bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific Competence in Developing Countries: Determinants and Relationship to the Environment
Authors: Chávez Charro José Mauricio , Neira Isabel , Lacalle-Calderon Maricruz
Published: November 2021

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Agenda 2030 to guarantee sustainable, peaceful, prosperous, and just life, establishing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to this declaration, pursuing the path of sustainable development requires a profound transformation in how we think and act. People must have scientific competences—not only knowledge of science, but also skills, values, and attitudes toward science that enable them to contribute to the goals proposed. This overall approach, known as Education for Sustainable Development (EDS), is crucial to achieving the SDGs. Scientific competences not only depend on what students learn in their countries’ formal education systems but also on other factors in the environment in which the students live. This study aims to identify the factors that determine scientific competence in students in developing countries, paying special attention to the social and cultural capital and the environmental conditions in the environment in which they live. To achieve this goal, we used data provided by PISA-D in the participating countries—Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Senegal—and multilevel linear modelling. The results enable us to conclude that achieving scientific competence also depends on the social and cultural capital of the student’s family and on the cultural and social capital of the schools. The higher the score in these forms of capital, the greater the achievement in sciences.
Analyzing and Designing Business Processes in the Ghana Cocoa Supply Chain for Supporting Inclusiveness
Authors: Ahoa Emmanuel , Kassahun Ayalew , Tekinerdogan Bedir , Verdouw Cor
Published: November 2021

Ghana produces 20% of global cocoa output and is the second-largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans in the world. The Ghana cocoa industry is, however, challenged by a lack of adequate decision support systems across the supply chain. Particularly, cocoa farmers have limited access to information, which impedes planning, pricing, benchmarking, and quality management. In order to address this asymmetric access to information and ensure fair access to information that will allow the making of informed decisions, the supply chain stakeholders need to adapt their business processes. For identifying the requirements for better information flow, we identified the existing (as-is) processes through a systematic survey study in Ghana. We then identified the main problems and bottlenecks, designed new (to-be) business processes, and showed how IT systems support and enable inclusive business models in the Ghana cocoa industry. To enable inclusiveness, we incorporated IT solutions that improve information flows towards cocoa farmers. The results show that there are many opportunities (e.g., improving farmer livelihoods and a potential increase in export earnings) in the cocoa sector for Ghana and all stakeholders that can be utilized when there is chain-wide collaboration, equitable access to services, and proper use of IT systems.
Tuning Deep Neural Networks for Predicting Energy Consumption in Arid Climate Based on Buildings Characteristics
Authors: Al-Shargabi Amal A. , Almhafdy Abdulbasit , Ibrahim Dina M. , Alghieth Manal , Chiclana Francisco
Published: November 2021

The dramatic growth in the number of buildings worldwide has led to an increase interest in predicting energy consumption, especially for the case of residential buildings. As the heating and cooling system highly affect the operation cost of buildings; it is worth investigating the development of models to predict the heating and cooling loads of buildings. In contrast to the majority of the existing related studies, which are based on historical energy consumption data, this study considers building characteristics, such as area and floor height, to develop prediction models of heating and cooling loads. In particular, this study proposes deep neural networks models based on several hyper-parameters: the number of hidden layers, the number of neurons in each layer, and the learning algorithm. The tuned models are constructed using a dataset generated with the Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IESVE) simulation software for the city of Buraydah city, the capital of the Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. The Qassim region was selected because of its harsh arid climate of extremely cold winters and hot summers, which means that lot of energy is used up for cooling and heating of residential buildings. Through model tuning, optimal parameters of deep learning models are determined using the following performance measures: Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Regression (R) values, and coefficient of determination (R2). The results obtained with the five-layer deep neural network model, with 20 neurons in each layer and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, outperformed the results of the other models with a lower number of layers. This model achieved MSE of 0.0075, RMSE 0.087, R and R2 both as high as 0.99 in predicting the heating load and MSE of 0.245, RMSE of 0.495, R and R2 both as high as 0.99 in predicting the cooling load. As the developed prediction models were based on buildings characteristics, the outcomes of the research may be relevant to architects at the pre-design stage of heating and cooling energy-efficient buildings.
Energy–Growth Nexus in the MENA Region: A Dynamic Panel Threshold Estimation
Authors: Qasim Alabed Qusai Mohammad , Said Fathin Faizah , Abdul Karim Zulkefly , Shah Zaidi Mohd Azlan , Alshammary Mohammed Daher
Published: November 2021

