bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Detection for Chipless RFID Tags Based on Compact Printable Alphabets
Authors: Rmili Hatem , Oussama Boularess , Yousaf Jawad , Hakim Bandar , Mittra Raj , Aguili Taoufik , Tedjini Smail
Published: November 2019

This work presents a novel technique for designing chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) tags which, unlike the traditional tags with complex geometries, are both compact and printable. The tags themselves are alphabets, which offers the advantage of efficient visual recognition of the transmitted data in real-time via radio frequency (RF) waves. In this study, the alphabets (e.g., a, b and c) are realized by using copper etching on a thin dielectric substrate (TLX-8) backed by a ground plane. It is shown that the original signature of the frequency response of the backscattered radar cross-section (RCS) of the letter, displays dips that are unique to the individual letters. The tags have been simulated, fabricated and their monostatic cross-sections have been measured by using a dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna in the frequency band ranging from 6 to 13 GHz. The study also includes, for the first time, a detailed analysis of the impact of changing the shape of the tag owing to variation in the font type, size, spacing, and orientation. The proposed letters of the alphabet are easily printable on the tag and provide an efficient way to visually recognized them and, hence, to detect them in a robust way, even with a low coding density of 2.63 bit/cm2. The advantages of the proposed novel identification method, i.e., utilization of the both co- and cross-polar RCS characteristics for the printable clipless RFID tags are the enhancement of the coding density, security and better detection of the alphabet tags with different fonts by capturing the tag characteristics with better signal to noise ratio (SNR). Good agreement has been achieved between the measured and simulated results for both co- and cross-polarized cases.
Flow Velocity Measurement Using a Spatial Averaging Method with Two-Dimensional Flexural Ultrasonic Array Technology
Authors: Kang Lei , Feeney Andrew , Su Riliang , Lines David , Ramadas Sivaram Nishal , Rowlands George , Dixon Steve
Published: November 2019

Accurate average flow velocity determination is essential for flow measurement in many industries, including automotive, chemical, and oil and gas. The ultrasonic transit-time method is common for average flow velocity measurement, but current limitations restrict measurement accuracy, including fluid dynamic effects from unavoidable phenomena such as turbulence, swirls or vortices, and systematic flow meter errors in calibration or configuration. A new spatial averaging method is proposed, based on flexural ultrasonic array transducer technology, to improve measurement accuracy and reduce the uncertainty of the measurement results. A novel two-dimensional flexural ultrasonic array transducer is developed to validate this measurement method, comprising eight individual elements, each forming distinct paths to a single ultrasonic transducer. These paths are distributed in two chordal planes, symmetric and adjacent to a diametral plane. It is demonstrated that the root-mean-square deviation of the average flow velocity, computed using the spatial averaging method with the array transducer is 2.94%, which is lower compared to that of the individual paths ranging from 3.65% to 8.87% with an average of 6.90%. This is advantageous for improving the accuracy and reducing the uncertainty of classical single-path ultrasonic flow meters, and also for conventional multi-path ultrasonic flow meters through the measurement via each flow plane with reduced uncertainty. This research will drive new developments in ultrasonic flow measurement in a wide range of industrial applications.
Sensor-Based Technology for Social Information Processing in Autism: A Review
Authors: Kowallik Andrea E. , Schweinberger Stefan R.
Published: November 2019

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased strongly over the past decades, and so has the demand for adequate behavioral assessment and support for persons affected by ASD. Here we provide a review on original research that used sensor technology for an objective assessment of social behavior, either with the aim to assist the assessment of autism or with the aim to use this technology for intervention and support of people with autism. Considering rapid technological progress, we focus (1) on studies published within the last 10 years (2009–2019), (2) on contact- and irritation-free sensor technology that does not constrain natural movement and interaction, and (3) on sensory input from the face, the voice, or body movements. We conclude that sensor technology has already demonstrated its great potential for improving both behavioral assessment and interventions in autism spectrum disorders. We also discuss selected examples for recent theoretical questions related to the understanding of psychological changes and potentials in autism. In addition to its applied potential, we argue that sensor technology—when implemented by appropriate interdisciplinary teams—may even contribute to such theoretical issues in understanding autism.
Estimation of PM10 Levels and Sources in Air Quality Networks by Digital Analysis of Smartphone Camera Images Taken from Samples Deposited on Filters
Authors: Carretero-Peña Selena , Calvo Blázquez Lorenzo , Pinilla-Gil Eduardo
Published: November 2019

