferred to teaching ESD. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (n1 = 162) and a confirmatory factor analysis (n2 = 236) with mainly pre-service biology, politics, and geography teachers for secondary education. We identified seven self-efficacy beliefs of teaching ESD factors. Six of these factors showed an expected low or middle correlation with self-rated content knowledge of SD-relevant issues (divergent validity). Pre-service teachers’ ESD teaching self-efficacy beliefs were rather positive, missing clear differences due to studying biology, politics, and geography. Bachelor students had higher self-efficacy beliefs than Master of Education students regarding four factors. Only 32 of 113 Bachelor students completed any ESD course at that time. They could have overestimated their own skills or underestimated teaching ESD. Current participation in at least one ESD course positively influenced three self-efficacy factors. Since barely any pre-service teacher currently participated in or completed more than three ESD courses at the time of the study, there is room for a stronger focus on ESD in German teacher education.
Fairness and Inclusion for Users of Surface Transport—An Exploratory Thematic Study for Irish Users
Authors: Ari Ajeni , Leva Maria Chiara , D’Arcy Lorraine , Kinahan Mary
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the conditions of public transport with respect to user accessibility, design of infrastructure, and safety from a gendered perspective. Our investigation aims to understand the factors that direct a citizen’s choice of whether or not to use public transport. Our discussion is focused on gender disparities among user experiences, so we confine our focus to that of women’s perspectives and their experiences with public transport use. A framework for our discussion was formed with consideration of the theoretical aspects of fairness, justice, and gender in transport, as well as user statistics. We identified several spaces where public transport policy planning and implementation may be improved in order to balance gender disparity of access, safety, and security across the gender divide. (We acknowledge that both distinct and interchangeable definitions of safety and security exist. In this work, we err to the latter, while also recognising from user-based qualitative data that safety concerns are not limited to infrastructure, but also relate to other unwanted sources of physical, mental, or emotional harm experienced within the transport system.) Primary among these was the necessity of both the acknowledgment and appreciation of the issues disproportionately experienced by women. A one-size-fits-all approach was found to ill-recognise the societal minutiae of constant caring responsibilities, income limitations, ability/disability, or the effects of past negative experiences faced by women. We conclude that improvements may be achieved by targeting and meeting actual, not just perceived need.
Bi-Level Planning Model for Urban Energy Steady-State Optimal Configuration Based on Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Wang Yongli , Liu Chen , Cai Chengcong , Ma Ziben , Zhou Minhan , Dong Huanran , Li Fang
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of social economy, energy consumption has continued to grow, and the problem of pollutant emissions in various energy sources has gradually become the focus of social attention. Cities account for two-thirds of global primary energy demand that make urban energy systems a center of sustainable transitions. This paper builds a bi-level planning model for steady-state optimal configuration to realize the reasonable planning of the urban energy structure. The first level mainly analyzes the steady-state relationship between energy systems, the second level is based on the steady-state relationship of multiple energy sources to minimize the construction and operating costs of urban energy systems and pollutant emissions. Nonlinear system dynamics and the Improved Moth Flame Optimization Algorithm (IMFO) algorithm are implemented to solve the model. In addition, this paper uses instances to verify the application of a planning model in a certain city energy system in China. Under the premise of ensuring the stability of the urban energy system, two energy planning programs are proposed: mainly coal or mainly high-quality energy. The coal planning volumes are used as the basis for sub-scenario planning and discussion. Lastly, this paper proposes a series of development suggestions for different planning schemes.
Dynamic Mechanisms and Institutional Frameworks of China’s Green Development: An Analysis from the Perspective of Collaboration
Authors: Liang Jingbo , Bai Wuliyasu , Li Qianqian , Zhang Xingyuan , Zhang Long
Published: May 2022

