bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Dependent Mechanical Properties in Polyetherimide 3D-Printed Parts Are Dictated by Isotropic Performance Being Accurately Predicted by the Generalized Time Hardening Model
Authors: Salazar-Martín A. G. , García-Granada A. A. , Reyes G. , Gomez-Gras G. , Puigoriol-Forcada J. M.
Published: March 2020

The Fused-Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique has transformed the manufacturing discipline by simplifying operational processes and costs associated with conventional technologies, with polymeric materials being indispensable for the development of this technology. A lack of quantification of viscoelastic/plastic behavior has been noted when addressing FDM parts with Polyetherimide (PEI), which is currently being investigated as a potential material to produce functional end-products for the aerospace and health industry. Primary and secondary creep along with stress relaxation tests have been conducted on FDM PEI specimens by applying stresses from 10 to 40 MPa for 100 to 1000 min. Specimens were 3D printed by varying the part build orientation, namely XY, YZ, and XZ. Creep results were fitted to the Generalized Time Hardening equation (GTH), and then this model was used to predict stress relaxation behavior. FDM PEI parts presented an isotropic creep and stress relaxation performance. The GTH model was proven to have a significant capacity to fit viscoelastic/plastic performances for each single build orientation (r > 0.907, p < 0.001), as well as a tight prediction of the stress relaxation behavior (r > 0.998, p < 0.001). Averaged-orientation coefficients for GTH were also closely correlated with experimental creep data (r > 0.958, p < 0.001) and relaxation results data (r > 0.999, p < 0.001). FDM PEI parts showed an isotropic time-dependent behavior, which contrasts with previous publications arguing the significant effect of part build orientation on the mechanical properties of FDM parts. These findings are strengthened by the high correlation obtained between the experimental data and the averaged-coefficient GTH model, which has been proven to be a reliable tool to predict time-dependent performance in FDM parts.
Different Types of Gel Carriers as Metronidazole Delivery Systems to the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Wróblewska Magdalena , Szymańska Emilia , Szekalska Marta , Winnicka Katarzyna
Published: March 2020

Periodontal diseases are some of the most widespread oral afflictions, and they are labeled as chronic infections caused by the accumulation of bacteria in dental plaque that produces localized inflammation of the periodontium. The use of local drug delivery systems to treat periodontal diseases has received greater attention, because the active substance is targeted directly to the affected area, which minimizes its systemic side effects. Therefore, the purpose of the investigation was to develop and characterize different types of gel formulations—bigel, hydrogel and oleogel—as local delivery systems containing metronidazole (MET), which can be applied to the oral mucosa. The influence of the formulation type on the mechanical, rheological and mucoadhesive properties were examined. Moreover, in vitro release of metronidazole, its ex vivo permeation through buccal porcine mucosa and antimicrobial activity measured by the plate diffusion method were estimated. It was found that the gel formulations obtained were non-Newtonian systems, showing a shear-thinning behavior and thixotropic properties with good textural features such as firmness, compressibility and adhesiveness. Moreover, the preparations designed possessed beneficial mucoadhesive properties. The formulated hydrogels and bigels containing micronized MET were considered as better formulations in terms of drug release and antimicrobial activity compared to commercially available metronidazole ointment. An ex vivo permeation study with the use of porcine buccal mucosa demonstrated that the bigel formulation was characterized by higher initial permeability rate providing a fast therapeutic effect with simultaneous moderate retention in mucosal tissue to decrease the risk of local cytotoxicity.
A Brief Commentary on the Interpretation of Chinese Speleothem δ18O Records as Summer Monsoon Intensity Tracers
Authors: Gebregiorgis Daniel , Clemens Steven , Hathorne Ed , Giosan Liviu , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Frank Martin
Published: March 2020

Zhang et al [...]
Longevity Risk Measurement of Life Annuity Products
Authors: Ngugnie Diffouo Pauline Milaure , Devolder Pierre
Published: March 2020

This paper captures and measures the longevity risk generated by an annuity product. The longevity risk is materialized by the uncertain level of the future liability compared to the initially foretasted or expected value. Herein we compute the solvency capital (SC) of an insurer selling such a product within a single risk setting for three different life annuity products. Within the Solvency II framework, we capture the mortality of policyholders by the mean of the Hull–White model. Using the numerical analysis, we identify the product that requires the most SC from an insurer and the most profitable product for a shareholder. For policyholders we identify the cheapest product by computing the premiums and the most profitable product by computing the benefit levels. We further study how sensitive the SC is with respect to some significant parameters.
Population Dynamics and Agglomeration Factors: A Non-Linear Threshold Estimation of Density Effects
Authors: Ciommi Mariateresa , Egidi Gianluca , Salvia Rosanna , Cividino Sirio , Rontos Kostas , Salvati Luca
Published: March 2020

