bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LC–MS/MS Coupled with Chemometric Analysis as an Approach for the Differentiation of Fritillariae cirrhosae Bulbus and Fritillariae pallidiflorae Bulbus
Authors: Zhu Xiaomu , Zhou Ting , Wang Shu , Ye Bengui , Singla Rajeev K. , Tewari Devesh , Atanasov Atanas G. , Wang Dongdong , Liu Simei
Published: January 2023

Fritillariae cirrhosae bulbus (FCB) is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for the treatment of cough and phlegm. Due to increasing demand and the complexity of FCB’s botanical origin, various substitutes have appeared in the market, resulting in a major challenge to distinguish FCB and its substitutes (F. pallidiflorae bulbus, FPB). Therefore, discriminating FCB from FPB has becoming an urgent necessity. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of nine steroidal alkaloids (imperialine-3-β-D-glucoside, imperialine, verticine, verticinone, peimisine, yibeinoside A, delavine, delavinone, ebeidinone) within 8 min. According to the composition and content of the above nine compounds, multivariate chemometric analyses were applied for the classification of FCB and FPB. The quantitative results showed that there were both similarities and differences in the content of nine steroidal alkaloids between FCB and FPB, and it was difficult to directly distinguish these two species. Fortunately, with the aid of chemometric analyses, FCB and FPB were successfully differentiated by partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) models based on the nine alkaloids’ content. Moreover, four compounds (yibeinoside A, ebeiedinone, delavinone and imperialine) were discovered as potential markers for the identification and differentiation of FCB and FPB. Additionally, compared to other studies, this work collected a large number of samples (49 batches of FCB and 17 batches of FPB) to ensure the reliability of the results. In conclusion, this work established a new approach for the authentication of FCB based on its active components, which provides a good reference for the quality control of FCB and will help us to understand the chemical composition differences between FCB and its adulterants further.
‘Cam Girls and Adult Performers Are Enjoying a Boom in Business’: The Reportage on the Pandemic Impact on Virtual Sex Work
Authors: Rubattu Valeria , Perdion Alicja , Brooks-Gordon Belinda
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Webcamming as a digital practice has increased in popularity over the last decade. With the outbreak COVID-19 and lockdowns across the globe, cam sites experienced an upsurge in both performers and viewers, and the main platform OnlyFans, increased its market share and saturation. The objective of this study was to explore the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent economic hardship, on indirect and digitally mediated sex work. In doing so, it also explored the mediatisation of the creators of erotic content and their marketing on OnlyFans. Method: Data was collected from news media outlets on the effects of the outbreak of the virus on the online sex industry. Mainstream media news articles (N = 40) were drawn from 19 different sources that discussed changes occurring in the digitally mediated sex market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was drawn from across the political spectrum and type of media source to include broadsheet, tabloid, and regional news as well as broadcast media. The dataset was divided into two and independently analysed by two different researchers analysing 20 sources each. Analysis was conducted using Grounded Theory, an inductive approach frequently used due to aid concept development, as the aim was to develop theory on the mediatisation of the experiences and process of virtual sex work without drawing on sex workers’ own resources at a time crucial to their income. Results: The findings revealed reportage of increased engagement in digital sex work in three areas: expansion of the online sex service sites; new digital sex workers joining the industry; and those who provided online sex services prior to the pandemic. A continuum of experiences emerged and the results show how online sex workers reportedly monetised the loneliness of clients and how new fetishes such as illness and Covid fetishes emerged. Conclusions: Given the remarkable success of adult websites amid the pandemic, this research provides new evidence on the reportage of the use of cam sites, and OnlyFans in particular. The findings provides new data on how digital sex workers’ experiences were represented during the pandemic and reveal a nuanced picture behind the upsurge in online work. News media outlets are crucial in the social construction of online sex work and have the power to affect peoples’ perception of this work. Additionally, press articles can provide a space where sex workers’ voices can be heard. It is therefore a key area to examine in relation to the public opinion of sex work, which in turn affects public policy, and its decriminalisation and eventual destigmatisation. These findings add to our understanding of erotic services and contribute to the growing literature on the mediatization of sex work. The study contributes new knowledge to the topic although further investigation is needed to achieve potential mainstreaming and destigmatisation for digital sex workers.
Value-Added Fertilizers Enhanced Growth, Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency through Reduced Ammonia Volatilization Losses under Maize–Rice Cropping Cultivation
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Ahmad Adeel , Younas Noman , Naveed Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Asif , Shah Syed Shahid Hussain , Hasnain Muhammad , Mustafa Adnan
Published: January 2023

