bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driver’s Head Pose and Gaze Zone Estimation Based on Multi-Zone Templates Registration and Multi-Frame Point Cloud Fusion
Authors: Wang Yafei , Yuan Guoliang , Fu Xianping
Published: April 2022

Head pose and eye gaze are vital clues for analysing a driver’s visual attention. Previous approaches achieve promising results from point clouds in constrained conditions. However, these approaches face challenges in the complex naturalistic driving scene. One of the challenges is that the collected point cloud data under non-uniform illumination and large head rotation is prone to partial facial occlusion. It causes bad transformation during failed template matching or incorrect feature extraction. In this paper, a novel estimation method is proposed for predicting accurate driver head pose and gaze zone using an RGB-D camera, with an effective point cloud fusion and registration strategy. In the fusion step, to reduce bad transformation, continuous multi-frame point clouds are registered and fused to generate a stable point cloud. In the registration step, to reduce reliance on template registration, multiple point clouds in the nearest neighbor gaze zone are utilized as a template point cloud. A coarse transformation computed by the normal distributions transform is used as the initial transformation, and updated with particle filter. A gaze zone estimator is trained by combining the head pose and eye image features, in which the head pose is predicted by point cloud registration, and the eye image features are extracted via multi-scale spare coding. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed strategy achieves better results on head pose tracking, and also has a low error on gaze zone classification.
Individual Tree Species Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Networks and Multitemporal High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Guo Xianfei , Li Hui , Jing Linhai , Wang Ping
Published: April 2022

The classification of individual tree species (ITS) is beneficial to forest management and protection. Previous studies in ITS classification that are primarily based on airborne LiDAR and aerial photographs have achieved the highest classification accuracies. However, because of the complex and high cost of data acquisition, it is difficult to apply ITS classification in the classification of large-area forests. High-resolution, satellite remote sensing data have abundant sources and significant application potential in ITS classification. Based on Worldview-3 and Google Earth images, convolutional neural network (CNN) models were employed to improve the classification accuracy of ITS by fully utilizing the feature information contained in different seasonal images. Among the three CNN models, DenseNet yielded better performances than ResNet and GoogLeNet. It offered an OA of 75.1% for seven tree species using only the WorldView-3 image and an OA of 78.1% using the combinations of WorldView-3 and autumn Google Earth images. The results indicated that Google Earth images with suitable temporal detail could be employed as auxiliary data to improve the classification accuracy.
Estimation of Steering and Throttle Angles of a Motorized Mobility Scooter with Inertial Measurement Units for Continuous Quantification of Driving Operation
Authors: Suzurikawa Jun , Kurokawa Shunsuke , Sugiyama Haruki , Hase Kazunori
Published: April 2022

With the growing demand from elderly persons for alternative mobility solutions, motorized mobility scooters (MMSs) have been gaining importance as an essential assistive technology to aid independent living in local communities. The increased use of MMSs, however, has raised safety issues during driving and magnified the necessity to evaluate and improve user driving skills. This study is intended to develop a novel quantitative monitoring method for MMS driving operation using inertial measurement units (IMUs). The proposed method used coordinate transformations around the rotational axes of the steering wheel and the throttle lever to estimate the steering and throttle operating angles based on gravitational accelerations measured by IMUs. Consequently, these operating angles can be monitored simply using an IMU attached to the throttle lever. Validation experiments with a test MMS in the stationary state confirmed the consistency of the proposed coordinate transformation with the MMS’s geometrical structure. The driving test also demonstrated that the operating angles were estimated correctly on various terrains and that the effects of terrain inclination were compensated using an additional IMU attached to the scooter body. This method will be applicable to the quantitative monitoring of driving behavior and act as a complementary tool for the existing skills’ evaluation methods.
Remote Auscultation of Heart and Lungs as an Acceptable Alternative to Legacy Measures in Quarantined COVID-19 Patients—Prospective Evaluation of 250 Examinations
Authors: Haskel Or , Itelman Edward , Zilber Eyal , Barkai Galia , Segal Gad
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the assimilation of telemedicine platforms into medical practice. Nevertheless, research-based evidence in this field is still accumulating. This was a prospective, cross-sectional comparative assessment of a remote physical examination device used mainly for heart and lung digital auscultation. We analyzed usage patterns, user (physician) subjective appreciation and compared it to legacy measures. Eighteen physicians (median age 36 years (IQR 32–45): two interns, seven residents and nine senior physicians; eleven internists, five geriatricians and two pediatricians) executed over 250 remote physical examinations. Their median work duration with quarantined patients was 60 days (IQR 45–60). The median number of patients examined by a single physician was 17 (IQR 10–34). Regarding overall estimation, all participants tended to prefer the remote examination in the setting of quarantined patients (median 6, IQR 3.75–8), while no statistically significant difference was demonstrated compared to the indifference value (p = 0.122). Internists preferred tele-medical examination over non-internists, with significant differences between groups regarding heart auscultation, (median 7, (IQR 3–7) vs. median 2, (IQR 1–5, respectively)), p = 0.044. In the setting of quarantined patients, from the physicians’ perspective, a digital platform for remote auscultation of heart and lungs was considered as an acceptable alternative to legacy measures.
A Qualitative and Quantitative Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment to Hazardous Substances during Powder-Bed Fusion Processes in Metal-Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Dugheri Stefano , Cappelli Giovanni , Trevisani Lucia , Kemble Simon , Paone Fabrizio , Rigacci Massimiliano , Bucaletti Elisabetta , Squillaci Donato , Mucci Nicola , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: April 2022