This study provides new evidence regarding the nonlinear relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the 1990–2014 period. The empirical estimation is conducted using a dynamic panel threshold model. We found one threshold in the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth and one threshold in the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic growth. The results indicate that energy consumption positively and significantly affects economic growth in the low energy consumption regime. In contrast, it has a negative and significant impact on economic growth in the high energy consumption regime. Moreover, CO2 emissions are positively and significantly related to economic growth in the low regime of CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic growth in the high CO2 emissions regime is negative and significant. Therefore, policymakers should implement other effective energy policies, such as stricter regulations on CO2 emissions, increase energy efficiency, and replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources to avoid unnecessary CO2 emissions and combat global warming. Future studies should identify the root causes of failures and issues in real time for inflation and link the energy–growth nexus to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Jellyfishing in Europe: Current Status, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions towards a Sustainable Practice
Authors: Edelist Dori , Angel Dror L. , Canning-Clode João , Gueroun Sonia K. M. , Aberle Nicole , Javidpour Jamileh , Andrade Carlos
Published: November 2021

Jellyfish are often described as a nuisance species, but as our understanding shifts to more ecosystem-based conceptions, they are also recognized as both important components of marine ecosystems and a resource for humans. Here, we describe global jellyfish fisheries and review production, fishing methods, and applications based on the existing literature. We then focus on future development of a European jellyfish fishery based on current and recent EU research initiatives. Jellyfish have been a staple food in East Asia for eons and now show a potential for non-food applications as well. The main fishing methods are mostly traditional, with set-nets, driftnets, hand-nets, and scoop-nets utilizing small crafts or beach-seines. All require a lot of manual labor, thus providing vital, albeit seasonal, occupation to weaker populations. Larger commercial vessels such as purse seines and trawlers are newly introduced métiers which may enable a larger catch per unit effort and total catch, but pose questions of selectivity, bycatch, vessel stability, and transshipment. Social concerns arising from the seasonality of jellyfish fisheries must be met in SE Asia, Latin America, and in any location where new fisheries are established. In the EU, we recognize at least 15 species showing potential for commercial harvesting, but as of 2021, a commercial fishery has yet to be developed; as in finfish fisheries, we advise caution and recognition of the role of jellyfish in marine ecosystems in doing so. Sustainable harvesting techniques and practices must be developed and implemented for a viable practice to emerge, and social and ecological needs must also be incorporated into the management plan. Once established, the catch, effort, and stock status must be monitored, regulated, and properly reported to FAO by countries seeking a viable jellyfish fishery. In the near future, novel applications for jellyfish will offer added value and new markets for this traditional resource.
The Reconfiguration of Urban Public–Private Spaces in the Mall: False Security, Antidemocratization, and Apoliticalization
Authors: Escudero Gómez Luis Alfonso
Published: November 2021

In cities across the world, public spaces are being reconfigured, and their functions are being appropriated by private areas, such as shopping malls. The aim of the present article was to analyze this problem and, more specifically, to study shopping centers as secure spaces in cities, as well as the antidemocratic and apolitical nature of such malls. The study takes a positivist approach, beginning with the existing theoretical framework and using data from case studies to generate findings. The theoretical framework is established through a review of the literature, while the case study data are drawn from an analysis of news content from digital media and from autoethnography. The findings suggest malls are perceived as safe spaces, also in addition to being home to minor offenses, as well as a number of tragic events and crimes. Additionally, a growing number of demonstrations and political acts are being staged inside malls, which are seen as symbols of consumption and the neoliberal capitalist system. The owners and managers of shopping centers condone and permit the least conflictive acts and ban and repress the remainder, on occasions with the support of state security forces. The relocation of civic life to malls reduces the use of public spaces and erodes the value of the public sphere. The article ends by proposing public actions to reverse this process.
Consumer Sustainable Shopping Practices for Small Business during COVID-19
Authors: Ha Sejin , Childs Michelle , Sneed Christopher T. , Berry Ann
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that attract consumers to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with small businesses. Factors of interest included emotional (positive and negative) and cognitive experiences (resilience, optimism) during the pandemic and demographic characteristics (gender, generation, education, income, and employment status). Using a convenience survey sample in U.S. (N = 315), this study found that positive and negative emotions, active resilience, and demographic characteristics (generation, education, income, and employment status) can explain consumer shopping frequency and number of services used with small businesses during a pandemic. Small businesses may seek to trigger active resilience and emotions (negative and positive) in their marketing/advertising avenues to attract consumers’ sustainable consumption practices and may consider pivoting to attract particular consumer segments that are more likely to lend favorable actions toward sustainable consumption.
An Environmental Risk Assessment of Filling Stations Using the Principles of Security Management. A Case Study in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Mäkká Katarína , Kampová Katarína , Loveček Tomáš , Petrlová Katarína
Published: November 2021

