bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Burden Case Study of RFID Technology in Logistics Centre
Authors: Bukova Bibiana , Tengler Jiri , Brumercikova Eva , Brumercik Frantisek , Kissova Olga
Published: January 2023

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has established itself as an effective tool for identifying various objects in all human and business areas. There are many studies describing the use of this technology. However, scientific articles only marginally address the issue of recycling or reusing radio frequency identifiers. Radio frequency identifiers are defined as electronic waste by European Union legislation. This article deals with the environmental burden resulting from the use of radio frequency identifiers in a selected logistics centre and courier company in the Slovak and Czech Republic territories. The research and its relevance have become topical in the context of pandemics and with the increasing demand for products and courier services. In order to access the level of the above-mentioned environmental burden in a relevant way, an analysis of the circulation of transport units (pallets) and radio frequency identifiers in the selected logistics centre was carried out. The research results showed that the selected logistics centre generated annually 5.7 t of the e-waste from radio frequency identifiers placed on received pallets. The amount of 139 kg of metal was present in the e-waste quantity. The partial results of the research were applied to the e-commerce area. This article’s conclusion is dedicated to the characterization of possibilities of reducing the environmental burden from the use of radio frequency identifiers in logistics.
Sound Range AE as a Tool for Diagnostics of Large Technical and Natural Objects
Authors: Marapulets Yuri , Solodchuk Alexandra , Lukovenkova Olga , Mishchenko Mikhail , Shcherbina Albert
Published: January 2023

Application of acoustic emission of the sound frequency range is under consideration. This range is of current interest for the diagnostics of the stability of mountain slopes, glaciers, ice covers, large technical constructions (bridges, dams, etc.) as well as for the detection of rock deformation anomalies preceding earthquakes. Acoustic sensors, which can be used to record and to determine the directivity of acoustic emission of the sound frequency range, are under consideration. The structure of the system for acoustic emission recording, processing and analysis is described. This system makes it possible to determine the direction to the acoustic emission source using one multi-component sensor. We also consider the algorithms for detection of acoustic emission pulses in a noisy background, and for the analysis of their structure using the Adaptive Matching Pursuit algorithm. A method for the detection of the direction to an acoustic emission signal source based on multi-component sensors is described. The results of application of sound range acoustic emission for the detection of the intensification of rock deformations, associated with earthquake preparation and development in the seismically active region of Kamchatka peninsula, are presented.
Micromagnetic and Robust Evaluation of Surface Hardness in Cr12MoV Steel Considering Repeatability of the Instrument
Authors: Xing Zhixiang , Wang Xianxian , Ning Mengshuai , He Cunfu , Liu Xiucheng
Published: January 2023

The combination of multifunctional micromagnetic testing and neural network-based prediction models is a promising way of nondestructive and quantitative measurement of steel surface hardness. Current studies mainly focused on improving the prediction accuracy of intelligent models, but the unavoidable and random uncertainties related to instruments were seldom explored. The robustness of the prediction model considering the repeatability of instruments was seldom discussed. In this work, a self-developed multifunctional micromagnetic instrument was employed to perform the repeatability test with Cr12MoV steel. The repeatability of the instrument in measuring multiple magnetic features under both static and dynamic conditions was evaluated. The magnetic features for establishing the prediction model were selected based on the consideration of both the repeatability of the instrument and the ability of magnetic features in surface hardness evaluation. To improve the robustness of the model in surface hardness prediction, a modelling strategy considering the repeatability of the instrument was proposed. Through removing partial magnetic features with higher mean impact values from input nodes, robust evaluation of surface hardness in Cr12MoV steel was realized with the multifunctional micromagnetic instrument.
Computational Investigation of Advanced Refractive Index Sensor Using 3-Dimensional Metamaterial Based Nanoantenna Array
Authors: Verma Sneha , Rahman B.M.A.
Published: January 2023

Photonic researchers are increasingly exploiting nanotechnology due to the development of numerous prevalent nanosized manufacturing technologies, which has enabled novel shape-optimized nanostructures to be manufactured and investigated. Hybrid nanostructures that integrate dielectric resonators with plasmonic nanostructures are also offering new opportunities. In this work, we have explored a hybrid coupled nano-structured antenna with stacked multilayer lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), operating at wavelength ranging from 400 nm to 2000 nm. Here, the sensitivity response has been explored of these nano-structured hybrid arrays. It shows a strong electromagnetic confinement in the separation gap (g) of the dimers due to strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The influences of the structural dimensions have been investigated to optimize the sensitivity. The designed hybrid coupled nanostructure with the combination of 10 layers of gold (Au) and Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) or Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) (five layers each) having height, h1 = h2 = 10 nm exhibits 730 and 660 nm/RIU sensitivity, respectively. The sensitivity of the proposed hybrid nanostructure has been compared with a single metallic (only gold) elliptical paired nanostructure. Depending on these findings, we demonstrated that a roughly two-fold increase in the sensitivity (S) can be obtained by utilizing a hybrid coupled nanostructure compared to an identical nanostructure, which competes with traditional sensors of the same height, (h). Our innovative novel plasmonic hybrid nanostructures provide a framework for developing plasmonic nanostructures for use in various sensing applications.
Analysis of Meditation vs. Sensory Engaged Brain States Using Shannon Entropy and Pearson’s First Skewness Coefficient Extracted from EEG Data
Authors: Davis Joshua J. J. , Kozma Robert , Schübeler Florian
Published: January 2023

