bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Aggregate Construction: Contribution from Functional Soil Amendment Fertilizer Derived from Dolomite
Authors: Zhan Yaowei , Jiang Kaixin , Jiang Jiaquan , Zhang Lidan , Gao Chengxiang , Qi Xiuxiu , Fan Jiayan , Li Yuechen , Sun Shaolong , Fan Xiaolin
Published: September 2022

Elastic and water stable macroaggregate are significant to soil structure. which is the base of the soil, to maintain sustainable agriculture. Whether and how functional amendment fertilizer is capable of construction of the macroaggregate is the main purpose of the study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to investigate the effect of dolomite-based functional soil amendment fertilizers on soil structure. The fertilizers are beneficial to elastic-stable and water-stable aggregate construction. Calcined dolomite based soil amendment functional fertilizer (CDFF) was favorable to water-stable aggregates. The elastic-stable macroaggregate increased with lime, uncalcined dolomite based soil amendment functional fertilizer (UCDFF) and CDFF, and it was 3.0 to 4.2 times the microaggregate. The water-stable one of the CDFF was increased by 20.0%. The mean weight diameter (MWD) of the CDFF and the UCDFF increased by 0.05~0.19 mm, while that of lime only increased by 0.05 mm. The percentage of aggregate dispersion (PAD) of the CDFF was the least. SEM and EDS images revealed that Fe, Al, Si, Ca, Mg, C and O existed on the aggregates. The construction of stable aggregate lies in that the functional fertilizers can gradually neutralize soil H+ and prevent soil colloid dispersion. Soil particles are bounded together to construct micro-agglomerates and then macro-agglomerates through Ca2+, Mg2+ bond bridge and CaCO3, MgCO3 salt bridge and adhesion of SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3 as well as the other amorphous substances from the functional fertilizers.
Alternate Data Stream Attack Framework to Perform Stealth Attacks on Active Directory Hosts
Authors: Bhardwaj Akashdeep , Kaushik Keshav , Maashi Mashael S. , Aljebreen Mohammed , Bharany Salil
Published: September 2022

Microsoft’s file system, NTFS, is the most utilised file system by Windows OS versions XP, Vista, 7, and 10. These systems have a little-known file attribute feature known as alternate data streams (ADS) which allows each file in the NTFS file system to have multiple data streams. ADS cannot be removed from the NTFS operating systems. However, the presence of ADS is not inevitably an issue in the OS or file system. Valid instances can be found on systems if scanned and might be valid. Windows OS does not have any in-built tools or applications to determine and remove the presence of existing ADS. This research presents ADSA or alternate data stream attack framework to exploit the alternate data streams and perform cyberattacks on Microsoft operating systems. This research discusses the process of creating and searching alternate data streams with a standard file and an executable binary. The authors executed ADS-hidden executable binary in the ADS. The authors present methods to detect and perform a clean-up by deleting the alternate data stream.
Facts, Values and Perspectives on Sustainable Development in Free Teaching Materials in Sweden
Authors: Skill Karin , Axell Cecilia , Gyberg Per
Published: September 2022

In this study, we adopt a critical perspective on knowledge about sustainable development in Swedish free teaching materials, where certain ways of illustrating sustainable development can make invisible alternative ways to understand and delimit it. We analyse physical, free materials for school teaching, distributed by Utbudet. The materials were produced between 2008 and 2019. Our analysis shows that there is a focus on facts, certifications and technical fixes, as well as scientific and societal consensus. The companies’ perspectives are prominent in the free materials, as are anthropocentric and Western approaches. Taken together, our study shows that the free materials convey that the global situation has improved and that development is on the right track, rather than in crisis, or that the sustainability problems are complex and difficult to manage. Thus, the materials present a fairly one-sided picture of the situation and the future, which does not really agree with the aim in Swedish education of presenting a balanced view of sustainable development.
PV/Thermal as Promising Technologies in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review on Exergy Analysis
Authors: Guedri Kamel , Salem Mohamed , Assad Mamdouh El Haj , Rungamornrat Jaroon , Malek Mohsen Fatimah , Buswig Yonis M.
Published: September 2022

