bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Changes in the Level of Volatile Compounds Emitted during Rapeseed Quality Degradation on the Reaction of MOS Type Sensor-Array
Authors: Rusinek Robert , Jeleń Henryk , Malaga-Toboła Urszula , Molenda Marek , Gancarz Marek
Published: June 2020

This study presents the applicability of a three-parameters method for digital description of spoiled rapeseed odor based on the use of an electronic nose. The method consists of the use of three parameters to describe the sensor response, i.e., the maximum resistance value, the response time and the cleaning time of the active surface of the sensor. Reference chemical methods, i.e., determination of the ergosterol content and analysis of volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were used to monitor qualitative changes occurring in the stored material. A 31-day profile of volatile compounds and changes in the ergosterol content was determined in the study. A total of 18 chemical groups of volatile organic compounds was identified. There was a strong positive correlation between the cleaning time and the percentage content of alcohols and alkenes, as well as ergosterol, as a marker of qualitative changes. The maximum response was another parameter that effectively described the changes occurring in the seeds. This parameter was strongly negatively correlated with esters and amides in the case of six sensors, and with ergosterol, alkenes and to a lesser degree with alcohols in the case of the other two sensors. The study results clearly demonstrated a relationship between the sensor responses and the percentage content of alcohols and alkenes, which provided novel practical information for the oilseed branch.
Vagal Tone Differences in Empathy Level Elicited by Different Emotions and a Co-Viewer
Authors: Yoo Suhhee , Whang Mincheol
Published: June 2020

Empathy can bring different benefits depending on what kind of emotions people empathize with. For example, empathy with negative emotions can raise donations to charity while empathy with positive emotions can increase participation during remote education. However, few studies have focused on the physiological differences depending on what kind of emotions people empathize with. Furthermore, co-viewer can influence the elicitation of different levels of empathy, but this has been less discussed. Therefore, this study investigated vagal response differences according to each empathy factor level elicited by different emotions and co-viewer. Fifty-nine participants were asked to watch 4 videos and to evaluate subjective valence, arousal scores, and undertake an empathy questionnaire, which included cognitive, affective and identification empathy. Half of the participants watched the videos alone and the other half watched the videos with a co-viewer. Valence and arousal scores were categorized into three levels to figure out what kind of emotions they empathized with. Empathy level (high vs. low) was determined based on the self-report scores. Two-way MANOVA revealed an interaction effect of empathy level and emotions. High affective empathy level is associated with higher vagal response regardless of what kind of emotions they empathized with. However, vagal response differences in other empathy factor level showed a different pattern depending on what kind of emotions that participant empathized with. A high cognitive empathy level showed lower vagal responses when participants felt negative or positive valence. High identification level also showed increased cognitive burden when participants empathized with negative and neutral valence. The results implied that emotions and types of empathy should be considered when measuring empathic responses using vagal tone. Two-way MANOVA revealed empathic response differences between co-viewer condition and emotion. Participants with a co-viewer felt higher vagal responses and self-reporting empathy scores only when participants empathized with arousal. This implied that the effect of a co-viewer may impact on empathic responses only when participants felt higher emotional intensity.
Fiber Optic Particle Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Label-Free Detection of Nucleic Acids and Its Application to HLA-B27 mRNA Detection in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Tseng Yen-Ta , Li Wan-Yun , Yu Ya-Wen , Chiang Chang-Yue , Liu Su-Qin , Chau Lai-Kwan , Lai Ning-Sheng , Chou Cheng-Chung
Published: June 2020

We developed a label-free, real-time, and highly sensitive nucleic acid biosensor based on fiber optic particle plasmon resonance (FOPPR). The biosensor employs a single-strand deoxyoligonucleotides (ssDNA) probe, conjugated to immobilized gold nanoparticles on the core surface of an optical fiber. We explore the steric effects on hybridization affinity and limit of detection (LOD), by using different ssDNA probe designs and surface chemistries, including diluent molecules of different lengths in mixed self-assembled monolayers, ssDNA probes of different oligonucleotide lengths, ssDNA probes in different orientations to accommodate target oligonucleotides with a hybridization region located unevenly in the strand. Based on the optimized ssDNA probe design and surface chemistry, we achieved LOD at sub-nM level, which makes detection of target oligonucleotides as low as 1 fmol possible in the 10-μL sensor chip. Additionally, the FOPPR biosensor shows a good correlation in determining HLA-B27 mRNA, in extracted blood samples from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with the clinically accepted real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The results from this fundamental study should guide the design of ssDNA probe for anti-sense sensing. Further results through application to HLA-B27 mRNA detection illustrate the feasibility in detecting various nucleic acids of chemical and biological relevance.
Blockchain-Based Data Sharing and Trading Model for the Connected Car
Authors: Jeong Byeong-Gyu , Youn Taek-Young , Jho Nam-Su , Shin Sang Uk
Published: June 2020

