bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar Application of Nano-Silicon Improves the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of ‘Kalamata’ Olive Subjected to Deficit Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Hassan Islam F. , Ajaj Rahaf , Gaballah Maybelle S. , Ogbaga Chukwuma C. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene M. , Alam-Eldein Shamel M.
Published: June 2022

In Egypt’s arid and semi-arid lands where the main olive production zone is located, evapotranspiration is higher than rainfall during winter. Limited research has used nanomaterials, especially nano-silicon (nSi) to improve the growth, development, and productivity of drought-stressed fruit trees, amid the global water scarcity problem. To assess the role of nSi on drought-sensitive ‘Kalamata’ olive tree growth, and biochemical and physiological changes under drought conditions, a split-plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design. The trees were foliar sprayed with nSi in the field using nine treatments (three replicates each) of 0, 150, and 200 mg·L−1 under different irrigation regimes (100, 90, and 80% irrigation water requirements ‘IWR’) during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Drought negatively affected the trees, but both concentrations of nSi alleviated drought effects at reduced irrigation levels, compared to the non-stressed trees. Foliar spray of both concentrations of nSi at a moderate level (90% IWR) of drought resulted in improved yield and fruit weight and reduced fruit drop percentage, compared to 80% IWR. In addition, there were reduced levels of osmoprotectants such as proline, soluble sugars, and abscisic acid (ABA) with less membrane damage expressed as reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and electrolyte leakage at 90% compared to 80% IWR. These results suggest that ‘Kalamata’ olive trees were severely stressed at 80% compared to 90% IWR, which was not surprising as it is classified as drought sensitive. Overall, the application of 200 mg·L−1 nSi was beneficial for the improvement of the mechanical resistance, growth, and productivity of moderately-stressed (90% IWR) ‘Kalamata’ olive trees under the Egyptian semi-arid conditions.
Use of traC Gene to Type the Incidence and Distribution of pXFAS_5235 Plasmid-Bearing Strains of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa ST1 in Spain
Authors: Velasco-Amo María , Arias-Giraldo Luis , Olivares-García Concepción , Denancé Nicolás , Jacques Marie-Agnès , Landa Blanca
Published: June 2022

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a phytopathogenic bacterium with a repertoire of self-replicating genetic elements, including plasmids, pathogenicity islands, and prophages. These elements provide potential avenues for horizontal gene transfer both within and between species and have the ability to confer new virulence traits, including the ability to colonize new host plants. However, they can also serve as a ‘footprint’ to type plasmid-bearing strains. Genome sequencing of several strains of Xf subsp. fastidiosa sequence type (ST) 1 from Mallorca Island, Spain, revealed the presence of a 38 kb plasmid (pXFAS_5235). In this study, we developed a PCR-based typing approach using primers targeting the traC gene to determine the presence of pXFAS_5235 plasmid or other plasmids carrying this gene in a world-wide collection of 65 strains X. fastidiosa from different subspecies and STs or in 226 plant samples naturally infected by the bacterium obtained from the different outbreaks of Xf in Spain. The traC gene was amplified only in the plant samples obtained from Mallorca Island infected by Xf subsp. fastidiosa ST1 and from all Spanish strains belonging to this ST. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree of traC revealed a close relatedness among Spanish and Californian strains carrying similar plasmids. Our results confirm previous studies, which suggested that a single introduction event of Xf subsp. fastidiosa ST1 occurred in the Balearic Islands. Further studies on the presence and role of plasmids in Xf strains belonging to the same or different subspecies and STs can provide important information in studies of epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of this plant pathogen.
Variation in Glucosinolate Accumulation among Different Sprout and Seedling Stages of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Lin Haiyan , Sun Jiayi , Hu Zhiwei , Cheng Chenxi , Lin Sue , Zou Huixi , Yan Xiufeng
Published: June 2022

Glucosinolates (GLs) are plant secondary metabolites that may act against different types of cancers. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is rich in GLs which makes it an excellent source of these nutraceuticals. The composition and concentration of GLs vary among broccoli cultivars and throughout the developmental stages of the plant. To obtain the GL profiles of broccoli, GL compositions and contents in four early developmental stages (seeds, 3-day sprouts, 11-day and 17-day seedlings) were determined for nine cultivars of broccoli in this study. A total of 12 GLs including 9 aliphatic GLs and 3 indole GLs were identified from the nine broccoli cultivars using LC-QTOF-MS. UPLC results showed that aliphatic GLs concentrations decreased with broccoli sprouts and seedling growth for most cultivars. Interestingly, indole GLs amounts increased after germination and reached the highest level in 3-day sprouts or 11-day seedlings, and they fell back to a low level in 17-day seedlings. The GL profiles of nine cultivars documented in this study will provide useful information for high quality germplasm selection for cultivation or genetic engineering, and further understanding of the GL metabolic pathways.
Optimization of Ultrasonic Welding Process Parameters to Enhance Weld Strength of 3C Power Cases Using a Design of Experiments Approach
Authors: Kuo Chil-Chyuan , Tsai Qing-Zhou , Li Ding-Yang , Lin Yong-Xhi , Chen Wen-Xiong
Published: June 2022