The issue of environmental risk assessment currently deserves great attention. In order to protect the environment, maintain healthy living conditions, and prevent environmental damage, the member states of the European Union have adopted a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage. The directive classifies two types of operators with different liability regimes for environmental damage, namely, the regime with no-fault (strict) liability and liability for fault. With the adoption of the directive, among experts, operators and the general public have posed questions about how to assess the risk of environmental damage. At present, there is still no uniform procedure for assessing environmental risks, which would create a comprehensive methodological framework for assessment for this type of risk. Due to the non-existent risk assessment methodology for operators with strict liability regimes and the lack of a systematic search for risk sources, a risk assessment procedure is proposed that provides guidance in a sequence of several steps on how to implement the obligations arising from the adopted Environmental Liability Directive. The proposed procedure was verified on a specific operator with a strict liability regime. The environmental risk analysis performed through the proposed procedure provided information on possible operational problems and verified its applicability. Last but not least, the use of the proposed procedure makes it possible to identify serious sources of risk and to establish necessary preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of environmental damage.
Sustainable Development Goals in Strategy and Practice: Businesses in Colombia and Egypt
Authors: Liu Ye , Samsami Mahsa , Meshreki Hakim , Pereira Fernando , Schøtt Thomas
Published: November 2021

Businesses may adopt strategies and practices that support sustainable development goals. Such strategies include considering social and environmental impacts as well as prioritizing socio-environmental benefits at a higher level than profits. Supportive practices comprise enhancing social benefits and limiting environmental harm. What SDG-related strategies and practices are businesses pursuing? Are businesses implementing practices and strategies? Do the practices and strategies differ across societies? A survey of representative samples of 399 businesses in Colombia and 413 businesses in Egypt was conducted in 2021, by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. The owner-managers reported that they frequently had strategies that considered social and environmental impacts of business operations, and they prioritized socio-environmental considerations over financial goals. In Columbia, there were more frequent practices that enhanced social benefits and limited environmental harm than in Egypt. In addition, strategies were implemented in practices supporting the SDGs more in Colombia than in Egypt. Our findings contribute to understanding business strategies that consider SDGs and their implementation in practices that are embedded in society.
Spread the Voice! Digital Social Platforms as Conveyors of Innovation of Cultural Heritage in Europe
Authors: Baioni Mauro , Ceschel Federico , Demartini Paola , Marchegiani Lucia , Marchiori Michela , Marucci Flavia
Published: November 2021

Digital social platforms (DSPs) are increasingly used to boost participation while giving a space for collaboration to wider audiences and marginalized groups of stakeholders. Considering that in the cultural heritage (CH) sector they are used as a possible booster of stakeholders’ participation and to foster innovation in practices related to CH management, the object of this study is to assess the stakeholder engagement strategies adopted by DSPs for CH from a network engagement perspective. The study takes stock of the main DSPs for CH in Europe and analyzes them through four key dimensions that distinguish different stakeholder engagement strategies (diffusion, accessibility, interactivity, and influence) to identify the alternative approaches to sustainable development based on social innovations adopted via these platforms. Following an exploratory approach, the research also delves into a specific case study (SoPHIA DSP), to deepen the understanding of if and how DSPs foster knowledge sharing among the different actors involved in a cultural project. Ultimately, this research provides a snapshot of the state of the arts on the literature and practices on DSPs, and outlines directions for future research, requesting for a longitudinal perspective to the framework and a vertical focus for consolidating the engagement strategies variables.
Speed and Sustainability When Entering New Market
Authors: Kim Gwang Seok , Lee Young Hoon
Published: November 2021

When constructing a factory to enter new markets, the optimal size to respond to demand is determined by the construction time. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai), on the other hand, standardizes the size of its factories to speed up the entry and response to demand. The Hyundai’s entry mode, called SPEED, is modeled as a strategy. The strategy is evaluated of excellence with capacity expansion rules formalized, key parameters identified, and mathematical programming. The SPEED strategy is suited for market followers who want to enter a midscale or mature market in terms of business excellence and more sustainable throughout the factory’s life cycle on the side of sustainability. Shorter construction times, as a result of the SPEED strategy, can help to prevent environmental damage while also standardization can increase job prospects for local workers.
Early Warning System for Online STEM Learning—A Slimmer Approach Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Yu Chih-Chang , Wu Yufeng (Leon)
Published: November 2021

