bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Hierarchical Transformers Learn Facial Geometry?
Authors: Young Paul , Ebadi Nima , Das Arun , Bethany Mazal , Desai Kevin , Najafirad Peyman
Published: January 2023

Human faces are a core part of our identity and expression, and thus, understanding facial geometry is key to capturing this information. Automated systems that seek to make use of this information must have a way of modeling facial features in a way that makes them accessible. Hierarchical, multi-level architectures have the capability of capturing the different resolutions of representation involved. In this work, we propose using a hierarchical transformer architecture as a means of capturing a robust representation of facial geometry. We further demonstrate the versatility of our approach by using this transformer as a backbone to support three facial representation problems: face anti-spoofing, facial expression representation, and deepfake detection. The combination of effective fine-grained details alongside global attention representations makes this architecture an excellent candidate for these facial representation problems. We conduct numerous experiments first showcasing the ability of our approach to address common issues in facial modeling (pose, occlusions, and background variation) and capture facial symmetry, then demonstrating its effectiveness on three supplemental tasks.
Microspherical Titanium-Phosphorus Double Oxide: Hierarchical Structure Development for Sensing Applications
Authors: Korina Elena , Abramyan Anton , Bol’shakov Oleg , Avdin Vyacheslav V. , Savić Sladjana , Manojlović Dragan , Stanković Vesna , Stanković Dalibor M.
Published: January 2023

Stable, water-soluble titanium complexed with mandelic acid was used as a precursor for titanium phosphorus double oxide obtained in hydrothermal conditions in the presence of phosphoric acid. Surprisingly, hydrolysis of organic complexes provided a microstructured sphere with narrow size distribution, low aggregation and a small fraction of morphological irregularities. Obtained microspheres had a complex structure comprised of flakes, whose size could be manipulated with temperature conditions. Samples were found to be electrochemically active against sulcotrione, a well-recognized herbicide. Electrochemical sensors based on the synthesized microspheres were successfully adapted for natural water reservoir analysis and exhibited low levels of detection of 0.61 µM, limit of quantification of 1.86 µM, wide dynamic linear range from 2 to 200 µM, good selectivity, excellent reproducibility and in-time stability.
A CMOS Image Readout Circuit with On-Chip Defective Pixel Detection and Correction
Authors: López-Portilla Bárbaro M. , Valenzuela Wladimir , Zarkesh-Ha Payman , Figueroa Miguel
Published: January 2023

Images produced by CMOS sensors may contain defective pixels due to noise, manufacturing errors, or device malfunction, which must be detected and corrected at early processing stages in order to produce images that are useful to human users and image-processing or machine-vision algorithms. This paper proposes a defective pixel detection and correction algorithm and its implementation using CMOS analog circuits, which are integrated with the image sensor at the pixel and column levels. During photocurrent integration, the circuit detects defective values in parallel at each pixel using simple arithmetic operations within a neighborhood. At the image-column level, the circuit replaces the defective pixels with the median value of their neighborhood. To validate our approach, we designed a 128×128-pixel imager in a 0.35μm CMOS process, which integrates our defective-pixel detection/correction circuits and processes images at 694 frames per second, according to post-layout simulations. Operating at that frame rate, our proposed algorithm and its CMOS implementation produce better results than current state-of-the-art algorithms: it achieves a Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Image Enhancement Factor (IEF) of 45 dB and 198.4, respectively, in images with 0.5% random defective pixels, and a PSNR of 44.4 dB and IEF of 194.2, respectively, in images with 1.0% random defective pixels.
Marine Litter Tracking System: A Case Study with Open-Source Technology and a Citizen Science-Based Approach
Authors: Merlino Silvia , Locritani Marina , Guarnieri Antonio , Delrosso Damiano , Bianucci Marco , Paterni Marco
Published: January 2023

It is well established that most of the plastic pollution found in the oceans is transported via rivers. Unfortunately, the main processes contributing to plastic and debris displacement through riparian systems is still poorly understood. The Marine Litter Drifter project from the Arno River aims at using modern consumer software and hardware technologies to track the movements of real anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) from rivers. The innovative “Marine Litter Trackers” (MLT) were utilized as they are reliable, robust, self-powered and they present almost no maintenance costs. Furthermore, they can be built not only by those trained in the field but also by those with no specific expertise, including high school students, simply by following the instructions. Five dispersion experiments were successfully conducted from April 2021 to December 2021, using different types of trackers in different seasons and weather conditions. The maximum distance tracked was 2845 km for a period of 94 days. The activity at sea was integrated by use of Lagrangian numerical models that also assisted in planning the deployments and the recovery of drifters. The observed tracking data in turn were used for calibration and validation, recursively improving their quality. The dynamics of marine litter (ML) dispersion in the Tyrrhenian Sea is also discussed, along with the potential for open-source approaches including the “citizen science” perspective for both improving big data collection and educating/awareness-raising on AMD issues.
ATOM Calibration Framework: Interaction and Visualization Functionalities
Authors: Gomes Manuel , Oliveira Miguel , Santos Vítor
Published: January 2023