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems are degraded in terms of efficiency by increment in their temperature. To keep away from efficiency degradation regarding the temperature increase, various thermal management techniques have been introduced to keep the temperature low. Besides improvement in electrical efficiency, the overall efficiency can be enhanced by using the extracted thermal energy from the cell. The extracted heat in these systems, known as PV/Thermal (PV/T), can be applied for some purposes including water or air heating. This article reviews the works on the PV/T systems exergy analysis and discusses their findings. Based on the findings of the reviewed works, different factors such as the system configuration, used components and elements, and working conditions affect the exergy efficiency of these systems. As an example, use of coolants with improved thermal features, i.e., nanofluids, can cause improvement in the exergy efficiency. In addition to the nanofluid, making use of the thermal energy storage unit can further enhance the exergy efficiency. Furthermore, it has been observed that the materials of nanostructures can be another element that influences the enhancement of exergy efficiency. Moreover, the usage of some components such as glazing can lead to avoidance of thermal energy loss that would be beneficial from an exergy point of view. Finally, according to the reviewed works and knowledge of the authors, some suggestions are represented for future works in this field.
Increasing the Sustainability of Manufacturing Processes in Plastic Injection: Recovering Out-Of-Service Robots to Eliminate Manual Assembly Operations
Authors: Costa Rúben , Sousa Vitor , Silva Francisco J. G. , Campilho Raul , Sá José C. , Pinto Arnaldo , Pereira João
Published: September 2022

In the 20th century, there was a burst concerning the development of the automobile industry, which has become an essential asset for society. With its evolution, this industry created a foundation that based its competitiveness on satisfying people’s needs with the highest possible quality and always respecting the delivery deadlines. With the growth in demand, the improvement of certain processes was needed to achieve the desired production goals, accomplished through automation and robotics, as production and assembly lines increasingly used fully automated processes. In plastic injection lines, production is constant and carried out quickly, so it is desirable to perform component assembly steps that immediately support the output of the injection mould parts. This work consists of adapting an obsolete robotic cell to be implemented in one of the production lines to insert components into the injected parts, replacing labour work. Through a mechanical project and an automation design, the equipment was concluded and is currently in production, fulfilling the necessary requirements and improving the process’ cycle time. This proves that it is possible to recover old equipment, which is able to improve current tasks and common needs in modern industry, increasing the economic sustainability of the processes and saving resources.
Renovating Building Groups in the Mediterranean Climate: Cost-Effectiveness of Renewable-Based Heating Alternatives in the Italian Context
Authors: Blázquez Teresa , Dalla Mora Tiziano , Ferrari Simone , Romagnoni Piercarlo , Teso Lorenzo , Zagarella Federica
Published: September 2022

District level approaches for the renovation of the building stock boost the implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs), taking advantage of the economies of scale. International Energy Agency Annex 75 aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of renovation strategies at the district level, combining EEMs and renewable energy sources. For this goal, a building energy model is simulated with the Energy Plus dynamic calculation engine for assessing the generic district of the Italian case study, representing the residential stock from 1960 to 1980, placed in two prevailing space-heating dominated climates; then, a cost-effectiveness evaluation of each scenario is conducted to support stakeholders’ decision making. In particular, envelope insulation is cost-effective only in northern zones, while new decentralized thermal systems are not convenient in any case with current envelopes. Once the envelopes are insulated, decentralized low-temperature air-to-water heat pumps with PV can cover all of the buildings’ energy needs, even implying a small increase in annual costs. The switch to district net scenarios is cost-effective only if coupled with PV. A rise in energy prices brings PV-based strategies under a 10-year PBT, except for solar thermal DH in northern areas, as well as non-PV-based options such as low-temperature HPs or biomass-fuelled DH in warmer and colder zones, respectively.
WhatsApp as a University Tutoring Resource
Authors: Gómez-Arteta Indira , Vera-Vasquez Cesar Gonzalo , Mamani-Calcina Jorge , Cardona-Reyes Héctor , Villalba-Condori Klinge Orlando
Published: September 2022

Tutoring, as a process of accompaniment of university students, has among its purposes identification of and reflection on the various difficulties that can interfere in the development of student competencies. To the same end, the present research explores the possibility of using WhatsApp as a tutoring resource in universities, with an emphasis on identifying and reflecting on the academic, personal, and family problems of students. This case study uses a quasi-experimental approach with a treatment group and a control group intentionally selected at the Escuela Profesional de Educación Secundaria de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Peru, during the first semester of the 2020 academic year. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and individual tutoring cards. The results show that this technological resource improved the university tutoring service among the students in the experimental group. It proved more flexible and attractive to students, who were motivated to externalize and reflect on their personal, family, and academic difficulties and showed increased openness to receiving help in problem solving them. On the other hand, student participation was less active in the control group. These findings affirm that WhatsApp is a resource that can allow more spontaneous and friendly communication between tutors and students, creating a context conducive to achieving the objectives of university tutoring.
Improving Thermoacoustic Low-Temperature Heat Recovery Systems
Authors: Yang Zongming , Korobko Volodymyr , Radchenko Mykola , Radchenko Roman
Published: September 2022