Although Southern Europe is relatively homogeneous in terms of settlement characteristics and urban dynamics, spatial heterogeneity in its population distribution is still high, and differences across regions outline specific demographic patterns that require in-depth investigation. In such contexts, density-dependent mechanisms of population growth are a key factor regulating socio-demographic dynamics at various spatial levels. Results of a spatio-temporal analysis of the distribution of the resident population in Greece contributes to identifying latent (density-dependent) processes of metropolitan growth over a sufficiently long time interval (1961-2011). Identification of density-dependent patterns of population growth contributes to the analysis of socioeconomic factors underlying demographic divides, possibly distinguishing between the effects of population concentration and dispersion. Population growth rates were non-linearly correlated with population density, highlighting a positive (or negative) impact of urban concentration on demographic growth when population is lower (or higher) than a fixed threshold (2800 and 1300 inhabitants/km2 in 1961 and 2011, respectively). In a context of low population density (less than 20 inhabitants/km2), the relationship between density and growth was again negative, contrasting with the positive and linear relationship observed in denser contexts. This result evidences a sort of ‘depopulation’ trap that leads to accelerated population decline under a defined density threshold. An improved understanding of density-dependent mechanisms of population growth and decline contributes to rethinking strategies of sustainable development and social policies more adapted to heterogeneous regional contexts.
Storage of Soil Organic Carbon and Its Spatial Variability in an Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China
Authors: Zhang Yanjiang , Zhen Qing , Li Pengfei , Cui Yongxing , Xin Junwei , Yuan Yuan , Wu Zhuhua , Zhang Xingchang
Published: March 2020

Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) is important for the development of ecosystem carbon cycle models and assessment of soil quality. In this study, a total of 732 soil samples from 122 soil profiles (0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm) were collected by a combination of fixed-point sampling and route surveys in an agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China and the spatial variation of the SOC in the samples was analyzed through classical statistical and geostatistical approaches. The results showed that the SOC contents decreased from 4.31 g/kg in the 0–10 cm to 1.57 g/kg in the 80–100 cm soil layer. The spatial heterogeneity of the SOC exhibited moderate and strong dependence for all the soil layers owing to random and structural factors including soil texture, topography, and human activities. The spatial distributions of the SOC increased gradually from northeast to southwest in the 0–40 cm soil layers, but there was no general trend in deep soil layers and different interpolation methods resulted in the inconsistent spatial distribution of SOC. The storage of SOC was expected to be 25 Tg in the 0–100 cm soil depths for the whole area of 7692 km2. The SOC stocks estimated by two interpolation approaches were very close (25.65 vs. 25.86 Tg), but the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation generated a more detailed map of SOC and with higher determination coefficient (R2); therefore, the IDW was recognized as an appropriate method to investigate the spatial variability of SOC in this region.
Does Technological Innovation Drive Corporate Sustainability? Empirical Evidence for the European Financial Industry in Catching-Up and Central and Eastern Europe Countries
Authors: Sempere-Ripoll Francisca , Estelles-Miguel Sofia , Rojas-Alvarado Ronald , Hervas-Oliver Jose-Luis
Published: March 2020

In the financial industry, two relationships are well-researched: (i) innovation and financial performance and, (ii) sustainability and financial performance, both focused primarily on Western and advanced countries. The relationship between innovation and sustainability, however, is underresearched. This study’s purpose consists of determining whether there is a relationship between innovation and corporate sustainability in the financial industry. In doing so, this study responds to a critical question: are the most innovative firms also the most sustainability-oriented? We empirically explore sustainability-oriented innovation in the financial industry of 11 catching-up countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Using Community Innovation Survey (CIS) data for 2012–2014, this study empirically analyzes a large sample of 1574 firms in the financial industry. Our results suggest that innovation is positively linked to corporate sustainability, pointing out that innovation capabilities are positively related to sustainability. Our study proposes a framework for analyzing innovation and sustainability from a capability-perspective.
Life Cycle Assessment of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming in Kenyir Lake, Terengganu
Authors: Dullah Hayana , Malek M. A. , Hanafiah Marlia M.
Published: March 2020

