bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Diagnosis of the Rolling Bearing by a Multi-Task Deep Learning Method Based on a Classifier Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Shen Zhunan , Kong Xiangwei , Cheng Liu , Wang Rengen , Zhu Yunpeng
Published: February 2024

Accurate fault diagnosis is essential for the safe operation of rotating machinery. Recently, traditional deep learning-based fault diagnosis have achieved promising results. However, most of these methods focus only on supervised learning and tend to use small convolution kernels non-effectively to extract features that are not controllable and have poor interpretability. To this end, this study proposes an innovative semi-supervised learning method for bearing fault diagnosis. Firstly, multi-scale dilated convolution squeeze-and-excitation residual blocks are designed to exact local and global features. Secondly, a classifier generative adversarial network is employed to achieve multi-task learning. Both unsupervised and supervised learning are performed simultaneously to improve the generalization ability. Finally, supervised learning is applied to fine-tune the final model, which can extract multi-scale features and be further improved by implicit data augmentation. Experiments on two datasets were carried out, and the results verified the superiority of the proposed method.
A Design Method and Application of Meta-Surface-Based Arbitrary Passband Filter for Terahertz Communication
Authors: Hou Da , Wang Lihui , Lin Qiuhua , Xu Xiaodong , Li Yin , Luo Zhiyong , Chen Hao
Published: February 2024

A meta-surface-based arbitrary bandwidth filter realization method for terahertz (THz) future communications is presented. The approach involves integrating a meta-surface-based bandstop filter into an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter and adjusting the operating frequency range of the meta-surface bandstop filter to realize the design of arbitrary bandwidth filters. It effectively addresses the complexity of designing traditional arbitrary bandwidth filters and the challenges in achieving impedance matching. To underscore its practicality, the paper employs silicon substrate integrated gap waveguide (SSIGW) and this method to craft a THz filter. To begin, design equations for electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures were developed in accordance with the requirements of through-silicon via (TSV) and applied to the design of the SSIGW. Subsequently, this article employs equivalent transmission line models and equivalent circuits to conduct theoretical analyses for both the UWB passband and the meta-surface stopband portions. The proposed THz filter boasts a center frequency of 0.151 THz, a relative bandwidth of 6.9%, insertion loss below 0.68 dB, and stopbands exceeding 20 GHz in both upper and lower ranges. The in-band group delay is 0.119 ± 0.048 ns. Compared to reported THz filters, the SSIGW filter boasts advantages such as low loss and minimal delay, making it even more suitable for future wireless communication.
Measurement of Soot Concentration in Burner Diffusion Flames through Emission Spectroscopy with Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Li Zizhen , Wan Ni , Qian Xiangchen
Published: February 2024

Measuring soot concentration in a burner flame is essential for an in-depth understanding of the formation mechanism and to abate its generation. This paper presents an improved emission spectroscopy (ES) method that uses an adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm for measuring the concentration of soot in methane burner flames. Experimental tests were conducted on a laboratory-scale facility under a methane flowrate ranging between 0.6 and 0.9 L/min. A comparison analysis of the soot concentration measured by the ES method, the improved emission spectroscopy (IES) method, and the thermocouple particle density (TPD) method (as a reference) was conducted. The ES method obtained a maximum absolute deviation of 0.84 ppm from the average soot concentration at the three measurement points compared to the TPD method, while that of the IES was only 0.09 ppm. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed IES method can obtain a more accurate soot concentration of diffusion flames.
Mobile Data Gathering and Preliminary Analysis for the Functional Reach Test
Authors: Francisco Luís , Duarte João , Albuquerque Carlos , Albuquerque Daniel , Pires Ivan Miguel , Coelho Paulo Jorge
Published: February 2024

The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical tool used to evaluate dynamic balance and fall risk in older adults and those with certain neurological diseases. It provides crucial information for developing rehabilitation programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk. This paper aims to describe a new tool to gather and analyze the data from inertial sensors to allow automation and increased reliability in the future by removing practitioner bias and facilitating the FRT procedure. A new tool for gathering and analyzing data from inertial sensors has been developed to remove practitioner bias and streamline the FRT procedure. The study involved 54 senior citizens using smartphones with sensors to execute FRT. The methods included using a mobile app to gather data, using sensor-fusion algorithms like the Madgwick algorithm to estimate orientation, and attempting to estimate location by twice integrating accelerometer data. However, accurate position estimation was difficult, highlighting the need for more research and development. The study highlights the benefits and drawbacks of automated balance assessment testing with mobile device sensors, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance conventional health evaluations.
Vertical Distribution Mapping for Methane Fugitive Emissions Using Laser Path-Integral Sensing in Non-Cooperative Open Paths
Authors: Wang Di , Li Yushuang , Pu Yu , Lv Yan , Wang Mingji , Yang Hui , Zhao Xuefeng , Li Dong
Published: February 2024

