bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Path Loss Investigation in Hall Environment at Centimeter and Millimeter-Wave Bands
Authors: Samad Md Abdus , Choi Dong-You , Choi Kwonhue
Published: September 2022

The millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency is considered a viable radio wave band for fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks, owing to its ability to access a vast spectrum of resources. However, mmWave suffers from undesirable characteristics such as increased attenuation during transmission. Therefore, a well-fitted path loss model to a specific environment can help manage optimal power delivery in the receiver and optimal transmitter power in the transmitter in the mmWave band. This study investigates large-scale path loss models in a university hall environment with a real-measured path loss dataset using directional horn antennas in co-polarization (H–H) and tracking antenna systems (TAS) in line-of-sight (LOS) circumstances between the transmitter and receptor at mmWave and centimeter-level bands. Although the centimeter-level band is used in certain industrialized nations, path loss characteristics in a university hall environment have not been well-examined. Consequently, this study aims to bridge this research gap. The results of this study indicate that, in general, the large-scale floating-intercept (FI) model gives a satisfactory performance in fitting the path loss both in the center and wall side links.
SiamOT: An Improved Siamese Network with Online Training for Visual Tracking
Authors: Gong Xiaomei , Zhou Yuxin , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2022

As a prevailing solution for visual tracking, Siamese networks manifest high performance via convolution neural networks and weight-sharing schemes. Most existing Siamese networks have adopted various offline training strategies to realize precise tracking by comparing the extracted target features with template features. However, their performances may degrade when dealing with unknown targets. The tracker is unable to learn background information through offline training, and it is susceptible to background interference, which finally leads to tracking failure. In this paper, we propose a twin-branch architecture (dubbed SiamOT) to mitigate the above problem in existing Siamese networks, wherein one branch is a classical Siamese network, and the other branch is an online training branch. Especially, the proposed online branch utilizes feature fusion and attention mechanism, which is able to capture and update both the target and the background information so as to refine the description of the target. Extensive experiments have been carried out on three mainstream benchmarks, along with an ablation study, to validate the effectiveness of SiamOT. It turns out that SiamOT achieves superior performance with stronger target discrimination abilities.
Novel Methodology to Recover Road Surface Height Maps from Illuminated Scene through Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: de León Gonzalo , Cesbron Julien , Klein Philippe , Leandri Pietro , Losa Massimo
Published: September 2022

Road surface properties have a major impact on pavement’s life service conditions. Nowadays, contactless techniques are widely used to monitor road surfaces due to their portability and high precision. Among the different possibilities, laser profilometers are widely used, even though they have two major drawbacks: spatial information is missed and the cost of the equipment is considerable. The scope of this work is to show the methodology used to develop a fast and low-cost system using images taken with a commercial camera to recover the height information of the road surface using Convolutional Neural Networks. Hence, the dataset was created ad hoc. Based on photometric theory, a closed black-box with four light sources positioned around the surface sample was built. The surface was provided with markers in order to link the ground truth measurements carried out with a laser profilometer and their corresponding intensity values. The proposed network was trained, validated and tested on the created dataset. Three loss functions where studied. The results showed the Binary Cross Entropy loss to be the most performing and the best overall on the reconstruction task. The methodology described in this study shows the feasibility of a low-cost system using commercial cameras based on Artificial Intelligence.
Enhancement of Dissipative Sensing in a Microresonator Using Multimode Input
Authors: Rajagopal Sreekul Raj , Rosenberger A. T.
Published: September 2022

Optical whispering-gallery microresonators have proven to be especially useful as chemical sensors. Most applications involve dispersive sensing, such as the frequency shift of resonator modes in response to a change in the ambient index of refraction. However, the response to dissipative interaction can be even more sensitive than the dispersive response. Dissipative sensing is most often conducted via a change in the mode linewidth owing to absorption in the analyte, but the change in the throughput dip depth of a mode can provide better sensitivity. Dispersive sensing can be enhanced when the input to the microresonator consists of multiple fiber or waveguide modes. Here, we show that multimode input can enhance dip-depth dissipative sensing by an even greater factor. We demonstrate that the multimode-input response relative to single-mode-input response using the same fiber or waveguide can be enhanced by a factor of more than one thousand, independent of the mode linewidth, or quality factor (Q), of the mode. We also show that multimode input makes the dip-depth response nearly one hundred times more sensitive than the linewidth-change response. These enhancement factors are predicted by making only two measurements of dip depth in the absence of an analyte: one with the two input modes in phase with each other, and one with them out of phase.
User Authentication Method Based on Keystroke Dynamics and Mouse Dynamics with Scene-Irrelated Features in Hybrid Scenes
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Shi Yutong , Zheng Kangfeng , Zhang Yuyang , Hong Weijie , Cao Siwei
Published: September 2022