Ultrasonic welding (UW) is a joining of plastics through the use of heat generated from high-frequency mechanical motion, which is known as an efficient process in many applications, such as textile, packaging, or automotive. UW of thermoplastics has been widely employed in industry since no polymer degradations are found after UW. However, the trial-and-error approach is frequently used to study optimum UW process parameters for new 3C plastic power cases in current industry, resulting in random efforts, wasted time, or energy consumption. In this study, Taguchi methods are used to study optimum UW process parameters for obtaining high weld strength of a plastic power case. The most important control factor influencing the weld strength is amplitude, followed by weld pressure, hold time, and trigger position. The optimum UW process parameters are amplitude of 43.4 µm, weld pressure of 115 kPa, hold time of 0.4 s, and trigger position of 69.95 mm. Finally, the confirmation experiments are performed to verify the optimum process parameters obtained in this study.
Experimental Study of Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Water-Saturated Coal Samples under Three-Dimensional Coupled Static–Dynamic Loadings
Authors: Huang Cong , Wei Shanyang , Lei Zhen , Li Cai , Zhang Lin , Huang Xiaomin , Xu Shiqing
Published: June 2022

It is very important to study the influence of water content on the mechanical properties of coal rock to prevent rock burst and roadway instability under dynamic disturbance. In this study, the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system was applied to conduct three-dimensional dynamic and static impact tests on natural and water-saturated coal samples at different strain rates to determine the dynamic mechanical properties of a series of water-bearing coal samples. Based on the new data, we discuss the strength, deformation, crushing energy dissipation, and fractal characteristics of natural and saturated coal rocks. We specifically focus on the different effects of hydraulic pressure on crack propagation under static and dynamic loads. Our results document a well-defined linear relationship between the peak stress and the strain rate of coal in the natural state and the water-saturated state. Once the impact rate reaches a certain value, a double peak phenomenon is observed, and the curve shows a certain leap. The critical impact velocity of the curve leap is ca. 9.485~10.025 m/s. At the same strain rate, the average peak stress in the water-saturated state is ca. 2.684% higher than that in the natural state. The secant modulus of the two states generally increases with the rise in strain rate, but the scatter of the results is large. The average secant modulus of the water-saturated coal sample increases by 2.309% compared with the natural state. The energy consumption density and absorbed energy of saturated and natural coal samples rise with the increase in strain rate, and both show a well-defined power–function relationship. However, under the same condition, the absorbed energy and absorbed energy density of water-saturated coal samples are higher than that of natural coal samples. The fractal dimension of water-saturated coal rises with the increase in strain rate and energy consumption density, showing a strong linear and quadratic relationship, respectively. Under dynamic loading, the cohesive force, jointly generated by free water and the Stefan effect, hinder the expansion of coal and rock fractures, thus improving the compressive strength of coal and rock. The study provides a reliable theoretical basis for preventing rock burst and providing roadway support.
Heresy and Liminality in Shingon Buddhism: Deciphering a 15th Century Treatise on Right and Wrong
Authors: Rappo Gaétan
Published: June 2022

Traditional historiography of Japanese Buddhism presents the Muromachi period as an era of triumph for Zen, and of decline for the previous near-hegemony of Esoteric Buddhism. However, for the Shingon school, the period from the late Middle Ages to early Edo period was rather a phase of expansion, especially in the more remote locales of Eastern Japan. Focusing on a text authored during the fifteenth century, this article will analyze how this idea of the outskirts or periphery was integrated with the process of creation of orthodoxy in local Shingon temples. In doing so, it will shed new light not only on the evolution, but also on the epistemological role of discourse relating to heresy, and on their role in the legitimation of monastic lineages.
Mapping of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks Based on Aerial Photography in a Fragmented Desertification Landscape
Authors: Lian Jie , Gong Xiangwen , Wang Xinyuan , Wang Xuyang , Zhao Xueyong , Li Xin , Su Na , Li Yuqiang
Published: June 2022