Observing the vertical diffusion distribution of methane fugitive emissions from oil/gas facilities is significant for predicting the pollutant’s spatiotemporal transport and quantifying the random emission sources. A method is proposed for methane’s vertical distribution mapping by combining the laser path-integral sensing in non-non-cooperative open paths and the computer-assisted tomography (CAT) techniques. It uses a vertical-plume-mapping optical path configuration and adapts the developed dynamic relaxation and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (DR-SART) into methane-emission-distribution reconstruction. A self-made miniaturized TDLAS telemetry sensor provides a reliable path to integral concentration information in non-non-cooperative open paths, with Allan variance analysis yielding a 3.59 ppm·m sensitivity. We employed a six-indexes system for the reconstruction performance analysis of four potential optical path-projection configurations and conducted the corresponding validation experiment. The results have shown that that of multiple fan-beams combined with parallel-beam modes (MFPM) is better than the other optical path-projection configurations, and its reconstruction similarity coefficient (ε) is at least 22.4% higher. For the different methane gas bag-layout schemes, the reconstruction errors of maximum concentration (γm) are consistently around 0.05, with the positional errors of maximum concentration (δ) falling within the range of 0.01 to 0.025. Moreover, considering the trade-off between scanning duration and reconstruction accuracy, it is recommended to appropriately extend the sensor measurement time on a single optical path to mitigate the impact of mechanical vibrations induced by scanning motion.
Multi-Device Parallel MRI Reconstruction: Efficient Partitioning for Undersampled 5D Cardiac CINE
Authors: López-Ales Emilio , Menchón-Lara Rosa-María , Simmross-Wattenberg Federico , Rodríguez-Cayetano Manuel , Martín-Fernández Marcos , Alberola-López Carlos
Published: February 2024

Cardiac CINE, a form of dynamic cardiac MRI, is indispensable in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, offering detailed visualization essential for the early detection of cardiac diseases. As the demand for higher-resolution images increases, so does the volume of data requiring processing, presenting significant computational challenges that can impede the efficiency of diagnostic imaging. Our research presents an approach that takes advantage of the computational power of multiple Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to address these challenges. GPUs are devices capable of performing large volumes of computations in a short period, and have significantly improved the cardiac MRI reconstruction process, allowing images to be produced faster. The innovation of our work resides in utilizing a multi-device system capable of processing the substantial data volumes demanded by high-resolution, five-dimensional cardiac MRI. This system surpasses the memory capacity limitations of single GPUs by partitioning large datasets into smaller, manageable segments for parallel processing, thereby preserving image integrity and accelerating reconstruction times. Utilizing OpenCL technology, our system offers adaptability and cross-platform functionality, ensuring wider applicability. The proposed multi-device approach offers an advancement in medical imaging, accelerating the reconstruction process and facilitating faster and more effective cardiac health assessment.
Wearable Technology for Monitoring Electrocardiograms (ECGs) in Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dahiya Ekta Singh , Kalra Anubha Manju , Lowe Andrew , Anand Gautam
Published: February 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems, there is a heightened demand for non-invasive sensors capable of measuring ECGs and detecting heart rate variability (HRV) in diverse populations, ranging from cardiovascular patients to sports enthusiasts. Challenges like device accuracy, patient privacy, signal noise, and long-term safety impede the use of wearable devices in clinical practice. This scoping review aims to assess the performance and safety of novel multi-channel, sensor-based biopotential wearable devices in adults. A comprehensive search strategy was employed on four databases, resulting in 143 records and the inclusion of 12 relevant studies. Most studies focused on healthy adult subjects (n = 6), with some examining controlled groups with atrial fibrillation (AF) (n = 3), long QT syndrome (n = 1), and sleep apnea (n = 1). The investigated bio-sensor devices included chest-worn belts (n = 2), wrist bands (n = 2), adhesive chest strips (n = 2), and wearable textile smart clothes (n = 4). The primary objective of the included studies was to evaluate device performance in terms of accuracy, signal quality, comparability, and visual assessment of ECGs. Safety findings, reported in five articles, indicated no major side effects for long-term/continuous monitoring, with only minor instances of skin irritation. Looking forward, there are ample opportunities to enhance and test these technologies across various physical activity intensities and clinical conditions.
Optimal Excitation and Readout of Resonators Used as Wireless Passive Sensors
Authors: Reindl Leonhard M. , Aftab Taimur , Gidion Gunnar , Ostertag Thomas , Luo Wei , Rupitsch Stefan Johann
Published: February 2024

