bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Multiple Forest Service Based on the Integration of Stand Structural Attributes in Mixed Oak Forests
Authors: Guan Shunyun , Lu Yuanchang , Liu Xianzhao
Published: July 2022

In order to understand forest services at stand level through the integration of structural attributes, forest structures in three main stand types were analyzed based on various structural attributes relating to the services of habitat conservation, timber production and soil water conservation in Loess Plateau, China. Forty sample plots with similar site and environment conditions were established in three types of oak stands. Twenty-two indexes such as stand density, mean DBH, mean height, etc., were selected to analyze the relationship between structural attributes and forest service. With a core set of structural attributes selected by principal component analysis, the link between the service and structural attributes and the compatibility between each service was analyzed using correlation analysis. The results show that the oak–broadleaf mixed forest has the highest structural complexity index (SCI), indicating the best habitat conservation among others, while the oak–pine mixed forest and pure oak forest have the highest timber value in different scenarios of timber price, indicating the largest potential for timber production. Little differences were found between stand types regarding the indicators for soil water conservation. The structural attributes that had a positive correlation with habitat conservation (e.g., number of shrub species, species richness of canopy layer, the proportion of broadleaves and snag density) were identified to be negative for timber production; while the attributes that had a positive correlation with timber production (e.g., stand density and proportion of pine and oaks) were found to be negative for habitat conservation. The results of the trade-off analysis showed that timber production tends to be conflicting with the other two non-timber forest services. In order to enhance the provisioning of multiple services, it was suggested to implement the interventions that could balance these services, such as structural retention and single-tree selective logging. This study could contribute to the theoretical base for the decision making in the multi-purpose sustainable management of oak forests in China.
The Water Storage Function of Litters and Soil in Five Typical Plantations in the Northern and Southern Mountains of Lanzhou, Northwest China
Authors: Su Shiping , Liu Xiaoe
Published: July 2022

Soil and water conservation is an important function of forest ecosystems; however, it remains unclear which forest type is best suited for water and soil conservation under the same site conditions. In order to clarify the soil and water conservation function of different plantations in the northern and southern mountains of Lanzhou city, we investigated several soil and water conservation function indicators (thickness and accumulation of litter, maximum water holding capacity and rate of litter, water holding capacity and water absorption rate of litter, soil infiltration rates, soil water content, soil bulk density, soil porosity, and soil water storage) of five plantation types (Platycladus orientalis plantations (Po), Robinia pseudoacacia plantations (Rp), Populus alba var. pyramidalis plantations (Pa), P. alba var. pyramidalis + R. pseudoacacia mixed plantations (Pa + Rp), and P. orientalis + R. pseudoacacia mixed plantations (Po + Rp)) and evaluated them using the gray correlation method. The results indicated the accumulation of litter varied from 13.50 to 47.01 t·hm−2 and increased in the order of Pa < Rp < Po < Po + Rp < Pa + Rp. The maximum water holding capacity of litter varied from 35.29 to 123.59 t·hm−2 and increased in the order of Pa < Rp < Po < Po + Rp < Pa + Rp. The soil physical properties (soil infiltration, porosity, and bulk density) of mixed plantations were better than those of pure plantations. The soil maximum water storage was significantly different among plantation types (p < 0.05), with an average varying from 3930.87 to 4307.45 t·hm−2, and was greater in mixed plantations than in pure plantations. Gray correlation analysis revealed that mixed plantations had the best conservation function of the five plantation types, followed by broad-leaved plantations and coniferous plantations. This suggests that the planting of mixed plantations dominated by Pa + Rp is therefore recommended in the future construction of plantations in the northern and southern mountains of Lanzhou to realize sustainable forest development.
Toward a Circular Bioeconomy within Food Waste Valorization: A Case Study of an On-Site Composting System of Restaurant Organic Waste
Authors: Feodorov Cristina (Soricu) , Velcea Ana Maria , Ungureanu Florin , Apostol Tiberiu , Robescu Lăcrămioara Diana , Cocarta Diana Mariana
Published: July 2022

