bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Data Governance for Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility in the European Union
Authors: Andraško Jozef , Hamuľák Ondrej , Mesarčík Matúš , Kerikmäe Tanel , Kajander Aleksi
Published: September 2021

The article focuses on the issue of data governance in connected vehicles through a novel analysis of current legal frameworks in the European Union. The analysis of relevant legislation, judicial decisions, and doctrines is supplemented by discussions relating to associated sustainability issues. Relevant notions of autonomous vehicles are analyzed, and a respective legal framework is introduced. Although fully automated vehicles are a matter for the future, the time to regulate is now. The European Union aims to create cooperative, connected, and automated mobility based on cooperation between different interconnected types of machinery. The essence of the system is data flow, as data governance in connected vehicles is one of the most intensively discussed themes nowadays. This triggers a need to analyze relevant legal frameworks in connection with fundamental rights and freedoms. Replacing human decision-making with artificial intelligence has the capacity to erode long-held and protected social and cultural values, such as the autonomy of individuals as has already been in evidence in legislation. Finally, the article deals with the issue of responsibility and liability of different actors involved in processing personal data according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applied to the environment of connected and automated vehicle (CAV) smart infrastructure. Based on a definition and analysis of three model situations, we point out that in several cases of processing personal data within the CAV, it proves extremely demanding to determine the liable entity, due to the functional and relatively broad interpretation of the concept of joint controllers, in terms of the possibility of converging decisions on the purposes and means of processing within the vehicles discussed.
Awareness of Air Pollution and Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees: The Case Study of Warsaw City
Authors: Kais Karolina , Gołaś Marlena , Suchocka Marzena
Published: September 2021

One of the consequences of the constant urban development in numerous countries is a growing concentration of air pollution, which adversely affects both the environment and people’s health. One of the ways of changing this negative trend is to maintain green areas and trees within cities, as they serve many ecosystem functions, including biological absorption of particles and other types of air pollution. This article provides the findings of a study carried out among the residents of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, in order to assess social awareness of air pollution and the importance of trees. The study of the residents’ awareness was supplemented with the assessment of the parameters of the trees’ capacity for pollution absorption in selected locations performed with the help of the i-Tree Eco tool, which allowed the authors to compare the residents’ impressions on the role of trees in the process of absorption of pollution with their actual potential. The analyses showed that the majority of city residents are concerned with the problem of air in the city, but at the same time failing to notice its negative impact on their health. The majority of respondents were not aware of the role the trees play in the process of pollution absorption, suggesting that there is a real need for raising social awareness of functions served by trees and green areas in urban spaces. The comparison of the city residents’ opinions on the importance of trees in the process of pollution absorption with objective data obtained with the help of i-Tree Eco tool shows that the majority of people’s impressions of pollution absorption by trees in urban areas is correct.
Roadmap to Early Implementation of Passenger Air Mobility: Findings from a Delphi Study
Authors: Desai Kshitija , Al Haddad Christelle , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: September 2021

Urban air mobility (UAM) has recently increased in popularity as an emerging mode of transportation, covering a wide range of applications, for on-demand or scheduled operations of smaller aircraft, in and around metropolitan areas. Due to its novelty and as it has not yet been implemented, UAM research still faces uncertainties. In particular, there is a need to develop a roadmap for the early implementation of passenger air mobility, aiming to identify the most prominent challenges, opportunities, hazards, and risks, but also to highlight the most promising use cases, or on the contrary, the ones associated with the least benefits compared to the risks or complexity they entail. To answer the previous questions, and therefore address this research gap, this study used a two-round Delphi questionnaire, targeting various stakeholder groups (product owners, policymakers, researchers, consultants, investors), leading to a total of 51 experts, out of which 34 also participated in the second round. In the first round, the main challenges, opportunities, and hazards facing the implementation of passenger UAM were identified. Findings on challenges and opportunities that were dependent on use cases only (as opposed to being dependent on technology or external factors) were then fed back into the second round, which helped evaluate the use cases based both on their complexities, as well as the associated benefits. Accordingly, medical/emergency was identified as the best use case and intracity transport as the worst (in terms of complexity vs. benefits). Similarly, a risk analysis evaluated the potential hazards associated with the implementation of UAM and their impacts on the system viability. Community backlash was found to be the most hazardous one, while malicious passenger behavior and improperly designed infrastructure as the least. Findings from this study can help better understand stakeholders’ opinions, highlighting promising use cases, but also risks to be aware of, constituting therefore a roadmap for future implementation.
Least Squares Monte Carlo Simulation-Based Decision-Making Method for Photovoltaic Investment in Korea
Authors: An Jungmin , Kim Dong-Kwan , Lee Jinyeong , Joo Sung-Kwan
Published: September 2021