Resonators are passive time-invariant components that do not produce a frequency shift. However, they respond to an excitation signal close to resonance with an oscillation at their natural frequencies with exponentially decreasing amplitudes. If resonators are connected to antennas, they form purely passive sensors that can be read remotely. In this work, we model the external excitation of a resonator with different excitation signals and its subsequent decay characteristics analytically as well as numerically. The analytical modeling explains the properties of the resonator during transient response and decay behavior. The analytical modeling clarifies how natural oscillations are generated in a linear time-invariant system, even if their spectrum was not included in the stimulation spectrum. In addition, it enables the readout signals to be optimized in terms of duration and bandwidth.
Semantic Segmentation of Remote Sensing Data Based on Channel Attention and Feature Information Entropy
Authors: Duan Sining , Zhao Jingyi , Huang Xinyi , Zhao Shuhe
Published: February 2024

The common channel attention mechanism maps feature statistics to feature weights. However, the effectiveness of this mechanism may not be assured in remotely sensing images due to statistical differences across multiple bands. This paper proposes a novel channel attention mechanism based on feature information called the feature information entropy attention mechanism (FEM). The FEM constructs a relationship between features based on feature information entropy and then maps this relationship to their importance. The Vaihingen dataset and OpenEarthMap dataset are selected for experiments. The proposed method was compared with the squeeze-and-excitation mechanism (SEM), the convolutional block attention mechanism (CBAM), and the frequency channel attention mechanism (FCA). Compared with these three channel attention mechanisms, the mIoU of the FEM in the Vaihingen dataset is improved by 0.90%, 1.10%, and 0.40%, and in the OpenEarthMap dataset, it is improved by 2.30%, 2.20%, and 2.10%, respectively. The proposed channel attention mechanism in this paper shows better performance in remote sensing land use classification.
Design of Long-Life Wireless Near-Field Hydrogen Gas Sensor
Authors: Deng Xintao , Sun Jinwei , Yang Fuyuan , Ouyang Minggao
Published: February 2024

A compact wireless near-field hydrogen gas sensor is proposed, which detects leaking hydrogen near its source to achieve fast responses and high reliability. A semiconductor-type sensing element is implemented in the sensor, which can provide a significant response in 100 ms when stimulated by pure hydrogen. The overall response time is shortened by orders of magnitude compared to conventional sensors according to simulation results, which will be within 200 ms, compared with over 25 s for spatial concentration sensors under the worst conditions. Over 1 year maintenance intervals are enabled by wireless design based on the Bluetooth low energy protocol. The average energy consumption during a single alarm process is 153 μJ/s. The whole sensor is integrated on a 20 × 26 mm circuit board for compact use.
Semantic and Geometric-Aware Day-to-Night Image Translation Network
Authors: Bang Geonkyu , Lee Jinho , Endo Yuki , Nishimori Toshiaki , Nakao Kenta , Kamijo Shunsuke
Published: February 2024

Autonomous driving systems heavily depend on perception tasks for optimal performance. However, the prevailing datasets are primarily focused on scenarios with clear visibility (i.e., sunny and daytime). This concentration poses challenges in training deep-learning-based perception models for environments with adverse conditions (e.g., rainy and nighttime). In this paper, we propose an unsupervised network designed for the translation of images from day-to-night to solve the ill-posed problem of learning the mapping between domains with unpaired data. The proposed method involves extracting both semantic and geometric information from input images in the form of attention maps. We assume that the multi-task network can extract semantic and geometric information during the estimation of semantic segmentation and depth maps, respectively. The image-to-image translation network integrates the two distinct types of extracted information, employing them as spatial attention maps. We compare our method with related works both qualitatively and quantitatively. The proposed method shows both qualitative and qualitative improvements in visual presentation over related work.
Extending the Framework for Developing Intelligent Virtual Environments (FIVE) with Artifacts for Modeling Internet of Things Devices and a New Decentralized Federated Learning Based on Consensus for Dynamic Networks
Authors: Rebollo Miguel , Rincon Jaime Andrés , Hernández Luís , Enguix Francisco , Carrascosa Carlos
Published: February 2024