Plant nutrition is an essential element for crop production and enormous amounts of fertilizers are used in agricultural systems. However, these sources emit toxic gasses and compounds in the environment that not only deteriorate soil quality but also cause a reduction in the use efficiency of applied nutrients. Therefore, the value addition of these fertilizer sources by coating micronutrients, microbes, polymers or other organic and inorganic compounds have been advocated recently. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of value-added fertilizer sources for growth and yield improvement of Zea mays (Pioneer-30T60) and Oryza sativa (Super Basmati-515) with a reduction in ammonia volatilization and an improvement in nutrient recovery by crop grains. Different phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer sources (Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), polymer coated DAP, zarkhez plus NPK, urea, polymer-coated urea and zabardast urea) were used in different combinations keeping one control for N. The results revealed that maximum growth, yield and nutrient recovery was shown by polymer-coated urea and DAP followed by zarkhez plus NPK and zabardast urea. Moreover, a minimum ammonia emission was recorded by polymer-coated fertilizers, but other value-added fertilizers were found inefficient in reducing ammonia emission, though these sources improved all growth and yield attributes. Nutrient recovery efficiency was patterned as; polymer coated fertilizers > zarkhez plus NPK + zabardast urea > zarkhez plus NPK + urea > DAP + zabardast urea > DAP + urea > DAP. Thus, the use of polymer-coated fertilizers was beneficial for both the reduction in ammonia volatilization and for improving nutrient use efficiency with maximum crop benefits.
Missing Attention to Power Dynamics in Collaborative Multi-Actor Business Models for Sustainability
Authors: Skritsovali Konstantina , Randles Sally , Hannibal Claire
Published: January 2023

Advances within the Sustainability Business Models (SBMs) literature from the perspective of boundary-spanning business models have received limited attention. Further, discourse within the SBMs literature exploring collaborative practices adopts the perspective that collaborative forums are always a ‘force for good’. This paper reviews important theories and relevant literature and calls into question the dearth of research examining business models for sustainability and focuses on the role that power, and power relations, play in the shaping and steering of value creation. In advancing research on sustainable operations, we assess the implications of ignoring uneven power, and draw attention to the affects and consequences of this omission in the study of SBMs. By embracing an alternative, deliberative democracy perspective, we challenge the sub-literature on collaborative multi-actor business models. In taking an inquisitive and critical stance on omnipresent power dynamics, we shine a light on the consequences of uneven power across multi-actor structures by augmenting research with practical insights from selected vignettes. Our proposed concept of a democratic business model for sustainability offers a new strand of theoretical development and a fresh perspective on the sustainability and business models literature.
Application of Geotextile Tubes to Coastal Silt Mitigation: A Case Study in Niaoyu Fishing Harbor
Authors: Tseng I-Fan , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Heng-Chih , Chen Yen-Shun
Published: January 2023

Pengpeng Beach, near Niaoyu Fishing Harbor, is an offshore sandbar that formed on the west side of Niaoyu Island in Penghu County, Taiwan, in 1995. Due to siltation, Pengpeng Beach also forms a sandbar tail that stretches toward the Niaoyu Fishing Harbor, meaning the Niaoyu Fishing Harbor and its navigation channel are facing serious siltation problems. This study aimed to find a solution for the siltation problem of the area by utilizing geotextile tubes, which are an economical material in terms of their material and construction cost, as well as being ecologically friendly in terms of their carbon emissions during production and transportation. Based on numerical simulations, location candidates for placing silt trap facilities were tested, selected, and modified to develop alternative mitigation plans. Evaluation of the mitigation plans was based on (1) the silt mitigation effect; (2) engineering cost; (3) public acceptance; and (4) impact on the surrounding landscape. The results showed that the proposed silt mitigation plan would be effective, and the plan was accepted by the local residents and government.
Experimental Study on Fan Aerodynamic Noise Variation Characteristics under Non-Proportional Variation Law
Authors: Dong Xiangyang , Chen Shiqiang , Lei Zhenlin , Zhu Zhulong , Chen Yihan
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the noise characteristics of axial fans in the process of variable frequency adjustment, so as to clarify the basis of frequency adjustment and high-risk area division for practical purposes. In the aerodynamic performance experiment, 11 kinds of operating conditions (OC) were divided into 3 groups, and the air flow rate and power consumption were measured. At the same time, an aerodynamic noise experiment was carried out, and nine measuring points were selected to test the noise of the air inlet and shell. The data showed that the aerodynamic performance parameters have the characteristics of non-proportional law. The maximum ventilation coefficient of OC2, OC7, OC11 is 3.9%, and its noise always has a negative growth rate. Furthermore, the typical OC were selected from all experiments, and broadband noise and discrete noise analyses were performed. The results indicated that the fan noise of the changes under variable frequency adjustment may come from boundary layer noise and shedding noise. In addition, the fundamental frequency sound pressure level of discrete noise is the highest in the whole frequency band. At the high-speed condition, the contribution of higher harmonics to the fan overall noise increases, but the broadband noise is still the dominant noise. Finally, the noise rating was introduced, and the high-risk noise index was divided for the noise of the air inlet and the shell. It was found that the main noise variation index of typical OC mostly exceeded the high-risk noise index, and the main target frequency band of noise control is 250–4000 Hz.
Economic Connectiveness and Pro-Poor Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Agriculture
Authors: Sassi Maria
Published: January 2023

In Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth is essential for poverty reduction, and pro-poor growth is the renewed focus of today’s political debate. The present paper adds to the literature on the growth–inequality relationship. It provides an in-depth analysis of the potential role of agriculture in promoting pro-poor growth in rural and urban areas compared with that of other activities. This aspect still lacks rigorous empirical support. Using the Nexus project SAMs by the International Food Policy Research Institute, this study identifies the level of ‘keyness’ of 36 activities (12 are agricultural) in nine Eastern, Western, and Central African countries using the inter-industry linkages analysis. Afterwards, it investigates the income distribution multipliers effects of activities growth across households classified in quantiles in rural and urban areas. Therefore, the paper adds to the literature, mainly focused on rural poverty and information on the growth effect on urban poverty, which is important in the context of rapid urbanization and the growing number of poor people in African cities. Apart from country-specific factors, the results confirm the strong integration of agriculture with the economy. The growth of key agricultural activities presents the most pronounced multiplicative effect on the income of rural households in the lowest quantiles. Poor urban households also benefit from their growth, but not to the same extent as rural households with an increase in the rural–urban income gap.
Polarity Effect of Stainless-Steel and Copper Electrode Materials for the Purification of Slaughterhouse Wastewater
Authors: Gulnur Saspugayeva , Zhazgul Tussupova , Ainur Daribay , Mansur Khussainov , Assemgul Bekturova , Saule Koblanova , Kulzipa Dakieva , Svetlana Garmashova , Zukhra Tungushbaeva , Mkilima Timoth
Published: January 2023

Although electrochemical methods are one of the most efficient approaches for treating wastewater, the type of wastewater to be treated, the type of electrode material employed, and the polarity direction all significantly affect how well these systems work. The prospective application of the proposed materials for the purification of slaughterhouse effluent has not been sufficiently explored in earlier studies, despite the fact that the materials (copper and stainless-steel) are reasonably inexpensive and easily accessible, especially in low-income countries. It is also unfortunate that previous research has not taken into account the potential effect of polarity direction in stainless-steel and copper electrode materials used for the purification of slaughterhouse effluent. This study investigated the potential effect of polarity direction for the purification of slaughterhouse wastewater using stainless-steel and copper electrode materials. Two electrode polarities were used in the study; stainless-steel (anode) to copper (cathode) and copper (anode) to stainless-steel (cathode). The potential effect of the contact time on the pollutants’ removal was also taken into account. Generally, the copper-to-stainless-steel polarity showed a relatively high removal efficiency compared to the stainless-steel-to-copper electrode polarity. For instance, under 20 min of contact time, the removal efficiencies of copper (anode) to stainless-steel (cathode) were higher than that of stainless-steel (anode) to copper (cathode) in 11 out of 14 investigated water quality parameters. From 40 min contact time, the copper (anode) to stainless-steel (cathode) performed higher than that of stainless-steel (anode) to copper (cathode) in 8 out of 14 investigated water quality parameters. Moreover, from 60 min contact time, the copper (anode) to stainless-steel (cathode) performed higher than that of stainless-steel (anode) to copper (cathode) in 11 out of 14 investigated water quality parameters. Based on the findings, it is clear that, in order to obtain desired performance, contact time and polarity direction should be carefully considered when developing electrochemical wastewater treatment systems.
Research on How Executive Connections Affect Enterprise Digital Transformation: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Bai Fuping , Liu Donghui , Dong Kaiyun , Shang Mengting , Yan Aiguo
Published: January 2023

In the context of the digital economy, the external connection of executives provides enterprises with a good idea to amplify their potential for digital transformation with the help of external forces. Therefore, we conduct a theoretical exploration and an empirical analysis of the relationship between executive connections and enterprise digital transformation. As the research sample, we use the A-share manufacturing companies listed in China from 2012 to 2021. According to sufficient verifications, we discover that executive connections can effectively support digital transformation. From the perspective of each subdivision dimension, executive business connections, executive technical connections, and executive financial connections can significantly promote digital transformation, among which executive technical connections have the greatest favorable impact. However, the impact of executive political connections on digital transformation is not obvious. Additionally, executive connections primarily foster enterprise digital transformation by reducing enterprise asset specificity. The results of the boundary mechanism test demonstrate that the external environmental dynamics and the internal dynamic capabilities reinforce the positive effect of executive connections on digital transformation. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of executive connections in digital transformation and provide practical guidance for firms to accelerate digital transformation.
How Did Research on Conservation Agriculture Evolve over the Years? A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subhradip , Panja Amitava , Panda Moumita , Dutta Subham , Dutta Susanta , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Dinesh , Yadav Malu Ram , Minkina Tatiana , Kalinitchenko Valery P. , Singh Rupesh Kumar , Rajput Vishnu D.
Published: January 2023