Currently, “connected cars” are being actively designed over smart cars and autonomous cars, to establish a two-way communication network between the vehicle and all infrastructure. Additionally, because vehicle black boxes are becoming more common, specific processes for secure and efficient data sharing and transaction via vehicle networks must be developed. In this paper, we propose a Blockchain-based vehicle data marketplace platform model, along with a data sharing scheme, using Blockchain-based data-owner-based attribute-based encryption (DO-ABE). The proposed model achieves the basic requirements such as data confidentiality, integrity, and privacy. The proposed system securely and effectively handles large-capacity and privacy-sensitive black box video data by storing the metadata on Blockchain (on-chain) and encrypted raw data on off-chain (external) storage, and adopting consortium Blockchain. Furthermore, the data owners of the proposed model can control their own data by applying the Blockchain-based DO-ABE and owner-defined access control lists.
Are We Training in Sustainability in Higher Education? Case Study: Education Degrees at the University of Salamanca
Authors: Muñoz-Rodríguez José Manuel , Sánchez-Carracedo Fermín , Barrón-Ruiz Ángela , Serrate-González Sara
Published: June 2020

In this work, we analyzed the progress made in learning sustainability competencies by students belonging to the four Bachelor Education degrees at the University of Salamanca: Early Childhood Education Teacher, Primary Education Teacher, Pedagogy, and Social Education. To assess this progress, the instrument we used was the student questionnaire designed by the EDINSOST project. The questionnaire consisted of 18 questions related to the four sustainability competencies defined in 2011 by the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities: (1) critical contextualization of knowledge, (2) sustainable use of resources, (3) participation in community processes, and (4) application of ethical principles. The students answered the questions using a four-point Likert scale. The analysis of the answers determined the students’ perception of their own learning related to sustainability competencies. A total of 230 first-year and 96 fourth-year students responded to the questionnaire. The comparison between the first- and fourth-year students’ answers to each question enabled an evaluation of the improvement perceived by the students in their sustainability competencies. We analyzed the results by using the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis U tests. The results show that the students of the Bachelor Degree in Pedagogy are the only ones who achieve a significant improvement in their sustainability competencies. Bachelor Degree in Social Education and Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education Teacher students achieve an improvement, but it is not significant. Finally, Bachelor Degree in Primary Education Teacher students do not seem to achieve any improvement. From these data, it appears that the model used to introduce sustainability competencies in the Bachelor Degree in Pedagogy is the only one that achieves good results.
A Framework for Assessing Green Capacity Utilization Considering CO2 Emissions in China’s High-Tech Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Wang Ya , Pan Jiaofeng , Pei Ruimin , Yang Guoliang , Yi Bowen
Published: June 2020

China’s high-tech manufacturing industry has become the mainstay of the country’s domestic industrial transformation and upgrading. However, in recent years, the industry has experienced huge blind expansion under policy stimulus, which is not good for long-term industrial development. Therefore, this article attempts to explore the extent to which such an important and critical industry in China utilizes its production capacity and provides a basis for future policymaking. Coupled with the country’s increasing emphasis on the green and low-carbon development of the industry, this article extends the green and low-carbon thinking based on capacity utilization, namely green capacity utilization (CU). On this basis, the study empirically investigates the green CU of the high-tech manufacturing industry in 28 provinces in mainland China from 2010 to 2015. In performing the investigation, the inputs were divided into (quasi-)fixed and variable inputs, and an assessment framework was established based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. Moreover, optimal variable inputs are also available as by-products within the assessment framework. The results were as follows: First, China’s high-tech manufacturing industry showed an excellent overall performance in green CU. Moreover, half of the provinces were at fully utilized capacity, and half were under-utilized. On average, there was a slight deterioration in green CU. Second, the results showed regional differences. The western region had the highest green CU followed by the middle and northeastern regions, and the eastern region had the lowest green CU. Third, regarding the optimal variables inputs, the total amount of labor in China’s high-tech manufacturing industry met the demand, but the distribution was uneven. Fourth, the scale of traditional energy consumption needs to be reduced both in individual provinces and in general. These conclusions have implications for the formulation of policies to promote the green development of China’s high-tech manufacturing industry.
Learning from the Anthropocene: Adaptive Epistemology and Complexity in Strategic Managerial Thinking
Authors: Mitchell Andrew S. , Lemon Mark , Lambrechts Wim
Published: June 2020