One of the main lines of research in distributed learning in recent years is the one related to Federated Learning (FL). In this work, a decentralized Federated Learning algorithm based on consensus (CoL) is applied to Wireless Ad-hoc Networks (WANETs), where the agents communicate with other agents to share their learning model as they are available to the wireless connection range. When deploying a set of agents, it is essential to study whether all the WANET agents will be reachable before the deployment. The paper proposes to explore it by generating a simulation close to the real world using a framework (FIVE) that allows the easy development and modification of simulations based on Unity and SPADE agents. A fruit orchard with autonomous tractors is presented as a case study. The paper also presents how and why the concept of artifact has been included in the above-mentioned framework as a way to highlight the importance of some devices used in the environment that have to be located in specific places to ensure the full connection of the system. This inclusion is the first step to allow Digital Twins to be modeled with this framework, now allowing a Digital Shadow of those devices.
Jumping Motor Skills in Typically Developing Preschool Children Assessed Using a Battery of Tests
Authors: Gieysztor Ewa , Dawidziak Aleksandra , Kowal Mateusz , Paprocka-Borowicz Małgorzata
Published: February 2024

The preschool period is characterised by the improvement in motor skills. One of the developmental tasks in children is the ability to jump. Jumping plays an important role in the development of leg strength and balance. It is the gateway to more complex movements. In the physiotherapy clinic, we see a lot of difficulties in jumping performance in 5–7-year-old children. The aim of this study is to present the jumping ability, assessed by the Motor Proficiency Test (MOT) and the G-sensor examination of the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) and countermovement jump with arms thrust (CMJAT) parameters. A total of 47 children (14 boys and 33 girls) were randomly recruited. The mean age was 5.5 years. The mean height was 113 cm and the mean weight was 19.7 kg. The children were divided into two groups according to their results. Children with low basic motor skills have the greatest difficulty with jumping tasks. In the CMJ jump, the take-off force was lower than in the CMJAT (p = 0.04). Most CMJAT parameters correlate with age, weight, and height. Height correlates most with children’s jumping performance. This study may be useful for sport educators and developmental researchers. The topic should be further explored and the CMJ and CMJAT parameters may be established as a basis.
Multi-Hop Clustering and Routing Protocol Based on Enhanced Snake Optimizer and Golden Jackal Optimization in WSNs
Authors: Wang Zhen , Duan Jin , Xing Pengzhan
Published: February 2024

A collection of smaller, less expensive sensor nodes called wireless sensor networks (WSNs) use their sensing range to gather environmental data. Data are sent in a multi-hop manner from the sensing node to the base station (BS). The bulk of these sensor nodes run on batteries, which makes replacement and maintenance somewhat difficult. Preserving the network’s energy efficiency is essential to its longevity. In this study, we propose an energy-efficient multi-hop routing protocol called ESO-GJO, which combines the enhanced Snake Optimizer (SO) and Golden Jackal Optimization (GJO). The ESO-GJO method first applies the traditional SO algorithm and then integrates the Brownian motion function in the exploitation stage. The process then integrates multiple parameters, including the energy consumption of the cluster head (CH), node degree of CH, and distance between node and BS to create a fitness function that is used to choose a group of appropriate CHs. Lastly, a multi-hop routing path between CH and BS is created using the GJO optimization technique. According to simulation results, the suggested scheme outperforms LSA, LEACH-IACA, and LEACH-ANT in terms of lowering network energy consumption and extending network lifetime.
“We Are Just Supposed to Be an NGO Helping”: A Qualitative Case Study of Health Workers’ and Volunteers’ Perceptions of the Government and Civil Society’s Role in Fighting Jiggers in Bungoma County, Kenya
Authors: Mørkve Åse Walle , Sitienei Jackline , Van den Bergh Graziella
Published: February 2024

Non-governmental organizations (national and international) are important actors in addressing health issues in Kenya. Sandflea/jigger infections (tungiasis) are a public health challenge that severely affect children, older adults, and other vulnerable people in poor communities worldwide. In Kenya, NGOs have been involved in sandflea eradication for more than twenty years. Without treatment, the flea may cause debilitating infections and sores, resulting in difficulties with walking and grasping, as well as social harassment. This paper aims to shed light on health workers’ and volunteers’ perceptions of the government and civil society’s role in fighting jigger infections. Data were collected through a qualitative case study design, with a three-month fieldwork including participation in mobile jigger removal programs, 18 semi-structured in-depth interviews, informal talks, and observations, in five villages in Bungoma County. The thematic analysis of the data resulted in three recurring themes: (1) the NGO-driven jigger program as a (fragile) resource for local communities, (2) the need for more consistent collaboration between NGOs and public health services, and (3) the local perceptions of the governments’ responsibilities in combatting the plague. The findings imply that the 10-year-old national policy guidelines on the prevention and control of jigger infestations need to be updated; this includes the coordination of the public and private actors’ roles, the incorporation of lessons learned, and the need for a multisectoral One Health approach to combat the jigger menace in the country.
The Gendered Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Employment in Argentina: The Mediating Role of the Public vs. Private Sectors
Authors: Mertehikian Yasmin A. , Parrado Emilio A.
Published: February 2024