While the use of deep neural networks is popular for predicting students’ learning outcomes, convolutional neural network (CNN)-based methods are used more often. Such methods require numerous features, training data, or multiple models to achieve week-by-week predictions. However, many current learning management systems (LMSs) operated by colleges cannot provide adequate information. To make the system more feasible, this article proposes a recurrent neural network (RNN)-based framework to identify at-risk students who might fail the course using only a few common learning features. RNN-based methods can be more effective than CNN-based methods in identifying at-risk students due to their ability to memorize time-series features. The data used in this study were collected from an online course that teaches artificial intelligence (AI) at a university in northern Taiwan. Common features, such as the number of logins, number of posts and number of homework assignments submitted, are considered to train the model. This study compares the prediction results of the RNN model with the following conventional machine learning models: logistic regression, support vector machines, decision trees and random forests. This work also compares the performance of the RNN model with two neural network-based models: the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and a CNN-based model. The experimental results demonstrate that the RNN model used in this study is better than conventional machine learning models and the MLP in terms of F-score, while achieving similar performance to the CNN-based model with fewer parameters. Our study shows that the designed RNN model can identify at-risk students once one-third of the semester has passed. Some future directions are also discussed.
Study on the Geological Condition Analysis and Grade Division of High Altitude and Cold Stope Slope
Authors: Zhang Ruichong , Wu Shiwei , Xie Chenyu , Chen Qingfa
Published: November 2021

Analysis of the geological conditions of high-altitude and low-temperature stope slopes and the study of grade division are the basis for the evaluation of slope stability. Based on the engineering background of the eastern slope of the Preparatory iron mine in Hejing County, Xinjiang, we comprehensively analyse and summarize the factors that affect the geological conditions of high-altitude and cold slopes and finally determine nine geological conditions that affect the index parameters. Based on a back-propagation (BP) neural network algorithm, we establish an applicable network model to analyse the geological conditions of slopes in cold areas. The model is applied to the eastern slope to analyse and classify the geological conditions of the high-altitude and low-temperature slopes. The research results show that the skarn rock layer in the eastern slope is in a stable state and not prone to landslides, and its corresponding geological condition is Grade I; meanwhile, the monzonite porphyry rock layer is in a relatively stable state, with a potential for landslides and a corresponding geological condition Grade II. The marble rock layer is in a generally stable state, there is the possibility of landslide accidents, and the corresponding geological condition level is Grade III. The limestone rock layer is in an unstable state and prone to landslide accidents, it has a corresponding geology condition Grade IV. Therefore, the eastern slope can be divided into different geological condition regions: Zone I, Zone II, Zone III, and Zone IV, and the corresponding geological condition levels for these are Grade I, Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV. These results may provide a basis for the stability evaluation of high altitudes and cold slopes.
Identification of Factors Affecting Road Traffic Injuries Incidence and Severity in Southern Thailand Based on Accident Investigation Reports
Authors: Klinjun Nuntaporn , Kelly Matthew , Praditsathaporn Chanita , Petsirasan Rewwadee
Published: November 2021

Thailand has the second-highest rates of road traffic mortality globally. Detailed information on the combination of human, vehicle, and environmental risks giving rise to each incident is important for addressing risk factors holistically. This paper presents the result of forensic road traffic investigation reports in Thailand and determines risk factor patterns for road traffic injuries. Detailed forensic reports were extracted for 25 serious traffic accident events. The Haddon matrix was used to analyze risk factors in three phases stratified by four agents. The 25 events analyzed involved 407 victims and 47 vehicles. A total of 65.8% of victims were injured, including 14.5% who died. The majority (66.1%) of deaths occurred at the scene. Human-error-related factors included speeding and drowsiness. Passenger risks included not using the seat belt, sitting in the cargo area and the cab of pickups. Overloaded vehicles, unsafe car modifications, no occupant safety equipment and having unfixed seats were vehicular risks. Environmental risks included fixed objects on the roadside, no traffic lights, no guard rails, no traffic signs, and road accident black spots. At present, traffic accidents cause much avoidable severe injury and death. The outcome of this paper identifies a number of preventable risk factors for traffic injury, and importantly examines them in conjunction. Road traffic safety measures need to consider how human, vehicle, and environmental risks intersect to influence injury likelihood and severity. The Haddon matrix is useful in identifying these pre- and post-accident risk factors. Furthermore, the sustainable preventions of road traffic injury need to address these risks together with active law enforcement.
Effects of a Sport Education Model-Based Teaching Intervention on Students’ Behavioral and Motivational Outcomes within the Physical Education Setting in the COVID-19 Scenario
Authors: Franco Evelia , Tovar Carlota , González-Peño Alba , Coterón Javier
Published: November 2021