Metal-additive manufacturing (AM), particularly the powder-bed fusion (PBF) technique, is undergoing a transition from the short-run production of components to higher-volume manufacturing. The industry’s increased production efficiency is paired with a growing awareness of the risks related to the inhalation of very fine metal powders during PBF and AM processes, and there is a pressing need for a ready-to-use approach to assess the risks and the occupational exposure to these very final metal powders. This article presents a study conducted in an AM facility, which was conducted with the aim to propose a solution to monitor incidental airborne particle emissions during metal AM by setting up an analytical network for a tailored approach to risk assessment. Quantitative data about the respirable and inhalable particle and metal content were obtained by gravimetric and ICP-MS analyses. In addition, the concentrations of airborne particles (10–300 nm) were investigated using a direct reading instrument. A qualitative approach for risk assessment was fulfilled using control banding Nanotool v2.0. The results show that the operations in the AM facility are in line with exposure limit levels for both micron-sized and nano-sized particles. The particulate observed in the working area contains metals, such as chromium, cobalt, and nickel; thus, biological monitoring is recommended. To manage the risk level observed for all of the tasks during the AM process, containment and the supervision of an occupational safety expert are recommended to manage the risk. This study represents a useful tool that can be used to carry out a static evaluation of the risk and exposure to potentially harmful very fine metal powders in AM; however, due to the continuous innovations in this field, a dynamic approach could represent an interesting future perspective for occupational safety.
Reflections on Working Together in an Inclusive Research Team
Authors: Carnemolla Phillippa , Kelly Jack , Donnelley Catherine , Healy Aine
Published: April 2022

The funding of a research project working with local governments and people with intellectual disabilities led to the establishment of an inclusive research team within a university faculty. The core team consisted of four people, including a design researcher, an architect, a disability advocate and a community researcher/self-advocate. Though there are ample attention and resources devoted to the front-facing parts of a university being visibly inclusive—mostly from a physical access perspective or focussed on the student experience—less attention has been directed to what it means to develop and support inclusive research and aligned work opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities within a university campus. For this reason, the paper explores what it was like for our team that included non-traditional academics and people with intellectual disabilities to work at a university in a design school (not a disability-related research centre). We employ a process of collaborative autoethnography to reflect on how different team members took the lead across different parts of the study. We conclude with a set of tips for the development of more inclusive research teams within university settings.
Walking to Build a Critical Community-Engaged Project: Collaborative Observations of Neighborhood Change in Long Beach, California
Authors: López Claudia Maria , Patraporn R. Varisa , Lim Kelliana , Khan Kylee
Published: April 2022

Academic and community research partnerships have gained traction as a potential bridge between the university and local area to address pressing social issues. A key question for developing justice-oriented research is how to integrate best practices for creating genuine, authentic research partnerships. In this paper, we discuss the process of building a critical community-engaged project that examines how urban redevelopment changes neighborhoods within immigrant and/or communities of color. Focusing on Long Beach, California, in this article, we detail the development of a mixed-methods study that involves undergraduate students and community members as co-collaborators. We discuss the use and outcomes of co-walking as method, emphasizing observational findings, as well as the process of building team collaboration. We find that neighborhoods in Long Beach are changing rapidly in terms of the use of greening, increased technology integration within neighborhoods, and modern aesthetics, revealing that new residents will likely be younger and single residents with disposable income and no children. From this process, we identified a more critical question for the research project: “Development for whom?”. We argue that co-walking as method is an observational and relational process that assists with the foundational steps of building a critical community-engaged research project.
Modeling the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Multifunctional Agroforestry-Based Phytoremediation (MAP) Systems in Chinandega, Nicaragua
Authors: Kåresdotter Elisie , Bergqvist Lisa , Flores-Carmenate Ginnette , Haller Henrik , Jonsson Anders
Published: April 2022