In the present and projected context of an increasing worldwide demand for food, the intensification of climate change effects on agriculture, and the depletion and degradation of natural resources, global actions must be taken to assure future food security for all people. Improper practices along the food supply chain, from primary production to consumption, generate huge quantities of food waste. Building a circular bioeconomy that feeds recycled materials back into the economy and minimizes the loss of resources will be an important step in introducing the world’s food system to a sustainable path. The present case study describes an enclosed on-site composting system for food waste, operated in real-life conditions. The composting equipment was installed for a restaurant with specific needs in November 2020, located near a shopping center in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the compost came from a mix of food waste from a retail restaurant and sawdust pellets used as absorbent material, and these were analyzed to monitor compost quality and establish valorization opportunities. Two different monitoring campaigns were developed and the biological parameters were analyzed. The second monitoring campaign indicated that the compost was contaminated with Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. When handled correctly and according to instructions, the composting process eliminates pathogens that may be present in food waste, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., etc., resulting in a high-quality compost that can be valorized in agriculture such as fertilizer or soil improver. Our results demonstrated that even when maintaining the same composition of raw materials in the composter, the quality and properties of the compost are greatly influenced by its operating conditions. Quality management procedures must be enforced and procedures must be strictly followed for the compost to be considered compliant. Compost that does not meet the requirements according to the regulation in force is again subjected to composting. If, after repeating the operation, the compost is still noncompliant, it is declared nonrecyclable waste, and must follow the specific procedure for such waste.
Do R&D Tax Credits Incentivize Radical or Incremental Innovation? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiao Chunhuan , Zhuang Ziyin
Published: July 2022

Many countries use R&D tax credits to promote firm innovation. Using the data of A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2019, we use a fixed effects model to examine the heterogeneity effect of the R&D tax credit in China on radical and incremental innovation based on the perspective of firm property rights, scale, and age under the framework of heterogeneity. The results show that the R&D tax credit significantly stimulates radical and incremental innovation, but the incentive effect on radical innovation is weak. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the incentive effects of enterprises with different complementary resources and innovation capabilities are different. Specifically, we find that the R&D tax credit has a stronger impact on incremental innovation of state-owned enterprises and radical innovation of non-state-owned enterprises. Compared with small firms and start-ups, it has a stronger incentive effect on the radical and incremental innovation of large-, medium-sized, and incumbent firms. Finally, the results are consistent and robust using the Heckman two-step method, core indicator substitution method, and change lag period. This paper deepens the theoretical research on the heterogeneity effect of tax incentives on firm innovation, while also providing insights on how to design R&D tax credits to raise radical innovation for emerging economies.
Energy Use and Its Key Factors in Hotel Chains
Authors: Arenhart Rodrigo Schons , Souza Adriano Mendonça , Zanini Roselaine Ruviaro
Published: July 2022

Hotel chains are reported as one of the most energy-intensive sectors and a growing number of international studies on this theme have been developed. This research aims to understand energy use and some of its key factors in hotel chains worldwide. Data were collected on variables related to previous research and those present in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. The sample was composed by 45 international hotel chains, representing more than 54,000 properties and 7,500,000 rooms. Multiple linear regression was employed to assess how the predictor variables (water use, carbon intensity, RevPAR, and NetRoom) are associated with energy use (dependent variable). It was presented that hotel chains can pass on the price of energy consumption to their guests, increasing their revenue per available room (RevPAR), but the returns in profitability are not being generated. The RevPAR variable maintained a positive relationship, +0.244, with energy use in the first regression model, with R2 adjusted equal to 0.9506, while the net profit per room (NetRoom) presented a negative relationship in both models, −0.0006 and −0.0010, respectively, with R2 adjusted equal to 0.9304 in the second model. Investing in updating their energy systems, hotel chains can contribute to a more sustainable future, build positive marketing, retain guests, and generate a long-run financial return. This research contributes to the scientific literature by confirming relationships and providing evidence among new, and not yet explored, variables. It is expected to create a reference for policies to reduce energy use in hotels and for hotel owners to upgrade their systems.
From Organic Wastes and Hydrocarbons Pollutants to Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Bioconversion by Terrestrial and Marine Bacteria
Authors: Crisafi Francesca , Valentino Francesco , Micolucci Federico , Denaro Renata
Published: July 2022