It has been proposed that meditative states show different brain dynamics than other more engaged states. It is known that when people sit with closed eyes instead of open eyes, they have different brain dynamics, which may be associated with a combination of deprived sensory input and more relaxed inner psychophysiological and cognitive states. Here, we study such states based on a previously established experimental methodology, with the aid of an electro-encephalography (EEG) array with 128 electrodes. We derived the Shannon Entropy (H) and Pearson’s 1st Skewness Coefficient (PSk) from the power spectrum for the modalities of meditation and video watching, including 20 participants, 11 meditators and 9 non-meditators. The discriminating performance of the indices H and PSk was evaluated using Student’s t-test. The results demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the mean H and PSk values during meditation and video watch modes. We show that the H index is useful to discriminate between Meditator and Non-Meditator participants during meditation over both the prefrontal and occipital areas, while the PSk index is useful to discriminate Meditators from Non-Meditators based on the prefrontal areas for both meditation and video modes. Moreover, we observe episodes of anti-correlation between the prefrontal and occipital areas during meditation, while there is no evidence for such anticorrelation periods during video watching. We outline directions of future studies incorporating further statistical indices for the characterization of brain states.
Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation Based on Deep Q-Network in V2V Communications
Authors: Han Donghee , So Jaewoo
Published: January 2023

Recently, with the development of autonomous driving technology, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology that provides a wireless connection between vehicles, pedestrians, and roadside base stations has gained significant attention. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication should provide low-latency and highly reliable services through direct communication between vehicles, improving safety. In particular, as the number of vehicles increases, efficient radio resource management becomes more important. In this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based decentralized resource allocation scheme in the V2X communication network in which the radio resources are shared between the V2V and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) networks. Here, a deep Q-network (DQN) is utilized to find the resource blocks and transmit power of vehicles in the V2V network to maximize the sum rate of the V2I and V2V links while reducing the power consumption and latency of V2V links. The DQN also uses the channel state information, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of V2I and V2V links, and the latency constraints of vehicles to find the optimal resource allocation scheme. The proposed DQN-based resource allocation scheme ensures energy-efficient transmissions that satisfy the latency constraints for V2V links while reducing the interference of the V2V network to the V2I network. We evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of the sum rate of the V2X network, the average power consumption of V2V links, and the average outage probability of V2V links using a case study in Manhattan with nine blocks of 3GPP TR 36.885. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme greatly reduces the transmit power of V2V links when compared to the conventional reinforcement learning-based resource allocation scheme without sacrificing the sum rate of the V2X network or the outage probability of V2V links.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Signals in 2022
Authors:   Signals Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Testing Variation in Esports Spectators’ Motivations in Relation to Consumption Behaviour
Authors: Hua Yueh-Tung , Liu Kun-Yu , Huang Hsien-Che , Rotherham Ian D. , Ma Shang-Chun
Published: January 2023

This study aims to examine firstly the motivations of esports spectators driving them to engage in consumption behaviour, and secondly, two spectator groups (League of Legends, LOL; Hearthstone) to compare the findings of the independence model and the competing model. In recent decades, the concept of esports has emerged as a major component of the sports industry and, therefore, of the global economy. However, the basic functioning of this new sector is relatively poorly understood. This study considers consumer motivations as they relate to esports and aims to assess how selected motivations interact. The motivations chosen in five categories were adopted from the Uses and Gratifications Theory. The independence model (based on Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT)) and competing model (based on multiple theoretical perspectives) were applied to the LOL and Hearthstone spectator groups. Data (n = 574) were collected via online surveys with cross-validation measured and established between the two groups. The findings showed that social integrative motivations positively impacted consumption behaviour across game genres. Affective motivation partially mediated the relationship between social integrative motivation and consumption behaviour in LOL, and cognitive and personal integrative motivations positively influenced consumption behaviour in Hearthstone. The tension-release motivation had no significant association with consumption behaviour for spectators of either game. The findings can help the commercial interests of different esports game genres to predict why people consume particular esports and thus aid effective marketing strategies.
Predicting Efficiency of Innovative Disaster Response Practices: Case Study of China’s Corporate Philanthropy
Authors: Irshad Ateeq ur Rehman , Safdar Nabeel , Manzoor Wajiha
Published: January 2023