Conservation agriculture has recently been a hot topic of agricultural research and has generated significant global interest. Conservation agriculture has three core principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations. The research on this topic has also witnessed a boom in recent years as the number of peer-reviewed literature on conservation agriculture is rising exponentially. This study critically examines all the peer-reviewed documents published on conservation agriculture from the 1990s to 2021 and indexed in the web of science core database. The search returned 3023 documents, which were then processed in the R-based bibliometric package for annual scientific production trend, source, author, document, citation, keyword analysis, and co-occurrence networking using VOSviewer. Our findings show remarkable growth in conservation agriculture research in recent times, although it witnessed a shortfall in 2021. Notably, 15 core source journals contribute the most to the field, while 8692 researchers have authored or co-authored at least a document on conservation agriculture. While the USA, India, and Australia are front runners in conservation agriculture research, the spread of the topic is worldwide.
Seismic Deformation Evaluation of High Concrete Face Rockfill Dam Based on Stochastic Dynamic Analysis Method
Authors: Yang Yuanmin , Pang Rui , Rong Zhuo
Published: January 2023

Most of the existing studies on high dams under seismic action use stable ground motions, which cannot simulate the non-stationary process of practical ground motions well. Although many scholars have studied the special characteristics of ground motion frequency and intensity lately, relatively few systematic studies have been carried out for the residual deformation of practical high dam projects. In this paper, considering the special characteristics of ground motions, 144 non-stationary stochastic seismic acceleration time histories are generated by the spectral expression-random function method, and stochastic dynamic calculations are carried out for four three-dimensional models of Gushui, Lava, Dashixia, and Ciha Gorge, respectively. We analyze the acceleration and residual deformation laws of four concrete face rockfill dams (CFRDs) based on the generalized probability density evolution method (GPDEM) and extreme value distribution theory. According to the results, the reference value of the dam body deformation of the 250 m panel under different seismic intensities is given, and the settlement at the dam crest is proposed. When the safety control standard is 1.0~1.1%, the ultimate seismic capacity of the 250 m face rockfill dam is 0.7~0.8 g.
Local Willingness to Pay Survey for Rare and Endangered Species Protection in Qianjiangyuan National Park, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoping , Shen Jiamin , Tao Ran , Shen Yu , Cao Mingchang , Xiao Yang
Published: January 2023

The willingness to pay for the protection of rare and endangered species is information vital to the formulation of biodiversity protection strategies. Accordingly, this study used the contingent valuation method to evaluate the protection of Elliot’s pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) in Qianjiangyuan National Park in Zhejiang, China. A questionnaire was administered to the residents of 19 villages in the towns of Qixi, Hetian, Changhong, and Suzhuang to examine their willingness to pay for the conservation of Elliot’s pheasant. A logit model was adopted to calculate the monetary existence value of the species. The results showed that 38.1% of the respondents are willing to pay CNY 4.025 per month for the protection of Elliot’s pheasant and that the total willingness payment per year is CNY 179,312. This willingness is influenced mainly by gender, education level, income level, and awareness regarding the protection of the species, which all have a significant positive correlation with willingness. The male respondents refuse to pay for protection fees, whereas respondents with high education levels, incomes, and awareness of the protection of endangered species are more willing to protect Elliot’s pheasant. Among the respondents, 45.30%, 38.46%, and 28.21% are unwilling to pay for the protection of the species because of income constraints, poor awareness of species conservation, and perceptions regarding the role of government, respectively. The government should increase subsidies for conservation and guide the re-employment of residents as protectors of biological diversity in the study area to increase their incomes. It should also strengthen public awareness regarding biodiversity and nationally protected animals.
Exploring the Role of Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy in Determining Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Hou Haitao , Lu Wei , Liu Bing , Hassanein Zeina , Mahmood Hamid , Khalid Samia
Published: January 2023