Northern China’s agropastoral ecotone has been a key area of desertification control for decades, and digital maps of its soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are needed to reveal the gaps between the actual SOC levels and baseline to support land degradation neutrality (LDN) under the Sustainable Development Goals. However, reliable soil information is scarce, and accurate prediction is hindered by the fragmented landscape, which is a dominant characteristic of desertified land. To improve the patchiness identification and accuracy of SOC prediction, we conducted field surveys and collected low-altitude aerial images along the desertification degrees (severe and extremely severe, moderate, slight) in the Horqin Sandy Land. Linear regressions were performed on the relationships between the normalized difference vegetation index and the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) extracted from aerial images, and regression kriging was applied to predict SOC stocks based on the soil-forming factors (vegetation, climate, and topography). Our prediction and cross-validation showed that the fragmented structure and prediction accuracy of SOC stocks were both greatly improved for desertified land. The FVC (R2c = 0.94) and evapotranspiration (R2c = 0.86) had significant positive effects on SOC stocks, respectively, with indirect and direct causal relationships. Our results could provide soil information with better patchiness and accuracy to help policymakers determine the future LDN status in this fragmented desertification landscape. As drone technology becomes more available, it will fully support digital mapping of soil properties.
Phenology–Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) Method for Crop Information Extraction in Areas Sensitive to Non-Point Source Pollution and Its Influence on Pollution Intensity
Authors: Li Mengyao , Wu Taixia , Wang Shudong , Sang Shan , Zhao Yuting
Published: June 2022

The excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers during agricultural production causes water pollution, which is an important type of non-point source pollution (NSP). Large amounts of harmful substances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, flow into surface water along with farmland runoff, leading to eutrophication and other problems. However, the pollutant discharge capacity of different types of cultivated land varies greatly. Areas sensitive to NSP are areas with rich crop types, large spatial differences in crop growth, and complex planting patterns. These factors can cause different amounts of fertilizer used in and absorbed by the crops to influence the emission intensity of pollutants. NSP intensity mapping can reflect the spatial distribution of lands’ pollutant discharge capacity and it can provide a basis for pollution control. However, when estimating NSP intensity, existing methods generally treat cultivated land as a category and ignore how complex crop conditions impact pollution intensity. Remote sensing technology enables the classification and monitoring of ground objects, which can provide rich geographical data for NSP intensity mapping. In this study, we used a phenology–GPP (gross primary productivity) method to extract the spatial distribution of crops in the Yuecheng reservoir catchment area from Sentinel-2 remote sensing images and the overall accuracy reached 85%. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) GPP data were used to simulate the spatial distribution of crop growth. Finally, a new model that is more suitable for farmland was obtained by combining this large amount of remote sensing data with existing mapping models. The findings from this study highlight the differences in spatial distributions between total nitrogen and total phosphorous; they also provide the means to improve NSP intensity estimations.
A Review of Multi-Sensor Fusion SLAM Systems Based on 3D LIDAR
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Zhang Lei , Yang Jian , Cao Chenfei , Wang Wen , Ran Yingying , Tan Zhiying , Luo Minzhou
Published: June 2022

The ability of intelligent unmanned platforms to achieve autonomous navigation and positioning in a large-scale environment has become increasingly demanding, in which LIDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the mainstream of research schemes. However, the LIDAR-based SLAM system will degenerate and affect the localization and mapping effects in extreme environments with high dynamics or sparse features. In recent years, a large number of LIDAR-based multi-sensor fusion SLAM works have emerged in order to obtain a more stable and robust system. In this work, the development process of LIDAR-based multi-sensor fusion SLAM and the latest research work are highlighted. After summarizing the basic idea of SLAM and the necessity of multi-sensor fusion, this paper introduces the basic principles and recent work of multi-sensor fusion in detail from four aspects based on the types of fused sensors and data coupling methods. Meanwhile, we review some SLAM datasets and compare the performance of five open-source algorithms using the UrbanNav dataset. Finally, the development trend and popular research directions of SLAM based on 3D LIDAR multi-sensor fusion are discussed and summarized.
Intelligent Scheduling Methodology for UAV Swarm Remote Sensing in Distributed Photovoltaic Array Maintenance
Authors: An Qing , Hu Qiqi , Tang Ruoli , Rao Lang
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology has been widely used in the planning, design and maintenance of urban distributed photovoltaic arrays (UDPA). However, the existing studies rarely concern the UAV swarm scheduling problem when applied to remoting sensing in UDPA maintenance. In this study, a novel scheduling model and algorithm for UAV swarm remote sensing in UDPA maintenance are developed. Firstly, the UAV swarm scheduling tasks in UDPA maintenance are described as a large-scale global optimization (LSGO) problem, in which the constraints are defined as penalty functions. Secondly, an adaptive multiple variable-grouping optimization strategy including adaptive random grouping, UAV grouping and task grouping is developed. Finally, a novel evolutionary algorithm, namely cooperatively coevolving particle swarm optimization with adaptive multiple variable-grouping and context vector crossover/mutation strategies (CCPSO-mg-cvcm), is developed in order to effectively optimize the aforementioned UAV swarm scheduling model. The results of the case study show that the developed CCPSO-mg-cvcm significantly outperforms the existing algorithms, and the UAV swarm remote sensing in large-scale UDPA maintenance can be optimally scheduled by the developed methodology.
Selfish Behavior in IEEE 802.11ah Networks: A Detection Algorithm and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Georgiev Yuliyan , Verhoeven Richard , Meratnia Nirvana
Published: June 2022