Corporate philanthropy is significant because gifts are viewed as a means to enhance the image of a business organization in an era of intense competition. Taking into account the corporations listed on the Shenzhen stock exchanges, this research reveals that environmentally unfriendly enterprises have been exhibiting more altruistic behavior to counterbalance the negative image that has resulted from their massive emission of pollutants. In addition, a review of innovation, idle resources, and directors’ salaries indicated a substantial positive correlation. It is not required that a company be profitable for it to engage in philanthropy; rather, it should have an abundance of excess resources to donate. We also show that corporate philanthropy produces value for a company during a natural disaster and increases the company’s goodwill during times of humanitarian need.
Sustainability in Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development in the Slovak Republic, and Sustainability and Quality Management in Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Litvaj Ivan , Drbúl Mário , Bůžek Miloslav
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we deal with several areas, one of which is the current and important topic of sustainability. We focus on the defined area of sustainability in society and in companies. Sustainability is also a very important requirement for businesses today, including small- and medium-sized enterprises. Based on two hypotheses established by us, we identified, analyzed, and evaluated research carried out in the past in the Slovak Republic and in small- and medium-sized Slovak enterprises in the field of sustainability. The second important area that we deal with in our article is the quality of the products. Product quality is considered a necessity on the market today, a matter of course in today’s global market economy since it is one of the decisive parameters of the product. At the same time, quality management is only a means to an end, and that goal is a quality product for a customer who meets his requirements. Additionally, a quality product must also meet the requirements of other stakeholders, such as legislation. Practical and functional application of quality management in practice, companies, and organizations are implemented according to certain basic proven approaches, principles, standards, principles, and methods. Small- and medium-sized enterprises are a key part of every national economy; they form the national economic “backbone”. Due to their importance, they still need to be paid attention to, so we focus on these types of enterprises on several topics.
Control Technology of Roof-Cutting and Pressure Relief for Roadway Excavation with Strong Mining Small Coal Pillar
Authors: Wang Mingzhong , Zheng Hanghang , Ma Zhenqian , Mu Hang , Feng Xiaolei
Published: January 2023

In order to solve the problem of serious deformation and failure of surrounding rock and difficult maintenance of gob-side entries with strong mining-induced small coal pillars, taking the A110607 return airway of the Shanwenjiaba Coal Mine as the engineering background, the key parameters of roof-cutting and pressure relief control technology for roadway excavation with strong mining-induced small coal pillars were studied by using two-way concentrated blasting roof-cutting and pressure relief technology, combined with theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and a field industrial test. A collaborative control scheme of “roof-cutting pressure relief + anchor cable combined support” is proposed. The test results show that when the height of roof-cutting is 8 m, the angle of roof-cutting is 15°, and when the width of the coal pillar is 3 m, the effect of roof-cutting and pressure relief is the best. Through the field blasting test, it was determined that the blast hole spacing was 800 mm, 321 charge structure was used in the intact roof, and 221 or 211 charge structures were used in the broken roof and geological structure zones. During the driving and strong mining period, the roof and floor movement of the roof-cutting section of the roadway excavation was reduced by about 38% compared with the uncut section, and the deformation of the two sides of the roadway was reduced by about 44% compared with the uncut section. It shows that the collaborative control scheme of “roof-cutting pressure relief + anchor cable combined support” has a good effect on the roadway excavation driving of small coal pillars in strong mining.
Statistical Assessment on Student Engagement in Asynchronous Online Learning Using the k-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Kim Sohee , Cho Sunghee , Kim Joo Yeun , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: January 2023