Global sustainability challenges associated with increasing resource demands from a growing population call for resource-efficient land-use strategies that address multiple sustainability issues. Multifunctional agroforestry-based phytoremediation (MAP) is one such strategy that can simultaneously capture carbon, decontaminate soils, and provide diverse incomes for local farmers. Chinandega, Nicaragua, is a densely populated agricultural region with heavily polluted soils. Four different MAP systems scenarios relevant to Chinandega were created and carbon sequestration potentials were calculated using CO2FIX. All scenarios showed the potential to store significantly more carbon than conventional farming practices, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1. Overall, carbon sequestration in crops is relatively small, but results in increased soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in perennials, and the combination of crops and trees provide higher carbon sequestration rates than monoculture. Changes in SOC are crucial for long-term carbon sequestration, here ranging between 0.4 and 0.9 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, with the most given in scenario 4, an alley cropping system with pollarded trees with prunings used as green mulch. The adoption rate of multifunctional strategies providing both commodity and non-commodity outputs, such as carbon sequestration, would likely increase if phytoremediation is included. Well-designed MAP systems could help reduce land-use conflicts, provide healthier soil, act as climate change mitigation, and have positive impacts on local health and economies.
Economic Value of Recreation as an Ecosystem Service in Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest, Malaysia
Authors: Matthew Nitanan Koshy , Shuib Ahmad , Raja Gopal Nitya Ganeshwaari , Zheng Goh Ie
Published: April 2022

Economic values of various ecosystem services of recreational forests are not well understood in many countries, including Malaysia. Policymakers and resource managers with a lack of such information may make inappropriate decisions to manage forest resources. To address the information problem, this study used data and estimated the economic value of recreation as a cultural ecosystem service of the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest (AKRF) in Malaysia using the Travel Cost Method (TCM). The study estimated an economic value of USD 20,346/ha/year for cultural services, including recreation. These findings provide some useful information that might be needed for those involved in planning and management for the development of urban forest sites, especially in AKRF.
Investigation on Current and Prospective Energy Transition Scenarios in Indian Landscape Using Integrated SWOT-MCDA Methodology
Authors: Indrajayanthan Venkatraman , Mohanty Nalin Kant , Elavarasan Rajvikram Madurai , Mihet-Popa Lucian
Published: April 2022

India has ambitious goals to increase renewable energy penetration, and significant progress has been made since 2017. However, the Indian energy mix is highly dominated by fossil fuels. To set India on the pathway of the energy transition, a comprehensive analysis of the complex factors influencing the Indian energy sector is required. This study is put forward to delineate the current energy transition scenario in India and to direct the energy sector towards a prospective scenario for accomplishing a smooth energy transition. A hybrid quantitative-qualitative SWOT-integrated MCDA methodology is employed to accomplish the objective of this study. An extensive literature review is performed to understand and sort the various factors under each SWOT category. Fuzzy AHP methodology is utilized to convert the qualitative significance of each SWOT factor into quantitative scores, through which the crucial influencing factor in the current energy transition scenario is obtained. The top three highest-influence factors include utilizing the cost-competitiveness of solar and wind energy technologies over fossil fuels, the inadequacy of manpower having specialized skillsets, and connecting households to electricity and electrifying the transportation sector. The recommendation strategies are framed and presented for prospective energy transition scenarios. These strategies are assessed against the SWOT factors by using the PROMETHEE II methodology. The assessment results highlight that developing robust regulatory and policy frameworks, increasing the contribution of local energy resources, and promoting the distributed generation and grid infrastructure development are the highest-scoring strategies that have a synergic effect on multiple dimensions of energy transition, including political, financial, and techno-economic aspects. The proposed study will be conducive to framing effective policy in the upcoming years to assist the energy transition in India.
Edible Mushrooms for Sustainable and Healthy Human Food: Nutritional and Medicinal Attributes
Authors: El-Ramady Hassan , Abdalla Neama , Badgar Khandsuren , Llanaj Xhensila , Törős Gréta , Hajdú Peter , Eid Yahya , Prokisch József
Published: April 2022

Global food production faces many challenges, including climate change, a water crisis, land degradation, and desertification. These challenges require research into non-traditional sources of human foods. Edible mushrooms are considered an important next-generation healthy food source. Edible mushrooms are rich in proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components (alkaloids, lactones, polysaccharides, polyphenolic compounds, sesquiterpenes, sterols, and terpenoids). Several bioactive ingredients can be extracted from edible mushrooms and incorporated into health-promoting supplements. It has been suggested that several human diseases can be treated with extracts from edible mushrooms, as these extracts have biological effects including anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immune-potentiating, and hypo-cholesterolemic influences. The current study focuses on sustainable approaches for handling edible mushrooms and their secondary metabolites, including biofortification. Comparisons between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as well as the common species of edible mushrooms and their different bioactive ingredients, are crucial. Nutritional values and the health benefits of edible mushrooms, as well as different biomedical applications, have been also emphasized. Further research is needed to explore the economic sustainability of different medicinal mushroom bioactive compound extracts and their potential applications against emerging diseases such as COVID-19. New approaches such as nano-biofortification are also needed to supply edible mushrooms with essential nutrients and/or to increase their bioactive ingredients.
Ambient and Heat-Cured Geopolymer Composites: Mix Design Optimization and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Rabie Mohamed , Irshidat Mohammad R. , Al-Nuaimi Nasser
Published: April 2022

