bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vapor Phase Alkylation of Isomeric Cresols with Tert-Butyl Alcohol over Perlite Supported Sulfated Zirconia Catalyst
Authors: Malpani Sakshi Kabra , Goyal Deepti , Chinnam Sampath , Sharma Sunil K. , Katara Stuti , Rani Ashu
Published: April 2022

In the present study, perlite was thermally activated and then modified desirably to generate super acidity by loading different weight percentages of sulfated zirconia (SZ) via the two-step sol-gel method. As-prepared sulfated zirconia perlite (SZP) catalysts showed suitable catalytic potential in the vapor phase alkylation of o, m, and p-cresols with tert-butyl alcohol. The presence of crystalline phases in SZP catalysts was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR studies. TEM images revealed the nano size of the catalysts in the range of 9–25 nm. The presence of SZ on the surface of perlite was further confirmed by N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, SEM-EDX, TGA, and UV-Vis DRS techniques. The pyridine FT-IR results confirmed the existence of Brønsted, Lewis acidic sites and their combination as super acidic catalytic active centers on the surface of catalyst utilized in the vapor phase alkylation of o, m, and p-cresols with tert-butyl alcohol. The regeneration and reusability of the preferred catalyst until the 5th reaction cycle without any considerable loss in catalytic activity demonstrated the stability of the catalyst. Comparative studies show that SZP can be regenerated and is superior compared to other catalysts previously used for other alkylation reactions with the potential for use on a large scale.
Variation in Maize Grain Yield Indices When Exposed to Combined Heat and Water Stress Conditions under Different Soil Amendments
Authors: Chukwudi Uchechukwu Paschal , Mavengahama Sydney , Kutu Funso Raphael
Published: April 2022

Increased yield can be achieved by optimising the growth environment, improving the plant gene pool, or a combination of the two. This study’s objective was to evaluate the effect of combined heat and water stress (CHWS) on maize yield, grown in various soil conditions. The experimental design was a four-replicated 3 × 3 × 2 × 3 factorial in a completely randomized design. Three water stress levels, three soil amendments, two soil textural types, and three drought-tolerant maize varieties were combined to create 54 treatment interactions. The result showed that as the severity of the water stress increased, the yield decreased. The near terminal water stress reduced cob weight, grain weight, and grain number by 96, 97, and 97%, respectively. The maize varieties were ranked WE5323 ≥ ZM1523 > WE3128 in terms of average performance and stability. Under heat and moderate water stress, the poultry manure amendment performed well for WE5323 and ZM1523, while the mineral fertilizer amendment performed best for WE3128. Compared to the inorganic amendment, the organic had a greater ameliorative capacity for grain yield under CHWS. For improved grain yield under CHWS, farmers are advised to grow WE5323 and ZM1523 with organic amendments. The findings in this study could improve food security strategies for low-income households living in high-stress environments.
Characteristics of Some Wild Olive Phenotypes (Oleaster) Selected from the Western Mountains of Syria
Authors: Abdul Hamid Reem , Hag Husein Hussam , Bäumler Rupert
Published: April 2022

This study presents the evaluation of some technological and production specifications of 20 selected wild olive (oleaster) phenotypes from Hama Province, western–central Syria. The analyses of oil quantity showed that the olive oil (OO) extracted ranged from 10.43 to 29.3%. The fatty acid composition determined by gas chromatography (m/m%, methyl esters), conforming to commercial standards, showed the percentages of palmitic (ranged 13.2–15.06%), stearic (2.27–4.2%), arachidic (0.42–0.7%), palmitoleic (0.73–1.25%), oleic (64.29–73.17%), linoleic (8.96–16.45%), and linolenic (0.23–1.6%). Our results suggest that, despite being in a harsh environment and lacking agricultural service, two wild olive phenotypes (WA4, WA6) are interesting since their fruits showed high-quality properties (fruit weight 2.16, 3.24 g; flesh 75.83, 86.2, respectively), high content of OO% (29.27, 29.01, respectively), and better fatty acid composition (oleic % 68.45, 66.74, respectively). This enables them to be a very promising introductory feature in olive genetic improvement processes. Thus, both phenotypes were adopted tentatively as inputs, the first for oil purposes and the second for dual purposes (oil and table olives). It will be important to further evaluate these promising phenotypes in terms of their OO minor compounds, as well as their ability to resist biotic and abiotic stresses.
Spatial–Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Industrial Pollution Control Efficiency in China
Authors: Zou Wenjie , Zhang Liqin , Xu Jieying , Xie Yufeng , Chen Huangxin
Published: April 2022