In this study, statistical assessment was performed on student engagement in online learning using the k-means clustering algorithm, and their differences in attendance, assignment completion, discussion participation and perceived learning outcome were examined. In the clustering process, three features such as the behavioral, emotional and cognitive aspects of student engagement were considered. Data for this study were collected from undergraduate students who enrolled in an asynchronous online course provided by Kyung Hee University in Republic of Korea in the fall semester of 2021. The students enrolled in the asynchronous online course were classified into two clusters with low and high engagement perceptions. In addition, their differences in attendance, assignment completion, discussion participation, interactions and perceived learning outcome were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that quantitative indicators on students’ online behaviors are not sufficient evidence to measure the level of student engagement and the students enrolled in the asynchronous online course were classified into two groups with low and high engagement perceptions. It is recommended that online instructors consider various strategies to facilitate interaction for the students with low engagement perceptions.
A Methodological Framework for Developing a Smart-Tourism Destination in the Southeastern Adriatic–Ionian Area
Authors: Ndou Valentina , Hysa Eglantina , Maruccia Ylenia
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a methodological framework aiming to support the creation of a smart-tourism destination. Specifically, the study is realised in the frame of NEST, a European Union Interreg project aiming to create a smart-tourism destination in the Adriatic–Ionian area. Therefore, the study focuses on the southeastern Adriatic–Ionian area, as a portion of the European macro-region including the Italian regions of Molise and Apulia and the Balkan countries of Albania and Montenegro. This area presents a clear vocation for tourism, with a distinctive cultural heritage, attractive natural landscapes, and old culinary traditions offering a variety of eno-gastronomic and folk craft products. In the frame of the EU neighbour policies and in coherence with the objectives of the EU smart specialization strategy, several initiatives have been promoted for innovating the tourism offering in this area. Despite this, the full achievement of the creation of an Adriatic–Ionian smart destination calls for the adoption of a multidimensional strategy able to leverage knowledge-intensive dynamics of collaboration. This paper, therefore, aims to highlight the opportunities of adoptions and implications of this methodological framework for the cross-border marketing and management of the Adriatic–Ionian smart destination.
Adapted Schmidt Hardness Testing on Large Rock Samples—Kanfanar-South Quarry Case Study
Authors: Briševac Zlatko , Kosović Kristian , Navratil Dražen , Korman Tomislav
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with the possibility of using the Schmidt hardness test, which does not require much preliminary preparation and is easy to perform, in the production of commercial blocks in a quarry. Previous recommendations for Schmidt hardness testing of rock materials were specifically related to tests performed for geomechanical purposes. They also referred mostly to smaller samples, but testing of commercial blocks has some special features, mainly because they are large samples for which practically larger areas must be tested. This paper presents the testing methodology in terms of the number and position of hammer strikes on a commercial block, as well as the application of corrections to the test results in terms of the way the blocks are cut. The tests were conducted on natural stone blocks from the Kanfanar-South quarry, which is characterized by limestone rocks. The test results show that the test methodology can be applied in quarries with similar geological structure and natural stone mining methodology.
Exploring How Digital Technologies Enable a Circular Economy of Products
Authors: Han Yafeng , Shevchenko Tetiana , Yannou Bernard , Ranjbari Meisam , Shams Esfandabadi Zahra , Saidani Michael , Bouillass Ghada , Bliumska-Danko Kseniia , Li Guohou
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have advocated that digital technologies (DTs) positively affect the transition of a linear economy model to a circular economy (CE) model and facilitate enterprises in implementing circular strategies. Despite this general statement, the literature still overlooks how enterprises should apply various DTs of Industry 4.0 across the entire product lifecycle to operationalize CE-related strategies. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a conceptual framework exploring DTs in terms of CE operationalization from the perspective of the product lifecycle. Based on insights gained through a systematic literature review, we clarify how DTs can facilitate CE performance objectives through the three stages of the product lifecycle: product design, product use, and product recovery or recycling. Furthermore, we study how various Industry 4.0 DTs, such as the Internet of things, big data, and cloud computing, are utilized to operationalize the transition toward a CE. DTs applied to the service-oriented product-service system contributes innovation into circular business models to make full use of idle resources and provide high-quality personalized services. We have adopted three performance objectives: using fewer materials and resources, extending product lifespan, and closing the loop to evaluate the effects of DTs in promoting CE development. By investigating how DTs affect CE performance objectives, the conceptual framework developed in this paper advances the knowledge regarding the role of DTs as an enabler of CE from the product lifecycle. Our findings provide a practical reference enabling researchers and managers to harness the potential of DTs to support CE transition.
Soil Stabilization Using Zein Biopolymer
Authors: Babatunde Quadri Olakunle , Byun Yong-Hoon
Published: January 2023

The characterization and analysis of the cementation properties of novel biopolymer binders in soils are essential for their potential application in geotechnical engineering. This study investigates the cementation effect of a novel zein biopolymer binder on sandy soils. Soil specimens are mixed with various contents of zein biopolymer ranging from 0 to 5%. The mechanical and microscopic characteristics of the treated specimens are evaluated using unconfined compression tests and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, after curing for 3, 7, and 28 days. The results show a consistent increase in compressive strength and elastic modulus of treated soils with increasing curing periods and biopolymer contents. A small amount (1%) of zein biopolymer increases soil strength and elasticity regardless of gradation. Additionally, the bonding force between the soil–zein biopolymer increases linearly with soil uniformity. Therefore, the application of zein biopolymer can be potentially used as a binder for fine- and coarse-grained soils in geotechnical engineering considering its stabilization and sustainability properties.
Using IoT Sensor Technologies to Reduce Waste and Improve Sustainability in Artisanal Fish Farming in Southern Brazil
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan , Duan Yanqing , Valverde Joaquim , Van Ransbeeck Samuel , Ajmal Tahmina , Valverde Silma
Published: January 2023