This paper explores the performance of smartphone cameras as low-cost and easily accessible tools to provide information about the levels and origin of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air. We tested the concept by digital analysis of the images of daily PM10 (particles with diameters 10 µm and smaller) samples captured on glass fibre filters by high-volume aerosol samplers at urban and rural locations belonging to the air quality monitoring network of Extremadura (Spain) for one year. The images were taken by placing the filters inside a box designed to maintain controlled and reproducible light conditions. Digital image analysis was carried out by a mobile colour-sensing application using red, green, blue/hue, saturation, value/hue, saturation, luminance (RGB/HSV/HSL) parameters, that were processed through statistical procedures, directly or transformed to greyscale. The results of the study show that digital image analysis of the filters can roughly estimate the concentration of PM10 within an air quality network, based on a significant linear correlation between the concentration of PM10 measured by an official gravimetric method and the colour parameters of the filters’ images, with better results in the case of the saturation parameter (SHSV). The methodology based on digital analysis can discriminate urban and rural sampling locations affected by different local particle-emitting sources and is also able to identify the presence of remote sources such as Saharan dust outbreaks in both urban and rural locations. The proposed methodology can be considered as a useful complement to the aerosol sampling equipment of air quality network field units for a quick estimation of PM10 in the ambient air, through a simple, accessible and low-cost procedure, with further miniaturization potential.
Correction: Kutafina, E.; Laukamp, D.; Bettermann, R.; Schroeder, U.; Jonas, S.M. Wearable Sensors for eLearning of Manual Tasks: Using Forearm EMG in Hand Hygiene Training. Sensors 2016, 16, 1221
Authors: Kutafina Ekaterina , Laukamp David , Bettermann Ralf , Schroeder Ulrik , Jonas Stephan M.
Published: November 2019

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [...]
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Conservation of Settled Territories in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Pérez César J. , Smith Carl A.
Published: November 2019

Landscapes settled by indigenous communities represent nuanced inter-relationships between culture and environment, where balance is achieved through Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). Through IKS, native peoples worldwide live, farm, and consume resources in a manner that is responsive to natural systems and, as such, their lands present less deforestation and more sustainable production per capita than is exhibited by non-indigenous practices. In Bolivia, the Origin Farmer Indigenous Territory (TIOC) communities of Yaminahua-Machineri and Takana-Cavineño, located in the North Amazon, are facing external threats of non-indigenous anthropogenic land use change, such as road-building and industrial-scale resource extraction. In order to understand the potential environmental and cultural loss to these territories, the present work seeks to determine the present, base-line conservation state within these Bolivian communities, and forecast land use change and its consequences until the year 2030. This was undertaken using a three-stage protocol: (a) the TIOC communities’ current forest-based livelihoods, characteristics and management were determined using on-site observation techniques and extensive literature review; (b) the historical land use change (LUC) from natural vegetation to anthropogenic use was estimated using multitemporal satellite imagery; and, finally, (c) geographically explicit non-indigenous anthropogenic land-use change threat was extrapolated until 2030 using the GEOMOD modeler from the TerraSet software. Preliminary results show that both TIOCs case-sites are fairly conserved due to their forest dependence. However, deforestation and degradation could be evidenced, particularly within TIOC areas not officially recognized by the central government, due to pressures from surrounding, new non-indigenous settlements, road infrastructure, connection to markets, and the threat of the oil exploitation. Projected LUC suggest serious threats to the unrecognized TIOC areas if community governance is not reinforced, and if extractivist and non-indigenous development patterns continue to be promoted by state and central government.
Energy Taxes, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption and Economic Consequences: A Comparative Study of Nordic and G7 Countries
Authors: He Pinglin , Chen Lu , Zou Xiaonan , Li Shufeng , Shen Huayu , Jian Jianhui
Published: November 2019

Based on a panel ARDL (AutoRegressive Distributed Lag) model, this paper investigates the environmental and economic consequences of energy tax levied in the four Nordic countries and the G7 countries from 1994 to 2016. Based on the double dividend theory of environmental tax, this paper investigates five variables: energy tax, energy consumption per unit of GDP, income tax, profit tax and capital gains tax, carbon dioxide intensity and fossil fuel burning ratio. A panel ARDL model is established to empirically test the relationship between energy tax and other variables. Experiments show that both the four Nordic countries and the G7 countries have found the existence of green dividends in the long run: the green dividends of the four Nordic countries are reflected in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, while those of the G7 countries are reflected in the reduction of fossil fuel use. In terms of blue dividends, the implementation of energy tax in the four Nordic countries can not only reduce distorted taxes in the short term, but also promote economic growth and adjust tax structure in the long term. For the G7 countries, blue dividends are not reflected in the long term. The model used in this paper is a panel ARDL model, which is more suitable for the study of multiple countries, multiple variables and long-term cycles. This model has been seldomly used in previous studies. The application of the panel ARDL model in this paper is not only more scientific and applicable, but also more innovative, which makes up for the shortcomings of previous studies. The research object of this paper selects the energy tax, which is an important part of the environmental tax system, and strives to provide a reference for the implementation of environmental taxation priorities and effects through empirical research. This paper may also serve as a reference for other countries to establish and improve environmental tax. As the first environmental tax law in China, the Environmental Protection Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China was formally implemented on 1 January 2018. This paper chooses G7 countries and Nordic countries as the research objects. As these are important economies in the world, their environmental tax implementation is more perfected and has strong representativeness. This study can provide some experience for the continuous improvement of China’s environmental tax law.
The Recent Sediment Record as an Indicator of Past Soil-Erosion Dynamics. Study in Dehesa Areas in the Province of Cáceres (Spain)
Authors: de Tena Rey María Teresa , Domínguez Álvarez Agustín , García-Moruno Lorenzo
Published: November 2019