Robotic systems are evolving to include a large number of sensors and diverse sensor modalities. In order to operate a system with multiple sensors, the geometric transformations between those sensors must be accurately estimated. The process by which these transformations are estimated is known as sensor calibration. Behind every sensor calibration approach is a formulation and a framework. The formulation is the method by which the transformations are estimated. The framework is the set of operations required to carry out the calibration procedure. This paper proposes a novel calibration framework that gives more flexibility, control and information to the user, enhancing the user interface and the user experience of calibrating a robotic system. The framework consists of several visualization and interaction functionalities useful for a calibration procedure, such as the estimation of the initial pose of the sensors, the data collection and labeling, the data review and correction and the visualization of the estimation of the extrinsic and intrinsic parameters. This framework is supported by the Atomic Transformations Optimization Method formulation, referred to as ATOM. Results show that this framework is applicable to various robotic systems with different configurations, number of sensors and sensor modalities. In addition to this, a survey comparing the frameworks of different calibration approaches shows that ATOM provides a very good user experience.
Modeling a Digitally Enhanced Real World Inspired by Agential Realism—Exploring Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kimura Risa , Nakajima Tatsuo
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a conceptual-model called the virtualizing/reframing (V/R) twin model to construct a digitally enhanced real world. The V/R twin model simulates the real world, and is an extension of the conventional digital-twin model, which can accurately model the real world and provides a general-purpose method for building digital services that enhance the real world. The major difference between the proposed model and the conventional digital-twin model is its consideration of diverse new information-presentation devices that have been recently developed. The V/R twin model is inspired by agential realism to include the “entanglement of the social and the material”, and the proposed observable-world consists of the social and material that are separate, according to the current context. After explaining the outline of the V/R twin model, where four virtualizing-patterns and reframing-patterns are introduced, the potential opportunities for the V/R twin model are examined, from multiple perspectives.
Determinants of the Self-Efficacy of Prospective Teachers in Using Drama Activities for Kindergarten: A Sample from the Arab Region
Authors: Al-Khayat Amjad , Abdulhaq Bayan
Published: January 2023

Modern education increasingly focuses on interweaving drama as an integral part of pre-school education. Given that teachers’ self-efficacy in meeting expected tasks tends to stabilize over time and is grounded in their success and failure experiences as tertiary students, addressing self-efficacy among prospective teachers before starting their profession is strategic. This study assessed self-efficacy in using drama activities for kindergarten and its determinants among prospective teachers in Jordan. The study also discussed the potential risks associated with using drama activities within the Jordanian education system. The study utilized a cross-sectional design with a sample of undergraduate university students majoring in kindergarten education (N = 234). All universities that offer kindergarten education baccalaureate degrees in Jordan were targeted (N = 6). An online survey was used to collect data from students aged 18 to 21 regarding their academic characteristics, self-efficacy, attitudes toward the teaching profession, and communication skills. The results showed high levels of perceived self-efficacy in utilizing drama with children. The reports were high in all domains, including perceived self-efficacy in classroom planning, classroom management, and preparing and evaluating learning and teaching environments for drama activities. Almost 30% of the variability in prospective teachers’ self-efficacy could be explained by their attitudes toward the teaching profession, communication skills, as well as some academic characteristics. Kindergarten education curricula should foster students’ interest and attitudes toward teaching and help them improve, learn, and use communication skills effectively. Measuring and managing the risk of using drama activities in Jordanian schools and similar contexts is also warranted.
Spatial Optimization of Conservation Practices for Sediment Load Reduction in Ungauged Agricultural Watersheds
Authors: ElKadiri Racha , Momm Henrique G. , Bingner Ronald L. , Moore Katy
Published: January 2023