The sport education model (SEM) has been suggested to have a positive impact on students’ motivational processes within the physical education setting. However, there is no evidence about how this methodology can affect such processes in the unconventional scenario provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of a SEM-based teaching intervention on students’ basic psychological needs (BPN), intrinsic motivation, and behavioral engagement in physical education. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental study was carried out in which two groups of secondary students (Mage = 14.61, SD = 0.5) were taught a basketball unit following either the SEM or traditional teaching. Previously validated questionnaires were administered both before and after the intervention. The results showed that students following the SEM methodology significantly improved their autonomy satisfaction (MPre = 3.09 vs. Mpost = 3.63), competence satisfaction (Mpre = 3.48 vs. Mpost = 4.17), and relatedness satisfaction (MPre = 3.79 vs. MPost = 4.43), as well as their behavioral engagement (MPre = 4.05 vs. MPost = 4.48), while students in the control group reported lower relatedness satisfaction after (M = 3.54) than before (M = 4.13) the intervention. This study thus contributes to the understanding of how teaching in a COVID-19 scenario has affected students’ motivational responses, and interesting implications for the current situation are provided.
Support for the Development of Technological Innovations at an R&D Organisation
Authors: Poteralska Beata
Published: November 2021

Effective development of technological innovations requires efficient management at the stages of their generation, realisation, and their implementation. For this aim, concepts such as foresight, technology assessment, and organisational capabilities assessment can be applied; however, so far they have been used mainly individually or sometimes combined but to a very limited extent. Moreover, they are not used comprehensively, but only selectively, e.g., at some stages of the innovation processes. The research problem undertaken in the paper concerns the effectiveness of the integration of these concepts: future research (mainly foresight), technology assessment, and organisational capabilities assessment for the needs of supporting innovation processes. The paper is aimed at presenting an original approach assuming the integration of the aforementioned triad. The proposed approach has been developed individually by the paper’s author on the basis of (1) state of the art analysis comprising both theoretical approaches and practical examples of individual and combined application of the concepts analysed, and (2) the author’s practical experience resulting from research projects conducted collectively. The research result comprises an original matrix approach where the individual concepts of the triad are applied in a way enabling their mutual complementation at all successive stages of the innovation process. The approach proposed comprises modules referring to the succeeding stages of the innovation process, namely generation, realisation and application of technological innovations. The areas of the approach application and possible directions of its further development are presented.
Socio-Economic Conditions of Small-Scale Hilsa Fishers in the Meghna River Estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Maruf , Mitu Sabrina Jannat , Schneider Petra , Alam Masud , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Shamsuzzaman Md. Mostafa
Published: November 2021

Hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) have become an essential factor behind the well-being of the fishing community, giving fishers their identity as a source of cultural heritage. A field survey was conducted to understand the socio-economic conditions of hilsa fishers at the Meghna river estuary of Chandpur District using well-structured questionnaire interviews (N = 250) with hilsa fishers. The survey revealed that fishers’ livelihoods and living conditions were still below average due to low literacy levels, lack of professional skills, and low incomes. More than two-thirds of the fishers were entirely dependent on hilsa fishing, while more than one-third had between 11 and 20 years of fishing experience. More than two-thirds of the fishers did not have an alternative occupation during ban periods, and the incentives provided by the government were not adequately received by half of the fishers. Fishers were divided into three groups according to their dependence on hilsa fishing. Significant differences were found between these groups in terms of the age of fishers, annual income from fishing, and annual fishing activity days. Therefore, the government, Fisheries cooperatives, NGOs, and other relevant organizations must unite to support fishers for sustainable hilsa fishery management.
Tourism and COVID-19: The Show Must Go On
Authors: Borges-Tiago Teresa , Silva Sandra , Avelar Sónia , Couto João Pedro , Mendes-Filho Luíz , Tiago Flávio
Published: November 2021