Global warming has become a major concern for countries around the world. In this context, developed countries have decided to reduce global emissions to achieve sustainable development. The energy mix of OECD countries consists of 80% fossil fuels and accounts for about 35% of worldwide carbon emissions. Therefore, it is important to analyze how environmental factors affect carbon emissions in OECD countries. This study uses fossil energy, renewable energy (RE), and GDP for the period 1990–2019. Unlike previous studies, we will estimate two separate models for FFE and RE. To evaluate the empirical results, advanced panel data estimation methods using the cointegration test and the CS-ARDL estimation technique are employed to examine the long-run relationship between the variables. The results of the study demonstrate that fossil fuel use and GDP increase carbon emissions both in the short and long term. However, the use of RE hurts carbon emissions and is associated with sustainable development in OECD countries. Therefore, it is assumed that although fossil fuel use degrades the environment, economic growth helps it by reducing carbon emissions. Overall, our study shows that the use of RE is essential for OECD countries to achieve their environmental sustainability goals because it reduces the share of fossil fuels in the overall energy mix. Furthermore, in order to achieve a sustainable environment, OECD countries are recommended to begin long-term planning to reduce carbon emissions.
Capacity Drop at Freeway Ramp Merges with Its Replication in Macroscopic and Microscopic Traffic Simulations: A Tutorial Report
Authors: Wang Yibing , Wang Long , Yu Xianghua , Guo Jingqiu
Published: January 2023

Capacity drop (CD) at overloaded bottlenecks is a puzzling traffic flow phenomenon with some internal and complicated mechanisms at the microscopic level. Capacity drop is not only important for traffic flow theory and modelling, but also significant for traffic control. A traffic model evaluating traffic control measures needs to be able to reproduce capacity drop in order to deliver reliable evaluation results. This paper delivers a comprehensive overview on the subject from the behavioral mechanism perspective, as well as from microscopic and macroscopic simulation points of view. The paper also conducts comparable studies to replicate capacity drop at freeway ramp merges from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Firstly, the subject is studied using the macroscopic traffic flow model METANET with respect to ramp merging scenarios with and without ramp metering. Secondly, one major weakness of commercial microscopic traffic simulation tools in creating capacity drop at ramp merges is identified and a forced lane changing model for ramp-merging vehicles is studied and incorporated into the commercial traffic simulation tool AIMSUN. The extended AIMSUN carefully calibrated against real data is then examined for its capability of reproducing capacity drop in a complicated traffic scenario with merging bottlenecks. The obtained results demonstrate that reproducible capacity drop can be delivered for the targeted bottlenecks using both macroscopic and microscopic simulation tools.
Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Exploring Household Food Waste by Photographic Diary in Relation to Unprocessed, Processed and Ultra-Processed Food
Authors: Barker Hannah , Shaw Peter J. , Richards Beth , Clegg Zoe , Smith Dianna M.
Published: January 2023

Global society is wasting food at unsustainable levels, and unconsumed food is contributing markedly to carbon emissions. Simultaneously, food insecurity and obesity are increasingly prevalent concerns in high-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate food waste at the household level to understand relationships between discarded food, food processing and household characteristics. A sociodemographic and food security survey of householders in Hampshire (UK) was conducted alongside a seven-day photographic food waste diary. Of the total food waste from 94 participants, 87% was unprocessed, 51% was avoidable or potentially avoidable and 36% was unavoidable. Of the total food waste, 61% occurred during food preparation. Greater amounts of avoidable food waste occurred in one, three and four+ person households than in two-person households. Potentially avoidable food waste was greater in households educated to postgraduate and university degree level than others. The outcomes of this study indicate that the focus on interventions should vary demographically. Interventions that support food security, improving diet quality and saving money, while reducing avoidable and unprocessed food waste, in one, three and four+ person households during food preparation are one option. Reducing potentially avoidable unprocessed food waste is a priority in households educated to university degree level and above.
Development and Validation of a Scale to Assess Moral Disengagement in High-Carbon Behavior
Authors: Stoll-Kleemann Susanne , Franikowski Philipp , Nicolai Susanne
Published: January 2023

The reduction of individual carbon consumption could make an important contribution to the worldwide effort to limit global warming. Based on Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement, we hypothesized that the propensity to morally disengage concerning high-carbon behaviors (e.g., eating meat or traveling by plane) is one important factor that prevents individuals from reducing their carbon footprint. To measure the propensity to morally disengage in high-carbon-related behavior contexts, a questionnaire (MD-HCB) was developed and psychometrically validated in an online study with a German sample (N = 220). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the final nine-item scale had a one-dimensional structure, as intended. The internal consistency of the scale was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and the scale interpretation had predictive validity for both past low-carbon consumption behavior and the intention to engage in such behavior in the future. Correlational analyses with relevant existing instruments confirmed the construct validity of the interpretations that can be drawn from the MD-HCB, as its resulting score is related to, yet separable from, the general tendency to morally disengage and is meaningfully connected to related constructs. A pre-study with a student sample (N = 89) not only helped to identify limitations in the study design but also showed a weak predictive ability of moral competence concerning high-carbon consumption behavior and intention to change. Based on our findings, future media campaigns designed to increase people’s intention to reduce high-carbon behavior could focus on the modification of common cognitive disengagement strategies.
Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Socio-Ecological System Vulnerability on the Loess Plateau under Rapid Urbanization
Authors: Ma Pingyi , Zhao Xueyan , Li Hua
Published: January 2023