Solar power for clean energy is an important asset that will drive the future of sustainable energy generation. As interest in sustainable energy increases with Korea’s renewable energy expansion plan, a strategy for photovoltaic investment (PV) is important from an investor’s point of view. Previous research primarily focused on assessing and analyzing the impact of the volatility but paid little attention to the modeling decision-making project to obtain the optimal investment timing. This paper utilizes a Least Squares Monte Carlo-based method for determining the timing of PV plant investment. The proposed PV decision-making method is designed to simulate the total PV generation revenue period with all uncertain PV price factors handled before determining the optimal investment time. The numerical studies with nine different scenarios considering system marginal price (SMP) and renewable energy certificate (REC) spot market price in Korea demonstrated how to determine the optimal investment time for different PV capacities. Therefore, the proposed method can be used as a decision-making tool to provide PV investors with information on the best time to invest in the renewable energy market.
Effects of Ridge Tillage and Straw Returning on Runoff and Soil Loss under Simulated Rainfall in the Mollisol Region of Northeast China
Authors: Li Hongli , Shen Haiou , Wang Yu , Wang Yin , Gao Qiang
Published: September 2021

Ridge tillage and straw returning are tillage practices widely used in the Chinese Mollisol region. However, the effects of ridge tillage combined with straw returning on runoff and soil loss control are still unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ridge tillage practices (contour ridge (CR)) and longitudinal ridge (LR), straw returning practices (straw on the furrow surface (SS)) and straw below the furrow (SB)), and their interactions on the runoff and soil loss by using simulated rainfall experiment. Two rainfall intensities (45 and 60 mm h−1) were applied to six combinations of ridge tillage and straw returning (contour ridge treatment, contour ridge with straw on the furrow surface treatment, contour ridge with straw below the furrow treatment, longitudinal ridge treatment, longitudinal ridge with straw on the furrow surface treatment, and longitudinal ridge with straw below the furrow treatment) on a 5° slope. The results showed that the phenomenon of ridge failure was common in the treatments with contour ridge. The average runoff rate and soil loss rate after ridge failure for treatments with contour ridge were separated 2.8 and 3.5 times greater than those of before failure at 60 mm h−1. However, the corresponding values were only 68.6% and 43.3% of the average value of longitudinal ridge treatment and longitudinal ridge with straw below the furrow treatment at 60 mm h−1. The water storage capacities of treatments with contour ridge remained constant when the rainfall intensity varied. The water storage capacities of contour ridge with straw on and below the furrow treatments were separate 3.0 and 1.0 mm less than that of contour ridge. However, longitudinal ridge with straw on the furrow surface treatment increased the runoff rate by 7.4% but reduced the soil loss rate by 72.6% when compared with longitudinal ridge treatment and longitudinal ridge with straw below the furrow treatment under the two rainfall intensities. Longitudinal with straw on the furrow surface treatment was more conducive to the stability of ridges, and there was no significant difference in total soil loss between longitudinal ridge with straw on the furrow surface treatment and treatments with contour ridge. This study was based on simulated rainfall conditions, and its adaptability under long-term positioning monitor in the field should be added in future.
The Coexistence of Nanostores within the Retail Landscape: A Spatial Statistical Study for Mexico City
Authors: Mora-Quiñones Camilo , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo , Velázquez-Martínez Josué , Gámez-Pérez Karla
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to improve understanding of the grocery retail landscape in a megacity in the developing world. Over the past ten years (i.e., 2010–2020), retail in the grocery sector in Mexico City has changed significantly. The fast growth of chain convenience stores (CCS) and the financial stability of modern channel stores (MCS) has provoked speculation about whether nanostores (i.e., mom-and-pop stores) are going to disappear or if they will endure. In developing countries nanostores dominate the grocery retail market, providing a source of income to millions of families. While some studies suggest that nanostores will keep growing in number because they are more likely to be attached to growing middle- and low-income consumers in developing countries, our results show that high- and medium–high-income consumers purchase at nanostores too. Through a comprehensive spatial statistical analysis, we provide evidence that nanostores will endure and, most importantly, coexist with MCS and CCS regardless of the socioeconomic levels that coexist in the urban areas of a developing megacity. To gain a thorough understanding of how the grocery retail market is organized in Mexico City, and provide a richer discussion on the logistics and managerial implications for stakeholders (e.g., customers, practitioners, shopkeepers, suppliers, and policymakers), we also validate hypotheses from the literature related to this context and the three channels studied in this work.
Integrated Management Solution for a Sustainable SME—Selection Proposal Using AHP
Authors: Lacurezeanu Ramona , Chis Alexandru , Bresfelean Vasile Paul
Published: September 2021