Turbulence experienced in the business and social realms resonates with turbulence unfolding throughout the biosphere, as a process of accelerating change at the stratigraphic scale termed the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is understood as a multi-dimensional limit point, one dimension of which concerns the limits to the lineal epistemology prevalent since the Age of the Enlightenment. This paper argues that future conditions necessitate the updating of a lineal epistemology through a transition towards resilience thinking that is both adaptive and ecosystemic. A management paradigm informed by the recognition of multiple equilibria states distinguished by thresholds, and incorporating adaptive and resilience thinking is considered. This paradigm is thought to enhance flexibility and the capacity to absorb influences without crossing thresholds into alternate stable, but less desirable, states. One consequence is that evaluations of success may change, and these changes are considered and explored as likely on-going challenges businesses must grapple with into the future.
Supply Chain Collaboration for Transparency
Authors: Brun Alessandro , Karaosman Hakan , Barresi Teodosio
Published: June 2020

From an interdisciplinary theoretical perspective, this study uncovers how and to what extent building supply chain relations impacts supply chain transparency in an industrial context characterized by mistrust, complexity and privacy. By conducting a case study involving a multinational fashion group and an influential NGO, this study investigates how a fashion group forms supply chain relations that eventually influence their transparency performance. The fashion group under investigation initially started disclosing information about their supply chain actions in order to ensure legitimacy and protect the brand image. Nevertheless, the group started sharing more information about their supply chains, changing the perspective from a legitimacy driven reactive approach toward an ethics driven proactive approach. Particularly, supplier engagement, commitment and leadership appear to be antecedents to supply chain transparency. The study also reveals the novel influence of NGOs on supply chain transparency. Fashion Revolution has been substantial to drive fashion companies to obtain and disclose information about their supply chains. Supply chain visibility and stronger partnerships are required to overcome problems relating to supply chain complexity on the way toward transparency. Results suggest that supply chain engagement is fundamental for supply chain transparency, and that NGOs play a pivotal role to enhance transparency through knowledge sharing and awareness increasing. The results provide numerous implications that can help industrial practice and research improve the status quo.
Durability of Superheated Steam-Treated Light Red Meranti (Shorea spp.) and Kedondong (Canarium spp.) Wood against White Rot Fungus and Subterranean Termite
Authors: Dahali Rasdianah , Lee Seng Hua , Ashaari Zaidon , Bakar Edi Suhaimi , Ariffin Hidayah , Khoo Pui San , Bawon Paiman , Salleh Qamariah Norhidayah
Published: June 2020

In this study, the effect of superheated steam (SHS) treatment on the changes of the chemical composition and biological properties of two tropical hardwoods was investigated. SHS was carried out on light red meranti (Shorea spp.) and kedondong (Canarium spp.) wood with dimensions of 410 × 25 × 25 mm, using superheated steam as the heating medium. Wood samples were heat-treated at nine treatment levels, ranging from 172 to 228 °C and 95 to 265 min, respectively. The chemical constituents and resistance against white rot fungus (Pycnoporus sanguineus) and subterranean termite (Coptotermus curvignathus) of the treated wood were evaluated. A significant reduction in holocellulose content and increment in lignin was observed after SHS treatment. Consequently, the resistance against white rot fungus and termites improved. The biological durability improved with an increasing treatment temperature and time. A regression analysis revealed that the reduced equilibrium moisture content imparted superior biological resistance to the treated wood. Weight loss caused by the thermal degradation also served as a good indicator for fungal decay, as the loss of weight was directly proportional to the improvement in fungal resistance. However, this did not apply to termite resistance, as a very weak relationship was found between the two variables.
Green Development in the Construction of Family Houses in Urban and Rural Settlements in Slovakia
Authors: Moresová Mária , Sedliačiková Mariana , Schmidtová Jarmila , Hajdúchová Iveta
Published: June 2020

Measures that have been implemented to promote green development and environmental protection are increasingly affecting the construction of family houses and hence the economic and social growth. The representatives of the Europe Regional Network of World Green Building Council claim that the building emissions in Europe create up to 36% of the total carbon dioxide production. Therefore, the application of ecological building materials can be one of the possible ways to reach equilibrium between the social-economic growth and green development. The main objective of this paper was to find out the approach of people in urban and rural settlements in Slovakia towards the question of green development in terms of selection of building material for the construction of a family house and their economic-social situation. The issue was mapped in Slovakia using the empirical survey in the form of a questionnaire. The research was evaluated using statistical hypothesis testing methods, descriptive statistics methods, and data visualization. The main economic and social coordinates were identified that influence the choice of building materials for the construction of houses. The results led to conclusions that extend the current knowledge in the field of green development and sustainability in connection with the construction of family houses and the economic–social question in Slovakia. Results indicated that ecological materials are underestimated at nearly 71%. The identified reason for the research is, besides the economic and social issue, mainly the low level of information and promotion of ecological materials that can be used for the construction of family houses, as well as the low level of support by the state of those who are interested in the construction of ecological houses. The following research perspectives in this area should focus even more deeply on the synchronization of ecological, economic, and social aspects of sustainability, not only in the construction of family houses from ecological materials in Slovakia, but also in the construction of public and other buildings in urban and rural settlements.
Compressive Shear Strength of Reinforced Concrete Walls at High Ductility Levels
Authors: Kišiček Tomislav , Renić Tvrtko , Lazarević Damir , Hafner Ivan
Published: June 2020