This study presents results from a life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted following the CML-IA method on caged aquaculture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) species at Como River, Kenyir Lake, Terengganu, Malaysia. In this study, the greenhouse gas (GHG) estimation, calculated based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 Guidelines, showed that 245.27 C eq (1.69 Kg) of nitrate oxide (N2O) was emitted from the lake. The determination of LCA was conducted using several inputs, namely N2O, compositions of fish feed, materials used to build fish cages (infrastructure), main materials used during operation and several databases, namely Agri-footprint, Ecoinvent 3, European Reference Life-Cycle Database (ELCD), and Industry Data 2.0. The results show that feed formulation is the major contributor to potential environmental impact in aquaculture farming, at 55%, followed by infrastructure at 33% and operation at 12%. The feed formulation consisting of 53% broken rice contributed to marine ecotoxicity (MET), while those consisting of 44% fish meal and 33% soybean meal contributed to abiotic depletion (ABD) and global warming (GW), respectively. It is recommended that the percentage of ingredients used in feed formulation in fish farming are further studied to reduce its impacts to the environment.
Optimized Use of Ferric Chloride and Sesbania Seed Gum (SSG) as Sustainable Coagulant Aid for Turbidity Reduction in Drinking Water Treatment
Authors: Chua Siong-Chin , Chong Fai-Kait , Malek M. A. , Ul Mustafa Muhammad Raza , Ismail Norli , Sujarwo Wawan , Lim Jun-Wei , Ho Yeek-Chia
Published: March 2020

The growing global concern with environmental issues has raised the interest in the research into natural biopolymers as a coagulant aid in order to reduce the use of inorganic coagulants. This paper investigated the feasibility of sesbania seed gum (SSG) as a plant-based coagulant aid and ferric chloride as a coagulant in drinking water treatment. Acid extraction method marked the highest and most promising extraction yield at 20.8%, as compared to other extraction methods. Further, the SSG extracted carried a weak negative charge of −3.02 mV, which is classified as a near neutral coagulant aid. Hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, which aid in coagulation–flocculation, were found in the SSG. These physiochemical analyses results evinced good characteristics of SSG as a coagulant aid. On the other hand, response surface methodology (RSM) with three-factor Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to evaluate and optimize the reaction condition of the coagulation–flocculation process in drinking water treatment. A quadratic polynomial model was fitted to the data with a high value of R2 (0.9901). Model validation experiments revealed the good correspondence between actual and predicted values. In drinking water treatment, a promising 98.3% turbidity reduction was achieved with 10.2 mg/L of FeCl3 and 4.52 mg/L of SSG. Therefore, SSG exhibited potential as a coagulant aid in drinking water treatment.
Integrated Health Interventions for Improved Livelihoods: A Case Study in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Menale , Abro Zewdu , Wossen Tesfamicheal , T. Ledermann Samuel , Diiro Gracious , Ballo Shifa , Belayhun Lulseged
Published: March 2020

Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face multifaceted and co-existing risks, such as human and animal diseases and pests. Even though smallholder farmers often experience these challenges simultaneously, interventions to address these challenges are often implemented in a piecemeal fashion. However, managing agricultural production constraints without alleviating human and livestock health burdens might not generate significant and sustained benefits to achieve the desired development outcome (e.g., reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty). As such, building farmers’ resilience and adaptive capacity to co-existing production constraints and health burdens may require an integrated and holistic approach. Understanding the potential benefits of an integrated approach would provide critical information, for example, for revisiting the extension systems and for designing pro-poor holistically integrated interventions to tackle interrelated challenges facing smallholder farmers. In this paper, we examined the economic benefits of integrated human–plant–animal health interventions aimed at controlling malaria, stemborer infestations of crops, and trypanosomiasis, along with beekeeping as a livelihood diversification option in rural Ethiopia. We developed a whole-farm multiperiod mathematical linear programming model to examine the economic consequences of the interventions. Our results suggest that relaxing livelihoods and the human–plant–animal health constraints that farmers face has the potential to at least double income. The results further show that exploiting the potential synergies among interventions can generate higher economic benefits. The annual income from the combined interventions is 35% higher than the sum of the income gains from each intervention alone. Our results support an integrated approach to achieve holistic outcomes in areas where these development constraints co-exist.
Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in Cold Mediterranean Zones Using Optimized Thermal Envelope Insulation Thicknesses: The Case of Spain
Authors: López-Ochoa Luis M. , Las-Heras-Casas Jesús , López-González Luis M. , García-Lozano César
Published: March 2020

The residential sector of the European Union consumes 27% of the final energy of the European Union, and approximately two-thirds of the existing dwellings in the European Union were built before 1980. For this reason, the European Union aims to transform the existing residential building stock into nearly zero-energy buildings by 2050 through energy renovation. The most effective method to achieve this goal is to increase the thermal insulation of opaque elements of the thermal envelope. This study aims to assess the energy, environmental and economic impacts of the energy renovation of the thermal envelopes that are typical of the existing multi-family buildings of the 26 provincial capitals in the cold climate zones of Spain. To achieve this goal, the insulation thickness to be added to the walls, roof and first floor framework is optimized by a life cycle cost analysis, and the existing building openings are replaced, thus minimizing both the total heating costs and the total heating and cooling costs. The study uses four thermal insulation materials for four different heating and cooling systems in 10 different models. The results obtained will be used to propose energy renovation solutions to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings both in Spain and in similar Mediterranean climate zones.
Could a Smart City Ameliorate Urban Traffic Congestion? A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on a Smart City Pilot Program in China
Authors: Guo Yuhui , Tang Zhiwei , Guo Jie
Published: March 2020