One of the latest protocols developed for the Internet of Things networks is IEEE 802.11ah, proposed by the WiFi Alliance. The new channel access mechanism in IEEE 802.11ah, which is called Restricted Access Window, aims at reducing the contention between the stations by allowing only selected stations to transmit data at certain time slots. Stations may exhibit selfish behavior to maximize their own throughput. This will come at the cost of the overall network quality of service. In this paper, we first analyze the default behavior of the IEEE 802.11ah protocol in terms of fairness. We then introduce various percentages of selfish stations and observe how the network’s quality of service in terms of fairness, throughput and packet-loss are affected. After establishing the inherent fairness of IEEE 802.11ah, we analyze applicability of two existing selfish behavior detection algorithms designed for IEEE 802.11 to the IEEE 802.11ah protocol. Due to their poor performance, we propose a new definition of ’selfish behavior’ specifically for IEEE 802.11ah, based on which we present a new algorithm for detecting selfish behavior. To combat selfish behavior and to create a better fairness, throughput and lower packet loss, we consequently present a novel mitigation algorithm called Selfish Stations Quarantine Punishment Algorithm (SSQPA). The proposed algorithm takes advantage of the RAW grouping to isolate selfish stations from the honest stations, thus mitigating the effect of the selfish behavior. SSQPA comes in two variants: honest stations-centric and network-centric. Our experimental results show that both variants can successfully mitigate selfish behavior effects in IEEE 802.11ah networks and either one can be used depending on the goal of the network.
One-Step Co-Electrodeposition of Copper Nanoparticles-Chitosan Film-Carbon Nanoparticles-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Electroanalysis of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Salicylic Acid
Authors: Kuang Yiwen , Li Mengxue , Hu Shiyu , Yang Lu , Liang Zhanning , Wang Jiaqi , Jiang Hongmei , Zhou Xiaoyun , Su Zhaohong
Published: June 2022

A sensitive simultaneous electroanalysis of phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid (SA) based on a novel copper nanoparticles-chitosan film-carbon nanoparticles-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CuNPs-CSF-CNPs-MWCNTs) composite was reported. CNPs were prepared by hydrothermal reaction of chitosan. Then the CuNPs-CSF-CNPs-MWCNTs composite was facilely prepared by one-step co-electrodeposition of CuNPs and CNPs fixed chitosan residues on modified electrode. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to characterize the properties of the composite. Under optimal conditions, the composite modified electrode had a good linear relationship with IAA in the range of 0.01–50 μM, and a good linear relationship with SA in the range of 4–30 μM. The detection limits were 0.0086 μM and 0.7 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the sensor could also be used for the simultaneous detection of IAA and SA in real leaf samples with satisfactory recovery.
A Novel Hyperspectral Method to Detect Moldy Core in Apple Fruits
Authors: Genangeli Andrea , Allasia Giorgio , Bindi Marco , Cantini Claudio , Cavaliere Alice , Genesio Lorenzo , Giannotta Giovanni , Miglietta Franco , Gioli Beniamino
Published: June 2022

An innovative low-cost device based on hyperspectral spectroscopy in the near infrared (NIR) spectral region is proposed for the non-invasive detection of moldy core (MC) in apples. The system, based on light collection by an integrating sphere, was tested on 70 apples cultivar (cv) Golden Delicious infected by Alternaria alternata, one of the main pathogens responsible for MC disease. Apples were sampled in vertical and horizontal positions during five measurement rounds in 13 days’ time, and 700 spectral signatures were collected. Spectral correlation together with transmittance temporal patterns and ANOVA showed that the spectral region from 863.38 to 877.69 nm was most linked to MC presence. Then, two binary classification models based on Artificial Neural Network Pattern Recognition (ANN-AP) and Bagging Classifier (BC) with decision trees were developed, revealing a better detection capability by ANN-AP, especially in the early stage of infection, where the predictive accuracy was 100% at round 1 and 97.15% at round 2. In subsequent rounds, the classification results were similar in ANN-AP and BC models. The system proposed surpassed previous MC detection methods, needing only one measurement per fruit, while further research is needed to extend it to different cultivars or fruits.
High-Resolution and Large-Sensing-Range Liquid-Level Sensor Based on Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry and No-Core Fiber
Authors: Yin Guolu , Yang Pengxi , Xiao Hu , Wang Yu , Zhang Zeheng , Yan Fabing , Zhu Tao
Published: June 2022