The amount of energy dissipated during an earthquake depends on the type of failure of the concrete element. Shear failure should be avoided because less energy is spent than that due to bending failure. Compression controlled failure is usually avoided by increasing the thickness of a wall. Considering that the current code largely decreases this strength, this becomes hard to achieve in practice. Because of that, the analysis described in this paper is made to determine the reason for a large strength reduction at high curvatures. Mechanisms contributing to compression controlled shear strength are analysed. Using Rankine’s strength theorem, section equilibrium, arch mechanism and bending moment-curvature diagrams, the influence of different parameters are observed and charted. The findings are compared to the existing procedures and a new, simple and safe analytical equation is derived. Compression controlled shear strength is mainly influenced by axial force, followed by the amount of longitudinal reinforcement and the achieved confinement. Results show that the value of strength reduces significantly with the increase of ductility and that some reduction exists even for lower levels of curvature. Current code provisions may lead to unsafe design, so designers should be careful when dealing with potentially critical walls.
Efficiency Impact of the Communal Land Distribution Program in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Oniki Shunji , Berhe Melaku , Takenaka Koichi
Published: June 2020

A rapid increase in population in sub-Saharan Africa has caused a decrease in farm size, an increase in the number of landless farmers, and soil erosion in communal forests due to increasing utilization. Ethiopia has addressed this problem by introducing an epoch-making privatization policy for the allocation of communal land to landless farmers. This policy promotes the economic utilization of the communal land while protecting natural resources. Hitherto, few studies have evaluated the impact of the policy. We evaluate the effect of the communal land distribution policy for tree-planting using technical efficiency of farm production by estimating a stochastic production function model in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We compare the technical efficiencies of farm production between both participating and nonparticipating farms in the program using a quasi-experimental method. The results reveal the improvement of technical efficiency through communal land distribution. Therefore, program activities could increase farm incomes while maintaining land conservation. Thus, the allocation of communal land promotes sustainable land utilization in the mountainous areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Tourism Sector in Puerto Vallarta: An Approximation from the Circular Economy
Authors: Cornejo-Ortega Jose Luis , Chávez Dagostino Rosa María
Published: June 2020

The linear economic model consumes large amounts of energy and resources, but the limits on its physical capacity are being reached. The circular economy (CE), conversely, is reparative and regenerative; it aims to ensure that products, components, and resources maintain their usefulness and value. Tourism is a generator of wealth and employment worldwide (9.8% of world GDP and 9.1% of world employment), but it also contributes to a variety of environmental problems all over the world. Reducing the negative impacts of the practices of the tourism sector is essential. Therefore, implementing CE practices in this sector is crucial for producing changes that benefit the environment to reach the goal of sustainable development. The objective of this research was to explore the tourism sector knowledge of a CE and the actual implementation of its practices in Puerto Vallarta, and to determine companies´ willingness to design a transition to the CE. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a national tourist destination that ranks among the top three places in the country in terms of the number of tourist visitors, and therefore tourism is the basis of the local economy. A questionnaire was designed to collect information about attitudes and motives, which was answered by key informants from 64 tourism companies. The results show an incipient knowledge about the CE concept. However, companies conducting environmental activities, such as reducing consumption of fossil fuels and improving treatment of waste, indirectly generate a positive impact on the environment. In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta is prepared to implement the CE.
Resource Orchestration in Corporate Social Responsibility Actions: The Case of “Roteiros de Charme” Hotel Association
Authors: Maines da Silva Luciana , Maines da Silva Paula
Published: June 2020