More countries and regions are joining the bandwagon of smart city construction, which is an important strategy and innovative urban governance concept to solve the problem of rapid urbanization. This paper examines whether smart city innovation is able to ameliorate the traffic congestion faced by a large number of cities. Using panel data for 187 prefecture-level cities in China from 2008 to 2017, this paper tests the effect of implementation of a smart city on urban traffic congestion with the difference-in-difference method. The results show that, firstly, the construction of smart cities have significantly reduced the degree of urban traffic congestion and improved the quality and capacity of public transport. Secondly, information technology and urban innovation are the main mechanisms for smart city implementation to improve urban traffic problems. Thirdly, the improvement effect of smart city implementation on traffic management shows an increasing marginal effect over time. By overcoming the estimation bias in previous studies, this study accurately analyzes the positive role and dynamic effect of smart city construction on traffic improvement. It augments the literature of program evaluation and assessment of smart city implementation. By examining how to improve traffic congestion, it offers some insights that could inspire governments to build smarter cities with better traffic.
Numerical Simulation on the Influence of the Longitudinal Fins on the Enhancement of a Shell-and-Tube Ice Storage Device
Authors: Cai Pei , Jiang Youxue , Wang He , Wu Liangyu , Cao Peng , Zhang Yulong , Yao Feng
Published: March 2020

The theoretical model of the solidification process of a shell-and-tube ice storage (STIS) device with longitudinal fins is established. The liquid fraction, the energy-discharging rate and the ice storage ratio are investigated, with particular focus on the effects of the fin structure parameters on the solidification process. Furthermore, the temperature and the streamline distributions are discussed to reveal the mechanism of the solidification process in the STIS device and the negative effect of natural convection (NC). It is indicated that the solidification process of the STIS device is dominated by the heat transfer via the fins at the beginning, and then by the heat transfer at the water–ice interface. The ice storage is negatively affected by the NC, for the reason that the water with a higher temperature stays in the lower part of the STIS device and the temperature gradient at the water–ice interface is small. The ice storage performance can be enhanced by increasing the fin structure parameters, including height, thickness and number.
Countryside within the City: A Motivating Vision behind Civic Green Area Stewardship in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Sanecka Joanna , Barthel Stephan , Colding Johan
Published: March 2020

In the midst of the epoch of the Urban Anthropocene, citizen engagement is an important step on the path of creating local and global sustainability. However, the factors that motivate civic urban dwellers to become voluntary stewards of nature environments inside cities need research. This is an empirical study based on deep interviews and a grounded theory approach focused on the “inner world” of people in Warsaw, Poland, that engage in green area stewardship. Our approach reveals a commonly shared vision as the prime motivator powering agency in green area stewardship. This vision was articulated as creating a countryside within the city characterized by a stronger sense of community, a shared sense of place and an enhanced connection with nature. While other studies have found inner values or direct benefits as motivating factors for engaging in urban stewardship, we instead found a green vision for re-designing what the “urban” could be like as the prime motivator for transformation—a vision with potential global sustainability implications.
Sustainable Banking; Evaluation of the European Business Models
Authors: Nosratabadi Saeed , Pinter Gergo , Mosavi Amir , Semperger Sandor
Published: March 2020

Sustainability has become one of the challenges of today’s banks. Since sustainable business models are responsible for the environment and society along with generating economic benefits, they are an attractive approach to sustainability. Sustainable business models also offer banks competitive advantages such as increasing brand reputation and cost reduction. However, no framework is presented to evaluate the sustainability of banking business models. To bridge this theoretical gap, the current study using A Delphi-Analytic Hierarchy Process method, firstly, developed a sustainable business model to evaluate the sustainability of the business model of banks. In the second step, the sustainability performance of sixteen banks from eight European countries including Norway, The UK, Poland, Hungary, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, assessed. The proposed business model components of this study were ranked in terms of their impact on achieving sustainability goals. Consequently, the proposed model components of this study, based on their impact on sustainability, are respectively value proposition, core competencies, financial aspects, business processes, target customers, resources, technology, customer interface, and partner network. The results of the comparison of the banks studied by each country disclosed that the sustainability of the Norwegian and German banks’ business models is higher than in other counties. The studied banks of Hungary and Spain came in second, the banks of The UK, Poland, and France ranked third, and finally, the Italian banks ranked fourth in the sustainability of their business models.
Investigating the Effects of Pluvial Flooding and Climate Change on Traffic Flows in Barcelona and Bristol
Authors: Evans Barry , Chen Albert S. , Djordjević Slobodan , Webber James , Gómez Andoni González , Stevens John
Published: March 2020