Modern digital technologies have the great potential to improve the sustainability of fish farming in artisanal fisheries. However, in spite of the popularity of these technologies for fish farming in other parts of the world, Brazil still lags behind. To fill this gap, this study has conducted the first field study in implementing the IoT sensor technologies in Southern Brazil and documents the experiences in this paper. More specifically, it discusses developing sustainable artisanal fisheries infrastructure using these technologies with reference to southern Brazil, where the study explores the use of sensor technology in aquaculture and its effectiveness in reducing waste and improving productivity. The overarching goal of the project is to demonstrate how simple data collection using IoT sensors and its analysis can support artisanal freshwater fish farms in Brazil and beyond to increase production, reduce waste, and thereby improve their sustainability. The pilot implementation of these technologies has demonstrated the potential of increasing the productivity of the artisanal fisheries, reducing waste (e.g., loss of farmed fish, optimised feeding to reduce waste of feeds), and improving the sustainability of aquaculture. This paper documents the valuable firsthand experiences of selecting, adapting, and implementing the IoT sensor technologies with close cooperation from local research institutions and artisanal fish farmers. The paper describes the different implementation stages and use interviews with stakeholders as a testimony of the effectiveness of the IoT technology adoption.
Biodiesel from Recycled Sunflower and Palm Oil—A Sustainable Fuel for Microturbo-Engines Used in Airside Applications
Authors: Cican Grigore , Crunteanu Daniel Eugeniu , Mirea Radu , Ceatra Laurentiu Constantin , Leventiu Constantin
Published: January 2023

An experimental assessment of burning behavior of some aviation fuel and biodiesel obtained from waste oil mixture has been performed within this paper. The biodiesel was obtained from sunflower and palm waste oil (SFP) and the mixtures consisted of 10, 30 and 50% biodiesel in regular aviation fuel. The aviation fuel is a mixture of Jet A fuel + 5% Aeroshell 500 oil (called Ke) with the oil being added for turbo-engine’s lubrication. So, the used fuels were: Ke, Ke + 10% SFP, Ke + 30% SFP, Ke + 50% SFP. In first step, SFP was characterized in terms of: density, kinematic viscosity, flash and freezing points and calorific power. Also a deeper analysis was made by using FTIR for all the fuels involved in the experiments. The second step consisted of assessing the chemical reactions that occur during the burning process. Thus starting from the known elemental analysis, the air needed for a stoichiometric reaction has been calculated for each fuel mixtures. Also the resulting CO2 and water has been calculated from the reactions. The third step consisted of experimental testing the burning behavior of the above mentioned fuels on a micro turbo-engine. The used engine was Jet Cat P80® provided by Gunt Hamburg, Barsbüttel, Germany. The variation of: rpm vs. time, burning temperature vs. time and fuel debit vs. rpm are presented for starting and yield procedures. The tests have been conducted at 8 different working regimes of the engine. For each regime, an 1 min testing period was chose, during which burning temperature vs. rpm, fuel debit vs. rpm and thrust force vs. rpm were monitored. For maximum regime, only calculus for burning, thermal efficiencies and specific consumption have been made. As a main conclusion, the engine working behavior was steady throughout the entire range of rpm and for all the blends fed, thus the studied fuel blends may be considered as sustainable fuel for applications that are using micro turbo-engines with main advantages related to pollution and raw materials allowing the production of this type of fuel.
Sustainable Development Strategy of Low-Cost Airlines: Empirical Evidence for Indonesia Based on Analysis of Passenger Loyalty
Authors: Praja Arief Kusuma Among , Septiawan Rian Adi , Syah Tantri Yanuar Rahmat , Sari Endah Murtiana , Dewi Maya Puspita , Katijan Purwanto Sarjana , Cionita Tezara , Lai Yin Ling
Published: January 2023