The existence and development of modern society require significant amounts of available energy. Combustion engines are the main sources of heat. Their operation is accompanied by the formation of large volumes of emissions, which have different temperatures and contain harmful substances ejected into the environment. Therefore, the urgent problem today is the reduction in heat emissions. This might be achieved through a reduction in the amount of these pollutants by improving primary heat engines, converting to new, alternative types of fuel, and at the same time, to carbon-free fuel. However, such measures only reduce the temperature level of waste heat but not its volume. Conventional technologies for the utilization of heat emissions are ineffective for using heat with temperatures below 500 K. Thermoacoustic technologies can be used to convert such low-temperature heat emissions into mechanical work or electricity. This article is focused on analyzing the possibilities of improving the thermoacoustic engines of energy-saving systems through the rational organization of thermoacoustic energy conversion processes. An original mathematical model of energy exchange between the internal elements of thermoacoustic engines is developed. It is shown that the use of recuperative heat exchangers in thermoacoustic engines leads to a decrease in their efficiency by 10–30%. From the research results, new methods of increasing the efficiency of low-temperature engines of energy-saving systems are proposed.
Evaluating Electronic Customer Relationship Management System Success: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Al-Bashayreh Mahmood , Almajali Dmaithan , Al-Okaily Manaf , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Samed Al-Adwan Ahmad
Published: September 2022

This study evaluated the relationships among variables in electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) success. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of technological readiness, privacy, COVID-19, customer pressure, trust, level of service quality, and customer satisfaction. Quantitative research methods were applied in examining the causal associations among the primary variables of the study. We used a sample approach called purposive sampling. Data was obtained from 390 completed questionnaires collected from employees, who took part in CRM technology activities, working in Jordanian firms. Data was analyzed via AMOS software version 22, and hypotheses were examined by applying structural equation modelling (SEM). Results revealed that technological readiness, COVID-19, customer pressure, and customer satisfactions had a positive effect on e-CRM success system. Moreover, the study showed that technological readiness, privacy, and level of service quality positively affected customer satisfaction. Additionally, the mediation of customer satisfaction on the association between trust and success of e-CRM system, and also between level of service quality and e-CRM system success, was demonstrated. Practical implications: In practice, this study can help managers and practitioners in implementing e-CRM systems. Moreover, it can drive further empirical studies on the relations among technological readiness, privacy, COVID-19, customer pressure, trust, and level of service quality, besides customer satisfaction. Only few studies had looked into the variables in the success of e-CRM system, in emerging industries of developing countries, specifically, among technological readiness, privacy, COVID-19, customer pressure, trust, level of service quality, and customer satisfaction. These gaps were addressed in this study. The current model is also relatively constrained, so it may be expanded in further studies. For instance, the construct of culture might be incorporated to the model to make it more thorough in its examination of the topic at issue.
How Does Green Supply Chain Management Promote the Success of Crowdfunding Projects? Empirical Research Based on the QCA Method
Authors: Wang Lei , You Weijia , Zhou Yingying , Meng Fei
Published: September 2022

With the advancement of consumers’ awareness of environmental protection, the green supply chain, a modern management model considering environmental impact and resource efficiency, is increasingly valued by managers and consumers and has become an important determinant of crowdfunding success. Different from existing research on crowdfunding with symmetric thinking, this paper employs text mining and the QCA method to identify various configurations of crowdfunding success. Based on the data of the leading Chinese crowdfunding platform, JD Crowdfunding, this paper studies multiple configurations of the green supply chain, delivery time and funding goals of crowdfunding projects in the technology category. The results show that a crowdfunding project that adopts a green supply chain can succeed with a higher funding goal and longer delivery time, and a project without a green supply chain but with a lower funding goal is also a successful configuration. In addition, this study also explores the successful configuration paths of hedonic products and functional products in crowdfunding projects, respectively, and it finds that investors of hedonic products pay more attention to green supply chain management. These findings support complexity theory, deepen the understanding of the success of crowdfunding projects, and provide important management suggestions for fundraisers and crowdfunding platforms.
Effects of Subsidy Cancellations on Investment Strategies of Local Governments and New Energy Vehicle Manufacturers: A Study Based on Differential Game
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Wang Leyan , Xie Shaobo
Published: September 2022