The work presented is a study of the recent sediment deposits in a pilot basin in dehesa areas in the province of Cáceres (Spain) through analysis of the sediment record, radiocarbon dating and correlation with historic data to assess the factors that conditioned the deposit in these areas over time. It is a qualitative study based on the important role of sediments as recorders of history, given that sediment facies and their architecture provide one of the best records of past processes and environmental factors. For the study, sediment profile surveys were used to determine the configuration and characteristics of the infill and its chronology. The sediment model of the facies studied is associated with a context of slope water erosion that led to the infill of the watercourse areas, mainly sand and fine gravel, where alterations in the normal rate were detected due to the insertion of a thicker level of materials (soil stoniness) that was able to be dated. The sediment and chronological results obtained can be used to determine the historical events in the area that could have affected the erosion and deposit processes in the basin for the estimated period, from the late 18th to the early 19th century. During this period, pastureland that maintained the ecological balance of the dehesa, with a balanced, stable displacement of soil particles, was converted to cropland, in most cases resulting in soil with a limited profile, overuse and the consequent loss of structure and texture, making it more vulnerable to erosion. Greater remobilisation would have carried thicker material to the watercourses than the material deposited as a result of limited ploughing. This study provides data for the dehesa areas studied with regard to their hydrogeomorphological dynamics, from which past environmental impacts due to tillage can be inferred.
Sustainable Road Design: Promoting Recycling and Non-Conventional Materials
Authors: Thom Nicholas , Dawson Andrew
Published: November 2019

Many factors impact on the sustainability of road maintenance, including the organization of road authorities, contract forms used, financing structure and, unfortunately, political interference and corruption. However, this paper reviews the opportunities to increase sustainability by utilizing less environmentally damaging material sources, and also the associated challenges. It is a field that has seen advances in recent decades, for example in the effectiveness of cold-mix asphalt binders. Nevertheless, the opportunities are not being taken up in many countries, and this reflects uncertainty in predicting performance. This paper reviews the different design methods available, developed in both temperate and tropical climates, and highlights the lack of agreement with regard to non-conventional materials. The different sources of uncertainty and risk are then discussed, together with ways of limiting them. It is found that, while advances in performance prediction are highly desirable, the key to encouraging recycling and the use of inexpensive but non-conventional materials lies in development of the right contractual arrangements, specifically partnering and risk/reward sharing. The paper concludes with a discussion on approaches to partnering in the construction industry and the prerequisite climate of trust without which innovation is almost inevitably stifled.
Optimizing Transport Scheme of High Value-Added Shipments in Regions without Express Train Services
Authors: Lin Boliang , Li Xingkui , Zhang Zexi , Zhao Yinan
Published: November 2019

In railway transportation, high value-added shipments in regions with large traffic volumes are generally delivered by express train services, since these freights need to be delivered in a short time. However, there are also high value-added shipments in areas where express train services are not available. If these freights are delivered by the traditional approaches (i.e., the freight cars are delivered to the adjacent classification yard by local trains, combined with other freight cars to form a train, and finally sent to the destination according to the transportation plan) with multiple reclassifications (a reclassification is when wagons are separated from their original train and then join another train in a classification yard), it will lead to delivery delays and economic losses to shippers and contribute to severe carbon emissions. In this context, this paper proposes an innovative method to deliver high value-added shipments in regions without express train services, which is called the method of reserving axle loads. The differences in assembling and transfer costs achieved by the method of reserving axle loads and traditional method are analyzed, especially the car-hours saved for the accumulation process of freight cars in a classification yard. Then, a corresponding mathematical model is established, which involves four scenarios: reserving axle loads for departing; reserving axle loads for arriving; reserving axle loads for both departing and arriving; and not reserving axle loads. Finally, the practicability and feasibility of the model was verified by two numerical experiments.
Enhancing Role of Guiding Signs Setting in Metro Stations with Incorporation of Microscopic Behavior of Pedestrians
Authors: Lei Bin , Xu Jinliang , Li Menghui , Li Haoru , Li Jin , Cao Zhen , Hao Yarui , Zhang Yuan
Published: November 2019