Liquid-level sensors are required in modern industrial and medical fields. Optical liquid-level sensors can solve the safety problems of traditional electrical sensors, which have attracted extensive attention in both academia and industry. We propose a distributed liquid-level sensor based on optical frequency domain reflectometry and with no-core fiber. The sensing mechanism uses optical frequency domain reflectometry to capture the strong reflection of the evanescent field of the no-core fiber at the liquid–air interface. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve a high resolution of 0.1 mm, stability of ±15 μm, a relatively large measurement range of 175 mm, and a high signal-to-noise ratio of 30 dB. The sensing length can be extended to 1.25 m with a weakened signal-to-noise ratio of 10 dB. The proposed method has broad development prospects in the field of intelligent industry and extreme environments.
Development of Computational Thinking Using Microcontrollers Integrated into OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)
Authors: Fülöp Melinda Timea , Udvaros József , Gubán Ákos , Sándor Ágnes
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, the theme of computer thinking is a common topic for educational research. The scientific literature on the subject has gradually appeared, in which psychologists emphasize the need for the development of thinking of children. Research often relates only to the development of computational thinking at elementary and high schools. Nowadays, almost everything is digitalized, so it is important to also develop the computational thinking skills of students at higher levels. In our study, we present the results of the conducted data analysis in which we examined the development of students’ efficiency. On the basis of the results, we propose a possible solution for the development of computational thinking. Using data research processes, we examined the results of the object-oriented (OO) planning and programming subject of Budapest Business School, going back 5 years. The results show that the level of particular computational thinking could be measured using the exam results, and teacher advancement (experience) improved the level of particular computational thinking. Today, education has been greatly influenced by COVID-19, challenging not only teachers but also students. The production of particular computational thinking under COVID-19 or online is much more effective than the pursuit of full computational thinking through traditional teaching.
Performance of E-Banking and the Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction: A Structural Equation Model Approach
Authors: Arshad Khan Mohammed , Alhumoudi Hamad A.
Published: June 2022

Online payment is a trend that is gaining momentum globally. As a result of digitisation, the advent of online banking has increasingly made its way into the modern marketplace, serving not only customers but also corporations. The primary data were gathered from 287 participants. Stratified random sampling was used. Structure Equation Modelling (SEM), reliability, convergent, discriminate validity and model fitness were achieved through SmartPLS 3 (Christian M. Ringle, Germany). The findings reveal that efficiency, reliability and service quality have a significant direct effect on customer satisfaction and customer retention. It also shows the significant effect of efficiency, reliability and service quality when using customer satisfaction as a mediator for customer retention. It is possible that the data gathered may be valuable for both banks and enterprises interested in entering the Indian market. This research also specifies four main components of E-banking: efficiency, reliability, service quality and customer satisfaction.
Does the Impact of Technology Sustain Students’ Satisfaction, Academic and Functional Performance: An Analysis via Interactive and Self-Regulated Learning?
Authors: Memon Muhammad Qasim , Lu Yu , Memon Abdul Rehman , Memon Aasma , Munshi Parveen , Shah Syed Farman Ali
Published: June 2022

High-quality academic outcomes are required for students’ educational attainment and promote their desire to learn. However, not all educational sectors boast of the same, leading students to attain inferior outcome performances. The current study examines the impact of technology on student satisfaction, academic, and functional performance via the mediating factors of interactive and self-regulated learning. However, existing works focused less on technology and more on psychological learning factors, rendering mere acceptance of technology, proved to be useless. The present research investigates such mediators with existing technology resources and their impact on students’ overall growth. Research hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling and applied to the data collected from 302 respondents via a structured questionnaire. In addition, the present study considers the collection of each student’s data across different universities, colleges, vocational and education institutions, mainly where students are involved in/using the technology when it comes to satisfaction, academic, and functional performance. The results indicated that the impact of technology via interactive learning has a significant influence on students’ satisfaction (β = 0.238, p < 0.05), academic performance (β = 0.194, p < 0.05), and functional performance (β = 0.188, p < 0.05). It is also noted that the impact of technology via self-regulated learning has positively contributed to satisfaction, academic, and functional performance. Our findings support the hypothesis and encourage students’ adaptability, engagement, and behavioral interactions stimulating the performance outcomes. The performance outcome of this research presents valuable information for decision-makers to articulate sustainable strategies and tactics in educational sectors.
Establishing Urban Revitalization and Regional Development Strategies with Consideration of Urban Stakeholders Based on the ISA-NRM Approach
Authors: Chang Jung-Jung , Lin Chia-Li
Published: June 2022

Urban revitalization has already become the main goal for urban managers. However, various stakeholders may have different perspectives on urban revitalization. Therefore, how urban managers understand various stakeholders’ urban revitalization needs and determine urban sustainable development strategies has become a significant challenge. This study defines four driving aspects of urban revitalization (infrastructure construction, living environment, trade and investment, and urban consciousness). It analyzes the status of importance and satisfaction for various stakeholders (residents, sojourners, travelers) for urban revitalization using the ISA (importance satisfaction analysis) approach. The study also adopted the NRM (network relation map) approach to evaluate the network relation structure based on the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) approach. This study integrates the ISA and NRM approaches and proposes using the ISA-NRM approach to assess the acceptance strategies and common suitable paths for various stakeholders. The proposed model can aid urban managers in understanding the various stakeholders’ perspectives for urban sustainable development strategies and determine the urban revitalization paths based on diverse perspectives of groups of stakeholders.
Upgrading Strategy, Warranty Policy and Pricing Decisions for Remanufactured Products Sold with Two-Dimensional Warranty
Authors: Baghdadi Esmat , Shafiee Mahmood , Alkali Babakalli
Published: June 2022