In order to improve user authentication accuracy based on keystroke dynamics and mouse dynamics in hybrid scenes and to consider the user operation changes in different scenes that aggravate user status changes and make it difficult to simulate user behaviors, we present a user authentication method entitled SIURUA. SIURUA uses scene-irrelated features and user-related features for user identification. First, features are extracted based on keystroke data and mouse movement data. Next, scene-irrelated features that have a low correlation with scenes are obtained. Finally, scene-irrelated features are fused with user-related features to ensure the integrity of the features. Experimental results show that the proposed method has the advantage of improving user authentication accuracy in hybrid scenes, with an accuracy of 84% obtained in the experiment.
Video Quality Analysis: Steps towards Unifying Full and No Reference Cases
Authors: Topiwala Pankaj , Dai Wei , Pian Jiangfeng , Biondi Katalina , Krovvidi Arvind
Published: September 2022

Video quality assessment (VQA) is now a fast-growing field, maturing in the full reference (FR) case, yet challenging in the exploding no reference (NR) case. In this paper, we investigate some variants of the popular FR VMAF video quality assessment algorithm, using both support vector regression and feedforward neural networks. We also extend it to the NR case, using different features but similar learning, to develop a partially unified framework for VQA. When fully trained, FR algorithms such as VMAF perform very well on test datasets, reaching a 90%+ match in the popular correlation coefficients PCC and SRCC. However, for predicting performance in the wild, we train/test them individually for each dataset. With an 80/20 train/test split, we still achieve about 90% performance on average in both PCC and SRCC, with up to 7–9% gains over VMAF, using an improved motion feature and better regression. Moreover, we even obtain good performance (about 75%) if we ignore the reference, treating FR as NR, partly justifying our attempts at unification. In the true NR case, typically with amateur user-generated data, we avail of many more features, but still reduce complexity vs. recent algorithms VIDEVAL and RAPIQUE, while achieving performance within 3–5% of them. Moreover, we develop a method to analyze the saliency of features, and conclude that for both VIDEVAL and RAPIQUE, a small subset of their features provide the bulk of the performance. We also touch upon the current best NR methods: MDT-VSFA, and PVQ which reach above 80% performance. In short, we identify encouraging improvements in trainability in FR, while constraining training complexity against leading methods in NR, elucidating the saliency of features for feature selection.
Detection of Nut–Bolt Loss in Steel Bridges Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Li Zhi-Jun , Adamu Kabiru , Yan Kai , Xu Xiu-Li , Shao Peng , Li Xue-Hong , Bashir Hafsat Muhammad
Published: September 2022

The early detection of bolts and nuts’ loss on bridges has a huge tendency of averting bridge collapse. The aim of this research is to develop a novel framework for the detection of bolt–nut losses in steel bridges using deep learning techniques. The objectives include: to design a framework for the detection of nuts and bolts and nut holes using deep learning techniques, to implement the designed framework using Python programming, and to evaluate the performance of the designed framework. Convolutional neural network (CNN) and long- and short-term memory (LSTM) techniques were employed using 8 × 8 blocks of images of bridges as inputs. Based on the proposed models, which considered the CNN in its ordinary form, and combined with the LSTM and You Only Look Once (YOLOv4) algorithms, the CNN achieved average classification accuracy of 95.60% and the LSTM achieved an accuracy of 93.00% on the sampled images. The YOLOv4 algorithm, which is a modified version of the CNN with single forward propagation, was utilized, and the detection accuracy was 76.5%. The relatively high level of detection accuracy recorded by the CNN is attributed to its stepwise extraction by convolution and pooling processes. However, a statistical test of the hypothesis at the 5.0% level of significance revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between object detection and classifications among the models used in the built framework. Therefore, the use of the CNN model is recommended for the detection of nuts and bolts and nut holes on steel truss bridges for effective structural health monitoring (SHM) purposes based on its high level of detection accuracy and speed.
Cost and Workload Assessment of Agricultural Drone Sprayer: A Case Study of Rice Production in Japan
Authors: Umeda Shotaro , Yoshikawa Naoki , Seo Yuna
Published: September 2022

The shortage of labor is one of the major challenges facing agriculture in Japan. Technological innovations are required to overcome the limitations of the workload per worker. One such innovation is smart agriculture, which utilizes advanced technologies such as robots, AI, and IoT. This study aimed to provide data on the workload and pest control costs for the development of sustainable agriculture. The cost of pest control was compared between a boom sprayer, power sprayer, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for two model rice farmers. The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and metabolic equivalent (METs) were used to measure workloads while using UAVs. The labor cost was reduced to half with the usage of UAVs compared with conventional machines. The resulting METs, or physical activity during pest-control work using UAVs, could be lower than those when using pest control machines. Through OWAS, 63.86% of the total jobs using UAVs were identified as having a low risk of musculoskeletal injury. The results suggest that UAVs could compensate for the shortage of workers, and these are effective tools to support the expansion of the agricultural area.
Family Farming and Social and Solidarity Economy Enterprises in the Amazon: Opportunities for Sustainable Development
Authors: Mariosa Pedro Henrique , Pereira Henrique dos Santos , Mariosa Duarcides Ferreira , Falsarella Orandi Mina , Conti Diego de Melo , De Benedicto Samuel Carvalho
Published: September 2022