Tourism and hospitality actors face an unprecedented challenge in reigniting these industries through digital communication. All past knowledge regarding tourist behavior and preferences has been rendered irrelevant since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting enforced changes. Several reports have pointed to the existence of a travel sentiment that may be actionable by communication. This work attempts to reveal some of the elements that may compose this travel sentiment. To pursue this aim, an online pilot survey was conducted among those who were regular travelers before the COVID-19 outbreak. The data was used to validate the conceptual model through a partial least squares structural equation model estimation. The findings revealed that travel constraints are the most influential dimension, along with social media and technology usage, in affecting tourist behavior. Thus, in their communication strategy, tourism and hospitality players should reinforce the health- and hygiene-related measures taken, while simultaneously promoting the trustworthiness of the shared information.
Hybrid Grapes for a Sustainable Viticulture in South Italy: Parentage Diagram Analysis and Metal Assessment in a Homemade Wine of Chambourcin Cultivar
Authors: Roviello Valentina , Caruso Ugo , Dal Poggetto Giovanni , Naviglio Daniele
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work was to explore a more sustainable approach in the viticulture of Mediterranean countries that could derive from growing hybrid grape varieties inheriting tolerance/resistance characters from the wild vines utilized for their selection. Among the plethora of hybrid grapes developed in the last decades, some are able to produce high-quality wines whose flavor resembles European varieties, thus overcoming a typical limit of several old hybrids based on V. labrusca whose wine was characterized by a distinctive wild flavor. In this context, we examined some characteristics of Chambourcin, one of the most promising hybrid cultivars producing quality red wine and requiring much less phytosanitary interventions than European grapevine. In detail, the scope of this study included the investigation of the parentage diagram for this hybrid grape variety and the chemical analysis of a Chambourcin wine produced in South Italy. We filled the gaps corresponding to some of the Vitis ancestors participating in its complex pedigree by means of a literature analysis and a mathematical approach. We found high ancestry of V. vinifera (about 41%), followed by V. berlandieri (about 28%), V. rupestris (about 19%) and to a lesser extent other American wild vines. The significant content of V. berlandieri and V. rupestris genome in Chambourcin explains the considerable resistance of this variety to the two main pathogens affecting grapevines, i.e., downy mildew and powdery mildew. We then analyzed an organic Chambourcin wine produced in South Italy from grapes obtained without any phytosanitary treatment by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in order to assess heavy metal content and found it comparable to other (red and rosè) V. vinifera wines obtained from family-run vineyards. Heavy metals contents detected were not of concern for any of the wines analyzed, however, copper accumulation in V. vinifera vineyard soils, and pollution deriving from other phytosanitary chemicals remain issues that in the case of Chambourcin vineyards could be solved at least in large part.
Tactics for Xinjiang Tourism Industrial Belt Based on Performance Evaluation
Authors: Qian Xin , Xu Yuping , Mei Xuehui , Xie Xia
Published: November 2021

In this paper, some tactics are considered in Xinjiang tourism industrial belt based on performance evaluation. First, we applied the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) to establish an evaluation system for Xinjiang tourism development in four dimensions: tourism performance, resource utilization, basic supporting capacity, and market attention. Second, the performance of tourism development in 14 Prefectures was evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in 2018. Third, because the Prefectures were divided into four tourism industrial belts, a discussion was conducted to identify and understand the difference among them and their corresponding influence on regional tourism development using the Theil index and Entropy method. The result shows that (1) In all dimensions, the differences within each industrial belt were greater than those between industrial belts. (2) The tourism industrial belts displayed a differentiation phenomenon, in the dimension of significant difference being distinct for different belts. Finally (3), it is found that the resource utilization of all belts is significantly different.
Decontamination Methods of N95 Respirators Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gopalan Thirumaaran , Mohd Yatim Rabi’atul ‘Adawiyah , Muhamad Mohd Ridha , Mohamed Nazari Nor Shafina , Awanis Hashim N. , John Jacob , Wai Hoe Victor Chee
Published: November 2021

In the preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly the face mask, is essential. Shortage of PPE due to growing demand leaves health workers at significant risk as they fight this pandemic on the frontline. As a mitigation measure to overcome potential mask shortages, these masks could be decontaminated and prepared for reuse. This review explored past scientific research on various methods of decontamination of the N95-type respirators and their efficiency against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) show great potential as an effective decontamination system. In addition, UVGI and HPV exhibit excellent effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the N95 respirator surfaces.
What Explains Change-Supporting Behavior within Local Agenda 21 Civil Society Groups to Promote Sustainable Development?
Authors: Zacher Christoph , Born Marieke , Wurster Stefan , Michel Alexandra
Published: November 2021