The feasibility of producing sustainable cement-free composites and its environmental impact were investigated in this research. Experimental parametric evaluation was carried out in this regard to explore the optimum mix design of the composites. The effect of synthesis parameters and curing conditions on the behavior of the produced geopolymer composites was investigated. The studied parameters included the molarity of the sodium hydroxide solution (12 M, 14 M, and 16 M), the sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5), the fluid to binder ratio (0.6, 0.65, and 0.7), and the age. The curing conditions included ambient curing and heat treatment at 40 °C, 80 °C, and 120 °C for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. In addition, life cycle assessment was performed to compare the environmental impact of geopolymer and cementitious composites. The results reflected the possibility of producing geopolymer composites with significant positive environmental impacts over traditional cementitious composites. The synthesis parameters played a major role in the behavior of the produced geopolymers. Heat curing was necessary for the geopolymer mortar to achieve high early strength. However, strength development with age was more obvious for ambient-cured specimens than heat-cured specimens. The optimum fluid to binder ratio used in this research was 0.6. For this ratio, the compressive strength increased as the molarity of the sodium hydroxide solution increased for all sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratios. Finally, SEM images showed that the higher the molarity and as the amount of reacted FA particles increased, the better the microstructure of the geopolymer mortar was and the fewer pores the matrix had.
A Dynamic Analysis for Mitigating Disaster Effects in Closed Loop Supply Chains
Authors: Katsoras Efthymios , Georgiadis Patroklos
Published: April 2022

The increased level of complexity in the case of Closed Loop Supply Chains (CLSCs) turns them into vulnerable systems under a disaster event. The latter calls for a methodological approach that allows a dynamic study under alternative policies in mitigating the disaster effects with a focus on creating sustainable CLSCs. For this reason, we provide a System Dynamics (SD)-based analysis for disaster events on the operation of CLSCs. By “disaster event”, we mean three different categories taking shape on the basis of duration. Furthermore, three different demand patterns emerging due to the disaster event are examined. We assume that the disaster event affects the manufacturer, and we examine the system response under different mitigation policies. For each demand pattern two different mitigation policies at the manufacturer level are examined by considering the total CLSC profit and demand backlog as measures of policy performance. For each combination, extensive simulation experimentation reveals sustainable policy recommendations under alternative settings regarding the reduction in the manufacturer’s production.
Erasmus Staff Mobility in the Building of a European Network: The Case of a Central European University
Authors: Kafarski Krzysztof , Kazak Jan K.
Published: April 2022

Globalization now applies to almost all aspects of life, and it also applies to the world of science. Internationalisation and interdisciplinarity are fundamental determinants of modern research and education. The foremost factor of functioning in the international world of science is the mobility of students and scientists. Considering this context, the objective of this study was to analyse the staff mobility for teaching under the Erasmus+ programme at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (UPWr). The research took into account the mobility of staff for teaching (STA) within the period of the academic years from 2009/2010 to 2020/2021. The methodological approach applied in this study is based on the concept of mobility network analysis and mobility flows. The geo-visualization was prepared with the use of a spider diagram. Using this approach, the connections between spatial locations and domains of scientific activity were analysed. The results show that the mobility flow at UPWr rose significantly after the authorities of the university decided to increase the funding for STA, and eventually was slowed down by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the findings in the geographical aspect show that there were two main regions of destination, which were the Iberian Peninsula and the closest neighbouring countries, where the predominant institutions could be observed. The most mobile group of teachers were the ones representing environment sciences. The STA flow is not reflected in the students’ mobility flow. COVID-19 has enhanced the virtual component of learning, resulting in the strengthening of the blended mobility model.
Analysis on the Optimal Recycling Path of Chinese Lead-Acid Battery under the Extended Producer Responsibility System
Authors: Zan Xin , Zhang Deyuan
Published: April 2022