This article aims to identify the factors that generate a competitive advantage, based on resource orchestration, in associated companies in networks with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The “Roteiros de Charme” hotel association was the object of study, deepening the analysis into four hotels and hostels participating in the association, all located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The method chosen was qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), as it allows for the use of data from a small number of cases. The authors identified that individual CSR strategy, the environmental impact of CSR actions and the structuring of companies’ portfolios of resources cover the possible causality and present consistency in the creation of a competitive advantage based on resource orchestration. The analysis of the data showed that the companies associated can structure their portfolio of resources through bundled and leveraged resources for capacity building. The study represents an important managerial contribution since it clarifies what they (resources) are and how the resources of the hotel and the association can be orchestrated for a better financial, social and environmental results. The present study makes a unique theoretical contribution when analyzing the effects on the competitive advantage of CSR actions with the use of the QCA method.
Value Creation and Sustainability: Lessons from Leading Sustainability Firms
Authors: Brozović Danilo , D’Auria Anna , Tregua Marco
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to chart the value creation process of firms excelling in sustainability. To accomplish this goal, we devise an analytical framework based on a review of the literature combining value creation in service-dominant logic (SDL) and sustainability. We then use the framework to analyze the practices of 100 firms excelling in sustainability, so as to offer a contribution in the form of a combination of insights from practice and theoretical analysis portraying the service ecosystem incorporating sustainability. The double-step analysis highlighted the relevance of a multi-actor perspective as a driver for the incorporation of sustainability in the value creation process, as well as the relevance of actors’ participation in firms’ processes, such as in resource integration and in line with the aim of sustainable service provision. The results advance the understanding of the elements of SDL as well as how the interplay among them occurs from a sustainability-based perspective.
Developing Citylab Post-Construction—A Swedish Certification System to Evaluate the Sustainability of Urban Areas
Authors: Lind Jonas , Malmqvist Tove , Wangel Josefin
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the development of Citylab Post-Construction, a Swedish certification system for evaluating the sustainability performance of urban areas in a post-construction phase once the area is inhabited. The process design was based on transdisciplinary and research-through-design approaches, and involved experts and practitioners within Swedish urban planning, real estate and construction sector. This paper is not highlighting the certification system per se, but rather the process of developing it, with the aim of increasing the understanding of such design processes. A previously developed, but so far untested, framework of key considerations for certification systems was used to clarify benefits and drawbacks of different design decisions. The framework was used in all steps of the process, from defining the overall structure, to selecting indicators, formulating detailed requirements and assessing comments of the open consultation of a draft version. The framework of key considerations proved useful in supporting this process, by highlighting conflicts as well as synergies and creating transparency with respect to trade-offs needed between being e.g., scientifically credible but still practical enough. While it is difficult to separate the framework from the process in which it was put to use, we believe that the framework can be supportive also in other processes, both for developing new certification systems or for refining and evaluating existing ones.
On-Demand Flexible Transit in Fast-Growing Cities: The Case of Dubai
Authors: Giuffrida Nadia , Le Pira Michela , Inturri Giuseppe , Ignaccolo Matteo , Calabrò Giovanni , Cuius Blochin , D’Angelo Riccardo , Pluchino Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Increase in city population and size leads to growing transport demand and heterogeneous mobility habits. In turn, this may result in economic and social inequalities within the context of rapid economic growth. Provision of flexible transit in fast-growing cities is a promising strategy to overcome the limits of conventional public transport and avoid the use of private cars, towards better accessibility and social inclusion. This paper presents the case of Dubai (UAE), where a demand responsive transit service called MVMANT (a company based in Italy) has been tested in some low demand districts. The contribution of this work relies on the use of an agent-based model calibrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) real data to reproduce the service and find optimal configurations from both the perspective of the transport operator and the community. Different scenarios were simulated, by changing the vehicle assignment strategy and capacity, and comparing MVMANT with a ride-sharing service with smaller vehicles. Results suggest that route choice strategy is important to find a balance between operator and user costs, and that these types of flexible transit can satisfy transport demand with limited total costs compared to other shared mobility services. They can also be effective in satisfying fluctuating demand by adopting heterogeneous fleets of vehicles. Finally, appropriate planning and evaluation of these services are needed to fully explore their potential in covering the gap between low-quality fixed public transport and unsustainable private transport.
Organizing Joint Practices in Urban Food Initiatives—A Comparative Analysis of Gardening, Cooking and Eating Together
Authors: Hennchen Benjamin , Pregernig Michael
Published: June 2020

The topic of food is highly relevant to the UN sustainable development agenda. The agenda particularly challenges cities to take on more responsibilities and to initiate processes that change unsustainable food practices. The recent emergence of urban food initiatives, such as community-supported agriculture, urban gardening, food sharing or community kitchens, promises great potential in leveraging sustainability. Although a great deal of research is already available on the societal impacts of food initiatives, little is known about organizational aspects surrounding them. The following study aims to address this gap by systematically analyzing how joint practices of gardening as well as cooking and eating are organized in different urban food initiatives, taking five initiatives in two smaller cities in southern Germany as case studies. Data were acquired through qualitative research methods including interviewing, participatory observations and document analysis. The analysis covers five key dimensions: institutional integration, recruiting mechanisms, goal-setting, time management and types of knowledge. Based on these dimensions, the results portray two distinctive organizational profiles of urban food initiatives. The article concludes with a reflection on how local governments can support food initiatives and thus contribute to sustainable urban food systems.
Revisiting Accessibility in a Context of Sustainable Transport: Capabilities and Inequalities in Bogotá
Authors: Oviedo Daniel , Guzman Luis A.
Published: June 2020