Civil society groups and their members are important agents within the multi-stakeholder change process towards more ecological, social, global, and economic sustainability. To better understand civil society group members’ drivers within this complex societal change process, the present study examines the impact of perceived participation, leader–member exchange (LMX), procedural justice, and procedural justice climate on change-supporting behavior. Referring to social exchange theory, data from 125 members of 34 civil society groups that engage in the Agenda 21 process in Germany were gathered by paper/pencil and online questionnaires. Multi-level analyses were conducted to examine interactions between group-level and individual-level phenomena. We found that participation and LMX positively affected group members’ procedural justice perceptions and that procedural justice positively affected group members’ change-supporting behavior. Procedural justice further mediated the relationship between participation, LMX, and change-supporting behavior. The study’s results suggest that fair social exchange processes with civil society group members should be more encouraged by other societal stakeholders (i.e., government, civil society group leaders) wishing to maximize civil society group members’ change-supporting behavior. This study demonstrates ways to promote change initiatives in civil society. Fair social exchange processes help to overcome participation hurdles in the complex field of sustainable local development.
Understanding the Impacts of Blue Economy Growth on Deep-Sea Ecosystem Services
Authors: Mejjad Nezha , Rovere Marzia
Published: November 2021

The deep sea is the vastest environment on Earth and provides many services and goods. Understanding the services and goods of deep-sea ecosystems would enable better resource governance and decision-making. In the present study, we reviewed and assessed deep-sea ecosystems services using the Ma conceptual framework, which incorporates ecosystems services and goods with human welfare. We also analyzed and measured the scientific production between 2012 and 2021 using the Dimension dataset. The bibliometric analysis showed a lack of studies related to deep-sea ecosystem services, which suggest the urgent need to overcome the existing knowledge gap regarding deep-sea components. However, the current knowledge revealed the crucial role that these ecosystems provide to the planet. Furthermore, we highlighted that there are common services and goods, and every ecosystem service feeds into another one. Developing actions and policies based on approaches that combine all deep-sea ecosystems services and goods are needed for the sustainable growth of the deep-sea economy in accordance with the United Nations Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Impacts of Temperature Trends and SPEI on Yields of Major Cereal Crops in the Gambia
Authors: Jabbi Fanta F. , Li Yu’e , Zhang Tianyi , Bin Wang , Hassan Waseem , Songcai You
Published: November 2021

Variations in the climate constitute a significant threat to the productivity of food crops in the Gambia. A good understanding of the influence of climate variability on crop production is vital for climate resilience and improved food security. This study examined the trends, relationships, and the extent to which growing season temperatures and the SPEI (Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index) impacted sorghum, millet, maize, and rice yields in three agro-ecological regions of the Gambia during 1990–2019. Mean temperatures and the SPEI exhibited increasing trends while observed yields showed a decline across all regions. The SPEI had a significant positive relationship with yields, and temperatures were negatively associated with yields. Though yield response to climate variability differs among regions, 20% to 62% of variations in the four crop yields were due to climate trends. The combined effect of the SPEI and temperatures decreased yields from 3.6 kg ha−1 year−1 to 29.4 kg ha−1 year−1, with the most severe decline observed in rice and maize yields in the Sahelian zone. Although uncertainties might arise from not considering related extreme climate events, this study highlights how past climate trends affect cereal yields in the Gambia; thus, any unfavorable change in the local climate could have severe repercussions on the country’s food security. There is a need for concerted efforts to increase investments in adaptation strategies to lessen the effects of the climate for improved crop productivity.
Success, Failure, and Impact of Local Energy Initiatives in The Netherlands
Authors: Germes Lynette A. M. H. , Wiekens Carina J. , Horlings Lummina G.
Published: November 2021

In the last decade, the number of local energy initiatives (LEIs) has increased in western European countries. Although several success factors and barriers in the development of LEIs have been studied by other scholars, there has been limited scholarly interest in the overall impact of LEIs so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore their impact by determining their achievement. Additionally, levels of engagement were used to categorise the success factors for and barriers that impede this impact. Initiatives in two provinces in the north of the Netherlands were studied. For the data collection, 84 in-depth interviews were conducted with the initiators of LEIs. In general, it can be concluded that the impact of LEIs is limited. Success factors and barriers in the development of LEIs play out at different levels of engagement: the level of the initiative itself; the community level; and the public–private level. Theoretically, this study provides empirical insights on how to measure the impact of LEIs. Furthermore, the study brings together a variety of factors that influence this impact based on the levels of engagement. Practically, this research offers indications on how to contribute to the further development of LEIs.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Pro-Environment Behavior for City Rail Transport Usage: Territories’ Empirical Evidence—Malaysia
Authors: Kalhoro Maryam , Au Yong Hui Nee , Ramendran SPR Charles
Published: November 2021