The environmental sustainability and business benefits of end-of-life products have led to worldwide growth in the remanufacturing market. However, customers are often sceptical about the quality and durability of remanufactured products. To ensure a risk-free customer experience, dealers carry out some upgrading actions on the most critical components and offer a reasonable warranty period on products at the time of resale. It is crucial for dealers to consider customers’ attitudes and preferences when deciding on an upgrading strategy, warranty coverage, and sales price for remanufactured products. This paper aims to establish an equilibrium between customers’ expected costs and dealers’ expected profit for remanufactured products sold with a two-dimensional warranty and post-warranty service. In our model, customers make their decisions based on cost–benefit balance, whereas dealers make decisions that maximise their profit margin. Owing to the nature of the conflict between the dealer and customers, a Stackelberg game model is developed to optimise the upgrade strategy, warranty policy, and pricing decisions for remanufactured products. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality condition of the lower-level problem is used to solve the model. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate its applicability.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Coupling Pattern Analysis of Urbanization and Ecological Environmental Quality of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Xiang Kaizheng , Zhao Anzhou , Liu Haixin , Zhang Xiangrui , Zhang Anbing , Tian Xinle , Jin Zihan
Published: June 2022

Understanding the interactive coupling mechanism between urbanization and eco-environmental quality is crucial to achieve the goal of urban sustainable development. The Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) was taken as the research object, and the city nighttime light index (CNLI) and remote sensing ecological index with local adaptability (LARSEI) were constructed based on the data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS), National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP/VIIRS), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Then, trend analysis, standard deviation ellipse (SDE), coupling degree (C), and coupling coordination degree (CCD) models were used to determine the spatiotemporal variation of urbanization and eco-environmental quality and its coupling relationship. The results show that: (1) the urbanization level of the CLP showed a trend of continuous improvement from 2000 to 2019. A significant increasing trend was found from the CNLI (slopeCNLI = 0.0030 yr−1, p < 0.01), and its value rose from 0.07 in 2000 to 0.14 in 2019. In terms of spatial distribution, a multi-core distribution pattern with provincial capital cities as the core was presented in the CLP. The cities expanded at different degrees and presented a gradual concentrated expansion towards the southeast on the whole. (2) The eco-environmental quality in the CLP greatly increased during 2000 to 2019. An area with an increasing trend in the remote sensing ecological index with local adaptability (LARSEI) accounted for 58.82% and was mainly concentrated in the west and central part of the CLP. (3) The C and CCD between urbanization and eco-environmental quality in the CLP presented a trend of significant increase during 2000 to 2019 (slopeC = 0.0051 yr−1, p < 0.01; slopeCCD = 0.0040 yr−1, p < 0.01). The cities with a higher coupling degree were mainly located in the southeastern and northern parts of the CLP, while those with a higher coordination degree were scattered in the marginal parts of the CLP. The research results can provide suggestions for decision-making to achieve high-quality coordinated development of the cities in the CLP.
Design and Test of Elastic Tooth Type Lateral Straw Clearing Roller Based on the Straw Clearing and Mulching No-Tillage Precision Planter
Authors: Hou Shouyin , Zhu Yifan , Ji Zhangchi , Zhu Xiaoxin , Zhou Cheng
Published: June 2022

