bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Efficiency Optimization for SWIPT-Enabled IoT Network with Energy Cooperation
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhong Ye , Peng Chunling , Peng Xiaofeng , Pan Song
Published: July 2022

As an advanced technology, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT), combined with the internet of things (IoT) devices, can effectively extend the online cycle of the terminal. To cope with the fluctuation of energy harvesting by the hybrid access points (H-AP), the energy cooperation base station is introduced to realize the sharing of renewable energy. In this paper, we study the SWIPT-enabled IoT networks with cooperation. Our goal is to maximize the energy efficiency of the system, and at the same time, we need to meet the energy harvesting constraints, user quality of service (QoS) constraints and transmission power constraints. We jointly solve the power allocation, time switching and energy cooperation problems. Because this problem is a nonlinear programming problem, it is difficult to solve directly, so we use the alternating variable method, the iterative algorithm is used to solve the power allocation and time switching problem, and the matching algorithm is used to solve the energy cooperation problem. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has obvious advantages in energy efficiency performance compared with the comparison algorithm. At the same time, it is also proved that the introduction of energy cooperation technology can effectively reduce system energy consumption and improve system energy efficiency.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials Thin Film Deposited on a Flexible Substrate for Strain Sensing Application
Authors: Her Shiuh-Chuan , Liang Yuan-Ming
Published: July 2022

Hybrid nanomaterial film consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) were deposited on a highly flexible polyimide (PI) substrate using spray gun. The hybridization between 2-D GNP and 1-D MWCNT reduces stacking among the nanomaterials and produces a thin film with a porous structure. Carbon-based nanomaterials of MWCNT and GNP with high electrical conductivity can be employed to detect the deformation and damage for structural health monitoring. The strain sensing capability of carbon-based hybrid nanomaterial film was evaluated by its piezoresistive behavior, which correlates the change of electrical resistance with the applied strain through a tensile test. The effects of weight ratio between MWCNT and GNP and the total amount of hybrid nanomaterials on the strain sensitivity of the nanomaterial thin film were investigated. Experimental results showed that both the electrical conductivity and strain sensitivity of the hybrid nanomaterial film increased with the increase of the GNP contents. The gauge factor used to characterize the strain sensitivity of the nanomaterial film increased from 7.75 to 24 as the GNP weight ratio increased from 0 wt.% to 100 wt.%. In this work, a simple, low cost, and easy to implement deposition process was proposed to prepare a highly flexible nanomaterial film. A high strain sensitivity with gauge factor of 24 was achieved for the nanomaterial thin film.
Sleep Measurement Using Wrist-Worn Accelerometer Data Compared with Polysomnography
Authors: Chase John D. , Busa Michael A. , Staudenmayer John W. , Sirard John R.
Published: July 2022

This study determined if using alternative sleep onset (SO) definitions impacted accelerometer-derived sleep estimates compared with polysomnography (PSG). Nineteen participants (48%F) completed a 48 h visit in a home simulation laboratory. Sleep characteristics were calculated from the second night by PSG and a wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG). Criterion sleep measures included PSG-derived Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), Sleep Efficiency (SE), and Efficiency Once Asleep (SE_ASLEEP). Analogous variables were derived from temporally aligned AG data using the Cole–Kripke algorithm. For PSG, SO was defined as the first score of ‘sleep’. For AG, SO was defined three ways: 1-, 5-, and 10-consecutive minutes of ‘sleep’. Agreement statistics and linear mixed effects regression models were used to analyze ‘Device’ and ‘Sleep Onset Rule’ main effects and interactions. Sleep–wake agreement and sensitivity for all AG methods were high (89.0–89.5% and 97.2%, respectively); specificity was low (23.6–25.1%). There were no significant interactions or main effects of ‘Sleep Onset Rule’ for any variable. The AG underestimated SOL (19.7 min) and WASO (6.5 min), and overestimated TST (26.2 min), SE (6.5%), and SE_ASLEEP (1.9%). Future research should focus on developing sleep–wake detection algorithms and incorporating biometric signals (e.g., heart rate).
Accurate Location in Dynamic Traffic Environment Using Semantic Information and Probabilistic Data Association
Authors: Yang Kaixin , Zhang Weiwei , Li Chuanchang , Wang Xiaolan
Published: July 2022