In the metro operation environment, guiding signs provide direction and route conversion instructions to pedestrians. In metro stations with massive passenger flow, the rationality of sign setting would exert distinct effects on the efficiency of passenger flow. Currently, most studies on guiding signs focus on architecture, aesthetics and simulation. However, perspectives from humanization of pedestrian guidance signs such as pedestrian behavior needs and pedestrian cognition were seldom proposed. In this paper, the microscopic behavior characteristics data of pedestrians at different positions in typical metro stations were collected through pedestrian tracking experiments. After analyzing the characteristics of pedestrians’ microscopic behavior in metro stations, otherness of walking speed was found out among pedestrians in different types of passageways. The walking speed of pedestrians in closed-type passageways is higher than other types. Moreover, pedestrian speed at the stairs adjacent to the platform is higher than that at the stairs not adjacent to the platform. With the increase of crowd density, the change of walking speed of pedestrians can be represented by a unimodal curve. Finally, the key points of optimal setting of guiding signs in different regions and different periods were obtained according to the result analysis of the experiment. The research results of this paper can provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the optimal establishment of pedestrian guiding signs in metro stations with massive passenger flow.
Assessment Method of Fuel Consumption and Emissions of Aircraft during Taxiing on Airport Surface under Given Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Zhang Ming , Huang Qianwen , Liu Sihan , Li Huiying
Published: November 2019

Reducing fuel consumption and emissions of aircrafts during taxiing on airport surfaces is crucial to decrease the operating costs of airline companies and construct green airports. At present, relevant studies have barely investigated the influences of the operation environment, such as low visibility and traffic conflict in airports, reducing the assessment accuracy of fuel consumption and emissions. Multiple aircraft ground propulsion systems on airport surfaces, especially the electric green taxiing system, have attracted wide attention in the industry. Assessing differences in fuel consumption and emissions under different taxiing modes is difficult because environmental factors were hardly considered in previous assessments. Therefore, an innovative study was conducted based on practical running data of quick access recorders and climate data: (1) Low visibility and taxiing conflict on airport surfaces were inputted into the calculation model of fuel consumption to set up a modified model of fuel consumption and emissions. (2) Fuel consumption and emissions models under full- and single-engine taxiing, external aircraft ground propulsion systems, and electric green taxiing system could accurately estimate fuel consumption and emissions under different taxiing modes based on the modified model. (3) Differences in fuel consumption and emissions of various aircraft types under four taxiing modes under stop-and-go and unimpeded aircraft taxiing conditions were obtained through a sensitivity analysis in Shanghai Pudong International Airport under three thrust levels. Research conclusions provide support to the airport management department in terms of decision making on taxiway optimization.
Levels of Cognitive Congruence between Managers and Team Members’ Perceptions of Cooperation at Work
Authors: García-Mas Alexandre , Núñez Prats Antonio , Olmedilla Aurelio , Ruiz-Barquín Roberto , Cantón Enrique
Published: November 2019

Much of the research on the psychological dynamics of performance teams suffers from the following limitations: consideration of only one theoretical framework and analysis of just one perspective (e.g., manager–coach or team member). To address these shortcomings, this study used a Global Cooperation concept that synthesized five psychological frameworks: coordination, cohesion, cooperation, integration, and identification. The objective of this study was to examine the level of congruence–symmetry between the two perspectives and the tendency for managers–coaches and team members to reduce cognitive dissonance in the perception of global cooperation. To this end, 108 managers–coaches and members of performance teams were studied (range: 23−60 years old) using a Cooperative Workteam Questionnaire (CWQ). Results revealed that the greatest amount of asymmetry was observed in Global Cooperation and Emotional Cooperation, while less asymmetry was found in Personal Growth, and good congruence–fit in Conditioned Cooperation. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical meaning and practical implications for interventions on performance teams.
Sustainable Tourism in the Open Innovation Realm: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Della Corte Valentina , Del Gaudio Giovanna , Sepe Fabiana , Sciarelli Fabiana
Published: November 2019