The green transformation and development of industry form the foundation of sustainable development for a country’s society, economy, and environment. Industrial pollution control is one inevitable choice for all industries following the path of sustainable development. Improving industrial pollution control efficiency is also a natural requirement for reducing pollution emissions and achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2012–2018, this research applies DEA window analysis to measure the efficiency of industrial pollution control inputs and outputs, and empirically evaluates those factors influencing such efficiency. The findings demonstrate that overall industrial pollution control efficiency in China exhibits a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2018, but there are clear differences among provinces. Industrial pollution control efficiencies in the east and central regions are consistent with the national average, while said efficiencies in the west and northeast regions fluctuate in waves, with the effect of influencing factors in different regions varying significantly. Lastly, based on the results of empirical analysis, this research puts forward the optimization path to further improve industrial pollution control efficiency in China, and to provide new suggestions for its advancement.
Green Power Trade Behavior in China’s Renewable Portfolio Standard: An Evolutionary Game-Based System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Na Chunning , Jin Can , Pan Huan , Ding Lixia
Published: April 2022

To promote the consumption of renewable energy (RE), in 2019, China introduced the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and adopted the weight of consumption responsibility to replace the quota index. This paper investigates the behavioral decisions of green power plants and power sales companies using evolutionary game theory. The results show that RPS becomes effective based on two rules: (1) the unit fine is higher than the transaction cost for power sales companies; and (2) the transaction prices of RE and Trade of Green Certificate (TGC) are greater than the unit transaction cost for green power plants. Taking Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region as an example, the scenario analysis method and a simple system dynamics model are employed to investigate the impact of fines on the green power trade behavior. With different fines, power sales companies are more sensitive than green power plants. These results provide some policy recommendations to promote the consumption of RE.
Barriers to Using ESG Data for Investment Decisions
Authors: Jonsdottir Bjorg , Sigurjonsson Throstur Olaf , Johannsdottir Lara , Wendt Stefan
Published: April 2022

Institutional investors who commit to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects into investment decisions require ESG data of sufficient quality. However, concerns have risen over a lack of quality in ESG data, as outlined by the Global Reporting Initiative. The lack of quality in ESG data deters institutional investors from using the data for investment decisions. This study outlines the ESG data reporting process and explores where in the process quality concerns emerge. Semi-structured interviews are applied with professionals involved in ESG data analysis and reporting of listed companies, a rating agency and institutional investors. The results show that current barriers to using ESG data include a lack of materiality, accuracy and reliability. Interviewees agree that access to data collected by governmental institutions is lacking, and that companies’ purchase of carbon credits raise questions about the reliability of ESG data. Companies hold contrasting views to the institutional investors on the useability of the data they disclose. The results enhance our understanding of the common and contrasting concerns about the lack of quality in ESG data. The results can be used as guide for companies, investors and regulators for actions to mitigate barriers related to the lack of quality in ESG reporting.
Long-Term and Short-Term Effects of Carbon Emissions on Regional Healthy Development in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Zhang Zhongwu , Wang Guokui , Guo Xiaojia
Published: April 2022

As an important energy base in China, the economic development of Shanxi Province highly depended on coal resources. However, huge coal consumption produced a large amount of carbon dioxide and aggravated ecological problems. Thus, this study uses energy consumption, GDP, and the urbanization rate from 1981 to 2020 via the Vector Auto Regressive (VAR) and impulse response function to analyze the interaction among carbon emissions, urbanization, and economic growth in Shanxi Province. The results show that relations among carbon emissions, economic growth, and urbanization are complicated, and all three have a long-term stable equilibrium relationship. The lag effect on each other reacts violently in the short term, and gradually becomes gentle over time. In the short term, carbon emissions are positively correlated with economic growth and have the same trend of change, but in the long run, carbon emissions will have a small hindering effect on economic growth. Carbon emissions reduce urbanization levels in the short term, and then gradually climb, tending to stabilize as time goes by. With respect to receiving economic growth impaction, carbon emission increases at the initial stage of economic development, but the growth rate becomes slow as time goes by. With respect to receiving urbanization impaction, carbon emission first declines and then rises slowly with relatively small and slow growth in general. The relations among carbon emissions, economic growth, and urbanization are complicated. Therefore, local government needs to be very cautious in regional governance, especially in economic and urban planning and design, take various factors into consideration, and adhere to low-carbon, green, and circular development so as to achieve the carbon peak and carbon neutrality as scheduled and make the urban economy develop sustainably.
Dynamic Sustainability, Resource Management, and Collective Action on Two Atolls in the Remote Pacific
Authors: Cramb Justin , Thompson Victor D.
Published: April 2022