High-accurate and real-time localization is the fundamental and challenging task for autonomous driving in a dynamic traffic environment. This paper presents a coordinated positioning strategy that is composed of semantic information and probabilistic data association, which improves the accuracy of SLAM in dynamic traffic settings. First, the improved semantic segmentation network, building on Fast-SCNN, uses the Res2net module instead of the Bottleneck in the global feature extraction to further explore the multi-scale granular features. It achieves the balance between segmentation accuracy and inference speed, leading to consistent performance gains on the coordinated localization task of this paper. Second, a novel scene descriptor combining geometric, semantic, and distributional information is proposed. These descriptors are made up of significant features and their surroundings, which may be unique to a traffic scene, and are used to improve data association quality. Finally, a probabilistic data association is created to find the best estimate using a maximum measurement expectation model. This approach assigns semantic labels to landmarks observed in the environment and is used to correct false negatives in data association. We have evaluated our system with ORB-SLAM2 and DynaSLAM, the most advanced algorithms, to demonstrate its advantages. On the KITTI dataset, the results reveal that our approach outperforms other methods in dynamic traffic situations, especially in highly dynamic scenes, with sub-meter average accuracy.
Form Factors as Potential Imaging Biomarkers to Differentiate Benign vs. Malignant Lung Lesions on CT Scans
Authors: Bianconi Francesco , Palumbo Isabella , Fravolini Mario Luca , Rondini Maria , Minestrini Matteo , Pascoletti Giulia , Nuvoli Susanna , Spanu Angela , Scialpi Michele , Aristei Cynthia , Palumbo Barbara
Published: July 2022

Indeterminate lung nodules detected on CT scans are common findings in clinical practice. Their correct assessment is critical, as early diagnosis of malignancy is crucial to maximise the treatment outcome. In this work, we evaluated the role of form factors as imaging biomarkers to differentiate benign vs. malignant lung lesions on CT scans. We tested a total of three conventional imaging features, six form factors, and two shape features for significant differences between benign and malignant lung lesions on CT scans. The study population consisted of 192 lung nodules from two independent datasets, containing 109 (38 benign, 71 malignant) and 83 (42 benign, 41 malignant) lung lesions, respectively. The standard of reference was either histological evaluation or stability on radiological followup. The statistical significance was determined via the Mann–Whitney U nonparametric test, and the ability of the form factors to discriminate a benign vs. a malignant lesion was assessed through multivariate prediction models based on Support Vector Machines. The univariate analysis returned four form factors (Angelidakis compactness and flatness, Kong flatness, and maximum projection sphericity) that were significantly different between the benign and malignant group in both datasets. In particular, we found that the benign lesions were on average flatter than the malignant ones; conversely, the malignant ones were on average more compact (isotropic) than the benign ones. The multivariate prediction models showed that adding form factors to conventional imaging features improved the prediction accuracy by up to 14.5 pp. We conclude that form factors evaluated on lung nodules on CT scans can improve the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions.
The Role of Expertise in Discovery. Comment on Sutton and Griffiths (2018). Using Date Specific Searches on Google Books to Disconfirm Prior Origination Knowledge Claims for Particular Terms, Words, and Names. Social Sciences 7: 66
Authors: Derry J. F.
Published: July 2022

In claiming that expertise are unnecessary for making discoveries that contribute to knowledge, Sutton and Griffiths in their 2018 paper made analogous comparisons with metal detection, then proceeded to provide six examples in support of their argument. This response demonstrates the fallacy of that analogy, and reveals how each of those six examples were undermined by a lack of expertise in the relevant disciplines. The mistakes contained in that paper by Sutton and Griffiths make it evident that expertise are required to identify the validity of a discovery, and ensure that a claim is not false. This assurance is particularly needed for the bold claims made by the Sutton and Griffiths paper.
Influences of Green Eating Behaviors Underlying the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior: A Study of Market Segmentation and Purchase Intention
Authors: Wongsaichia Sasichakorn , Naruetharadhol Phaninee , Schrank Johannes , Phoomsom Premchai , Sirisoonthonkul Kanjakhon , Paiyasen Vorrapol , Srichaingwang Sedthawut , Ketkaew Chavis
Published: July 2022

Green food has been introduced into the market for several years. Nevertheless, most Thai consumers do not commonly purchase green food in their daily routine. This research article aims to identify the market segments and significant factors affecting green food purchase intention in Thailand based on the theory of planned behavior. It employed a sample of 458 green food consumers in five regions of Thailand. Based on the Food-Related Lifestyle model, we used cluster analysis to classify the market segments. Additionally, we employed a multi-group structural equation modeling technique to explore and compare customers’ behaviors in different segments. The results demonstrated two primary market segments for green food products, including (1) non-green consumers and (2) green consumers. The findings indicate that green consumers’ self-realization related to environmental issues positively affects their attitude and purchase intention, while non-green consumers reveal none of these relationships. Surprisingly, social norms related to green food consumption influence non-green consumers’ attitudes toward green food more than it does toward green consumers. This research paper enlarges the understanding of Thailand’s green food market regarding the market segments (non-green and green consumers). Furthermore, it points out implications on how marketing practitioners may penetrate those segments.
The Use of Non-Plastic Materials for Oyster Reef and Shoreline Restoration: Understanding What Is Needed and Where the Field Is Headed
Authors: Walters Linda J. , Roddenberry Annie , Crandall Chelsey , Wayles Jessy , Donnelly Melinda , Barry Savanna C. , Clark Mark W. , Escandell Olivia , Hansen Jennifer C. , Laakkonen Katie , Sacks Paul E.
Published: July 2022