This study evaluates bibliometric analysis of sustainable tourism in the open innovation realm, depicts emerging themes, and offers critical discussion for theory development and further research. Through the use of bibliometrix, this paper investigates the amount of studies conducted in this area and verifies if such studies have represented a contribution to the evolving research in the field of sustainable tourism. Specifically, the paper identifies whether and to what extent scholars have explored these interconnections and maps to get to a conceptual structure of the field under investigation. The results identify the development status and the leading trends in terms of impact, main journals, papers, topics, authors, and countries. The analysis and the graphical presentations are crucial, as they can help both researchers and practitioners to better understand the state of the art of sustainable tourism in the experiential and digital era.
Understanding Construction Logistics in Urban Areas and Lowering Its Environmental Impact: A Focus on Construction Consolidation Centres
Authors: Guerlain Cindy , Renault Samuel , Ferrero Francesco
Published: November 2019

A lot of attention has been paid in the last years to urban freight transport (UFT) activities generated by specific market segments such as food, retail, or home deliveries, while relatively little attention has been paid to the transport of goods to and from construction sites in urban areas. Although transport of construction materials represents up to 30% of freight movements in cities and even more in terms of pollutant emissions. Using data collected over eight months in four construction sites, this paper provides a better understanding of the urban freight transport activity related to construction and presents the potential benefits of the implementation of construction consolidation centres (CCCs). A CCC is an innovative approach, which aims at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics processes by reducing the number of deliveries. Consequently, the use of a CCC in urban areas can reduce congestion and pollutant emissions due to construction freight movements. This paper presents results of CCC usage simulations for the four construction sites mentioned above. The results suggest that the distribution of goods to and from construction sites is peculiar as compared to other, better-known, urban supply chains and reinforce the call to researchers and decision makers from both private and public sides to devote more attention to this market segment.
Stakeholder Roles and Perspectives on Sedimentation Management in Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Ethiopia
Authors: Gurmu Zerihun Anbesa , Ritzema Henk , de Fraiture Charlotte , Ayana Mekonen
Published: November 2019

Irrigated agriculture, particularly small-scale irrigation (SSI), is a mainstay for sustainable livelihoods in the developing world. In Ethiopia, SSI sustainability is threatened mainly due to excessive sedimentation. Stakeholders’ perceptions of the causes of sedimentation and how they sustain SSI under excessive sedimentation conditions were investigated in two SSI schemes in Ethiopia. A participatory rapid diagnosis and action planning was implemented, consisting of a literature review, participatory rural appraisal, and semi-structured interviews. Results show that farmers slightly differed in perception of excessive sedimentation drivers. Farmers reported design problems as the main cause of excessive sedimentation (64%), followed by poor operation and maintenance (O and M) practices (21%) and external factors (15%). In contrast, 62% of the interviewed engineers indicated erosion and irrigation technologies as the main causes of excessive sedimentation, while few reported poor design (13%). In addition to an intensive desilting campaign, farmers delayed the start of the irrigation season to avoid the intake of highly sedimented water. Local social capital and knowledge appeared to be more important than formal knowledge and blue-print institutions for dealing with sedimentation problems. Well-organized structure and extra time devoted by famers were vital for SSI sustainability. Integration of the farmers’ knowledge with that of the engineers could yield more effective ways to deal with sedimentation problems.
Urban Regeneration Process: The Case of a Residential Complex in a Suburb of Rome, Italy
Authors: Battisti Alessandra , Barnocchi Asia , Iorio Silvia
Published: November 2019

With the aim of promoting biological, social and psychological well-being, a multi-institutional and multidisciplinary action-research process was developed for the regeneration of a large residential complex in Rome, Italy. A methodology with a community-based approach was adopted in a context where spatial segregation is intertwined with health and social inequalities. Methods: Through qualitative-quantitative analysis involving the active participation of the local population and institutions in every stage, an integrated survey model was developed in order to create proper communication between the needs of the population and sustainable solutions. Results: the implemented process allowed for clear planning of actions and interventions that could be economically sustainable through the structuring and development of a local network. Conclusions: the process involving the participation of the population in the analysis of their own problems and difficulties, as well as in the development of possible interventions and actions to be proposed, appears to be the only adequate approach that allows for the definition of mutual objectives based on the real needs of the end users.
A Novel Evaluation Model for Urban Smart Growth Based on Principal Component Regression and Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Li Lianyan , Ren Xiaobin
Published: November 2019

Smart growth is widely adopted by urban planners as an innovative approach, which can guide a city to develop into an environmentally friendly modern city. Therefore, determining the degree of smart growth is quite significant. In this paper, sustainable degree (SD) is proposed to evaluate the level of urban smart growth, which is established by principal component regression (PCR) and the radial basis function (RBF) neural network. In the case study of Yumen and Otago, the SD values of Yumen and Otago are 0.04482 and 0.04591, respectively, and both plans are moderately successful. Yumen should give more attention to environmental development while Otago should concentrate on economic development. In order to make a reliable future plan, a self-organizing map (SOM) is conducted to classify all indicators and the RBF neural network-trained indicators are separate under different classifications to output new plans. Finally, the reliability of the plan is confirmed by cellular automata (CA). Through simulation of the trend of urban development, it is found that the development speed of Yumen and Otago would increase slowly in the long term. This paper provides a powerful reference for cities pursuing smart growth.
Design of Urban Rail Transit Network Constrained by Urban Road Network, Trips and Land-Use Characteristics
Authors: Chai Shushan , Liang Qinghuai , Zhong Simin
Published: November 2019