Examples of environmental transformation, the creation of sustainable lifeways, and the development of environmentally aware political forms better our understanding of how peoples build on tradition and environmental circumstance to form novel institutions. Using archaeological data, oral histories, genealogies, radiocarbon dating, and Bayesian modeling, we present a timeline of habitation and land-use patterns on Manihiki and Rakahanga, two remote atolls in East Polynesia. We track socioecological change on the atolls from the time of first colonization ca. AD 1200–1400 through to sustained European contact in the mid-1800s. The findings document and temporally anchor collective action-based processes of landscape transformation, the development of a system of cyclical mass migration aimed at sustainable resource use, and the implementation of a novel dual-chiefdom political system. This demonstrates that new levels of political “complexity” manifest as patterns of shifting hierarchy and novel forms of political and ecological management, and can arise in relation to specific social and ecological challenges in systems of any size. The perpetuation and adaptation of aspects of these traditional institutions can help to maintain the sustainability of populations today in the face of climatic and social change.
Classifications of Sustainable Factors in Blockchain Adoption: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: AL-Ashmori Ammar , Basri Shuib Bin , Dominic P. D. D. , Capretz Luiz Fernando , Muneer Amgad , Balogun Abdullateef Oluwagbemiga , Gilal Abdul Rehman , Ali Rao Faizan
Published: April 2022

Blockchain is a cutting-edge technology that is transforming and reshaping many industries. Hence, the adoption of Blockchain is becoming an increasingly significant topic. The number of publications discussing the potential of Blockchain adoption has been expanding significantly. In addition, not enough attention has been given to Blockchain adoption in the software development industry. As a result, a systematic overview to investigate the research trends in this area is needed. This study uses a Scientometric analysis and critical review to examine the evolution of Blockchain adoption research on the Web of Science Principal Collection. In addition, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify gaps in Blockchain adoption research and the top reasons for adopting Blockchain with the intention of proposing a sustainable adoption framework. This study extends the body of knowledge by discussing the most influential countries, authors, organizations, publication themes, and most cited publications on Blockchain adoption research. Additionally, this study identifies the 30 relevant studies from the Web of Science and Scopus, including their industries, countries, methods, and respondent sample size, and the top 18 adoption factors among them. Consequently, this study proposes a suitable Blockchain adoption framework based on these top 18 factors. Finally, this study’s aim and unique contribution is to serve as an initial launching point for upcoming Blockchain adoption in software development industry research.
Case Study on Carbon Footprint Life-Cycle Assessment for Construction Delivery Stage in China
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Wang Chen , Kassem Mukhtar A. , Wu Shu-Yi , Wei Tai-Bing
Published: April 2022

The construction industry’s high energy consumption and carbon emissions significantly burden the ecological environment. Thus, it is necessary to study measures and strategies for emissions reduction during construction for an improved, safe and sustainable environment. Using the life-cycle assessment method, this study aims to investigate construction-building outcomes and their carbon footprint during the construction delivery stage. This work used a compiled database of carbon-emission factors per unit for concrete and mortar with different densities and 16 building-project case studies in Fujian Province to verify the empirical findings. The results show that general civil engineering works produce more carbon emissions than decoration engineering. Furthermore, cement’s average proportion of carbon emissions relative to total carbon emissions is the largest at 30.26%. Our findings also show a strong linear relationship between the total carbon emissions, eaves height, project cost, and building area during the building construction. The findings in this paper promote the conversion of buildings from high-energy consumption to multi-carbon reduction. The concept of this research contributes to the existing knowledge by proposing a carbon-footprint calculation method and establishing the trend of carbon emissions in building construction.
Impact of River-Reservoir Hybrid System on Zooplankton Community and River Connectivity
Authors: Ko Eui-Jeong , Jung Eunsong , Do Yuno , Joo Gea-Jae , Kim Hyun-Woo , Jo Hyunbin
Published: April 2022

Anthropogenic connectivity regulation in rivers, such as via weirs and dams, affects the plankton community. We hypothesized that the longitudinal similarity of the zooplankton community in a river could change in a river–reservoir hybrid system (RRHS). The impact of weir construction on zooplankton communities in terms of species diversity, abundance, and community structure was examined biweekly at six sites on the Nakdong River for 14 years (before construction: 2002–2008; after construction: 2012–2018). We checked time-series alignment using a dynamic time-warping method between longitudinal survey sites. After RRHS, the zooplankton community showed an increasing number of species. However, RRHS decreased the longitudinal similarity in terms of number of zooplankton species and population density. Our results demonstrate the negative effect of lateral infrastructures on zooplankton populations due to river fragmentation and habitat alteration.
Bottlenose Dolphin Responses to Boat Traffic Affected by Boat Characteristics and Degree of Compliance to Code of Conduct
Authors: Koroza Aleksandra , Evans Peter G. H.
Published: April 2022