Conservation practices (CPs) are used in agricultural watersheds to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, leading to a sustainable management of natural resources. This is especially important as more pressure is applied on agricultural systems by a growing population and a changing climate. A challenge persists, however, in optimizing the implementation of these practices given their complex, non-linear, and location-dependent response. This study integrates watershed modeling using the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point-Source model and a GIS-based field scale localization and characterization of CPs. The investigated practices are associated with the implementation of riparian buffers, sediment basins, crop rotations, and the conservation reserve program. A total of 33 conservation scenarios were developed to quantify their impact on sediment erosion reduction. This approach was applied in an ungauged watershed as part of the Mississippi River Basin initiative aiming at reducing one of the largest aquatic dead zones in the globe. Simulation results indicate that the targeted approach has a significant impact on the overall watershed-scale sediment load reduction. Among the different evaluated practices, riparian buffers were the most efficient in sediment reduction. Moreover, the study provides a blueprint for similar investigations aiming at building decision-support systems and optimizing the placement of CPs in agricultural watersheds.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Sports in 2022
Authors:   Sports Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Different Contribution of Olive Groves and Citrus Orchards to Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration: A Field Study in Four Sites in Crete, Greece
Authors: Sofoulaki Eleni , Tzanakakis Vasileios A. , Giannopoulos Georgios , Kapellakis Iosif , Kabourakis Emmanouil , Chatzistathis Theocharis , Monokrousos Nikolaos
Published: January 2023

In this work, we evaluated the effects of cultivation practices and sites (representing four locations in Crete, Greece) on soil organic carbon sequestration in established citrus orchards, olive groves, and uncultivated fields (used as a control). Soil pH, soil texture, soil organic matter (SOM), Permanganate Oxidizable Carbon (POXC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Carbon and Nitrogen ratio (C:N), as well as soil CO2 respiration rates, and specific enzymes’ activity (i.e., N-Acetyl Glutamate (NAG), Beta Glucosidase (BG), Dehydrogenase) were determined in the upper soil layer (0–20 cm). It was shown that citrus and olive orchards under the South Mediterranean conditions could substantially increase C storage in the soil. However, soils planted with orange trees showed lower capacity than olive trees, which was related to litter chemistry (i.e., leaf C:N ratio). Sites had no significant impact on SOM. In our study, SOM had a positive relationship with TKN (and less with POXC) and the C:N ratio of the tree crop species litter. Our findings have implications for designing soil conservation practices in Mediterranean conditions and developing initiatives describing achievable targets of SOM restoration depending on soil properties and cropping systems.
Analysis of Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Honey in China
Authors: Zeng Mi , Yan Wei Yu , Zeng Zhi Jiang
Published: January 2023

Although China is the largest honey producer in the world, domestic consumption is relatively low. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a detailed investigation of honey consumption in the Chinese mainland and identify the main factors determining it. The survey data are from 960 respondents in Jiangxi Province in eastern China. The results showed that respondents mostly prefer an intense flavor (46.46%) and that the color is less important (35.94%). Regarding the types of honey, most respondents prefer runny honey (50.83%) rather than set honey (22.81%). The most common way of buying honey is by a direct sale from beekeepers (44.90%). Most of the respondents have confidence in the quality of domestic honey (87.40%), and the majority consume honey because it is a healthy and nutritious food (74.48%). The results of Fisher’s discriminant analysis indicated that the most important attributes are taste and consistency (of the intrinsic attributes) and price (of the extrinsic attributes), which are the most common reasons for purchasing. These findings provide a better understanding of honey consumption in the Chinese mainland, and they can provide guidance for developing marketing strategies and increasing the level of consumer satisfaction.
Current Situation, Dilemmas and Measures to Improve Horizontal Ecological Compensation Coordination Mechanisms in River Basins
Authors: Song Jibi , Liang Zhi , Guo Quan , Wang Chengli
Published: January 2023

Flowing water resources and relatively fixed regional segmentation form a governance problem. The essence of horizontal collaborative governance is the establishment of coordination and cooperation processes between different independent and decentralized stakeholders in order to solve cross-regional public problems. As a result, the process of collaborative governance involves a jagged relationship of rights and responsibilities. This study attempts to explore how to achieve cross-regional intergovernmental joint prevention and treatment, and build a coordinated governance mechanism for a whole river basin. Based on data sources including local statistical yearbooks, open data of ecological environment departments and policy texts, this paper performs a comparative analysis of the current water quality status of various major water bodies in China and the relevant domestic ecological compensation systems. Based on this analysis, the current water quality situation is not optimistic. In order to strengthen the ecological and environmental management of river basins, more than 40 relevant systems and implementation schemes of ecological compensation for river basins have been introduced from the central government to the local government level since 2016, and 13 cross-provincial agreements (schemes) on horizontal ecological compensation for river basins have been signed. By analyzing various data and more than 53 systems (programs), it becomes apparent there are some problems in the governance of aquatic environments of river basins in China. These problems include a lack of laws and regulations on ecological compensation, imperfect coordination mechanisms, a single compensation mode and insufficient amounts of compensation. Based on this, this study proposes that China’s cross-regional river basin ecological compensation and collaborative governance mechanisms should start with differential governance; explore a variety of horizontal ecological compensation methods according to local conditions; improve cross-regional river basin collaborative mechanisms, laws and regulations; build a new path of horizontal independent collaboration; broaden the channels of financial compensation; and comprehensively improve the level of regional linkages in the governance of river basins.
Meta-Heuristic Solver with Parallel Genetic Algorithm Framework in Airline Crew Scheduling
Authors: Ouyang Weihao , Zhu Xiaohong
Published: January 2023