In the conditions of the pandemic crisis, implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with a sustainability component represents a crucial investment for a small and medium enterprise (SME) but critical for the organization, if it is not the matching solution. A comprehensive framework for selecting the S–ERP system was elaborated, including a set of relevant criteria for an SME to draw and assess the selection of an ERP system, considering that the factors extracted as well as the importance in the proposed model have been debated for years in the available literature. A methodology based on the brainstorming and questionnaire techniques was proposed in establishing the selection criteria, and the AHP decision analysis method was used for evaluating the weight of the criteria, all these in order to provide a model for ERP selection. This model was tested on a set of numerical, hypothetical, and applied data of the Romanian context. The use of the recommended model shows that it can be applied to improve decisions and decrease the time interval required for S–ERP selection. The results also show that AHP can fulfill the S–ERP selection objective for SMEs and the decisive factors that affect decision–making processes in a systematic way.
Subdivided Cellular Automata Model Considering Anticipation Floor Field and Analysis of Pedestrian Detour Behavior
Authors: Liu Jinrui , Li Maosheng , Shu Panpan
Published: September 2021

The micro-pedestrian simulation model represented by the cellular automata model is an important simulation model. Improvements in various aspects enable a better description of the various behaviors of pedestrians, such as pedestrian avoidance behavior, companion behavior, as well as transcendence behavior, waiting behavior and detour behavior. This paper takes the pedestrian detour behavior in the circle antipode experiment as the main entry point. The subdivision cellular automaton model is integrated into the prediction field to model and simulate the detour behavior. At the same time, it explores the degree of subdivision of the cell. Pedestrian heterogeneity and the influence of predicted field potential energy on the simulated pedestrian trajectory. Finally, based on the temporal and spatial indicators of pedestrian trajectory characteristics, the KS test and DTW method are used to evaluate the similarity of the trajectory distribution characteristics and time series characteristics with experimental samples, and evaluate and compare models with or without heterogeneity. The results show that the trajectory characteristics of heterogeneous pedestrians are closer to the experiment than homogeneous pedestrians.
Design Guideline for Flexible Industrial Buildings Integrating Industry 4.0 Parameters
Authors: Reisinger Julia , Hollinsky Patrick , Kovacic Iva
Published: September 2021

The emergence of Industry 4.0 can contribute to sustainable development, but most concepts have not yet received much attention in industrial building design. Industry 4.0 aims to realize production in batch size of one and product individualization on demand. Constant reconfiguration and expansion of production systems demand highly flexible building structures to prolong service life and reduce economic and environmental impacts. However, most research and tools focus on either production system or building optimization. There is a lack of holistic approaches that combine these two aspects. This paper presents a systematic design guideline for flexible industrial buildings towards the requirements of Industry 4.0, integrating building and production planning. The methodology employs literature research and a multiple case study based on expert interviews. The design guideline is presented in the form of a categorized parameter catalogue that classifies the results, on the one hand, into the levels of (O) objectives, (T) technical parameters and (P) planning process, and on the other hand, into (S) success factors, (I) suggestions for improvement and (D) deficits. The findings identify flexibility, structural design parameters and an integrated computational design approach at early design stage as potential success factors for integrated industrial building design (IIBD). The results set the basis to develop a multi-objective optimization and decision-making support tool for IIBD in future research.
Ecosystem Services Evaluation of Nature-Based Solutions with the Help of Citizen Scientists
Authors: Di Grazia Francesco , Gumiero Bruna , Galgani Luisa , Troiani Elena , Ferri Michele , Loiselle Steven A.
Published: September 2021

Ecosystem services are increasingly being considered in decision-making with respect to mitigating future climate impacts. In this respect, there is a clear need to identify how nature-based solutions (NBS) can benefit specific ecosystem services, in particular within the complex spatial and temporal dynamics that characterize most river catchments. To capture these changes, ecosystem models require spatially explicit data that are often difficult to obtain for model development and validation. Citizen science allows for the participation of trained citizen volunteers in research or regulatory activities, resulting in increased data collection and increased participation of the general public in resource management. Despite the increasing experience in citizen science, these approaches have seldom been used in the modeling of provisioning ecosystem services. In the present study, we examined the temporal and spatial drivers in nutrient delivery in a major Italian river catchment and under different NBS scenarios. Information on climate, land use, soil and river conditions, as well as future climate scenarios, were used to explore future (2050) benefits of NBS on local and catchment scale nutrient loads and nutrient export. We estimate the benefits of a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus export to the river and the receiving waters (Adriatic Sea) with respect to the costs associated with individual and combined NBS approaches related to river restoration and catchment reforestation.
Fitting Social Enterprise for Sustainable Development in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hieu Thi , Hodgetts Darrin James , Carr Stuart Colin
Published: September 2021