With the intensifying deterioration of the global ecological environment and the continuous depletion of natural resources induced by human activities, the world is standing at a crossroads. As the largest developing country in the world, China has an urgent need to change its development model to a more sustainable one. Green development, the inevitable choice to promote the construction of an ecological civilization, is the only way to achieve a beautiful China. Dynamic mechanisms are the key factors to achieving green development, and the improvement of institutional frameworks is a fundamental guarantee for improving the quality of green development. The purpose of this study is to identify the driving forces that compose the dynamic mechanisms and to propose an institutional framework for green development in China. This paper discusses the various driving forces behind green development, and analyzes the dynamic mechanisms as well as the roles of the various forces in achieving green development. Finally, an institutional framework for pursuing green development in China is provided. It was found that the dynamic mechanism behind green development in China includes four aspects, namely, pressure, a pulling force, a pushing force, and a supporting force. The institutional framework for green development in China can be established from the aspects of education, stakeholder coordination, the legal system, ecological compensation, scientific and technological innovation, regional cooperation, and other system countermeasures.
Investigating the Effects of Aerobic Hydrolysis on Scum Layer Formation during the Anaerobic Digestion of Corn Stalk Particles
Authors: Jiao Hao , Li Wenzhe , Jing Hongjing , Wang Ming , Li Pengfei , Sun Yong
Published: May 2022

The scum layer of straw anaerobic digestion significantly impacts biogas production efficiency. The initial floating of straw after entering the reactor is an important reason for scum layer formation. Improving the settleability of straw particles and reducing the initial floating time of straw are crucial to suppressing the scum layer, and accelerating the water absorption rate of straw entering the reactor is the key to reducing the floating time. Therefore, in this study the corn stalks were kneaded and rolled, and the stalk particles were tested for water absorption and aerobic hydrolysis. The results showed that the water absorption rate of the stalks after conditioning was significantly accelerated, and the water absorption rate was 120% higher than that of the untreated stalks after absorbing water for 12 h. Simultaneously, aerobic hydrolysis destroys the lignocellulose structure to a certain extent, increases the porosity of the stalk particles, and further improves the settleability of the stalk particles. In the subsequent anaerobic digestion process, scum decreased significantly: the scum layer volume ratio was 13% lower than untreated stalks. The methane production efficiency of anaerobic digestion was significantly improved, and the optimal hydrolysis time was 12 h. At this time, the cumulative methane production of the milled treated stalks reached the maximum value of 319.64 mL/g VS, which was 26.59% higher than that of the untreated stalks.
A 5S Lean Strategy for a Sustainable Welding Process
Authors: Manzanares-Cañizares Carlos , Sánchez-Lite Alberto , Rosales-Prieto Víctor F. , Fuentes-Bargues José Luis , González-Gaya Cristina
Published: May 2022

The correct performance of the welding processes used to join metal parts or structural elements is considered to be of vital importance to guarantee the reliability of these products during their useful lives. Adequate workstation design ensures a safe environment in which an operator can perform these processes correctly. In order to guarantee the quality of welding seams, which are used to join metal parts and structural elements, a series of standards have been developed; these standards establish requirements to guarantee the correct performance of welding processes, and the inspection of the metal welds obtained. The 5S methodology has proven to be a valid tool for improving workplaces in industrial and service activities; it is a capstone methodology when companies implement lean production approaches. This work presents a framework for applying the 5S methodology in metal welding workplaces. It defines an index to evaluate the degree of implementation of the 5S methodology, and the application of the important performance analysis methodology (IPA). Fuzzy logic is used to treat the uncertainty in evaluating the different evaluation indicators proposed. This framework is applied to a real practical case, to provide an example of its use in establishing good manufacturing practices that guarantee compliance with the requirements of welding standards, and guaranteeing the correct handling and storage of the materials and tools used in welding processes for the manufacture of welded parts and structural elements.
Smart Services in Smart Cities: Insights from Science Mapping Analysis
Authors: Malik Radosław , Visvizi Anna , Troisi Orlando , Grimaldi Mara
Published: May 2022