Aiming at the problems of large soil disturbance, high power consumption and strong vibration during the operation of the 2BMFJ series straw clearing and mulching no-tillage precision planter with rigid teeth, an elastic tooth type lateral straw clearing roller was designed and the key parameters and values affecting the operation performance of the device were determined through theoretical analysis. Orthogonal test method was adopted to implement parameter combination improvement test with the length of tooth rod, the clearance of roller center from ground, the circumferential number of elastic teeth and the angular velocity of roller as test factors and straw clearing rate, power consumption and vibration intensity as performance evaluation indexes. The results showed that: all the factors had extremely significant effects on the straw clearing rate and power consumption performance evaluation indexes, except the clearance of roller center from ground had no significant effect on the vibration intensity performance evaluation indexes, the other factors have significant effects. Parameter optimization combination: At the planter forward speed of 7.2 km/h, the length of toothed rod was 270 mm, the clearance of roller center from ground was 360 mm, the circumferential number of elastic teeth was 8, the angular velocity of roller was 52 rad/s and the performance evaluation indexes were as follows: straw clearing rate was more than 90%, power consumption was less than 1.7 kW and vibration intensity was less than 85 m/s2. Through the comparative test of the elastic tooth and rigid tooth type lateral straw clearing roller, there was no significant difference in the straw clearing rate between the two, but there were significant differences in the power consumption and vibration intensity. The elastic tooth type lateral straw cleaning roller reduced power consumption by 63.3% and vibration intensity by 43.2%.
The Sustainable Island Tourism Evaluation Model Using the FDM-DEMATEL-ANP Method
Authors: Huang Weilun , Chen Chin-Yu , Fu Yan-Kai
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is first to propose a comprehensive evaluation model for sustainable island tourism, and then to provide guidelines and suggestions for the development thereof. Based on the advantages of using fuzzy set theory, this study’s method included the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), the analytic network process (ANP), and FDM- DEMATEL-ANP (FDANP). From the literature review results and experts’ surveys, the dimensions of the evaluation criteria for sustainable island tourism are governance, economy and finance, socio-culture, and the environment. Compared with other studies, its major contributions and differences are the governance and finance dimensions, and the evaluation criteria for the marine industry, marine cultures, and marine environments. The findings show that the relative importance of the dimensions from high to low are economy and finance, governance, the environment, and socio-culture. The top five key criteria begin with having an official administration organization, having a tourism industry, and revenue uncertainties based on public health events. These, along with policies and regulations, and local food and drink, are thought to provide the necessary conditions for sustainable island tourism. The implications for theory and practice and future research directions are discussed.
An Explorative Study of Circularity Practices in Swedish Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Skärin Filip , Rösiö Carin , Andersen Ann-Louise
Published: June 2022

Due to the accelerating global warming crisis, interest in the concept of circular economy (CE) has started to excel. Adapting to a CE is especially important for manufacturing companies as they play major part in the global warming crisis. Hence, studying how manufacturing companies are transitioning to fit in a CE is highly relevant. Thus, the research question posed in this study is: How are manufacturing companies approaching circularity and which circularity practices can be identified? To answer the research question, a document study was carried out, wherein the latest available sustainability reports of the 20 largest manufacturing companies in Sweden were studied. A four-step process was followed, including sample selection, circularity extraction, data coding and data analysis. The findings include the creation of 61 unique circularity categories based on numerous identified circularity practices. This study focused identifying circularity practices, not only from a product perspective but for all resources and assets utilized by the company; hence, whilst many of the identified circularity practices involve product design, circularity practices have also been identified related uniquely to, e.g., manufacturing, for instance, in terms of reusing resources. Practical implications for this study include a clear overview of how Swedish manufacturing companies are working towards circularity and which specific circularity practices they mention in their sustainability reports.
Measurement of Forest Ecological Benefits Based on Big Data
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Shuo , Cai Tijiu
Published: June 2022

Socioeconomic development combined with the development and utilization of forest resources have resulted in the forest ecological environment becoming more and more valuable, and its impact on the national economy has also increased. Firstly, based on a modern statistical model, the dependent variable and independent variable set of standardized forest ecological benefits were determined, and the seemingly unrelated forest ecological benefit model was established. According to the alternative market method and market approximation theory, the first and second monetary models of forest ecological benefit value were constructed using the market approximation coefficient, the effective area coefficient, and the physical quantity conversion coefficient. Next, the concept of “whole diffusion” was introduced into the establishment of the forest ecological benefit model, and the whole diffusion model was established to estimate the physical amount of forest ecological benefits. The concepts of classical forest ecological benefit and generalized forest ecological benefit were proposed. Forest management survey data were used to measure forest ecological benefit, and classic ecological benefit and generalized forest benefit were integrated into one system for the first time. The economic value is 94.31 million RMB ¥.
Implementing Adaptive Management within a Fisheries Management Context: A Systematic Literature Review Revealing Gaps, Challenges, and Ways Forward
Authors: Edmondson Elizabeth , Fanning Lucia
Published: June 2022

Adaptive management acknowledges uncertainty and complexity in socio–ecological systems, providing a structured approach for learning and for making the needed management adjustments. Despite its utility, there are few examples of how adaptive management has been applied. To identify the extent to which implementation aligns with theory, we conducted a systematic literature review of adaptive management in a fisheries management context to compare how adaptive management was defined, applied and what was deemed important for implementation. Following the PRISMA approach for meta-synthesis, 20 papers were identified and reviewed against the eight key components of adaptive management. Across the case studies, we found ambiguity in the definitions of adaptive management, a varying emphasis on the different components of adaptive management and barriers to adaptive management that stemmed from both outside the process and as part of the iterative cycle. Our analysis suggests that for adaptive management to be implemented in other natural resource management situations, consideration should be given to the active and ongoing participation of those outside management, integrating socio–economic values into decision-making, and ensuring a monitoring plan is implemented. Additionally, attention should be paid to having the time and ability to detect the effects of management actions against a broader background of change. This analysis offers insights into how management support can lead to more effective objective-based decisions, thereby improving management over time.
Simulation and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Pavement Thermal Environments in Guangzhou
Authors: Li Li , Zou Ziqi , Zhou Tingting , Zhou Xiaoqing , Li Qingliang
Published: June 2022