Oyster and shoreline restoration is occurring around the globe to recover lost ecosystem services. In the state of Florida, USA, dozens of estuarine habitat restoration projects are underway. These projects have traditionally relied on both natural and man-made materials, including plastics. As the impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems are better understood, practitioners are increasingly focused on plastic-free restoration. To better understand this transition, we surveyed Florida restoration practitioners in April 2021 to capture current non-plastic restoration project trends and their status. Our descriptive survey goals were to understand: (1) what non-plastic materials have been tested, (2) trade-offs between plastic and non-plastic materials (e.g., cost, sourcing, volunteer engagement), and (3) the performance of non-plastic materials. Responses indicated that a variety of non-plastic materials are currently being used, including rock, cement-infused jute structures, cement Reef Balls™ (Reef Ball Foundation, USA), BESE-elements®, and metal gabions. Overall, these materials are more expensive and equally or more difficult to install than previously popular plastic-based materials. No “best” non-plastic material emerged from our survey in part because many novel materials have been deployed for under three years. Long-term performance under a variety of abiotic and biotic conditions is thus a future research priority.
Pioneering Farmers Value Agronomic Performance of Cover Crops and Their Impacts on Soil and Environment
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Jauhiainen Lauri , Mattila Tuomas J. , Joona Juuso , Hydén Tony , Känkänen Hannu
Published: July 2022

Cover crops (CCs) have aroused a great deal of interest as a multifunctional measure to improve the sustainability of agriculture. Understanding farmers’ views are important for future farm-scale implementation. A farmer survey was carried out in Finland in 2021 with the aims to gather farmers’ views on agronomic performance of CCs, their environmental impacts and contribution to climate smart agriculture, and understand how farmers’ views on CCs differed depending on farm/farmer characteristics. The farmers’ sample was conventional and organic farms that had selected CCs as a registered measure in 2020. 6493 farmers were invited to answer a questionnaire with 18 statements (a Likert scale, 5 answer choices), and 1130 responded (17.4%). A Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test was used to measure the strength of the association between ten characteristics of the respondents and 18 statements. Farmers considered CCs to have wide-ranging benefits for soil conditions. Only 21% of farmers agreed that CCs increase the need for nitrogen fertilizer use. 49% of farmers agreed that CCs reduce weed problems. Farmers mostly agreed (ca. 80%) that CCs reduce nutrient leaching and erosion. They were in general more uncertain about CCs’ contribution to climate change mitigation (53% agreed), adaptation (51%), and resilience (58%). In agri-environmental schemes subsidies for use of CCs should aim large-scale implementation with two important target groups: younger farmers (≤50 years) as they were slightly more skeptical than older ones and farmers with less diverse land use as they were more doubtful of benefits provided by CCs.
The Impact of Monetary Benefits in a Pandemic Situation—Navigating Changes in Customer Loyalty through Negative Switching Barriers in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Kang Eunice Minjoo , Lee Seul Ki
Published: July 2022

The present study examines the impact of monetary benefits on hotel loyalty programs in a pandemic situation, and the relationship between monetary benefits and multidimensional loyalty aspects. Since 2020, international hotel suppliers have focused on monetary investments and promotions through hotel loyalty programs that have seen extraordinary results in the Korean market. Feedback from the market raises questions as to whether these results are caused by true loyalty or economic sensitivity caused by a recession. Thus, it is necessary to investigate this phenomenon from a relationship perspective. In this research, negative switching barrier facets were given a moderating role with multidimensional loyalty factors consisting of attitudinal loyalty, behavioral loyalty, and composite loyalty. A quantitative method was used, in which consumers in Korea were surveyed via an online questionnaire. In total, 494 responses from consumers were analyzed. Notably, negative switching barriers were found to have a negative moderating effect on the relationship between monetary benefits and attitudinal loyalty. This result implies that although the customer is economically sensitive during a recession, monetary benefits and the market situation can cause fatigue that potentially produces obstacles to long-term relationships with the customer. The results of this study highlight the hotel suppliers involved in monetary competition during a pandemic situation and the need to develop solid long-term relationships through customer loyalty strategies.
Assessing the Connections between COVID-19 and Waste Management in Brazil
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Salvia Amanda Lange , Paço Arminda , Dias-Ferreira Celia , Neiva Samara , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Anholon Rosley , de Vasconcelos Claudio Ruy Portela , Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires , Jabbour Charbel Jose Chiappetta
Published: July 2022