Against the backdrop of the expanding debate on smart cities, the objective of this paper is to examine to what extent and to what end the connection between smart services and smart cities has been explored in the literature, and what to make of it. It is argued that smart services, including demand- and innovation-driven service development, constitute an essential part of the broad concept of smart city. Viewed in this way, smart services serve as one of the key levers through which smart cities grow, develop, and build their resilience. By placing the analysis in the broader context of the smart city as smart service system, this paper sheds light on the still underexplored fields of research and suggests how they could be examined. For the purpose of the analysis, the Science Mapping (SciMat) method is employed as it allows to quantify and to visualize research output featured in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), thus aiding the analysis. The added value of this paper is two-fold, i.e., (i) the SciMat analysis identifies the key dimensions of the nascent smart services in smart cities debate, and consequently, (ii) allows for suggesting topics that should be further investigated to detect the drivers for cities’ growth, resilience, and sustainability.
Conflicts over Land as a Risk for Social-Ecological Resilience: A Transnational Comparative Analysis in the Southwestern Amazon
Authors: Froese Rebecca , Pinzón Claudia , Aceitón Loreto , Argentim Tarik , Arteaga Marliz , Navas-Guzmán Juan Sebastian , Pismel Gleiciane , Scherer Sophia Florence , Reutter Jannis , Schilling Janpeter , Schönenberg Regine
Published: May 2022

People in the department of Madre de Dios/Peru, the state of Acre/Brazil, and the department of Pando/Bolivia experience similar conflicts over land, land use, and access to resources. At the same time, each conflict reveals distinct characteristics and dynamics, arising from its history, legal regulation, institutional (in-)capacities, and culturally diverse local populations. The aim of this paper is to better understand the main drivers of social-ecological conflicts over land in and around three protected areas in this transboundary region, known as MAP, and to analyze how (environmental) institutions influence these drivers. The paper is based on a literature review and expert interviews; it focuses on conflicts around (1) gold mining in Madre de Dios, (2) extensive cattle ranching in Acre, and (3) access to communal land in Pando. Using theories of conflict research, expanded by a political ecology perspective and insights from stakeholder and expert interviews, we find that the major conflict drivers are (1) land tenure and access to land and natural resources, (2) identity and lifestyle driven transformations, (3) state and market driven agendas, and (4) networked illegal and criminal activities. Through a comparative conflict analysis, we develop four recommendations to strengthen the creation of reflexive institutions that may be able to foster social-ecological resilience in the region: (1) The clarification of responsibilities between governance institutions and their financing; (2) the awareness raising for existing power structures and opening spaces for enhanced local participation; (3) the breaking of corruptive cycles while developing economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable livelihood opportunities; and (4) taking the continuous reproduction of illegal activities into account while clarifying responsibilities, raising awareness, and breaking corruptive cycles. The results of our research therefore not only contribute to a better understanding of conflicts in the MAP region and the wider scientific literature on social-ecological conflicts and governance, but it is also the first paper that identifies entry points and prerequisites for the transformation from reactive to reflexive institutions in Amazonian societies.
Quantitative Analysis of Infrared Thermal Images in Rock Fractures Based on Multi-Fractal Theory
Authors: Miao Bin , Wang Xinyu , Li Hongru
Published: May 2022

Rock disasters caused by rock fractures seriously threaten the safe and sustainable mining of deep coal resources. The infrared thermal imaging of rock fractures has a non-uniform distribution. This is important information for the monitoring and early warning of rock mass instability. In this paper, the multi-fractal theory was introduced to analyze the infrared thermal image obtained from the uniaxial loading of sandstone, which is expected to provide quantitative indicators for the infrared monitoring of rock failure. The results show that the multi-fractal parameters Δα (non-uniformity of temperature) and Δf (frequency diversity of minimum and maximum temperature) can be used to describe the distribution of the thermal field; they are sensitive to the rock macro fracture. Both Δα and Δf are constant during the initial loading stage. When the samples yield and there is a failure in the later stage of loading, the Δα and Δf change abruptly. The sudden change in Δα and Δf can be regarded as the precursor to rock failure. The research results preliminarily show the feasibility and potential of multi-fractal analysis in rock mass disaster monitoring and early warning.
Source Discrimination of Mine Gushing Water Using Self-Organizing Feature Maps: A Case Study in Ningtiaota Coal Mine, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Zhao Di , Zeng Yifan , Wu Qiang , Du Xin , Gao Shuai , Mei Aoshuang , Zhao Haonan , Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