The use of fossil-based plastics has become unsustainable because of the polluting production processes, difficulties for waste management sectors, and high environmental impact. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bio-based biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources and synthesized by bacteria as intracellular energy and carbon storage materials under nutrients or oxygen limitation and through the optimization of cultivation conditions with both pure and mixed culture systems. The PHA properties are affected by the same principles of oil-derived polyolefins, with a broad range of compositions, due to the incorporation of different monomers into the polymer matrix. As a consequence, the properties of such materials are represented by a broad range depending on tunable PHA composition. Producing waste-derived PHA is technically feasible with mixed microbial cultures (MMC), since no sterilization is required; this technology may represent a solution for waste treatment and valorization, and it has recently been developed at the pilot scale level with different process configurations where aerobic microorganisms are usually subjected to a dynamic feeding regime for their selection and to a high organic load for the intracellular accumulation of PHA. In this review, we report on studies on terrestrial and marine bacteria PHA-producers. The available knowledge on PHA production from the use of different kinds of organic wastes, and otherwise, petroleum-polluted natural matrices coupling bioremediation treatment has been explored. The advancements in these areas have been significant; they generally concern the terrestrial environment, where pilot and industrial processes are already established. Recently, marine bacteria have also offered interesting perspectives due to their advantageous effects on production practices, which they can relieve several constraints. Studies on the use of hydrocarbons as carbon sources offer evidence for the feasibility of the bioconversion of fossil-derived plastics into bioplastics.
Study of Natural Ventilation and Solar Control Strategies to Improve Energy Efficiency and Environmental Quality in Glazed Heated Swimming Pools in a Dry Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Pérez-Carramiñana Carlos , Maciá-Mateu Antonio , Sirvent-García Germán , Lledó-Llorca Iván
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the energy behavior of several public heated swimming pools with semi-transparent covers located in southeastern Spain with high consumption of their air-conditioning installations. The scientific novelty of the work is to determine the influence of solar radiation on the energy performance of this type of building and to demonstrate that the use of passive systems such as natural ventilation and solar control enhance the energy efficiency in glazed heated swimming pools in a warm semi-arid climate. The methodology used consisted of on-site measurements of current hygrometric behaviour and a study of alternative solutions by simulation of virtual models with improved hygrothermal conditions. In the on-site measurements, thermographic images were used to analyse the thermal envelope and hot-wire probe measurements to determine the temperature distribution and air velocity inside the pool enclosure. For the study of alternative solutions, simulations were carried out, including an analysis of incident solar radiation and different natural ventilation and solar control solutions. The results obtained showed that the current hygrothermal behaviour of the interior spaces does not comply with the regulations on the thermal quality of the indoor environment. The results show that the proposed natural ventilation and solar control solutions substantially improved the hygrothermal properties and energy savings of the pools analysed. This work offers an alternative solution that avoids the implementation of costly air conditioning systems and the energy consumption of installations, promoting more sustainable renovations that contribute to improving the indoor comfort of users with interventions that are compatible with existing buildings.
Sustainable Asphalt Rejuvenation by Using Waste Tire Rubber Mixed with Waste Oils
Authors: Aljarmouzi Ashraf , Dong Ruikun
Published: July 2022

Waste materials such as waste tire rubber (WTR), waste cooking oil (WCO), bio-oils, waste engine oil (WEO), and other waste oils have been the subject of various scientific studies in the sustainable and waste research field. The current environmental concerns have been identified to protect natural resources and reuse waste materials. Accordingly, this work reviews the use of recycled waste tire rubber mixed with waste oils (waste cooking oil, waste engine oil) and bio-oils that can be extracted from waste oils to rejuvenate asphalt in reclaimed pavements. This new solution may reduce the massive amounts of WTR and waste oils and produce a more environmentally sustainable material. Reclaimed, aged asphalt has been rejuvenated to achieve various penetration capabilities and properties by blending asphalt with one or more waste materials to evaluate the binder using standard tests. Many solutions with promising results in improving the properties of asphalt mixtures have been selected for further characterization. This review highlights that the addition of WTR and waste materials to rejuvenated asphalt binders improves stability, enhances the viscoelastic properties, provides better fatigue and crack resistance performance, and enhances the compatibility of the rejuvenated rubber oil asphalt. Moreover, the flashing point, softening point, ductility, and penetration of aged asphalt and Poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)-rubber-rejuvenated and waste-rubber-oil-rejuvenated asphalt were enhanced after applying the rejuvenator compound. On the other hand, adding waste oil to WTR and asphalt reduces the viscosity and enhances the storage stability compared to the asphalt rubber binder.
Founder CEO, CEO Characteristics, and Firm Innovation Efficiency: An Empirical Study of China’s GEM-Listed Companies
Authors: Wang Qian , Pei Xiaojie , Liang Huigang
Published: July 2022

While it is widely known that founder Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) can influence firm innovation, few studies have comprehensively examined how the founder CEO affects the firm’s innovation input, innovation output, and input-to-output conversion rate, and how these effects depend on the founder CEO’s demographic, cognitive, and corporate positional characteristics. We analyze the nine-year panel data of China’s Growth Enterprise Market (GEM)-listed companies to empirically study the relationship between founder CEO (vs. non-founder CEO), CEO characteristics, and firm innovation efficiency. Our analysis produces four major findings. First, founder CEO firms have a lower innovation input and higher innovation output than non-founder CEO firms. Second, compared with male founder CEOs, female founder CEOs can further reduce innovation input without sacrificing innovation output. Third, founder CEOs with a higher education level can also further reduce innovation input without sacrificing innovation output. Finally, compared with founder CEOs that are not the chairman of the board, the founder CEOs that take dual positions (CEO and chairman) allocate higher innovation input, but the innovation output does not increase. These findings have implications for both research and practice in helping firms achieve sustainable development.
Impact of Resource-Based Economic Transformation Policy on Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: A Case Study of Shanxi Province
Authors: Li Wei , Xiang Baichuan , Zhang Rongxia , Li Guomin , Wang Zhihao , Su Bin , Eric Tossou Mahugbe
Published: July 2022