In addition to the health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, several countries—particularly in developing regions—faced serious additional challenges in the economic, social and environmental areas. In Brazil, one of these challenges refers to the changes in consumption caused by the lockdowns, and the environmental impacts caused by new patterns of waste generation. Against this background, this paper investigates the changes in consumption and waste generation in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a technical contribution to the topic by comparing the perception of survey respondents on the amount of household waste produced before and during the pandemic, and cross-checking these with information on current aspects of policymaking, the findings suggest that the amount of some specific types of household waste has noticeably increased, challenging even more the local waste management systems. The data instrument was validated by a pre-test, prior to deployment. According to the respondents, packaging (both plastic and paper/cardboard) was the type of waste that reported the highest increase in generation during the lockdowns, which is in line with the results of increased consumption of food delivery within this period. The results also suggest that current waste management policies make Brazil ill-equipped to deal with one of the non-intended effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted Latin America’s largest country.
Sustainable Development Goal for Education: Teachers’ Perspectives on Climate Change Education in Senior High Schools (SHS)
Authors: Opuni-Frimpong Nana Yeboaa , Essel Harry Barton , Opuni-Frimpong Emmanuel , Obeng Elizabeth Asantewaa
Published: July 2022

Any program intended to equip the populace, particularly young people, to combat climate change and its repercussions must include education. As crucial stakeholders in education, teachers have the primary responsibility of preparing young people to deal with the effects of climate change. In two districts of Ghana’s Bono region, the study assessed SHS teachers’ viewpoints on climate change and their willingness to include climate change concerns in classes. The degree to which climate change was incorporated into the syllabi of selected disciplines was also assessed. For this study, data was collected from a hundred (n = 100) SHS teachers from 10 of the 15 schools in the study area using a simple random sampling method. The Pearson chi-square test was used to examine the association between the subject content and teachers’ desire to teach climate change. The data were analyzed using SPSS (v25). The findings demonstrated that teachers’ readiness to educate about climate change was influenced by the subjects they taught. Subjects that were not science-based provided little information on climate change to teachers. Climate change is addressed in many areas in Integrated Science and Social Studies, and it is a core topic for all students. Climate change should be taught using an interdisciplinary approach, and in-service training for teachers could be beneficial.
The Revitalization Design of Regional Ethnic Cultural Capital in a Sustainable Perspective: The Case of Traditional Chinese Garment Yunjian
Authors: Chen Han , Xu Han , Zhang Yudian , Jia Leilei
Published: July 2022

The formation of the globalization pattern of regional ethnic culture brings new opportunities for the sustainable development of cultural capital. In order to solve the problem of mismatch between the high development demand of regional ethnic costumes and their traditional design methods, this study proposes an innovative design method for regional ethnic traditional costumes, taking the Yunjian, a cloud-shaped sash-like shoulder garment as an example. Firstly, we deeply explored the historical and cultural connotation of the Yunjian through fieldwork and literature research. Then we sorted out and refined its elements, colors and structural features. We classified the patterns according to the composition forms and clarified the path of pattern creation based on fractal theory. We combined the representative elements of Yunjian with the fractal algorithm and proposed the design model of Yunjian fractal pattern. Finally we verified the feasibility of the proposed design method through design practice. The results show that the Yunjian garment created by the method of this paper can better reflect the characteristics of fashion art and ethnic culture.
Laboratory Model Tests of Leachate Drawdown Using Vertical Drainage Wells with Vacuum Pumping in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills with High Leachate Levels
Authors: Xu Xiaobing , Li Guangyao , Ni Da , Feng Cheng , Xu Sifa
Published: July 2022

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in China generally have high leachate mounds, which potentially induce severe geotechnical and environmental issues. In this study, laboratory model tests were carried out to preliminarily investigate the performance of vertical drainage wells accompanied with vacuum pumping (VDW-VP) on leachate drawdown in MSW landfills with high leachate levels. Leachate drawdown tests through VDW-VP under conditions with and without gas injection were performed. Different vacuum pressures (0~−9.5 kPa) were imposed during the tests. Results indicated that the leachate pumping processes for both the two conditions were characterized by a stage of continuous effluent followed by a stage of discontinuous effluent, corresponding to the periods before and after the leachate level in the vertical well dropped to the bottom, respectively. During the stage of continuous effluent, as the vacuum pressure increased, the effluent rate decreased and the leachate level in the vertical well needed a longer time to reach the bottom. During the stage of discontinuous effluent, the leachate level in the MSW gradually approached that in the vertical well. A higher vacuum pressure rendered a larger cumulative leachate pumping volume for the condition with a gas injection, but this was not the case for the condition without a gas injection. In addition, some local pore water pressures were observed to suddenly increase and drop under the condition with the gas injection, attributed to the migration of entrapped gas zones. The increase in vacuum pressure might promote the migration of entrapped gas zones and hence increase the cumulative leachate pumping volume.
Couple Ethical Purchase Behavior and Joint Decision Making: Understanding the Interaction Process and the Dynamics of Influence
Authors: Rabeson Landisoa , Paraschiv Corina , Bertrandias Laurent , Chenavaz Régis
Published: July 2022