The rapid progress in the competitive business environment has increased customer expectations and demands, thus leading to a situation where many companies are competing fiercely, especially low-cost airline companies or low-cost carriers (LCCs). The company carries out a strategy of providing satisfaction for its passengers to generate great loyalty. The purpose of this study is to find out what factors can affect passenger loyalty, such as service quality (SQ), price (P), customer satisfaction (S), and perceived value (PV) on LCC airlines in Indonesia. This study used quantitative methods through surveys which were conducted on 313 respondents in Indonesian, via online questionnaire data collection in July–August 2021. To test the relationship between variables, this study used statistical analysis with LISREL structural equation modelling (SEM). The present study was conducted concerning LCC companies in Indonesia and refers only to Indonesian consumers. There are 7 hypotheses in this study, of which 4 hypotheses are confirmed and 3 are invalidated. Some results obtained show that, in this case and with reference to Indonesian consumers only for the substitution service offered by LCCs, we have to discuss atypical manifestations of consumer behaviour (good SQ does not necessarily lead to increased S and lower price does not necessarily lead to increased S, etc.). At the same time, this study shows that consumer loyalty remains the essential factor for the survival of LCCs in the market.
Suitability and Sustainability Assessment of Existing Onshore Wind Farms in Greece
Authors: Karamountzou Styliani , Vagiona Dimitra G.
Published: January 2023

Site selection for wind farm projects is a vital issue that should be considered in spatial energy planning. This study explores the deployment of onshore wind farms (OWFs) in Greece and assesses their suitability and sustainability using geographic information systems and multicriteria analysis techniques (the analytical hierarchy process—AHP and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution—TOPSIS). Their suitability is assessed in terms of seven exclusion criteria and constraints provided in the Specific Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Renewable Energy Sources (SFSPSD-RES), while their sustainability is assessed in terms of nine environmental, technical-economic, and social assessment criteria in five different scenarios. The obtained results indicated that 81.4% of the existing wind farms are included within suitable areas and the highest percentage of improper siting refers to the installation of wind farms in sites that are within the boundaries of the Natura 2000 protected areas. The existing wind farms located in a part of Peloponnese, at the point bordering the Administrative Region (AR) of Attica, are characterized as more ideal in four out of five of the examined scenarios in the sustainability assessment. The proposed framework of this study is practical and effective in assessing the suitability and sustainability of existing wind farms in a country, and could contribute to spatial energy planning.
Natural Asphalts in Pavements: Review
Authors: Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander , Ruge-Cárdenas Juan Carlos , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: January 2023

Natural asphalts (NAs) can be an economical and environmental alternative in pavement construction. Most studies have investigated them as binder and asphalt mixture modifiers due to their high compatibility with conventional asphalts. In this article, some of the studies carried out on the use of NA in pavements are summarized and described in a chronological order. The main aspects described in the reviewed studies were the type of asphalt binder or modified mixture, the type and content of the modifier, the manufacturing processes of the asphalt or modified mixture, tests performed, and main results or conclusions. In general terms, NAs show better performance as binder and asphalt mixture modifiers in high-temperature climates. Additionally, they tend to improve water and ageing resistance. As main limitations, it is reported that NAs tend to negatively affect the workability and performance of asphalt mixtures in low-temperature climates. Finally, recommendations for future study topics are provided at the end of this paper.
Perceiving and Adapting to Climate Change: Perspectives of Tuscan Wine-Producing Agritourism Owners
Authors: Germanier Rachel , Moricciani Niccolò
Published: January 2023

It is now widely accepted that climate change is having a profound impact on the weather systems around the world. These, in turn, have a considerable effect on two important elements of the Tuscan economy: wine production and tourism. This case study sought to explore the relationship between the perception of Tuscan wine-producing agritourism owners of the potentially abstract notion of climate change and their concrete experiences as entrepreneurs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight wine-producing agritourism owners or managers in Val d’Orcia, a small area of Siena, Tuscany, and analysed thematically. The impact of climate change on the area’s viticulture is undeniable but the responses to the challenges are more nuanced. Political leadership on the climate crisis appears absent and perhaps as a consequence, these small-scale operators lack knowledge and funds to enable them to plan ahead: they react often day-to-day to the immediate weather conditions rather than planning long term. While recognizing the difficulties they face from climate change as viticulturists, as agrotourism owners they welcome the longer seasons which enable them to open in the formerly barren shoulder seasons but struggle with last-minute cancellations due to unpredictable weather in the area.
Mobility Nodes as an Extension of the Idea of Transfer Nodes—Solutions for Smaller Rail Stations with an Example from Poland
Authors: Kruszyna Maciej , Makuch Jacek
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the idea of extending transfer nodes to mobility nodes as objects with more functions than just transport. Mobility hubs are often associated with large stations; however, they can be implemented at all or almost all stations. The main purpose of this study is (1) to show the potential of treating smaller railway stations as mobility hubs; (2) to formulate a methodology for classifying such nodes; and (3) to discuss the usefulness of the constructed methodology on a selected example. The method proposed here consists of five stages of identification and classification of mobility nodes and includes three categories and 10 criteria for assessing the level of service (LOS) at a selected station. The proposed method may be useful for evaluating mobility nodes and identifying those which require improvement. The presented concept can be used to formulate plans for the development of nodes. Broadly speaking, the proposed methodology could be useful for designing high LOS nodes from the first stages of planning.
Striving to Achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Taiwanese SMEs by Adopting Industry 4.0
Authors: Hung Hsing-Chun , Chen Yuh-Wen
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate the potential transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan, China, to meet the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) by adopting Industry 4.0. Taiwan is performing excellently at the core of Industry 4.0, information technology competence; however, we are curious if the competence required is available and acquainted by SMEs for achieving SDGs. As the consulting staff of the government, we hypothesized that adopting Industry 4.0 would lead to the success of sustainability. The analytical methodology is the model of technology, organization, and environment (TOE). We conducted the questionnaire survey to test if the adoption of Industry 4.0 will guarantee the success of sustainability. A systemic approach is employed to develop and parametrize the final model between adopting Industry 4.0 and sustainability, using structural equation modeling (SEM). Finally, we found a significant gap for Taiwanese SMEs to achieve sustainability via Industry 4.0 because only three hypotheses are supported: organizational resource availability influences Industry 4.0 adoption, investment costs impact sustainability, and external support pushes the adoption of Industry 4.0. We propose some possible solutions for the government to help SMEs reach the achievement of SDGs.
Review and Analysis of the Motivations Associated with Urban Gardening in the Pandemic Period
Authors: Cattivelli Valentina
Published: January 2023