The intensity of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) subsidies has gradually declined since 2017 and is expected to end in the next few years, thereby causing market fluctuations and affecting the investment strategies of both local governments and automotive enterprises. In order to examine the effects of a subsidy cancellation, this study introduced it as an external disturbance to establish a differential game model, in which a random arrival process is used to represent the occurrence of a cancellation. The model incorporated both decentralized and centralized modes at the pre- and post-subsidy cancellation stages. A numerical simulation showed that the investments of both parties, the market demand, and the system benefits in both modes would be lower when compared to the scenario in which the subsidy is not canceled, but continued. The performance of the centralized mode was superior to that of the decentralized one, implying that the centralized mode was capable of realizing Pareto optimality. A sensitivity analysis of the model’s parameters showed that the timing of the subsidy cancellation would not affect the investment levels of either party in either stage, but losses of market demand and system benefits would occur shortly after the cancellation and continue until stabilizing.
Sustainable Tourism as a Potential for Promotion of Regional Heritage, Local Food, Traditions, and Diversity—Case of Kosovo
Authors: Tahiri Alberta , Kovaçi Idriz , Trajkovska Petkoska Anka
Published: September 2022

Sustainability usually refers to the ability to maintain a certain standard of human lifestyle without causing environmental damage or any other destruction to nature and biodiversity. It is beneficial for human health and well-being in addition to socio-economic benefits and contributes to environmental integrity. However, as Robert Swan (1956) once stated: “the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”—this is true even today; namely, there are still serious threats to the planet and there is “a short time period” for action. We all have to be obliged to save the planet in which we live throughout our daily and local activities. In this study, the authors provide an overview of the meaning of sustainable tourism and its relationship to all global Sustainable Development Goals established by UN (2015) as one way to achieve a brighter sustainable future and society for everyone, leaving no one behind. More specifically, the case of Kosovo and its potential for the development of sustainable tourism is analyzed. In this case, the authors aim to present the potential to serve the local tradition, culture, diversity, and inclusiveness through sustainable actions in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Bio-Acidification of Cattle Slurry with Whey Reduces Gaseous Emission during Storage with Positive Effects on Biogas Production
Authors: Gioelli Fabrizio , Grella Marco , Scarpeci Telma E. , Rollè Luca , Pierre Flavia Dela , Dinuccio Elio
Published: September 2022

Livestock manure is the main source of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases emissions (GHG), which can be reduced by acidifying manure. This work assessed the effect of acidification of cattle slurry using whey on NH3 and GHG emissions during storage, followed by its usage for biogas production. Tests were conducted to optimize the dose and the frequency at which whey was applied to cattle slurry. Two of the analyzed treatments, AS1-100 and AS1-10, showed reduced emissions when compared with the control AS1-0 without whey. In AS1-100, 100% of the optimized amount of whey was added to the slurry at the beginning of the test, while in AS1-10 whey was fractioned in 10 applications (one per day) corresponding to 10% of the total. Batch-type anaerobic digestion assays using AS1-100 and AS1-10 as feedstock resulted in a significant increase in methane production when compared with the anaerobic digestion of AS1-0 (+33% and +53%, respectively). The best results in terms of gas emissions abatement and methane production during anaerobic digestion were obtained when a low organic loading rate of whey was used. These results demonstrate that the use of whey for slurry acidification is a viable approach for potentially solving the economic and environmental problems of GHG and NH3 emissions during slurry storage, whereby increasing energy and environmental sustainability.
Content Analysis on Sustainability Dimensions in DMOs’ Social Media Videos Advertising the World’s Most Visited Cities
Authors: Băcilă Mihai F. , Ciornea Raluca , Souca Luiza M. , Drule Alexandra M.
Published: September 2022

Rapid population expansion and poorly managed economic growth, unprecedented anthropogenic climate changes, non-renewable natural resources depletion, environmental pollution, social inequity, and loss of cultural integrity generate a global context that calls for urgent adoption of a sustainable development approach in major industries, including tourism. Sustainable tourism development requires the mobilization of tourism stakeholders at all levels and on the demand side through actions related to the travel decision-making process. To stimulate attitude formation and adoption of sustainable tourist behaviors, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)—the main organizations responsible for sustainable destination development—need to adopt sustainable-oriented communication actions when building the destination image. As tourism stakeholders’ perspective is under-investigated for destination image projection and communication, this paper aimed at assessing the integration of sustainable tourism principles in the promotion of destinations by DMOs; the focus was placed on video advertisements posted on the primary online source of tourism information, social media. Through a content analysis of DMOs’ social media advertisements for the 50 most visited cities in the world, the current study revealed that elements covering all three dimensions of sustainability (economic, socio-cultural, natural) were featured in the commercial discourse, but not in a sustainable explicit standpoint. Besides, the content sporadically reflected sustainable governmental initiatives and projected responsible tourist behavior, while it lacked specific sustainable tourism-related terms. Moreover, several highly popular cities did not have promotional videos. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on destination image formation by providing evidence from the supply’s side along with an original content analysis grid which can be used to capture and evaluate the sustainable tourism dimensions as portrayed in advertising videos of cities. Additionally, it offers practical implications for DMOs’ marketing communication strategies.
Entrepreneurial Literacy of Peasant Families during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case in Indonesia
Authors: Guampe Feliks Arfid , Hasan Muhammad , Huruta Andrian Dolfriandra , Dewi Christine , Chen Abbott Po Shun
Published: September 2022