Air pollution, particularly SO2 emission, has become a global problem, seriously threatening the sustainable development and health of mankind. Based on the panel data of 248 prefecture-level cities in China during 2003–2018, this study used the Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Difference (PSM-DID) method within the counterfactual framework to evaluate the treatment effect of the policy made by the National Resource-Based Economic Transformation Comprehensive Supporting Reform Pilot Zone (CRZ) on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The results show the following. (1) The benchmark regression results demonstrate that the CRZ policy has significantly decreased per capita SO2 emissions (PCSO2) and SO2 emissions per unit of GDP (PGSO2) in the pilot zone, and the placebo test indicates that the evaluation of the policy effect is robust. (2) The dynamic effect test indicates that there is a lag in the effect of the CRZ policy on reducing SO2 emissions. The policy effect of the CRZ policy on PCSO2 and PGSO2 was not obvious in the first stage (2011–2015), the CRZ policy significantly reduced the PCSO2 and PGSO2 in the second stage of policy implementation (2016 and beyond), and the reduction effect of CRZ policy on SO2 emissions is increasing over time. (3) The mechanism analysis shows that optimizing industrial structure, increasing human capital, strengthening technological innovation, and expanding opening to the outside world are the main ways for the CRZ policy to reduce SO2 emissions. The study will help promote SO2 emissions reduction in Shanxi Province, providing a reference for the transformation and development of other resource-based cities in China and the world and contributing to accelerating the achievement of regional emission reduction targets and sustainable development.
Study on the Characteristics of Water Jet Breaking Coal Rock in a Drilling Hole
Authors: Gao Yabin , Han Peizhuang , Wang Fei , Cao Jing , Zhang Shaoqi
Published: July 2022

Water jet technology is an effective measure by which to improve the efficiency of deep coalbed methane mining. Nevertheless, the effect of a water jet impinging on coal rock remains unclear. In this study, numerical simulation is used to analyze a water jet impingement drill test block, after which experimental verification is carried out. Next, on the basis of the experimental verification that the simulation method is feasible, the influence factors of the water jet impingement in the drill hole are analyzed. It is concluded that the phase-field variables based on the fracture change method can effectively characterize the damage and destruction of coal rock. The water jet impact in the borehole has a central damage failure zone and two-side damage failure zone, and the damage failure ratio n is used to characterize the degree of damage to the coal rock. When the jet target distance is 70 mm, the damage ratio n is closest to 1, and the effect of water jet impact on coal-rock is the best. When the wall roughness is less than 10 mm, the blocking effect on the jet is dominant, resulting in a negative correlation between the damage size and the roughness. When the wall roughness exceeds 10 mm, the development of cracks and the connection effect exceed the blocking effect, resulting in larger damage. Therefore, it can be seen that the effect of a water jet impacting on coal rock is positively related to jet pressure. When the jet target distance is 70 mm, the damage range of 30 MPa jet pressure to the center and both sides of the coal rock reaches about 1.1 m, thus signifying a good coal rock breaking effect. The wall roughness has a significant effect on the coal rock breaking effect of the water jet.
Measuring College Campus Well-Being with Multidimensional Indices: Sustainability of Higher Education in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Ru-Jer , Lin Shinyi , Tseng Min , Tsai Ming-Hseuh , Chang Te-Hsin
Published: July 2022

Understanding students’ subjective perceptions of universities is one of the main issues that needs to be addressed in order to improve aspects such as student retention and achieve sustainable development. Considering subjective well-being as an alternative term for happiness and satisfaction in higher education for sustainability, this study is to develop a measure conceptually and operationally for college campus well-being (CWB) with multiple dimensions, including a psychological, physical, financial, and social dimension of well-being. Subjected to factorial validity and composite reliability, the CWB scale validated by 2793 undergraduate students in central Taiwan was administered. The research demonstrates the appropriate construct validity and suitable-fit indices of the CWB multidimensional scale when used for measuring university-oriented happiness and sustainability in this research context. Differential effects were found among the colleges and between genders. The implications and future research lines are discussed.
Input–Output Efficiency of the Beijing–Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project and Influencing Factors
Authors: Cui Yuxin , Gu Xuesong , Liu Zelin , Yi Jingxiong
Published: July 2022