Drawing on aspects of both commercial and not-for-profit organisational structures, social enterprises strive to become financially sustainable in order to support efforts to address various societal problems, including poverty and socio-economic exclusions. This study documents the experiences of 20 social entrepreneurs regarding the fit between their leadership practices, social enterprises and the Vietnamese societal ecosystem. Results from semi-structured go-along interviews foreground the importance of fit between the societal eco-system, key cultural values and relational practices, entrepreneur leadership and the structure and functioning of social enterprises in achieving their pro-social missions. This article contributes to emerging literature on the sustainability of social enterprises in emerging economies and is currently being drawn upon in the development of policy responses in Vietnam.
Engineering Characteristics and Environmental Risks of Utilizing Recycled Aluminum Salt Slag and Recycled Concrete as a Sustainable Geomaterial
Authors: Lin Youli , Maghool Farshid , Arulrajah Arul , Horpibulsuk Suksun
Published: September 2021

Recycled aluminum salt slag (RASS) is an industrial by-product generated from the melting of white dross and aluminum scraps during the secondary smelter process. Insufficient knowledge in the aspects of engineering characteristics, and the environmental risks associated with RASS, is the primary barrier to the utilization of RASS as a substitute material for natural quarry materials in the field of geotechnical construction. In this research, comprehensive geotechnical and environmental engineering tests were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing RASS as a sustainable geomaterial. This was undertaken by comparing the laboratory testing results for RASS with a well-known recycled material, namely recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), and the relevant specifications set forth by the local road authority. The geotechnical engineering assessment included particle size distribution, flakiness index, organic content, pH, particle density, water absorption, modified Proctor compaction, aggregate impact value, Los Angeles (LA) abrasion, hydraulic conductivity, and California bearing ratio (CBR). The CBR results of the RASS samples satisfied the minimum CBR value (>80%) for usage as pavement subbase material in road construction. In addition, the repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests were carried out on the RASS samples to assess the response of the RASS under cyclic loading conditions. Furthermore, a range of chemical tests, consisting of leaching and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon tests, were also performed on the RASS to address the environmental concerns. Comparing the chemical test results with the environmental protection authorities’ guidelines provided satisfactory evidence that RASS will not pose any environmental and health issues throughout its service life as a geotechnical construction material.
The Effect of Relational Capital on Organizational Performance in Supply Chain: The Mediating Role of Explicit and Tacit Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Qiao Shi , Wang Qiankun
Published: September 2021

Relational capital and organizational performance were important factors for achieving sustainable development of the supply chain, and knowledge sharing could create and maintain sustainable competitive advantages of the supply chain. This study examined the comprehensive relationship among relational capital, explicit and tacit knowledge sharing, and organizational performance and the mediating roles of explicit and tacit knowledge sharing between relational capital and organizational performance in the supply chain by using data collected from a questionnaire survey. SPSS, AMOS, and a structural equation model were used to analysis these data and the aforementioned relationships. The results confirmed that relational capital had a positive impact on explicit and tacit knowledge sharing, there was no relation to organizational performance, and explicit and tacit knowledge sharing played mediating roles between relational capital and organizational performance in the supply chain. The research results could provide theoretical guidance for managers to formulate sustainable development strategies that maintain good relationships and economic benefits of enterprises in the supply chain.
Impact of Outdoor Temperature Variations on Thermal State in Experiments Using Immersive Virtual Environment
Authors: Rentala Girish , Zhu Yimin , Johannsen Neil M.
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have established immersive virtual environments (IVEs) as promising tools for studying human thermal states and human–building interactions. One advantage of using immersive virtual environments is that experiments or data collection can be conducted at any time of the year. However, previous studies have confirmed the potential impact of outdoor temperature variations, such as seasonal variations on human thermal sensation. To the best of our knowledge, no study has looked into the potential impact of variations in outdoor temperatures on experiments using IVE. Thus, this study aimed to determine if different outdoor temperature conditions affected the thermal states in experiments using IVEs. Experiments were conducted using a head mounted display (HMD) in a climate chamber, and the data was analyzed under three temperature ranges. A total of seventy-two people participated in the experiments conducted in two contrasting outdoor temperature conditions, i.e., cold and warm outdoor conditions. The in situ experiments conducted in two cases, i.e., cooling in warm outdoor conditions and heating in cold outdoor conditions, were used as a baseline. The baseline in-situ experiments were then compared with the IVE experiments conducted in four cases, i.e., cooling in warm and cold outdoor conditions and heating in warm and cold outdoor conditions. The selection of cooling in cold outdoor conditions and heating in warm outdoor conditions for IVE experiments is particularly for studying the impact of outdoor temperature variations. Results showed that under the experimental and outdoor temperature conditions, outdoor temperature variations in most cases did not impact the results of IVE experiments, i.e., IVE experiments can replicate a temperature environment for participants compared to the ones in the in situ experiments. In addition, the participant’s thermal sensation vote was found to be a reliable indicator between IVE and in situ settings in all studied conditions. A few significantly different cases were related to thermal comfort, thermal acceptability, and overall skin temperature.
Slow and Fast Charging Solutions for Li-Ion Batteries of Electric Heavy-Duty Vehicles with Fleet Management Strategies
Authors: Al-Saadi Mohammed , Patkowski Bartosz , Zaremba Maciej , Karwat Agnieszka , Pol Mateusz , Chełchowski Łukasz , Mierlo Joeri Van , Berecibar Maitane
Published: September 2021