The pollution control problem of discarded lead-acid batteries has become increasingly prominent in China. An extended producer responsibility system must be implemented to solve the problem of recycling and utilization of waste lead batteries. Suppose the producer assumes responsibility for the entire life cycle of lead batteries. In that case, it will effectively reduce environmental pollution caused by non-compliant disposal of waste lead batteries, reduce environmental pollution, and achieve the sustainable development of lead resources. Based on the operating mechanism of the extended responsibility system for lead-acid battery producers in China, this article considers three recycling channel structures: recycling only by manufacturers (mode M), recycling by the union (mode R), and third-party recycling (mode C). This article comprehensively compares the differences between the three recycling channels. The research results show that: (1) under the EPR system, the choice of production companies is affected by the recovery rate and profit rate. (2) By comparing different recycling channel models, we found that the recovery rate of independent recycling by the manufacturer is the largest. Still, the profit rate of the manufacturer that entrusts the alliance (M) to recycle is the highest. The manufacturer can entrust to alliance or independent recycling of waste lead batteries according to the different profit rates and recovery rates. (3) From the perspective of the supply chain, independent recycling (M) by production companies or recycling (R) by the commissioned union may be the best. The choice of recycling channels for producers depends on independent recycling and commissioning alliance’ recycling costs and reuse costs.
Conducive Environments and Entrepreneurial Access to Rural Policies
Authors: De Rosa Marcello , Bartoli Luca , Del Giudice Teresa , Vecchio Yari
Published: April 2022

The objective of the paper is to provide an analysis of the role of supportive institutions in fostering entrepreneurial access to rural development policies (RDP) in Italy, namely dedicated measures for boosting farm investments. Access to RDP is considered the outcome of either the farmer’s individual disposal or a supportive environment mediated by actors conducive to rural entrepreneurship (ACRE). An empirical analysis has been carried out based on a survey of farms enrolled in the most important Italian farmers’ organization, Coldiretti. Quantitative analysis has been integrated through direct interviews with expert witnesses with the purpose of exploring how the farmer organization acts as a supportive institution and how permeability of farmers may differ on the one hand, on the basis of personal and business characteristics of the farm and on the other hand, in the institutional context of raising transaction costs in accessing RDP. The results confirm the fundamental role of ACRE in performing entrepreneurial access to RDP, but, at the same time, it calls for renewed tools to remove the barriers impeding access to RDP, above all for small-sized farms.
Selecting a Rational Scheme of Delivery by Road Transport: A Case Study of Goods Deliveries from China to Russia through Kazakhstan
Authors: Naumov Vitalii , Zhumatayeva Gaziza , Taran Igor , Bazarbekova Madina , Kenzhegaliyev Batyrbek
Published: April 2022

Road transport is in most cases the only available transport option in rural regions with undeveloped railway infrastructure. The problem of choosing the structure of the logistics chain is one of the most important ones that forwarding companies must solve when planning freight transportation. Due to political peculiarities, transportation of goods by road through the territory of Kazakhstan must be carried out by national forwarders, which results in centralizing the decision-making process and shifting the tasks of designing the structure of supply chains to the Kazakh forwarding companies. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to solve the problem of choosing the right structure for a logistics chain. The proposed model considers the existing legal constraints in the region. Based on a simulated demand for cargo deliveries from China to Russia, we use a numerical example to show how to justify the structure of the logistics chain characterized by minimal total costs of the companies involved in the delivery process.
Farmers’ Livelihood Capital and Its Impact on Sustainable Livelihood Strategies: Evidence from the Poverty-Stricken Areas of Southwest China
Authors: He Yueyue , Ahmed Tanveer
Published: April 2022

Evaluating the influence of livelihood capital on livelihood strategies remains an unexplored strategy intended to cultivate the level of livelihood capital, enhance livelihood strategies, combine the achievements regarding a reduction in poverty, and attain everlasting poverty mitigation, along with endorsing sustainable livelihoods. Based on the survey data of 508 farmers within poverty-stricken areas of Southwest China, the entropy method was primarily used for measuring the level of farmers’ livelihood capital. Moreover, the logistic regression model was used to empirically analyze the impact of livelihood capital on the choice and transformation of livelihood strategies. The results showed the following: (1) The five categories of livelihood capital values were generally not high. The value of physical capital was the highest (0.4279), while the value of financial capital was the lowest (0.2018). (2) Physical capital, alongside natural capital, has a positive influence on the pure agriculture livelihood strategy, while human, social, and financial capital have a positive impact on the non-agriculture livelihood strategy. Excluding financial capital, the remaining types of capital have a positive impact on the part-time agriculture livelihood strategy. (3) Decisive factors are used to promote transformation from pure agriculture to part-time agriculture, mostly comprising social network support and family labor force, among other indicators. The important factors used to promote transformation from pure agriculture to non-agriculture are mainly labor education level and social network support, among other indicators. Finally, on the basis of the above findings, policy sanctions are proposed from the observations of livelihood capital and livelihood strategies.
Why Do Students Choose Buses over Private Motorcycles and Motorcycle-Based Ride-Sourcing? A Hybrid Choice Approach
Authors: Risdiyanto Risdiyanto , Munawar Ahmad , Irawan Muhammad Zudhy , Fauziah Miftahul , Belgiawan Prawira Fajarindra
Published: April 2022