Levels of boat traffic in coastal seas have been steadily increasing in many parts of the world, introducing pressures on marine wildlife through disturbance. The appropriate management of human activities is important not only to preserve wildlife, but also for the local communities that depend on ecotourism for employment and their economy. This study presents further insight into bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) responses to boats in New Quay Bay (West Wales) within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. This region is heavily dependent on wildlife tourism, and marine traffic is regulated through a long-standing Code of Conduct. Based on a long-term dataset spanning the months of April to October and the years 2010–2018, the study found that compliance to a code of human behaviour increased dolphin positive responses towards boats. Dolphin responses to individual named boats and to different boat types were examined in greater detail. Speed boats, small motorboats, and kayaks were found to break the code most often, resulting in higher rates of negative response by dolphins. Visitor passenger boats formed the majority of boat traffic in the area, and showed greater compliance than other general recreational crafts. Suggestions are made for the better protection of the coastal dolphin population, as well as the role that citizen science can play to help achieve this goal through working directly with wildlife trip boats and the recruitment of local observers.
Between Empowerment and Gentrification: A Case Study of Community-Based Tourist Program in Suichang County, China
Authors: Zhao Zijing , Wang Yan , Ou Yuxian , Liu Lucen
Published: April 2022

The phenomenon of hollow villages is a long-lasting obstacle to China’s rural development. With this background, this study examines a for-profit community-based tourist program operated at a rural hollow village in Zhejiang, China and explores how this program facilitates meaningful transformations in the community. The theoretical concept of empowerment was introduced to critically understand and analyse the community transformations, and the data was collected through program-related or village-related media content, participant observation, and focus group interviews. Our findings reveal that varied types of empowerment had been gained by the residents via the program, which has strongly demonstrated the positive and meaningful transformations in the community. Lastly, gentrification, a type of community transformation, was a positive change from the program managerial staff’s view, but it could lead to uncertainties and problems of the economic and political disempowerment to the residents in the long term.
Sustainable Conservation and Reuse of Historical City Center Applied Study on Jeddah—Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-belkasy Mohamed Ibrahim , Wahieb Sahl Abdullah
Published: April 2022

Developing a historical city center leads to city resilience and sustainable heritage conservation; changing the social fabric is a fundamental problem that affects historical and heritage areas. As a result of Jeddah’s development, the community of the heritage area changed to another without the same interest or appreciation for the region’s heritage. After listing it as a world heritage, the government is taking care of many conservation projects for Historic Jeddah. The research aims to evaluate a proposed project to reverse the last decade’s social changes of the local community as a step in achieving historic center sustainability. The scope of this proposal is to select adaptive reuse of the listed historic buildings and provide the area with state-of-the-art services. This proposed project will attract the targeted community to return, which will achieve the research purpose. The research followed three different methodologies; through a theoretical approach, Jeddah city urban development and growth were highlighted, and the currently enforced conservation policies regulating land use were introduced. Moreover, the analytical approach studies the possibility of social reform of the local community by implementing adaptive reuse for heritage buildings. Three sustainability pillars were tested through a survey of three different stockholders. The research discussed the various stockholders’ visions toward the aimed sustainable objectives. Hence, the applied part of the research evaluates the sustainability of the proposed project. The study finds that the local community is essential in the conservation process’s sustainability. Reusing the heritage buildings in the resettled original community will sustain the conservation process and increase the real estate value of the Jeddah historical areas.
Agroforestry Suitability for Planning Site-Specific Interventions Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Singh Raj , Behera Mukunda , Das Pulakesh , Rizvi Javed , Dhyani Shiv , Biradar Çhandrashekhar
Published: April 2022