Rapid urbanization, as a powerful engine supporting sustainable and healthy economic development, is an important force influencing the transformation of the socio–ecological system (SES). Assessing the spatial–temporal evolution of the SES’s vulnerability under rapid urbanization is an important contribution to promoting regional sustainable development. Therefore, this study took the Loess Plateau as a case area, and, on the basis of constructing the SES’s vulnerability evaluation index system, applied the integrated index method to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution of the SES’s vulnerability of the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 with the help of ArcGIS and Origin software and used the dominant factor method to identify the dominant factors affecting high-vulnerability areas. The results show that: (1) the SES’s vulnerability of the Loess Plateau fluctuated and decreased. The overall distribution pattern was “high in the north/south, low in the middle”. (2) The SES’s exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability were all on the rise. Exposure and adaptability showed a distribution pattern of “high in the northwest and southeast, low in the southwest”, while sensitivity was “high in the north/south, low in the east”. (3) The dominant factors affecting high-vulnerability areas included exposure-dominant, sensitivity-dominant, exposure-sensitive-dominant, exposure-adaptation-dominant, sensitivity-adaptation-dominant, and strong-vulnerable-dominant types. Except for strong-vulnerable-dominant and exposure-dominant, the number of all other types of counties fluctuated upward. Finally, It was proposed policy recommendations to reduce vulnerability in high-vulnerability areas.
Optimized Design of a Squeezed-Branch Pile Group Based on an Improved Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Hui Yingxin
Published: January 2023

To reduce the differential settlement of pile group foundations, a squeezed-branch pile group optimization method based on an improved particle swarm algorithm is proposed in this paper. This method translates the problems of optimization design in the squeezed-branch pile group into the pile-bearing-plate distribution using the theory of variable-stiffness leveling. In the optimization process, the pile group is divided into groups according to the top axial force of the pile. The finite element analysis software is used to solve the pile group under the control of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, with the objective functions of bearing-plate number, vertical bearing capacity, settlement value and settlement difference as the constraint conditions. An engineering example is used to verify this method. The results show that the optimized design can reduce the settlement difference by 39%, while the number of the bearing plate is reduced by 56%, which makes the deformation and force of the pile group more uniform and is conducive to the normal use of the structure.
Detection Framework of Abrupt Changes and Trends in Rainfall Erosivity in Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Feng Qian , Dong Linyao , Liu Jingjun , Liu Honghu
Published: January 2023

Rainfall erosivity is commonly used to estimate the probability of soil erosion caused by rainfall. The accurate detection of temporal changes in rainfall erosivity and the identification of abrupt changes and trends are important for understanding the physical causes of variation. In this study, a detection framework is introduced to identify temporal changes in rainfall erosivity time series as follows: (i) The significance of time series variation of rainfall erosivity is assessed based on the Hurst coefficient and divided into three levels: None, medium, and high. (ii) The detection of abrupt changes (Mann–Kendall, Moving T, and Bayesian tests) and trends (Spearman and Kendall rank correlation tests) of variate series and the correlation coefficient between the variation component and the original series is calculated. (iii) The modified series is obtained by preferentially eliminating the variation component (trend or change point) with larger correlation coefficients. (iv) We substituted the modified series into steps i to iii until the correlation coefficient was not significant. This framework is used to analyze the variation of rainfall erosivity in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. The results showed that by using traditional methods, both an increasing trend and an upward change point were observed in Zigui station. However, after the upward change point was deducted from the annual rainfall erosivity series R(t), the resultant Rm(t) showed no statistically significant trend. Trend analysis should be performed considering the existence of an abrupt change to assess the long-term changes in rainfall erosivity series; otherwise, it would result in the wrong conclusion. In addition, the change points detected in the Rm(t) varied with the methods. Compared with the single-test method, the proposed framework can effectively reduce uncertainty.
Relating Spatial Quality of Public Transportation and the Most Visited Museums: Revisiting Sustainable Mobility of Waterfronts and Historic Centers in International Cruise Destinations
Authors: Rosa-Jiménez Carlos , Gutiérrez-Coronil Sergio , Márquez-Ballesteros María José , García-Moreno Alberto E.
Published: January 2023