Currently, there is a contradiction between coal mining and protection of water resources, meaning that there is a need for an effective method for discriminating the source of mine gushing water. Ningtiaota Coal Mine is a typical and representative main coal mine in the Shennan mining area. Taking this coal mine as an example, the self-organizing feature map (SOM) approach was applied to source discrimination of mine gushing water. Fisher discriminant analysis, water temperature, and traditional hydrogeochemical discrimination methods, such as Piper and Gibbs diagrams, were also employed as auxiliary indicators to verify and analyze the results of the SOM approach. The results from the three methods showed that the source of all the gushing water samples was surface water. This study represents the innovative use of an SOM in source discrimination for the first time. This approach has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, good visualization, and less human interference. It can quantify sources while also comprehensively considering their hydrogeochemical characteristics, and it is especially suitable for case studies with large sample sizes. This research provides a more satisfactory solution for water inrush traceability, water disaster prevention and control, ecological protection, coal mine safety, and policy intervention.
Efficient Use of Critical Raw Materials for Optimal Resource Management in EU Countries
Authors: Domaracka Lucia , Matuskova Simona , Tausova Marcela , Senova Andrea , Kowal Barbara
Published: May 2022

The European Commission has established a Critical Raw Materials List (CRM) for the European Union (EU), which is subject to regular review and updating. CRMs are needed in many key industries such as automotive, steel, aerospace, renewable energy, etc. To address this issue, we studied publicly available data from databases developed by the EU for monitoring the progress of individual countries in key areas for the development of society. The paper analyzes indicators of import reliance, net additions to stock, domestic material consumption (DMC), resource productivity, and circular material use rate. Prospective products and technologies, in electromobility, digitalization, Industry 4.0, and energy transformation, are changing and increasing the demand for raw materials. The aim of this article is to look at the ways forward in order to use critical raw materials as efficiently as possible while at the same time ensuring the optimal economy of the countries. From the sources and databases of data available for the EU, we analyzed a number of variables and suggested options for future developments in the efficient use of critical raw materials. We defined what we believed to be the optimal management means in relation to critical raw materials and worked backwards to find a path to efficient use of critical raw materials.
Composition Characterization and Transformation Mechanism of Dissolved Organic Matters in a Full-Scale Membrane Bioreactor Treating Co-Digestion Wastewater of Food Waste and Sewage Sludge
Authors: Zhou Ying , Shi Shuohui , Zhou Jiong , He Lei , He Xuejie , Lu Yang , He Qiang , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2022

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) serves as the most widely used technology in anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment, but the composition and transformation of the dissolved organic matters (DOMs) are vague. This study focused on the composition characterization and transformation mechanism of DOMs in real co-digestion wastewater of food waste and sewage sludge from a full-scale MBR via molecular weight cut-off, 3D-EEM, FT-IR, and SPME-GC/MS. The results indicated that the co-digestion wastewater mainly comprised organics with molecular weight (MW) lower than 1 kDa and dominated by tryptophane-protein-like substances. The hydrolytic/acidogenic process improved the biodegradability with the conversion of high-MW organics into low-MW organics, while the two-stage A/O process possessed the highest contribution to the organic removal with the consumption of most DOMs. However, the deficient removal of refractory organics (MW < 5 kDa) in the ultrafiltration unit led to the residual DOMs in the effluent. The potential functional bacteria in the biological processes have also been identified and were principally affiliated with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. These findings could help to advance the understanding of the co-digestion wastewater and provide fundamental information for the optimization and development of MBR in anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment.
Towards Sustainable Production Processes Reengineering: Case Study at INCOM Egypt
Authors: Ismail Rasha Fady , Safieddine Fadi , Hammad Rawad , Kantakji Mazhar Hallak
Published: May 2022