Agroforestry in the form of intercropping, boundary plantation, and home garden are parts of traditional land management systems in India. Systematic implementation of agroforestry may help achieve various ecosystem benefits, such as reducing soil erosion, maintaining biodiversity and microclimates, mitigating climate change, and providing food fodder and livelihood. The current study collected ground data for agroforestry patches in the Belpada block, Bolangir district, Odisha state, India. The agroforestry site-suitability analysis employed 15 variables on climate, soil, topography, and proximity, wherein the land use land cover (LULC) map was referred to prescribe the appropriate interventions. The random forest (RF) machine learning model was applied to estimate the relative weight of the determinant variables. The results indicated high accuracy (average suitability >0.87 as indicated by the validation data) and highlighted the dominant influence of the socioeconomic variables compared to soil and climate variables. The results show that >90% of the agricultural land in the study area is suitable for various agroforestry interventions, such as bund plantation and intercropping, based on the cropping intensity. The settlement and wastelands were found to be ideal for home gardens and bamboo block plantations, respectively. The spatially explicit data on agroforestry suitability may provide a baseline map and help the managers and planners. Moreover, the adopted approach can be hosted in cloud-based platforms and applied in the different agro-ecological zones of India, employing the local ground data on various agroforestry interventions. The regional and national scale agroforestry suitability and appropriate interventions map would help the agriculture managers to implement and develop policies.
Determinants of Sustainable Profitability of the Serbian Insurance Industry: Panel Data Investigation
Authors: Vojinović Željko , Milutinović Sunčica , Sertić Dario , Leković Bojan
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to investigate the main drivers of sustainable profitability trends in the Serbian insurance industry over the years 2008–2019 (inclusive). Our study is motivated by the fact that insurance companies contribute to economic growth, and thus it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to their financial strength and stability. We use a set of standard panel regression models, including the mixed-effects model, followed by a more robust GMM estimation to uncover the linkage between selected micro-specific, macroeconomic, and institutional factors, and return of assets (ROA) and return on total premiums (ROTP). The present paper constitutes a significant contribution to the existing literature on the account of its comprehensiveness both in terms of the institutional datasets that we use, and in terms of the methodologies we apply (in particular, mixed effects and the generalized method of moments (GMM)). The estimated parameters are model-specific, and we find that firm size, GDP, the population growth rates, political stability, and the degree of specialization (in some empirical models) all lead to higher profitability. On the other hand, we observe that excessive risk-taking and inflation (in some specifications) are inversely related to profitability. Finally, we note that regulatory quality, average wage, and life expectancies are found to be not statistically significant. Accordingly, we argue that a profitability-centric managerial strategy should be based on expanded market share and stringent risk management protocols. At the macro level, we conclude that pro-growth and pro-population policies, combined with a well-oiled institutional setting that ensures political stability, constitute the best possible prescription for strong operational performance and profit sustainability in the Serbian insurance industry.
A Progressive Three-Stage Teaching Method Using Interactive Classroom Activities to Improve Learning Motivation in Computer Networking Courses
Authors: Lin Chih-Hao , Chang Yao-Yun
Published: April 2022

Generation Z students have their learning preferences. They like to learn independently, advocate for what they believe in, and work hard to achieve their goals. However, there are significant gaps between Generation Z students’ expectations for learning and prior experiences, especially for three domains of motivation in online learning environments: relatability, affirmation, and opportunity. This study aims at exploring the effectiveness of a progressive teaching method designed for Generation Z students in computer networking courses. This study proposes a progressive three-stage teaching method that gradually implements traditional lecture, individual flipped learning, and cooperative flipped learning methods over a semester. The design principle of this study differs from most existing studies that focus on the effectiveness of specific teaching methods. This study encourages each student to learn sequentially through three teaching stages. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in students’ learning experiences, particularly in terms of learning comprehension and learning motivation. The research results show that the proposed progressive teaching method can improve students’ understanding of computer networking courses and enhance their learning motivation. Participants agreed that the proposed progressive pedagogy can improve their teamwork skills and provide a different learning experience in the computer networking courses.
Meta-Reflexivity as a Way toward Responsible and Sustainable Behavior
Authors: Golob Tea , Makarovič Matej
Published: April 2022

In line with the social morphogenetic approach, this article explores the role of meta-reflexivity in responsible concerns and actions oriented toward achieving a sustainable society. Based on the case study of Slovenia, this article addresses individuals’ social and environmental responsibility by considering the relationships between their attitudes, intentions and behavior. It draws on a survey questionnaire that includes the reflexivity measurement tool. The path-analysis is applied to consider the aspects of responsibility as endogenous variables, while the social/cultural conditions (age, gender, educational level, income and the survey wave) and meta-reflexivity as a specific mode of inner dialog are included as exogenous variables. A coherent index of socially and environmentally responsible behavior can be constructed and explained by social/cultural conditions and meta-reflexivity. The COVID-19 pandemic indicates negative effects on responsibility, mostly due to a decline in meta-reflexivity. The study reveals two different—although not mutually exclusive—paths towards socially and environmentally responsible behavior. The first one is based on a combination of well-established values, habits and inertia. This behavior is more typical for older generations, as indicated by the impact of age. The second one is mostly based on critical, meta-reflexive thinking and it is more typical for younger, more educated and more affluent people.
Higher Education in and after COVID-19: The Impact of Using Social Network Applications for E-Learning on Students’ Academic Performance
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Hasanein Ahmed , Elshaer Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2022