Museums are main tourist resources for independent cruise passengers in cultural cruise destinations. However, their influence on cruise destinations is scarcely analyzed. The aim of this paper was to focus on two questions: What distribution of museums facilitates a sustainable mobility of cruise tourists in balance with urban needs? And which factors affect the potential use of both means of sustainable travel—soft mobility and public transport—at cruise destinations? The network topological features of main museums were analyzed to compare similar features among tourism destinations. A topological study based on the model of the three urban fabrics was related to the objective quality of PT. This allowed for a greater walkability or potential use of PT to be estimated. The results allowed for a diverse sample of cultural tourism port cities with cruise activity to be classified in three centralized levels and two decentralized ones. Results indicated that centralized networks are more prone to cruise tourists, while decentralized networks are more related to main cultural destinations. Finally, the discussion section analysed recommendations and measures to improve sustainable mobility and the planning of new museums. The results of this paper will be of interest to cultural and transport managers at these types of destinations.
Industry Life Cycle, CEO Functional Background and Corporate Sustainable Development: Evidence from Listed Companies in China
Authors: Feng Yi , Liu Ya
Published: January 2023

Based on the upper echelon theory and the contingency theory, taking China’s A-share listed companies from 1993 to 2019 as a sample, this paper applies the binary logit model and multiple linear regression model to empirically study the relationship between industry life cycle, chief executive officer (CEO) functional background and corporate sustainable development. The research shows that compared with the mature stage of the industry, companies in the growth stage of the industry are more likely to appoint CEOs with a peripheral-function background and output-function background, but less likely to appoint those with a throughput-function background; matching a CEO’s functional background and industry life cycle can stimulate corporate sustainable development under certain conditions. Further research indicates that after distinguishing corporate ownership, the matching relationship is still valid, while having different effects on the sustainable development of different ownership enterprises. The conclusion of this research not only enriches the research results of the upper echelon theory, the contingency theory and corporate sustainable development, but also provides positive enlightenments for companies in CEO appointment and cultivation, and the arrangement of career planning and selection for senior executives.
Geographic Information System Based Suitable Temporary Shelter Location for Mount Merapi Eruption
Authors: Wigati Slamet Setio , Sopha Bertha Maya , Asih Anna Maria Sri , Sutanta Heri
Published: January 2023

Merapi is an active volcano in the Sleman District with eruptions occurring periodically. However, the time and the power of the eruptions of Merapi could not be predicted accurately. Therefore, considering the dense population around the peak of Mount Merapi, appropriate and fast handling is needed when an eruption occurs. One of the crucial parts to be handled is the availability of evacuation places for the affected population. Even though Sleman district already has contingency and evacuation plans, the existing contingency and evacuation plans cannot necessarily be implemented, as in the case of the 2010 eruption. The locations planned as the shelters based on the contingency and evacuation plans of 2009 are no longer safe, including the permanent shelters owned by Sleman Regency. Thus, in the 2010 eruption, the refugees had to be evacuated to other safe places. Hence, some additional locations planned to be temporary refuges or shelters are needed to anticipate the change in eruption patterns in the future. This paper aims to provide a model to determine suitable temporary shelter locations that meet several criteria, which include constraints (exclusionary criteria) and factors (evaluation criteria). The criteria in this study were defined based on a literature review, interviews, and a questionnaire survey on experts who have experience in the field of disasters, especially in the eruption of Mount Merapi. Constraint criteria are used to determine the candidates for shelters, i.e., the locations that are possible to be used as shelters. Potential shelters will be selected from the candidates that meet the factor criteria using geographic information system (GIS), fuzzy logic, multi-criteria decision making (analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and weighted linear combination (WLC)). The implementation of the model in the 2010 eruption case shows that the refugees experienced moving to a safe place three times during the evacuation, within a safe radius of 10, 15, and 20 km due to the increase in the power of the eruption. In this paper, therefore, the potential temporary shelters will be designed at a safe radius of 10, 15, and 20 km. For further research, the potential shelters determined can be used as input in determining the optimal shelter locations by developing an optimization model.
Reflexivity in Vegan Eating Practices: A Qualitative Study in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Giacoman Claudia , Joustra Camila , Del Río Francisco , Aguilera Bornand Isabel Margarita
Published: January 2023

Global warming and the necessity to reduce carbon emissions have introduced plant-based diets and veganism into academic and general discussion. Previous studies analyzed vegan consumption practices as central to leading such a lifestyle, but these studies focused on the material dimension of vegan consumption and not on the cognitive strategies involved in food choices. The purpose of this research was to analyze the cognitive and practical strategies used by vegans in adopting non-animal food consumption. For this purpose, the study examined biographic interviews with young vegans in Santiago, Chile. The results showed that adopting veganism implies a new social identity that redefines the edible/inedible categories. To maintain their identity, vegans must control their eating and make it reflexive. The establishment of new eating practices, based on individual and peer learning, facilitates their daily food choices, although reflexivity will always be present. This work contributes to a new understanding of the consumption of plant-based foods, showing that veganism involves the adoption of new food classifications and reflexive routines.
A New Geographic Information System (GIS) Tool for Hydrogen Value Chain Planning Optimization: Application to Italian Highways
Authors: Guzzini Alessandro , Brunaccini Giovanni , Aloisio Davide , Pellegrini Marco , Saccani Cesare , Sergi Francesco
Published: January 2023