Our research examines peasant families’ entrepreneurial literacy and entrepreneurial behavior. The study was conducted in rural areas of North Morowali. This location is one of the agricultural bases in the Central Sulawesi Province (Indonesia). We employ a qualitative approach with a case study. The data were gathered through observation and in-depth interviews with six peasants. The key respondents were chosen through judgment sampling. The key respondents comprised two lowland rice peasants, two cocoa peasants, and two oil palm peasants. Despite the socio-economic restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, peasant families continue to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial literacy is obtained from interaction with the internal and external environment before the COVID-19 pandemic. The entrepreneurial literacy of peasant families denotes the knowledge and understanding of cultivation systems, quality seeds and seedlings, plant pests and diseases, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural technology, post-harvest management, and market access. The low impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas is also due to its low population density compared to urban areas and limited mobility of peasants, thereby minimizing social contact, and the commodity being cultivated is a food commodity. We developed new insights into the peasants’ literacy and entrepreneurial behavior model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Determination of Truck–Shovel Configuration of Open-Pit Mine: A Simulation Method Based on Mathematical Model
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Zhao Ziyu , Bi Lin , Wang Liming , Gu Qing
Published: September 2022

The truck–shovel system is the most common material transportation system in open-pit mines. The configuration of trucks and shovels directly affects the efficiency and cost of transportation in open-pit mines. Under the condition that the types and quantities of trucks and shovels are known, in order to obtain the optimal configuration scheme in the open-pit mine transportation system this paper presents a method to determine the optimal scheme by conducting experiments based on the simulation truck–shovel system model in Flexsim software. We test candidate configuration schemes that are solved by the mathematical model with daily minimum production and expected profit constraints in the simulation model, and finally obtain the optimal truck–shovel configuration scheme that meets the ore output requirements of each loading point. Through simulation experiments, the daily production of the optimal truck–shovel configuration scheme is 3.75% higher than that of the original mine scheme and the profit is increased by 3.85%. The results show that the open-pit truck–shovel system constructed by Flexsim has great research potential and value for the optimization of truck–shovel configuration schemes.
The Influence of Chinese Professional Basketball Organizations’ (CPBOs’) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Efforts on Their Clubs’ Sustainable Development
Authors: Li Junying , Deeprasert Jirawan , Li Rita Yi Man , Lu Wei
Published: September 2022

The positive effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on professional sports organizations’ (PSO) sustainable development have been studied in developed markets, e.g., the major four leagues in North America. To assess if CSR has similar effects on the emerging market, this study collected 373 questionnaires among the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) fans. The descriptive statistical results verified consumers’ positive responses to CSR in their favorite clubs in enhancing their team identification, loyalty, and purchase intentions of game tickets. There existed a strong relationship between team identifications and the clubs’ sustainable development. However, the results of the structural equation modelling indicated that the relationship between CSR and the clubs’ sustainable development was weak. The results indicated that fans generally considered a CBA team’s CSR effort as important, but the importance was not proportional to CSR-related team identification or the clubs’ sustainable development. Moreover, the lack of structural validity within each construct calls for more research frameworks and questionnaire designs for CSR investigations in the context of the emerging market. The practical implication of this study was that clubs with financial difficulties were only suggested to do what they could afford to do in CSR activities rather than get involved more than they could bear.
Construction of a National Trail Research Framework under a Natural Protected Area System
Authors: Li Ziyi , Mao Liang
Published: September 2022

National Trail is an integral component of the system of natural reserves. China’s study on the creation of National Trail is scattered and lacks theory and policy at present. Here, the theoretical framework, technical procedure, and construction management of National Trail are examined based on the national conditions of China and the building experience of foreign National Trail. A research framework for National Trail is then established. The research framework encompasses a theoretical framework of policy and related theories, a technical process of analyzing National Trail resource management and public recreation, and construction management, which includes planning and management as well as laws and regulations. This research framework provides a theoretical foundation and policy basis for the future establishment of National Trail as well as general guidance for the planning and design of trails and facilitates the integration of diverse natural space resources.
Effect of Different Types of Erosion on the Aerodynamic Performance of Wind Turbine Airfoils
Authors: Wang Xiaohang , Tang Zhenbo , Yan Na , Zhu Guojun
Published: September 2022