Improving public transport (PT) services is critical to maintaining resilient and sustainable transportation. While the investment in PT (i.e., buses) has not been able to shift private vehicle users, especially motorcyclists, to buses, the emergence of motorcycle-based ride-sourcing (MBRS) has become a popular travel mode that threatens the existing bus demand. Due to this, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the choice of buses over private motorcycles and MBRS among high school and university students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, through the hybrid choice model. The explored variables include sociodemographic characteristics, travel time, travel cost, and latent variables of travel mode perceptions. By involving 527 respondents, the analysis showed that travel time, travel cost, and sociodemographic factors, including education level, income, and motorcycle ownership, significantly impacted travel mode choices. The findings also revealed that convenience causes buses to be the chosen transport means among students, while lifestyle generates students to choose MBRS services. Based on findings, this study proposed some policies to increase bus demand, especially related to the identified convenience factors and travel time.
Influence of Rainfall Events and Surface Inclination on Overland and Subsurface Runoff Formation on Low-Permeable Soil
Authors: Gruchot Andrzej , Zydroń Tymoteusz , Wałęga Andrzej , Pařílková Jana , Stanisz Jacek
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests that allowed us to determine the effect of the soil surface inclination and its initial moisture content on the formation of overland and subsurface runoff. The experiments were carried out for the soil that is commonly present in the southern part of Poland, including the Outer Carpathians. The results of these measurements served as a reference for overland runoff calculations using the Richards model, simplified Green–Ampt model, and the empirical model (MSME). The results of the measurements showed that, for low-permeable soil, overland runoff is the dominant form. It was shown that a slope in the range of 2.5–5.0% does not have a significant effect on the amount of overland runoff, but affects its dynamics. The measurements also showed that the starting time and amount of overland runoff are strictly associated with the initial soil moisture content. High soil moisture content in the period preceding the onset of rainfall causes faster generation and an increase in overland runoff, which is caused by the saturation of the surface layer of the soil. This mechanism was confirmed by the results of calculations using the Richards model and measurements of the electrical resistance of the soil. Theoretical calculations showed that the results of the runoff calculations using the Richards and Green–Ampt models are strongly dependent on the hydraulic properties of the soil adopted for the analysis. It was also demonstrated that the modified MSME model satisfactorily estimates the amount of overland and subsurface runoff, but requires parameter calibration based on existing hydrological data.
Realising the Potential of Renewable Energy as a Tool for Energy Security in Small Island Developing States
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Balogun Abdul-Lateef , Surroop Dinesh , Salvia Amanda Lange , Narula Kapil , Li Chunlan , Hunt Julian David , Gatto Andrea , Sharifi Ayyoob , Feng Haibo , Tsani Stella , Azadi Hossein
Published: April 2022

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are heavily dependent on the use of imported fossil fuels to address their energy needs. This has a negative impact on the environment, SIDS budgets, and energy security. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of renewable energy (RE) as a tool for energy security in SIDS. In this regard, using VOSviewer, a widely known software tool, two bibliometric analyses were performed with a focus on the literature that explores two intertwined issues: (i) the links between RE and energy security; and (ii) the implications of RE and energy security in SIDS. The results from the study show that RE can help SIDS enhance their energy security and assure long-term energy sustainability. In addition, the results show that with the reduction in the cost of batteries in the future, they will eventually replace diesel generators. Moreover, the study showed that renewable energy may assist SIDS in their long-term efforts to achieve food security. The analysis discusses the major obstacles and the potential solutions for the integration of RES into the energy generation of SIDS. The paper concludes with useful recommendations to help island nations reduce their carbon footprint.
Mapping the Potential of High-Reflective Roof Coverings in Residential Buildings in Italy
Authors: Baldi Francesco , Genova Enrico , Gugliandolo Alessandra , Segreto Maria-Anna
Published: April 2022