A research gap in the scientific literature has arisen concerning the challenge faced by actors who formulate public policies on the compatibility between economic activities and sustainable development in the Amazon. The main question that guided this study was whether the organizations of the social and solidarity economy (SSE), in the form of family farming cooperatives and associations, are sufficiently consolidated in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. To achieve the intended objective, the authors used the ArcGIS Pro 10.8 software with an exploratory analysis of spatial data (AEDE). Specifically, the mapping clusters tool was used to present and discuss the distribution of establishments and enterprises in a municipality. The database was the “2017 Agricultural Census” from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the most recent official government data available. Establishments and enterprises of family farming in the 772 municipalities of the Legal Amazon with credit access in a period between August 2017 and February 2019 were selected for analysis. We confirmed the hypothesis that SSE projects are essential to achieve sustainability in the Amazon. In addition, this study suggests that this model can be an essential alternative to support public policies for the sustainable development of the biome.
Partisan Conflict, National Security Policy Uncertainty and Tourism
Authors: Zhang Rufei , Zhang Haizhen , Fan Qingzhu , Gao Wang , Luo Xue , Yang Shixiong
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the spillover effects among partisan conflict, national security policy uncertainty and tourism (i.e., tourist arrivals, exports, and stock) in the U.S. by using the TVP-VAR-based connectedness measures. Specifically, we discuss the association strength, spillover direction and dynamic linkages among the three under this framework. The results show that partisan conflict and national security policy uncertainty are net transmitters of spillovers to tourism, and those effects are more potent for inbound tourism demand than tourism stock performance. Moreover, the magnitude of spillovers among the three is time-varying and increases significantly in times of crisis, especially during the 9/11 attacks, the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results have important implications for tourism managers to develop sustainable development strategies to buffer or adapt to the uncertainty impact.
Impact of Land Use/Cover Change on Ecosystem Service Value in Guangxi
Authors: Zhao Yunfei , Han Zhibo , Xu Yuanquan
Published: September 2022

Ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important indicator used to measure the quality of the regional ecological environment, and land use/cover change (LUCC) has a crucial impact on it. Based on three periods of land use data for Guangxi, China, in 2000, 2010, and 2020, in this study, the spatial and temporal change characteristics of the LUCC were analyzed, and the equivalent factor method was used to calculate the total ESV in Guangxi. Finally, the spatial autocorrelation and spatial aggregation characteristics of ESV in Guangxi were analyzed to explore the impact of land use/cover changes on ecosystem service values in Guangxi. The results show that the utilization areas of water and artificial surface continuously increased from 2000 to 2020, with the largest increase in the area of artificial surface, which increased by 3390.67 km2. The areas of the forest land, shrubland, and sea continuously decreased, of which the forest land area decreased by 5679.39 km2. The areas of the cultivated land and grassland initially increased and then decreased, exhibiting a small overall increase. During the study period, the total ESV in Guangxi initially increased and then decreased, with an overall increase of 1.295 billion RMB. This was caused by the increase in the area of water and grassland. The distribution of ESV in Guangxi has a significant positive spatial correlation, and the distribution of ESV in Guangxi shows a high north and low south, and the ESV high-high value aggregation areas were concentrated in the mountainous areas in northeast and northwest Guangxi. The results of this study provide an important theoretical basis for the rational development and utilization of land resources in Guangxi and for the coordination of socio-economic development and environmental protection.
Investigating Residents’ Acceptance of Mobile Apps for Household Recycling: A Case Study of New Jersey
Authors: Sozoniuk Mariia , Park Jonghun , Lumby Natalia
Published: September 2022

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have created new opportunities to deliver recycling education. This study employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT-2) to examine primary factors impacting U.S. residents’ intention to use recycling mobile applications. Uniquely, the research interrogates whether ICT adoption can increase the intention to recycle household waste and thus generate social change. The data, from an online survey of 1215 app users located in New Jersey, is analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results demonstrate that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and habit, have a positive and significant effect on the intention to use recycling apps. The intention to use apps also has a positive and significant effect on the intention to recycle. The results support the use of ICTs as a tool for building recycling habits. Recommendations for solid waste management practitioners, and app developers, are also discussed.
Standards as a Tool for Reducing Plastic Waste
Authors: Schuyler Qamar , Ho Connie , Ramezani Fariba
Published: September 2022