Taking the S823 airfoil as the research object, this study investigates the influence of different types of leading-edge erosion on the aerodynamic performance of airfoil by using the computational fluid dynamics method. The effect of leading-edge erosion on the inception of stall vortex is also analysed. The results show that when the angle of attack (AoA) is greater than 5°, the leading-edge erosion results in a significant decrease in the lift coefficient and an increase in the drag coefficient. The deterioration in the drag coefficient of the airfoil caused by leading-edge erosion is much greater than that of the lift coefficient. Moreover, the maximum promotion rate of the drag coefficient can reach 357% at Re = 300,000. The exacerbation of the erosion level leads to a dramatic expansion of the stall vortex on the airfoil suction side at a large AoA and results in a reduction in the pressure difference between the pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. This is also the reason erosion causes the degradation of the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine airfoil. This work is beneficial to establish the reasonable maintenance cycle of the wind turbine blades working in a sand blown environment.
Protecting Power Transmission Systems against Intelligent Physical Attacks: A Critical Systematic Review
Authors: Sadeghian Omid , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Mohammadi Fazel , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain
Published: September 2022

Power systems are exposed to various physical threats due to extreme events, technical failures, human errors, and deliberate damage. Physical threats are among the most destructive factors to endanger the power systems security by intelligently targeting power systems components, such as Transmission Lines (TLs), to damage/destroy the facilities or disrupt the power systems operation. The aim of physical attacks in disrupting power systems can be power systems instability, load interruptions, unserved energy costs, repair/displacement costs, and even cascading failures and blackouts. Due to dispersing in large geographical areas, power transmission systems are more exposed to physical threats. Power systems operators, as the system defenders, protect power systems in different stages of a physical attack by minimizing the impacts of such destructive attacks. In this regard, many studies have been conducted in the literature. In this paper, an overview of the previous research studies related to power systems protection against physical attacks is conducted. This paper also outlines the main characteristics, such as physical attack adverse impacts, defending actions, optimization methods, understudied systems, uncertainty considerations, expansion planning, and cascading failures. Furthermore, this paper gives some key findings and recommendations to identify the research gap in the literature.
A Framework Proposal to Assess the Maturity of Green IT in Organizations
Authors: Salles Ana Carolina , Lunardi Guilherme Lerch , Thompson Fabiano
Published: September 2022

Green IT has been gaining relevance in organizations that seek to mature their IT projects, processes and strategies in a sustainable way, encompassing the set of strategies, practices and policies related to Information Systems, IT infrastructure, acquisition, use and disposal with a focus on economic and socio-environmental performance. Thus, this article aims to propose a Green IT Maturity framework. A systematic literature review led to the development of a Green IT practice checklist, which was qualitatively analyzed and categorized into six dimensions, culminating in a Green IT maturity framework proposal. The results provide a structured instrument to facilitate the Green IT identification and implementation of practices in organizations. The findings can guide the Green IT implementation and sustainable initiatives across the organization from six dimensions: organizational, technological, economic, environmental, social and marketing. The framework enables the development diagnosis and assessment of Green IT practices present in the organization. It also works as a guide in the search and monitoring of Green IT practices that can be used, improving the sustainability levels of organizational operations.
Research on the Evolution of the Competition Culture of Highway Construction Companies Based on Text Mining
Authors: Chen Yun , Lei Zeyang , Ma Chongsen
Published: September 2022

The research on the evolution of the competition culture of highway construction enterprises aims to provide suggestions for highway construction enterprises to respond to the call of the Belt and Road Initiative and cope with overseas market competition in the new era. Based on the TF-IDF algorithm to extract the keywords of each enterprise culture, 291 enterprise culture texts were used as the analysis samples, and the evolution pattern of the competition culture of construction enterprises was explored. Relevant suggestions are made with the help of visualization and other technical means. It was found that: the competition culture of enterprises shows a trend from catering to the market to the internal construction of enterprises; the internal construction of enterprises is mainly reflected in talent competition, technological innovation and the optimization of management; the higher the level of competition, the more talent and technological innovation are valued; the development of competition culture is driven by the policy environment; and the focus of competition culture is affected by the maturity of the market.
Does Human Capital Homogeneously Improve the Corporate Innovation: Evidence from China’s Higher Education Expansion in the Late 1990s
Authors: Kang Meiling , Li Yucheng , Zhao Zhongkuang , Zheng Minjuan , Wu Han
Published: September 2022