This paper examines people’s motives for urban gardening during the pandemic waves of 2020 and 2021. Interest in this practice has often ebbed and flowed in response to changing socioeconomic conditions and depended on positive effects in terms of social integration, community and individual health, urban regeneration, and food security. While several studies have documented these effects well with reference to the pre-pandemic period, few have detailed their existence—and eventually variations—during the lockdowns. These periods have probably reignited interest in this practice. Unlike other recreational activities, urban gardening was not restricted by regional and national governments because they considered this practice to be beneficial for food provisioning. To explore the motivations behind this newfound interest, this paper illustrates the results of a literature review on the articles published on this topic in the period from early 2020 to mid-2022. Findings reveal that the most widespread motivations are those related to personal and community wellbeing as well as food supply security and include the opportunity to spend time having fun outside the home. In addition, community resilience is a motivation that had not been detected in the past.
Considerations Regarding the Application of the Occupational Injury and Illness Risk Assessment Method at Workplaces/Workstations, in Relation to the ISO 45001 Standard
Authors: Bejinariu Costica , Darabont Doru-Costin , Burduhos-Nergis Diana-Petronela , Cazac Alin-Marian , Chiriac-Moruzzi Cristiana
Published: January 2023

European legislation stipulates the obligation to carry out a risk assessment for each job, as well as the application of measures to prevent these occupational risks. Therefore, taking into account the importance of risk determination at the workplace for the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases, this paper proposes the digitization of a risk assessment method. The application of the occupational injury and illness risk assessment method begins with a document that contains a description of the company (name, location, domain of activity, organization chart, etc.), a description of the work system detailing its components and a brief description of the assessment method. Next follows a Microsoft Excel document that performs the actual application of the method. Finally, another document presents the list of measures that lead to the implementation of the prevention and protection plan. This paper presents the code design of the Microsoft Excel document, an essential part in the application of the method of assessing the risks of occupational injury and illness. The document is structured on a variable number of worksheets, which present the different types of occupational injury and illness based on risks on the components of a work system. The digitalization of the risk assessment method reduces the time allocated to the evaluation without affecting its quality.
Improving Collaborative Intrusion Detection System Using Blockchain and Pluggable Authentication Modules for Sustainable Smart City
Authors: Gupta Rajeev Kumar , Chawla Vedant , Pateriya Rajesh Kumar , Shukla Piyush Kumar , Mahfoudh Saoucene , Shah Syed Bilal Hussain
Published: January 2023

The threat of cyber-attacks is ever increasing in today’s society. There is a clear need for better and more effective defensive tools. Intrusion detection can be defined as the detection of anomalous behavior either in the host or in the network. An intrusion detection system can be used to identify the anomalous behavior of the system. The two major tasks of intrusion detection are to monitor data and raise an alert to the system administrators when an intrusion takes place. The current intrusion detection system is incapable of tackling sophisticated attacks which take place on the entire network containing large number of nodes while maintaining a low number of login attempts on each node in the system. A collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) was designed to remove the inefficiency of the current intrusion detection system which failed to detect coordinated distributed attacks. The main problem in the CIDS is the concept of trust. Hosts in the network need to trust the data sent by other peers in the network. To bring in the concept of trust and implement the proof-of-concept, blockchain was used. Pluggable authentication modules (PAM) were also used to track login activity securely before an intruder could modify the login activity. To implement blockchain, an Ethereum-based private blockchain was used.
A Literature Review on Networks and Sustainable Development in Sea Tourism Entrepreneurship
Authors: Costa Teresa , Calisto Maria de Lurdes , Nunes Sandra , Dias Margarida
Published: January 2023