Airline crew scheduling is a very important part of the operational planning of commercial airlines, but it is a linear integer programming problem with multi-constraints. Traditionally, the airline crew scheduling problem is determined by solving the crew pairing problem (CPP) and the crew rostering problem (CRP), sequentially. In this paper, we propose a new heuristic solver based on the parallel genetic algorithm and an innovative crew scheduling algorithm, which improves traditional crew scheduling by integrating CPP and CRP into a single problem. The innovative scheduling method includes a global heuristic search and an adjustment for flights and crew so as to realize crew scheduling. The parallel genetic algorithm is used to divide the population into multiple threads for parallel calculation and to optimize the randomly generated flight sequence to maximize the number of flights that meet the crew configuration. Compared with the genetic algorithm, CPLEX and Gurobi, it shows high optimization efficiency, with a time reduction of 16.57–85.82%. The experiment shows that our crew utilization ratio is higher than that for traditional solvers, achieving almost 44 flights per month, with good scalability and stability in both 206 and 13,954 flight datasets, and can better manage airline crew scheduling in times of crew scarcity.
Effects of Health Status on the Labor Supply of Older Adults with Different Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Liu Yan-Ting , Zhou Yao-Dong , Cai Jiao-Li
Published: January 2023

Based on the panel data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) collected from 2011 to 2018, this paper establishes a model using the instrumental variables method to investigate the effects of poor health on labor participation, labor hours, agricultural labor participation, agricultural labor hours, off-farm labor participation, and off-farm labor hours of older adults with different economic statuses. This paper conducts an empirical analysis to examine how subjective, self-rated poor health and objective poor health measured using the number of chronic diseases can affect the labor supply of older adults. The study of its influence on labor supply from the perspective of health can help to maintain the labor supply of the aged from the perspective of improving the health of the aged, provide a certain reference for the labor shortage caused by China’s aging society, and enrich the content of health economics. According to the research findings, subjective, self-rated poor health significantly reduces the labor participation of older adults. Although self-rated poor health does not affect the off-farm labor participation of older adults, it significantly reduces the likelihood of older adults engaging in agricultural labor. In addition, self-rated poor health also reduces the overall labor hours and off-farm labor hours of older adults, although no effects were observed on their agricultural labor hours. On the other hand, chronic diseases also reduce the overall likelihood of labor participation for older adults, resulting in significantly lower off-farm labor participation, although no effects were observed on their agricultural labor participation. The number of chronic diseases found in older adults does not affect their off-farm labor hours, but it does increase the hours they invest in agricultural labor.
Identifying How E-Service Quality Affects Perceived Usefulness of Online Reviews in Post-COVID-19 Context: A Sustainable Food Consumption Behavior Paradigm
Authors: Xin Yongrong , Irfan Muhammad , Ahmad Bilal , Ali Madad , Xia Lanqi
Published: January 2023

In this study, the concept of online food purchasing is explored where consumers are not required to visit markets to purchase their foods, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived e-service quality and related customer service outcomes in online shopping context. The influence of sustainable marketing practices in terms of perceived e-service quality (ESQ), perceived usefulness of online reviews (PUO), brand self-connection (BSC), personal innovativeness (PRI), and willingness to pay for online food services (WPO) has largely been neglected in the previous studies. The present study proposes a conceptual model to fill this gap and empirically examines how ESQ affects PUO, BSC, WPO, and e-word-of-mouth (e-WOM) of food delivery service brands. An online questionnaire survey was conducted with 423 customers utilizing the PLS-SEM-based approach to determine product indicators. Empirical results reveal that ESQ significantly influence BSC and PUO. In the same vein, PUO significantly influence BSC, while BSC significantly influence e-WOM and WPO. The results further indicate that PRI moderates the relationship between ESQ and BSC. In a post-pandemic context, our analysis indicates enormous implications for food service delivery brands in emerging economies. Online food service providers should consider reviewers’ opinions about the products and services they offer and encourage their customers to write positive reviews of the products and services they offer.
Thermoeconomic Optimization of a Polygeneration System Based on a Solar-Assisted Desiccant Cooling
Authors: Gesteira Luis Gabriel , Uche Javier , Cappiello Francesco Liberato , Cimmino Luca
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a thermoeconomic analysis of a polygeneration system based on solar-assisted desiccant cooling. The overall plant layout supplies electricity, space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and freshwater for a residential building. The system combines photovoltaic/thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels, and a biomass boiler coupled with reverse osmosis and desiccant air conditioning. The plant was modeled in TRNSYS and simulated for 1 year. A parametric study defined the system’s setup. A thermoeconomic optimization determined the set of parameters that minimize the simple payback period. The optimal structure showed a total energy efficiency of 0.49 for the solar collectors and 0.16 for the solar panels. The coefficient of performance of the desiccant air conditioning was 0.37. Finally, a sensitivity analysis analyzed the influence of purchase electricity and natural gas costs and the electricity sell-back price on the system. The optimum simple payback was 20.68 years; however, the increase in the energy cost can reduce it by up to 85%.
Sustainability Considerations in Digital Fabrication Design Education
Authors: Georgiev Georgi V. , Nanjappan Vijayakumar
Published: January 2023