The long-lasting pandemic has disrupted face–to–face education and has forced higher education institutions to adopt digital learning management systems, albeit many public universities in developing counties could not properly undertake this shift and adopted either free interactive platforms (e.g., zoom) or social network applications (SNAs) (e.g., Facebook and WhatsApp) due to their limited resources and infrastructure. Despite that the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the value of e-learning, some concerns were raised about the quality of learning outcomes and academic performance of students, using these SNAs for learning, compared to traditional face–to–face education. Therefore, examining the impact of SNAs as an e-learning platform on the academic performance students is inevitable, notwithstanding that this has not been sufficiently examined by researchers amid COVID-19. For this purpose, an online questionnaire was distributed to students via research teams’ personal networks, i.e., university lecturers at various public universities in Egypt. They were asked to distribute the survey link with their undergraduates via email or WhatsApp. A total of 600 valid questionnaires was obtained from students in nine public colleges that deliver tourism and hotel management courses in Egypt and adopted SNAs for e-learning at least one semester amid COVID-19. Unlike the results of previous arguments and research, the results of the structural equation modelling using AMOS showed a positive, significant impact of SNAs as e-learning platforms on students’ academic performance. The results have several implications for higher education policymakers, educators, and scholars, especially in relation to the future of use social media applications in higher education, particularly in developing countries’ contexts.
Sustainable Development and Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in North Cyprus: The Mediating Effect of Customer Identification
Authors: Ozkan Mustafa , Cek Kemal , Eyupoglu Serife Z.
Published: April 2022

This study analyzes the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a multidimensional sustainable development approach on customer loyalty and satisfaction through the mediation of customer identification. CSR is a key concept for banks to attract, retain, satisfy and increase the loyalty of customers. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the proposed relationship. The questionnaire was filled out by 389 banking sector customers. The findings suggested that customer identification mediates the relationship between the economic development dimension of CSR and customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, customer identification did not show a mediating effect between social equity and environmental protection dimension of CSR and customer loyalty and satisfaction. The findings are expected to provide insights into the importance of CSR for the banking industry in order to enhance favorable customer attitudes.
The Learning City: Temporary Housing Projects as Urban Niches for Sustainability Experiments
Authors: Rose Gloria , Stocker Mirjam , Ornetzeder Michael
Published: April 2022

It is widely acknowledged that real-world experimentation is essential for the advancement of sustainable solutions. Urban contexts are perfectly suited for this form of innovation, since they have a high demand for solutions and also offer the necessary resources for the development of new ideas. However, there is a need for a well-defined basis for the selection process of suitable experimental designs for specific cases. This paper presents a typology of various existing sustainability experimental designs, focusing on the distinct features between different types and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Using the case of temporary housing models for Vienna, this paper provides a step-by-step selection process based on a catalogue of questions to match various types of housing projects with experimental designs. By improving the understanding of what the defining features of existing experimental approaches are, more clarity is provided for the design and planning of sociotechnical experiments for greater sustainability.
Optimization and Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Carbon Emission Rights Allocation in the Power Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Ma Dalai , Xiao Yaping , Zhao Na
Published: April 2022

Reasonable allocation of carbon emission rights aids in the realization of the goal of carbon emission reduction. The purpose of this paper is to examine how carbon emission rights in the power sector in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (the YREB) are distributed. The YREB spans China’s eastern, central, and western areas. The levels of development and resource endowment differ significantly across regions, resulting in great heterogeneity in the YREB provinces’ carbon emission rights distribution in the power sector. The ZSG–DEA model is used in this paper to re-adjust the power sector’s carbon emission quotas in each province to achieve optimal efficiency under the country’s overall carbon emission reduction target. The results show that: (1) In most provinces, the power sector’s initial distribution efficiency is inefficient. Only Zhejiang and Yunnan have reached the production frontier, with Jiangxi and Chongqing having the lowest distribution efficiency. In the future, we should concentrate our efforts on them for conserving energy and lowering emissions; (2) The initial distribution efficiency of the power sector in the YREB’s upstream, midstream, and downstream regions is considerably different. Most upstream and downstream provinces have higher carbon emission quotas, while most midstream provinces have less, implying that the power sector in the midstream provinces faces greater emission reduction challenges; (3) The carbon emission quotas of the power industry varies greatly between provinces and shows different spatial features over time. In the early stage (2021–2027), the carbon emission quota varies substantially, while for the later stage (2027–2030), it is rather balanced. Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Yunnan are more likely to turn into sellers in the market for carbon emission trading with larger carbon emission quotas. While Jiangxi and Chongqing are more likely to turn into buyers in the market for carbon emission trading with fewer carbon emission quotas. Other provinces’ carbon emission quotas are more evenly distributed. To successfully achieve China’s emission reduction target by 2030, the YREB should promote regional collaboration, optimize industrial structure, accelerate technical innovation, establish emission reduction regulations, and provide financial support based on local conditions.
Estimates for Coefficients of Bi-Univalent Functions Associated with a Fractional q-Difference Operator
Authors: Amini Ebrahim , Al-Omari Shrideh , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2022