This work presents a real-life demonstration of 23 heavy-duty (HD) public electric buses (e-buses) in Jaworzno, Poland, with three lengths: 8.9 m, 12 m, and 18 m. The e-bus demo is based on the development of baseline e-buses to optimize the operational cost based on technical optimization. The demo aims to switch public transportation from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric ones to minimize CO2 emissions. The e-buses are equipped with standard charging solutions, which are plug-in charging with Combined Charging System Type 2 (CCS2, Combo 2) and pantograph-up (Type B). The CCS2 solution is used for overnight slow/normal charging (NC) in the depot of the e-bus operator, whereas the pantograph charging solutions are installed along the e-buses routes and used for fast charging (FC) when the e-buses are stopped for a short time. In Jaworzno, there are 20 chargers with CCS2 in the depot of the e-bus operator and 12 pantograph-up (Type B solution) fast-charging stations. This work studies the technical operations and operational costs of the e-bus fleet, and the impact of the NC and FC solutions on the Li-ion battery packs and on the grid. The uncoordinated/standard and coordinated charging (smart charging) based on load shifting were investigated to study the impact of e-bus fleet integration on the distribution grid. The exploited data in this study were collected from the data logger devices, which are installed on the e-buses and record over 46 signals. Data from over one year were collected, and some sample data were processed and analyzed to study the technical and economic operations of the e-bus fleet.
Exploring the Relationships between Demographics, Road Safety Attitudes, and Self-Reported Pedestrian Behaviours in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasanat-E-Rabbi Shahnewaz , Hamim Omar Faruqe , Debnath Mithun , Hoque Md. Shamsul , McIlroy Rich C. , Plant Katherine L. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: September 2021

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in low- and middle-income countries, hence understanding their attitudes towards traffic safety and the pedestrian behaviours associated with those attitudes is vital. The current study identifies the factor structure of a self-report questionnaire on pedestrian behaviours and road safety attitudes and explores the relationships between them. It also assesses demographic effects. A total of 532 people were surveyed. The questionnaire sections related to attitudes and behaviours were developed for use in different, largely high-income settings, hence their suitability for use in the low-income setting of Bangladesh was first assessed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A structural equation model was then developed to examine the relationships between attitudes and pedestrian behaviours. It was found that positive attitudes towards traffic safety were associated with safer pedestrian behaviours, and that males, younger respondents, and less educated respondents reported performing riskier behaviours and holding more dangerous attitudes to road safety. Results are discussed in terms of the factors likely to influence such behaviours, as well as a discussion on the need for validation of the research tools which have been developed in high-income settings for low-income settings.
Going Green and Going Dense: A Systematic Review of Compatibilities and Conflicts in Urban Research
Authors: Madureira Helena , Monteiro Ana
Published: September 2021

The dilemma of simultaneously promoting the advantages of urban densification and urban liveability, namely the environmental and social benefits of urban green spaces, has been widely acknowledged in the research literature. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of evidence on benefits, conflicts and challenges emerging from fostering both urban densification and urban greening aims. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Searches for peer-reviewed papers were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science. Our search yielded an initial 357 papers, which were then further sorted and screened to the 117 manuscripts retained and included in this review. The authors systematized the multiple perspectives in which the interactions between urban densification and urban greening have been explored. Moreover, the results revealed a lack of clear agreement about the existence or not of conflicts emerging from fostering both urban densification and urban greening aims, suggesting that the positive or negative interactions are not absolute but depend on the scale or the context on which the studies are conducted. Further research should explore multiple potential mediating variables (e.g., the mediator effect of scale and context) to deepen our understanding of interactions between density and greening.
Professionals as Collaborative Mentors in Early Childhood Family Education
Authors: Liu Sylvia , Reynolds Barry Lee , Ha Xuan Van , Ding Chen
Published: September 2021