INCOM Egypt has undergone automation in some processes where critical aspects of its operations are transformed and automated. This paper presents an overview of INCOM Egypt processes using Ould Riva and analyses the process of ‘handling a product’. It aims to demonstrate effective automation of the production of wires and cables process accompanied to Industry 4.0 while considering environmental and economic sustainability goals that were inhibited by COVID-19 restrictions. Ould’s Riva method is used to analyse the production process of wires and cables to propose improvements for automating the process. Business process modelling is utilised to study the processes for clearer understating. The flow of information within the process is also analysed to integrate the production process with other processes and supply chains, which helps to identify which production activities can be automated and mainstreamed into the information flow to achieve environmental and economic sustainability. The context of INCOM Egypt, as a case study, is presented along with the Riva model of its operations. The paper identifies the before, i.e., As-Is process, and after, i.e., To-Be Process, automation of the ‘handle a product’ process using the Role Activity Diagram (RAD). The process involved redesigning and improving different activities to increase resource-use efficiency to participate in achieving the goals of sustainability. The focus of this paper is to investigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on sustainability and to examine the accomplishments of process automation of wire production towards environmental and economic sustainability. The results of the research reveal a relationship between business process modelling and sustainability. Moreover, automation of processes (Industry 4.0) is found to reduce the negative effect of COVID-19 on production. A triangulation between process modelling, process automation (Industry 4.0), and sustainability was determined. Each one is reinforcing and impacting one another. The RAD model demonstrates that automation of the activities in the process reduces waste, time, cost, and redundant processes as factors of sustainability, which may also help to lessen the unfavorable effects of the pandemic. The results proved generalisation on other organisations in the same line of business.
Performance of Alkali-Activated Self-Compacting Concrete with Incorporation of Nanosilica and Metakaolin
Authors: Mohammedameen Alaa
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze the influence of nano-silica (NS) and metakaolin (MK) as binder replacement materials on the fresh and hardened performance of alkali-activated self-compacting concretes (A-ASCC). Therefore, nine A-ASCC mixes with and without metakaolin were prepared, as well as mixes with and without NS inclusion. Slump flow, v-funnel, L-box, and T50 value tests were used to investigate the fresh properties of A-ASCC. While the hardened performance was examined using compressive strength, bonding strength (pullout test), fracture toughness and flexural tensile strength tests. A relationship analysis was also conducted on the A-ASCC experimental data. The experimental results showed that the addition of NS and MK had a negative influence on the fresh characteristics of fly ash-based A-ASCC mixtures, while the addition of metakaolin had a higher effect. The addition of 1% and 2% NS, on the other hand, significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the A-ASCC specimens. The use of more than 2% of NS had a negative influence on the mechanical properties of A-ASCC. The mechanical properties of A-ASCC were improved significantly by metakaolin replacement ratios. The A-ASCC bond strength showed the highest improvement. Furthermore, using NS and/or MK significantly increased the A-ASCC setting time and may be used to produce A-ASCC at ambient environment.
Does the Central Environmental Protection Inspectorate Accountability System Improve Environmental Quality?
Authors: Feng Li , Chen Ziming , Chen Haisong
Published: May 2022

China is dedicated to enhancing the quality of its ecological environment, and the Central Environmental Protection Inspectorate (CEPI) system, which is an essential program for ecological civilization, has earned widespread acknowledgement for its efficacy in environmental improvement. This study investigated whether the CEPI accountability system contributed to enhancing the environmental quality by focusing on the CEPI accountability system. This study collected, explicitly, the number of people held accountable, the number of people being handed over for accountability, and the regions that the people held accountable were from; analyzed the current state of the CEPI accountability system in terms of the regional and batch differences in the accountability degree; and investigated whether the CEPI accountability system promoted environmental quality by using SPSS 10.00. The study discovered that, first and foremost, the CEPI system’s scientific level has gradually improved, and the CEPI has been more precise in its accountability targets. Second, the CEPI enhances environmental quality, and significantly impacts wastewater-discharge reduction. Third, the CEPI system lacks sustainability. Finally, the paper presents several recommendations for enhancing the CEPI accountability system, with a particular focus on how to make the CEPI system more sustainable.
Optimal K Management Improved Potato Yield and Soil Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Zhao Huan , Liu Hai , Xiao Houjun , Hu Gang , Gao Ming , Wang Zhengyin
Published: May 2022