Standards are one avenue for addressing the problems caused by plastic pollution. By addressing quality and safety plus information and measurement, reducing variety and increasing compatibility, standards can help to drive the transition to a circular economy for plastic resources. The aim of this work was to classify existing plastic standards within a circular economy framework and to identify potential gaps and highlight where future standards development might be focused. Using desktop research on existing standards, 95 plastic standards were identified, only 9 of which are Australian standards. The majority of the standards cover recycling and compostable or biodegradable plastics. There are significant opportunities to develop standards pertaining to higher levels of the plastics waste hierarchy, such as design and reuse.
Effects of Bentonite Addition on the Speciation and Mobility of Cu and Ni in Soils from Old Mine Tailings
Authors: Gao Yongping , Li Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Bentonite has important applications in curbing soil heavy metal pollution. Jinchang city is an important industrial city in western China, and the mining activities in this area inevitably lead to the heavy metal pollution of soil; in particular, the maximum concentrations of Ni and Cu in the soil exceeded the standard by 30 and 25 times, respectively. In this study, we conducted soil cultivation experiments to study the effects of bentonite addition (BA) on the fractions of the heavy metals Ni and Cu in an old tailings area of Jinchang city. Surface soil (0–20 cm) samples were collected, and Ni and Cu fractionation was performed using the Tessier sequential extraction method. The results showed that residual (R) was the main fraction of Ni and Cu, which accounted for 53% and 57% of their total amounts, respectively. The fraction bound to organic matter (BM), bound to Fe-Mn oxides (BO), bound to carbonates (BC), and the exchangeable (E) accounted for 20% and 16%, 18% and 12%, 6%, and 7%, 3% and 4% of the total amounts, respectively. Their contents ranked in the order: R > BM > BO > BC > E. Each fraction of Ni and Cu decreased with increasing levels of BA. The proportion of E of Ni and Cu was considerably reduced, while the proportion of BO and R increased significantly following the BA. BA can significantly reduce the mobility of Ni and Cu. Our findings indicated that BA can significantly reduce the biological toxicity and mobilization of heavy metals in polluted soil, which can be recommended as a safe stabilizer for heavy metal pollution in soil.
Quantifying the Transmission of Outdoor Pollutants into the Indoor Environment and Vice Versa—Review of Influencing Factors, Methods, Challenges and Future Direction
Authors: Mohammadi Murtaza , Calautit John
Published: September 2022

Epidemiological studies have established a strong relationship between poor air quality and deteriorating human health, demanding urgent remedial measures. Specifically, indoor pollution is more critical, and outdoor pollutants significantly contribute towards indoor pollution, its strength depending on various parameters, including ventilation strategy, meteorological conditions, building design, outdoor sources, etc. This report analyses the various factors reported influencing the transmission of pollutants between the two environments. The report critically reviews various studies investigating the inter-environment variability and transmission, providing an overview of various factors and their impacts and covering both experimental and modelling studies. The review suggests that while many studies have helped to quantify the long-term personal exposure to pollutants, they have not paid special attention to the mechanism of the transmission of pollutants from the outdoor to the indoor environment and vice versa. The findings demonstrate that the proper indexing of various mechanisms and their relative strength is necessary before an effective intervention strategy can be applied in the built environment to counter the effect of pollution.
Impact of Aerobic and Strengthening Exercise on Quality of Life (QOL), Mental Health and Physical Performance of Elderly People Residing at Old Age Homes
Authors: Maung Theingi Maung , Jain Timsi , Madhanagopal Jagannathan , Naidu Sawri Rajan L. Rajagopal , Phyu Hnin Pwint , Oo Win Myint
Published: September 2022

Background: The COVID-19 infection spread rapidly in Malaysia, and elderly people with underlying comorbidities were affected most. The study aimed to determine the effect of exercise on QOL and mental health among elderly people residing in old age homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Out of 178 older adults from old age homes in Kedah and Penang States, 39 respondents undertook aerobic and strengthening exercises. A single group pre-test and post-test study was conducted in one government home and nine private homes in the northern region of Malaysia. The DASS-21 scale was used to assess mental health, and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate QOL. Results: After 12 weeks of the exercise programme, scores for the physical domain increased from 53.1 to 61.8, for the psychological domain from 51.8 to 59.3, for the social domain from 53.2 to 60.5 and for the environmental domain from 67.2 to 72.1. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the depression score from 6.2 to 4.4, the anxiety score from 3.5 to 2.2 and the stress score, from 4.6 to 2.8. Conclusion: Performing aerobic and strengthening exercises for a minimum of 12 weeks may have helped to improve mental health among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it may also improve the quality of life for those who are residing in old age homes.
Feasibility Analysis of Biomass Hydrochar Blended Coal Injection for Blast Furnace
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Jianliang , Wu Shengli , Wu Jianlong , Xu Kun , Liu Jiawen , Ning Xiaojun , Wang Guangwei
Published: September 2022