From the perspective of economic benefit, this paper uses the DEA method to measure the input–output efficiency of the Beijing–Tianjin sandstorm source control project in Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia. The results show that from 2003 to 2019, the efficiency of the four regions revealed a U-shaped trend, first decreasing and then increasing, which reflects the lagging characteristics of forestry engineering. The TFP of the sand source control project in these four places was calculated; the average efficiency growth rate was 1.4%, and it was found to be affected greatly by the rate of technological progress. The Tobit model was used to explore the influencing factors, and the results show that educational input and economic development level have a great effect on efficiency, fiscal pressure has a small effect on efficiency, and financial development level has a restraining effect on efficiency.
Influencing Factors in MOOCs Adoption in Higher Education: A Meta-Analytic Path Analysis
Authors: Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Roslan Samsilah , Mohamad Zulkifli , Ismail Ismi Arif , Ab Jalil Habibah , Ahrari Seyedali
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Due to the rapid growth of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), higher educational institutions across the world are investing heavily in MOOCs to support their traditional teaching, their students’ learning experience, and their performance. However, the success of MOOCs highly depends on several factors that influence their success in higher education. Prior studies have attempted to investigate and predict user acceptance of MOOCs in higher education by using a variety of theoretical viewpoints. Nonetheless, these studies have yielded conflicting findings and are inconclusive. (2) Purpose: This study aims to develop a model that integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), as well as the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) to explore the factors that influence the acceptance and use of MOOCs in higher education institutions, while synthesizing previous empirical findings in the field. (3) Methods: The model was tested using Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modelling (MASEM) based on the data gathered from 43 studies (k = 45 samples, n = 16,774). (4) Results: Effort expectancy (EE), attitude (ATT), performance expectancy (PE), and TTF—determined by several task and technology characteristics—were identified as the direct predictors of behavioral intention (BI) to continue using MOOCs. (5) Conclusions: This model provides a cohesive view of MOOCs’ acceptance in higher educational institutions, and it helps to identify potential research opportunities in this area. (6) Implications: Results from MASEM offer managerial guidance for the effective implementation of MOOCs and provide directions for further research, to augment current knowledge of MOOCs’ adoption, by higher education institutions.
Factors Influencing Parents’ Intention on Primary School Students’ Choices of Online Learning during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Han Cunqi , Liu Liqun , Chen Siyu
Published: July 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, online learning has become the norm. Primary school students require parental assistance and supervision due to their lack of digital media capabilities and safety concerns. This study uses the mixed research method to process and analyze the interview data of 10 primary school parents and 564 questionnaire data using topic coding and partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to explore the factors influencing primary school parents’ choice of online learning and the mechanism of these factors on choice intention. The results show that online learning continuity and learning attitude development risk are two new variables affecting parents’ cognition of online learning. They have a significant positive impact on performance evaluation and risk perception. Perceived ease of use, performance evaluation, and perceived cost affect parents’ assessment of their children’s satisfaction with online learning during the pandemic. Parents’ satisfaction with online learning positively affects their intention to choose online learning. The results of this study can provide a reference for education departments and schools on how to carry out online teaching with higher quality in case of emergencies.
Classification of Transmission Line Corridor Tree Species Based on Drone Data and Machine Learning
Authors: Li Xiuting , Wang Ruirui , Chen Xingwang , Li Yiran , Duan Yunshan
Published: July 2022

Tree growth in power line corridors poses a threat to power lines and requires regular inspections. In order to achieve sustainable and intelligent management of transmission line corridor forests, a transmission line corridor tree barrier management system is needed, and tree species classification is an important part of this. In order to accurately identify tree species in transmission line corridors, this study combines airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) point-cloud data and synchronously acquired high-resolution aerial image data to classify tree species. First, individual-tree segmentation and feature extraction are performed. Then, the random forest (RF) algorithm is used to sort and filter the feature importance. Finally, two non-parametric classification algorithms, RF and support vector machine (SVM), are selected, and 12 classification schemes are designed to perform tree species classification and accuracy evaluation research. The results show that after using RF for feature filtering, the classification results are better than those without feature filtering, and the overall accuracy can be improved by 3.655% on average. The highest classification accuracy is achieved when using SVM after combining a digital orthorectification map (DOM) and LiDAR for feature filtering, with an overall accuracy of 85.16% and a kappa coefficient of 0.79.
Psychological Processes Underlying an Omnivorous, Vegetarian, or Vegan Diet: Gender Role Self-Concept, Human Supremacy Beliefs, and Moral Disengagement from Meat
Authors: Weber Magdalena , Kollmayer Marlene
Published: July 2022

Most people consume meat regularly but simultaneously claim to be animal lovers, which should lead to a state of cognitive dissonance and cause distress. Against this backdrop, it is important to understand why some people decide to stop consuming meat or completely eschew animal products, while others do not. Research has shown gender and self-regulatory mechanisms as important factors, but the underlying psychological processes require further examination. In total, 3259 vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores completed an online questionnaire about their diet, gender role self-concept, moral disengagement from meat consumption, and human supremacy beliefs. The results showed that male vegans described themselves as more feminine but no less masculine than male omnivores, while no such differences were found in women. Furthermore, omnivores reported the highest moral disengagement from meat consumption, followed by vegetarians and vegans. The same was true of human supremacy beliefs. Moreover, the results showed that not only is diet itself related to differences in human supremacy beliefs but also the motives for this diet, with health and environmental motives being associated with stronger human supremacy beliefs than animal-related motives. These findings present practical implications for animal rights activists, marketing, and the health and education sectors.
Consumers’ Purchasing Determinants Towards Mountain Food Products
Authors: Staffolani Giacomo , Bentivoglio Deborah , Finco Adele
Published: July 2022