Optimal potassium (K) fertilizer application in potato cropping systems can effectively increase food production and mitigate soil microbial ecosystem stress. The dynamics and sustainability of potato yield, the dynamics of potato commodity rates (CRs), and microbial community structure were explored under four different K application rates (kg K ha−1 year−1): 0 (control), 75 (low K), 150 (medium K), and 225 (high K). Compared with the low-K application, the medium-K and high-K applications increased potato yields by 8.08% and 11.66%, respectively. The mean CR of potato tubers during 4 years was significantly greater under the medium-K treatment than under the low-K and high-K treatments. Both medium-K and high-K applications significantly enhanced the sustainable yield index (SYI) relative to the Low-K application by 7.93% and 9.34%, respectively. Compared with the zero-K, low-K, and high-K treatments, the medium-K treatment improved the total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) contents by 11.91%, 16.84%, and 11.66%, respectively. Moreover, the medium-K application increased the bacterial PFLA, actinomycete PFLA, gram-positive (G+) bacterial PFLA, and gram-negative (G−) bacterial PFLA contents in the soil. Overall, application of 150 kg ha−1 year−1 K fertilizer represents a promising fertilization strategy in potato cropping systems in Southwest China.
Prediction of the Height of Water-Conductive Fractured Zone under Continuous Extraction and Partial Backfill Mining Method—A Case Study
Authors: Xu Yujun , Ma Liqiang , NGO Ichhuy , Zhai Jiangtao
Published: May 2022

Longwall backfill mining effectively mitigates the height of water-conductive fractured zone (HWCFZ), preventing it from reaching the overlying aquifer and thus preserving the groundwater. However, it has the disadvantages of insufficient filling time and space as well as the mutual constraints between filling and mining. A novel continuous extraction and partial backfill (CEPB) water-preserving mining method was therefore proposed. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed to identify the factors affecting the HWCFZ of CEPB, and five main factors, namely, the hard-rock lithology ratio, mining height and depth, and the width of the Wongawilli and protective block, were determined based on the weight distribution. UDEC software was used to establish a numerical model to simulate the HWCFZ under five factors. By using a multiple linear regression analysis of the numerical simulation results, a model for predicting the HWCFZ was established. It was applied in a colliery of the Yu-Shen mining area, and the HWCFZ was 57.7 m, 9% higher than that of borehole television logging of 53.1 m from the field measurement, indicating its rationality. Subsequently, the model was generalized and applied to the whole mining area, and the thematic map of the HWCFZ and the protective zone thickness of CEPB and longwall caving mining were obtained. The criterion for water-preserving mining based on the equivalent permeability coefficient of the protective zone is then proposed, which can provide guidance for the mining parameters optimization of the CEPB.
Does Leisure Contribute to the Improvement of Individual Job Performance? A Field Tracking Study Based on the Chinese Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Wei Xiang , Hu Diancheng , Meng Fang
Published: May 2022

Theories of work–life balance (WLB) examine the dynamics of the relationship between work and life, but no universally accepted conclusion has yet been achieved. This study examines the effect of leisure time on job performance using first-hand data obtained in a field study in the Chinese manufacturing industry. The results reveal that the relationship between leisure participation and individual job performance presents an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship. Endogenous testing and robustness testing also demonstrated the reliability of the findings. In this study, we identified an “opportunity window” which promotes the best individual job performance, with an average daily leisure time threshold of 4.7 h. Our analysis of the underlying mechanism showed that leisure participation has an impact on job performance through physical health and happiness. This study advances the literature on the leisure economy and provides insights into work–life balance and optimal leisure time allocation on a daily basis.
Incorporating Empirical Orthogonal Function Analysis into Machine Learning Models for Streamflow Prediction
Authors: Wu Yajie , Chen Yuan , Tian Yong
Published: May 2022

Machine learning (ML) models have been widely used to predict streamflow. However, limited by the high dimensionality and training difficulty, high-resolution gridded climate datasets have rarely been used to build ML-based streamflow models. In this study, we developed a general modeling framework that applied empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to extract information from gridded climate datasets for building ML-based streamflow prediction models. Four classic ML methods, namely, support vector regression (SVR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), long short-term memory (LSTM) and gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), were incorporated into the modeling framework for performance evaluation and comparison. We applied the modeling framework to the upper Heihe River Basin (UHRB) to simulate a historical 22-year period of daily streamflow. The modeling results demonstrated that EOF analysis could extract the spatial information from the gridded climate datasets for streamflow prediction. All four selected ML models captured the temporal variations in the streamflow and reproduced the daily hydrographs. In particular, the GBRT model outperformed the other three models in terms of streamflow prediction accuracy in the testing period. The R2, RMSE, MAE, NSE and PBIAS were equal to 0.68, 9.40 m3/s, 5.18 m3/s, 0.68 and −0.03 for the daily streamflow in the Taolai River Watershed of the UHRB, respectively. Additionally, the LSTM method could provide physically based hydrological explanations of climate predicators in streamflow generation. Therefore, this study demonstrated the unique capability and functionality of incorporating EOF analysis into ML models for streamflow prediction, which could make better use of the readily available gridded climate data in hydrological simulations.
Sharing Economy for Tackling Crypto-Laundering: The Europol Associated ‘Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies’
Authors: Ilbiz Ethem , Kaunert Christian
Published: May 2022