It is critical for the iron and steel industry to achieve green transformation and development by effectively utilizing abundant biomass resources in blast furnace ironmaking. In this paper, four types of typical biomass were carbonized and upgraded using the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method, and the metallurgical performance of the prepared hydrochar for blast furnace injection was systematically tested. The results show that HTC treatment could remove volatile matter and dissolved mineral elements in biomass so that the hydrochar had the characteristics of high fixed carbon and low ash and alkali metal content. Moreover, the hydrochar had good grindability and excellent combustion performance, which meet the requirements of blast furnace injection. Finally, the metallurgical performance of blended coal and wood chip hydrochar was examined. It was observed that when the ratio of hydrochar was less than 15%, it would not affect the blast furnace injection, and the potential safety hazard caused by the explosive hydrochar could be resolved by mixing hydrochar with anthracite. The application of hydrochar in blast furnace injection could not only alleviate the current energy shortage situation, but also be of great significance to realize the “carbon peak” of the steel industry.
Consumer Preference for Attributes of Single-Use and Multi-Use Plastic Shopping Bags in Cape Town: A Choice Experiment Approach
Authors: Mugobo Victor Virimai , Ntuli Herbert
Published: September 2022

Single-use plastic bags are increasingly becoming unpopular across the globe due to growing concerns over plastic pollution, which is threatening both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Creating policy interventions to reduce plastic consumption requires objective information about local conditions. This study uses a choice experiment to elicit consumer preference for attributes of shopping bags from a sample of 250 consumers in Cape Town. Following the literature, we estimate the conditional logit model and the mix logit model and perform appropriate tests to establish a model which fits our data. Our results show that consumers in Cape Town prefer small and medium-sized bags relative to the status quo. They also care about durability, reusability, style, and recyclability of shopping bags. The highest willingness to pay is associated with a medium-sized shopping bag (R3.76), followed by a shopping bag that is reusable (R3.35), then a shopping bag that is styled (R2.16), then a small-sized shopping bag (R1.74), then a durable shopping bag (R1.50) and finally a recyclable shopping bag (R1.25). By aggregation, the willingness to pay of a small-sized shopping bag that is recyclable is R2.99 which is equivalent to the maximum price that the respondent is offering for a single-use plastic bag (R2.92). The willingness to pay of a medium-sized and reusable shopping bag is R7.11 per unit which is at least as high as the minimum price that respondents would consider for alternative packaging (R7.37). Finally, taking into consideration all the important attributes, we arrive at a willingness to pay ranging from R9.99 to R12.01 per bag for a small and medium shopping bag, respectively. Our results call for a combination of policy instruments such as a subsidy on expensive durable and reusable shopping bags to increase demand while at the same time increasing the levy on single-use plastic bags to reduce demand. More effort is needed to increase appreciation and perception of recyclable products.
What Drives the Digital Customer Experience and Customer Loyalty in Mobile Short-Form Video Shopping? Evidence from Douyin (TikTok)
Authors: Yang Qin , Lee Young-Chan
Published: September 2022

Mobile short-form video (MSFV) shopping represents an emerging method of mobile e-commerce and indicates the future development trend of mobile e-commerce. Unlike other famous mobile commerce applications, MSFV apps provide customers with animated videos which enable them to view product information vividly. This study examines the associations between digital customer experience and customer loyalty based on a human–computer interaction approach. We draw on content quality, relationship quality, and stickiness to investigate customer attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty. A total of 796 users who use the leading MSFV app in China were randomly surveyed, among whom 778 users were involved in testing the hypotheses. Our findings indicate that content and relationship quality positively influence customers’ stickiness to MSFV shopping. Moreover, stickiness positively mediates the indirect link between content quality and customer loyalty as well as relationship quality and customer loyalty. This study demonstrates the value of extending the human-computer interaction approach to MSFV shopping and contributes to the existing literature by offering a deeper understanding of customer loyalty in the context of MSFV shopping. In addition, it has some managerial implications for making the most of the MSFV app’s huge potential to help the sustainable growth of mobile e-commerce.
Environmental Justice Assessment of Fine Particles, Ozone, and Mercury over the Pearl River Delta Region, China
Authors: Chang Wang , Zhu Yun , Lin Che-Jen , Arunachalam Saravanan , Wang Shuxiao , Xing Jia , Fang Tingting , Long Shicheng , Li Jinying , Chen Geng
Published: September 2022