Mountain agriculture is a very important source of ecosystem services, such as cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity. However, traditional farming practices in those areas, particularly dairy livestock, are in sharp decline. For this reason, it is fundamental to find a way to improve sustainability using a holistic approach as indicated by the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. The “Mountain product” label can be a suitable tool to reach this aim. However, studies on consumers’ opinions concerning mountain food products are scarce. To fill this gap, a logit model was adopted in this study to define factors that influence consumers’ purchase intention toward mountain products. Additionally, the open-ended contingent valuation method was used to estimate consumer willingness to pay for milk labelled “mountain product”. The paper highlighted that consumers are interested in buying mountain products and that they are willing to pay a premium price for these products. However, the “mountain product” label is still poorly recognised and applied. Policy makers and institutions should invest more in the training of farmers, so as to improve their knowledge of this label. Furthermore, it is necessary to advertise this label to consumers to support quality local production.
TRNSYS Simulation and Experimental Validation of Internal Temperature and Heating Demand in a Glass Greenhouse
Authors: Adesanya Misbaudeen Aderemi , Na Wook-Ho , Rabiu Anis , Ogunlowo Qazeem Opeyemi , Akpenpuun Timothy Denen , Rasheed Adnan , Yoon Yong-Cheol , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: July 2022

The energy demand in greenhouses is enormous, and high-performance covering materials and thermal screens with varying radiometric properties are used to optimise the energy demand in building energy simulations (BES). Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) software is a common BES tool used to model the thermal performance of buildings. The calculation of the greenhouse internal temperature and heating demand in TRNSYS involves the solution of the transient heat transfer processes. This study modelled the temperature and heating demand of two multi-span glass greenhouses with concave (farm A) and convex (farm B) shapes. This study aims to investigate the influence of the different BES longwave radiation modes on greenhouse internal temperature in different zones and the heating demand of a conditioned zone. The standard hourly simulation results were compared with the experimental data. The results showed that the standard and detailed modes accurately predicted greenhouse internal temperature (the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) > 0.7 for all three zones separated by thermal screens) and heating demand (NSE > 0.8) for farms A and B. The monthly heating demand predicted by the simple and standard radiation modes for farm A matched the experimental measurements with deviations within 27.7% and 7.6%, respectively. The monthly heating demand predicted by the simple, standard, and detailed radiation modes for farm B were similar to the experimental measurements with deviations within 10.5%, 6.7%, and 2.9%, respectively. In the order of decreasing accuracy, the results showed that the preferred radiation modes for the heating demand were standard and simple for farm A, and detailed, standard, and simple for farm B.
A Rubric to Evaluate Critical Science Education for Sustainability
Authors: Freitas Denise de , Calafell Genina , Pierson Alice Helena Campos
Published: July 2022

Social and environmental problems are increasing, as is the urgency that they be addressed in educational institutions to form critical, responsible and active citizens. In this training process, the dialogue between science education and education for sustainability is crucial if we want to understand socio-environmental problems in complex and uncertain contexts, which is why we define Critical Science Education for Sustainability (CSES). In addition to reflecting on which contents and methodologies are most appropriate in CSES, it is also necessary to reflect on the development of assessment instruments that allow diagnosing and evaluating the practice, materials and educational activities from such a perspective. Only with an appropriate instrument and suitable diagnosis can we make decisions to transform education and move towards CSES. This article presents an investigation based on the Delphi method with the participation of 37 international researchers, which resulted in a rubric, the Science, Technology and Society Assessment Tool. A rubric is a kind of evaluation tool that can assess education programs using qualitative or quantitative descriptors. This rubric is meant to analyze and guide critical science education in the context of teaching, policies and educational programs that favor sustainability.
New Estimates for Hermite-Hadamard Inequality in Quantum Calculus via (α, m) Convexity
Authors: Xu Peng , Ihsan Butt Saad , Ain Qurat Ul , Budak Hüseyin
Published: July 2022

This study provokes the existence of quantum Hermite-Hadamard inequalities under the concept of q-integral. We analyse and illustrate a new identity for the differentiable function mappings whose second derivatives in absolute value are (α,m) convex. Some basic inequalities such as Hölder’s and Power mean have been used to obtain new bounds and it has been determined that the main findings are generalizations of many results that exist in the literature. We make links between our findings and a number of well-known discoveries in the literature. The conclusion in this study unify and generalise previous findings on Hermite-Hadamard inequalities.
Designing a MCDM Model for Selection of an Optimal ERP Software in Organization
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Van
Published: July 2022