We present in this paper a qualitative study of couple ethical purchasing behavior, based on interviews with French consumers. The analysis of joint decision making allows us to distinguish between ethical couples who favor the choice of ethical products when making purchase decisions together and unethical couples who do not. Our results show that ethical couples are characterized by a positive exchange of information, use of verbal and tactical persuasion strategies, and trust in the knowledge of the partner, while unethical couples are characterized by a negative exchange of information, difficulties with joint decision making, and conflict-minimizing strategy. Time, money, and pleasure appear as the most critical factors restricting couples’ purchase of ethical products. Our research provides the first empirical evidence about the dynamics of influence of one partner over the other within couples regarding ethical purchasing behavior.
Environmental Impact of Remanufacturing Mining Machinery
Authors: Kanazawa Tomohisa , Matsumoto Mitsutaka , Yoshimoto Mitsuhiro , Tahara Kiyotaka
Published: July 2022

In this study, we assessed the environmental impact of the remanufacturing of mining machinery components, by analyzing commonly used parts in a machine setup. No previous studies have conducted a detailed environmental impact assessment of any manufacturing processes for new or remanufactured components used in mining machinery. We analyzed the system boundaries and conducted inventory analysis to understand their function and determine their unit role in the machine. Then, we evaluated the environmental impacts of the manufacturing processes for the subparts and assy parts, along with the impact of logistic and remanufacturing processes. In particular, we assessed hydraulic equipment, which is a common component of mining machinery, and conducted a comparative assessment of the environmental impacts of new and remanufactured components. Our results indicated that the global warming potential (GWP) per mining machine throughout its lifecycle (LC) could be reduced by ~194 ton-CO2eq./LC. Assuming that the number of mining machinery in operation at a global scale is 571 machines (or units) per year, the GWP would be reduced by ~110,000 ton-CO2eq./year.
Optimal Controllers and Configurations of 100% PV and Energy Storage Systems for a Microgrid: The Case Study of a Small Town in Jordan
Authors: Alasali Feras , Salameh Mohammad , Semrin Ali , Nusair Khaled , El-Naily Naser , Holderbaum William
Published: July 2022

Renewable energy systems such as Photovoltaic (PV) have become one of the best options for supplying electricity at the distribution network level. This is mainly because the PV system is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and is a low-cost form of energy. The intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources which leads to a mismatch between the power generation and load demand is the challenge to having 100% renewable power networks. Therefore, an Energy Storage System (ESS) can be a significant solution to overcome these challenges and improve the reliability of the network. In Jordan, the energy sector is facing a number of challenges due to the high energy-import dependency, high energy costs, and the inadequate electrification of rural areas. In this paper, the optimal integration of PV and ESS systems is designed and developed for a distribution network in Jordan. The economic and energy performance of the network and a proposed power network under different optimization algorithms and power network operation scenarios are investigated. Metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely: Golden Ratio Optimization Method (GROM) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms, are employed to find the optimal configurations and integrated 100% PV and ESS for the microgrid.
Energy Consumption and Quality of Pellets Made of Waste from Corn Grain Drying Process
Authors: Maj Grzegorz , Krzaczek Paweł , Gołębiowski Wojciech , Słowik Tomasz , Szyszlak-Bargłowicz Joanna , Zając Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of managing the waste resulting from the corn grain drying process as a biofuel characterized by low energy consumption in the compaction process and to evaluate the quality of the pellets made of this waste. The waste was agglomerated in the form of corn grain (CG), husks (CH), and cobs (CC), and their mixtures were prepared in a 4:1 volume ratio. The results of the analyses showed that CH was the most advantageous material for agglomeration due to the process’s low energy consumption (47.6 Wh·kg−1), while among the prepared mixtures, CC-CH was the most energy-efficient (54.7 Wh·kg−1). Pellets made of the CH-CC mixture were characterized by good quality parameters, with a satisfactory lower heating value (13.09 MJ·kg−1) and low energy consumption in the agglomeration process (55.3 Wh·kg−1). Moreover, data analysis revealed that the obtained pellets had density (1.24 kg∙dm−3) and mechanical durability (89%), which are important in their transport and storage. The findings of this study suggest that the use of waste from the corn grain drying process, in the form of pellets, may allow obtaining granules with different quality.
Potential Uses of Artisanal Gold Mine Tailings, with an Emphasis on the Role of Centrifugal Separation Technique
Authors: Munganyinka Jeanne Pauline , Habinshuti Jean Baptiste , Ndayishimiye Jean Claude , Mweene Levie , Ofori-Sarpong Grace , Mishra Brajendra , Adetunji Adelana R. , Tanvar Himanshu
Published: July 2022