This paper outlines the work carried out within the RESCCUE (RESilience to cope with Climate Change in Urban ArEas) project that is, in part, examining the impacts of climate-driven hazards on critical services and infrastructures within cities. In this paper, we examined the methods employed to assess the impacts of pluvial flooding events for varying return periods for present-day (Baseline) and future Climate Change with no adaptation measures applied (Business as Usual) conditions on traffic flows within cities. Two cities were selected, Barcelona and Bristol, with the former using a meso-scale and the latter a micro-scale traffic model. The results show how as the severity of flooding increases the disruption/impacts on traffic flows increase and how the effects of climate change will increase these impacts accordingly.
Losses in the Grain Supply Chain: Causes and Solutions
Authors: Mesterházy Ákos , Oláh Judit , Popp József
Published: March 2020

Global grain production needs a significant increase in output in the coming decades in order to cover the food and feed consumption needs of mankind. As sustainability is the key factor in production, the authors investigate global grain production, the losses along the value chain, and future solutions. Global wheat, maize, rice, and soybean production peaked at 2.102 million tons (mt) of harvested grain in 2018. Pre-harvest losses due to diseases, animal pests, weeds, and abiotic stresses and harvest destroy yearly amount to about 35% of the total possible biological product of 3.153 mt, with 1051.5 mt being lost before harvest. The losses during harvest and storage through toxin contamination are responsible for 690 mt, with a total of 1.741 mt or 83% of the total newly stored grain. Limited cooperation can be experienced between scientific research, plant breeding, plant protection, agronomy, and society, and in addition, their interdependence is badly understood. Plant breeding can help to reduce a significant part of field loss up to 300 mt (diseases, toxins, water and heat stress) and up to 220 mt during storage (toxin contamination). The direct and indirect impact of pest management on production lead to huge grain losses. The main task is to reduce grain losses during production and storage and consumption. Better harvest and storage conditions could prevent losses of 420 mt. The education of farmers by adopting the vocational school system is a key issue in the prevention of grain loss. In addition, extension services should be created to demonstrate farmers crop management in practice. A 50% reduction of grain loss and waste along the value chain seems to be achievable for the feeding 3–4 billion more people in a sustainable way without raising genetic yields of crop cultivars.
Methodology of Planning the Course of the Cumulative Cost Curve in Construction Projects
Authors: Konior Jarosław , Szóstak Mariusz
Published: March 2020

Appropriate planning and effective monitoring of the execution of construction projects is important with regard to their successful sustainment of implementation. Time and cost are key elements that determine the success or failure of construction projects. The obtaining of a rational S-curve course before the start of a construction project that reflects reality is important for all the participants involved in implementing an investment task. The article proposes an original methodology for planning the course of the cumulative cost curve in construction projects. It uses a method of shaping the S-curve, which is well-known in both literature and practical approaches. On the basis of the authors’ own research carried out in a homogeneous research group of hotel facilities, the areas of the curve for the correct planning of costs in construction projects were designated, which determine the boundaries of the predicted costs accumulated over time. The data for the development of the authors’ research methodology is the result of the authors’ own experience and professional work. The authors carried out Bank Investment Supervision in the years 2006–2019 on behalf of the banks that grant investment loans for non-public contracts. Knowing the total cost and duration of the planned construction project, which were determined on the basis of project documentation, cost estimates, and also their own database regarding planned and completed deadlines and budgets of similar investments, 6th degree polynomials of the real costs of the construction works were determined. This approach enabled the correct planning of costs over time and the determination of planned monthly amounts of construction works to be executed.
RAF Resilience Assessment Framework—A Tool to Support Cities’ Action Planning
Authors: Cardoso Maria Adriana , Brito Rita Salgado , Pereira Cristina , Gonzalez Andoni , Stevens John , Telhado Maria João
Published: March 2020