Among the growth of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and moving towards 5.0, the application of science and technology is a decisive factor in catching up with new business trends. In particular, the application of the enterprise resources planning (ERP) towards enterprise management is extremely important. ERP systems help businesses save time and effort in managing projects and utilizing resources. Instead of manual handling, the processes are carried out automatically. At the same time, the system operates correctly and efficiently which avoids errors. In this work, the author explored the application of a fuzzy multicriteria decision making (FMCDM) method including Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process model (FAHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model for the evaluation of various ERP software (mainly warehouse and inventory management module). First, the fuzzy AHP model is applied to calculate the weights of criteria, and then, the obtained weights are used in the TOPSIS method for ranking of the alternatives. This study would assist decision makers in an ERP implementation environment in deciding a suitable ERP software for various industries.
Reduction in Acquisition Time and Improvement in Image Quality in T2-Weighted MR Imaging of Musculoskeletal Tumors of the Extremities Using a Novel Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction Technique in a Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) Sequence
Authors: Wessling Daniel , Herrmann Judith , Afat Saif , Nickel Dominik , Othman Ahmed E. , Almansour Haidara , Gassenmaier Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility and the impact on image quality and acquisition time of a deep learning-accelerated fat-saturated T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequence in musculoskeletal imaging of the extremities. Methods: Twenty-three patients who underwent MRI of the extremities were prospectively included. Standard T2w turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRMStd) imaging was compared to a deep learning-accelerated T2w TSE (TSEDL) sequence. Image analysis of 23 patients with a mean age of 60 years (range 30–86) was performed regarding image quality, noise, sharpness, contrast, artifacts, lesion detectability and diagnostic confidence. Pathological findings were documented measuring the maximum diameter. Results: The analysis showed a significant improvement for the T2 TSEDL with regard to image quality, noise, contrast, sharpness, lesion detectability, and diagnostic confidence, as compared to T2 TIRMStd (each p < 0.001). There were no differences in the number of detected lesions. The time of acquisition (TA) could be reduced by 52–59%. Interrater agreement was almost perfect (κ = 0.886). Conclusion: Accelerated T2 TSEDL was technically feasible and superior to conventionally applied T2 TIRMStd. Concurrently, TA could be reduced by 52–59%. Therefore, deep learning-accelerated MR imaging is a promising and applicable method in musculoskeletal imaging.
Application of an Ecotoxicological Battery Test to the Paddy Field Soils of the Albufera Natural Park
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Oscar , Moratalla-López Jesús , Rodríguez-Martín José Antonio , Roca-Pérez Luis
Published: July 2022

Albufera Natural Park (ANP) (Valencia, Spain) is one of the most important wetland areas of the Mediterranean coast subject to high anthropogenic pressure, on whose soils a battery of bioassays has never been applied to evaluate the ecotoxicological risk. The present study determined available and water-soluble heavy metal content in four paddy soils used in the ANP, and the ecotoxicological effect on these soils was evaluated by performing the bioassays regulated in Spanish Royal Decree 9/2005. Soil properties and extractable Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn (EDTA pH = 7) were analyzed in soils. These elements and macro- and micronutrients were also assessed in soil leachate. A test battery covering the following was needed: acute toxicity test in Eisenia foetida (OECD TG 207); mineralization tests of nitrogen (OECD TG 2016) and carbon (OECD TG 217); growth inhibition test in Raphidocelis subcapitata (OECD TG 201); mobility inhibition test in Daphnia magna (OECD TG 202). The soils found in the most anthropized areas to the north of the ANP (Massanassa and Alfafar) demonstrated a higher concentration of available heavy metals than in the southern ones (Sueca and Sollana). The aqueous leachate of the studied soils contained very low concentrations, which would be related to soil properties. Despite the high concentration of available potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Massanassa and Alfafar soils, the studied soils showed no toxicity during the performed battery bioassays. Therefore, soils can be considered non-toxic despite the obtained PTEs available concentration.
Analysis and Modeling of Air Pollution in Extreme Meteorological Conditions: A Case Study of Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rehan Mohammad , Munir Said
Published: July 2022