This research sets out to examine the interaction between accessibility, social inequalities and sustainability by revisiting a well-documented case of inequalities in access in Global South cities: Bogotá. Our analysis builds on the concept of accessibility, focusing on the role of transport as an enabler of opportunities for social interactions, healthcare and leisure, which are essential to the full participation in society. The research applies a methodological framework for accessibility developed and tested in the Latin American context, though it has not been previously applied to non-commuting travel. Our paper contributes to the existing evidence base showing the relevance of non-commuting travel to sustainable transport assessment in contexts of high inequality, which can be scaled up and applied in other contexts with various levels of social and environmental inequalities. The empirical analysis is based on data from Bogotá’s household travel survey. Using this dataset, we measure accessibility using a gravitational type of metric that is calibrated based on observed travel behavior. Accessibility levels were estimated by car and public transport for every zonal planning unit in the Bogotá Region. Accessibility indices are analyzed from an equity perspective using metrics such as the Palma ratio for differences of income and socioeconomic positions. Results show that on average, low- and middle-income areas have higher accessibility than high-income areas by both private and public transport. Accessibility conditions are discussed considering a framework of transitions to sustainable urban mobility, reflecting on various drivers and consequences of barriers to access in different areas and social groups. Our findings provide insights to support actions that redistribute accessibility of opportunities beyond the job market, questioning the applicability of accessibility measures to discuss equity and sustainability in cities such as Bogotá.
The Relationship between Green Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Galindo-Martín Miguel-Angel , Castaño-Martínez María-Soledad , Méndez-Picazo María-Teresa
Published: June 2020

Economic growth is one of the important objectives of economic policy due to the beneficial effects it has on employment and economic well-being. The work carried out in the last few decades has highlighted the roles that entrepreneurship and innovation play in promoting this objective. However, the environmental deterioration resulting from policies implemented to stimulate growth has led to considerations of other objectives that are more compatible with the defense of the environment, such as sustainable development. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors that stimulate them. This paper considers traditional and social entrepreneurship and innovations and green innovation. The effect of institutions as generators of legal and economic environments on both types of entrepreneurship is contemplated. On the other hand, considering the possibility of “bidirectional causality”, the relationship between both types of entrepreneurship and institutions is also analyzed. This will allow us to design measures aimed at stimulating sustainable development. The objective of this paper is to analyze these relationships through two estimates: first, an analysis of the relationship between both types of entrepreneurship and innovations and sustainable development and second, the relationship between social and traditional entrepreneurship and institutions. In both cases, the path coefficient of each of them is compared with respect to the final objective, which would be useful when designing economic policies. Empirical analysis is carried out, producing an estimation of the structural equation modeling (SEM) model using the partial least squares (PLS) technique in the case of 20 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
Risk Index Method–A Tool for Sustainable, Holistic Building Fire Strategies
Authors: Brzezińska Dorota , Bryant Paul
Published: June 2020

Modern fire safety engineering seeks to ensure buildings are safe from fire by applying optimum levels of fire safety and protection resources without the need to overprotect. Similarly, the principles of sustainability aim to ensure resources are suitably applied to meet social, economic, and environmental objectives. However, there is a mismatch between the actual application of fire safety and the sustainability objectives for buildings, typically caused by the highly prescriptive historical approaches still largely adopted and legislated for in many countries. One solution that is increasingly adopted is the more flexible, “performance-based” fire engineering approach that bases fire safety and protection provisions on the development of key performance objectives, some of which could be influenced by sustainability engineering propositions for buildings, but very often this does not appear to be enough. The proposed new concept prompts separate assessment and scoring of the eight most important fire safety factors, allowing for calculation of the fire strategy risk index (FSRI). By comparing the FSRI of the actual submitted strategy against the baseline strategy, enforcement agencies or other interested stakeholders will have a methodology to determine optimal fire safety solutions for buildings.
Can International Trade Help Africa’s Least Developed Countries Achieve SDG-1?
Authors: Navarro-Pabsdorf R. Margarita , Martínez-Alcalá Concepción , Moral-Pajares Encarnación
Published: June 2020