The current warming trend of the earth’s climate is making it increasingly necessary to focus on solutions to improve indoor comfort while reducing energy demand for buildings during the hot season. The use of high-reflective products on the building envelope, and particularly on the roof, has been suggested as a potential solution. The overall impact of using high-reflective products on roofs largely depends on the local climatic conditions and on the characteristics of the building, making it difficult to determine whether the use of these products is beneficial without the use of detailed modelling approaches. In this context, this study aims to propose a method to provide indications for designers and policymakers to make early decisions on the potential benefits of the use of high-reflective products on residential buildings, based on simple and readily-available climatic data of the location. The approach, based on the use of state-of-the-art simulation software, allows researchers to obtain a multi-linear regression of the effect of high-reflective products on roofs as a function of the heating degree days and of the local value of the climate vector. The approach is applied to the case of the Italian territory, where a block-of-flats is selected as the reference building, with features common to a significant part of the national residential stock. The proposed approach allows for the provision of a quantitative estimate of the expected impact of high-reflective roof coverings on the energy performance of residential buildings in all Italian municipalities. The analysis shows that high-reflective products on roofs are likely to reduce the building annual energy demand for heating and cooling in 9% to 25% of Italian municipalities, depending on the building energy renovation state. The proposed approach, whose results are expressed also by means of thematic maps, can be replicated to other geographic areas and can be extended to different energy saving technologies.
Third-Order Tensor Decorrelation Based on 3D FO-HKLT with Adaptive Directional Vectorization
Authors: Kountchev Roumen K. , Mironov Rumen P. , Kountcheva Roumiana A.
Published: April 2022

In this work, we present a new hierarchical decomposition aimed at the decorrelation of a cubical tensor of size 2n, based on the 3D Frequency-Ordered Hierarchical KLT (3D FO-HKLT). The decomposition is executed in three consecutive stages. In the first stage, after adaptive directional vectorization (ADV) of the input tensor, the vectors are processed through one-dimensional FO-Adaptive HKLT (FO-AHKLT), and after folding, the first intermediate tensor is calculated. In the second stage, on the vectors obtained after ADV of the first intermediate tensor, FO-AHKLT is applied, and after folding, the second intermediate tensor is calculated. In the third stage, on the vectors obtained from the second intermediate tensor, ADV is applied, followed by FO-AHKLT, and the output tensor is obtained. The orientation of the vectors, calculated from each tensor, could be horizontal, vertical or lateral. The best orientation is chosen through analysis of their covariance matrix, based on its symmetry properties. The kernel of FO-AHKLT is the optimal decorrelating KLT with a matrix of size 2 × 2. To achieve higher decorrelation of the decomposition components, the direction of the vectors obtained after unfolding of the input tensor in each of the three consecutive stages, is chosen adaptively. The achieved lower computational complexity of FO-AHKLT is compared with that of the Hierarchical Tucker and Tensor Train decompositions.
Confidence Interval, Prediction Interval and Tolerance Interval for the Skew Normal Distribution: A Pivotal Approach
Authors: Qi Xinlei , Li Huihui , Tian Weizhong , Yang Yaoting
Published: April 2022

The class of skew normal distributions, introduced by Azzalini (1985), which is an asymmetric distribution and allows the presence of skewness. In this paper, we propose the pivotal quantity approach to construct the confidence interval for the mean, prediction interval for the mean of the future sample, and tolerance interval for the quantile. The fiducial distribution is also studied. Moreover, the performances of all the proposed confidence intervals are investigated through the Monte Carlo simulation. The pivotal quantity is a common method for calculating confidence intervals, which is used to construct confidence intervals in this paper. And the convergence of the obtained confidence interval is illustrated by the figures. Finally, a real data is used to explain proposed intervals in real life.
RETRACTED: Combined Effects of Potassium Perchlorate and a Neonicotinoid on Zebrafish Larvae (Danio rerio)
Authors: Paola Davide , Capparucci Fabiano , Natale Sabrina , Crupi Rosalia , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Spanò Nunziacarla , Gugliandolo Enrico , Peritore Alessio
Published: April 2022

Imidacloprid (IMI) is part of the neonicotinoids family, insecticides widely used by humans and also found in wastewater. This class of compounds, if present in the environment, can cause toxicity to different species such as bees and gammarids, although little is known about vertebrates such as fish. In addition, several substances have been reported in the environment that can cause damage to aquatic species, such as potassium perchlorate (KClO4), if exposed to high concentrations or for long periods. Often, the co-presence of different contaminants can cause a synergistic action in terms of toxicity to fish. In the present study, we first analyzed different concentrations of IMI (75, 100 and 150 mg/L) and KClO4 (1, 1.5 and 5 mM) to highlight the morphological effects at 96 hpf and, subsequently, chose two nontoxic concentrations to evaluate their co-exposure and the pathway involved in their co-toxicity. Morphological alteration, mucus production, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression related to intestinal function and oxidative stress were measured. These results suggest that co-exposure to IMI and KClO4 could affect zebrafish embryo development by increasing gut toxicity and the alteration of antioxidative defense mechanisms.
Removal of Toxic Metal Ions Using Poly(BuMA–co–EDMA) Modified with C-Tetra(nonyl)calix[4]resorcinarene
Authors: Castillo-Aguirre Alver , Maldonado Mauricio , Esteso Miguel A.
Published: April 2022