Design education utilising digital fabrication is characterised by a dynamic project-based learning environment in which ideas are embodied in prototypes. This environment affects the way design and fabrication activities are taught, including sustainability considerations in the process and the outcomes. With the objectives of refining the sustainability indicators in the context of digital fabrication design education and identifying educational interventions for improving sustainability, we analyse the processes and outcomes of a digital fabrication course. We further develop a conceptual framework for sustainable prototyping based on the prototyping and testing stages in the design thinking model. The sustainability considerations in the prototyping process and outcomes in the design education context in FabLab are exemplified. The findings will help enhance sustainability and develop interventions in the context of design education.
Environmental Sustainability and Foreign Direct Investment in East Africa: Institutional and Policy Benefits for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Renyong Hou , Sedik Aman Ali
Published: January 2023

Persistent drought is not a unique phenomenon in East African countries, different research findings cite different reasons for it, but the environmental problem is currently a major concern worldwide and in East African country (EAC) the problem is not an exception to this phenomenon; policymakers and researchers are interested in knowing the cause in order to mitigate environmental degradation and support policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study examines the environmental sustainability laws and institutions in 18 EAC to determine the relationship between foreign direct investment and environmental quality. Using the generalized method of moments for analysis, the results show, among other things, that foreign direct investment, when associated with environmental sustainability policies and institutions, improves environmental quality in the long run while degrading it in the short run. Long- and short-run environmental improvements in EAC are also enabled by domestic investment, environmental sustainability institutions, and policies. The study, therefore, concludes that environmental sustainability institutions and policies are critical in EAC because they improve environmental quality and interact with foreign direct investment in the long run. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers and other stakeholders in EAC take action to improve environmental quality and sustainable economies.
Meta-Analysis as Early Evidence on the Particulate Emissions Impact of EURO VI on Battery Electric Bus Fleet Transitions
Authors: Tivey Jon , Davies Huw C. , Levine James G. , Zietsman Josias , Bartington Suzanne , Ibarra-Espinosa Sergio , Ropkins Karl
Published: January 2023

The current generation of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) policies are designed to accelerate the transition away from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicle fleets. However, the current focus on zero exhaust emissions and the lack of more detailed guidance regarding Non-Exhaust Emissions (NEEs) may mean that some of the trade-offs in transitioning to, e.g., Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) fleets may be missed by many in the commercial sector. Here, as part of early work on the scoping of the First Bus EURO VI Diesel Vehicle (E6DV) to BEV fleet upgrades, we estimate E6DV total particulate emissions to be ca. 62–85 and 164–213 mg.veh−1.km−1 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, and that the majority, typically 93–97%, are NEEs. We also discuss the complex interaction between E6DV/BEV properties and estimate potential changes resulting from the transition to BEVs as ranging from a decrease of ca. 2–12% to an increase of ca. 12–50% depending on a combination of weight difference, regenerative brake performance and journey type. Finally, we propose metrics that would allow fleet operators more insight into a wider range of emission outcomes at the scoping stage of a fleet upgrade.
The Impact of Commercial Medical Insurance Participation on Household Debt
Authors: Hong Cancheng , He Di , Ren Ting
Published: January 2023