Early childhood education (ECE) in China has become complex and multi-dimensional. Chinese parents/caregivers are actively involved in ECE. This qualitative study provides insights into how three ECE-related professionals, namely, a family education professional, an ECE enrichment teacher, and a founder/administrator of an ECE centre, worked collaboratively in a transdisciplinary early childhood family education (ECFE) program in a northern city of China. Qualitative data was collected via three rounds of interviews with each of the three ECE professionals and several sources of documents. The findings are generally in line with existing literature regarding the factors that influence effective transdisciplinary collaboration among ECFE team members. The ECE professionals claimed the program was a success was due to their willingness to become ergonomists, daily collaborative practice with team members, interaction with both the caregivers and their children, and non-judgmental sharing among colleagues. These positive outcomes occurred due to the continued support and instruction from other ECFE team members, especially when applying approaches outside one’s respective fields. The findings illuminate several insights relating to ECFE and offer several implications regarding hands-on practices for effective ECFE.
Effects of High-Speed Rail on Sustainable Development of Urban Tourism: Evidence from Discrete Choice Model of Chinese Tourists’ Preference for City Destinations
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Jiang Lingling
Published: September 2021

In China, the opening of high-speed rails (HSR) brings significant changes to the source-destination spatial distance, the accessibility of destinations, and the spatial structure of tourist flows in each region, exerting varied HSR effects on different types of cities. Against this backdrop, it is meaningful to deeply explore tourists’ preference for city destinations in the light of HSR effects. The exploration could contribute greatly to the planning, marketing, management, and sustainable development of urban tourism. This paper takes Xiangtan and Yueyang as typical cases of the diffusion effect and the corridor effect of HSR. Firstly, the factors affecting destination choice were identified, and the attribute levels were configured, forming multiple virtual alternatives. Next, questionnaire surveys were carried out to collect tourists’ selections between each pair of alternatives. Further, a discrete choice model was constructed to assign a weight to each factor, reflecting its importance to tourists’ decision-making regarding their destination selection and to disclose the law of tourists’ preferences for destinations. The results showed that (1) Under the HSR diffusion effect, the top three factors affecting tourists’ preference for destinations in Xiangtan are convenience, connection time, and popularity; under HSR corridor effect, the top three factors affecting the tourists’ preference for destinations in Yueyang are reputation, convenience, and leisure and reception facilities (LRFs). (2) The destination preference is closely associated with personal features like gender, income, occupation, and fellow travelers. Tourists with different personal features give different attention to the various influencing factors. The research findings provide a reference for the sustainable development of urban tourism.
A Study on the Status and Thermal Environment Improvement of Ceiling-Embedded Indoor Cooling and Heating Unit
Authors: Seong Miae , Lim Cheolsoo , Lim Jaehyun , Park Jaewan
Published: September 2021

In this study, a basic study was performed to analyze the seasonal temperature status of a research room in the Global Environment Research Building, where ceiling-embedded indoor units are installed to study the room temperature status of the building, as well as to improve its thermal environment. In addition, a direction for improvement of the indoor thermal environment in the winter was proposed through a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation and was proven by an additional experiment. Through the results of this study, it appeared that if the ceiling-embedded indoor unit was installed in the small indoor space without considering the thermal vulnerability of its perimeter boundary, the air temperature of the upper part was greatly different from that of the bottom part in the winter. Based on the PMV measurement result, the case that used both FCUs and convectors showed 1.33, the biggest maximum and minimum difference, and the case that used all FCUs, convectors and circulating fans showed 0.68, the smallest maximum and minimum difference. Therefore, it was considered that the operating method suggested in the room used in this study would improve not only the temperature stratification but also the thermal comfort. Hence, in this study, as a means to improve the stratification, convectors were installed to minimize the effect of the external thermal environment, and angle-controllable air flowing fans were installed to mitigate the stratification distribution. With such a result, it was intended to present essential data for the improvement of the thermal environment, as well as the conservation of heating energy in the winter, by reviewing the use of the ceiling-embedded indoor units in the future.
Study on the Working Resistance of a Support under Shallowly Buried Gobs According to the Roof Structure during Periodic Weighting
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhu Cheng , Yuan Yong , Chen Zhongshun , Wang Wenmiao
Published: September 2021