The emerging population has increased travel demand and improved public transport mode in cities to connect the people. (1) Background: This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess the usage behavior for city rail transport with the factors attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control and its impact on pro-behavioral intentions to increase the actual usage of rail transports, i.e., LRT, MRT, and KTM commuter. (2) Method/Approach: To understand the antecedents of pro-environment behavioral intention, this study performed pilot testing, for which we collected the data through closed-ended questionnaires to test the instrument’s reliability, specifically from the Klang Valley in Malaysia. (3) Findings/Results: This study revealed that the public attitude due to environmental concern and subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are the strongest predictors for public transport usage through behavioral intention. The study estimated that most respondents would have agreed to choose public transport mode if quality of services increased. (4) Conclusion: In future research, the goal of this study could be extended as a strategic indicator for sustainable development through efficient mobility choice in Malaysia. The TPB model helps to present the factors involved in growing and retaining clients for rail transport. In terms of implications for policy, this study also provides policymakers with valuable information to maintain the current public transport passengers and attract new users through the perceived service quality and customer satisfaction of public transport.
Ectopic Laryngeal Ossification after Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
Authors: Wong Kirsten , Damrose Edward , Long Jennifer
Published: November 2021

We report two cases of ectopic bone formation in the head and neck following treatment with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Surgical pathologic data, laryngoscopy imaging, CT imaging, and patient medical history were obtained. First, we report osseous metaplasia in the vocal fold in a 67-year-old male following mandibular dental implants with rhBMP-2; second, a case of severe bony overgrowth of the larynx and fusion to the anterior cervical spine (ACS) in a 73-year-old male following multiple anterior cervical discectomies and fusions with rhBMP-2. Ectopic bone formation following rhBMP-2 has been previously reported. Adverse events like local swelling and edema leading to dysphagia and even airway obstruction after cervical spine application of rhBMP-2 have also been widely reported. Due to the uncommon nature of abnormal bony growth in soft tissue areas of the head and neck and the previously documented adverse effects of rhBMP-2 use, especially in the cervical spine, we consider the two unusual case presentations of ectopic bony formation highly likely to be linked with rhBMP-2. We urge awareness of the adverse effects caused by rhBMP-2, and urge caution in dosing.
Preliminary Design and Experimental Study of a Steel-Batten Ribbed Cable Dome
Authors: Ding Mingmin , Shen Yuzhou , Wei Yang , Luo Bin , Wang Lulu , Zhang Ningyuan
Published: November 2021

A steel-batten ribbed cable dome structural system is proposed. By replacing the upper flexible cables with semi-rigid steel battens, rigid roofing materials were conveniently installed overhead via non-bracket or less-bracket technology. Additionally, an 8 m diameter test model was designed, and a ‘ω’ shaped less-bracket consequent hoist-dragging system was adopted. Finally, the test model was tested under symmetric and asymmetric uniform loading arrangements, while a finite element model was established to verify the test values. The results indicate that the measured values are basically consistent with the finite element values. In the early steps of hoisting and dragging, the structure establishes a prestress, accumulates stiffness, and found its internal force balance, while the entire structure keeps a “ω” shape to guarantee stability. As the internal forces of the components increase, the structure turns from “ω” to “m” and finally reached its designed shape. With increasing symmetric uniform load, the internal forces of the cables decrease, the bending stresses of the steel battens increase, and the steel battens remain in the elastic stage. Under an asymmetric uniform load, the high loaded area is displaced downward, and the low loaded area behaves upward, twisting the overall structure.
On a Generalized Convolution Operator
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Raina Ravinder Krishna , Sokół Janusz
Published: November 2021

Recently in the paper [Mediterr. J. Math. 2016, 13, 1535–1553], the authors introduced and studied a new operator which was defined as a convolution of the three popular linear operators, namely the Sǎlǎgean operator, the Ruscheweyh operator and a fractional derivative operator. In the present paper, we consider an operator which is a convolution operator of only two linear operators (with lesser restricted parameters) that yield various well-known operators, defined by a symmetric way, including the one studied in the above-mentioned paper. Several results on the subordination of analytic functions to this operator (defined below) are investigated. Some of the results presented are shown to involve the familiar Appell function and Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta function. Special cases and interesting consequences being in symmetry of our main results are also mentioned.
Symmetric Oscillator: Special Features, Realization, and Combination Synchronization
Authors: Tamba Victor Kamdoum , Ramadoss Janarthanan , Pham Viet-Thanh , Grassi Giuseppe , Almatroud Othman Abdullah , Hussain Iqtadar
Published: November 2021

Researchers have recently paid significant attention to special chaotic systems. In this work, we introduce an oscillator with different special features. In addition, the oscillator is symmetrical. The features and oscillator dynamics are discovered through different tools of nonlinear dynamics. An electronic circuit is designed to mimic the oscillator’s dynamics. Moreover, the combined synchronization of two drives and one response oscillator is reported. Numerical examples illustrate the correction of our approach.