Assessment of environmental justice (EJ, a concept related to the distributional fairness of environmental risks) is a crucial component in environmental risk management. However, the risks associated with air pollutants and toxins have rarely been evaluated jointly. Therefore, using an approach integrating modeling, data fusion, and health benefits analysis, we performed an EJ assessment on the mortalities caused by fine particle (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) concentrations and mercury (Hg) deposition over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. The concentration index (CI) was used to measure EJ in low-income distributions and age structures, and a larger value implied a greater EJ issue. The results revealed that the CIs of PM2.5, O3, and Hg were 0.35, 0.32, and 0.16, respectively, based on the percentage of the low-income population, and 0.39, 0.36, and 0.23, respectively, based on the elderly and children, indicating that environmental injustice was more prominent for PM2.5 and more reflected in the elderly and children. The center (e.g., Guangzhou) and some marginal areas (e.g., northeast of Jiangmen) in the PRD were overburdened areas with PM2.5, O3, and Hg pollution due to their intensive source emissions. Moreover, cumulative environmental risk (CER) corrected by population vulnerability exhibited significant differences among the cities; for example, cumulative environmental risk scores (CERSs) in Jiangmen, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing were 14.18 to 32.98 times higher than that in Shenzhen. Hence, the implementation of multipollutant control policies for local PM2.5, O3, and Hg in overburdened areas is recommended to further promote EJ in the PRD.
Tridimensional Sustainability and Feasibility Assessment of Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems Applied for the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
Authors: Cristea Ciprian , Cristea Maria , Micu Dan Doru , Ceclan Andrei , Tîrnovan Radu-Adrian , Șerban Florica Mioara
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, as the technology behind solar photovoltaic systems has been significantly improved, along with a significant decrease in costs, grid-connected photovoltaic systems are becoming an important option to reach a low-carbon energy transition. The high cost of electricity consumed at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca represented a good reason for the university to increase its energy efficiency by adopting and increasing energy consumption from renewable energy sources. This paper assesses the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of deploying four photovoltaic systems at the aforementioned university situated in the Northwestern part of Romania, according to the Romanian renewable energy legislation. PVSOL software has been used to estimate the performance of photovoltaic installations. The results indicated that the most viable distributed generation system is the one with a capacity of 100 kW, meeting approximately 23 percent of university electricity needs, and at the same time, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 460 tons. A sensitivity analysis has been performed to evaluate the effect of several critical parameters on the PV system’s economic feasibility. The results provide valuable decision-making information regarding the buildings’ solar potential for other universities, supporting the transition to solar energy.
Sustainable Management of Thickened Tailings in Chile and Peru: A Review of Practical Experience and Socio-Environmental Acceptance
Authors: Cacciuttolo Vargas Carlos , Marinovic Pulido Alex
Published: September 2022

The “Thickened Tailings Disposal” (TTD) technology produces a high density mine waste that allows for the storage of this material without the need to manage large slurry tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and large dams. TTD has been applied considering site specific conditions of Chile and Peru, such as extreme climatic conditions, seismic risks, water scarcity, community demands, and environmental constraints. This review highlights the contribution of several experiences in Chile and Peru, which have chosen TTD technology for reduction of negative environmental impacts, mainly focusing on the following issues: (i) increase of tailings water recovery, (ii) reduction of TSFs footprint (impacted areas), (iii) decrease the risk of physical instability, avoiding the construction of high dams, and (iv) decrease of TSFs seepages. Finally, the article describes the advantages (benefits) and disadvantages (aspects to improve) of TTD, where nowadays a high degree of dewatering of tailings is seen as a safe option, considering the occurrence of some TSF dam failures recently worldwide, which has resulted in severe environmental pollution. A better environmental perception about TTD of authorities and communities, considering that this technology allows to satisfy the needs of stable and safe TSFs, make the TTD be more acceptable, popular and one of the best available technologies (BATs) for operations with mine tailings.
Exploring the Role of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulations in Industrial Agglomeration: A Fresh Evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Yingming , Wang Nian , Xie Ronghui
Published: September 2022

This paper attempts to analyze the effect of different types of environmental regulations on industrial agglomeration in China. By employing the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2015, this study empirically investigates the effect of the beforehand, intermediate, and afterward environmental regulations on industrial agglomeration and examines the spatial heterogeneity feature in this relationship. The results show that at the provincial level, the beforehand regulations, acting as an entry barrier for potential firms, negatively affect the level of industrial agglomeration, while the intermediate regulations significantly promote industrial agglomeration. As for the regional level, the mechanisms become more complicated and a spatial heterogeneity feature is found. The beforehand and afterward regulations generate opposite effects on regions with increasing and decreasing concentration of pollution-intensive industries, respectively, while the intermediate regulations have no significant effect on either of the two regions.
Modeling Spatio-Temporal Divergence in Land Vulnerability to Desertification with Local Regressions
Authors: Imbrenda Vito , Coluzzi Rosa , Di Stefano Valerio , Egidi Gianluca , Salvati Luca , Samela Caterina , Simoniello Tiziana , Lanfredi Maria
Published: September 2022