The phenomenon of dynamic pressure in the panel under shallowly buried gobs is obvious, resulting in limited and challenging support type selection. In this paper, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and field measurement were combined to study the reasonable working resistance of the support in panels under shallowly buried gobs. First, the definition of the equivalent main key stratum (EMKS) was proposed. Then, a method of identifying the structure of the EMKS and broken key stratum blocks was given. The roof structure of the panel under a shallowly buried gob (PSBG) during strong periodic weighting could be divided into 12 types. Mechanical models of the roof structure were established, and the method to calculate the working resistance of the support was given. The Bulianta coal mine and Fengjiata coal mine in the Yushenfu Mining Area were taken as research objects. Based on the measured working resistance curve of the support, the structural morphology of key stratum blocks during strong periodic weighting was distinguished. On this basis, the working resistance of the support was calculated. Finally, FLAC2D numerical software was used to test the working resistance of the support. Based on the subsidence of the roof, horizontal displacement of the coal wall and the development range of the plastic zone in the surrounding rock, the working resistance of the support and adaptability of the surrounding rock control were verified and evaluated. The results show that it is reasonable to calculate the working resistance of the support based on the roof structure during strong periodic weighting. The research results can provide a reference for the scientific and rational selection of the support in a PSBG.
Strategies for Creative Tourism Activities in Pandemic Contexts: The Case of the ‘Saídas de Mestre’ Project
Authors: Marujo Noemi , Borges Maria do Rosário , Serra Jaime , Coelho Rosa
Published: September 2021

The development of creative tourism in small towns in rural areas has been the subject of growing interest and research from different perspectives. As part of the national CREATOUR project, which took place in Portugal over about four years, various organisations with relevant activity in the cultural aspect of creative tourism were analysed, constituting a successful reference at a national and international level. However, since mid-2020, the health crisis owing to the pandemic made it necessary to reflect and work under new circumstances for tourism, in contexts not previously planned for, and at the same time as continuing to champion sustainable development. It is in this context that the present study emerges, the aim of which is to identify organizations’ strategies for adaptation within the scope of creative tourism activities in a pandemic situation. This empirical approach is anchored in the case study of the activities of the ‘Saídas de Mestre’ project based on intangible cultural heritage, using in-depth analysis of strategies developed to mitigate the effects of supply and demand constraints. The results show that there was no disintegration of the supply structure, as planned, due to the fact that creative activities are based on the valorisation of the principles of sustainable development and, therefore, depend on endogenous resources and local agents, who remained accessible.
Use of MOOCs in Health Care Training: A Descriptive-Exploratory Case Study in the Setting of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gómez Gómez Francisco , Munuera Gómez Pilar
Published: September 2021

This exploratory study is part of the training and innovation project (GID2016-16) of the National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Spain. The current socioeconomic and educational contexts derived from COVID-19 has led university institutions to develop methodological innovations in the teaching-learning process. Among these strengthening measures are the MOOCs, the most appropriate strategy to bring students closer to new digital platforms that favor the acquisition of knowledge. A methodological pluralism, combining quantitative and qualitative perspectives, has been used. The main results of the descriptive analysis compare the data of students enrolled in the MOOC, “Social and Health Care and Social Services in Social Work”, and other related bachelor’s and master’s degree courses during the four years analyzed. One of the conclusions is the emerging possibility of offering university studies that are more in line with the current teleworking market. The development of online methodologies favors the democratization of education, reaching the student body as a whole and universalizing content and learning. Among the main conclusions, it is worth highlighting the degree of satisfaction shown by the students who took advantage of the MOOC, and the training opportunities afforded by MOOC courses, during the time of COVID-19.
A Guest at Home: The Experience of Chinese Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago
Authors: Zhang Ke , Labajo Victoria , Ramos Ignacio , González del Valle-Brena Almudena
Published: September 2021

This study identifies the main dimensions and attributes that shape the experience of the Camino de Santiago for Chinese travelers as a tourism product. By exploring the similarities and differences between their experiences and that of Western pilgrims, it also reflects on the sustainable marketing strategies of the Camino among Chinese travelers. The research adopts a phenomenological approach and gathers data from 112 online travel journals posted by Chinese Camino pilgrims, and from in-depth interviews with twelve Chinese pilgrims. The results reveal that the Camino is experienced by Chinese pilgrims as a personal journey of well-being and growth, as well as a cross-cultural experience. Authenticity and harmony are observed to be the key elements that contribute to a satisfying and transformative experience for Chinese pilgrims, where they find a cultural-spiritual center close to their traditional values, yet distant from their everyday social practices. Both Chinese and Western pilgrims undergo similar external and internal journeys, although each group travels in its respective sociocultural framework. The study is based on Cohen’s (1979) five travel-mode theory and enriches the discussion from a cross-cultural point of view. The implications for the sustainable management of the Camino as a global cultural heritage route, and for effectively marketing it among Chinese tourists, are also discussed.
Traditional Brick Making, Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts: A Case Study of Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Aniyikaiye Tolulope E. , Edokpayi Joshua N. , Odiyo John O. , Piketh Stuart J.
Published: September 2021