Household debt is an important part of household financial decision-making, and commercial medical insurance has gradually become an important tool for households to use in improving their household balance sheets. Based on 2017 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data, this paper studies the impact of commercial medical insurance participation on household debt and analyzes the heterogeneity of household conditions, such as the location of the household, the age of the household head, and the health status of members. The study found that households participating in commercial medical insurance are more likely to be indebted, and their degree of debt is higher than that of households without commercial medical insurance. For urban households, young households, and households with healthy members, the participation of commercial medical insurance has a high effect on the likelihood and the degree of debt. Therefore, while strengthening household insurance awareness, the government should promote the strengthening of the risk-resistance function of commercial medical insurance and encourage financial institutions to design products that combine insurance and credit to release households’ consumption and investment potential.
An Analysis of Real Site Operation Time in Construction of Residential Buildings in Slovakia
Authors: Tažiková Alena , Struková Zuzana , Kozlovská Mária
Published: January 2023

By reducing construction times and thereby shortening the times of construction site operation, it is possible to contribute to ensuring the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability, which are necessary to meet the 2030 climate target plan set by the European Commission. This paper deals with an analysis of the time of site operation in construction of residential buildings. The site operation time in construction of fourteen residential buildings in Slovakia was examined. The research offers findings that can help clients make more rational decisions about the duration of construction site operation they request from contractors in construction contracts. Defining the mathematical dependence between the size of building and needed time of construction site operation in the pre-project planning phase was one of the results of this analysis. Based on the relationship expressed in this way, contractors can predict whether it will be possible to obtain a score in an environmental assessment of a building by minimizing undesirable effects of the construction site (such as dust, noise, and vibrations) through reducing the time of construction site operation. The study also produced a methodology in the form of steps or actions for the possible reduction of construction site operation time. The equation of dependence that resulted from the present study may be a good basis for planning a sustainable construction site that only affects its environment during the necessary construction time.
Development of a Portable and Sensitive CO2 Measurement Device with NDIR Sensor Clusters and Minimizing Water Vapor Impact
Authors: Wu Zhentao , Pang Xiaobing , Xing Bo , Shang Qianqian , Wu Hai , Lu Yu , Wu Haonan , Lyu Yan , Li Jingjing , Wang Baozhen , Ding Shimin , Chen Dongzhi , Chen Jianmeng
Published: January 2023

Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations threaten human production and life. Currently the equipment used for CO2 monitoring is heavy and expensive, without a portable CO2 detector that is inexpensive and resistant to interference. Here we designed a portable CO2 detector based on no-dispersive infrared sensors to measure CO2 concentration. The detector, which has a mass of 1 kg, is powered by a lithium battery with dimensions of 200 mm (length) × 150 mm (width) × 100 mm (height). Considering the fact that field observations are susceptible to humidity, a series of experiments were carried out to reduce the humidity interference on sensor responses at a laboratory. The values of humidity and CO2 variation were used in a regression model analysis to determine a quadratic function with an R2 above 0.94. The detector was compared with a reference analyzer in ambient CO2 measurement during a 7-day field campaign in Hangzhou, China. After humidity correction, the data show better correlation with the reference data, with the R2 0.62–0.97 increasing from 0.62–0.97 compared to before the correction and the value deviation decreasing to less than 3%. Cluster analysis of sensors revealed a reduction in average relative deviation of up to 1.4% as the number of sensors increased.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of City Resilience in the Yangtze River Delta, China, from the Perspective of Statistics
Authors: Song Qing , Zhong Shengyuan , Chen Junyu , Yang Chuanming , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2023

The development of resilient cities has become a critical global issue with respect to the stimulation of sustainable economic, social, and ecological advancement. The Yangtze River Delta region, which is the most densely populated region in China, is undergoing the fastest urbanization and is achieving the highest level of economic development in the country. Thus, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to study the evolution of spatiotemporal city resilience in this region. For this study, the resilience of 41 core cities in the Yangtze River Delta in China from 2010 to 2020 was evaluated through a combination of game weighting and fuzzy matter-element analysis. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal differences in city resilience were revealed via the Dagum Gini coefficient and the Kernel density model. Further, the driving factors of city resilience were analyzed by a geographic detector model. The results revealed the following: (1) The resilience of the cities under study experienced a gradual upward trend (with Shanghai being consistently in the lead) and significant differences occurred between them. (2) The Dagum Gini coefficient indicated that the resilience of cities in the western portion of the Yangtze River Delta was quite diverse. This phenomenon was primarily due to the differences between sub-regions, for which the differences between the southeast and northwest were the most prominent. (3) The Kernel density indicated the absolute differences across the entire Delta as well as the northern sub-region, and there was a significant polarization phenomenon in the southern and western sub-regions. (4) Driving factor analysis revealed that the driving force of the income levels of residents was stronger and more stable, the driving force of economic development level was weakened, and the driving force of medical and health conditions, the degree of openness, and energy utilization efficiencies were strengthened. Overall, the driving factors of city resilience became more diversified and complex. Consequently, the Yangtze River Delta needs to improve city resilience levels in the northwest region in order to promote its balanced development. Our results suggested that more attention should be allocated to the improvement of the livelihoods of urban residents, the adjustment of energy consumption structures, and the optimization of the provision of medical resources.
The Mediating Role of Anxiety between Parenting Styles and Academic Performance among Primary School Students in the Context of Sustainable Education
Authors: Albulescu Ion , Labar Adrian-Vicențiu , Manea Adriana Denisa , Stan Cristian
Published: January 2023