Urban areas are dynamic, facing evolving hazards, having interacting strategic services and assets. Their management involves multiple stakeholders bringing additional complexity. Potential impacts of climate dynamics may aggravate current conditions and the appearance of new hazards. These challenges require an integrated and forward-looking approach to resilient and sustainable urban development, being essential to identify the real needs for its achievement. Several frameworks for assessing resilience have been developed in different fields. However, considering the focus on climate change and urban services, specific needs were identified, particularly in assessing strategic urban sectors and their interactions with others and with the wider urban system. A resilience assessment framework was developed directing and facilitating an objective-driven resilience diagnosis of urban cities and services. This supports the decision on selection of resilience measures and the development of strategies to enhance resilience, outlining a path to co-build resilience action plans, and to track resilience progress in the city or service over time. This paper presents the framework and the main results of its application to three cities having diverse contexts. It was demonstrated that the framework highlights where cities and urban services stand, regarding resilience to climate change, and identifies the most critical aspects to improve, including expected future impacts.
An Assessment of Water Resources in the Taiwan Strait Island Using the Water Poverty Index
Authors: Chen Tung-Tsan , Hsu Wei-Ling , Chen Wen-Kuang
Published: March 2020

Water resources are a very important issue in the Global Risk 2015 published by the World Economic Forum. The research objective of this study was to construct a Water Poverty Index (WPI) for islands. The empirical scope of this study was based on Kinmen Island in the Taiwan Strait, which has very scarce water resources. Kinmen has a dry climate with low rainfall and high evaporation. Therefore, the Kinmen area is long-term dependent on groundwater resources and faces serious water resource problems. This study used the WPI to examine various issues related to water resources. In addition, this study selected several main indicators and performed time series calculations to examine the future trends of water resources in Kinmen. The results show that the overall water resources of Kinmen are scarce. To ensure sustainable development of water resources in Kinmen, policies to improve water scarcity, such as water resource development, water storage improvement, and groundwater control, should be researched. The research results of this study can be used as a reference for government agencies in formulating and revising water resources to achieve the sustainable development of island-type water resources.
Sound Absorption of Sustainable Polymer Nanofibrous Thin Membranes Bonded to a Bulk Porous Material
Authors: Ulrich Tomáš , Arenas Jorge P.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the standardized characterization of nanofibrous membranes used to coat three porous bulk acoustical materials (melamine foam, a polyester textile, and an MDF perforated panel) is presented. The membranes were manufactured from recyclable Polyamide 6 (PA6) and water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using the needleless electrospinning technique. This resulted in very thin membranes that had high porosity and very high airflow resistivity. The membranes were collected in a high-permeability nonwoven substrate. Measured results in both an impedance tube and a reverberation room showed significant improvements in the sound absorption performance of the bulk materials after incorporating the nanofibrous layer. The application of the membranes on the surface of a traditional air-backed perforated panel also improved the sound absorption, exhibiting a broad peak of sound absorption in the low-frequency range. This was particularly true when the membrane area weight was increased. It is concluded that these materials, manufactured as described in this paper, can be alternatives to glass, mineral, and ceramic fibrous materials, which have high carbon footprints.
The Influence of Internet Finance on the Sustainable Development of the Financial Ecosystem in China
Authors: Li Shuping , Liu Xinghua , Wang Chongren
Published: March 2020

As a new species in the financial ecosystem, internet finance has significantly impacted traditional finance and has improved the diversity and ended the long-term stability of the financial ecosystem. From the perspective of the interaction between the ecological subjects of the Internet and traditional finance, this study examines the influence of internet finance on the sustainability of the financial ecosystem in China. We tested the dynamic correlation and risk transmission at the volatility level between the ecological subjects of internet finance and the banking, securities, and insurance industries by establishing a dynamic conditional correlation-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model of Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner (DCC-GARCH-BEKK). The result indicates a positive dynamic correlation between internet finance and traditional finance almost all of the time. The introduction of internet finance has changed the risk transmission effect among the ecological subjects of traditional finance. Based on empirical findings, this study provides suggestions to promote the sustainable development of internet finance and the whole financial ecosystem. Our research not only has strong practical significance but also contributes significantly to the literature on internet finance and sustainable development.
Quality of Higher Education through the Pursuit of Satisfaction with a Focus on Sustainability
Authors: Olmos-Gómez María del Carmen , Luque Suárez Mónica , Ferrara Concetta , Olmedo-Moreno Eva María
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study is to analyse individual differences in quality of higher education through the pursuit of satisfaction with a focus on sustainability, whilst considering variables pertaining to groups (family, teachers and pupils) and satisfaction in a sample of 1091 Italians: 510 pupils (45.8%), 121 teachers (11.1%) and 469 relatives (42.9%). Once the quality parameters of the instrument (quality of higher education through the pursuit of satisfaction with a focus on the sustainability (QHES) questionnaire) were determined, reliability was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling methodology, and data collection was initiated. Results from the multi-level study (ANOVA) showed significant differences between groups. From this, it can be concluded from the study that the role performed by a quality education oriented towards sustainability equally includes teachers, students and relatives. This role focuses on the battle to incorporate effective participatory methods into the teaching process, motivating members of the educational community and social future in the search for knowledge, skills, attitudes and necessary values. This will forge a sustainable future given that it does not only depend on the characteristics and experiences of individuals but also their training, both within the centre and their families. This factor is of vital importance, as demonstrated and concluded in the present study.
Possibilities of Controlling the River Outlets by Weirs on the Example of Noteć Bystra River
Authors: Wicher-Dysarz Joanna , Szałkiewicz Ewelina , Jaskuła Joanna , Dysarz Tomasz , Rybacki Maksymilian
Published: March 2020