This article examines the compatibility of the Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies with a sharing economy model. The analysis is based on the claims presented in Europol documents and public statements of Europol executives that this initiative serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and building professional networks between public and private actors to tackle crypto-laundering. The article investigates the validity of these statements with the most prominent sharing economy concepts: low barrier accessibility, transaction cost and trust-building. The article employs each sharing economy concept on two beneficiaries of the platform—law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and non-governmental organizations—while scaling the platform’s sharing economy level. Based on Europol documents, an expert interview and participant observation of the 5th Global Cryptocurrency Conference, the article’s core argument is that these cryptocurrency conferences can be categorized as a ‘partial’ sharing economy platform. They reduce the transaction cost for public and private actors to share knowledge about the latest trends and threats about crypto-laundering and reduce transaction costs for networking. However, co-founders should consider integrating robust trust-building mechanisms that allow low barrier entry to the conference, which will facilitate more inclusive and optimized public–private partnerships (P3).
Research on Torsional Characteristic and Stiffness Reinforcement of Main Girder of Half-Through Truss Bridge
Authors: Yue Zixiang , Wen Qingjie , Ding Youliang
Published: May 2022

The stronger stability of a half-through truss bridge can improve the bridge performance for resisting extreme loads, such as earthquakes and shock. To improve the bridge stability, it is necessary to improve the torsional stiffness of the half-through truss bridge. To study the torsional characteristics of the main girder of the half-through truss bridge, the half-through truss is equivalent to an open slot thin-walled member, and the calculation formula of the free torsional moment of inertia of the main girder is deduced. Because the main truss can resist warping deformation through bending, it has a great contribution to the torsional stiffness. Based on the vertical bending action of the main truss, the calculation formula of the correction of the torsional moment of inertia of the main girder is deduced. Taking a half-through truss pedestrian bridge as an example, the torsional moment of inertia of the bridge under different width-span ratios is calculated by theoretical and finite element analysis. The results show that when calculating the torsional moment of inertia of the main girder of the half-through truss bridge, the free torsional moment of inertia calculated by the equivalent open slot section is very different from the actual torsional stiffness, and the bending correction value must be considered. The theoretical solution after taking into account the corrected value is well-fitted with the finite element results. The theoretical formula can be used to explain the torsional mechanism of this kind of bridge. According to the mechanism research, the method of installing X-shaped longitudinal supports between the upper transverse girders to improve the torsional stiffness is finally formulated. Installing the X-shaped longitudinal supports not only can keep the size of the half-through truss bridge unchanged but can also have a considerable enhancement effect, which will significantly improve the torsional stiffness and stability of existing bridges.
Electromobility in Australia: Tariff Design Structure and Consumer Preferences for Mobile Distributed Energy Storage
Authors: Emodi Nnaemeka Vincent , Dwyer Scott , Nagrath Kriti , Alabi John
Published: May 2022

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) may contribute to decarbonisation of the transport sector and has the potential to offer value to consumers and electricity grid operators through its energy storage capabilities. While electricity tariffs can play an important role in consumer uptake of EVs, little is known about how EV charging tariff design affects EV users’ behaviour in participating in applications that can support the electricity grid, such as those applications classed under Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). Examining the case of Australia, this study reviews the literature on electromobility with a focus on EV charging tariffs and its impact on consumer behaviour within the V2X context. The main findings drawn from up-to-date publications show that a well-designed EV tariff structure, available parking, and EV charging facilities can increase consumer participation in V2X. However, cooperation between EV users and grid operators is needed to establish a form of controlled charging agreement to harness the full potential of the EV electricity storage system for grid stability and battery support operations. To achieve this, the right tariff structure will have to be established to incentivise EV consumers to subscribe to V2X services. We also present recommendations for EV tariff design to support Australian consumer participation in V2G. Finally, we identify research gaps for further research.