The importance of parenting styles for the necessary fulfilment of the developmental needs of children and eventually improving their quality of life is frequently treated in the literature. Despite there being many studies that examined the relationship of parenting styles and academic performance, there is a lack of measurement of the relationship in the Romanian sample. This study analyzed the relationship between parenting styles and academic performance, along with cognitive test anxiety as a mediating variable. In order to identify how assessment anxiety influences the relationship between parenting styles and academic performance, we conducted a study on a sample of 231 students from rural and urban backgrounds. A questionnaire-based survey (to measure anxiety and parenting style) and assessment tests were used. The undertaken study highlighted the existence of a negative correlation between the level of assessment anxiety and the level of academic performance of students. At the same time, we found that poor supervision on behalf of parents negatively correlates with students’ performances in Romanian Language and Literature and in Mathematics. On the other hand, the results of the mediation analysis show that assessment anxiety partially mediates only the negative relationship between poor supervision and school performance.
Impact of Chinese-Style Fiscal Decentralization on Urban–Rural Integration: Based on Factor Allocation
Authors: Zhou Jianing , Yang Fan
Published: January 2023

The urban–rural relationship has been a critical issue in studies on urban and rural geography. Urban–rural integration development (URI), as an integral part of the urban–rural relationship, needs to be understood under an integrated theoretical framework. Based on the conceptual analysis from productivism to post-productivism, this study constructs a multidimensional framework to understand urban–rural integration, restructuring from five layers that integrate population, space, economic, social, and environmental concerns, and the revised dynamic coordination coupling degree (CCD) model is used to measure the level of URI. Many studies have focused on the connection between URI and factor allocation. However, it is yet to be determined how both fiscal decentralization and factor allocation are linked with URI. This study focuses on this unexplored topic, and the impact mechanism among URI, factor allocation, and Chinese-style fiscal decentralization is investigated by adopting spatial econometric models, for achieving the high-quality development of China’s urban–rural relations. Empirical analysis of China’s three major urban agglomerations reveals that there are promising signs in China’s urban–rural integration development, with an orderly and coordinated structure shaping over the period 2003–2017. The rationality of factor allocation depends heavily on the power comparison between the helping hand and the grabbing hand of local governments under Chinese-style fiscal decentralization. Moderate fiscal decentralization, with a perfect market and social security system, leads to the free flow of factors and promotes urban–rural integration. By contrast, excessive fiscal decentralization causes resource misallocation and hinders urban–rural integration development. In light of our empirical evidence, the coordinated development of small- and medium-sized cities and subcities in urban agglomerations is suggested, it is highly necessary to establish a perfect social and employment security system. In addition, a reasonable space planning system for land use needs to be constructed by China’s governments at all levels. Chinese local governments should pay more attention to rural development in their jurisdiction by stimulating their information advantages under Chinese-style fiscal decentralization.
Research on the Performance Transmission of Green Technology Innovation in the Coal Industry under the Goal of Carbon Peaking and the Moderating Role of Government Macro-Regulation
Authors: Zhou Maochun , Zhao Min
Published: January 2023

In this study, we explored the performance transfer effect of the coal industry’s reliance on green technology innovation to achieve green transformation and upgrading, as well as the crucial role of government. From the perspective of government macro-regulation, three instruments were used as entry points, i.e., environmental regulation, green credit policy, and fiscal incentives. Furthermore, the data of listed companies in China’s coal industry from 2010 to 2020 were selected as samples to construct an environmental performance evaluation system for the coal industry based on triple performance theory. We analyzed the link between green technology innovation and environmental performance, as well as the moderating effect of government macro-regulation. Our results prove that green technology innovation improves environmental performance, with a moderating effect of government environmental macro-regulations.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Anti-Overturning Theory of Single-Column Pier Bridges
Authors: Xu Hao , Li Qiyuan , Li Dongcai , Jiang Haonan , Wang Tong , Gao Qingfei
Published: January 2023