The possibility of effective control of selected dams in the Noteć Bystra river is analyzed. Such a control is expected to permit inundation of selected arable areas, e.g., peat grasslands, to avoid flooding of the city of Czarnków and the terrains located downstream. The chosen case study is the reach of the Noteć River between the dams Pianowka–Mikolajewo–Rosko. The analysis was made on the basis of simulations of the flow and regulation of dams in flood conditions. The flow peaks of hypothetical flood waves were designed according to the directions of the ISOK project (Informatyczny System Osłony Kraju przed nadzwyczajnymi zagrożeniami—IT System of the Country’s Protection Against Extreme Hazards) as the maximum flows over 10-years (p = 10%), 100-years (p = 1%), and 500-years (p = 0.2%). The obtained results are presented as longitudinal profiles of the water surface, maps of inundated areas and maps of inundated soils. The main conclusion is that the robust control of dams reduces the peak of flow during flood wave propagation and forces inundation of the a priori selected areas. It helps to decrease the spatial range of the flood hazard and significantly reduces risk related to floods.
How to Enhance the Environmental Values of Contemporary Cemeteries in an Urban Context
Authors: Anna Długozima , Ewa Kosiacka-Beck
Published: March 2020

The cemetery is an important element of the city’s natural system. It can create a system that has a great impact on shaping the city’s climate if it is integrated with the local landscape, designed with respect for the natural environment along with other green areas. In the face of negative demographic forecasts, urbanization and suburbanization processes, and climate change, the use of pro-environmental solutions in the development of cemeteries cannot be overestimated. On the basis of analyses of contemporary cemeteries from Europe (78 objects), including Poland (8 objects), a catalog of pro-environmental solutions is developed. The catalog is created based on the proposed functional and spatial model of cemeteries as a multifunctional space, integrating natural and cultural environments. Environmental activities related to the context, burial space, architecture, and other spatial elements, as well as the vegetation of modern cemeteries, are included. Then, in order to increase the environmental values of the cemetery, these solutions were implemented by developing an integrated concept for the project of a multifunctional and ecological municipal cemetery in Gniezno, Poland (the Greater Poland voivodeship).
Landscape Features of Costal Waterfronts: Historical Aspects and Planning Issues
Authors: Cialdea Donatella
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between different factors that impose on the productive and settlement structures on coastal areas through an analysis carried out on the Italian Adriatic Sea coast. In the panorama of medium- and small-size cities, the relationship between the city, the territory, and the sea very often plays an important role. The main issue of this article is to expose a methodology developed for the definition of landscape quality objectives in the planning of the coast of a region in Southern Italy, Molise. Effort was concentrated on the creation of a territorial survey matrix that could be exploited by local authorities. In drawing up the criteria on which to base the New Regional Landscape Plan, this study provided for the recognition of the identifying matrices for landscape interpretation, creating a database organized in five resource systems. For each resource system, three basic grids were created: each of them collects and processes different information series. These three grids were useful for defining the new protection that is proposed for the sample area. Different conditions emerge in this area, in which two coastal strips have been identified, to the east and to the west of the historical centre.
MICESE: A New Method Used for the Formulation of Key Messages from the Scientific Community for the EU Post 2020 Biodiversity Strategy
Authors: Gosselin Frédéric , Galanaki Antonia , Vandewalle Marie , Van Dijk Jiska , Varumo Liisa , Ventocilla Jorge , Watt Allan , Young Juliette
Published: March 2020

The European Union (EU) 2020 Biodiversity strategy will soon come to an end and may not have been as successful as envisioned. In the current context of the global biodiversity crisis, the European Commission, the research community, and broader society cannot risk another, likely ineffective, attempt by the EU to halt biodiversity loss after 2020. Through the development of the EU post 2020 Biodiversity Strategy, the scientific community of the ALTER-Net and EKLIPSE networks saw a unique opportunity to make a difference for biodiversity in Europe by better involving scientists, policy makers, and society. We developed an innovative, transparent, and collaborative process—called the multiphased, iterative, and consultative elicitation of scientific expertise (MICESE) method. This process allowed us to produce a set of 12 key messages developed by scientists for the EU to prioritize in the development of the new post 2020 biodiversity strategy. These key messages were structured according to their systemic value, scale, and nature. We provide insights and analyses of the new MICESE method before reflecting on how to improve the future involvement of scientists in science–policy interfaces.
Spatial Pattern and Effects of Urban Coordinated Development in China’s Urbanization
Authors: Liu Hao , Ma Lin
Published: March 2020