The effect of human capital on corporate innovation varies with the distribution of human capital intensity among industries. To analyze this heterogenous effect, we utilized the variation of college enrollment expansion across different regions in China as an exogenous human capital shock. Using a sample of Chinese industrial enterprises from 1998 to 2008 and the difference-in-difference strategy, we found that industries with intensive human capital significantly increase the number of patent applications after the expansion policy. The effect is pronounced in invention patents and significantly positive in exporting and capital-intensive corporates. As for the channels, corporates in these industries are apt to adopt new technologies and increase R&D expenditures. Moreover, the agglomeration of new graduates accelerates knowledge spillover, thus promoting innovation in knowledge-intensive industries. In sum, this paper verifies the importance of policy intervention on skilled labor supply towards corporate innovation and supports the talent introduction plan of local government in China.
Local Government Debt, Real Estate Investment and Corporate Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Ge , Dong Jichang , Li Xiuting
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the effect of local government debt (LGD) and real estate investment on corporate investment. It finds that the increase in LGD and real estate investment leads to a decline in corporate investment and that the crowding-out effect is mitigated by the interaction of LGD and real estate investment. The effects are channeled by raising corporate costs and reducing corporate financing. This impact is more pronounced for firms in eastern regions and nonresource-based cities, large and private firms.
Adaptation and Validation of a Monkeypox Concern Instrument in Peruvian Adults
Authors: Mamani-Benito Oscar , Carranza Esteban Renzo Felipe , Pichen Fernández Juan , Apaza Tarqui Edison Effer , Mejia Christian R. , Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Del-Aguila-Arcentales Shyla , Yáñez Jaime A.
Published: September 2022

Monkeypox is causing great concern in society because of its great infective power and the possibility that it could become a new pandemic. This study aimed to adapt and validate the monkeypox concern scale in the Peruvian adult population (EP-VIR-MONK). An instrumental cross-sectional study was carried out under a non-probabilistic convenience sampling with 779 adults from the three regions of Peru (coast, highlands, and jungle). The instrument was adapted based on an instrument previously validated related to the concern caused by COVID-19 in Peru. Content-based validity was calculated with Aiken’s V coefficient, internal structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability with the omega coefficient. The first evidence of validity of EP-VIR-MONK based on its content, internal structure, and reliability in a sample of Peruvian adults is presented here. Accordingly, it can be helpful for the management of the prevention of mental health alterations resulting from the proliferation of monkeypox in Peru.
Remanufacturing Decision-Making for Gas Insulated Switchgear with Remaining Useful Life Prediction
Authors: Moon Seokho , Cho Hansam , Koh Eunji , Cho Yong Sung , Oh Hyoung Lok , Kim Younghoon , Kim Seoung Bum
Published: September 2022

Remanufacturing has emerged as a way to solve production problems, as raw material costs increase and environmental pollution caused by discarded equipment occurs. The process can extend product lifetime and prevent waste of resources. In particular, it has economical efficiency for large equipment such as GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear). The crucial points in remanufacturing are determining replaceable parts and economic valuation. To address these issues, we propose a framework for remanufacturing GIS with remaining lifetime prediction. We construct a regression model for remaining useful life (RUL) in the proposed framework using GIS sensor data. The cost of the replacement parts is estimated with the selected sensors. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, we conducted accelerated life testing on a GIS for data acquisition and applied our framework. The experimental results demonstrate that the tree-based RUL regression model outperforms the others in prediction accuracy. In the simulation of part replacement, the important sensor-based decision-making improves RUL significantly.
Autonomous Home Composting Units for Urban Areas in Greece: The Case Study of the Municipality of Rhodes
Authors: Maragkaki Angeliki , Gamvroudis Christos , Lountou Christina , Stamatiadis Pothitos , Sampathianakis Ioannis , Papadaki Akrivi , Manios Thrassyvoulos
Published: September 2022