This study examines the COVID-19 pandemic’s immediate and long-term impact on Argentina’s labor market with a focus on gender disparities and the mediating role of the public vs. private sectors. Using household survey data, we assess men and women’s employment trends before, during, and after the pandemic. Our findings reveal gender-specific recovery patterns that interact with the employment sector. The most prominent short-term effect of the pandemic was a dramatic increase in inactivity for both men and women. However, men recovered their level of labor force participation sooner than women, and one of the mechanisms behind this disparity was sector employment. While men predominantly benefitted from quicker reintegration in both the formal and informal private sectors, women leaned toward the public sector for stability during and after the pandemic. The heightened feminization of public sector employment is a further indication that the sector is critical for sustaining women’s employment and promoting gender equity in the labor market.
Water Erosion Processes on the Geotouristic Trails of Serra da Bocaina National Park Coast, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Lima Guilherme Marques de , Guerra Antonio Jose Teixeira , Rangel Luana de Almeida , Booth Colin A. , Fullen Michael Augustine
Published: February 2024

Conservation units are strategic territories that have a high demand for public use, as they protect attractions of great scenic beauty, geodiversity sites, and numerous leisure areas. However, when carried out in an intensive and disorderly manner, tourist activity in these areas tends to catalyze environmental degradation, triggering, for example, water erosion processes caused by intensive soil trampling on the trails. In this sense, the aim of this study was to determine the soil’s physicochemical characteristics, and to spatiotemporally monitor the microtopography of those areas degraded by erosion along two trails on Serra da Bocaina National Park coast of the Paraty Municipality. The findings verified that intensive trampling, the values of some soil physicochemical characteristics, and the specific meteorological conditions of the coastal region of this protected area were factors that contributed significantly to the evolution of erosion features monitored on these trails. Finally, strategies for appropriate management and recovery actions for these degraded areas are proposed in order to not only stop the erosive processes and re-establish the local ecosystem balance, but also avoid accidents involving the numerous tourists who visit the coastal region.
Dynamic Assessment of Photovoltaic-Storage Integrated Energy Stations Health Incorporating Subjective and Objective Characteristics
Authors: Wang Xin , Xiao Fan , Tu Chunming , Guo Qi , Hou Yuchao , Lan Zheng
Published: February 2024

Photovoltaic-storage integrated systems, which combine distributed photovoltaics with energy storage, play a crucial role in distributed energy systems. Evaluating the health status of photovoltaic-storage integrated energy stations in a reasonable manner is essential for enhancing their safety and stability. To achieve an accurate and continuous assessment of the health status of photovoltaic-storage integrated energy stations, a dynamic evaluation method is proposed in this study. This method integrates both subjective and objective characteristics. Initially, considering the evaluation needs of low-carbon operation and health status for photovoltaic-storage integrated energy stations, a comprehensive health status evaluation system is developed. The significance of each indicator is subjectively analyzed, while also considering objective characteristics and sensitivity of indicators. The integration of subjective and objective characteristics is achieved using principles from game theory. Subsequently, through the establishment of the Grey-TOPSIS evaluation model, both positive and negative correlations of the health status of photovoltaic-storage integrated energy stations are determined, resulting in the derivation of a health status vector. Furthermore, the introduction of time-weight vectors and the incorporation of a time dimension enable dynamic evaluation and the comprehensive observation of health status. Finally, the scientific validity and effectiveness of the proposed evaluation method are demonstrated through practical examples, with comparisons made to traditional evaluation methods. The results clearly indicate that this method offers higher sensitivity when evaluating the health of photovoltaic-storage integrated energy stations.
How Realistic Are Coal Phase-Out Timeline Targets for Turkey?
Authors: Uyanik Sirri , Dogerlioglu Isiksungur Ozlem
Published: February 2024

Coal phase-out is considered to be critical to the success of energy transition for all countries. Yet, recent assessments indicate that energy security aspects may affect phase-out plans and/or commitments and jeopardize energy transition ambitions. This study aims to question to what extent coal phase-out targets for Türkiye are realistic. Although previous research has mainly focused on direct emission reduction targets and just transition aspects, we include a down-to-earth discussion of the potential challenges before coal phase-out. The interaction between phasing-out coal power generation and energy security aspects is also analyzed. To understand the coal phase-out timeline targets, its limitations, and constraints within the framework of future power projections, a supply–demand model with different scenarios was developed. In addition, energy storage was also discussed as an option. Analysis revealed that energy storage, in the short- and medium-term, may not be the panacea, as it may not be deployed in the scale to substitute the energy security that coal provided. Moreover, our findings indicate that phasing-out is not as simple as assumed. A target timeline is certainly not realistic considering the energy security aspect and challenges. On the other hand, economically nonviable and technically nonavailable coal-fired power plants in the power system may retire gradually (as a natural phase-out process). This may occur even without waiting for the target timeline, if there would ever officially be one.
An Empirical Study on Public Sector versus Third Sector Circular Economy-Oriented Innovations
Authors: Clifton Nick , Kyaw Khine S. , Liu Zheng , Walpole Gary
Published: February 2024