In order to reduce poverty and achieve Goal 1 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, countries’ foreign trade flows must be a driving force for productive activity, as proposed by the WTO-led (World Trade Organization) Aid for Trade initiative. This work analyzes the evolution of international trade in goods and services between Africa’s Least Developed Countries and customers and suppliers from other countries between 2005 and 2015, based on the information provided by UNCTAD and the World Bank. The results confirm a greater degree of trade openness and especially an increase in service imports. Overall, the data show that the purchases made in the international market have a greater marginal effect on GDP than sales, leading to the conclusion that changes in trade policy are needed, at both international and national level. Actions should be aimed at ensuring that the growing integration of these economies in the world trade system does not result in continued deficits in the trade balance but, on the contrary, does contribute to GDP growth and poverty reduction.
Comparative Performance of Machine Learning Algorithms in the Prediction of Indoor Daylight Illuminances
Authors: Ngarambe Jack , Irakoze Amina , Yun Geun Young , Kim Gon
Published: June 2020

The performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms depends on the nature of the problem at hand. ML-based modeling, therefore, should employ suitable algorithms where optimum results are desired. The purpose of the current study was to explore the potential applications of ML algorithms in modeling daylight in indoor spaces and ultimately identify the optimum algorithm. We thus developed and compared the performance of four common ML algorithms: generalized linear models, deep neural networks, random forest, and gradient boosting models in predicting the distribution of indoor daylight illuminances. We found that deep neural networks, which showed a determination of coefficient (R2) of 0.99, outperformed the other algorithms. Additionally, we explored the use of long short-term memory to forecast the distribution of daylight at a particular future time. Our results show that long short-term memory is accurate and reliable (R2 = 0.92). Our findings provide a basis for discussions on ML algorithms’ use in modeling daylight in indoor spaces, which may ultimately result in efficient tools for estimating daylight performance in the primary stages of building design and daylight control schemes for energy efficiency.
Assessing and Considering the Wider Impacts of Sport-Tourism Events: A Research Agenda Review of Sustainability and Strategic Planning Elements
Authors: Chersulich Tomino Ana , Perić Marko , Wise Nicholas
Published: June 2020

Sport-tourism events create a broad spectrum of impacts on and for host communities. However, sustainable sport-tourism events, which emphasize positive impacts, and minimize negative impacts, do not arise by chance—they need careful planning and implementation. This paper aims to review and systematize a wide spectrum of social impacts that outdoor sport-tourism events create from the perspective of key stakeholders and addresses strategic planning elements necessary for achieving event sustainability. To reach its objectives, the authors examined the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, searching for relevant scientific papers focusing primarily on the impacts and legacy of sport events, strategic planning elements, and attributes necessary for achieving sustainability through a systematic quantitative review and content analysis. The results indicate that the relevant literature mostly focuses on economic impacts, followed by social and environmental impacts. Most studies focus on Europe and Asia, with the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups being the most popular type of event studied. To systemize event and destination strategic elements and attributes for achieving sustainability, this study considers eight categories: social, cultural, organizational, logistic, communication, economic, tourism, and environmental. This paper identifies the main research gaps, proposes a new holistic sport-tourism events research agenda and provides recommendations so that organizers can avoid planning, organizing, financing mistakes and better leverage future sporting events.
Accelerometry-Measured Physical Activity in Amateur Footballers. Is It Enough to Obtain Health Benefits?
Authors: Fernandez-Rio Javier , González-Víllora Sixto , Valero-Valenzuela Alfonso , Anton-Candanedo Alejandro , Merino-Barrero Juan Andrés , Sierra de los Ríos Juan Vicente , López Gajardo Miguel Angel
Published: June 2020

Amateur football is played by millions of individuals worldwide, but it has been scarcely researched (almost no studies have targeted this sport). There seems to be a need to fill this gap, because it has an impact in these individuals’ health status. The aim of our research was to uncover amateur football players’ physical and psychological traits to understand the impact of this sport in their health (physical, mental, and social well-being). Two-hundred footballers (17–40 years) from four regions in Spain (north, central, southwest, southeast), enrolled in 16 different football teams participated. They completed a questionnaire to assess their motives for sport participation, their intention to continue playing football, and their exercise addiction. To objectively measure their physical activity levels, accelerometers were used during practice sessions. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained from coaches prior to and after every practice session and players at the end of every practice. Results showed a mean 140.1 moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/minutes/week. Players’ RPE scores were similar in the “fairly light” range (6–20 scale) at pre (11.38 ± 1.64) and post training (11.83 ± 1.39), and it was not different between players and coaches (11.50 ± 1.52). Enjoyment was the highest-ranked motive to practice amateur football (6.34 ± 0.67; 1–7 range), followed by fitness (5.68 ± 0.97; 1–7 range), social (4.80 ± 0.85; 1–7 range), and appearance (4.04 ± 1.21; 1–7 range). Players had some symptoms of exercise addiction (21.09 ± 4.53; 1–30 range) and their intentions to continue playing were very high (4.31 ± 1.08; 1–5 range). Moreover, enjoyment was the strongest predictor of these intentions (R2 = 0.260). In conclusion, a weekly amateur football practice almost allows players to meet international MVPA recommendations for health benefits. Enjoyment was their strongest motive to practice, and the players showed some symptoms of exercise addiction. These two variables were the strongest predictors of the participants’ intention to continue playing amateur football. This sport could be considered adequate to help adults maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Optimisation Techniques for Managing the Project Sustainability Objective: Application to a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Cartelle Barros Juan José , Lara Coira Manuel , de la Cruz López María Pilar , del Caño Gochi Alfredo , Soares Isabel
Published: June 2020