Taken as a classical issue in applied economics, the notion of ‘convergence’ is based on the concept of path dependence, i.e., from the previous trajectory undertaken by the system during its recent history. Going beyond social science, a ‘convergence’ perspective has been more recently adopted in environmental studies. Spatial convergence in non-linear processes, such as desertification risk, is a meaningful notion since desertification represents a (possibly unsustainable) development trajectory of socio-ecological systems towards land degradation on a regional or local scale. In this study, we test—in line with the classical convergence approach—long-term equilibrium conditions in the evolution of desertification processes in Italy, a European country with significant socioeconomic and environmental disparities. Assuming a path-dependent development of desertification risk in Italy, we provided a diachronic analysis of the Environmental Sensitive Area Index (ESAI), estimated at a disaggregated spatial resolution at three times (1960s, 1990s, and 2010s) in the recent history of Italy, using a spatially explicit approach based on geographically weighted regressions (GWRs). The results of local regressions show a significant path dependence in the first time interval (1960–1990). A less significant evidence for path-dependence was observed for the second period (1990–2010); in both cases, the models’ goodness-of-fit (global adjusted R2) was satisfactory. A strong polarization along the latitudinal gradient characterized the first observation period: Southern Italian land experienced worse conditions (e.g., climate aridity, urbanization) and the level of land vulnerability in Northern Italy remained quite stable, alimenting the traditional divergence in desertification risk characteristic of the country. The empirical analysis delineated a more complex picture for the second period. Convergence (leading to stability, or even improvement, of desertification risk) in some areas of Southern Italy, and a more evident divergence (leading to worse environmental conditions because of urban sprawl and crop intensification) in some of the land of Northern Italy, were observed, leading to an undesired spatial homogenization toward higher vulnerability levels. Finally, this work suggests the importance of spatially explicit approaches providing relevant information to design more effective policy strategies. In the case of land vulnerability to degradation in Italy, local regression models oriented toward a ‘convergence’ perspective, may be adopted to uncover the genesis of desertification hotspots at both the regional and local scale.
The Battles around Urban Governance and Active Citizenship: The Case of the Movement for the Caracol da Penha Garden
Authors: Gonçalves Jorge
Published: September 2022

Building a civil society that can act as a collaborative voice in the processes of change that take place in the territories does not always come about naturally and peacefully but is often something that needs to be won, based on concrete episodes in daily life. These changes are framed by the ongoing trend of shift from a form of power carried out in accordance with the old values of opacity, autonomy and imposition to one dominated by transparency, informality and sharing. The consolidation of governance processes in line with the legitimate exercise of local, national, regional or metropolitan government therefore makes sense. A descriptive methodology is adopted here of the process of affirmation of an organic movement of citizens, identifying step by step the interactions between actors that led to the reversal of the initial decision taken by the municipality. This emblematic case is framed theoretically by the ongoing paradigm shift related to the modes of exercising power at the local scale. This analysis of the case of the Movement for the Caracol da Penha Garden in Lisbon, Portugal is a contribution to understanding how this slow and difficult transformation takes place in urban and metropolitan environments and how the learning that can be taken from these processes can be of great benefit to all urban stakeholders.
Cyclic Behaviour of Heat-Damaged Beam−Column Joints Modified with Nano-Silica, Nano-Titanium, and Nano-Alumina
Authors: Murad Yasmin Zuhair , Aljaafreh Ahmad J. , AlMashaqbeh Ayoub , Alfaouri Qusai T.
Published: September 2022

This research is designed to check the potential of modifying concrete with nanomaterials to enhance the cyclic behavior of beam−column joints. It also studies the effect of heat on the cyclic behavior of beam−column joints modified with nanomaterials. Experimental and numerical programs are carried out to explore the cyclic behavior of the heat-damaged and unheated RC joints modified with nanomaterials. Six half-scale exterior RC beam-to-column joints were prepared; two control specimens, two specimens were modified with nano-silica and nano-alumina, and two specimens were modified with nano-silica and nano-titanium. The cement was replaced by 1.33% nano-alumina and 0.67% nano-silica (by cement weight), and the other concrete mix was modified with 1.33% nano-silica and 0.67% nano-titanium, where the cement was replaced by a total of 2% nano-alumina and nano-silica in two specimens, and a total of 2% nano-silica and nano-titanium in the other two specimens. One specimen from each concrete mix was subjected to a temperature of 720 °C for 2 h. The joint specimens were subjected to lateral cyclic loading on the beam and axial loading on the column. Test results showed that the replacement of cement with 2% nano-alumina and nano-silica or 2% nano-silica and nano-titanium is recommended to enhance RC joints’ behavior. The nanomaterials changed the mode of failure of the joint specimens from brittle joint shear failure to a combined type of failure involving the ductile beam hinge and joint shear.
Solar Panels Dirt Monitoring and Cleaning for Performance Improvement: A Systematic Review on Smart Systems
Authors: Olorunfemi Benjamin Oluwamuyiwa , Ogbolumani Omolola A. , Nwulu Nnamdi
Published: September 2022