Extensive research has explored organisational dynamics across various sectors in relation to circular economy (CE) innovation practices. However, a critical gap exists in understanding CE innovation activities in the public sector versus the third sector. This distinction is crucial as the third sector’s role in CE innovation is growing, necessitating tailored policies instead of homogenous integration into public sector-based approaches. We address this gap by focusing on nuanced comparisons between the public and third sectors, delving into the motivations and constraints surrounding CE innovations across these different sectors. Employing an exploratory sequential design, we integrate qualitative insights from 12 interviews with quantitative measures derived from 153 survey responses within CE innovation communities. The findings reveal subtle yet significant disparities in innovation activities between the public and third sectors within a CE innovation community. Notably, cost factor differences related to the availability of finance and knowledge factors associated with the lack of information on technology emerge. This research contributes evidence-based insights, offering practitioners and policymakers a nuanced understanding of the motivations and constraints of circular economy innovation. These findings can be instrumental in steering the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy, emphasising the need for tailored strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Influence of Different Forms on BIPV Gymnasium Carbon-Saving Potential Based on Energy Consumption and Solar Energy in Multi-Climate Zones
Authors: Dong Yu , Duan Haoqi , Li Xueshun , Zhang Ruinan
Published: February 2024

In this study, the influence of the gymnasium building form on energy consumption and photovoltaic (PV) potential was investigated to address its high energy consumption and carbon emissions issues. Five cities in different climate zones in China (Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming) were selected as case study environments to simulate and calculate the energy use intensity (EUI), photovoltaic power generation potential (PVPG), and CO2 emission (CE) indicators for 10 typical gymnasium building forms, while also assessing the impact of building orientation. This study found that changes in gymnasium building orientation can cause a 0.5–2.5% difference in EUI under the five climatic conditions, whereas changes in building form can cause a 1.9–6.4% difference in EUI. After integrating a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system on the roof, changes in building orientation and form can lead to a 0–14.4% and 7.6–11.1% difference in PVPG and a 7.8–68.1% and 8.7–72.0% difference in CE. The results demonstrate that both the choice of form and orientation contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions from BIPV gymnasiums, with the rational choice of form having a higher potential for carbon savings than orientation. These research findings can guide the initial selection of gymnasium designs to pursue low-carbon goals.
The Spillover Effect of Foreign Direct Investment on China’s High-Tech Industry Based on Interprovincial Panel Data
Authors: Zhao Min , Chen Qing , Dai Debao , Fan Yaodong , Xie Jiaping
Published: February 2024

Since its reform and opening-up, the scale of China’s utilization of foreign direct investment (FDI) has been expanding. Meanwhile, the “Belt and Road” initiative has opened up broader markets and trade opportunities for China. As a pillar industry supported by the state, the high-tech industry has also become an industry with more foreign investment. Therefore, based on the data of China’s high-tech industry from 2012 to 2021, this paper analyzes the technology spillover effect of foreign direct investment on the high-tech industry in the whole country as well as in the east, west, and northeast regions by using the C-D production function. The results show that in the eastern region, FDI has a positive spillover effect on the output and technological innovation of the high-tech industry; compared with the eastern region, FDI in the central and western regions inhibits technological innovation but has a positive effect on the output of the high-tech industry; in the northeastern region, FDI hampers the output of the high-tech industry but promotes the enhancement of the technological innovation capacity. The reason for this is that FDI is unevenly distributed in each region of China, and the absorption capacity of high-tech enterprises in each region is different from that of foreign direct investment. Finally, against the background of “Belt and Road”, this paper puts forward policy suggestions in light of the actual development situation of each region. China should strengthen the supervision of FDI to ensure the sustainability of foreign investment. All regions should give full play to their comparative advantages and deal with the balanced development of FDI and local factor inputs to realize the coordinated development of China’s regional economy.
A Novel Semi-Spar Floating Wind Turbine Platform Applied for Intermediate Water Depth
Authors: Cai Qingqing , Chen Daoyi , Yang Ni , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