The brick making industry, despite its contribution to environmental pollution, plays a major role in the economic growth of South Africa, with the traditional technology accounting for a significant proportion of the total clay brick production. The aim of this study is to undertake a comprehensive description of the production phases of the traditional brick making sector in Vhembe district and how this contributes to air pollution. The study comprised a series of interviews and questionnaires of key role players from two small villages, Manini and Tshilungoma in the Vhembe district. In-situ observations of the production methods and phases were also undertaken between June and December 2019. The brick making production phases used in Vhembe district are excavation, preparation, moulding, drying and firing. An average estimate of 34,683 bricks is fired monthly per brick kiln in Vhembe district. Emissions from brick making organisations had resulted into several public health and environmental risks. To reduce environmental degradation, the incorporation of industrial and environmental wastes into brick making and the gradual transition to environmentally friendly technology such as Vertical Shaft brick kiln (VSBK) should be embraced. Thus, traditional brick making implemented with appropriate sustainable environmental technology has the potential to improve the socio-economic status of the brick makers.
Board Composition and Social & Environmental Accountability: A Dynamic Model Analysis of Chinese Firms
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kaleem , Zahid R. M. Ammar , Saleem Adil , Sági Judit
Published: September 2021

This research contributes to the existing corporate governance (CG) and social and environmental accountability (SEA) literature by exploring the impact of CG mechanisms (board independence, board size, CEO duality, and board gender diversity) on Chinese firms’ environmental performance, sustainability performance, and environmental information disclosures (EID). Furthermore, the investigation consequently ascertains the amount to which the CG–SEA connection is influenced by CEO qualities. Using a dynamic model of a SysGMM regression model, we found that board size, independence, and gender diversity in board and CEO duality are all favorably connected to Chinese enterprises’ environmental performance over a window of 10 years (2010–2019). Additionally, our findings imply that the analyzed CEO characteristics positively moderate the relationship between CG and SEA. Our findings have significant consequences for all stakeholders, including environmentalists, corporate regulators, CEOs, policymakers, and regulators.
Essential Work in the U.S. during COVID-19: Navigating Vulnerability–Sustainability Tensions
Authors: Villamil Astrid M. , D’Enbeau Suzy
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic affected every functioning system in the United States. Workers deemed “essential” faced multiple threats to their well-being that quickly led to acute symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, and overall exhaustion, and organizations were challenged to devise employee protocols to maintain sustainability. This qualitative study takes a tension-centered approach to discern how “essential workers” in the United States navigated this tenuous work landscape, particularly with regard to emotional work and workplace dignity. We conducted 19 semi-structured in-depth interviews with essential workers during COVID-19. Our constant comparative analysis of the data identified a macro-tension between vulnerability and sustainability that was revealed through two micro-tensions: (a) essential work as instrumental and disposable, and (b) workplace dignity as recognized and transgressed. We unpack the emotional responses enmeshed in these micro-tensions and situate our findings at the intersection of organizational sustainability, emotional work and workplace dignity. We offer theoretical and practical implications for essential workers and organizations.
HRM Practices and Work Engagement Relationship: Differences Concerning Individual Adaptability
Authors: Urbini Flavio , Chirumbolo Antonio , Giorgi Gabriele , Caracuzzo Emanuela , Callea Antonino
Published: September 2021

The importance of human resource management (HRM) practices to improve organizational attitudes and behaviors is not yet widely acknowledged. However, is not clear whether the effect of HRM practices on outcomes vary depending on the level of specific personal resources. The present paper aims to examine the relationship between HRM practices and work engagement by focusing on the moderating role of adaptability. We used cross-sectional data with surveys from 1219 Italian employees in public, private, and non-profit organizations. The results of structural equation models (SEM) showed that HRM practices were positively related to work engagement overall for employees with low adaptability. Therefore, adaptability moderated the relationship between HRM practices and work engagement. In terms of originality, this study is based on the paucity of empirical studies linking developmental HR practices to employees’ work engagement. Hence, the present study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between the perception of HRM practices and work engagement, as well as how adaptability moderated this relationship. These findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications for HRM.