In the present paper, we discuss a class of bi-univalent analytic functions by applying a principle of differential subordinations and convolutions. We also formulate a class of bi-univalent functions influenced by a definition of a fractional q-derivative operator in an open symmetric unit disc. Further, we provide an estimate for the function coefficients |a2| and |a3| of the new classes. Over and above, we study an interesting Fekete–Szego inequality for each function in the newly defined classes.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Chest Digital Tomosynthesis in Patients Recovering after COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Baratella Elisa , Ruaro Barbara , Marrocchio Cristina , Poillucci Gabriele , Pigato Caterina , Bozzato Alessandro Marco , Salton Francesco , Confalonieri Paola , Crimi Filippo , Wade Barbara , Quaia Emilio , Cova Maria Assunta
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of traditional chest X-ray (CXR) and digital tomosynthesis (DTS) compared to computed tomography (CT) in detecting pulmonary interstitial changes in patients having recovered from severe COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, and received local ethics committee approval. Patients suspected of having COVID-19 pneumonia upon emergency department admission between 1 March and 31 August 2020, and who underwent CXR followed by DTS and CT, were considered. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection proven by a positive RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs performed upon admission to the hospital, and with complete clinical recovery; (2) a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2-related ARDS, according to the Berlin criteria, during hospitalization; (3) no recent history of other lung disease; and (4) complete imaging follow-up by CXR, DTS, and CT for at least 6 months and up to one year. Analysis of DTS images was carried out independently by two radiologists with 16 and 10 years of experience in chest imaging, respectively. The following findings were evaluated: (1) ground-glass opacities (GGOs); (2) air-space consolidations with or without air bronchogram; (3) reticulations; and (4) linear consolidation. Indicators of diagnostic performance of RX and digital tomosynthesis were calculated using CT as a reference. All data were analyzed using R statistical software (version 4.0.2, 2020). Results: Out of 44 patients initially included, 25 patients (17 M/8 F), with a mean age of 64 years (standard deviation (SD): 12), met the criteria and were included. The overall average numbers of findings confirmed by CT were GGOs in 11 patients, lung consolidations in 8 patients, 7 lung interstitial reticulations, and linear consolidation in 20 patients. DTS showed a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy compared to CXR in recognizing interstitial lung abnormalities—especially GGOs (p = 0.0412) and linear consolidations (p = 0.0009). The average dose for chest X-ray was 0.10 mSv (0.07–0.32), for DTS was 1.03 mSv (0.74–2.00), and for CT scan was 3 mSv. Conclusions: According to our results, DTS possesses a high diagnostic accuracy, compared with CXR, in revealing lung fibrotic changes in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia.
Phylodynamic Dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages Circulating across Polish–German Border Provinces
Authors: Serwin Karol , Aksak-Wąs Bogusz , Parczewski Miłosz
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a worldwide outbreak, with significant molecular evolution over time. Large-scale phylodynamic studies allow to map the virus spread and inform preventive strategies. Aim: This study investigates the extent of binational dispersal and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 lineages between seven border provinces of the adjacent countries of Poland and Germany to reconstruct SARS-CoV-2 transmission networks. Methods: Following three pandemic waves from March 2020 to the end of May 2021, we analysed a dataset of 19,994 sequences divided into B.1.1.7|Alpha and non-Alpha lineage groups. We performed phylogeographic analyses using the discrete diffusion models to identify the pathways of virus spread. Results: Based on population dynamics inferences, in total, 673 lineage introductions (95% HPD interval 641–712) for non-Alpha and 618 (95% HPD interval 599–639) for B.1.1.7|Alpha were identified in the area. For non-Alpha lineages, 5.05% binational, 86.63% exclusively German, and 8.32% Polish clusters were found, with a higher frequency of international clustering observed for B.1.1.7|Alpha (13.11% for binational, 68.44% German and 18.45% Polish, p < 0.001). We identified key transmission hubs for the analysed lineages, namely Saxony, West Pomerania and Lower Silesia. Conclusions: Clustering patterns between Poland and Germany reflect the viral variant transmission dynamics at the international level in the borderline area. Tracing the spread of the virus between two adjacent large European countries may provide a basis for future intervention policies in cross-border cooperation efforts against the spread of the pandemics.
Ubiquitous Micro-Modular Homologies among Genomes from Viruses to Bacteria to Human Mitochondrial DNA: Platforms for Recombination during Evolution?
Authors: Weber Stefanie , Ramirez Christina M. , Doerfler Walter
Published: April 2022