For the exploitation of offshore wind resources in areas with intermediate water depths, a novel semi-spar floating foundation is introduced to combine the superiority of the conventional semisubmersible and spar-type floater. It consists of an upper floater and a hanging weight, which are connected through 12 suspension ropes. Such a floating foundation can be wet-towed as a semisubmersible floater, which features a large waterplane moment of inertia to increase stability and reduce transportation costs. After being anchored on site, it behaves as a spar floater with moderate draft and superior hydrodynamic characteristics. The stability of the proposed semi-spar platform during wet towage is analyzed. Afterward, a fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulation is conducted to evaluate its hydrodynamic responses in comparison with the responses of the well-acknowledged OC3-spar and OC4-semisubmersible platforms. Then, the ultimate strength of the mooring lines and suspension ropes under extreme conditions was numerically investigated, as well as the relationship between the ropes’ tension and wave direction. Eventually, a cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted in terms of power generation and steel mass. The results demonstrate that the proposed semi-spar design meets the safety criteria in transportation and exhibits a smaller response in surge and pitch motions. In addition, the ultimate strength of mooring lines and suspension ropes satisfies the safety requirements, and simulation reveals that the lateral suspension ropes parallel to the propagation direction are sensitive to the environmental conditions of winds and waves. This study confirms that the newly proposed floating wind turbine exhibits excellent hydrodynamic and power generation performance, which is of great significance for the sustainability of the energy and electricity industry.
Study of the Energy Efficiency of Compressed Air Storage Tanks
Authors: Dindorf Ryszard
Published: February 2024

This study focusses on the energy efficiency of compressed air storage tanks (CASTs), which are used as small-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES) and renewable energy sources (RES). The objectives of this study are to develop a mathematical model of the CAST system and its original numerical solutions using experimental parameters that consider polytropic charging and discharging processes, changes in the time of the temperature, flow parameters of the inlet and outlet valves under choked and subsonic conditions, and the characteristics of the air motor. This model is used to select CAST as an energy storage system for compressed air generated by compressors and recycling, as well as an energy source to drive DC generators and a pneumatic propulsion system (PPS). A measuring test rig is built to verify the polytropic pressure and temperature variations during CAST charging and discharging obtained from numerical solutions. The topic of discussion is the functional model of a high-pressure air system (HPAS) that contains a CAST connected to an air motor coupled to a mechanical drive for a DC generator or PPS. Such a system is used in small-scale CASTs, which currently respond to socio-economic demands. The presented CAST energy efficiency indicators are used to justify the storage of compressed air energy on a small scale. Small-scale compressed air storage in CASTs is currently important and relevant due to the balance between peak electricity demand and the development of wind energy, photovoltaics, and other renewable energy sources.
Correction: Mukherjee et al. Heavy Metal and Metalloid Contamination in Food and Emerging Technologies for Its Detection. Sustainability 2023, 15, 1195
Authors: Mukherjee Anirban Goutam , Renu Kaviyarasi , Gopalakrishnan Abilash Valsala , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Vinayagam Sathishkumar , Paz-Montelongo Soraya , Dey Abhijit , Vellingiri Balachandar , George Alex , Madhyastha Harishkumar , Ganesan Raja
Published: February 2024

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Trust in and Building of Sustainable Local Health and Well-Being Programs in the United States
Authors: Greenberg Michael R. , Schneider Dona
Published: February 2024

The U.S. healthcare system is by far the most expensive per capita in the world and does not deliver the best outcomes. The literature shows that the U.S. population is distressed about what it is paying for and is especially distressed about people and companies that it perceives as sacrificing the public good for personal profit. Nevertheless, studies show high levels of trust in nurses, pharmacists, personal physicians, fire and security officers, engineers, and other practitioners who provide services at the local scale. Artificial intelligence (AI) poses an opportunity to reduce healthcare costs, yet it concerns the public because its misuse may violate personal boundaries, spread inaccurate data, and lead to other undesirable outcomes. The literature illustrates the benefits of cooperative relationships between community groups, local governments, and experts using new AI tools in support of local public health and well-being programs. One important example is preventing and reducing the consequences of acute hazard events. Overall, this review makes a case that focusing on the community scale represents an opportunity to improve health and well-being outcomes by establishing trusted and sustainable relationships.
Students’ Digital Competence Development in the Production of Open Educational Resources in Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Braßler Mirjam
Published: February 2024