The main objective of this study is to analyze scientific production from 2010 to 2021 using bibliometric analysis based on articles on social networks, stakeholders, and sea tourism published in scientific journals. In the first phase, the search criteria were chosen. In the second phase, the search was done on WoS and Scopus databases. In the third phase, papers unrelated to our study’s subject were excluded. The resulting data from the selection and exclusion criteria were compiled in the fourth phase. In the fifth phase, the data was coded using the NVIVO software, and finally, in the sixth phase, the results were analyzed. The study’s results suggest that the research related to social networks, stakeholders, and governance in tourism, particularly in sea tourism, remains an underdeveloped field. Notwithstanding, results suggest that social networks and stakeholder cooperation contribute to local sea tourism development. Considering that STEs are closely linked to local communities, this study’s findings can provide clues on future research on tourism development, public policies to support STEs, cooperation for co-creation, and information and tourism resource sharing.
On Trees with Given Independence Numbers with Maximum Gourava Indices
Authors: Wang Ying , Aslam Adnan , Idrees Nazeran , Kanwal Salma , Iram Nabeela , Razzaque Asima
Published: January 2023

In mathematical chemistry, molecular descriptors serve an important role, primarily in quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) studies. A topological index of a molecular graph is a real number that is invariant under graph isomorphism conditions and provides information about its size, symmetry, degree of branching, and cyclicity. For any graph N, the first and second Gourava indices are defined as GO1(N)=∑u′v′∈E(N)(d(u′)+d(v′)+d(u′)d(v′)) and GO2(N)=∑u′v′∈E(N)(d(u′)+d(v′))d(u′)d(v′), respectively.The independence number of a graph N, being the cardinality of its maximal independent set, plays a vital role in reading the energies of chemical trees. In this research paper, it is shown that among the family of trees of order δ and independence number ξ, the spur tree denoted as Υδ,ξ maximizes both 1st and 2nd Gourava indices, and with these characterizations this graph is unique.
Closed-Form Formulas for the nth Derivative of the Power-Exponential Function xx
Authors: Cao Jian , Qi Feng , Du Wei-Shih
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the authors give a simple review of closed-form, explicit, and recursive formulas and related results for the nth derivative of the power-exponential function xx, establish two closed-form and explicit formulas for partial Bell polynomials at some specific arguments, and present several new closed-form and explicit formulas for the nth derivative of the power-exponential function xx and for related functions and integer sequences.
A Strategy Formulation Framework for Efficient Screening during the Early Stage of a Pandemic
Authors: Wang Shuangyan , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Qiang , Lu Qibin , Liu Chengcheng , Yi Fangxin
Published: January 2023

For viruses that can be transmitted by contacts of people, efficiently screening infected individuals is beneficial for controlling outbreaks rapidly and avoiding widespread diffusion, especially during the early stage of a pandemic. The process of virus transmission can be described as virus diffusion in complex networks such as trajectory networks. We propose a strategy formulation framework (SFF) for generating various screening strategies to identify influential nodes in networks. We propose two types of metrics to measure the nodes’ influence and three types of screening modes. Then, we can obtain six combinations, i.e., six strategies. To verify the efficiencies of the strategies, we build a scenario model based on the multi-agent modelling. In this model, people can move according to their self-decisions, and a virtual trajectory network is generated by their contacts. We found that (1) screening people will have a better performance based on their contact paths if there is no confirmed case yet, and (2) if the first confirmed case has been discovered, it is better to screen people sequentially by their influences. The proposed SFF and strategies can provide support for decision makers, and the proposed scenario model can be applied to simulate and forecast the virus-diffusion process.
The COVID-19 Pandemic—A Potential Role for Antivirals in Mitigating Pandemics
Authors: Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a stark reminder that outbreaks of novel pathogens (i.e., those not previously encountered by humans) have always plagued mankind and will continue to do so. The COVID-19 pandemic has also taught us that a single exposure to a novel pathogen is typically not sufficient to build robust population immunity that exists against common respiratory viruses. Robust population-level immunity can be achieved through repeated natural infection (typically at the cost of high mortality and overwhelmed public health resources) and/or repeated vaccination (which may be limited by vaccine availability, a country’s economic resources, and/or vaccine hesitancy). Here, we suggest that the broader use of antivirals could be a mitigation strategy to limit severe disease and the burden on healthcare systems during widespread virus circulation while allowing the buildup of population immunity.