A copolymer of poly(BuMA–co–EDMA) modified with C-tetra(nonyl)calix[4]resorcinarene was obtained via the impregnation method. The formation of the modified copolymer was confirmed and investigated using various techniques; in this way, the presence of calix[4]resorcinarene was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The modified copolymer was used for the removal of highly toxic cations (Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+) from aqueous solutions. To perform the removal, we used the batch sorption technique and the effects of time of contact, pH, and volume of sample on the effective sorption were determined. The best results were observed for Pb2+ extraction, which was comparatively more efficient. Adsorption–desorption experiments revealed that the modified copolymer could be used for several cycles without significant loss of adsorption capacity. Finally, the results showed that the modified copolymer application is highly efficient for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions.
MEWARISKAN IMAN DAN NILAI-NILAI KRISTIANI KEPADA GENERASI MUDA
Authors: Widiatna Alexius Dwi
Published: April 2022

The church has the responsibility to pass on the Christian faith and values to the youth of the church. Meanwhile, the development of technology and information has had a tremendous impact on the lives of young people, which is not always positive for the development of faith. There is a negative impact that the Catholic Church has to face on its youth. The Church faces a difficult challenge in passing on the faith to its youth, because the Church's proclamation is no longer attractive to young people, the digital generation. This study was conducted by studying literature from various sources in this digital era. Based on the literature study and observations, the author concludes that in order to inherit catholic faith to young people, the Church must understand the characteristics of the younger generation. Then, the pastoral minister needs to accompany the youth to walk together, using social media to proclam their faith and involving them in the church tasks and missions
A Fuzzy-set Approach to Re-Exploring Work-related Stress-outcome Relationships: Implications for Research Methods, Theory and Practice
Authors: Cassar Vincent , Bezzina Frank , Fabri Stephanie
Published: April 2022

This study employs fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to re-examine the more  traditional correlational and regression  models used to understand work stress and outcome relationships. Indeed, theoretical frameworks have been constructed underlying this premise and so have interventions assumed such principles. This study argues that the relationship between perception of stressors is  not necessarily continuously linear and hence assessing non-linear but also more complex configurations becomes pivotal. While it is acknowledged that theory is important to simplify the explanation underlying the phenomenon of interest, likewise theory should also acknowledge new patterns that hide ‘inside’ the data and which reveal new pockets of information that explain the phenomenon better. Therefore, in line with calls for researchers to explore further new configurational patterns in the data and thus help build and refine theory, we examine potential complex associations between work-related stress and salient outcomes namely mental health, physical symptoms, presenteeism and intention to quit using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis instead of the more traditional correlational approach. Fuzzy-set methodology involves a number of parameters that include non-linearity but also equifinality and asymmetric associations. Reponses were obtained from 509 employees who volunteered to fill in a work-related stress questionnaire as part of a wider campaign related to the management of psychosocial hazards at work and the data was subject to fuzzy-set configuration analysis between stressors and outcomes. Fuzzy-set analyses revealed that specific points of high or low levels of work stress did not necessarily concur with more common regression results but revealed  interesting pattern associations between work related stress and outcomes. The results imply that by adopting traditional methods, the relations observed would be either over- or under- estimated and researchers are urged to explore new research methodological approaches such as fuzzy-set methodology in the analyses of their data that may reveal new patterns and hence better inform both theory and practice.
Acceptance of Serious Games to Develop Digital Competencies in Higher Education Professors
Authors: Sandí-Delgado Juan Carlos , Sanz Cecilia Verónica , Lovos Edith Noemi
Published: April 2022

Serious games are the focus of the current research agenda. They show promise for allowing students to learn and practice skills. In fewer studies, they are used for the development of academic competencies. Therefore, it is of interest to deepen the research on the benefits of serious games in academic education and training. This article presents a study using serious games aimed at higher education academics’ training for the development of digital competencies. The study was carried out with 56 academics, using the serious game called AstroCódigo. The study analyzed the level of acceptance of serious games using the TAM model and what factors the academics believe affect this acceptance. It is important to know possible barriers that affect the development of actions oriented to the formation of academic competencies through serious games, which can also affect the adoption of games as a resource for teaching situations. None of prior studies have focused on analyzing the technological acceptance of serious games used for the development of academic competencies. The results of this research indicate that participants believe that using serious games can be beneficial to drive digital competencies. However, there are aspects such as the highest academic qualification, work experience, professional development, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and fear of change associated with age rank which can play a negative role in the use and acceptance of digital technologies by academics, particularly serious games. These results may be a clue to the barriers linked to the fact that most of the participants in this study do not use serious games in their classes or for their digital skills training. Additionally, the possibility to try and fail and the increased level of challenges proposed in the serious games, related to enjoyment, were valued by academics, during the sessions with AstroCódigo. These findings open the door to organize strategies for academic training in digital competencies within higher education institutions. They can also impact the design decisions of new serious games.