Few investigations have focused on the potential uses of artisanal gold (Au) mine tailings, despite the fact that artisanal gold mining activity contributes to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas. Mineralogical characterizations of artisanal gold mine tailings in Miyove gold mine (Baradega and Masogwe) in Rwanda were investigated for potential utilization as a source of valuable gold, using the centrifugal separation technique. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence showed that artisanal gold mine tailings samples have significant amounts of gold to justify economical gold extraction opportunity. The gold grades in the ores and artisanal gold mine tailings were in the ranges of 37–152 and 2–7 g t−1, respectively. Quartz was a major phase, with minor impurities in two different types of gold ores and their respective tailings. The beneficiation carried out using centrifugal separation, regarded as an extension of gravity separation, showed gold grades in the range of 535–1515 g t−1 for gold ores and 36–302 g t−1 for artisanal gold mine tailings. The gold recoveries for ores and artisanal gold mine tailings were in the range of 21.8–47.3% and 46.9–63.8%, respectively. The results showed that the centrifugal separation technique was more efficient in boosting gold recovery compared to the present panning approach employed at the site, which sometimes recover as low as 10%. The results suggest that mineralogical characterization of artisanal gold mine tailings allows for the development and design of a suitable methods for improving gold ore beneficiation and artisanal gold mine tailings reprocessing.
Logistics Coordination Based on Inventory Management and Transportation Planning by Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Authors: Kmiecik Mariusz
Published: July 2022

Currently, there is still a strong trend in research and in the market connected with the role of 3PL (third-party logistics) companies and the trend of developing and creating coordination in logistics networks. The most important issue for the following paper is the examination of the 3PL enterprise, which is able to create the demand forecasts to gain the functions of logistics coordination in the fields of inventory management and transportation planning. This research paper focuses on showing the demand forecasting tool results for 29 chosen distribution networks (in this paper, the traditional forecasting methods were used based on time series exponential smoothing, ARIMA, machine learning and neural-network-based methods, created in the R programming environment). In the next steps, the forecasting results were compared in the conditions of transportation planning and inventory management (in the conditions of “future” dynamic ABC analysis). The forecasting function supports the inventory management and transportation planning activity of 3PL as a key element of logistics coordination in distribution networks. The proper way to transfer the results of forecasting to an ABC analysis and transportation planning concept is to create a cloud-based system supported by data from the WMS (warehouse management system), while providing the possibility of results visualization by using some BI (business intelligence) solutions or different tools to create managerial information dashboards. Currently, one of the most efficient models connected with logistics coordination is the centralized network with 3PL responsible for planning and executing logistics processes with the creation of additional value. As such, 3PL is able to create a similar forecast for different types of DN and with different aggregations (per SKU or per recipient). It could support coordination in DN from the point of view of inventory management and transportation planning.
Unsafe Behaviors Analysis of Sideswipe Collision on Urban Expressways Based on Bayesian Network
Authors: Ning Huajing , Yu Yunyan , Bai Lu
Published: July 2022

The causes of crashes on urban expressways are mostly related to the unsafe behaviors of drivers before the crash. This study focuses on sideswipe collisions on urban expressways. Through real and visual crash data, 17 unsafe behaviors were identified for the analysis of sideswipe collisions on an urban expressway. The chains of high-risk and unsafe behaviors were then revealed to investigate the relationship between drivers’ unsafe behaviors and sideswipe collisions. A Bayesian network diagram of unsafe behaviors was used to obtain the correlation between unsafe behaviors and their influence. A topology diagram of unsafe behaviors was then constructed, and relational reasoning of typical behavioral chains was conducted. Finally, the unsafe behaviors and behavior chains that were likely to cause sideswipe collisions on the urban expressway were determined. The possibility of each behavior chain was quantified through the reasoning of variable structures constructed by the Bayesian network. The result shows that the significant influential single unsafe behavior leading to sideswipe collision on urban expressways was lane change without checking the rearview mirror or not scanning the road around and queue-jumping; moreover, based on unsafe behavior chains analysis, the most influential chains leading to sideswipe collision were: improper driving behavior in an emergency—failure to turn on signal when changing lanes—distracted and inattentive driving. Some safety precautions and countermeasures aimed at unsafe behaviors could be taken before the crash. The results of the study can be used to reduce the number of sideswipe collisions, thereby improving traffic safety on urban expressways.
Determination of Partial Depth Repair Size for Spalling of Jointed Concrete Pavements Using the Impact Echo Method
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyuk , Choi Min-Kyu , Han Seung-Hwan , Jeong Jin-Hoon
Published: July 2022