Air pollution has serious environmental and human health-related consequences; however, little work seems to be undertaken to address the harms in Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia. We installed a continuous air quality monitoring station in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and monitored several air pollutants and meteorological parameters over a 2-year period (2018–2019). Here, we developed two supervised machine learning models, known as quantile regression models, to analyze the whole distribution of the modeled pollutants, not only the mean values. Two pollutants, namely NO2 and O3, were modeled by dividing their concentrations into several quantiles (0.05, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 0.95) and the effect of several pollutants and meteorological variables was analyzed on each quantile. The effect of the explanatory variables changed at different segments of the distribution of NO2 and O3 concentrations. For instance, for the modeling of O3, the coefficients of wind speed at quantiles 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 0.95 were 1.40, 2.15, 2.34, 2.31, and 1.56, respectively. Correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.92 and RMSE values of 14.41 and 8.96, which are calculated for the cross-validated models of NO2 and O3, showed an acceptable model performance. Quantile analysis aids in better understanding the behavior of air pollution and how it interacts with the influencing factors.
Toxic Responses of Different Shellfish Species after Exposure to Prorocentrum lima, a DSP Toxins Producing Dinoflagellate
Authors: Ye Mei-Hua , Li Da-Wei , Cai Qiu-Die , Jiao Yu-Hu , Liu Yang , Li Hong-Ye , Yang Wei-Dong
Published: July 2022

Prorocentrum lima is a global benthic dinoflagellate that produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins, which can be ingested by filter-feeding bivalves, and eventually pose a great threat to human health through food chain. After being exposed to P. lima, different bivalves may accumulate various levels of DSP toxins and display different toxic responses. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that the content of okadaic acid-equivalents (OA-eq) varied in the digestive glands of the three bivalves including Crassostrea gigas, Mytilus coruscus and Tegillarca granosa after P. lima exposure. The degree of esterification of OA-eq in the three bivalves were opposite to the accumulation of OA-eq. The digestive gland tissues of the three bivalve species were damaged to different degrees. The transcriptional induction of Nrf2 targeted genes such as ABCB1 and GPx indicates the functionality of Nrf2 pathway against DSP toxins in bivalves. The oyster could protect against DSP toxins mainly through ABC transporters and esterification, while the mussel and clam reduce the damage induced by DSP toxins mainly by regulating the expression of antioxidant genes. Our findings may provide some explanations for the difference in toxic response to DSP toxins in different shellfish.
A Study on Transformation of Housing Typology and Its Environmental and Social Effects on the Living Conditions of Residents in Planned Residential Neighborhoods of Kabul City
Authors: Amiryar Mohammad Ramin , Asano Junichiro
Published: July 2022

This study examines the transformation in housing typology from low-rise to apartment buildings in the formal neighborhood of Kabul city. These formal neighborhoods were developed according to plans from 1978. The majority of these neighborhoods were designed with detached houses that had courtyards. Literature reviews, field visits, opinions of residents, and a planning organization provided data for this study. In this study, the transformation of housing in planned neighborhoods is analyzed in relation to their social and environmental impacts. Researchers determined how varying housing typologies affected residents’ health and quality of life in these planned neighborhoods. Initially, we assessed the physical characteristics of the study area and evaluated how much transformation volume is present in the study area. Second, we examined residents’ views of residential development and its impacts, as well as their daily lives. In order to identify the relationship between these two aspects, the study examined the characteristics of the area (variables) from the perspectives of privacy, natural light, shading, sound pollution, air pollution, and energy use. We used several criteria to evaluate the accuracy of the physical characteristics and the respondents’ opinions. Lastly, we provided some recommendations and solutions to improve the current situation.
Phylogenetic Characterisation of the Full Genome of a Bagaza Virus Isolate from Bird Fatalities in South Africa
Authors: Mendes Adriano , Lentsoane Olivia , Allam Mushal , Khumalo Zamantungwaka , Ismail Arshad , Coetzer Jacobus A. W. , Venter Marietjie
Published: July 2022

Bagaza virus (BAGV), a member of the Ntaya serogroup in the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae, was isolated from the brain tissue of a Himalayan monal pheasant that died following neurological signs in Pretoria, South Africa in 2016. Next-generation sequencing was carried out on this isolate resulting in a genome sequence of 10980nt. The full genome sequence of this isolate, designated ZRU96-16, shared 98% nucleotide identity with a BAGV isolate found in Culex univitattus mosquitoes from Namibia and 97% nucleotide identity with a Spanish BAGV sequence isolated from an infected partridge. In total, seven amino acid variations were unique to ZRU96-16 after alignment with other BAGV and Israel turkey meningoencephalomyelitis (ITV) genomes. The 3′UTR sequence of ZRU96-16 was resolved with sufficient detail to be able to annotate the variable and conserved sequence elements within this region. Multiple sequence alignment of the 3′UTR suggested that it could be useful in lineage designation as more similar viruses carried similar mutations across this region, while also retaining certain unique sites. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed two clusters containing both BAGV and ITVs from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Broadly, temporal clustering separated isolates into two groups, with one cluster representing viruses from the 1960–2000’s and the other from 2010 onwards. This suggests that there is consistent exchange of BAGV and ITV between Europe and Africa. This investigation provides more information on the phylogenetics of an under-represented member of the Flaviviridae and provides an avenue for more extensive research on its pathogenesis and geographic expansion.