Optimizing the hydrogen value chain is essential to ensure hydrogen market uptake in replacing traditional fossil fuel energy and to achieve energy system decarbonization in the next years. The design of new plants and infrastructures will be the first step. However, wrong decisions would result in temporal, economic losses and, in the worst case, failures. Because huge investments are expected, decision makers have to be assisted for its success. Because no tools are available for the optimum design and geographical location of power to gas (P2G) and power to hydrogen (P2H) plants, the geographic information system (GIS) and mathematical optimization approaches were combined into a new tool developed by CNR-ITAE and the University of Bologna in the SuperP2G project, aiming to support the interested stakeholders in the investigation and selection of the optimum size, location, and operations of P2H and P2G industrial plants while minimizing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). In the present study, the tool has been applied to hydrogen mobility, specifically to investigate the conversion of the existing refuelling stations on Italian highways to hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs). Middle-term (2030) and long-term (2050) scenarios were investigated. In 2030, a potential demand of between 7000 and 10,000 tons/year was estimated in Italy, increasing to between 32,600 and 72,500 tons/year in 2050. The optimum P2H plant configuration to supply the HRS was calculated in different scenarios. Despite the optimization, even if the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) reduces from 7.0–7.5 €/kg in 2030 to 5.6–6.2 €/kg in 2050, the results demonstrate that the replacement of the traditional fuels, i.e., gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs), will be disadvantaged without incentives or any other economic supporting schemes.
Integration of Photodegradation Process of Organic Micropollutants to a Vertically One-Dimensional Lake Model
Authors: Chen Guo , Guo Zhongyu , Yoshimura Chihiro
Published: January 2023

Photochemical reactions in the water environments are essential for understanding the fate of organic pollutants, which exist widely in aquatic environments causing potential risks. Therefore, this study aimed to integrate a module of the photodegradation process into a vertically one-dimensional model of the lake to quantify the influence of phytoplankton on the photodegradation process for the first time. After adjusting the code of the APEX (Aqueous Photochemistry of Environmentally occurring Xenobiotics), the suite of photochemical reactions was integrated into the pollutant module of MyLake (Multi-year Lake simulation), as MyLake-Photo. This integrated model was then applied to calculate the concentration of four organic micropollutants under the ranges of solar radiation conditions (0–390 W/m2), phytoplankton biomass (0.01–20 mg/m3 of chlorophyll), and water temperature (1–25 °C). These scenario analyses revealed that phytoplankton biomass and pollutant photodegradation are negatively correlated owing to the light absorption by chlorophyll. Thermal stratification also significantly influenced the vertical distribution of organic micropollutants. Then, the model was applied for calculating a temporal distribution of ibuprofen concentration in Lake Giles (PA, USA) with a simple but realistic assumption. The concentration of organic micropollutants varies with seasons, which was mainly affected by the changes in irradiance and water temperature. In this manner, the integrated model is capable of estimating the temporal and vertical shifts of the concentration of organic micropollutants in lakes, allowing us to investigate the fate of organic micropollutants in lakes. The integrated model also allows us to investigate the effect of phytoplankton and CDOM on the photodegradation of organic micropollutants, which should be combined with field surveys and experimental studies for further improvement.
Safety Improvement of Sustainable Coal Transportation in Mines: A Contract Design Perspective
Authors: Tu Jun , Wan Liangdong , Sun Zijiao
Published: January 2023

Considering safety management systems are composed of a coal mine enterprise and a manager, incentive contracts for coal mine production are designed to improve the safety level of coal mine production. Managers must devote costly efforts in terms of both safety and production to increase the output of mines. Based on principal–agent theory, we designed an incentive contract considering moral hazard and a menu of contracts considering moral hazard and adverse selection. The results showed that when an enterprise cannot observe the manager’s efforts, the manager’s risk aversion reduces their production and safety efforts, and the enterprise needs to share its output risk with the manager. When the enterprise cannot observe the manager’s efforts and the cost type of the safety effort, a menu of contracts can be used to screen the manager’s cost type. However, high-cost contracts fail to motivate a high-cost manager and allow the high-cost manager to reduce safety and production efforts. A low-cost manager can obtain positive information rent from an enterprise without changing safety or production efforts. We provide some suggestions and references for the safety management of coal transportation in mines.