The advancement in technology to manage energy generation using solar panels has proved vital for increased reliability and reduced cost. Solar panels emit no pollution while producing electricity as a renewable energy source. However, the solar panel is adversely affected by dirt, a major environmental factor affecting energy production. The intensity of light falling on the solar panel is reduced when dirt accumulates on the surface. This, in turn, lowers the output of electrical energy generated by the solar panel. Since cleansing the solar panel is essential, constant monitoring and evaluation of these processes are necessary to optimize them. This emphasizes the importance of using smart systems to monitor dirt and clean solar panels to improve their performance. The paper tries to verify the existence and the degree of research interest in this topic and seeks to evaluate the impact of smart systems to detect dirt conditions and clean solar panels compared to autonomous and manual technology. Research on smart systems for addressing dirt accumulation on solar panels was conducted taking into account efficiency, accuracy, complexity, and reliability, initial and running cost. Overall, real-time monitoring and cleaning of the solar panel improved its output power with integrated smart systems. It helps users get real-time updates of the solar panel’s condition and control actions from distant locations. A critical limitation of this research is the insufficient empirical analysis of existing smart systems, which should be thoroughly examined to allow further generalization of theoretical findings.
Socioeconomic Drivers of Fish Consumption in Qatar
Authors: Abusin Sana , Mandikiana Brian W. , Al Emadi Noor , Al-Boinin Fahad
Published: September 2022

The demand and supply gap in local fish production provides opportunities for investment in fish production and processing that are non-artisanal. Accordingly, this paper uses the Qatar Semi-Annual Survey, a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional dataset, to analyze consumers’ willingness to consume processed fish and the consumption intensity. Given the ordinal nature of the main outcome variable, namely processed fish consumption intensity, we use the ordered probit model with sample selection. The first part of our analytical strategy helps us to examine determinants of processed fish consumption, while the second part establishes factors associated with processed fish consumption intensity. The findings suggest that the majority of the respondents have a low interest in consuming processed fish. Nonetheless, we find that demographic and socioeconomic factors influence the intensity of consuming processed fish in Qatar. Specifically, consuming processed fish sometimes or very often is positively associated with age, living in a household with no children, and labor force participation. In comparison, Qatari households, tertiary education, and living in a middle-income household are factors that are likely to reduce consuming processed fish sometimes or very often. Our findings have important implications for investment in processed fish in Qatar. Specifically, the results help in targeting different consumer segments given a better understanding of factors associated with processed fish and fishery product consumption and the intensity of consumption among consumers in Qatar. The insights drawn from this study are a fundamental precondition for advancing the processed fish and fishery product industry in Qatar, an industry with the potential to generate by-products with benefits, such as energy and animal feed, prolonging fish and fishery product shelf life and convenience for consumers. Moreover, other countries in the region are likely to benefit from the insights drawn from this study.
Effects of Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Plant Performance and Soil Environmental Stability
Authors: Ren Han , Li Zilu , Chen Hualin , Zhou Jiangmin , Lv Chengqun
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely used as amendments to increase the availability of nutrients and the diversity of the bacterial community within soil. (2) Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of biochar and PGPR amendments on plant performance, soil physicochemical property, and soil microbial diversity, as well as their relationship in a Eucalyptus (clone DH32−29) plantation in Guangxi, China. We determined the microbial AWCD, Simpson, Shannon, and McIntosh indices, and soil inorganic nitrogen (NH4+, NO3−), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), total nitrogen (TN), and plant growth and nutrient concentrations; (3) Results: Biochar-only had a significant impact on soil microbial community function, although the effects on plant performance were limited. PGPR plus biochar was found to significantly increase the diversity indices of soil microbes, as well as soil TK and TP. Besides, soil microbes displayed a preference for carbohydrates rather than other carbon sources. (4) Conclusion: Soil microbial functional diversity responded to changes in plant performance and, therefore, it could indicate soil ecological stability and ecosystem productivity. These findings may suggest that biochar and PGPR could potentially maintain ecological sustainability in the soil and improve plant performance through altering soil physicochemical properties in a eucalyptus plantation.