In recent years, overturning accidents at single-pier bridges have occurred frequently, resulting in significant property losses and safety accidents. Overturning accidents show that there are still many hidden dangers in the design, operation, and management of existing single-pier bridges. Therefore, this paper takes the K503 + 647.4 separated overpass of the Hegang–Dalian Expressway as the research object and carries out an onsite anti-overturning stability test of a single-column pier bridge. Through loading under various working conditions, the displacement changes of each support are measured, and the reaction changes of the supports are calculated. In the process of simulating the field test using the finite element program ANSYS, a rigid model based on ideal support and an elastic model considering beam deformation are established, and the accuracy of the elastic model is verified by comparison with the field-measured data. Furthermore, a series of parameters, such as the bridge side-span ratio, bridge span number, bearing spacing, loading position, and torsional rigidity, are varied, and finite element simulation is carried out on the basis of the elastic model. Through comparison of the results, a relationship between the parameters of the single-pier bridge and the anti-overturning ability is obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for anti-overturning design research and the effective reinforcement of single-pier bridges.
Effects of the Transverse Deck-Roadbed Pounding on the Seismic Behaviors of the Prefabricated Frame Bridge
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Zhang Jinli , Zhang Yingao , Zuo Rui , Chen Liang , Sun Tianyue
Published: January 2023

Pounding effects on prefabricated frame bridges are not clear, which may influence seismic behaviors a lot in some cases. Prefabricated frame bridges are emerging structures designed to solve the problem of difficult land acquisition in highway expansion and reconstruction, the deck of the prefabricated frame bridge is adjacent to the original roadbed in the transverse direction, so the pounding potential exists under the earthquake ground motions. In this study, the artificial ground motions of the different seismic intensities are selected to carry out the nonlinear time history analyses, and the pounding effects on the prefabricated frame bridge are evaluated based on the pounding forces and the components’ seismic response. It is found that the pounding effects are not obvious in all cases; some energy can be dissipated in the pounding process, which is also limited to some extent. Finally, the influences of the gap distance and seismic intensity are investigated according to the parameter sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that the gap distance and the seismic intensity are the two important factors related to the pounding effects, the seismic response of the components will decrease when the pounding effects are obvious, and the transverse deformation of the deck cannot influence the stress state of the superstructure.
Prediction for the Adsorption of Low-Concentration Toluene by Activated Carbon
Authors: Sheng Ying , Dong Qingqing , Ren Qiang , Wang Mingyang
Published: January 2023

Activated carbon filters are widely used to remove gaseous pollutants in order to guarantee a healthy living environment. The standard method for evaluating the adsorption performance of filters is conducted at ~100 ppm. Although this accelerates the test and avoids the high requirements of the test device, it is still far from the contaminant concentration in the indoor environment, and adsorbents in practical application may show different capabilities. Therefore, this study compared several methods for predicting the adsorption performance of activated carbon and recommended a procedure based on the Wheeler–Jonas model to estimate the breakthrough curve at low concentrations using experimental data at high concentrations. The results showed that the Langmuir model and Wood–Lodewyckx correlation were the most suitable for obtaining the equilibrium adsorption capacity and mass transfer coefficient, which are critical parameters in the Wheeler–Jonas model. The predicted service life was derived from the breakthrough curve. A modification method based on a relationship with inlet gas concentration was proposed to reduce the prediction deviation of the service life. After modification, the maximum deviation was within two hours and the relative deviation was no more than 7%.
Policy Review and Regulatory Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Mangrove Management in Zanzibar
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Khalfan , Adam Elhadi , Jackson Colbert M.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the challenges of the policies and regulatory framework and strategies for the sustainable mangrove management in Zanzibar, from 1890 to present. The study collected both primary and secondary data. The secondary data were collected through the a review of previous policies, legal documents, by laws, ministry/department reports, research reports, newspapers and articles. The primary data were mainly collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews. The study found that, before Zanzibar became a British protectorate in 1890, the forests were communally managed with the guidance of forest guardians, chiefs and elders. The colonial government enacted a number of land administration laws, policies, and arrangements aimed at conserving the natural resources, including the mangrove forests. From 1930 to the end of the Second World War (WWII), mangrove forests were severely degraded because the colonial government paid little attention to their conservation and management. The policy arrangements put in place after independence, such as the National Forest Conservation and Management Act of 1996, laid the legal groundwork for the introduction of the participation of the local communities in the conservation of mangroves. However, they were not sufficient enough to promote the sustainable use of mangrove forests. This study proposes that there is a need for more inclusive and diverse regulations. Furthermore, for the effective conservation and management of mangroves, conflicting laws and responsibilities between government departments should be harmonized.