Open education, Open Educational Practices (OEPs), and Open Educational Resources (OERs) have emerged as significant opportunities for enhancing global sustainability information sharing. However, the creation and sharing of OERs, as well as the usage of OEPs in Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD), remain limited. This study explores the implementation of OEPs in HESD, aiming to empower students to co-produce OERs on sustainable development (SD). This study, drawing on the theoretical approach of the principle of constructive alignment, proposes the development of students’ digital competence in OER production. A two-group pretest–posttest analysis of 409 students (Psychology, Economics, Education, Geography) reveals a significant increase in digital competence over time among students who produced OERs on SD, compared to their peers enrolled in courses unrelated to OER content development. We delve into the practical implications of designing OEPs in HESD and strategize to support students in their OER production processes.
Transportation Infrastructure and Common Prosperity from the Perspective of Chinese-Style Modernization: Enabling Effects and Advancement Paths
Authors: Tong Qiong , Zhang Lulu , Liu Jie
Published: February 2024

“Common prosperity depends on development, and development comes first in transportation.” Achieving common prosperity is the essential requirement for Chinese-style modernization under the construction of a sustainable transportation power country. Based on China’s 30 provincial panel data from 2001 to 2021, this paper calculates the common prosperity index under modernization construction and uses the fixed-effect model and bootstrap mediation effect analysis method to examine the impact and promotion path of transportation infrastructure empowering common prosperity (mediating effect). The study found that transportation infrastructure has a significant enabling effect on common prosperity, and the higher the level of common prosperity, the stronger this effect. After a variety of robustness tests, the conclusion is still reliable. The specific path is that transportation infrastructure further strengthens its role in empowering common prosperity through the four intermediaries of economic growth, factor flow, industrial upgrading, and market expansion. Except for the complete intermediary effect of factor flow, the other intensity ratios are all at 65% or above. In addition, there is heterogeneity in the impact of transportation infrastructure on common prosperity, which is reflected in the significant effect in areas with large urban populations, eastern regions, and first-tier or former new first-tier cities. To this end, a quadrilateral orientation focusing on “economy, factors, industries, and markets” is proposed, with dense transportation networks and regional differentiation as the focus of sustainable transportation development, providing empirical support for promoting common prosperity.
Enterprise Implementation of Educational Technology: Exploring Employee Learning Behavior in E-Learning Environments
Authors: Tsai Ching-Yeh , Li Der-Chiang
Published: February 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology and with the ubiquitousness of the internet, corporations are increasingly focused on harnessing educational technology to boost their competitive prowess. A pivotal question emerges: Can they implement this technology effectively and sustainably to enhance the learning capabilities of their workforce and facilitate their accumulation of knowledge and skills? This concern remains a central focus in the corporate sphere. From educational psychology, goal orientation theory offers an explanatory framework for understanding learner (employee) behavior variations following learning interventions. This research is grounded in the e-learning environment fostered by educational technology within corporations. It explores and hypothesizes the impact of employee achievement motivations—including learning, proving, and avoiding goal orientations—on self-regulated learning (encompassing cognitive, motivational, and behavioral adjustments). Additionally, this study examines how employees’ self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction with the learning process influence learning effectiveness (learning outcomes) assessments. Our empirical survey targeted 380 employees from 26 companies participating in corporate educational technology learning (e-learning), with our research hypotheses tested through PLS structural equation modeling. The analysis indicates that employees’ learning and proving goal orientations indirectly positively affect their learning outcomes by mediating self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction. Conversely, employees’ avoidance goal orientation indirectly negatively impacts their learning outcomes by mediating their self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction. Finally, the researchers offer recommendations for management and future research directions.
System for Monitoring the Safety and Movement Mechanics of Users of Bicycles and Electric Scooters in Real Conditions in the Context of Social Sustainability
Authors: Majer Jakub , Adamiec Jarosław , Obst Maciej , Kurpisz Dariusz
Published: February 2024

Sustainable development means taking care of the environment, which also means promoting green transport, which involves the systematic development of personal transport in its broadest sense. The positive aspects associated with cheap and convenient electric transport are intertwined with the problem of collisions and accidents. While developing road infrastructure for electric vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, and others, research should be conducted in parallel to ensure the highest possible level of safety for users. There is also an increase in the number of people using bicycles and electric scooters, which develop significant speeds. The problem of accidents among users of classic and electric bicycles and scooters is evident, and post-accident injuries pose a serious challenge to medical practitioners. The literature is rich in statistical analyses of accidents among users of scooters and bicycles, but there are no studies where the behaviour of users of bicycles, scooters, etc. is analysed. The authors of this study set out to develop a measurement system to assess the traffic safety of people using bicycles and scooters. The device uses LIDAR to record the speed of the vehicle and a camera, the images of which are processed by an algorithm in order to classify the user as being on a bicycle or scooter and using or not using head protection with a helmet. It is also possible to analyse the behaviour of the vehicle users under study. The article describes the built measurement device and presents the results of the initial measurements made by the device.