In addition to traditional project management objectives (cost, time, scope and quality, among others), it is now necessary to include a global sustainability objective in all projects, regardless of their nature and scale. The processes for managing this objective may include sub-processes for optimising the sustainability of some or all of the project’s deliverables. In this paper an integrated optimisation technique was applied to optimise the design of a shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) by taking into account economic, social and environmental indicators. A case study previously analysed in the literature, although with different objectives and scope, was considered for such a purpose. Diverse sets of weights were defined for the environmental impacts, as well as two additional cases. In the first one, all the indicators where assessed in a linear way. Non-linearities were studied in the second one. Both non-nature-inspired (exhaustive search and Monte Carlo simulation) and nature-inspired (Particle Swarm Optimisation, Crow Search Algorithm and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) optimisation techniques were used to solve the problem. The results were presented and discussed in depth. The findings show the necessity of applying these kinds of methodologies in the design of energy systems and, in particular, STHEs.
Analyzing Evidence of Sustainable Urban Water Management Systems: A Review through the Lenses of Sociotechnical Transitions
Authors: Adem Esmail Blal , Suleiman Lina
Published: June 2020

Sustainability concerns and multiple socio-environmental pressures have necessitated a shift towards Sustainable Urban Water Management (SUWM) systems. Viewing SUWM systems as sociotechnical, this paper departs from eight factors previously identified by transition research: Pressures, Context, Purposes, Actors, Instruments, Processes, Outputs, and Outcomes as a methodological framework for a structured review of 100 articles. The study seeks to analyze empirical cases of planning and implementing SUWM systems worldwide. A wide range of public actors—driven by social and environmental factors rather than by economic pressures—have initiated SUWM projects so as to locally fulfill defined social and environmental purposes. We provide evidence on the emergence of new actors, such as experts, users, and private developers, as well as on the diverse and innovative technical and societal instruments used to promote and implement SUWM systems. We also explore their contexts and institutional capacity to deal with pressures and to mobilize significant financial and human resources, which is in itself vital for the transition to SUWM. Planned or implemented SUWM outputs are divided into green (wet ponds, raingardens, and green roofs) and gray (rain barrels and porous pavements) measures. The outcomes of SUWM projects—in terms of societal and technical learning, and their institutional uptakes—are often implicit or lacking, which seemingly reduces the rate of desirable change.
Geosites and Georesources to Foster Geotourism in Communities: Case Study of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project in Ecuador
Authors: Herrera-Franco Gricelda , Carrión-Mero Paúl , Alvarado Niurka , Morante-Carballo Fernando , Maldonado Alfonso , Caldevilla Pablo , Briones-Bitar Josué , Berrezueta Edgar
Published: June 2020

Santa Elena Peninsula is characterized by beautiful geological features, historical geoscientific knowledge, and mineral and tourism resources that could all be combined for the sake of community development. This article provides an overview of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project through the assessment of six areas that are considered by inhabitants and researchers possible geosites to foster geotourism. The methodology included: (i) a technical description and assessment of the areas of interest evaluating their geological relevance, representativeness, geotouristic prominence, geotouristic scientific interpretation, and conservation criteria; (ii) an assessment through questionnaires carried out on inhabitants; and (iii) a SWOT Plus analysis to propose strategies for promoting geotourism. Results show that the areas of interest are highly valued as geosites, since they integrate geodiversity, biodiversity, and sociocultural aspects. For example, Ancon is a historical icon of early oil exploitation, Baños de San Vicente is a natural spring of thermal water and mud volcano, and Anconcito has bituminous exudations of natural occurrence together with a spectacular landscape produced by erosion. Overall, 90% of these sites were proved to be of high and very high interest in scientific terms. Geotourism is believed to be beneficial for the inhabitants of the Santa Elena Peninsula with respect to education, valorization of resources, and the strengthening of cultural identity of communities.