Pavements are closely related to the livelihoods of urban residents as an important part of the urban road system. Based on the early field measurements of our team, we found that plant spacing, pavement orientation, and pavement material influence the pavement thermal environment. Our objective was to quantitatively evaluate the influence of various factors on pavements in Guangzhou along West Zhonghuan Road, Guangzhou University. Based on our team’s previous research, environment-met (ENVI-MET) numerical simulation software was used to simulate pavements under different road orientations, underlying surface materials, and plant distances. Quantitative analysis of the effects of different factor combinations on the temperature, humidity, wind speed, physiological equivalent temperature (PET), and radiant temperature (Tmrt) was performed. The results show that among the various factors affecting the thermal environment of pavement, street tree spacing was found to have the greatest effect on the thermal environment of pavement. The effect of direction is negligible; however, it has a significant effect on the wind speed. There was no significant difference in the air temperature and relative humidity between concrete and asphalt. The average air temperature of red floor tile was slightly lower than that of asphalt and concrete. Reducing the spacing of street trees can effectively reduce the penetration of direct solar radiation, physiological equivalent temperature (PET), and temperature (Tmrt) and improve pedestrian walking comfort. The results can serve as a reference for pavement design in Guangzhou and improve the wellbeing of citizens and promote environmental sustainability.
Ecosystem Services: A Systematic Review of Provisioning and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Estuaries
Authors: Booi Sipesihle , Mishi Syden , Andersen Oddgeir
Published: June 2022

It is widely argued that humans deteriorate and vandalize ecosystems, yet little is known about the advantages they receive from the same. The study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to identify studies on the value of ecosystems, with a focus on estuaries between the years 2000 to 2021. The review included a total of 61 studies, which highlighted: (a) the importance of estuarine ecosystem services; (b) the stress placed on estuaries as a result of human activity; and (c) the importance of ecosystem services to human well-being. These studies aid in our understanding of the provisioning and cultural services that ecosystems provide to humans, as well as how the ecosystem services assist individuals in diversifying their livelihoods. Our systematic review revealed that: (a) estuaries provide benefits to humans and are used for survival, (b) cultural ecosystem services are important and valuable; however, (c) as a result of human activities and climate change, ecosystem services face numerous threats such as pollution, overexploitation of resources, and poor water quality, among others. Future research should focus on how estuary users perceive the ecosystem services that estuaries provide, and there should be more publications and studies on the benefits that estuaries provide. The systematic review highlighted that most studies are outdated, there are few to no new studies on ecosystem services and estuaries, and those that are available do not directly address the importance of estuaries.
Heat Dissipation Enhancement Structure Design of Two-Stage Electric Air Compressor for Fuel Cell Vehicles Considering Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Zhou Jiaming , Liu Jie , Su Qingqing , Feng Chunxiao , Wang Xingmao , Hu Donghai , Yi Fengyan , Jia Chunchun , Fan Zhixian , Jiang Shangfeng
Published: June 2022

As an auxiliary component with the largest energy consumption in the fuel cell power system, the electric air compressor is of great significance to improve the overall efficiency of the system by reducing its power consumption under the premise of meeting the cathode intake demand. In this paper, the flow state of the gas in the flow field of the fuel cell TSEAC (two-stage electric air compressor) is analyzed by simulation, and the accuracy of the simulation results is verified by experiments. Through the research on the gas compression work of the fuel cell TSEAC, it is found that the higher temperature rise of the gas during the compression process will increase the compression work, thereby reducing the efficiency of the fuel cell TSEAC. Therefore, based on the field synergy theory, this paper designs the heat dissipation structure of the TSEAC elbow. In the common working conditions of fuel cell TSEAC, micro-fin tube is an effective energy-saving structure that takes into account heat dissipation enhancement and flow resistance, and its ratio of micro-fin height to laminar bottom layer thickness ε/δ = 1.6 has the best energy-saving effect. Finally, the energy-saving effect of the micro-fin tube is verified by simulation. The load torque of the optimized fuel cell TSEAC is reduced from 1.540 N·m to 1.509 N·m, and the shaft power is reduced from 14.51 kW to 14.22 kW. Its efficiency increased by 1.9%.
Forbidden Pairs of Disconnected Graphs for Traceability of Block-Chains
Authors: Lei Wanpeng , Xiong Liming , Du Junfeng , Yin Jun
Published: June 2022

Each traceable graph must be a block-chain; however, a block-chain is not necessarily traceable in general. Whether a given graph is a block-chain or not can be easily verified by a polynomial algorithm. It occurs to us that forbidden subgraph conditions for a block-chain are traceable. In this article, we characterize all pairs of disconnected forbidden subgraphs for the traceability of block-chains, so as to completely solve pairs of forbidden subgraphs for the traceability of block-chains (including disconnected and connected).