The emerging Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants have raised tantalizing questions about evolutionary mechanisms that continue to shape biology today. We have compared the nucleotide sequence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA to that of genomes of many different viruses, of endosymbiotic proteobacterial and bacterial DNAs, and of human mitochondrial DNA. The entire 4,641,652 nt DNA sequence of Escherichia coli K12 has been computer-matched to SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Numerous, very similar micro-modular clusters of 3 to 13 nucleotides lengths were detected with sequence identities of 40 to >50% in specific genome segments between SARS-CoV-2 and the investigated genomes. These clusters were part of patch-type homologies. Control sequence comparisons between 1000 randomly computer-composed sequences of 29.9 kb and with the A, C, G, T base composition of SARS-CoV-2 genome versus the reference Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 sequence showed similar patterns of sequence homologies. The universal A, C, G, T genetic coding mode might have succeeded in evolution due in part to its built-in capacity to select for a substantial reservoir of micro-modular domains and employ them as platforms for integrative recombination. Their role in SARS-CoV-2 interspecies transition and the generation of variants appears likely, but their actual involvement will require detailed investigations.
Cytokine Responses to Adenovirus and Adenovirus Vectors
Authors: Atasheva Svetlana , Shayakhmetov Dmitry M.
Published: April 2022

The expression of cytokines and chemokines in response to adenovirus infection is tightly regulated by the innate immune system. Cytokine-mediated toxicity and cytokine storm are known clinical phenomena observed following naturally disseminated adenovirus infection in immunocompromised hosts as well as when extremely high doses of adenovirus vectors are injected intravenously. This dose-dependent, cytokine-mediated toxicity compromises the safety of adenovirus-based vectors and represents a critical problem, limiting their utility for gene therapy applications and the therapy of disseminated cancer, where intravenous injection of adenovirus vectors may provide therapeutic benefits. The mechanisms triggering severe cytokine response are not sufficiently understood, prompting efforts to further investigate this phenomenon, especially in clinically relevant settings. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on cytokine and chemokine activation in response to adenovirus- and adenovirus-based vectors and discuss the underlying mechanisms that may trigger acute cytokine storm syndrome. First, we review profiles of cytokines and chemokines that are activated in response to adenovirus infection initiated via different routes. Second, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that lead to cytokine and chemokine transcriptional activation. We further highlight how immune cell types in different organs contribute to synthesis and systemic release of cytokines and chemokines in response to adenovirus sensing. Finally, we review host factors that can limit cytokine and chemokine expression and discuss currently available and potential future interventional approaches that allow for the mitigation of the severity of the cytokine storm syndrome. Effective cytokine-targeted interventional approaches may improve the safety of systemic adenovirus delivery and thus broaden the potential clinical utility of adenovirus-based therapeutic vectors.
Molecular Cross-Talk between Integrins and Cadherins Leads to a Loss of Vascular Barrier Integrity during SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Nader Danielle , Kerrigan Steve W.
Published: April 2022

The vascular barrier is heavily injured following SARS-CoV-2 infection and contributes enormously to life-threatening complications in COVID-19. This endothelial dysfunction is associated with the phlogistic phenomenon of cytokine storms, thrombotic complications, abnormal coagulation, hypoxemia, and multiple organ failure. The mechanisms surrounding COVID-19 associated endotheliitis have been widely attributed to ACE2-mediated pathways. However, integrins are emerging as possible receptor candidates for SARS-CoV-2, and their complex intracellular signaling events are essential for maintaining endothelial homeostasis. Here, we showed that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 depends on its RGD motif to drive barrier dysregulation by hijacking integrin αVβ3, expressed on human endothelial cells. This triggers the redistribution and internalization of major junction protein VE-Cadherin which leads to the barrier disruption phenotype. Both extracellular and intracellular inhibitors of integrin αVβ3 prevented these effects, similarly to the RGD-cyclic peptide compound Cilengitide, which suggests that the spike protein—through its RGD motif—binds to αVβ3 and elicits vascular leakage events. These findings support integrins as an additional receptor for SARS-CoV-2, particularly as integrin engagement can elucidate many of the adverse endothelial dysfunction events that stem from COVID-19.
Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Field Collected Mosquitoes in Timimoun, Algeria
Authors: Ayhan Nazli , Hachid Aissam , Thirion Laurence , Benallal Kamel Eddine , Pezzi Laura , Khardine Fayez Ahmed , Benbetka Chahrazed , Benbetka Sihem , Harrat Zoubir , Charrel Remi
Published: April 2022

Sindbis virus (SINV) is a zoonotic alphavirus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) that causes human diseases in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Occasionally, SINV outbreaks were reported in South Africa and northern Europe. Birds are the main amplifying hosts of SINV, while mosquitoes play the role of the primary vector. Culex mosquitoes were collected in Algeria and subsequently tested for SINV. SINV RNA was detected in 10 pools out of 40, from a total of 922 mosquitoes tested. A strain of SINV was isolated from a pool displaying high viral load. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the SINV Algeria isolate was most closely related to a Kenyan strain. This was the first record of SINV in Algeria and more broadly in northwestern Africa, which can be a potential risk for human health in the circulating area. Further studies are needed to measure the impact on public health through seroprevalence studies in Algeria.