In the process of urban rail transit network design, the urban road network, urban trips and land use are the key factors to be considered. At present, the subjective and qualitative methods are usually used in most practices. In this paper, a quantitative model is developed to ensure the matching between the factors and the urban rail transit network. In the model, a basic network, which is used to define the roads that candidate lines will pass through, is firstly constructed based on the locations of large traffic volume and main passenger flow corridors. Two matching indexes are proposed: one indicates the matching degree between the network and the trip demand, which is calculated by the deviation value between two gravity centers of the stations’ importance distribution in network and the traffic zones’ trip intensity; the other one describes the matching degree between the network and the land use, which is calculated by the deviation value between the fractal dimensions of stations’ importance distribution and the traffic zones’ land-use intensity. The model takes the maximum traffic turnover per unit length of network and the minimum average volume of transfer passengers between lines as objectives. To solve the NP-hard problem in which the variables increase exponentially with the increase of network size, a neighborhood search algorithm is developed based on simulated annealing method. A real case study is carried out to show that the model and algorithm are effective.
Environmental Sustainability of Greenhouse Covering Materials
Authors: Maraveas Chrysanthos
Published: November 2019

The fundamental objective of the review article was to explore the ecological sustainability of greenhouse covering material based on the following themes; considerations for greenhouse materials, properties of polymers and glass, additives, fillers, stabilizers and reinforcements, performance, Ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, phase change materials (PCMs), and environmental sustainability. A comparison of various polymers (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, D-polymer, Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefins), and silica glasses illustrated that each type of greenhouse cladding material has its unique merits and limitations. The performance of silica glasses, PVC, polyolefins was influenced by weather, greenhouse design, plant under cultivation, percentage UV transmittance, incorporation of additives and stabilizers, reinforcements, and integration of photovoltaic panels into the greenhouse roof among other factors. Polymers can be customized to achieve 0%UV transmittance, slow-insecticide release, and anti-microbial properties. In contrast, glass materials are preferred based on suitable photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance and near-infrared (NIR) reflection and less risk of photo-oxidation. From an ecological perspective, polymers can be recycled via mechanical and chemical recycling, closed-loop cycling, and polymerization of bio-based feedstock. However, post-consumer plastic films do not possess the same optical and energy properties as virgin polymers. The combined benefits of different polymers suggest that these materials could be adopted on a large scale over the long-term.
The Influence of Consumers’ Perceived Risks towards Eco-Design Packaging upon the Purchasing Decision Process: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zeng Tian , Durif Fabien
Published: November 2019

Drawing on the means–end chain method, this exploratory study attempts to provide a better understanding of consumers’ perceived risks towards eco-design packaging and its effects on consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study makes divers contributions in terms of theory, methodology, and policy making. Firstly, this study provides better comprehension for the concept of “eco-design packaging” by combining an industrial perspective (i.e., a life-cycle assessment: LCA) with a consumer perspective (i.e., consumer perceptions). The findings reveal the gap between consumers’ perceptions and the LCA results towards eco-design packaging. Secondly, this study offers an alternative perspective on consumers’ reactions towards eco-design packaging through exploring the “risks” instead of “benefits” examined to inspire package innovation. This study identified five perceived risks (functional, physical, financial, life-standard, and socio-environmental risks). Thirdly, this study illustrates the benefit of using the means–end chain analysis (MEC) framework to explore consumers’ reactions and purchasing behaviors towards sustainable products. Lastly, this study offers several actionable suggestions to managers, packaging designers, and policy makers.
Perceptions of the Impact of High-Level-Machine-Intelligence from University Students in Taiwan: The Case for Human Professions, Autonomous Vehicles, and Smart Homes
Authors: Chen Su-Yen , Lee Chiachun
Published: November 2019