When spalling occurs at a concrete pavement joint, partial depth repair (PDR) is implemented by removing the damaged part of a slab and filling the space with repair materials. However, re-repair is frequently also required because additional distress develops at the boundary of the repaired area due to improper PDR size in addition to poor quality of materials and construction methods. For the sustainability of pavement structures, it is necessary to study the PDR size based on the mechanical theory. Therefore, in this study, the PDR size for spalling was suggested based on the results of laboratory and field tests conducted using the impact echo (IE) method. The dynamic modulus estimated in the laboratory using the IE and forced resonance methods were compared for concrete specimens subjected to repetitive freeze–thaw cycles. In addition, the correlations of the dynamic modulus estimated by the methods with the compressive strength and absorption coefficient were analyzed. As a result, the IE method, for which vibration could be estimated on the same side of the specimen where impaction was applied, was selected for use on the pavement surface. Furthermore, the short-time Fourier transform technique was used instead of the fast Fourier transform, which has been commonly used for nondestructive methods, to minimize the noise in the field and, consequently, to estimate the dynamic modulus more accurately. The dynamic modulus was estimated according to the distance from the spalling end using the IE method at the Korea Expressway Corporation test road to identify the damaged range in the slab based on the severity of spalling. The dynamic modulus, compressive strength, and absorption coefficient tests were conducted in the laboratory for specimens cored from the concrete slab where the field test was performed. Finally, the PDR size was suggested according to the severity of spalling based on the damaged range in the slab, as determined by the field test and laboratory test results.
Microbial Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite-Nanocellulose Nanocomposites from Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast Pellicle of Fermented Kombucha Tea
Authors: Paramasivan Mareeswari , Kumar Tiruchirapalli Subramaniam Sampath , Chandra T. S.
Published: July 2022

The strong need for the utilization of industrial by-products and biowaste increases as we transition towards a circular economy. On these grounds, the present research aims to explore the applicability of the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a by-product of a functional beverage industry, for applications in biomedicine. Herein, hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated SCOBY nanocellulose (SN) nanocomposite (SNHA) was synthesized via a novel biomimetic approach using Serratia marcescens strain by adopting two different in situ approaches. Characterization studies established the presence of functional groups corresponding to pure nanocellulose and HA. Microscopic analysis revealed SN fibers of the dimensions 30–50 nm surrounded by 10–15 nm rod-shaped HA crystals. The SNHA membranes were carbonated and harbored traces of metal ions. A deposition of nano-HA crystals as high as 30–50% was achieved. Overall, the synthesized SNHA membranes reflected increased stability, low crystalline nature and an ion-substituted structure resembling the natural bone; they are thereby suited for bone tissue engineering.
The Effect of Small Particulate Matter on Tourism and Related SMEs in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Srinamphon Phisek , Chernbumroong Sainatee , Tippayawong Korrakot Yaibuathet
Published: July 2022

In northern Thailand, the problem of small particulate matter arises every year, with the primary source being agricultural-weed burning and wildfire. The tourism industry is strongly impacted and has been in the spotlight for the past few years. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of small particulate matter on tourism and related SMEs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The data were collected from 286 entrepreneurs in the tourism and related SMEs sectors. The data were analyzed using data mining and association-rule techniques. The study revealed that small particulate matter has a considerable impact on customer factors, especially when the number of customers has decreased. Operational factors and product/service factors are also affected by the dust in the form of adjustments to keep the business running and the protection of the health of employees and customers. Certainly, financial factors are affected by the small particulate matter situation, both lower revenues and higher costs.
Construction and Restoration of Landscape Ecological Network in Urumqi City Based on Landscape Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Zhao Yongyu , Kasimu Alimujiang , Liang Hongwu , Reheman Rukeya
Published: July 2022

The ecological protection and sustainable development of Urumqi have become an important part of the high-quality growth of the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain. Under the impacts of multi-source factors, the ecological landscape pattern of Urumqi has changed due to it being in a fragile eco-environment, so an ecological network is desperately needed to enhance ecological security patterns. Taking Urumqi city as the study area, the ecological risk evaluation model and the minimum cumulative resistance model were integrated to analyze the spatial and temporal features of landscape ecological risk from 2000 to 2020, and the future land use simulation model was used to predict the ecological risk pattern of Urumqi in 2030, construct a landscape ecological network, and propose ecological security protection strategies. Since 2000, land use in Urumqi has undergone drastic changes: the built-up land area has increased significantly, the landscape has diversified, and landscape fragmentation has shown a decreasing trend from the main urban area as the core to the urban fringe. The high-risk landscape ecology shows a decreasing trend from east to west, mainly in the bare land areas with sparse vegetation, whereas the risk is relatively low in woodland, arable land, and built-up areas. The change of risk in the study area is mainly influenced by the typical defective factors of oasis cities such as urban expansion, land desertification, and sparse vegetation. The landscape ecological network is mainly located in the southwest, central, and east of the study area, whereas there is no corridor distribution in the north and southeast, which is mainly caused by the special geographical location and climatic conditions. The ecological network mainly consists of 10 ecological sources and 10 ecological corridors and proposes conservation strategies for the optimization of the landscape pattern and for the construction of the ecological security pattern in Urumqi, providing a guide for the improvement of ecological security.
The Impact of Environmental Regulations and Social Norms on Farmers’ Chemical Fertilizer Reduction Behaviors: An Investigation of Citrus Farmers in Southern China
Authors: Cui Gang , Liu Zhicheng
Published: July 2022