A significant issue is reducing the amount of biological waste that is disposed of in landfills, particularly in high-density residential areas. The Wastes Framework Directive (98/2008), in particular, sets forward the legal requirements for source separation in the European Union’s (EU) environmental legislation. The directive sets a target for separate collection of 10% of the organic waste produced in each municipality by 2030, especially with regard to organic waste. The pilot experience of an integrated biowaste management system that supports source separation and urban composting in an Autonomous Composting Unit (ACU) was presented in this study. The Municipality of Rhodes installed five ACUs in various locations. Used food and green waste are the two types of waste that are deposited in the ACUs. The development of a system for the collection of produced biowaste and its treatment at the source, without producing a nuisance, within an urban area, is the goal of this innovation. Since landfilling of mixed municipal solid waste has long been a common practice on the island of Rhodes, as well as in many other locations of insular and mainland Greece, this technique was introduced as a novel implementation and innovation for the region. The results showed that biowaste source separation was successfully carried out by citizens, resulting in high-purity feed. All ACUs produce compost that is of a standard quality. In accordance with the principles of the circular economy, this study showed that ACUs are a sustainable solution for taking a closed unit approach to the biowaste management problem in urban areas.
The Impact Mechanism of Environmental Information Disclosure on Corporate Sustainability Performance—Micro-Evidence from China
Authors: Ding Xiaowei , Ye Lyu , Yang Yueying , Efimova Olga , Steblyanskaya Alina , Zhang Junfeng
Published: September 2022

As an effective regulatory tool, environmental information disclosure is significant in promoting the green upgrading of industrial structures and achieving green transformation of enterprises. In order to explore the impact mechanism of environmental information disclosure on corporate sustainability performance, this paper constructs a two-way fixed-effect model using balanced panel data of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2015 to 2020. We find that environmental information disclosure significantly impacts green innovation, thereby improving corporate sustainability performance. Furthermore, financing constraints inhibit the impact of environmental disclosure on sustainability performance, while female directors have only symbolic effect. The reliability of the paper’s findings is verified by replacing the dependent variable and introducing instrumental variables. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of environmental information disclosure on corporate sustainability performance is more substantial among non-state and eastern and heavily polluting enterprises. Comprehensive analysis from the financing perspective shows the differences in the moderating effects of debt and equity financing regarding the impact mechanism. This study enriches the theory of green innovation and provides financing strategies for enterprises to achieve green transformation, as well as suggestions for improving the government environmental information disclosure system.
Rethinking Cultural Creativity and Tourism Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Era in Chinese Traditional Villages
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Li Bohua
Published: September 2022

Traditional villages constitute rural systems with rich cultural heritage resources and the potential for tourism development. Improving resilience in the tourism industry in traditional villages in the post-pandemic era must be urgently reconsidered. This study focuses on the Chinese villages of Zhang Guying and Rebala in Hunan Province and uses a qualitative analysis method. Through in-depth study of two case villages, the study finds that traditional Chinese villages, especially tourist-oriented traditional villages, are more vulnerable to the impact of the epidemic than cities and other places. However, because of their unique traditional cultural connotations, traditional Chinese villages have the potential to enhance tourism resilience in the post-epidemic era through cultural excavation and cultural creative production. The embossed patterns, couplet stories, architecture and folk culture of traditional villages can be used for cultural and creative production. The production of digital products and physical cultural and creative products, and the formation of related industrial chains, will help improve the resilience of village tourism. The joint action of villages, attractiveness (scenic spots), production, social capital, government structure, and cultural creativity helps to transform “vulnerable individuals” into “ resilient industrial structures”. This research helps to reconsider whether the past tourism concepts (cultural creativity and creative tourism) have an effect on existing tourism destinations (especially Chinese traditional villages) in the context of the post-epidemic era, and whether they can be rejuvenated. Like other small organizational structures facing the threat of the epidemic, Chinese traditional villages have problems such as insufficient costs and reduced resource advantages. This study will focus on these issues to explore how cultural creativity can help improve existing problems and enhance tourism resilience.
Impacts of Upgrading of Consumption Structure and Human Capital Level on Carbon Emissions—Empirical Evidence Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Dong Jianbo , Zhang Min , Cheng Guangbin
Published: September 2022

Carbon emission reduction (CER) is increasingly becoming a global issue. This study explored the impact mechanism of upgrading of consumption structure (UCS) and human capital level (HC) on carbon emissions, and an empirical test was carried out using the provincial panel data from 2000 to 2019 in China. The results show the following: (1) China’s UCS could significantly curb carbon emissions. (2) At present, China’s HC is positively correlated with carbon emissions. The higher the level of human capital, the less conducive to CER. Additionally, the moderating effect of HC could inhibit the CER induced by UCS. (3) Regional heterogeneity analysis showed that the UCS in the central and western regions of China was conducive to CER, while the estimated coefficient of UCS on CER in the eastern region was not significant. (4) The UCS could reduce carbon emissions by stimulating the mediating effect of industrial upgrading. Based on empirical study results, this study proposes policy suggestions that can help reduce China’s carbon emissions.