Regional urbanization in China has made formidable progress in, among other things, economic growth and urban sprawl, but local development is undergoing severe stress with irreversible impacts for urban ecological environment. Furthermore, spatial interactions are proved to be related to urban coordinated development. However, this spatial effect cannot usually be found in the literature. Based on the concept of coordinated development, the interaction among the economic, social and ecological systems of cities at prefecture level and above in China can be modeled by a coupling coordination model, and then analyzed using spatial analysis methods and spatial econometrics models, which can explain the patterns in spatial variation and its evolutionary trends. The results show that urban coordinated development has an apparent spatial heterogeneity, and East China develops better than West China. Moreover, urban coordinated development has an increasing global trend, which mainly results from East China, while the other regions cannot provide a definite boost. Lastly, there is an evident spatial dependence in urban coordinated development, which is positively influenced by an area’s own previous condition and its neighboring cities. Furthermore, population size, local GDP and green land, etc. have spatial spillover effects on urban coordinated development in China.
Interpreting the Sustainable Development of Human Capital and the Sheepskin Effects in Returns to Higher Education: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Memon Aftab Ahmed , Negussie Woubshet , Ketema Haile
Published: March 2020

According to poststructuralists, workers with higher level of education and possession of potential experience are supposed to have higher wages. Yet, there are plausible questions that arise as to what levels of education or work history are needed for the enhancement of wage discrimination. Additionally, the outcomes arising from rehashing years of schooling are worth considering. We used a several methods, employing the administrative Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) data from Pakistan without ignoring environmental effects. Our estimated results support the conventional assumptions of linearity of log-wage. First, we found substantial returns for postgraduate diploma holders in both public and private sectors, even after controlling the individual’s heterogeneity. Second, we did notice a significant divergence in return to low-level education (LLE) and job history. Third, rehashing years of education may create suspiciousness regarding the lack of competence. Our results suggest that continuous investment in human capital toward postgraduate diploma may result in higher premiums.
Development of Smart Healthcare System Based on Speech Recognition Using Support Vector Machine and Dynamic Time Warping
Authors: Ismail Ahmed , Abdlerazek Samir , El-Henawy Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents an effective solution based on speech recognition to provide elderly people, patients and disabled people with an easy control system. The goal is to build a low-cost system based on speech recognition to easily access Internet of Things (IoT) devices installed in smart homes and hospitals without relying on a centralized supervisory system. The proposed system used a Raspberry Pi board to control home appliances through wireless with smartphones. The main purpose of this system is to facilitate interactions between the user and home appliances through IoT communications based on speech commands. The proposed framework contribution uses a hybrid Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm to enhance the speech recognition process. The proposed solution is a machine learning-based system for controlling smart devices through speech commands with an accuracy of 97%. The results helped patients and elderly people to access and control IoT devices that are compatible with our system using speech recognition. The proposed speech recognition system is flexible with scalability and availability in adapting to existing smart IoT devices, and it provides privacy in managing patient devices. The research provides an effective method to integrate our systems among medical institutions to help elderly people and patients.
Challenges to the Promotion of Employee-Driven Innovation in State-Owned Enterprises: Two Cases from the Automotive Sector in China
Authors: Miao Zhongzhen , Ji Huanyong
Published: March 2020

Employee-driven innovations (EDIs) are increasingly regarded as one of main source of innovation and sustainable competitive advantage, yet many studies indicate that EDIs are often undervalued in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China. It remains unclear what the challenges are to the promotion of EDIs in SOEs and how these challenges could be addressed with well-designed managerial practices such as a suggestion system. This study aims to address this research gap by studying two SOEs in the Chinese automotive industry using the multiple-case study method. A total of 12 respondents from the two SOEs have been interviewed as part of a four-year research project. On the basis of the analysis of two cases, it is found that SOEs that appointed a top-manager with firm-specific knowledge and long-term tenure successfully promoted EDIs with a well-designed supporting suggestion system in place. Conversely, the SOEs that appointed a top-manager with little firm-specific knowledge and short-term tenure have not successfully promoted EDIs and its suggestion system is also poorly designed. In conclusion, outsider control and short-term tenure of top manager are two major challenges to promote EDIs in SOEs. This study contributes to the literature by identifying the potential challenges of introducing EDIs and relevant practices in SOEs in China.