This study investigates how environmental regulations and social norms affect farmers’ chemical fertilizer reduction behaviors (CFRBs) and investigates the mediating role played by social norms and the moderating role played by social networks. As the analysis tool, a structural equation model is employed to analyze the data collected from a questionnaire survey with 402 valid samples of Chinese citrus growers. This study reveals that (1) environmental regulations and social norms have a significant effect on farmers’ CFRBs; (2) injunctive social norms are a partial mediator of the relationship between incentive-based environmental regulations and farmers’ CFRBs; (3) social networks play a positive moderating role in the relationship between injunctive social norms and farmers’ CFRBs; and (4) large-scale farmers’ CFRBs are more susceptible to the impact of environmental regulations and social norms than small-scale farmers. The result of this study provides a significant scientific foundation for the Chinese agricultural sector to develop policies to combat soil pollution in agriculture.
Remote Working and Home Learning: How the Italian Academic Population Dealt with Changes Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Macciotta Alessandra , Farinella Domenica , Dell’Aversana Giuseppina , Fornili Marco , Petri Davide , Baglietto Laura , Baccini Michela , Berrocal Montiel Carmen , Fiorentino Giuseppe , Severi Gianluca , Ricceri Fulvio , Campolo Maria Gabriella , Bruno Andreina
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced changes in people’s lives that affected their mental health. Our study aimed to explore the level of psychological distress in the academic population during the lockdown period and investigate its association with the new working or studying conditions. The study sample included 9364 students and 2159 employees from five Italian universities from the study IO CONTO 2020. We applied linear regression models to investigate the association between home learning or remote working conditions and psychological distress, separately for students and employees. Psychological distress was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In both students and employees, higher levels of distress were significantly associated with study/work–family conflicts, concerns about their future careers, and inadequacy of equipment; in employees, higher levels of distress were significantly associated with a lack of clarity on work objectives. Our results are in line with previous research on the impact of spaces and equipment in remote working/studying from home. Moreover, the study contributes to deepening the association between well-being and telework–family conflict, which in the literature is still equivocal. Practical implications require academic governance to promote sustainable environments both in remote and hybrid work conditions, by referring to a specific management by objectives approach.
Analysis of the Main Corporate Social Responsibility Drivers and Barriers and Their Foreseeable Evolution—Evidence from Two Leading Multinationals: The Airbus and TASL Cases
Authors: García Martín Rafael , Duran-Heras Alfonso , Reina Sánchez Karen
Published: July 2022

This article undertakes a comparative analysis of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) drivers and barriers in the European multinational Airbus and the Indian Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), both in their current, as-is state, and in the desirable future, should-be state. These in-depth case studies are based on structured interviews, complemented with a survey. The research findings provide qualified, bounded support to the currently preponderant view among CSR scholars, regarding both the preeminent role of the internal (vs. external) drivers and the key importance of moral-driven (vs. profit-driven) drivers such as the values of the top management. The caveat here reflects that, contingent on cultural issues, individual companies might not have reached this state yet. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the current CSR situation could be characterized as contingent, transitional and convergent; the practical implications for the various CSR stakeholders of this characterization are discussed. The most salient trait, convergence, suggests the existence of a certain commonality in CSR’s foreseeable evolutionary path, even among disparate companies, converging on such aspects as the ever-increasing role of the value system and of the shared, internalized company culture, and the shift of CSR’s role from obligation to potential source of competitive advantage.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Human Reliability in the Mining Process Design Using Fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL Methods
Authors: Mohammadfam Iraj , Khajevandi Ali Asghar , Dehghani Hesam , Babamiri Mohammad , Farhadian Maryam
Published: July 2022

Design errors have always been recognized as one of the main factors affecting safety and health management and sustainable development in surface mines. Unfortunately, scant attention is paid to design errors and the factors causing them. Therefore, based on expert opinions, this study aimed to identify, rank, and investigate cause-and-effect relationships among variables influencing human error in surface mine design in Iran. The study variables were identified by reviewing previous literature on “latent human errors” and “design errors.” After specifying effective variables, two rounds of the Fuzzy Delphi study were carried out to reach a consensus among experts. Nineteen variables with an influencing score of 0.7 and higher were screened and given to the experts to be analyzed for cause-and-effect relationships by the fuzzy DEMATEL method. The results of the study revealed that the following variables were the major factors affecting human error as root causes: poor organizational management (0.62), resource allocation (0.30), training level (0.27), and experience (0.25). Moreover, self-confidence (−0.29), fatigue (−0.28), depression (−0.25), and motive (−0.23) were found to be effect (dependent) variables. Our findings can help organizations, particularly surface mines, to opt for effective strategies to control factors affecting design errors and consequently reduce workers’ errors, providing a good basis for achieving sustainable development.