There is a “timing optimism” that artificial general intelligence will be achieved soon, but some literature has suggested that people have mixed feelings about its overall impact. This study expanded their findings by investigating how Taiwanese university students perceived the overall impact of high-level-machine-intelligence (HLMI) in three areas: a set of 12 human professions, autonomous vehicles, and smart homes. Respondents showed a relatively more positive attitude, with a median answer of “on balance good”, toward HLMI’s development corresponding to those occupations having a higher probability of automation and computerization, and a less positive attitude, with a median of “more or less neutral”, toward professions involving human judgment and social intelligence, and especially creativity, which had a median of “on balance bad”. On the other hand, they presented a highly positive attitude toward the AI application of the smart home, while they demonstrated relatively more reservation toward autonomous vehicles. Gender, area of study, and a computer science background were found as predictors in many cases, whereas traffic benefits, and safety and regulation concerns, among others, were found as the most significant predictors for the overall impact of autonomous vehicles, with comfort and support benefits being the most significant predictor for smart homes. Recommendations for educators, policy makers, and future research were provided.
Stability Analyses and Cable Bolt Support Design for A Deep Large-Span Stope at the Hongtoushan Mine, China
Authors: Zhao Xingdong , Li Huaibin , Zhang Shujing , Yang Xiaoming
Published: November 2019

This study presents stability analyses and a cable bolt support design for a typical deep large-span stope (1-1# stope) at the Hongtoushan mine in China, using an integrated empirical and numerical method. Detailed field work including quantification of joint distribution and surface quality, along with laboratory test on intact rock samples, were performed to obtain the geotechnical properties of rock masses. The rock mass of the 1-1# stope was characterized by rock mass rating (RMR), rock mass quality (Q), and geological strength index (GSI), and then the modulus, peak strength, cohesive strength, and internal friction angle of the rock mass were estimated. The stability of the stope was then evaluated by empirical (RMR, stability graph) and numerical approaches (limit equilibrium analyses with UNWEDGE and stress-strain analyses with FLAC3D), considering of the effects of rock mass quality, induced stress, and large-span. A cable bolt support system obtained from the empirical method, was then further analyzed using the FLAC3D and UNWEDGE codes. The results show that the maximum plastic zone thickness and vertical displacement at the stope roof decrease significantly and the safety factor of the unstable wedge block increases significantly after installing the cable bolt support systems recommended by the empirical method. Therefore, it is suggested that an integrated empirical and numerical method is used to obtain quantitative stability assessment and optimum cable bolt support design for deep large-span stope roofs.
A Quantitative Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants Influencing Crop Drought Vulnerability in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kamali Bahareh , Abbaspour Karim C. , Wehrli Bernhard , Yang Hong
Published: November 2019

Drought events have significant impacts on agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as agricultural production in most of the countries relies on precipitation. Socio-economic factors have a tremendous influence on whether a farmer or a nation can adapt to these climate stressors. This study aims to examine the extent to which these factors affect maize vulnerability to drought in SSA. To differentiate sensitive regions from resilient ones, we defined a crop drought vulnerability index (CDVI) calculated by comparing recorded yield with expected yield simulated by the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model during 1990–2012. We then assessed the relationship between CDVI and potential socio-economic variables using regression techniques and identified the influencing variables. The results show that the level of fertilizer use is a highly influential factor on vulnerability. Additionally, countries with higher food production index and better infrastructure are more resilient to drought. The role of the government effectiveness variable was less apparent across the SSA countries due to being generally stationary. Improving adaptations to drought through investing in infrastructure, improving fertilizer distribution, and fostering economic development would contribute to drought resilience.
Evaluating Circular Economy under a Multi-Parametric Approach: A Technological Review
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Grigorios , Kapsalis Vasilis , Aravossis Konstantinos , Zamparas Miltiadis , Mitsikas Alexandros
Published: November 2019

A circular economy (CE) is conceptualized under different rounds of materials and energy cycling flows and is a matter of a three-level deployment: inter-enterprise circulation, regional circulation, and social circulation. Regarding them, the aim of this research was to get an update on the current technological advances and the perspectives of its implementation. Thus, a multi-parametric approach has been conducted to analyze the functionality of technologies in wastewater treatment, organic waste management, agrarian development, and food waste in the context of CE. Beside the narrative of the technological view, a critical approach assimilates the environmental, marketing, economic, governmental, and procedural viewpoints and leads to key indicators which are subject to positive and negative externalities. Due to this co-existence, we denoted the complexity of CE principle implementation and the need for specific envisage in each case, while proposing strategies are formulated in the light of social-environmental impact. Finally, further research gaps were proposed for deeper consideration.
Price Elasticity of Heat Demand in South Korean Manufacturing Sector: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jin , Paek Jae-Sung , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: November 2019

Heat is a crucial input supplied in the form of steam or hot water to industrial production of South Korea. Estimating the demand function for heat in the manufacturing sector is all the more important a task in terms of policy because heat consumption in the manufacturing sector is increasing because using heat directly as a fuel can reduce the air pollutants emissions and save energy when compared with using electricity, which is secondary energy. Thus, this article tries to estimate the demand function for industrial heat in the manufacturing sector of South Korea using cross-sectional data for analyzing the influence of manufacturing firms’ characteristics. To this end, 257 observations collected from a nationwide survey of manufacturing firms in 2017 are used and analyzed. As a robust approach, the least absolute deviations estimation method is applied to obtain the demand function. The results show that the price elasticity and sales amount elasticity of the industrial heat demand are estimated to be −0.8476 and 1.0144, respectively, which are statistically significant at the 1% level. Furthermore, the economic benefits of industrial heat consumption are computed to be 1.59 times as great as the price of heat. The results of this study can be utilized in policy planning, making, and evaluation.
The Possible Stimulation of the Mid-Holocene Period’s Initial Hydrological Recession on the Development of Neolithic Cultures along the Margin of the East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Xue Wenping , Jin Heling , Liu Bing , Sun Liangying , Liu Zhenyu
Published: November 2019

A better understanding of past East Asian summer monsoonal (EASM) variations, which play a key role in the development of the largely rain-watered agriculture in China, could contribute to better appraising potential impacts on EASM with regard to global climate change. However, our knowledge of the relationship between mid-Holocene hydrological recession and the development of Neolithic culture is limited due to a lack of joint studies and a compilation of spatiotemporal data, especially on the episode of ~6–5 ka from the mid-Holocene Optimum (HO) along the peripheral realm of the EASM. Here, we suggest that the hydrological recession between ~6–5 ka, on the basis of lithology and geochemical element analysis, occurred not only in the Horqin sandy land, but also in other fluvial-lacustrine, stalagmitic, loess, and aeolian records across the whole monsoon-influenced boundary belt. These records indicated varied, more or less synchronous, and coherent moisture changes, yet with not entirely consistent onsets, durations, and degrees. We attributed this spatiotemporal complexity to the orbit-induced weakening of summer solar insolation, and the interactions of the Asian monsoon (AM) and westerlies, as well as topography and regional vegetation factors. Furthermore, the mid-Holocene initial hydroclimatic recession during ~6–5 ka within the thresholds of an eco-environment bearing a capacity system, might have facilitated the development of mid–late Neolithic culture and stimulated the north and northwest expansion and integration of region-specific Neolithic culture.
The Identification and Use Efficiency Evaluation of Urban Industrial Land Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Qiao Lin , Huang Huiping , Tian Yichen
Published: November 2019

Urban industrial land (UIL), which is classified for industrial purposes, is an indispensable component of urban land. Obtaining up-to-date and timely UIL details from the industrial development perspective has practical significance for UIL planning. Therefore, we propose a practical method for integrating UIL identification and use efficiency evaluation at the parcel scale based on multi-source data. The Open Street Map (OSM) data were utilized to generate parcels, which served as basic analytical units. Point of Interest (POI) data combined with a Continuous Bag-of-Words (CBoW)-based Word2Vec model was utilized to acquire UIL information. The entropy-weight Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, combined with economic and environmental UIL indicators obtained from remote sensing images, ground observation data, and statistical data, was used to evaluate UIL use efficiency, and the spatial distribution and utilization degree of UIL within Beijing’s fifth ring road was analyzed. The region within Beijing’s fifth ring road was classified into commercial land, industrial land, and other types, with an overall accuracy of 92.24%. With this method, we found that the distribution of UIL presented a ring structure developing outwards along the ring roads and contained concentrated commercial areas. UIL utilization exhibited a south–north differentiation, and industrial land had lower use efficiency. Our work fully utilized the available fine-scale multi-source data.
Exploring the Weekly Travel Patterns of Private Vehicles Using Automatic Vehicle Identification Data: A Case Study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhao Yuhui , Zhu Xinyan , Guo Wei , She Bing , Yue Han , Li Ming
Published: November 2019

Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) systems collect 24 h vehicle travel data for the efficient management of traffic flows. The automatic vehicle identification data collected by an overhead traffic monitoring system provides a means for understanding urban traffic flows and human mobility. This article explores the weekly travel patterns of private vehicles based on AVI data in Wuhan, a megacity in Central China. We extracted origin–destination information and applied the K-Means clustering algorithm to classify spatial traffic hot spots by camera locations. Subsequently, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm was used to mine the temporal travel patterns of individual vehicles. The cluster results are summarized in nine travel probability matrixes. The effectiveness of this approach is illustrated by a case study using a large set of AVI data collected from 19 to 24 November 2018, in Wuhan, China. The results revealed six variations of the travel demand on weekdays and weekends—the commuting behaviors of private drivers triggered a tidal change in traffic flows. This study also exposed nine weekly travel patterns for private cars, reflecting temporal similarities of human mobility patterns. We identified four types of commuters. These results can help city managers understand daily changes in urban travel demands.